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

Chapter 913: Chapter 913: The More You Gain, The More You Bear

Soon, a group of people arrived at the front yard. The Emperor had a thorough understanding of the Zhou residence, especially after discovering that Zhou Shuren was even more astute than he had thought, which increased his control over the Zhou residence.

The Emperor had a clear purpose, ”Shall we take a look at the study? I’ve heard your study is quite interesting.”

Zhou Shuren snorted inwardly. What ’heard’? Only the Duke Residence knew about his study, and the folks from the Duke Residence weren’t gossips. The Emperor was warning him; the Emperor knew everything, ”This official seldom visits the study. Nowadays, it is mostly used by my grandsons.”

The Emperor smiled, ”That’s why I say it’s interesting.”

The study in the Zhou residence was not large, and one could see everything at a glance upon entering the room. The Emperor’s goal was the bookshelf; he stood in front of it and looked over each shelf carefully, sometimes picking up a book to flip through, as comfortable as if he were in his own palace.

The Crown Prince, Yuguang, kept his eyes on Zhou Shuren, who truly seemed at ease, not at all afraid of the Emperor flipping through his books. Besides being better at surviving and managing connections in the capital, Zhou Shuren really hadn’t courted anyone, even the ministers he associated with were mostly neutral, with the remainder being clearheaded as well.

The Emperor spent quite some time in front of the bookshelf. When he put down Rongchuan’s notes, he did so reluctantly. He wanted to take them back for his collection, but in the end, he put them down. There was no rush; someday, he would surely move them all.

The Emperor sat down in a chair, ”Your methods of educating children have been greatly beneficial to me.”

”The Emperor flatters me. This official has also slowly figured it out through trial and error.”

The Emperor came to the Zhou residence with a purpose and naturally wouldn’t leave after just a short sit. He didn’t want to talk about court affairs, and the only thing they could talk more about was the children. He had a distinct memory of Zhou Shuren’s youngest son, ”I remember, I even gave your youngest son a jade pendant. I don’t know if the child still remembers it.”

The Crown Prince watched his father silently. That was his jade pendant!

Zhou Shuren thought, my son has a good memory, and said to Jingyan, ”Bring the young master here.”

The Crown Prince also spoke, ”Zhou, I would like to meet your eldest grandson as well.”

Last year’s battle had made him quite fond of the child.

This time, without Zhou Shuren’s instruction, Jingyan would bring Mingyun over.

Jingyan went to find the eldest son first, ”Eldest young master, the Crown Prince wishes to see you.”

Despite his mature youthfulness, Mingyun was still nervous. The Crown Prince and the fifth Prince were different; the Crown Prince was the heir apparent, the future Emperor, ”Do I look appropriate in these clothes? Does the Crown Prince have any taboos? Should I change into another outfit?”

Jingyan thought, the eldest young master is usually so stern-faced, now finally showing a reaction befitting his age, ”You don’t need to change out of these clothes, young master.”

As for the Crown Prince’s taboos, ahem, he didn’t know either!

Mingyun took a deep breath, ”Let’s go.”

After the eldest son left, Lady Li clutched her husband’s hand forcefully, ”Our son has gone to meet the Crown Prince?”

Zhou, the eldest, was also feeling a bit dizzy, ”Jingyan came to fetch him, it can’t be wrong.”

Lady Li screamed, ”Oh my heavens, our son has caught the eye of the Crown Prince at such a young age?”

Zhou, the eldest, first curled his lips in a smile, but then his concern grew dense, ”Mingyun won’t say anything wrong, will he?”

Lady Li became anxious too but then she remembered that the elder was there, ”With father around, nothing will go wrong.”

Ming Teng did not envy his older brother one bit. Being the eldest grandson already came with enough pressure, and now he had to meet the Crown Prince and the Emperor ahead of time. It was obvious that his brother would constantly face trouble in the future; between those vying for favor and those plotting, the thought alone was frightening.

Zhao’s wife also received the news. She wasn’t envious but thought being the eldest grandson was no easy role. She had watched how hard Mingyun worked, and suddenly felt that her son was doing just fine this way.

In the third household, Lady Dong envied her elder sister-in-law for having three sons. She didn’t wish to have a child like Mingyun; she would be satisfied with a child like her husband.

Su Xuan, on the other hand, remarked to her husband, ”As long as Mingyun, let’s not jinx it, as long as the child makes something of himself, his future could be smoother sailing than your trajectory as his uncle.”

Chang Zhi knew what his wife wanted to say, which was that those taken by premature death faced more risks and burdens. The heir received more, endured more, and also faced the most attacks and schemes.

The more remarkable Mingyun was, the more attention he attracted, and the more dangerous it became. Yet, once Mingyun overcame that, no one would be able to stop his nephew’s progress.

Chang Zhi said, ”Ming Teng and the others are fortunate.”

With Mingyun in danger, Ming Teng and the others had a stable environment in which to grow.

Su Xuan sighed in her heart. Her husband had changed a lot, but he still couldn’t compare with Mingyun, who had been rigorously trained from a young age. Even if she didn’t want to admit it, the fact was that Zhou Mingyun was the one Zhou Shuren invested the most passion and effort in throughout the entire Zhou family.

In the study, Mingyun and Chang Zhong greeted each other with proper respect. Chang Zhong had been reminded by his mother before arriving that he would be meeting the Emperor, the most powerful man.

Chang Zhong might not understand much else, but he knew that whoever had the most power was the boss.

Chang Zhong noticed that everyone was looking at his older cousin. Seeing that his father wasn’t looking at him, he stealthily moved his feet, positioning himself in front of his older cousin.

Zhou Shuren heard the noise, his son was already standing properly, puffing out his little chest. Zhou Shuren was at a loss for words, thinking that his son was too small and too short to block anything.

The Emperor had been paying attention to the little fellow all along. The child bearing the name he bestowed naturally commanded more of his affection. ”Why are you standing in front?” he asked.

Chang Zhong felt a bit afraid and turned around to look at his father. It wasn’t until his father reached out to pat his head that his fear vanished. ”I’m the little uncle.”

The Emperor laughed. The little uncle was looking out for his nephew. He said to Zhou Shuren, ”You have raised this child well.”

Zhou Shuren forced a smile. His upbringing did indeed play a part, but more so it was his son’s persistent belief that he was an elder, and the grandsons were willing to indulge Chang Zhong’s playfulness. The little one’s sense of being an elder was overwhelming.

The Crown Prince wanted to test Zhou Mingyun alone. ”Father, I wish to take a walk outside,” he said.

When the Crown Prince hinted at Mingyun, the Emperor knew what his son was thinking. ”Go ahead,” he said.

Zhou Shuren patted his eldest grandson on the shoulder and turned to the Emperor, ”Allow Mingyun to accompany the Crown Prince for a stroll. There are indeed some fine sights within the residence.”

Mingyun’s palms were sweaty. ”Please, Crown Prince,” he said.

The Crown Prince stepped out first, and after walking for a while, he stopped. ”Are you very nervous?” he asked.

Mingyun’s mind was quick. He candidly admitted, ”Yes.”

The Crown Prince liked honest children, especially those of this age. ”Don’t be nervous; I merely want to chat with you,” he reassured.

Mingyun didn’t believe him. The Crown Prince had glanced at him right after mentioning a walk, and it was his grandfather who had allowed him to come along!

In the courtyard where Xue Mei’s family lived, the elderly Jiang couple dared not speak but were excited in their eyes. The Emperor was visiting, and even if they couldn’t meet him, being in the same residence was a matter of honor.

Xue Mei was constantly nervous, unable to sit still, worried about her father, as well as her brother and her older nephew. She couldn’t calm down.

Jiang Zhu sensed his mother’s emotions and comforted her, ”Mother, don’t worry. With Grandfather here, there won’t be any problems.”

Xue Mei looked at her son. Her son idolized his father too much, which made his words carry little credibility to her!

Zhulan was waiting for news from the main courtyard, also pondering why the Emperor would come to the Zhou residence. She didn’t believe it was a coincidence. Coincidences might happen to anyone in the capital, but never to the Emperor.

Nurse Song entered, ”Dinner in the kitchen is ready.”

Zhulan thought for a moment and said, ”Each household will eat in their own courtyard today. Go tell the main courtyard and Jingyan.”