Marrying the Crown Prince

Zhou Laowu was indeed blinded by lust, but when he heard the old man's name, a flash of inspiration struck him.

He shuddered and pushed Xu away, "The old man is so strict, why make Yue'er suffer there?"

Suddenly pushed away, Xu was stunned for a moment, unable to react, "But..."

Seeing her like this, Zhou Laowu knew that she was still not giving up. "It is the old man's business who he wants to teach. I will find a good teacher for Yue'er. You don't need to worry about it anymore."

What a joke! The old man has finally forgotten about me. Even if I were kicked in the head by a donkey and turned into an idiot, I wouldn't go out of my way to show off in front of the old man.

No matter who tries to persuade me, it's no use!

If Zhou Laowu hadn't known that Xu Shi only cared about him, he would have suspected that she brought up this matter to see him make a fool of himself.

Hearing his words, Madam Xu awkwardly shut her mouth.

After confirming that no one was spreading rumors, the old lord mentioned to the old lady the matter of hiring a tutor.

"The children have just reached the right age, why don't we open a school?" The old Marquis said to the old lady during dinner.

The old lady paused, her chopsticks still holding the food, and asked curiously, "Did Zhouzhou make you angry?"

This is completely irrelevant...

The old Marquis was both amused and exasperated. "It's always her father who makes me angry. How could she possibly have the chance to do this job?"

That makes sense, the old lady nodded, "That's true."

So why did we invite teachers and open schools?

“I’ve been thinking, they’re all just reaching the right age. Although they each have tutors, it’s still not enough.” The old Marquis wouldn’t betray Zhou Zhou, but instead voiced his considerations. “First, there’s the eldest daughter. She’s busy managing the household affairs, and on top of that, she has to teach two children. Then there’s Zhouzhou. What I teach her is mostly the Four Books and Five Classics, but she’s not going to take the imperial examinations…”

The old lady rolled her eyes at him—you know she doesn't participate in the imperial examinations, right? Such a good child, yet she's forced to do so much homework every day!

As for why the third son's family wasn't mentioned, it's because the third son wasn't actually born to the old lady.

The old lady was extremely virtuous and kind when she was young, and the old Marquis always remembered her good deeds, so he would not bring up anything that would make her feel uncomfortable.

This matter can only be said to be a misunderstanding by the old Marquis. The old lady's magnanimity when she was young was mostly an act. Back then, she did feel disgusted by Zhou Laosan. Now that they are an old married couple with many children and grandchildren, the old lady has long since calmed down. To her, those Zhou Laosans are just a few more mouths to feed in the mansion.

In the end, the old lady agreed with the old marquis's suggestion, and the next morning, she sent someone to invite Zhang Shi over.

Upon hearing this, Zhang thought it was a good thing and immediately agreed, rolling up her sleeves and getting to work.

She took her two children and went back to her parents' home to visit them—there was no other way, the Marquis of Boyuan's mansion had been running a school for many years, and they still had to rely on them to find a good teacher.

Upon returning to her parents' home, Zhang Shi, after exchanging few pleasantries, lured the children out to play and then spoke with Lady Liu Ying, the wife of Marquis Boyuan, about the purpose of her visit.

After hearing her words, Liu looked like she understood, leaving Zhang completely confused.

Looking at her, Liu was somewhat puzzled. "Could it be that you got wind of the fact that the Sixth Princess and the Seventh Princess were looking for study companions, so you...?"

They were just about to find a tutor to give the children an emergency refresher course.

Upon receiving the news, a glint of light flashed in Zhang's eyes, and she thought to herself: So that's what the old lady meant.

Princess Li Zixi was born to Consort Mei, who was the second aunt of the Zhou family. With this connection, the Yongjing Marquis's mansion would definitely choose one of them as a companion to the emperor.

Hearing the children laughing and playing outside, Zhang sighed silently: "I'm not worried about anything else, but I'm afraid that if any of them are actually chosen to enter the palace, with their carefree attitude, who knows what trouble they'll cause or who they'll offend..."

Zhang immediately perked up and decided to take precautions—she was determined to find a first-rate teacher and nanny to educate the children.

Zhang's efficiency was truly outstanding; in just five days, all the school's equipment was ready, except for the teacher.

Just as Zhang was worrying, someone came to report that Lady Gao, An Xiao, from the Imperial Censor's residence had arrived.

The Imperial Censor's residence was Zhou Laowu's maternal home.

Since Madam Gao's unfortunate passing, the Gao family would occasionally send people to visit Zhou Cheng'an and his grandson. Old Madam Gao felt especially sorry for her two only grandsons. When she learned that the Yongjing Marquis's mansion was recruiting tutors, she immediately sent her nanny to inquire about the news.

After all, things had been like this for so many years, and then Zhou Laowu opened a school as soon as he came back. Who knows if some fool did something wrong?

After figuring things out, Grandma Gao thought it over and decided it was a good opportunity.

Zhou Laowu will eventually remarry. She has to make plans for Zhou Chengan and Zhou Zhou, otherwise how will she face her deceased daughter in the future?

"Have we reached the second gate yet?" Zhang took a deep breath and perked up.

Old Master Gao is currently a third-rank Imperial Censor, enjoying great favor; while Lord Gao, at a young age, is already a fourth-rank Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. It is obvious to anyone with discerning eyes that if Old Master Gao had not also held a high position, his promotion would probably have been even faster.

In contrast, the old master of the Yongjing Marquis's mansion has already retired, and although Zhou the eldest was promoted to the fourth rank last year, it is unlikely that he will be able to advance any further within the next ten years.

Compared to others, the Yongjing Marquis's mansion can be said to have only the title of nobility.

"Soon, Mama Wang Gui has gone to inform the Grand Madam," the maid replied.

Zhang got up and led her men to greet them, and they happened to run into An at the second gate.

"Sister Zhang, why did you come in person?" As soon as they met, Madam An walked side by side with Madam Zhang affectionately. "It's so hot today, you could have just sent a maid to lead the way. Why are you being so formal with me?"

“Oh dear, you’re wrong about me,” Zhang replied warmly. “I came out because I couldn’t wait to see you. Not only me, but my mother is always thinking about you too.”

"Really?" Madam An asked with delight. "It has been quite a while since I paid my respects to the Dowager Madam."

"Please, Sister An," Zhang said, pulling An toward the old lady.

It was quite a coincidence that Zhou Zhou was also at the old lady's place today.

Despite her young age, Zhou Zhou was composed and mature, which naturally made her a favorite of all the ladies, including Madam An. Madam An held her hand and showered her with compliments, making Zhou Zhou blush.

The old lady couldn't stop smiling. "You know, she's nowhere near as good as you describe."

Mrs. An hugged the child tightly, saying, "I don't care. In my eyes and heart, Zhouzhou is the best."

An's body was soft and fragrant. Zhou Zhou sniffed and felt a warm feeling in his heart.