Chapter 1609: Leaving the Palace for a Short Stay
The emperor raised his eyebrows slightly, then felt relieved. The fact that Yang was able to manage the farm so well showed her ability. He recalled the scene of the orphan attending class, and when he thought of this, he started turning the beads in his hands again.
Zhulan signaled Qingxue to bring the account books, and placed a box of account books on the open space. With the sound of unpacking, a thick volume of account books came into view.
Zhulan pointed at the account book and said, "All the account books that Master Liu wants to see are here. Please come in."
Mr. Liu's eyes were stunned for a moment. This was too much.
The emperor said, "The account book you want to see is right in front of you, don't be angry."
Lord Liu took a deep breath and wanted to find someone to help him watch, but Lord Wen just stared at the tea in the cup and didn't look up. The other adults chatted idly and didn't look at him.
Old Master Liu reached out and picked up a book. The entries in the book were clear and concise. He read it carefully to find faults. As he read more and more, he looked up at Yang from time to time and asked, "Did Lord Zhou give me any advice on bookkeeping?"
Zhu Lan answered simply, "No, the Marquis is so focused on his work that he doesn't have the energy to help me."
This is the truth. Shu Ren faces the accounts every day and just wants to relax and rest when he returns home. She doesn't need to help, so Shu Ren has never interfered.
Old Master Liu was shocked. He picked up a few more books and started flipping through them. This time, he read faster and faster. He slightly exerted force on the fingertips holding the account book, and finally stopped reading. "The old lady has clear accounts. I admire you."
Zhulan raised her eyebrows, that's why they are all old foxes, they have face when they need it, but have no face when they don't need it. She admired her openly, and Mr. Liu found a step for her.
Zhulan said modestly, "I am only better at remembering accounts."
The prince just flipped through a few books and raised his head in silence. The old lady was really humble.
The emperor spoke at this time, "Madam, there is no need to be humble. I was surprised by everything I saw today, and it was all thanks to you. I am very grateful today. I personally donated 10,000 taels of silver to the children, hoping that they can learn and achieve success."
It means that the donated money should be used for education, not for food.
Zhulan was worried about the money to buy pens, ink, paper and inkstone. Without the emperor's donation, she was going to sell her livestock. "I thank the emperor on behalf of the children."
The biggest expense of the manor now is not food, but pens, ink, paper and inkstone, since we have money now.
The prince's heart ached. His father's sudden decision made him want to shed some blood. Who made him the prince? "I will donate five thousand taels of silver."
The wallet that had finally filled up was now empty again.
Mr. Liu and the others realized that this was the reason why the emperor only brought them here, and they donated one thousand taels each out of reluctance.
Zhulan counted the 23,000 taels of silver and said in a sincere tone, "Thank you, my Lords."
She felt a little regretful that fewer officials came today.
After seeing off the emperor and his entourage, Zhulan also returned to Beijing in a carriage.
When they got home, the silver had already been delivered to the mansion. Li took it and said, "Mother, it's a total of 23,000 taels."
Zhulan took out 1,000 taels and handed it to the boss, "Take it to the manager of the manor to buy pens, ink, paper, and inkstone."
The remaining silver cannot all be used for orphans in the capital. Some should also be sent to each state. Even if it is divided into two parts, twenty-three thousand taels is not too much.
The news that the emperor had taken the prince and others out of the capital to visit the orphans had spread throughout the capital. The next day, Zhulan heard a lot of news about her, all of which were positive comments.
Zhulan knew in her heart that the emperor's push behind the scenes was not actually about her, but more about the studies of the orphan Zhuangzi.
As the rumors spread, they naturally aroused people's curiosity. As a result of curiosity, people left Beijing in groups of three or four to check out the manor, but unfortunately they were not allowed to enter.
Zhulan has benefited from it and her reputation has improved. People will talk about her alone instead of mentioning Zhou Shuren along with her.
On this day, Zhulan was selecting fabrics in the mansion to prepare new clothes for the New Year. Qingxue heard the maid's report and stepped forward to say, "The prince sent back a message that some people have signed a petition to join the manor to watch the children's studies. They don't believe the rumors and want to see it for themselves."
Zhulan continued to look through the materials, "Since there must be someone leading the collaboration, what can the prince say?"
Qingxue continued, "Mr. Du took the lead."
Zhulan paused for a moment, then sneered. She thought that the Yong'an Duke's Mansion would take the lead, but they didn't even have the courage. She shook her head. After being ignored for so many years, the Duke's Mansion themselves didn't realize that they had already lost the most important thing, courage.
Qingxue saw the old lady shaking her head, "Old lady, the prince's servant is still waiting outside."
Zhulan replied, "There is nothing shameful in the manor. If they want to see it, let them see it, but they are not allowed to disturb the children's studies. Once you enter the manor, you must follow the rules. Anyone who breaks the rules will be asked to leave."
Li waited for Qingxue to leave, "Mom, these men won't cause any trouble, right?"
Zhulan selected the material and signaled the maid to take it away. "They are going to participate in the next spring exam and dare not cause trouble. They went to the manor not just out of curiosity."
Li was puzzled, "Why?"
Zhu Lan wiped her hands and said, "For the Emperor's sake, they want to see what the manor that the Emperor cares about has, and want to find out something useful to prepare for next year's spring examination."
Lee: "I see."
Zhulan laughed, "As long as you can hit the target, your brain is enough."
Of course, there are also those who only study hard, and even if they pass the exam, they will not be valued.
The emperor prefers people who can get things done rather than those who only study. This time, he will definitely pay attention to who will take the lead in the joint signature, especially since Master Du is the cousin of the third prince.
At the village, Boss Zhou was drinking tea and waiting for his mother's reply. It was quite cold outside, so Boss Zhou asked everyone to go into the lobby to prevent anyone from freezing.
Boss Zhou is the eldest son of the Marquis's Mansion, and also the next Marquis. No one dares to act rashly, even Master Du is very honest.
Boss Zhou was holding the heater with no intention of speaking. He noticed someone was glancing at him, so he glanced over and then looked away.
Ji Deming's heart tightened. From what he knew about this prince of the marquisate, he thought that he was very lucky, had several good sons and a good father. Even though he himself did not have much ability, he could still inherit the title of marquis. But when they really met, he found that the other party spoke dialect perfectly and could calm them down with just a few words. He did not dare to look at the other party when he just glanced at him. He felt a sense of oppression.
Boss Zhou had no idea that Ji Deming was thinking so much. He was the future Marquis of Zhou, and he already had his own aura. This confidence came from the Marquisate, and no one dared to look down on him because of that.
The servant came back on horseback and entered the house, "The old lady said that we can enter the manor, but we are not allowed to disturb the children's studies. Everything must be done according to the rules."
Boss Zhou stood up with a smile, "Everyone, please."
Master Du hurriedly returned the gift, "Thank you for your help, my Lord."
Boss Zhou took the lead and said, "No trouble."
At the Zhouhou Mansion, the Ran family sent an invitation. Zhulan flipped through the invitation twice, confirming that she had read every word before putting it down. "The eldest princess is staying at the Ran Mansion for a while and invited Yudie and others to have tea."
Li was surprised, "Why would you suddenly leave the palace for a short stay?"