Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!

Chapter 1816: Chapter 1816: Rewards

In the Palace, the Emperor held two unorganized books, the pages of which had creased corners, indicating that the Emperor had not only read them carefully but also made annotations on them.

Zhou Shuren knew the details best; seven days ago, after reviewing the booklets, the Emperor summoned the foreigners. Although the knowledge in the booklets was not comprehensive and much was unorganized, a broad framework had already been established.

The Emperor set down the books in his hand, "The booklets you compiled are quite good."

Ming Rui, the older one, responded, "I still have many shortcomings."

He planned to find foreigners to learn from, to draw on their strengths and incorporate them into the booklets.

The Emperor had a favorable impression of Zhou Mingrui. The newly opened textbooks at the academy had his contribution. The Boys Academy offered more technical and comprehensive education than the Girls College. Thinking of this, he said, "I heard from Prince Qin that you suggested setting up a research room at the academy?"

Ming Rui did not look at his grandfather, responding earnestly, "Yes, some students have a strong spirit for research."

With the increase in specialties, each person’s strengths became more apparent. Students with a research spirit gathered together to study. For instance, students studying shipbuilding tried to improve certain technologies based on their knowledge. The best students had already been reserved by the Ministry of Works and had to enter directly after graduation.

The Emperor thought of the Boys Academy. He was increasingly focusing on the academy. Boys learned more than girls, and the country needed all kinds of talents, though he did not overlook the Girls College. He said to Zhou Shuren, "Your grandson is quite impressive."

Zhou Shuren straightened his back and said, "I am proud of them, Your Majesty."

The Emperor pointed to the two books, "You summarized well, but there are many shortcomings. I will use your booklets as a template and have the Hanlin Academy reorganize them."

The two children’s knowledge was broad, but it was not enough to print as booklets for promotion. Although Zhou Changzhi had been coaching them privately, it was too slow, and he could not wait.

Ming Rui and Ming Hui had good attitudes; they had long recognized their shortcomings and had unknowingly pulled out countless hairs over the past few months.

In fact, their knowledge was quite extensive. Due to their grandparents, they learned a lot of miscellaneous things. But they were not all-rounders like their fourth uncle. After hearing the Emperor’s words, they only relaxed and didn’t feel reluctant.

The Emperor observed their expressions and was satisfied, saying, "But you have also done well. What reward would you like?"

This time, Ming Rui and Ming Hui looked at their grandfather. Seeing him nodding imperceptibly, the two knew what to do.

Ming Rui spoke first, "I know there are many manuscripts in the Palace. I wish for some manuscripts to take home and copy."

The Emperor had already seen Zhou Mingrui’s plans for his future and agreed readily, "Alright."

Eunuch Zhang then left, seemingly to retrieve the manuscripts from the storeroom.

The Emperor then looked at Ming Hui, "And you?"

Ming Hui glanced at his grandfather, then lowered his head and said, "I lack silver."

The Emperor was dumbfounded and looked at Zhou Shuren. The Hou Residence was good at business, and each branch had a good financial base, so how could this child lack silver?

Zhou Shuren was speechless, already knowing what his grandson intended to do, and said softly, "They say daughters are outward bound, but we have an exception."

The Emperor was still full of questions, and Ming Hui’s face turned deep red.

Finally, understanding the reason, the Emperor laughed, "Alright, I bestow upon you 1000 taels of silver."

Ming Hui joyfully said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

After some time, Zhou Shuren left the government hall with his two grandsons. Ming Rui tightly held the ten-plus manuscripts, while Ming Hui occasionally touched the silver note in his pocket.

Zhou Shuren, "..."

Neither of the two grandsons wanted to speak to him, their grandfather. Once out of the Palace, Zhou Shuren personally escorted the two children home.

As they approached home, Ming Rui finally spoke, "Grandfather, will the Emperor’s order to the Hanlin Academy be assigned to Fourth Uncle?"

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, "Yes, your fourth uncle has helped you organize before, and it would save a lot of effort for the Emperor to hand it over to him."

Ming Hui was pleased, finally not having to stay cooped up at home, "It’s hard for Fourth Uncle."

Zhou Shuren chuckled, "Your fourth uncle is in charge and does not need to organize personally."

The Hanlin Academy is a place of talent, and Chang Zhi has been there for years, knowing who is suitable to organize which type of book.

He also thought of what his youngest son had said about helping Ming Rui and the others compile booklets after the spring exams. Now that his two grandsons’ tasks were gone, his youngest son’s words had surely been noted by the Emperor.

As Zhou Shuren returned to the Ministry of Revenue, the news from the Palace spread. The Marquis Zhou’s two grandsons were granted rewards by the Emperor, causing envy and also making more people realize that as long as the Hou Residence did not go against the grain, it could prosper for generations.

Then, when carefully calculating, people realized that there were only a few children left unmarried in the Hou Residence, and those were very young.

Ambitious parents compared the Marquis Zhou’s grandchildren with their own, feeling frustrated and wishing to apply family discipline.

The next day, Zhulan listened to Lady Li chatter, "Mother, Ming Hui received a thousand taels as a reward. Counting some saved from the previous year, he has a total of over eleven hundred taels. He left two hundred taels for family gifts and added nine hundred taels to the betrothal gift for me."

Zhulan was more concerned, "He worked hard for that reward, and the family doesn’t need gifts from him. Tell him not to buy any."

Lady Li smiled, "He said it was his first time receiving a reward, and he must buy gifts for everyone, hoping to share his good luck and wish the family a smooth and prosperous year."

Zhulan chuckled, "This child has heart."

In her heart, she thought about secretly making it up to Ming Hui.

Lady Li was proud, saying that her son’s reward from the Emperor brought honor to her. If it weren’t for many family affairs, she would attend more banquets to listen to more envious words. "Mother, the betrothal gift is almost prepared."

Zhulan, "Let me see it tomorrow."

"Yes."

Meanwhile, Ming Hui had arranged to meet with Lin Xi and Zeze siblings at a teahouse.

Lin Xi smiled and said, "Cousin received a reward and invited us to a meal?"

Ming Hui took a purse from his sleeve, opened it, and four top-quality gemstones fell out, "Take a look."

Lin Xi had seen many good things, but couldn’t help looking again, jokingly saying, "Not bad, cousin giving them to us?"

Zeze asked, "Cousin hopes we will help?"

Ming Hui nodded, "Cough, I need some silver. As you know, too many people in the capital know me, and it’s not convenient for me to handle the gemstones personally, so I wanted your help."

Zeze thought it a pity to handle them, "If cousin needs silver, I can lend some. These gemstones should be kept."

Ming Hui shook his head, "This silver cannot be borrowed."

He was also reluctant. Even though he saved many good things, these four gemstones pained him.

Lin Xi, being very clever, said a long "Oh," with a knowing look.

Ming Hui explained under Zeze’s confused gaze, and Zeze coughed, "In that case, I’m indeed not suitable to lend silver. I’ll handle them for you, and give you the silver tomorrow."

Ming Hui thanked him, "Thanks, but today the meal’s on me."

Lin Xi smiled and asked, "Preparing to propose?"

Ming Hui nodded, "Uncle will propose after the spring exams."

Lin Xi knew naturally, then thinking of Gu Sheng’s betrothal gift, casually mentioned it.

Lin Xi snorted, "Many are waiting to laugh at cousin!"