Zhou's grandson Ming Teng was adopted by the Rong Yuyun branch. Although there was no big celebration, the news still got out and everyone who should know knew about it.
Rong Enqing was also there that day, but Yao Yao didn't come. However, Rong Enqing's father did come.
Because Ming Teng's name was not changed, the noble families in the capital understood that the Rong family was divided into two branches. His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi came in person on behalf of the Crown Prince, representing the attitude of the royal family. Of the two Rong Marquisates, the Rong Yuyun branch was more popular with the royal family.
Those who came for engagement were basically the men who were the heads of the household, and the women were not present.
On the second day after the adoption, someone from the Liu family, to whom Mingteng was engaged, came. Liu Jing’s wife, Ma, came in person.
Zhulan knew why Ma came. Liu Jing came and was adopted by the Rong family. Liu Jing didn't know much. Liu Jing didn't know how to ask yesterday, so Ma came to visit. "I know why you came."
Ma was embarrassed. Ming Teng's adoption was not a surprise to the Liu family. Instead, it was a shock. The master should have asked yesterday, but unfortunately, the people who came to the Zhou Mansion yesterday were of high status, so the head of the family didn't interrupt. "Sorry to bother you, my lady."
Zhulan had a good impression of Ma, who had a similar personality to Li. "The marriage between our two families remains unchanged. Fourth uncle is also very satisfied with this marriage. He even said that after he is busy for the next few days, he will invite Lord Liu for tea!"
This is the truth. Yu Yin had no intention of interfering in Ming Teng's marriage. He trusted the couple's vision and had not even investigated the Liu family in private. This showed his trust in this marriage.
Ma loosened her handkerchief and couldn't help raising her voice, "How can we let the elders treat us? The head of the family should treat the marquis."
Zhulan, "Do you feel at ease now?"
Ma felt even more embarrassed. Her husband had not had a good rest since he received the invitation. He was afraid that the marriage would fall through. They were really afraid that since they were not surnamed Zhou anymore and were Lord Zhou's elder, it would be difficult for Lord Zhou to refuse if they really intervened. They had been scaring themselves a lot these days.
Ma smiled innocently, "I feel at ease."
A quarter of an hour later, Ma got into her own carriage, and the smile on her face turned into a sad look. She was happy about the marriage, but worried about her daughter's dowry. Originally, Mingteng was not the eldest son, and even if the Zhou family had a title in the future, they could afford it with some added dowry. But now Mingteng was already a young marquis, and the dowry was really worrying.
On the other side, Yu Yin took Ming Teng to worship their ancestors. Zhou Shuren did not go this time. It was not easy for him to have a day off yesterday.
After returning from the ancestor worship, Ming Teng pulled the jade pendant and said, "Grandpa, this jade pendant is too valuable."
Not only the jade pendant, but also his clothes have changed. Before he was adopted, his grandmother was willing to spend money on food and clothing, so even though there are many masters in the Zhou Mansion, what they wear is the best.
But he also had the opportunity to wear tribute materials, wear top-grade jade pendants, and he couldn't help but touch the hairpin in his hair, which was ice cold to the touch. This is what grandma called luxury!
Yuyun had a good sleep last night and had a dream. He dreamed of his father and grandfather. He couldn’t remember how long it had been since he had dreamed of them. He dreamed of his grandfather and father smiling at him yesterday. When he woke up, his pillow was wet. He knew that his grandfather and father were satisfied with Mingteng and were happy that their branch had a successor.
The more Yu Yin looked at Ming Teng, the more he liked him. He reached out to touch Ming Teng's face and smiled, "You are now the young marquis, the future marquis. You now represent the Marquisate, and you are the Marquisate."
Ming Teng blinked his eyes and said, "There is no such thing as a replacement. My succession will be a demotion."
Yu Yin smiled and said, "I won't lower your title. You are the Marquis, the future Marquis of An Ning."
Ming Teng was dumbfounded, "Me?"
"Yes, that's you. So starting from tomorrow, I will teach you not only your studies, but you are not a child anymore. Your elder brother has already learned the ways of the Zhou family and can represent the Zhou family. You have fallen behind a lot."
Ming Teng was a little confused. He finally understood why his elder brother looked at him hesitantly when he patted him on the shoulder!
In the following days, Ming Teng was very busy and did not go to the academy. He followed Yu Yin into the palace to meet the emperor and the prince, and also visited several aristocratic families.
I am busy during the day and not relaxing at night either, as I still have to study before going to bed.
When he no longer had to visit and show up everywhere, Ming Teng started to study.
Zhulan had been watching. She and Zhou Shuren taught the children according to their own ideas. They learned a little about how the top families taught their children after they entered the capital. This time they could watch from a close distance. Zhulan would go back to Mingteng's yard to take a look whenever she had time.
That’s right, since being adopted, Ming Teng has had his own courtyard. Ming Teng’s original servants stayed, and Yu Yun also brought a few servants to keep him company.
Today, Zhulan went there and saw the Grand Secretary teaching Mingteng. She had heard Zhou Shuren mention it, but she didn't expect that he would actually invite him to teach.
Zhulan didn't go in either. It was hard for the cheap fourth uncle to invite such a retired person. The emperor must have made efforts behind the scenes. It also showed the determination of the fourth uncle to teach. The fourth uncle must have asked the emperor for help.
Li came over at this time, saw her mother-in-law, and whispered, "Mother."
Zhulan motioned for Li to follow her, and after they had gone far away, she said, "This is Mingteng's responsibility. He has gained wealth and honor, so he must protect it for the Anning Marquisate."
Li understood, "I'm afraid this child can't calm down, so I secretly check on him outside every day."
"This child is like you. He knows his responsibilities and will try his best to do well."
Li grinned, "I also think Ming Teng is like me."
Zhulan chuckled. When Mingteng was naughty, Li often blamed the eldest brother.
Li hesitated and said, "Mother, Ming Teng is not going to the academy?"
Zhu Lan, "Not at the moment. He will be a marquis in the future and has already missed a lot of education. Before he catches up, I will hire someone to teach him at home."
Li's mouth opened wide. She had heard her eldest son talk about what Ming Teng had to learn. She had thought that it was not easy for her eldest son before, and now Ming Teng would have to do the same. "It turns out that wealth is not so easy to enjoy."
Zhulan was in a good mood with her eyes curved. So, Li was very smart and knew she couldn't bear it. She never fought or competed for anything, even though she had all the advantages as the eldest daughter-in-law.
In the afternoon, Ming Teng also had a martial arts master to teach him, and he also had to learn calligraphy and painting, which he had disliked in the past. If he didn't have talent, he could just listen and watch more.
Zhulan walked back slowly, thinking about the boys in the eldest wife's house. Minghui and Changzhong were of the same age, and because Changzhong took advantage, they shared some of Changzhong's resources. The uncle and nephew were becoming more and more alike, both with the same vicious mind. Mingjing was a child who obviously enjoyed wealth.
Zhulan turned her head to look at the chubby Li. She thought, "Fools have good fortunes, and God loves simple people."
At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren was stunned when he saw the emperor. If he had not seen the emperor in the Zheng Palace today, he would have been scared to death. The emperor's complexion was still rosy when he saw him in the study, but in the afternoon, the emperor's face turned sallow. Although he was in good spirits, it was obvious that he was not in good health.
The emperor touched his face and asked, "Are you scared?"