Chapter 40: The Husband Sings and the Wife Follows

  In April, the Jiangnan flowers were in full bloom and fragrant. The air was filled with the scent of roses, seemingly spreading everywhere unstoppable. At this time, Deng Zixuan stood on the stage holding a large spherical object, which had whistles attached to it, making people dizzy just by looking at it. There was also a bracket on the sphere and a fixed plate underneath. Deng Zixuan placed the sphere on the table, and as usual, the children stood up to show respect, then bowed. Now this group of children could see the difference. Some had grown taller than Deng Zixuan, while others didn't seem to have changed much, but they all looked more robust and healthy.

  Suddenly, Deng Zixuan's eyes widened because a familiar yet strange face appeared in the back row. Wan'er! Why are you here instead of staying at home to take care of the children? Deng Zixuan walked over to the back row and asked, Wan'er sat primly with a peach-blossom complexion. Husband, the children have their mother to take care of them, I'm at ease. From today on, I want to attend classes and learn! Wan'er said firmly. Deng Zixuan was somewhat surprised: Wan'er, learning is not an easy thing, my requirements are strict, I'm afraid you won't be able to bear it! What's unbearable, when you lectured, I secretly listened in, there's nothing difficult, don't worry, I won't let you have a hard time. Wan'er seemed to have changed into a different person. Alright then! Deng Zixuan shook his head helplessly, not wanting to say anything more in front of the children.

  Deng Zixuan walked up to the stage and looked around, saying: Today I'm going to popularize geographical knowledge. Geographical knowledge is crucial for your future. Look at this round model, it's the Earth. What's the Earth? Wan'er asked in surprise. Listen carefully, don't interrupt, and you'll get the answer later! Deng Zixuan glared at Wan'er, who made a silly face and stuck out her tongue. The students sat up straight, some of them with their mouths tightly closed, trying not to burst out laughing.

  They looked at this round ball, which is the Earth, and the Earth is our home. We live on the earth. No! The ground under our feet is flat, how can it be round? Wan'er couldn't help but interrupt again. Deng Zixuan was somewhat dissatisfied: Wan'er, have you ever sat on a boat at sea? No! Deng Zixuan was momentarily unable to come up with an analogy and became annoyed: You are not allowed to interrupt again, if there's anything you don't understand, I'll tutor you individually tonight! With that, Deng Zixuan took out another bright red ball...

  At night, Wan'er was holding the child and breastfeeding, while Deng Zixuan was patiently explaining to her how the Earth works. After half a day of explanation, Wan'er still didn't understand. Deng Zixuan felt a bit frustrated. Suddenly, she realized that geographical knowledge was a weakness for women, even those who had received higher education couldn't tell east from west, let alone Wan'er. Deng Zixuan thought to herself: Women have an advantage in language over men, so why not just let her learn English!

  Wan'er, the things of nature are too profound for you, so it's better if you don't learn them. Why don't you just learn English instead? Deng Zixuan asked tentatively. You want me to learn what foreigners say, but I don't like foreigners! In the future, we can't avoid dealing with foreigners, and maybe in many social situations, I'll have to bring you along, so learning a foreign language will be beneficial and harmless. Wan'er was delighted when she heard that her husband would take her along: Since it's like this, then I'll learn a foreign language. Tonight, start by teaching me the English alphabet. Husband, I'm willing to listen to your lesson, but can you still let me go listen to class? I promise not to interrupt again! This is what you said, if you disrupt the classroom discipline again, I will immediately drive you out!

  After a few days. Children, you see this is the coastline of the Qing Dynasty, from here to there are more than 20,000 kilometers, our country's coastline is so long, but we have no sea defense! Deng Zixuan solemnly continued: Thirty years ago, foreigners used big guns to open our national gates, ten years ago, foreigners landed and occupied the capital with guns and cannons, this is a shame for our Chinese nation. Therefore, you must work hard, study diligently and make great efforts. Only when we become strong ourselves can we stand up straight and earn others' respect...

  Husband, today you taught a lesson, although it was passionate and stirring, but they were all killing words! Wan'er said nervously. Wan'er, what I say in class is not allowed to be told to anyone. I tell the children about our humiliating past so that they can correctly understand history, establish their ambition to care for the world, and grasp their own destiny firmly in their hands. I want to cultivate them into useful talents, Wan'er, can you understand me? Wan'er nodded blankly: In the future, husband, peach blossoms will fill the sky, and your merits will be boundless!

  In May, the soap workshop was officially relocated to the north side of the manor, where it became a fairly large factory. The soap factory added several varieties, and since it was a high-end route, the sales target remained the noble class, so the benefits were very good. After Deng Zixuan's integration, costs plummeted. Although the price sold to Sheng Huai Xuan did not change, with the decline in costs, the factory's profits gradually thickened. Currently, there are many varieties of soap, including rose soap, orchid soap, and tea flower soap. The soap factory is currently managed by Biying and Danxia, and all the workers in the factory are still women.

  Wan'er sister, you've finally arrived! We were worried to death! Wan'er sister, have you forgotten about us? Deng Zixuan and his wife appeared in the factory, Biying and Danxia rushed up to them with excitement, their affection was palpable. Look at you two, already married but still so unruly! Wan'er scolded. Deng Zixuan looked at their lively faces and knew that they were doing well in their marriage. Biying, Danxia, is your husband treating you well? Is he bullying you? Wan'er asked softly.

  With my sister backing me up and my brother-in-law keeping them in line, they wouldn't dare! Biying said with a smile. It's just that sometimes she doesn't come back, leaving me to guard an empty house! Danxia muttered. Husband, you must discipline them, how can it be reasonable for Yan'er not to return home after the new marriage?! Wanyi began to cry out in discontent. A clean official cannot judge family matters, how can I control this kind of thing? Biying and Danxia, if you two are charming and have a multitude of charms, wouldn't they have reason to come back?! Deng Zixuan joked.

  Wan'er rebuked, "Husband, they are no longer my maidservants, but your brother's wives. According to the rules, you should address them as 'sister-in-law'. How can you speak like this? Biying, Danxia! Is there anything wrong with what I said?" Deng Zixuan suddenly realized that the two of them were relying on Wan'er's power and might be able to bully Xiaozong at home. Biying and Danxia exchanged a glance but remained silent.

  Deng Zixuan said bluntly: "Three Obediences and Four Virtues, you understand better than me. Don't think that just because Yuanyu is backing you up, you can be reckless. One day if my brother is dissatisfied with you and wants to divorce you, I won't take your side, and neither will Yuanyu." Biying and Danxia's faces changed color in shock. Yuanyu also jumped in fright, observing her husband's expression which didn't seem like he was joking.

  Wan'er reacted quickly: "Biying, Danxia, Brother-in-law is right. Now you two are not as free and easy by my side, you must serve your husbands wholeheartedly, don't make me worry!" "Yes, Miss, Brother-in-law!" Biying and Danxia knew they were in trouble. As they walked out of the soap factory, the couple headed towards the school, seeing Deng Zixuan looking somewhat sulky, Wan'er said: "Husband, you're angry, they won't be reckless."

  Deng Zixuan thought for a moment and said: Madam, family matters are not something men should worry about, so you need to take care of it for me. Now my stall is spread out so big, I don't want any fires in the backyard. So, you need to pay more attention to women's affairs, and with each passing day, there are more and more people getting married, you need to show more concern for them. Don't worry, husband! I will take care of it! Yuanyu nodded.

  Deng Zixuan said: Wan'er! I have an idea! What idea? After the Lantern Festival, we will recruit maids in the mansion, and try to recruit those who are naturally beautiful, with good looks and gentle temperament. After the maids arrive, we need to teach them to recognize characters and read. My business is getting bigger and bigger, in order to increase cohesion, our capable subordinates will take care of their marriage matters, from now on you will be in charge of this matter.

  Wan'er was surprised and asked: How many maids are being recruited? The more the better, you're in charge! Deng Zixuan said mysteriously. Wan'er agreed despite her doubts. As they spoke, the couple walked into the school, Chen Jintang heard the news and came out to greet them: Sir and Madam have arrived, the students are having class! Deng Zixuan said: I'll accompany my wife to take a look, since the start of school Wan'er hasn't been here yet!

  Wan'er gazed at the vast courtyard with delight: "Husband, you are truly all-powerful and great. A school was established just like that, and so many students were recruited, yet there isn't a single disturbance. Brother Chen is managing it really well!" Madame Xie praised, saying that everything was done according to Master's instructions. At this moment, Bai Sheng, Leng Yifei, Zhang Man Cang, and Wan Chuan rushed over upon hearing the news.

  A group of people entered Chen Jintang's office, and after they sat down, Deng Zixuan noticed that Zhang Manchuang and Wan Chuan looked listless and tired, while Bai Sheng and Leng Yifei were spirited and refreshed. Deng Zixuan immediately understood what was going on and said: "Bai Sheng, Leng Yifei! Come here!" The two of them stood up at the same time. Didn't you two go home last night?

  Bai Sheng and Leng Yifei exchanged a glance, saying: "As Mr. Hui said, we two were on patrol last night and it was too late to return." Nonsense! Yan Er's new marriage, leaving Jiao Niang at home is not decent. Are you dissatisfied with the lady? We are not dissatisfied! We are very satisfied with the lady! The two hastily replied, as Deng Zixuan's prestige grew, he had already become awe-inspiring without even being angry.

  I hereby issue a decree, without special circumstances, no one is allowed to linger in the school under any pretext. Brother Chen! From today on, set up a disciplinary team among the students, and the disciplinary team will be responsible for managing the students' daily routines! Yes! I'll take care of it right away! Chen Jintang said. At noon, my wife and I will have lunch here, and we will also have lunch with the students together! Everyone was shocked.

  At noon, the teacher was picked up by a horse-drawn carriage. Deng Zixuan accompanied his wife to inspect the students' dormitory. Although it was a large open room, the bedding and indoor cleaning were spotless and very clean. "I didn't expect the students' dormitory to be so tidy, it's really not easy," Yuanyu sighed. The students here not only need to learn knowledge and master the skills of being in society, but also need to cultivate good living habits by being strict with themselves, which will be very beneficial for their future life.

  Wan'er said: Husband, you're really thoughtful. Establishing a book academy and planning to build a school, do you really want to take the world's responsibilities on yourself? Madam! Being able to do something beneficial for the common people of the world is also my wish. Are you willing to go through life's ups and downs with me hand in hand, madam? Deng Zixuan stretched out his hand, Wan'er blushed slightly as she grasped her husband's hand, saying emotionally: I'm willing!

  Bai Sheng happened to come in and saw this scene, busily lowering his head. Is there something? Deng Zixuan asked. The cafeteria is ready on that side, please have dinner, sir and madam! Bai Sheng said. Deng Zixuan and Wanyu walked into the cafeteria, looking up, the area of the cafeteria was at least 1000 square meters, with many pillars supporting it in the middle. Ten students per table, all stood up at this time.

  Brothers, the master and mistress have come to visit everyone! Chen Jintang shouted loudly. Master and mistress are safe and sound! The students chorused in unison with great momentum. Deng Zixuan smiled and said: Everyone please sit down! Today I brought my wife just to take a casual look at everyone, don't be too formal! Wanyu also smiled and gazed at everyone, although she looked a bit nervous but performed very well.

  Suddenly, Deng Zixuan discovered that a portrait had appeared on the wall opposite him, and it was his own portrait. The self in the portrait seemed to be much stronger, with an extremely serious expression exuding a hint of majesty. Personal worship, although Deng Zixuan didn't like it, but at this time in this era, it was the only way to unite subordinates. If he wanted these people to be loyal to him, he had to subtly influence them, bit by bit. Chen Jintang did this in a reasonable manner; in this era, talking about ideals and ambitions with them was purely nonsense.

  Today, there is a dish of fish on the table, with four dishes and one soup. Deng Zixuan's dishes on the table are no different from everyone else's. Every week, students can have a meat meal. Since fish is very cheap, Lin Haisheng almost sends river fish and sea fish every day, so students can eat fish every two days. Deng Zixuan looks at this group of young people full of vitality, his heart filled with pride.