Chapter 1781: Chapter 1781: Foundations

The capital, the Marquis Zhou Residence. Zhulan was somewhat surprised that the Chief of the Chen family came to the residence, as it was the family of the Empress Dowager Chen.

The Chen Clan Leader entered and greeted, “Madam, today I have abruptly intruded.”

Zhulan was apprehensive; the Chen family was truly low-key, especially this clan leader. The last time she saw him was when the Chen family clan girls were enrolling in school. She pondered and asked, “Does the Chen Clan Leader have any matters to discuss?”

Although the Chen Clan Leader had not sent a message in advance, he was accompanied by a female officer from the Empress Dowager’s side, and Zhulan had to give face to the Empress Dowager Chen.

The Chen Clan Leader took out a newspaper from his pocket, “I felt much reading the newspaper today. I contemplated much at home and requested the Empress Dowager’s permission. It was because of some thoughts that I have come presumptuously.”

Zhulan understood, as there were many girls from the Chen family clan in the academy, “What thoughts does the Chen Clan Leader have?”

The Chen Clan Leader had many thoughts. It should have been his wife who came, but he thought it was better that he came himself. He saw many things in the newspaper today, “Madam, I care greatly about the girls enrolled. I examine them from time to time, and they are no worse than boys.”

Some clever and quick-witted girls are even better than boys.

Zhulan smiled and said, “They really cherish the opportunity to study, and every child is very diligent.”

The Chen Clan Leader knew this. He was clear about the situation of each child, “Madam, does the academy only teach medicine and such subjects?”

Zhulan looked deeply at the Chen Clan Leader. Of course, it didn’t just teach medicine and the like, but she hadn’t yet thought about setting up a dedicated college for girls; it had to be done step by step, “There is no instantaneous change. What does the Chen Clan Leader think?”

The Chen Clan Leader’s gaze was profound, so the lady of the Marquis Zhou’s residence intended to establish a specialized college for girls. He smiled and said, “In our Chen family clan, we have female doctors skilled in medicine. They followed their masters from a young age. If it weren’t for gender restrictions, they could open their own medical halls. I heard the academy lacks female doctors proficient in medicine.”

Zhulan thought to herself that the academy was indeed short of female doctors; as the number of students increased, she was lacking everything.

The Chen Clan Leader continued, “Our Chen family clan not only has female doctors.”

Zhulan listened with envy. The Zhou family had risen too quickly. She had been cultivating talents, but it regrettably needed time for them to mature. Look at how, in great noble families like the Chen family clan, they have any kind of talent they want!

Zhulan squinted her eyes, “What does the Chen Clan Leader want?”

There are no free lunches; one must consider what can be given in return for what is received.

The Chen Clan Leader did not beat around the bush because there was no need. The Zhou couple were smart people. He said directly, “The Chen family clan can contribute effort. We just hope that, in the future, when you run the college, do not overlook the Chen family clan.”

Zhulan understood, “Does the Chen family value the identity of the academy’s instructors?”

The Chen Clan Leader stroked his beard, “I also have to consider for the family.”

The Chen family can no longer solely rely on the Qi Prince Residence. To be unobtrusive yet gain favor with the royal family, he saw an opportunity in today’s recruitment newspaper.

If his predictions about the future were correct and the Chen family clan got involved, it would only bring benefits without inciting jealousy. The opportunity before him must be grasped tightly.

After the Chen Clan Leader left, Zhulan sat quietly for a while, knowing well that the Marquis Zhou Residence had the Emperor’s people. The Chen Clan Leader used this conversation to express his intentions to the Emperor!

She couldn’t help but admire the Chen Clan Leader. He had been paying attention since the Chen family girls enrolled, and once the newspaper was released, he decisively came in person. For this visit, he even requested the presence of the Empress Dowager. Indeed, not everyone can be a clan leader.

Qing Xue considered it and said, “Madam, this is a good thing. With the Chen family’s help, not only can your problems be solved, but the academy can also develop rapidly.”

The Chen family clan, ah, is a grand noble family that has preserved itself through royal power transitions, with deep foundations accumulated over time.

Zhulan was well aware, “The Marquis Zhou Residence is still far behind.”

The Zhou family, despite their current high status and power, still lacks the accumulated foundation. The accumulated foundation of a great noble family is formidable, so even if the Emperor is inclined to accelerate changes, it must be done gradually.

And with the Chen family’s involvement, the Emperor would be very pleased!

At the Yang family, Chang Zhi’s shoulder was somewhat wet as his aunt held him and cried for a while. Chang Zhi helplessly said, “If you continue to cry, if my parents find out, they will certainly punish me with the family rules.”

Wu Chun was puzzled, “Did your uncle set the family rules?”

Chang Zhi nodded, “Yes, my father set the clan rules while also establishing our branch’s family rules.”

Wu Chun was curious, “How many family rules are there?”

Chang Zhi saw that his aunt had stopped crying and felt relieved, “Sixty-six rules. My father said six-six is auspicious.”

Yang’s uncle, who was originally worried about his old wife, burst into laughter upon hearing this, “Eight-eight is also auspicious.”

Chang Zhi exclaimed, “Please don’t tell my father. He said sixty-six rules for now, and if he thinks of more later, he will add them. If he hears your words, he will definitely make it eighty-eight.”

Yang’s uncle laughed even louder, “All right, all right, I won’t mention it.”

Chang Zhi saw that his aunt had finally dried her tears and smiled, “I know you miss my mother. After the Qiu Wei ends, I will bring you and uncle back to the capital.”

Yang’s aunt waved her hand, “No need, I’m just emotional because of my age. You focus on your duties.”

Yang’s uncle said, “Listen to your aunt, focus on your duties.”

Chang Zhi laughed, “After the Qiu Wei ends, I won’t have any duties. You two elders needn’t worry about me. Moreover, my younger brother is taking the Qiu Wei this year. If all goes well, he will take the Spring Examination next year. Doesn’t uncle want to see for himself if the Zhou family can produce a top scorer?”

Chang Zhi saw his uncle was tempted and continued, “You don’t know how many people in the capital say that the Marquis Zhou Residence is the residence of the second-place scholar. My father is hoping for my younger brother to come back with the top scorer title and make everyone proud!”

Yang’s uncle was convinced. He also wanted to seize the opportunity to visit his sister and brother-in-law while he could still move; meeting them later would be difficult.

Wu Chun sighed in his heart, his father had become much weaker after an illness, and it would take careful recuperation to recover.

As there were still junior family members waiting outside, they chatted a bit more before the juniors came in.

Chang Zhi only knew from the letters that the Yang family had added a new member. He knew the name but not who was who. After introductions, he took out the prepared gifts.

Wu Chun said, “You’re getting more meticulous now.”

Chang Zhi smiled, “Everyone grows up.”

Wu Chun turned his head to look at his cousin and felt a myriad of emotions. Who would have thought Uncle would reach his current status? Even Chang Zhi was somewhat unrecognizable, and the other siblings had probably changed even more. Even Chang Li was the future Marquis Zhou.

In the imperial palace in the capital, the news of the Chen Clan Leader visiting the Marquis Zhou Residence was delivered to the palace right after he left. No matter how low-key the Chen family was, they were still in the Emperor’s sights, not only because of Prince Qi but also due to the vastness of the Chen family clan.

The Emperor said to the Crown Prince, “This is the Chen family clan your grandfather has always praised.”

The Crown Prince felt frustrated, as the Wen family faded away in comparison to the Chen family, “The Chen family is willing to help, which will reduce a lot of resistance in the future.”

The Emperor said with a serene tone, “Indeed, decisive enough, with foresight and courage.”

The Chen family clan will not be eliminated, but how many families like the Chen family clan are there? Yes, the Rong family was like the Chen family, but unfortunately, the Rong family was annihilated.