In the afternoon, after leaving the government office, Zhou Shuren went home without telling his wife about his eldest son's letter. He changed into his official uniform and took the form his wife had written. "Daily form?"
Zhulan put down the brush in her hand and said, "Yes, the orphans in Dongcheng District have been handed over to me. The manors in the suburbs of Beijing have also begun to accept orphans. The children's schedules need to be arranged. Please take a look at my arrangements and give me some suggestions."
The schedule in Zhou Shuren's hand was clear and concise, including what time to get up and what time to have breakfast every day. He laid the foundation for the children in the morning, spent half of the time learning literacy and half of the time learning arithmetic. In the afternoon, he worked on cultivating the land of the farm, and rested on time in the evening.
"You wrote above that the older children are responsible for the afternoon labor. What is the age range? How are the younger children arranged?"
Zhulan thought about it carefully. "Children over seven years old will work according to their ability, and they will not work every day. The children will take turns to do it, so as not to harm the children's physical growth. The greenhouses for those under seven years old will be built, and those who are five or six years old will plant vegetables. The farmers will lead them to do what they can."
As for the younger ones, just be obedient.
Zhou Shuren, "I suggest that we spend an hour every day to help children establish their values. Orphans need psychological counseling."
"You're right. When Zhuangzi's house is built, I'll go give the children some lessons and provide some tutoring."
Zhou Shuren, "I'll go over to help during my day off."
"OK."
"There are more than 170 orphans in East City, and there will be more in the future. The orphanage is short of staff. How are you going to solve this problem?"
Zhulan has her own ideas. "I don't plan to use the maids in the palace. They are brainwashed by the rules and will hinder me in the future. I plan to ask the peasant women to cook and then ask some independent-minded ladies to take care of the girls. What do you think?"
Zhou Shuren, "It's good, but it's hard to find a female teacher."
"I have a candidate in mind, but I don't know if I can hire him."
Zhou Shuren, "I believe you have a way."
Zhulan really didn't have the confidence to hire someone. After all, this was ancient times, not modern times, and it wasn't something that could be solved by paying money. "I can only try my best to hire someone, and if that doesn't work, I'll do it myself."
When Zhou Shuren heard this, he thought that was not possible. What should he do when his wife was not at home
The next day, Zhou Shuren was stopped by Old Master Wen as soon as he left the court. Old Master Wen asked, "I heard that the manor that runs the private orphanage is building a greenhouse? Marquis Zhou, the money we donated is to be spent on orphans. Now there is no orphan, but the money is wasted on building a greenhouse. Shouldn't the Marquis' wife give us donors an explanation?"
Zhou Shuren glanced at the people behind Mr. Wen and asked, "The temperature has been abnormal in the past two years. Can you admit it, Mr. Wen?"
"Well, what does abnormal temperature have to do with giving us an explanation?"
Zhou Shuren, "If the temperature is abnormal and crops cannot adapt to the changes in the environment, the grain production will decrease. Last year was a proof of this. In previous years, the snow had melted at this time, but this year, not to mention the snow melting, the temperature is still as cold as winter. Therefore, greenhouses are very important for grain. This Marquis does not think there is anything wrong with building greenhouses."
He paused and continued, "Oh, yes, I also need to explain to you what a virtuous cycle is. Zhuangzi's land is planted by orphans, and we try to achieve self-sufficiency. The greenhouse can guarantee a certain amount of food production, and we can also grow vegetables in winter to exchange for food. Winter vegetables are very expensive. This marquis has always believed that what others give is not as good as what you have yourself. Private orphanages cannot always rely on donations, right?"
Finally, he added, "Of course, if you gentlemen like to show your love and donate regularly every year, I will go back and tell my wife that she doesn't need to worry about food. The farm's greenhouse will also be shut down. Anyway, you gentlemen are supporting us behind the scenes."
Mr. Wen, "..."
Ministers, "... "
They love to show charity and make regular donations every year, go to hell, this donation will make them feel painful for a long time, wouldn’t it be good to use the donated money to buy calligraphy and paintings, drink wine, and marry beautiful concubines
Zhou Shuren smiled, "Last year, Master Wen took the lead in donating food, which really impressed me. Now, Master Wen is always concerned about the folk orphanage, which really touched me. It's a coincidence that the manor where the folk orphanage is located is to the left of Master Wen's manor."
Elder Wen felt nervous, "I."
Just as she said a word, Zhou Shuren interrupted her and said, "Yesterday, orphans from East City were admitted to the Civilian Orphanage. There are 173 orphans in East City. Madam is worried that the manor will not be enough. The old man is so kind and cares so much about the orphans. He will definitely not be stingy with the manor. This marquis thanks the old man for his generosity on behalf of the orphans in the capital."
Mr. Wen, "..."
Zhou Shuren was allowed to say everything. He hadn't said a few words before Zhou Shuren started to morally blackmail him, making him want to vomit blood.
Seeing that the old man remained silent and stared at him intently, Zhou Shuren stood up and the smile on his face faded, "Old man, don't you want to? Or is your kindness just fake?"
Old Master Wen wanted to bite Zhou Shuren, "I will send you the deed to the manor later."
Zhou Shuren glanced at the several adults behind Master Wen, "Master Li, Master Qi."
Lord Qi held his stomach and said, "Ouch, no, I have a stomachache, I have to go first."
Lord Li, "The wind is really cold today. I can't stand it. I will leave now."
Afterwards, all the adults found excuses to run away, fearing that Zhou Shuren would ask for land and money. Lord Zhou was a ruthless man, he had stolen the entire Wen family's estate!
Nowadays, you can’t buy a farm in the capital even if you have money!
Zhou Shuren and the others walked a little further away, and suddenly shouted, "You gentlemen have a very good relationship with Old Master Wen, they must all be kind-hearted. I will find time to go and have some tea."
The people in front walked faster, fearing that they would be caught up by Zhou Shuren.
The King of Qi and the King of Chu watched a great show and they both sighed in admiration. Zhou Shuren did everything flawlessly. Even if his wife ran a private orphanage, with Marquis Zhou supporting her from behind, there would be no mistakes. Lord Wen lost more than he gained!
Zhou Shuren pulled his cloak closer. After this lesson, the Wen family didn't dare to find fault easily, although he hoped to find fault more often, because it was too difficult to buy a farm in the capital.
His wife had arranged several farms, and each farm would be like a college in the future, so he did not lie, he really was short of farms.
The onlookers left. Recently, because of Zhulan's job, many people were dissatisfied with Zhou Shuren. They felt that the husband's authority was weak, and many wanted to make some sarcastic remarks. The drama just now made everyone give up their thoughts. They were afraid that the village would be cheated. They could not afford to offend him, so they could only turn a blind eye.
Wang Ju did not attend court today, so Lord Yu quickly caught up with him, "My Lord."
Zhou Shuren, "What's up?"
Lord Yu smiled and said, "The Marquis's residence has been too busy recently, and I haven't found a suitable day to visit you. What day do you think would be suitable?"
Zhou Shuren paused, he was indeed busy recently, and was silent for a while, "What are the auspicious days recently?"