Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!

Chapter 663: 663 Chapter: Need Silver_1

Chang Lian was at a loss for words, ”You really are exceptionally practical.”

Rongchuan spread his hands, ”There’s no helping it, my childhood experiences are imprinted too deeply in my memory. Even though these years I’ve eaten well and dressed well, and never lacked for silver, in my heart, only silver truly gives me peace of mind.”

Although the experiences from that year had been come to terms with, they still remained nightmares. The taste of hunger, he would never forget.

Chang Lian patted Rongchuan’s shoulder, ”It’s just a pity that this antique can’t be sold, after all, it was a gift from Marquis Ning.”

Rongchuan was very regretful, ”That’s why it’s a pity.”

It was only after hearing Rongchuan’s words that Zhulan realized what she had neglected. Zhang Datie and his family, they must have sent someone to investigate. What Zhang Datie and his family did couldn’t be erased, and a child from a noble family treated in such a way would normally have wiped out the Zhang family, not to mention the most elite royal family.

Zhulan felt that Zhang Datie and his family were doomed. She didn’t believe that Rongchuan’s parents would let go of Zhang Datie and his family just because Rongchuan said to write it off. Perhaps they wouldn’t act openly, but behind the scenes, who knows? However, whether Zhang Datie and his family could survive, a faint hope still rested on Rongchuan.

Zhulan sat and listened to Rongchuan and Chang Lian chat. Initially, Chang Lian truly disliked Rongchuan, but now the two of them got along the best.

Zhulan glanced at the maid standing at the door, right, everyone in the household was the Emperor’s person. They hadn’t acted before because there wasn’t anything in the Zhou residence worth acting on, but now they had Rongchuan.

Recalling what Rongchuan had just said, Zhulan lit a candle for Zhang Datie and his family. Rongchuan might have just been reminiscing, but those listening wouldn’t think so. For sure, if it were her own son who had been mistreated from his childhood, she would have been ruthless too, without apology.

Lady Dong came with two lists of gifts, ”Madam, they have all been recorded.”

Zhulan looked at Lady Dong, who was joyful inside and out. Indeed, with Chang Lian having obtained his degree through the proper channels and a father who was an official, this difficult first step had been taken. From now on, things would go smoothly, and Lady Dong was now an official’s wife herself.

Among the four daughters-in-law, Lady Dong had leapt ahead to become an official’s wife first, which held a different significance.

Zhulan took the gift lists and handed Rongchuan his copy, ”Rongchuan, keep the gift list for yourself.”

Rongchuan took it, ”Alright.”

He had seen all these gifts, and they could all be included in the dowry.

Zhulan continued, ”Don’t look at the gifts now, seal them up first. The food in the kitchen should be ready, let’s eat first.”

As her words fell, Granny Song came in with people to seal the congratulatory gifts.

The meal was lavish, with a full twenty dishes, all arranged by Lady Dong. Lady Dong said, ”Twenty dishes, two sets of perfection, hoping that my husband and Rongchuan will have a smooth sailing future.”

Zhulan thought to herself that Chang Lian’s luck was indeed good, prospering all the way with Rongchuan’s help. His official career would surely benefit as well.

Chang Xhong also held a small wine cup, offering his toast with proper decorum, ”Even though what’s in brother’s cup is water, it’s the sentiment that counts. Congratulations to third brother and my brother-in-law.”

Zhulan was surprised. Chang Xhong had asked for a small wine cup, which Zhulan thought amusing and agreed to. That phrase wasn’t taught by her; it was her son’s own thinking, and in her heart, she was moved. Truly, the environment shapes a person, and Chang Xhong’s early interactions had destined the child to be precocious.

Hearing these words, Chang Lian felt a tickle in his heart, ”Thanks, little brother.”

He too wished for a son. If his son could be as smart as his little brother, he felt he would die without any regrets.

Rongchuan, now a Third-rank Scholar, was emboldened. This was his capital, and even facing his unknown heritage, he could stay composed. He smiled and said, ”Thank you, little brother.”

Zhulan arched an eyebrow, Rongchuan was very smart. He must have guessed his background was not simple, yet still set his heart on Xue Han. Zhulan was glad she hadn’t misjudged Rongchuan; this child wasn’t one whose heart would be swayed by wealth and status.

Lady Dong, holding her daughter, said, ”Yu Yi here also congratulates father and little uncle.”

Chang Lian saw his daughter’s adorable expression as her brow relaxed and her eyes smiled, feeling a soft warmth in his heart, ”Yu Yi, grow up quickly.”

Lady Dong was now especially content, grateful to her father for choosing her a good match, and with that thought, she felt she could treat her nephew a little better.

The Zhou family was having a harmonious and joyous meal, chatting while they ate.

Inside the Palace, within the empress chamber, things weren’t so pleasant. Originally, the Emperor and Empress dined together, intending to celebrate their younger son’s achievements, which brought joy to them as parents.

The Emperor wanted to surprise the Empress and had someone report back on Rongchuan’s situation after returning to the Zhou residence.

At first, the imperial couple was quite happy, but as they listened to Rongchuan’s account, their mood soured, and the atmosphere became particularly heavy.

The Emperor gestured for the storyteller to leave, ”This child has suffered too much.”

Ever since the Empress learned about Rongchuan, she called her third brother and gained a deeper understanding of Rongchuan. The more she understood, even without meeting him, all signs proved that this child was her son; now only a face-to-face meeting was left.

While the Empress was happy, she also felt extraordinary heartache. Hearing Rongchuan’s words, her eyes reddened, ”Third brother, too, what’s with sending antiques? Why not give Silver instead?”

The Emperor was already furious, but hearing the Empress’s words, he laughed, ”Who gives Silver directly as a gift? If Marquis Ning gives Silver, isn’t that a slap in the face?”

The Empress was discontented and stood up, only to sit down again shortly after, ”I’ve given all the savings, estates, and shops I had to Jingchen. Now, all I have is what you’ve given me, so I really don’t have much Silver. The royal supplies can’t be sold.”

Upon doing the math, the Empress realized she didn’t have much Silver Coin. Had she known, she might as well have accepted the Silver Coin offered as tribute.

Listening to the Empress tally her household finances, the Emperor said, ”I have it.”

The Empress’s eyes lit up, ”Right, the Emperor has it.”

The treasures in the Emperor’s private coffers were not yet allocated to any of his sons!

The Emperor chuckled softly, having not seen the Empress so straightforward or lively in many years, ”I’ll save it for the child for now. When the time comes for us to recognize each other, I’ll give it to him.”

The Empress was delighted, ”Or, could you give me some first? You see, you can’t just give rewards, but I can. If you give me more, I have my ways; giving Silver will suffice.”

The Emperor wasn’t troubled with Silver in recent years; the true hardship was in the earlier years, with the Imperial court constantly short of Silver. The Emperor had treasures but couldn’t sell them, and the treasury lacked Silver.

But now, the situation improved, and the Emperor had Silver.

The Emperor was curious, ”After all these years, this is the first time you’ve asked me for Silver.”

In the past, the harem was always frugal, and the Empress had never asked him for Silver.

The Empress smiled, ”This is for my son.”

The Emperor was grateful in his heart, thankful for Rongchuan’s return; otherwise, the lifelong rift might never heal.

After her delight, the Empress inquired, ”How should the Zhang family be dealt with?”

Their most awaited son had been mistreated in such a way; it was unforgivable.

The Emperor said, ”That family should be taken away first, to prevent future investigations. It’s better to keep them under control. However, their lives should be spared for now. Let Rongchuan deal with them later.”

The Empress’s eyes brightened slightly, ”Rongchuan will stay in the capital, right?”