CHAPTER 1609: CHAPTER 1609 LEAVING THE PALACE FOR A SHORT STAY

The Emperor raised his eyebrows slightly, then relaxed. The fact that Lady Li could manage the manor so well was evident of her capability. Remembering the scene of orphans attending class, he began to turn the String of Pearls in his hand.

Zhulan signaled Qing Xue to bring the account books. A chest of account books was placed on the empty ground, and as it was opened, thick books came into view.

Zhulan pointed to the account books and said, "The account books that Sir Lau wants to see are all here. Please."

Sir Lau’s eyes were momentarily dazed; there were just too many.

The Emperor spoke, "The account books you wanted to see are right in front of you, don’t daze off."

Sir Lau took a deep breath, wanting to find someone to help him review, but Old Sir Wen was staring at the tea leaves in his cup, refusing to lift his head, while the other officials were chatting amongst themselves, all ignoring him.

Sir Lau reached out and picked up a book. The accounts were clear and organized. He was diligent in reviewing, but as he read more and more, he occasionally looked up at Lady Li and asked, "Did Marquis Zhou give any guidance on bookkeeping?"

Zhulan replied straightforwardly, "Not at all. Mr. Hou’s mind is fully occupied with his duties, with no spare energy to help me."

This was the truth. Zhou Shuren faced account books daily; upon returning home, he just wanted to relax. He never interfered with helping, indeed.

Sir Lau was startled. He picked up several more books, and as he flipped through them more quickly this time, his fingertips gripped the edges with slight force, before giving up, "Madam’s bookkeeping is impeccable, I am impressed."

Zhulan raised an eyebrow, so everyone is a sly fox; when face is needed it’s given, when not, it’s gone; he graciously admitted his admiration, giving himself an out.

Zhulan humbly said, "I only keep accounts slightly better."

The Crown Prince had casually flipped through a few books earlier and now lifted his head in silence, realizing that Madam was truly humble.

The Emperor spoke, "No need to be modest, Madam. Every sight today has been a surprise, all thanks to your efforts. I have felt deeply moved today and personally donate ten thousand taels of silver to the children, hoping they achieve success in learning."

The implication was that the donated silver be used for education, not for food.

Zhulan was worried about the silver needed for buying brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Without the Emperor’s donation, she intended to sell livestock, "Your subject’s wife thanks the Emperor on behalf of the children."

Currently, the largest expense at the manor was not food, but brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, and now they had silver.

The Crown Prince felt a pinch in his heart, knowing he had to contribute as well due to the Emperor’s impromptu generosity; being the Crown Prince, he couldn’t avoid it, "I donate five thousand taels of silver."

His once slightly full purse was deflated again.

The other officials realized the reason the Emperor only brought them was for this, each painfully donating one thousand taels.

Zhulan calculated it to be twenty-three thousand taels of silver. Her tone could not have been more sincere, "Thanks to everyone."

She felt it was a pity there were so few officials present today.

After seeing off the Emperor and his entourage, Zhulan took the carriage back to the capital.

By the time she got home, the silver had already been delivered to the residence, received by Lady Li, "Mother, a total of twenty-three thousand taels."

Zhulan handed one thousand taels to her eldest son, "Give it to the manor steward to buy brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones."

The remaining silver couldn’t all be spent on orphans in the capital; some had to be sent to other provinces. Dividing it like this, twenty-three thousand taels wasn’t much.

The news that the Emperor took the Crown Prince and others out of the capital to visit orphans quickly spread. The next day, Zhulan heard many praises about herself.

Zhulan was aware it was the Emperor secretly propelling it. Actually, there wasn’t much discussion about her, more about the learning of orphans at the manor.

With so much talk, curiosity was naturally piqued, and as a result of curiosity, a small number of people ventured out of the capital to check the manor, though they couldn’t enter.

Zhulan benefited, her reputation was enhanced, and now people would discuss her individually, not just mention her with Zhou Shuren.

That day, while Zhulan was selecting materials for the new year’s clothes, Qing Xue heard from a maid reporting and stepped forward, "The Princely Heir sent word back that some Graduates have signed a petition wishing to see the children’s study at the manor because they don’t believe the rumors and want to see for themselves."

Zhulan continued to browse the materials, "With many signatories, there must be someone leading; did the heir say anything?"

Qing Xue continued, "It was Mr. Du who led."

Zhulan paused with her hand, then chuckled. She had thought the Duke of Yongan would lead; alas, they didn’t even have that bit of courage. She shook her head; after years of being ignored, the Duke Residence hadn’t realized they had long lost their most crucial courage.

Seeing the Madam shake her head, Qing Xue added, "Madam, the young servant of the Princely Heir is still waiting outside."

Zhulan replied, "There is nothing to hide at the manor. Since they wish to see, let them, but they mustn’t disturb the children’s studies. Entering the manor, they must abide by the rules; anyone disrupting will be asked to leave."

After Qing Xue retreated, Lady Li asked, "Mother, will these Graduates cause any trouble?"

Zhulan, having selected the materials, signaled a maid to take them away, "They won’t dare cause trouble; after all, they have to attend next year’s imperial examinations. Their visit to the manor isn’t just out of curiosity."

Lady Li was puzzled, "Then what for?"

Zhulan wiped her hands and said, "For the Emperor. They want to see what the Emperor values at the manor, hoping to gather some insights for next year’s exams."

Lady Li replied, "So that’s the reason."

Zhulan laughed, "Anyone who passes the examination has enough brains."

Of course, there are those who only study rigidly. Even if they pass, they won’t be employed significantly.

The Emperor prefers those who can accomplish tasks, not those who only study rigidly. This petition by the Graduates, with Mr. Du leading, will surely draw the Emperor’s attention; moreover, Mr. Du is the cousin of the Third Prince.

At the manor, Old Master Zhou was drinking tea, waiting for his mother’s response. It was quite cold outside, so Old Master Zhou invited everyone into the gatehouse to avoid someone catching a cold.

Old Master Zhou, as the Princely Heir of the Hou Residence and the next Mr. Hou, had everyone behave. Even Mr. Du acted respectfully.

Old Master Zhou, holding a heater, had no intention of speaking. Noticing someone sneaking glances at him, his peripheral vision caught them, then withdrew his gaze.

Ji Deming felt his heart tighten. From what he knew about the Princely Heir of the Hou Residence, the heir was fortunate, having several good sons and a good father, ensuring his inheritance of the position despite lacking abilities. Yet, upon real contact, his words were impeccable. Just a few sentences had subdued them. When his gaze swept over just now, Ji Deming didn’t dare meet his eyes, feeling a sense of oppression.

Old Master Zhou was unaware of Ji Deming’s numerous thoughts. As the future Marquis Zhou, he already carried an aura, a confidence built up over time by the Hou Residence, ensuring no one underestimated him.

The young servant returned on horseback, entering the house, "Madam said they can enter the manor but must not disturb the children’s studies, and all must follow the rules."

Old Master Zhou smiled and stood up, "Everyone, please."

Mr. Du hurriedly returned the courtesy, "Trouble you, Princely Heir."

Old Master Zhou proceeded ahead, "No trouble at all."

At the Zhou Hou Residence, the Ran family sent a post. Zhulan read it twice to ensure no misreading before setting it down, "Surprisingly, the Eldest Princess is staying briefly at the Ran Residence and has invited Yu Die and others for tea."

Lady Li was surprised, "How come she suddenly left the palace to stay outside?"