Chapter 84 – Implication

In the following days, Xu Chun and the three Sheng brothers accompanied the three top scholars on a tour of Minzhou. Sheng Changyun and Sheng Changtian were both adept at entertainment, treating their guests like royalty with lavish hospitality. Sheng Changzhou had to balance his time between overseeing the construction of the school and occasionally accompanying them.

As they prepared to see them off, Zhang Wenzheng privately approached Xu Chun during a small farewell banquet. “I did some inquiries,” he said, “is your eldest cousin still unmarried?”

Xu Chun understood the underlying meaning: “Brother Zhang wants to act as a matchmaker?”

Zhang Wenzheng replied, “It’s for my younger sister. She’s very intelligent, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, astronomy, geography, and mathematics. However, she has a rather peculiar temperament. She looks down on those who are inferior to her, yet despises those who are superior as she finds their refinement useless. Our family spoils her, which is why she has reached twenty years old without settling down. At home, she manages the household affairs competently. The family has tasked me with finding her a suitable match to prevent her from missing out on her prime years.”

“You must know about our side’s culture of renowned scholars. They either avoid imperial examinations, manage gardens, collect antiques, maintain courtesans, indulge in poetry and wine, express emotions through nature, discuss scriptures, and have a large entourage of servants and guests, with continuous sounds of bells, drums, and flutes. Despite their prominent status and wealth, many aristocratic families end up deserted after a few generations of mediocre descendants, losing their former glory. My sister despises how people from high-ranking families lack practical skills and are good for nothing.”

Zhang Wenzheng unfolded the fan in his hand, covering his mouth as he glanced discreetly at He Zhiqiu. In a low voice, he continued, “To be frank, I initially considered He Zhiqiu, but he’s too cunning and mercenary. I don’t think my sister would like him. Although Fan Mukun is also unmarried, he’s too refined, with an air of detachment, as if he could become a monk at any moment. Over the past few days, I’ve observed your cousin closely and found him quite impressive. He’s diligent and hardworking. I believe my sister would be satisfied, but I wonder what your family thinks. If interested, I can arrange a private meeting.”

Surprised, Xu Chun responded, “I need to consult with my maternal grandfather before giving you an answer. But since your family dotes on your sister, would you let her marry far away? Furthermore, we’re merchants. She might suffer here, dealing with mundane merchant affairs.”

Zhang Wenzheng whispered, “Don’t be naive. Your cousin is bound to enter politics soon. To be honest, that’s partly why I’m considering this. It offers a bright future, which would also benefit your family. With your aunt no longer around, there’s no senior female figure in the Sheng family to manage household affairs. Once your cousin enters politics, his family will inevitably need to socialize. My sister would make an excellent wife, aiding him in every way. Moreover, she’s a legitimate daughter, even if slightly older. She’s compatible with your cousin, understanding and considerate. Seeing how busy he is, he won’t have time to pamper his wife. Choosing a mature and sensible woman is better than a frivolous one, wouldn’t you agree? As for dowry, rest assured, it won’t be lacking.”

Xu Chun knew that his maternal grandfather had been searching for a match for his cousin, but couldn’t find anyone suitable. The Zhang family was indeed an excellent choice, especially since they could meet beforehand. If they didn’t suit each other, there would still be room for adjustments. “I’ll relay your proposal when I return,” he said.

Zhang Wenzheng nodded, closing his fan and tapping Xu Chun’s shoulder. “There’s another matter. The mourning period for Qi decay lasts only a year, and you’ll soon be out of mourning. You should start considering marriage. I heard that Xie Fei seems interested in you and wants to propose his little princess. Make plans early; I don’t recommend marrying into royalty.”

“Furthermore, after finishing your studies, you should discuss your next steps with Mr. Shen. Don’t be clueless. I noticed you seemed distracted after returning from Nanyang. I fear something has captivated your heart, causing you to forget your path. Clearly, His Majesty intends to promote your family. I heard your brother has already arranged for a transfer. Once the mourning period ends, he’ll leave.”

Xu Chun felt overwhelmed, whispering, “Thank you, Brother Zhang, for your guidance.”

He Zhiqiu, seeing them talking from a distance, laughed, “Old Zhang keeps glancing at me while speaking. He must be secretly criticizing us. Siyuan shouldn’t favor one over the other.”

Xu Chun smiled, “Not at all, Brother Zhang is reminding me to think about what to do after the mourning period.”

He Zhiqiu said, “You’re not even of age yet, why rush? It’s better to accumulate knowledge and experience for a few more years.”

Fan Mukun nodded in agreement, “Don’t listen to Old Zhang. He’s just lamenting his own age, worrying about everything. Xiao Xu is only nineteen, let him study for a few more years.”

Annoyed, Zhang Wenzheng retorted, “I’m only a few years older than you. So what if you passed the exam young!”

Xu Chun felt lost, thinking first and foremost, I need to ask Jiu Ge what to do.

Then, he realized with melancholy that Jiu Ge hadn’t replied to his letters.

After seeing off the three top scholars, Xu Chun indeed informed his maternal grandfather and uncle about Zhang Wenzheng’s proposal regarding marriage. Grandpa Sheng was visibly delighted. “The younger sister of this year’s second place scholar, and from a Jiangnan aristocratic family, our family is clearly punching above its weight. How could she consent to marry into a merchant family?”

Xu Chun explained, “For some reason, the scholar is convinced that Brother Changzhou will soon enter politics. He mentioned that his sister excels in socializing and managing household affairs, being proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Her virtues and talents are outstanding, making her an ideal helpmate for Brother Changzhou.”

Grandpa Sheng asked, “What does Changzhou think?”

Sheng Changzhou replied, “During the past few days, I’ve interacted with the three officials. Indeed, although Mr. Zhang is straightforward and somewhat aloof, his insights are sharp, and he’s pragmatic and talented. I assume his sister must be extraordinary as well. I’ll follow the elders’ arrangements — also, today, Minister Zhao Yu indeed asked for my resume. He requested our thoughts on the educational system and industry, suggesting we list them for reference. He mentioned reporting to the court, possibly reaching the Ministry of Rites, without informing the elders yet.”

Rubbing his beard, Grandpa Sheng said, “That’s right, these people are well-informed about the court’s movements. Coming all the way from the capital, they’re undoubtedly targeting the maritime school. It seems His Majesty indeed intends to expand maritime affairs.”

The Sheng family deliberated, dedicating more effort to constructing the school.

Regarding curriculum design, the three top scholars had provided numerous suggestions over the past few days. Xu Chun discussed writing a proposal for two years of general education, followed by two years of specialized ship training. They planned to establish various majors such as literary studies, military preparation, history, astronomy, shipbuilding, and medicine. Based on these majors, they would set individual subjects like geomancy, mathematics, astronomy, cartography, large ship navigation, ship knowledge, artillery drills, archery practice, etc., which they meticulously listed.

Suddenly, Xu Chun had an idea, “Although official schools currently don’t admit girls, medical majors are unique. Why not suggest admitting female students to the medical major?”

Sheng Changzhou said, “I doubt the court would approve.”

Xu Chun suggested, “Let’s try building separate dormitories for girls. It’s beneficial with no harm. I heard Dr. Zhou mention it to Dr. Gorevan, who said they also have many female medical staff in their area. They’re meticulous, and having female doctors and nurses means obstetrics and gynecology departments will have patients. Who knows how many mothers they could save? Once government schools advocate this trend, women could have jobs. I heard Brother Zhang say that in Jiangnan, many women earn money by weaving and embroidery, enabling them to be independent at home.”

“Our maritime school aims to lead the way in establishing maritime foundations. What’s wrong with being unconventional? Maybe the court will agree.” He thought, Jiu Ge would certainly agree.

Sheng Changzhou wrote it down and asked, “Dr. Zhou returned? I didn’t know.”

Xu Chun replied, “Yes, he meets with Dr. Gorevan daily, prescribing many medicines. He really wants to attempt abdominal surgery.”

Sheng Changzhou said, “If successful, the military hospital will have more confidence in the future.”

Xu Chun added, “Print more medical books, recruit more students. As long as more patients come, we won’t lack famous doctors coming to work.”

They submitted the proposed regulations to Zhao Yu, who was delighted. He encouraged them, “The Sheng family has done a great deed. Good news from the court should arrive shortly.”

Under Lu Jiugao’s translation, Dr. Zhou Biao and Dr. Gorevan exchanged ideas and devised a treatment plan for Lu’s mother, adjusting medications. They actually tried a combined operation, performing an abdominal tumor removal surgery on Lu’s mother with the assistance of medical apprentices. After careful observation and treatment, Lu’s mother’s condition improved day by day, and the surgery was a success. Everyone was overjoyed. Grateful, Lu Jiugao worked even harder on shipbuilding, leading a group of apprentices in daily efforts.

As March brought warm weather and flowers blooming, the rivers thawed. The Imperial Court sent an appointment from the Ministry of Personnel. Wu Ying Hou Fang Zijing was appointed as the chief instructor of the maritime school, taking office immediately. Hanlin Lecturer Zhang Wenzheng was appointed as the school’s principal. Provincial Governor Lei Ming concurrently served as the school’s supervisor. One hundred outstanding soldiers were selected from the Minzhou elite camp, artillery camp, and naval camp to attend the school nearby.

Additionally, the Ministry of War was instructed to select outstanding soldiers from military camps nationwide. Each province and state could recommend candidates for admission. The Ministry of Rites was ordered to recommend teachers from the Imperial Academy, Imperial Medical College, and Astronomical Bureau for each subject, to take office immediately.

A single imperial decree shook the court. While the selection of Wu Ying Hou as a candidate was anticipated by many ministers, the choice of Zhang Wenzheng came as a surprise. The talented second place scholar, Zhang Wenzheng, hailed from a Jiangnan aristocratic family, but the court viewed him as someone the Emperor didn’t particularly favor. Firstly, those from aristocratic backgrounds often sought benefits for their clans. Secondly, exceptional talent was often accompanied by arrogance, leading many to stay in prestigious positions like the Hanlin Academy, or to serve as censors or educational administrators.

At thirty-five, Zhang Wenzheng had only entered the Hanlin Academy less than a year ago. Logically, he shouldn’t have been promoted so quickly to an official position. Judging by his usual haughty demeanor, looking down on others, he wasn’t particularly likable. Who would have thought he caught the Emperor’s eye?

Of course, some in the cabinet guessed the Emperor’s intentions. Jiangnan was home to numerous aristocratic families. The Zhang family was esteemed and influential. By appointing Zhang Wenzheng as principal, his influence could attract Jiangnan aristocrats and scholars to teach, similar to the purpose of employing Wu Ying Hou.

Another less noticeable appointment was issued by the Ministry of Personnel to the Minzhou Provincial Governor’s Office. Provincial Governor Lei Ming and Governor Eunuch Xia Wan jointly recommended Minzhou citizen Sheng Changzhou for his contributions to establishing the school. He was granted an official title and appointed as Deputy Governor of the Minzhou Provincial Governor’s Office, a sixth-grade official, assisting with grain supervision, bandit suppression, maritime defense, and water conservancy.

The Sheng family celebrated with three days of banquets. Initially, Sheng Changzhou went to report to the Governor’s Office, expecting trouble or neglect from Lei Ming. Unexpectedly, Lei Ming treated him kindly, summoning him for encouragement and praise, personally guiding him to meet various officials within the Governor’s Office.

In mid-March, after Wu Ying Hou Fang Zijing and Zhang Wenzheng arrived in Minzhou to take office, Xu Chun naturally accompanied Sheng Changzhou to pay them a private visit. Fang Zijing, upon seeing him, changed from his previous arrogant demeanor in Nanyang, acting as if they were meeting for the first time. He treated Xu Chun like an elder brother, offering encouragement.

Later, Imperial Academy Chancellor Shen Mengzhen arrived with a group of carefully selected lecturers, personally escorting them to take up their posts.

Xu Chun learned about Shen Mengzhen’s imminent arrival in Minzhou from Zhang Wenzheng. Zhang Wenzheng laughed, “I was chosen, leaving He Zhiqiu and Fan Mukun envious. Unfortunately, you weren’t there to witness it, hahaha.” Zhang Wenzheng laughed heartily, then whispered, “Honestly, I never imagined the Emperor would choose me. Speaking of reputation, the Fan family surpasses mine. Perhaps the Emperor has other plans for Fan Mukun.”

“By the way, Mr. Shen is also coming. I heard he’s under imperial orders to provide guidance here. The Shen family and the Fang family are close allies, unknown to the public. However, Shen will definitely cooperate fully with Wu Ying Hou. Think about it, His Majesty’s meticulous planning truly demonstrates his skill in governing and utilizing talents to the utmost extent. It’s a boundless imperial grace and profound imperial favor. You should prepare promptly. Go meet Mr. Shen tomorrow.”

Xu Chun pondered, perplexed: Jiu Ge sent so many people to Minzhou, does he want me to stay here?

Did he also hint through He Zhiqiu that I should study for a longer time before entering the court, believing my knowledge and abilities aren’t enough yet?

Jiu Ge… does he know I’ve guessed his identity?