After Yun Qing sat down, she said, "It must be related to what you've been busy with. Yesterday you said you were going to meet the Emperor today. What did the Emperor say?"

"My wife is so wise. His Majesty has asked me to find a school. If the children who have learned pinyin can use the dictionary well, His Majesty will set up a special department to oversee the imperial examinations."

Yun Qing knew a bit about politics, so she was also taken aback when she heard this.

Are you telling the truth?

"It is true, of course, but His Majesty is only talking about it now. It is hard to say how much power this department actually has."

Yun Qing understood that if this department was indeed related to the imperial examinations as Zhu Xiu had said, its overt power might not seem that great, but its hidden power was considerable.

After all, among the wealthy and powerful, the rich yearn to change their status and improve their social standing through the imperial examinations, while the noble need to pass the imperial examinations. If such a department exists, it will inevitably be a highly sought-after department in the long run.

After her initial excitement, Yun Qing thought about it carefully and calmed down.

"That may be true, but if the Emperor were to entrust such a department to you, there would inevitably be people who would not like it, and I'm afraid someone would interfere."

Zhu Tao had an idea about this. He could tell that the emperor was a thoughtful ruler. Many people in the court were promoted by the emperor. The emperor valued personal talent. If someone was not capable, the emperor would not allow others to take credit for his work. He was confident that he could do a good job in this department.

"Don't worry, the Emperor is a wise ruler. Compared to the past, the court is now more youthful. I can see the Emperor's thoughts. As long as you have the ability, the Emperor will not treat you unfairly. Don't you believe in your husband's abilities?"

Yun smiled. She was worrying unnecessarily. It was still early. They could talk about it when it really came to that. Besides, as Zhu Tao said, the Emperor was a wise ruler who wanted the Qing Dynasty to have a long and peaceful life. He would certainly not treat Zhu Tao unfairly.

"You're right, I believe in your abilities."

After Zhu Tao finished telling his story, Yun Qing began to talk to him about matters concerning the manor.

“My sister is getting on in years, and Mother says it’s time to look at potential husbands. You know Mother doesn’t like going out for social events, and I’m getting heavier and it’s not convenient for me to go out with a baby bump. Do you have any thoughts on my sister’s marriage?”