20demayo Chapter 310 Consort Fucha
Chapter 310 Consort Fucha
Hongchang then looked at Prince Zhuang and said, "Sixteenth Uncle, Lord Dai Zi was actually framed. Of course, I must clear his name."
"Then we will reinstate Lord Dai's descendants and have them serve the Qing Dynasty. This matter is entrusted to you."
Prince Zhuang accepted the order and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost."
"Investigate the descendants of Lord Dai Zi, clear their names, and enable them to once again display their talents for our Great Qing."
After Hongchang finished explaining the matter, Prince Dun did not rush to leave.
Instead, he stared longingly at Hongchang, looking as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.
Seeing that Prince Dun showed no sign of leaving, the others did not rush to take their leave either.
Everyone was curious about what else Prince Dun might be lazy about.
Seeing that Prince Dun hesitated to speak, Hongchang asked:
"Uncle Ten, is there anything else? Please speak frankly."
Prince Dun hesitated for a moment, then said
"Your Majesty, I have observed that Princess Shuhe and her sisters, under the tutelage of the Empress Dowager,..."
Not only is he well-educated and reasonable, but he is also highly skilled in martial arts, which is truly rare.
I have two daughters, who are about the same age as the princesses. Could I trouble the Empress Dowager to help train them as well?
"If I possess even a fraction of Princess Shuhe's or her other skills, I would be perfectly content."
If the fourth prince were still on the throne, Prince Dun would not have sent his daughter to the palace.
That would be like sending lambs to the slaughter; Prince Dun was afraid of the fourth prince's petty nature.
He casually sent his daughter away for a political marriage.
Things are different now, although the young emperor might still send his daughter to marry a foreign ruler.
But if the daughters truly possessed the abilities of Princess Shuhe and her contemporaries...
Even if they were sent to marry foreign rulers, they could still establish themselves in foreign lands and even secure more benefits for the Qing Dynasty.
Moreover, Hongchang now values the princesses so highly.
The daughters are following in the footsteps of the princesses; perhaps they'll find a different path in the future.
Prince Zhuang's eyes lit up. His tenth brother truly lived up to his name.
Why didn't I think of that?
He also has a daughter, Prince Zhuang also looked at Hongchang.
"Your Majesty, your sixteenth uncle also has several daughters."
They are still young, and it would be a great blessing for them to be trained by the Empress Dowager.
"Your Majesty, what do you think?"
Seeing this, Nian Gengyao and Fu Heng also had their own ideas.
However, neither of them dared to say it out loud for the time being.
Hongchang's heart stirred; if the princesses of the imperial clan could be properly trained, they could surely be selected as capable individuals.
In addition, there are the imperial relatives from various princely mansions. For the Qing Dynasty to develop, the more talented people the better.
Hongchang smiled slightly and said:
"Tenth Uncle, Sixteenth Uncle, I will naturally discuss this matter with my mother first."
However, I think this is a good thing. If the Empress Dowager agrees, I will make the necessary arrangements.
After all, having more capable women from the imperial clan would also be beneficial to the Qing Dynasty.
Prince Dun and Prince Zhuang were overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly said:
"Your Majesty is wise; thank you for your grace."
Hongchang waved his hand and said, "No need to be so polite, this is also my plan."
I hope that the future of the Qing Dynasty will have more pillars of society, regardless of gender.
"You all go back and prepare first. We will make a decision after I discuss it with the Empress Dowager."
After seeing Prince Dun and his entourage off, Hongchang reviewed some memorials for a while.
Only then did he go to Kunning Palace to dine with Fucha Peiyun.
He then relayed Prince Dun and Prince Zhuang's ideas to Fucha Peiyun.
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly and said, "There is a reason why Prince Dun was able to emerge unscathed from the struggle for the throne back then."
Since they trust me, let them send their daughter to the palace.
Not only Prince Dun and Prince Zhuang, but other princely residences also have children who are six years old or older.
Whether it's a boy or a girl, you can send them over.
Besides the children of the imperial family, you can also have the children of the court officials you value send to the palace.
"Renovate the Imperial Study so they can all study there."
Hongchang's eyes lit up, "In this way, we can cultivate more talent."
It can also improve the relationship between the imperial family and ministers and the royal family.” Fucha Peiyun nodded.
"That's good. Let the children learn together and exchange ideas. In the future, they can work together for the Qing Dynasty."
However, the rules and courses of this study room need to be carefully planned.
Martial arts, culture, and etiquette are all essential.
After thinking for a moment, Fucha Peiyun added, "The time for classes in the Imperial Study is too early and needs to be changed."
Children are young, and getting up too early is bad for their health.
Classes will start at around 6:45 AM (卯时三刻), so the children can get enough sleep.
Hongchang didn't think there was anything wrong with changing the class schedule in the Imperial Study.
He also felt that the start of classes was too early when he was studying in the Imperial Study.
You must read a book a hundred times.
Even though he has a good memory, he still has to follow the rules.
Hongchang nodded. "It all depends on the Empress Dowager's arrangements."
Fucha Peiyun continued:
"From now on, I'll have two days off in the morning when I go to the study. I'll think about the course schedule again."
Hongchang quickly replied, "No rush, Your Majesty, you can arrange it as you see fit."
Fucha Peiyun said, "For the Qing Dynasty to develop, talented people are indispensable."
These children alone are far from enough.
Hongmao said, "Your Majesty, I understand. I have considered establishing an academy."
To enable all people in the world to send their children to school
But I, your humble servant, also dream that most of these people are barely able to make ends meet.
That's already quite good, so where would we get the extra money to send our children to school?
It's unrealistic for this academy not to charge tuition fees.
Although the national treasury was considerably replenished by the Emperor's confiscation of the bondservant's property...
But running schools is a long-term endeavor, and relying on the national treasury is merely a drop in the ocean.
Fucha Peiyun took a sip of tea and slowly said:
“The operation of schools does not necessarily rely entirely on the national treasury.”
We could emulate the model of private schools, where wealthy households and merchants could fund and sponsor them, rewarding them with certain titles or honors.
Furthermore, local officials were instructed to allocate a portion of the revenue from public land for the academy's expenses.
At the same time, the college can also offer some practical courses.
For example, in fields like agriculture and engineering, students can apply what they learn and immediately enter the workforce after graduation.
Officials in the Ministry of Works rose through the ranks by studying the Four Books and Five Classics.
A lack of practical engineering and technical capabilities often leads to difficulties in advancing many engineering projects.
If the college could offer engineering courses, it could cultivate a group of talents who understand both theory and practice.
This will allow the Ministry of Works to carry out its many tasks more efficiently.
Moreover, these students went on to work in the Ministry of Industry after graduation.
This can also provide them with a stable career path, attracting more young people to devote themselves to learning.
Fucha Peiyun's advice gave Hongchang a direction.
He fell into deep thought for a moment.
After waiting a while, Fucha Peiyun asked, "How's the glassmaking formula I gave you last time coming along?"
Hongchang snapped out of his reverie, smiled slightly, and said:
"Your Majesty, I have asked my fifth brother to take some people to study the glass formula."
I heard they're already preparing to open a store.
Fifth Brother also mentioned sending that life-sized mirror to the palace, but I've been so busy that I've temporarily forgotten about it.
"Oh, you've handed this over to Hongzhou. That's good, at least someone can help you share the burden."
"This glass is sharp; be careful not to hurt anyone."
Hongchang nodded and smiled:
"Don't worry, Mother Empress. Fifth Brother may seem carefree and irreverent, but..."
But in reality, he is a very cautious person and will definitely handle things carefully.
Fucha Peiyun said, "If his shop is ready, it can be widely advertised through the 'Great Qing People's Daily'."
The *Da Qing Bai Xing Bao* (People's Daily of the Qing Dynasty) has a wide reach, so this is a good opportunity to promote it.
Hongchang never expected this? The Qing Dynasty People's Daily? It has such a use.
This businessman had the keenest sense of smell; given this precedent...
Soon, others will surely follow suit and use the "Great Qing People's Gazette" to advertise their own shops.
Hongchang nodded, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.
"With this precedent, merchants will surely follow suit and use the *Da Qing Bai Xing Bao* (a local newspaper) to advertise their shops."
When Fucha Peiyun saw Hongchang, she thought, "If a merchant wants to take advantage of the 'Great Qing People's Revenge,' he will naturally have to pay a price."
The price a businessman has to pay for advertising is the cost of making it widely known.
A flicker of excitement flashed in Hongchang's eyes, and he clapped his hands.
"Advertising fees, advertising fees, what a brilliant idea!"
Empress Dowager, in this way, the *Da Qing Bai Xing Bao* (People's Daily of the Great Qing Dynasty) can not only spread news,
It can also increase revenue, which can then be used for things like running schools.
Fucha Peiyun smiled and nodded: "That's exactly right."
With this advertising revenue, the school will have an additional source of funding.
Moreover, this would allow the *Da Qing Bai Xing Bao* (People's Daily of the Qing Dynasty) to develop better and disseminate more useful information.
Hongchang stood up excitedly and paced around the room:
"In this way, running schools, developing businesses, and disseminating information can all promote each other."
Your son will discuss this matter with Sister Wenyi and the others to formulate a reasonable advertising fee standard.
Fucha Peiyun looked at Hongchang with satisfaction: "With your mindset, the future of the Qing Dynasty is promising."
However, the rules and regulations in this regard must be perfected to prevent unscrupulous merchants from taking advantage of loopholes.
Hongchang said firmly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will make all the arrangements."
Let this advertising revenue contribute to the development of the Qing Dynasty.
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly and nodded, saying:
"Indeed, the purpose of the *Da Qing Bai Xing Bao* (Great Qing People's Daily) is to keep the people informed about world affairs."
Now, with the addition of advertising,
It can also let people know about novel products and useful shops in various places.
To make their lives more convenient.
However, the content of advertisements must be strictly controlled to prevent false advertising from misleading the public.
Hongchang nodded, "Don't worry, Your Majesty."
But in his heart, he wanted Ye Lanyi to train more spies.
Fucha Peiyun: "Have you made arrangements for the people going to sea?"
Hongchang then remembered that he hadn't told Fucha Peiyun about this yet.
“Empress Mother, I have made all the arrangements for the voyage.”
My uncle was chosen to lead the fleet for this voyage.
Second Uncle, Third Uncle, and Seventh Uncle, and Ninth Uncle's son"
Fucha Peiyun: "Indeed, your father's brothers are all capable men."
Their son also studied in the palace; keeping him confined like this is a waste of talent.
Hongchang laughed and said, "Your Majesty is right. I was thinking that after they go to sea and achieve merit,..."
Your son will restore their status now, and will further elevate their ranks if they perform any further merits in the future.
Fucha Peiyun nodded slightly: "That's a good idea."
However, going to sea carries considerable risks.
You must instruct them to be extremely careful, especially to guard against Western pirates and Japanese ronin.
The sea is unpredictable; we must be vigilant.
Hongchang said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I understand."
After Prince Dun returned to his residence, he sent people to the storeroom to search for the opium from that year.
At the same time, people were ordered to investigate the source of the Manchu bannermen's use of opium.
In addition, Prince Dun specifically told his wife about the matter of Zhunge sending his daughter to the palace for studies.
After decades of marriage, Prince Dun would never make a decision on his own.
After hearing Prince Dun's words, a hint of worry flashed in Princess Consort's eyes:
Sending my daughter to the palace to study is certainly a good thing.
But there are many rules in the palace, and the children are too young to handle them.
Prince Dun grasped her hand and said, "Don't worry, this time is different."
The master was thinking of asking the Empress Dowager Fucha to help discipline our daughter.
Even I can't guarantee that we won't be sent away for a political marriage in the future.
The only solution is to teach my daughters to be more capable.
Whether she is married off to another family for political reasons or marries into another family in the future, she will be able to stand on her own two feet.
When Princess Consort of Prince Dun heard that her daughter was to be sent to Fucha Peiyun for upbringing, she was shocked.
His eyes lit up; back then, if it weren't for the elixir given by the Empress Dowager...
She might have died long ago.
Prince Dun, fearing that his wife was still uneasy, continued...
"Fujin, look at the princesses raised by this Empress Dowager Fucha."
From the initial smallpox vaccination program to the establishment of textile factories and the "Great Qing People's Daily"
Their knowledge and abilities far surpassed those of women who only knew the inner palace.
If our daughter could learn even a little bit of what they do,
No matter where I go in the future, I will have a place to stand.
Moreover, the performance of these princesses in this assessment of the Eight Banners children was truly eye-opening!
On the assessment field, they each displayed their unique skills, from marksmanship to swordsmanship.
It's incredibly skillful, almost as good as I was back in my day.
Prince Dun's eyes lit up when he talked about these things; he wished his daughter were that capable.
Princess Consort of Prince Dun said, "Since it is the Empress Dowager who personally trained him, then I am at ease."
The Empress Dowager loved her children dearly, and with her around, her daughters were sure to learn a great deal.
However, our daughter is still young, and she will inevitably miss home after entering the palace.
I must repeatedly remind them to follow the arrangements of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor in all matters.
Prince Dun lowered his voice again and said, "My lady, it seems the young emperor intends to involve the princesses in politics."
If our daughter can follow in the footsteps of the princesses, perhaps she will also achieve great things in the future.”
Upon hearing this, Princess Consort of Prince Dun became worried.
What if this woman gets involved in politics and causes some trouble?
What will those ministers think?
After all, this is something that has never happened before.
If those conservative ministers seize on this, it will be troublesome.
Seeing the worried look on his wife's face, Prince Dun gently comforted her:
"Princess Consort, don't worry, this young emperor looks young..."
But he wouldn't be easily manipulated; nothing the emperor set his mind to would fail to achieve.
After hearing what Prince Dun said, Princess Consort's worries were somewhat relieved.
She nodded and said:
"Your Highness is right. Since His Majesty has this plan, he must have his reasons."
If our daughters are successful, we won't have to worry about them anymore.
Prince Dun smiled and patted her hand, saying:
"That makes perfect sense. You should prepare well these next few days."
Tell your daughters to pack some clothes and personal belongings, and that they will be sent to the palace in a few days.
The Princess Consort of Prince Dun agreed, and the two then discussed some details about sending their daughter to the palace.
Meanwhile, after returning to his residence, Prince Zhuang also informed his wife of the matter.
The couple also felt this was a rare opportunity.
He decided to send his daughters to the palace to be trained by the Empress Dowager.
After Hongchang finished discussing various matters with Fucha Peiyun at Kunning Palace,
They then began to arrange the implementation of various tasks.