Free Web NovelChapter 2367: Chapter 2342: Earnest Instructions
Thus, the arrangements were made like this: Manbao handed the four Xi Cao to the Fifth Sister-in-law for her to arrange, Xi Cong was given to Zhou Lijun for teaching, and the other five were sent to Old Madam Liu.
Old Madam Liu paused for a moment before smilingly accepting them. Just as she was about to speak, Bai Shan and the others returned from outside with lively chatter, and Manbao immediately greeted them and ran out to find them.
Old Madam Liu sighed, thought for a while, and still sent Xi Bing and Xi Hua to attend to Manbao, while calling the two little girls Wu Yue and Jiu Lan from Manbao’s room, saying, "From now on, the four of you will take care of Miss Man together. How could there be a young lady outside without two or three maids by her side? Your Miss Man is still doing official work outside, only becoming busier, so the matters within this house will only increase, not decrease."
She continued, "Previously, it was to prevent the children from getting spoiled and developing bad habits, so many things were done by them personally. But now they have grown up and their personalities are formed, so there’s no need for that anymore. When Miss Man gets married and comes here, the household matters will only get more, so don’t worry about competing, there will be plenty for you to do."
The four immediately bowed their heads in agreement.
Old Madam Liu instructed, "While there’s still time, learn some skills from the stewards in the house. Not only needlework, but also kitchen duties should be learned, as they will be useful in the future."
She spoke a bit more, and after arranging the positions for the five, she dismissed them.
When only Nanny Liu and Ms. Zheng were left by her side, she said to Ms. Zheng, "In the future, you should manage this household."
Ms. Zheng looked at her mother-in-law in surprise; hasn’t she been managing the household all along?
Old Madam Liu said coolly, "I mean, in the future, you should make your own decisions in managing the household and not follow my instructions."
Ms. Zheng suddenly felt guilty, nervously clutching her handkerchief, "Mother, why are you suddenly bringing this up?"
Old Madam Liu sighed, "How many more days do I have? In the future, this family should be handed over to you to manage."
Ms. Zheng shook her head repeatedly, she couldn’t make decisions, "Isn’t Manbao still around?"
She whispered, "Didn’t mother say that in the future we should listen to Shanbao and Manbao regarding family matters?"
That’s what she said, but Manbao doesn’t seem like she would manage household affairs. Didn’t she see Manbao even bring people to find her when arranging the five maids?
Old Madam Liu thought for a while and said, "For major matters, we should indeed listen to Shanbao and Manbao; outside matters should be left to them, but household affairs are still for you to manage."
She explained, "You see, Manbao is an official outside, spending less than two hours at home a day besides sleeping. Those two hours are used for eating, reading, and handling official duties, so where is the time to manage household affairs? So from now on, you must manage these household matters."
Ms. Zheng nodded dumbly.
Old Madam Liu put down half of her worries, but half were still up because she suddenly remembered something. Manbao is now a fourth-ranked editor, seemingly having a higher official rank than her grandson. Though it’s harder for women to be promoted later on, with Manbao’s capability, she’ll surely advance further.
Household affairs are not difficult; there are people at home who can share the burden, but...
That night, Old Madam Liu called Bai Shan to talk, asking, "After the examination, do you plan on being posted abroad?"
Bai Shan nodded, "If there’s a suitable position, I’ll be posted abroad."
He said, "Looking at Scholarly Senior Brother Yang and Senior Brother Tang shows that initially being posted abroad to learn to handle administrative duties, and later returning to the capital is the way."
Old Madam Liu asked, "If you’re posted abroad, wouldn’t you and Manbao be separated in different places?"
She frowned tightly, "How can a couple be separated, and so far..."
Bai Shan then laughed, "Grandmother, don’t worry; Manbao and I have already discussed that if I’m posted abroad, she’ll also seek an external post. By then, we might be in the same place or close by, but not far apart."
"...What position will she be posted to abroad?"
"Perhaps a position within the local Imperial Medical Bureau," Bai Shan explained, "Last year, the Imperial Medical Bureau started operating in local areas; now several of her disciples are there, but they’re struggling. They write to say that they sometimes can’t even see patients due to guardedness from local pharmacies and that needy people do not trust the Imperial Medical Bureau, so few visit for treatment."
He continued, "The main duty of the Imperial Medical Bureau is handling public health events, but during peaceful times, it’s unlikely for epidemics to suddenly emerge, so they were only busy for a while during summer and then gradually relaxed. Some at court are proposing to abolish the Imperial Medical Bureau."
Old Madam Liu was astonished, "It’s only been a few years, why is there talk of abolition?"
"Therefore, we’re considering if Manbao applies for a management position at a local Medical Bureau, the Imperial Hospital and Director Xiao wouldn’t obstruct as long as His Majesty is willing to release her."
Old Madam Liu understood; the Imperial Hospital did not wish to abandon the Imperial Medical Bureau easily, so they hoped Manbao would salvage it. Once one location thrives, others can emulate and revive similarly.
However, "Will the Emperor agree?"
Not to boast, but though Manbao is young, her medical skills are famously excellent, and her reputation in the capital now surpasses Director Xiao. Even last year when she went to the Western Regions, people occasionally came seeking medical assistance.
Would the Emperor let her leave?
Bai Shan, full of confidence, said, "Moving with sentiment and reason, His Majesty is certain to agree." Not to mention Bai Er and Princess Mingda on their side.
He felt convincing the Emperor shouldn’t be difficult, but convincing the Crown Prince was challenging; the latter was much harder to persuade than the Emperor.
And Manbao is the personal physician for the Eastern Palace; even now, the Crown Prince’s closest physician is Manbao. Since her return to the capital, the Crown Prince summoned her to diagnose himself, and the Imperial Hospital, following his instructions, has entrusted the major checkups conducted every ten days to Manbao.
Hence Bai Shan worried about the Crown Prince’s side.
He pondered a bit and then curiously asked Old Madam Liu, "Grandmother, why did you suddenly bring up this matter?"
Old Madam Liu glanced at him and then said, "I wanted to inquire where you anticipated being posted so we can prepare in advance. When we move as a big family, we’ll need proper accommodations."
Bai Shan agreed with a nod, "Indeed, preparations should be made ahead."
Old Madam Liu then laughed and said to Bai Shan, "When the time comes, depending on the situation, I might not go; your mother can manage the household for you."
Bai Shan was taken aback and asked, "Why?"
Old Madam Liu explained, "The Bai Family has only recently returned to the capital; relationships here must be maintained. You’ll need connections in the capital when you’re outside."
"While I’m still able to look after things, I’ll help keep an eye out for a few more years, Shanbao, you must also strive hard."
Bai Shan nodded emotionally and leaned on his grandmother’s shoulder, saying, "Grandmother, rest assured."
