The emperor raised his eyebrows slightly, then felt relieved. The fact that Yang was able to manage the farm so well showed her ability. Recalling the scene of the orphan attending class, he started turning the beads 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, thick 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, Master."
Old Master Liu's eyes were dull 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 in a daze."
Lord Liu took a deep breath and wanted to find someone to help him watch, but Lord Wen just stared at the tea leaves in the cup and didn't look up. The other adults chatted casually and didn't even look at him.
Old Master Liu reached out and picked up a book. The accounts in the book were clear and concise. He read it carefully in order to find faults. As he read more and more, Old Master Liu looked up at Yang from time to time, "Did Lord Zhou give any advice on account keeping?"
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 account books every day and just wants to relax and rest when he returns home. She doesn't need to help, and Shu Ren has indeed never interfered.
Old Master Liu was shocked, and picked up a few more books to look through. This time he read faster and faster, and his fingertips holding the account book slightly exerted force, and finally stopped reading, "The old lady's accounts are clear, 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 way out for himself.
Zhulan said modestly, "I just remember the accounts better."
The prince just flipped through a few books, raised his head and remained silent. The old lady was really humble.
The emperor then spoke, "Madam, there is no need to be modest. I am surprised by everything I see today, and it is all thanks to you. I am deeply touched today, and I personally donated 10,000 taels of silver to the children, hoping that they can learn something."
It means that the donated money should be used for education rather than 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."
Now Zhuangzi’s biggest expense is not food, but writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstone, and now he has money.
The prince's heart ached. His father's sudden decision meant that he had to shed some money. After all, he was the prince. "I will donate five thousand taels of silver."
The wallet that had finally gotten fatter is now deflated 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 pain.
Zhulan counted the 23,000 taels of silver and said sincerely, "Thank you, my Lords."
She felt a little disappointed 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 a thousand taels and handed it to the eldest brother, "Give it to Zhuangzi's steward to buy pens, ink, paper and inkstone."
The remaining silver cannot all be used for the orphans in the capital. Some must also be sent to each state. At this rate, twenty-three thousand taels is not too much.
The news that the Emperor had taken the Crown 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 it in her mind that the emperor was behind the push. In fact, there were not many comments about her, but more about the learning 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 go to the village to check it out, but unfortunately they were not allowed to enter the village.
Zhulan has benefited from it and her reputation has become better, so 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 and said, "The prince sent back a message that some candidates have signed a petition to come to the manor to see 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 joint signature, 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 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 can leave."
Li waited for Qingxue to leave, "Mother, these scholars 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 spring examination next year and dare not cause trouble. They went to the manor not just out of curiosity."
Lee wondered, "Then what for?"
Zhu Lan wiped her hands and said, "For the emperor's sake, they want to see what the emperor cares about in Zhuangzi, and want to find out something useful to prepare for next year's spring examination."
Li, "I see."
Zhu Lan laughed, "It takes a lot of brains to pass the imperial examination."
Of course, there are also those who study hard but will not be valued even if they pass the exam.
The emperor prefers people who can get things done rather than those who just study hard. This time, the emperor will pay attention to whoever takes the lead in signing the petition, not to mention that Mr. Du is the cousin of the third prince.
Zhuangzi, Boss Zhou was drinking tea and waiting for his mother's reply. It was quite cold outside, so Boss Zhou invited everyone to go into the lobby to prevent anyone from getting frozen.
Boss Zhou is the eldest son of the Marquisate and 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 staring 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 blessed, had several good sons and a good father. Even though he didn't have much ability, he could still inherit the title of marquis. But when they really met him, the other party was very precise in his words and could intimidate them with just a few words. He didn't dare to look at the other party when he glanced at him just now. He felt a sense of oppression.
Boss Zhou had no idea that Ji Deming was thinking so much. He was the future Marquis Zhou, and he already had his own aura. This confidence came from the Marquis's Mansion, and no one dared to underestimate him as time went by.
The servant came back on horseback and entered the house. "The old lady said that we can enter the farm, 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 went ahead and said, "No trouble."
At the Zhouhou Mansion, the Ran family sent an invitation. Zhulan read the invitation twice, confirmed that it was correct and read a word before putting it down. "The eldest princess actually stayed 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?"