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

Chapter 1056: Chapter 1056: Nightmare

Wang Lao Si’s tone was somewhat stiff, ”You are the elder sister, the only one your younger brother can rely on is you. If you help your brother now, wouldn’t you also have someone to rely on when he becomes successful in the future?”

Wang Rong sneered inwardly, ”I have a son.”

If it hadn’t been for her own fertility keeping her husband somewhat affectionate towards her, and because of her family’s way of handling things, she would have been repudiated by her in-laws long ago. To still consider them a support was nearly laughable; Wang Rong felt that even speaking was a waste of breath. She let down the carriage curtain and said to the coachman, ”Let’s go.”

Wang Lao Si was so angry he was jumping up and down, ”Disrespectful, disrespectful.”

Su Xuan stood in the yard, able to hear the cursing not far away, feeling stunned, and found it offensive to the ears.

Steward Ding had heard and seen plenty of excitement in Zhou family village and even paid extra attention to the Wang Lao Si family, who had some grievances with their main family. He whispered the background story to the Magistrate.

Su Xuan’s eyes widened in surprise, so there was such a story.

In a teahouse in the capital, Yao Zheyu couldn’t figure out why Mr. Zhou had invited him for tea, as it had always been him inviting Mr. Zhou, who never bothered with him. Now, he had drunk almost a whole pot of tea, while Mr. Zhou sipped his tea, listened to music without showing any intention of conversation. Yao Zheyu’s stomach was bloated with water; continuing to drink would be unbearable for him, ”Is Mr. Zhou in a good mood today?”

Zhou Shuren smiled, ”Can you tell?”

Yao Zheyu forced a smile, Mr. Zhou’s good mood was too obvious, ”Has Mr. Zhou encountered some happy event?”

Zhou Shuren put down the dried fruits he was holding, ”Today, I took my uncle’s grandson to meet Mr. Li. It couldn’t be helped; the child wanted to join the Navy but was a bit too young, so we decided to send him to train in the military camp for a year first. Now that it’s settled, how could I not be delighted?”

Yao Zheyu pinched the teacup, he too wished to join the Navy. He had found out some things, and recently he had become highly valued, but the Emperor still showed no signs of letting him leave the capital. He calmed his mind, ”The gentleman earlier, that was him, right?”

Zhou Shuren nodded, ”Yes, that child is skilled in martial arts. I believe he will make a name for himself. By the way, congratulations to the Princely Heir for the recent trust placed in you.”

Yao Zheyu’s smile was somewhat strained, ”Thank you, Mr. Zhou.”

Zhou Shuren seemed to chat casually, ”The Princely Heir must be quite busy recently, with many issues arising within the Yao family. Look, even though today is a day for celebration, I shouldn’t bring up such topics.”

Yao Zheyu remained silent, he was well aware of the Yao family’s situation, even clearer that it was no accident but the Emperor’s intentions.

Zhou Shuren was listening to the storyteller below and then added, ”Yang Wen is quite capable, and with the full support of my great uncle and no burdens within the family, this child will surely not go wrong as long as he lives. The Princely Heir is at the Ministry of War, has led troops in battle, and knows many people. When the time comes, I hope the Princely Heir can take good care of this child.”

Yao Zheyu finally understood why Mr. Zhou had suddenly invited him for tea—it was all for the sake of this child, Yang Wen. He felt a sourness in his heart, ”With Mr. Zhou looking after him, Yang Wen’s future cannot go wrong.”

Zhou Shuren raised his cup in a gesture, ”I toast the Princely Heir.”

Yao Zheyu felt the tea, which was not very bitter to begin with, turn exceptionally bitter in his mouth. How good it would be to not be the Princely Heir now. With the Emperor turning against the Yao family, he could only watch helplessly as, in recent days, his wife had been too scared to even leave their residence. He now envied Yang Wen for having no burdens.

Zhou Shuren kept an eye on Yao Zheyu out of the corner of his eye and then looked away. Yao Zheyu could not escape his background; to protect himself, he had to do much more. Zhou Shuren curled his lips into a smile and continued listening to the storyteller.

At the Zhou residence, Zhulan received a letter from Xuzhou Province, from Chang Lian. The letter was for Zhou Shuren and spoke about some situations in Xuzhou.

In the Yao residence, Yao Wenqi was not sick, but he was quite haggard. He rarely dreamed, and nightmares were even rarer. After the Yao clan’s incident, he had been plagued by continuous nightmares, seeing the deceased spirits of his clan, dreaming of seas of fire, of people struggling in agony as they died, their clothes charred, their skin burning, with people rolling everywhere trying to extinguish the flames on their bodies, screams incessant.

Yao Wenqi closed his eyes. He did not believe in gods or Buddhas, and he was not a fragile person inside. He furrowed his brows, scoffing at the fact that he had recurring nightmares.

Inside the Palace, Rongchuan, who had taken several days off, returned to the Hanlin Academy, and today entered the Palace for the first time. The government hall, where he usually felt at ease, was now quite uncomfortable for him. He kept telling himself over and over that he had figured things out, to let things take their course—yes, to let things take their course.

He did not want to continue guessing and troubling himself, causing Xue Han to worry. He was going to be a father, and all he needed to remember was that he was the support for his wife and child.

The Emperor continued his carving. He was indeed able to calm his mind, and he was pleased with his youngest son’s reaction. Rongchuan was strong-willed; Zhou Shuren had indeed raised the child well.

The Crown Prince sat on the other side, flipping through the Zhezi. Now that the Emperor had completely let go, he was becoming more adept at his duties. The feeling of holding power was too wonderful, but he had to remind himself constantly to stabilize.

The father and sons within the hall did not disturb each other, but the harmony was exceptional.

The Emperor was in a good mood. The most challenging part that would usually be ruined, he today carved successfully and couldn’t help but laugh heartily, ”I really do have a talent.”

The Crown Prince did not have the heart to disappoint the Emperor. The Emperor truly lacked any talent; he was the classic case of having poor hands-on skills, yet insisting on persevering with carving. If it were up to him, he would just draw the designs and have the craftsmen do the carving.

The Emperor, showing off, picked up his work, ”Come, take a look. How do you think my carving turned out?”

The Crown Prince said something insincere, ”This is the best carving I have ever seen.”

The Emperor was somewhat self-aware, rounding out the conversation for himself, ”This Jade Pendant is imbued with my filial piety; indeed, it is the best.”

Rongchuan scrutinized the pattern, hmm, you could make out the design now, but it looked somewhat ugly. Still, this was the Emperor’s filial piety, ”Indeed, it is the best carving.”

At the teahouse, Zhou Shuren felt that his chat with Yao Zheyu was sufficient, having given quite a few psychological suggestions. He was in a good mood and ready to go home, but as he left the teahouse, he ran into Zhang Yang and Shi Qing.

Zhang Yang was somewhat surprised, ”Mr. Zhou, have you taken a day off today?”

Zhou Shuren, ”I took leave today.”

Zhang Yang turned his attention to Yao Zheyu. This Princely Heir had always been avoiding him. Why was Zhou Shuren together with Yao Zheyu?

Zhou Shuren glanced at Shi Qing, who nodded in acknowledgment.

Zhou Shuren took his eyes back and said with a smile, ”There has been so much happening recently that I almost forgot to congratulate Your Highness on becoming a father. Please accept my congratulations.”

Zhang Yang’s expression turned cold, and his hand formed a fist inside his sleeve. Ever since his concubine became pregnant, whether the child was his had always been hinted at by his elder brothers. Now, instead of happiness upon hearing about the child, he felt only irritation and was fraught with worries.

Zhou Shuren was in an even better mood, ”Your Highness doesn’t seem to be happy. Look at me speaking out of turn. I shall take my leave.”

Zhang Yang, ”...”

He truly detested Zhou Shuren!