CHAPTER 1607: CHAPTER 1607: STABBING THE FOOT

Zhou Shuren paid attention to the Duke of Yongan, knowing exactly when the Duke entered and left the palace. When the Duke emerged, his face was pale, and his legs trembled slightly as he forced a smile and mounted his carriage. Clearly, he did not have a good time in the palace.

Zhou Shuren was in high spirits, humming a tune all the way home.

Zhulan chuckled, "What makes you so happy today?"

Zhou Shuren recounted the Duke of Yongan’s reactions upon returning from the palace, "He must have been reprimanded by the Emperor."

"If not for the merits acquired during the founding of the nation, the Duke Residence of Yongan would have long been dealt with."

Zhou Shuren went inside to change clothes, handing his official hat to his wife, "The only thing the Duke missed is that the Retired Emperor is still alive."

Zhulan set down the official hat, "That’s why they say human calculations can’t outrun heavenly will."

Zhou Shuren hummed, "The Duke Residence will quiet down a bit recently."

"Today Zhuo Guyu went to the Jiang family, but Yu Wen did not give him face, and Zhuo Guyu left in disgrace."

Zhou Shuren asked, "Why did he go to the Jiang family?"

Zhulan explained that Gu Sheng went to his in-laws, accompanied by Mr. Ji, "That’s how it happened."

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, "Yu Wen is a girl with a good sense of propriety. She treats Gu Sheng differently at times; talk to her."

"This girl has her own ideas. I came back and talked to her, and she said she knew she was young and wouldn’t break the rules."

Zhou Shuren was a bit choked, "She’s too opinionated."

Zhulan said, "She hasn’t done anything inappropriate. I’ve said all there is to say; she knows her limits. We’ll see how things go."

Zhou Shuren didn’t disdain the poor scholars. Now that Yu Wen has a title, she shouldn’t seek purely advantageous marriages. He sighed; this girl is very goal-oriented, but he comforted himself, knowing she understands what she should and shouldn’t do.

The couple talked about the Duke Residence while the Duke Residence discussed the Marquis Zhou Residence. In the study, the Duke’s sons and grandsons were present.

The Duke was old and had a hard time today in the palace. His complexion was still unwell, "The Marquis Zhou Residence is deeply trusted by the Emperor."

As soon as the rumor of discord between the Duke Residence and the Marquis Zhou Residence spread, the Emperor reprimanded him. It was very frustrating.

The Princely Heir said, "This also shows that the Marquis Zhou Residence is a valuable family connection."

Zhuo Guyu kept his head down. He knew his marriage concerned the Duke Residence, so he had always been obedient, but after being humiliated several times, he was also angry.

The Duke understood this too. However, the Marquis Zhou was not someone to be easily manipulated. He lifted his eyes to ask his grandson, "How many times have you interacted with Magistrate Anhe? What does Anhe think of you?"

He believed young girls liked handsome men. Though his daughter-in-law’s family wasn’t good, the only good aspect was their looks. His grandson was genuinely handsome, one of the few in the capital, gentle and refined, the personality that young girls liked best.

Zhuo Guyu glanced at his second uncle and others, feeling heavy-hearted, but he didn’t lie to his grandfather, "Anhe doesn’t like me."

Then he added, "Maybe Anhe is too young; I haven’t noticed Anhe paying attention to anyone."

The Duke was not surprised, "The Marquis Zhou must have advised the Magistrate. No rush; Magistrate Anhe is still young. Your most important focus right now is the spring examination next year. Stay in the capital after it ends, and marriage matters can take their time."

Zhuo Guyu understood that after the Emperor’s reproach, his grandfather temporarily gave up his schemes, feeling disheartened. This was also a concession to the Marquis Zhou Residence. Power and influence; only with equal power can the Duke Residence truly be the Duke Residence.

Not to mention Zhuo Guyu, even other branches of the Duke Residence weren’t happy. Being overlooked for years inevitably bred resentment for giving up power back then.

The next morning at court, the Emperor read Wu Ming’s memorial. The division of states ended and development was needed, meaning there was a shortage of officials and various talents.

Wu Ming’s memorial specifically mentioned doctors. Doctors were in shortage not only in the frontier states but all states nationwide.

The Emperor asked, "Do any of you have solutions?"

Prince Qi and Prince Chu regretted attending court early. Today was uneventful, but fortunately, the Emperor wouldn’t easily ask them.

The Emperor noticed many ministers looking at him, immediately recalling the orphanage managed by the royal family, causing those ministers to lower their heads hurriedly.

Zhou Shuren never thought the issue would concern him, as he was merely in charge of finances, always playing the background role.

Minister Liu stepped forward, "I have heard that the Marquis Zhou’s wife manages the orphans who have doctor instructors teaching them medicine. They reportedly can already treat villagers nearby."

Everyone’s attention turned to Zhou Shuren, "!!"

Minister Liu continued, "After hearing this, I was greatly shocked and specifically inquired. It turns out there are already a hundred learning medicine at the estate. Those diagnosed by the most talented disciples were precisely those who have been apprenticed."

Zhou Shuren glanced at Minister Liu. Not only the Liu family but other families were also watching the orphan estate. What Minister Liu said was true without embellishment.

In ancient times, barely any doctor would teach genuine skills to apprentices at first. They were used as free attendants, and real knowledge was taught only after five to ten years.

However, the orphans at the estate learned practical skills, identifying and processing medicinal herbs with no holding back from the doctors. Those willing to teach found willing students, and the talented could indeed diagnose minor ailments. Most still learned the basics. It’s no simple matter to study Chinese medicine correctly.

The Emperor understood what was on Minister Liu’s mind. He valued the orphans on the estate and was well aware that in a couple of years, the fifteen or sixteen-year-old children would go wherever they ought to, knowing there was a batch of medical students amongst them.

The Emperor asked, "Marquis Zhou, do you have anything to add?"

Zhou Shuren inwardly rolled his eyes, "I am busy every day and truly have no energy to focus on the estate orphans. I am not like Minister Liu. Since my wife oversees the estate, perhaps inquire with her."

Minister Liu’s face turned dark due to Zhou Shuren’s unfinished remark, as if suggesting he was quite idle, then found himself choked by the latter part!

Minister Wen stepped forward, "How can a woman discuss state affairs?"

Zhou Shuren candidly said, "My wife manages the orphans by the Empress Dowager’s decree. She knows the children’s situation best. However."

Again, he left his sentence unfinished, creating distaste.

Zhou Shuren paused, then said, "However, from what Minister Liu said earlier, could I interpret it as Minister Liu has been monitoring the estate orphans all along? Perhaps others are also watching. Could you all enlighten me on your intentions?"

What are their intentions? Naturally, to recruit talent, to grab the opportunity!

The Emperor turned the string of pearls in his hand. Even if it’s a civilian orphanage, in his heart, these children belonged to the royal family.

Zhou Shuren smiled. He earnestly played the backdrop, but they insisted on dragging him in. If he complied with Minister Liu’s intentions, Minister Liu would step on the Marquis Zhou Residence to help the Emperor solve difficulties. If he didn’t comply, he’d be accused of selfish motives, raising children for personal use, etc.

After the court session, Zhou Shuren still smiled at Minister Liu, "Next time, Elder Minister, please remember, don’t try to gain benefits by stepping on me, lest it pricks your feet."

Minister Liu’s expression changed repeatedly. In the latter half of the morning, no one knew how the discussion derailed. Zhou Shuren instead said nothing, with a face showing he was merely there for the spectacle.