Chapter 1497: Chapter 1497 Vulnerable
The Retired Emperor raised his hand, “It’s not just about teaching. The privately-operated orphanage has done well. This reward is my recognition of your efforts.”
Zhulan knew well that ever since the Imperial Court established trade routes, the royal family had acquired many treasures and wealth. She did not decline and replied, “This humble wife thanks Your Majesty for the grace.”
The Retired Emperor gestured for Lady Yang to sit. “I heard you discussing the laws of the Imperial Court earlier. You surprised me. You seem quite familiar with legal matters.”
Zhulan responded, “Only by being familiar with the laws can one know what can be done and what cannot. In harsh lands arise troublesome people, and ignorance breeds recklessness. I have learned much from the teachings of my eldest son.”
Ah, spreading awareness of the law—a necessity in ancient times with no mandatory education and scarce information dissemination. While difficult, change was impossible without action.
The Retired Emperor sighed. Regarding laws, the Emperor was now engaged in refining and segmenting them. Over the years, numerous provisions had been added alongside societal development, yet they were still insufficient. Implementing each statute was no easy feat and could not be done overnight.
The Empress Dowager inquired, “Have you found teachers for these orphans?”
Zhulan replied, “Yes, teachers for the boys have been arranged. Several young scholars from nearby villages are willing to teach them literacy as a foundation. However, we have yet to recruit a female teacher for the girls.”
The female officers by the Empress Dowager’s side were literate, yet they were not suitable for teaching. “You mentioned no teacher yet. Are there any prospects?”
“Yes, two widows have potential, but they are reluctant to step outside due to their status.”
The Empress Dowager sighed. “We cannot expect you to teach them yourself.”
Zhulan understood. She could step in to teach occasionally but could not do so permanently. In ancient times, the teacher-student relationship was highly esteemed. Moreover, since the privately-operated orphanage aimed to cultivate talent for the Imperial Court, it was unlikely the royal family would permit her to assume the role of a long-term instructor.
The Retired Emperor said, “I have someone in mind.”
Zhulan’s ears perked up—she suspected it might be someone from the emperor’s secret guards. “This humble wife thanks the Retired Emperor.”
The royal family had agreed to establish a privately-operated orphanage because they foresaw its value for the future. The orphanage’s children were assets they fully intended to keep within their grasp.
The Empress Dowager asked, “Will you continue giving lessons like today?”
Zhulan dared not overstep and replied with a faint smile, “I still plan to. These children are young and in need of guidance. Moreover, my husband has mentioned that many of them bear psychological scars to varying degrees. Extra attention and stories could benefit their well-being.”
The Empress Dowager nodded with a laugh. “You certainly have a talent for storytelling.”
Indeed, Zhulan did. After all, she came from modern times. “This humble wife cannot teach for long. Once their formal lessons begin, I will only step in occasionally. Honestly, preparing lessons is so challenging.”
The Empress Dowager chuckled. “You seem quite confident—did you prepare for a long time?”
Zhulan shared a wry smile. “Yes, I even consulted my husband.”
It was frustrating. Clearly, the ideas were hers, but she couldn’t let the royal family believe she was too capable, lest they grow wary and restrict her authority. It was exceedingly difficult for women to achieve anything in ancient times.
The Retired Emperor said nothing, though he continued to listen attentively.
Lady Li, standing behind her mother-in-law, was practically shell-shocked. For the first time, she realized how eloquent her mother-in-law was, especially in conversation with the Empress Dowager. And what her mother-in-law had said earlier—it was brilliant! Yet, her mother-in-law had suggested that she learn these skills herself. Lady Li despaired—she doubted she could master such expertise in a lifetime!
It was mealtime for the children. Today, they had millet cakes and fish soup, with some seaweed added—a rare winter vegetable. The children ate contentedly.
When Zhulan departed for the capital, the Retired Emperor left without offering further donations. In times of reduced grain harvests, the royal family’s stockpile needed to be preserved for emergencies.
That afternoon, Zhou Shuren returned home, brimming with excitement. “How did your first lesson go?”
“Not well. The Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager were present, so I adjusted some of the stories.”
Zhou Shuren raised an eyebrow. “That’s quite the surprise. It also highlights the royal family’s emphasis on the orphanage.”
“Indeed.”
Zhou Shuren massaged his wife’s shoulders. “You’ve worked hard today.”
Zhulan smiled faintly. “Not too hard. By the way, someone from the Xu family delivered the seeds I’d requested in the afternoon.”
“The Xu family is efficient.”
“They are imperial merchants and pledged their loyalty to the Emperor back when he was still the Crown Prince. Today, the Xu family holds the highest prestige among imperial merchants, commanding respect wherever they go. If not for our family’s past support of them and our steadily rising status, seeking their aid wouldn’t have been so easy.”
Zhou Shuren sighed. “Merchants are pragmatic, always chasing profit.”
“When will you go teach again?”
Zhulan pondered. “Perhaps once a month. Too frequent isn’t ideal.”
“Sounds good.”
In the days that followed, Zhulan refrained from visiting the orphanage. Instead, Zhou Shuren’s eldest son and Lady Li went on her behalf. Despite their young age, the children had already formed small cliques.
Zhulan focused on arranging Yu Yueyang’s betrothal. The formal engagement ceremony was set to take place in ten days, conveniently on Zhou Shuren’s day off. The Yu family was scheduled to visit, and with Chang Lian and his wife absent, Lady Li would represent the Zhou family as the eldest daughter-in-law.
While the adults chatted, Yu Yueyang was spirited away by his soon-to-be brothers-in-law.
Yu Yueyang swallowed nervously. Ever since deciding to pursue this marriage, he had avoided visiting the Zhou household. Today, his scalp tingled with anxiety.
Ming Rui gestured toward a chair. “Don’t just stand there. Please, take a seat, Young Master Yu.”
Yu Yueyang didn’t dare to sit. “Third Brother, that won’t be necessary. I’ll just stand and listen to whatever you have to say.”
After proposing successfully, Yu Yueyang had treated the second Young Master Liu to a meal, hoping to learn about his future brothers-in-law’s temperaments. Before the proposal, he had no fear of the Zhou brothers. But after its success, they terrified him—especially after hearing about Young Master Liu’s own dreadful experiences with these very brothers-in-law. He had scared himself silly with worry.
Ming Ling didn’t say much either, nibbling on snacks while watching his future brother-in-law sweat nervously. He had no intention of helping. If Yu Yueyang wanted to marry his sister, he’d have to endure their tests. The man’s dimpled smile wasn’t going to win them over.
Mingyun said with a grin, “Young Master Yu, please sit. Among our siblings, we have quite a few brothers. With us all sitting while you stand, it feels… improper.”
Ming Rui added, “If you don’t sit, we’ll stand with you.”
Yu Yueyang: “…”
Fine. Fine. He’d sit. Would that satisfy them?
Mingyun remarked, “Fourth Sister—she’s the gentlest of all our sisters. I’ve never heard her raise her voice. You’d best not bully her in the future.”
Ming Ling found his snacks suddenly unappetizing. Sure, his elder sister rarely raised her voice, but if provoked, she had a ruler that never left her hand. Even among the siblings, they all feared her temper.
Yu Yueyang didn’t know this. To his knowledge, the Zhou family’s Fourth Young Lady did indeed speak softly. “I—I’ll protect her. I won’t bully her, ever!”
It was only after marriage that he learned: trust no one—not even your brothers-in-law.
Yu Yi emerged from the main courtyard, cheeks flushed. Yu Die teased her cheerfully, “Shall we go check on your fiancé?”
Yu Jiao giggled. “Second Young Master Yu looks so easy to tease. He’s probably too pitiful being hauled away by the brothers.”
Yu Yi replied, “You just want to watch the excitement.”
Yu Die grabbed Yu Yi’s arm. “Dearest sister, let’s go!”
When Yu Die had been engaged, the others hadn’t missed the chance to enjoy the spectacle either.
Yu Yi thought to herself that she might as well go. Taking the lead, she headed in that direction, with Yu Jiao and Yu Wen exchanging amused glances before following with smiles.
When Yu Yi arrived, Yu Yueyang’s back was drenched in sweat. The Zhou brothers, upon seeing their Fourth Sister, immediately shut their mouths and smiled obsequiously.
Yu Yueyang didn’t notice this at first. When he realized, he awkwardly grinned at Yu Yi—they were betrothed, after all.
Yu Yi’s lips curled into a slight smile. How silly he looked!