Chapter 428: Competition for the Post

Prince Chen Guanlou not only replaced the members of the Clan Elders' Council but also seized this opportunity to overhaul outdated clan customs, dismiss the clan accountant, and expand the size of the clan school.

All children in the clan aged six or older, regardless of wealth, may attend the clan school, with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone provided—though of inferior quality, suitable for poor families; wealthy families would never accept such learning tools.

In addition to learning supplies, two meals a day are provided—meager but sufficient to fill the stomach—and two sets of clothing annually: one spring robe and one winter cotton-padded jacket.

Prince Chen Guanlou declared that the Hou Fu would bear these extra expenses, with its own accountant managing the accounts, not the clan's; effectively, it operated as a separate ledger, leaving the Clan Elders' Council no way to interfere.

Master Du continued as the clan school's instructor, and another instructor was hired, along with a teaching supervisor—essentially a head of discipline, responsible for classroom order and the school's scholarly atmosphere.

The teaching supervisor would be hired from among the younger members of the Chen clan, offering the clan a job opportunity.

Uncle told him that at least twenty people were competing for the position, and asked Chen Guanlou whether he intended to apply.

Chen Guanlou laughed bitterly, "The job at Tianlaomiao already exhausts me—I have no energy to compete for teaching supervisor. Let this opportunity go to someone more learned."

"Does Guanxin want to compete for teaching supervisor? Do you think he has a chance?" Uncle asked as if casually.

Chen Guanlou replied offhandedly, "If he could control himself and quit gambling, his abilities would make him perfectly suited for teaching supervisor—he's been through Tianlaomiao; he knows how to manage people."

"I think so too. The Hou Fu pays eighty taels a year for this post—that's very high."

More than high—it's unheard of for any private school to be this wealthy.

A few years ago, Master Du earned only sixty to seventy taels a year in tuition; recently it rose, but only slightly above eighty taels.

Uncle continued, "During festivals, the Hou Fu also gives gifts worth considerable money. More importantly, the position is prestigious and deeply respected—hence the fierce competition."

Uncle only mentioned the obvious benefits.

The hidden advantages had yet to surface.

The invisible income from status and position, the small, scattered earnings—it all added up significantly. And with this role, one could enter and leave the Hou Fu, mingling with powerful figures; if unmarried, one might even find a good match through it.

Uncle also told Chen Guanlou, "The girls' school will resume, but only half a day per day. Girls should study and learn principles. Word is they plan to expand it—many married daughters want to send their daughters to the clan school. The Hou Fu is debating whether to expand the school. Actually, no expansion is needed—just connect the adjacent courtyard with a door, and it's enough."

"I heard about the girls' school from my elder sister—if it opens, my niece can come here to study instead of going to Master Su."

"Isn't Master Su good?"

"He's fine. But Master Su doesn't provide meals or writing tools. If it's free, why miss it?"

"Hahaha… true. If it's free, you shouldn't pass it up. But the Hou Fu hasn't decided yet how to handle the children of married daughters—whether they'll get free tuition too. That's still uncertain."

Chen Guanlou said, "It doesn't matter. If she's not free, I'll cover her tuition, meals, and miscellaneous fees."

"You're rich enough to afford it, so you're generous. But other families aren't as well-off. Do you think Guanxin can get the position?" Uncle was unsure.

The Hou Fu clearly intended to take control of the clan school, distrusting the Clan Elders' Council.

His plan to secure the position for his own son was now futile—he had to wait for the Hou Fu's decision.

Prince Chen Guanlou seemed easygoing and open to advice, but in truth, he was stubborn and refused to be swayed by personal favors.

In contrast, the eldest master appeared frivolous and disinterested in affairs, yet if someone came to him with a genuine plea, he usually helped—either by offering aid or simply giving money to solve the problem.

Chen Guanlou made up his mind and would not budge. Even if the Hou Fu's matriarch pleaded with him, he would be politely courteous but stand firm, leaving no room for compromise.

In just over a month since returning to the estate, the Second Branch had suffered several setbacks, with no one to cry to—after all, the prince was the rightful head, and no one could fault him.

What was this?

This was the power and authority of legitimate lineage. This was the code that all civil and military officials and scholars were bound to uphold.

The old emperor had broken the code everyone upheld—he would inevitably face retribution.

Chen Guanlou first asked about the applicant list, then said bluntly, "It'll be hard—the competition is too fierce."

Uncle sighed, "I know the competition is fierce, but I still hope for a miracle. Can you speak to the prince and recommend Guanxin? If you succeed, I'll repay you handsomely."

"Uncle, you overestimate me. What standing do I have? How could I possibly be in a position to recommend anyone to the prince? You need to approach someone in the Hou Fu—like the prince's personal servants. Their word carries more weight than anything else."

"I know that well. But I have no way to meet anyone close to the prince—they're all from the military, each one rigidly disciplined. Without the prince's order, they won't even accept silver gifts."

Uncle sighed repeatedly, helpless.

He had exhausted every connection he had—all ended in disappointment. That's why he'd come to Chen Guanlou like a fly without a head—he'd been foolish.

Chen Guanlou had no such influence, and even if he did, he wouldn't take on this matter.

Since it's a competitive hiring for something as vital as children's education, it must be decided by merit. Guanxin clearly has vices and moral flaws—he's unfit to be a teaching supervisor, and I fear he'll corrupt the children.

"Uncle, trust the prince's judgment—he'll choose the most suitable person for teaching supervisor."

Uncle gave a helpless smile—he feared the prince's judgment most. With the prince's exacting standards, Guanxin had no chance—he'd be eliminated in the first round.

Chen Guanlou drank several rounds with Uncle, got him thoroughly drunk, and the banquet ended.

Walking home under the winter wind, swaying drowsily.

He suddenly remembered Madam Pan.

On this romantic night, he needed Madam Pan to warm his bed.

Thus, that night, the Chen family courtyard once again lost its master.