Chapter 869: Behind Closed Doors

Editor: Henyee Translations n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Qingzhi said, “You may see the commoners in my fief living seemingly well, but raising a child, especially to fund their education, is quite difficult. Moreover, many families have more than one child, making it unrealistic for them to attend a school. Investing a few taels to learn a craft is the most practical option.”

The cost for a child’s education amounts to thirty taels annually, which is the bare minimum.

Working in a workshop, an individual can earn around fifty taels a year, barely enough to support one child.

If there are two earners in the family, then it becomes feasible.

The Emperor and Empress did not comment.

Chu Qingzhi contemplated and then suggested, “Actually, I think you should visit the surrounding villages.”

Seeing firsthand is the only way to truly understand the situation.

The Emperor understood Chu Qingzhi’s intent and said, “After our visit to your school, we shall tour the vicinity.”

“Okay.” Chu Qingzhi didn’t say more and continued to lead the group forward.

Chu Rong arrived early in the morning, “Qingzhi.”

Approaching Chu Rong, Chu Qingzhi inquired, “Father, have the negotiations with the material supplier been finalized?”

“We’re still negotiating; nothing has been finalized yet,” Chu Rong answered.

“There’s no need to rush. Take your time to discuss, and try to minimize the costs as much as possible,” Chu Qingzhi advised.

Chu Rong nodded, “I understand.”

The Wang brothers came over, “Miss Chu.”

Chu Qingzhi handed the school design plans to Wang Xuwu, “These are the design plans for the school. Construct it according to this design. If there are any issues, just let me know directly.”

The design may vary from the actual construction, necessitating adjustments to the plans.

Wang Xuwu responded solemnly, “Understood.”

Chu Qingzhi was always willing to give her subordinates opportunities, “Go ahead and start. If there are any problems, we’ll discuss them.”

“Understood.”

The entire school would occupy about fifteen acres. Since it’s located within Chu Qingzhi’s fief, the land was directly allocated, making the process straightforward. So far, everything has been progressing smoothly.

Chu Qingzhi, along with the Emperor and Empress, took a tour around the school, “Students can study here from one to three years, with an annual tuition fee of one silver…”

She briefly explained the educational system.

Listening quietly, they felt enlightened, marveling silently at Chu Qingzhi’s innovative ideas, doubting there could be a second person with such thoughts.

After wandering around the school, the Emperor and Empress followed Chu Qingzhi’s suggestion and visited the nearby villages.

Chu Qingzhi arranged a guide for them, to prevent them from getting lost.

…

The young prince was being held by Tang Jinghong as he read, Tang Jinghong was also reading a book given by Chu Qingzhi. Due to prior engagements, his reading had been intermittent and unfinished.

Chu Qingzhi was busy, and so were the Emperor and Empress, leaving the young prince temporarily in Tang Jinghong’s care.

“What are you doing?” the young prince asked, his mouth full of pork slice, blinking at Tang Jinghong.

Looking down at the prince, Tang Jinghong answered, “I’m reading. Would you like to read?”

The young prince, with eyes wide with naivety, replied, “I can’t understand it.”

Tang Jinghong pondered for a moment, “How about looking at pictures?”

“Like those in the paintings on the wall?” the young prince pointed.

“Yes,” nodded Tang Jinghong.

After a moment of thought, the prince agreed, “Then, show me.”

Tang Jinghong found a picture book for the young prince and also pulled over a stool, “Is it okay to sit here and look?”

The young prince nodded, “Sure!”

Thus, the pair sat down side by side, looking at the book together.

Knock, knock. The sound came, followed by Wen Shaoyuan’s voice, “General, may I come in?”

Tang Jinghong looked up, “Enter.”

Wen Shaoyuan entered, greeted with a bow, his expression a bit uneasy, “General, I have something to discuss with you.”

“Go ahead,” said Tang Jinghong.

Wen Shaoyuan slightly lowered his head, “General, I wish to marry Yu Jun. We’ve set the date for the twenty-fourth of the twelfth month.”

A smile appeared on Tang Jinghong’s face, his eyes filled with blessings, “Have you both agreed upon this?”

Wen Shaoyuan nodded, “We’ve agreed.”

“Then I’ll find someone to organize it, to make it lively,” Tang Jinghong declared.

Wen Shaoyuan gratefully responded, “Thank you, General.”

This would cause a delay, Tang Jinghong had no choice but to close his book, “Qi’er, I have to go take care of some things. Let’s continue reading later, okay?”

Following Tang Jinghong’s actions, the young prince closed his book, “Okay.”

Carrying the young prince, Tang Jinghong went to the grocery store, “Aunt, Shaoyuan and Yu Jun plan to get married on the twenty-fourth. Can you help organize it?”

“Of course, I’ll immediately find people to help with the arrangements,” Li Qingyu agreed without hesitation, knowing that organizing a wedding also brings good fortune.

The wedding preparations for Wen Shaoyuan and Hong Yujun quickly began under Li Qingyu’s arrangements. Now considered as part of the village, the entire village mobilized, making the place lively once again.

…

In Shuiyun County, at Ning Yuting’s home, Grandfather Ning and Gu Qizhong were playing chess.

Gu Qizhong, their current neighbor, often lacked companionship as his younger family members were busy. After Grandfather Ning arrived, they accidentally met and became friends, keeping each other company.

Looking at the sachima on the plate, Gu Qizhong asked puzzledly, “Isn’t sachima always sold out? How come you have so much?”

With a proud smile, Grandfather Ning boasted, “This sachima is sold by my in-laws. They never run out, so I’m naturally well-stocked.”

Gu Qizhong’s eyes widened in astonishment, “I didn’t realize you were so well-connected. Leaving that aside, since they are your in-laws, could you possibly help me acquire twenty pounds of sachima?”

sachima is restocked daily in the shop but often sells out immediately upon restocking.

Aside from sachima, pork slices, small cakes, and chips are similarly popular, selling out rapidly.

“Why do you need so much?” Grandfather Ning inquired.

Smacking his lips, Gu Qizhong explained, “I’ll eat some myself and share the rest with friends. It’s ideal for those with poor teeth.”

Laughing, Grandfather Ning agreed, “That makes sense. Later, when my granddaughter-in-law returns, I’ll ask her. If it’s possible to buy, I’ll take you to the village to choose yourself.”

“That would be wonderful,” Gu Qizhong responded, turning the conversation towards Ning Yuting’s identity, “And your granddaughter-in-law is?”

Proudly, Grandfather Ning declared, “Chu Qingyue from Chu Village.”

Gu Qizhong’s surprise was evident, “Chu Qingzhi’s sister?”

“Do you know of Chu Qingzhi?” Grandfather Ning inquired.

With a smile, Gu Qizhong replied, “Who in Shuiyun County doesn’t know Chu Qingzhi? You are indeed fortunate. I might benefit from your connection in the future.”

Grandfather Ning confidently stated, “No problem at all.”

As they chatted, Chu Qingyue returned, announcing, “Grandfather, I’ve brought back a lot of snacks for you. Just let the maid know if you’d like some.”

“Good, by the way, Qingyue, can we still buy sachima from your store?” Grandfather Ning asked.

“Of course, the grocery store has them,” Chu Qingyue confirmed.