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

Chapter 1146: Chapter 1146: Making a Fuss to Pass the Days

The eunuch held the imperial decree in his hand and spoke, ”You will understand once you listen to the order, Sir.”

After Zhou Shuren listened, he understood, the Emperor wanted to elevate the Duke Ning Residence, Ning Zhiqi was moving from a nominal post to the Ministry of Revenue’s Ministry of Commerce. Once the Ministry of Commerce separates next year, its official positions will become clearer. Although it seemed at first like a demotion, he would actually be promoted after next year; familiarizing with it now is better than being lost next year.

The eunuch continued, ”The Crown Prince sent a message to you, Sir, hoping you could guide Mr. Ning more frequently.”

Zhou Shuren understood, ”I am clear.”

After the eunuch left, Zhou Shuren said to Ning Zhiqi, ”Don’t be nervous, someone will take you to get acquainted with the Ministry of Revenue first, and then the Ministry of Commerce.”

Ning Zhiqi was truly nervous. Not having outstanding talents, he thought he would always stay in a nominal position, but he didn’t mind as he still had his title. Suddenly being pushed forward, he felt both excited and apprehensive, ”Thank you, Sir.”

Zhou Shuren watched Ning Zhiqi, thinking how hard Ning Xu had worked to train him. Ning Zhiqi was much like his own eldest son, but due to different status, was held in much higher regard than Chang Li.

Zhou Shuren called someone over, and after Ning Zhiqi left, Zhou Shuren shook his head.

Having walked out the door and relaxed, Ning Zhiqi thought of Zhou Shuren, the father of his cousin, and the instructions from the Crown Prince to heed Shuren; plus, his grandfather and uncle always regarded Zhou Shuren highly. He felt as nervous as he had as a child in front of his teacher just now.

But he wasn’t nervous anymore. He had time to observe the Ministry of Revenue, with its many officials and busy work. Furrowing his brows but then relaxing, with his uncle’s training over many years, he still had some confidence.

A few days later in Zhou Family Village, they already knew about the golden list. The one delivering the good news to Zhou Family Village spoke of ancestors’ blessings. Heaven knows, Shuren’s branch moved their ancestral graves, and he was afraid that the feng shui would be broken, fearing that Shuren’s branch would no longer be lucky.

But now they could rest assured, another second-place scholar had emerged. It was a pity it wasn’t the Top scorer, but with a foundation of being second in the provincial exams, and with Zhou Shuren’s own progression from second-place scholar, in the old Clan Leader’s heart, second-place scholar was actually better than Top scorer.

The old Clan Leader was truly happy, and there was another who had obtained the degree, a great joy for the clan. As for Ming Qing not passing, the Clan Leader did not care; there would be another chance in the future.

But amidst the great happiness, the old Clan Leader did not wake up that night and had passed away.

When Zhulan received the urgent letter a few days later, she was left with a mixed feeling. Having just met him, another person was gone. For the old Clan Leader who served the family, she held respect.

Zhulan instructed the steward to ensure the household observed vegetarianism for the next few days.

Zhou Shuren only found out when he returned home that evening and was silent for half an hour, ”He has no regrets now.”

Zhulan, ”Yes, no regrets now.”

That evening, for the first time in a long time, the couple didn’t talk at all. They lay in bed in silence, reflecting on the past. When they fell asleep, they weren’t sure, but they both woke up the next morning not feeling well.

Lady Zhao, meticulous and careful, feared her mother-in-law might overthink and harm her health, ”Mother, with spring approaching, why don’t we stay at the villa for a few days?”

She had long noticed her mother-in-law’s reluctance to leave the home; unless necessary, her mother-in-law did not wish to step out of the main courtyard.

Zhulan was somewhat tempted, but with Ming Jing by her side and unknown dangers, she shook her head, ”No, let’s not go.”

Lady Zhao wanted to insist, but Su Xuan interrupted, ”If Mother doesn’t want to go, then it’s settled. Last year, my elder sister-in-law’s vegetables did well, does Mother want to try growing some?”

Zhulan laughed, ”It’s still a bit early, but all right, I know you are worried about me. Rest assured, I’m fine.”

After some more conversation, Lady Zhao and Su Xuan went out. Lady Zhao, not understanding, asked, ”Why did you stop me, sister-in-law?”

Su Xuan whispered, ”Did Second Sister-in-law forget the assassination attempt? It’s better our parents don’t leave the capital.”

Lady Zhao realized and was startled, thankful she hadn’t persuaded her mother-in-law. Her father-in-law cared so much for her mother-in-law; if something happened because of her suggestion, not just her father-in-law but even her husband would not let her off.

Su Xuan looked at her second sister-in-law, ”Second Sister-in-law, why do I feel that you’ve gained quite a bit of weight?”

Lady Zhao, ”Is that so? Perhaps because my second brother is at home, I have been eating well and not worrying about things.”

Su Xuan, ”Even so, it’s more noticeable this month.”

Her attention had always been on her husband, so she hadn’t paid much attention to her second sister-in-law, but compared to the New Year, she had gained a lot of weight.

Lady Zhao paused, feeling her waist and face, her expression froze, and then her eyes widened, ”I must call for the doctor.”

Su Xuan was clever and, noting her sister-in-law’s hands over her lower abdomen, understood, ”Indeed, you should call for the doctor.”

Two hours later, Zhulan received the news that Lady Zhao was over two months pregnant. Surprised, she came to the second wife’s room, ”You’ve been a mother several times, how did you not notice?”

Lady Zhao touched her belly, ”My periods are always regular, they came every time, so I didn’t realize.”

Zhulan asked, ”What did the doctor say?”

Lady Zhao blushed, having moved the fetus, ”I need some fetus-preserving medicine.”

Zhulan, ”....”

Oh, what a commotion. This couple was truly spirited, desiring children.

Lady Zhao’s face flushed red, embarrassed after recalling the awkwardness of her fourth sister-in-law and feeling like her whole body was burning up, ”Mother.”

Zhulan was composed, ”You know the situation. I have nothing to instruct. I’ll be going back.”

Lady Zhao let out a sigh, fanning herself with her fan to cool down her blush. Once her embarrassment subsided, she was filled with joy, a child.

In Xuzhou Province, Lady Dong had just seen the doctor off. She was unexpectedly pregnant again. She and her husband had been careful, thinking their child was still young, wanting to wait until he was older.

The maid was elated, ”This time it must be a young master. Let’s see who will gossip then.”

Lady Dong no longer cared about the gossip. Ever since she cut off from the Zhao family, Zhao Ji’s mother didn’t leave after the New Year. That old lady had a sharp tongue, and she had become old; Lady Dong didn’t want to be harsh. The sharper the criticism, the more indifferent the old lady became, so Lady Dong stopped bothering.

Lady Dong touched her belly; she too hoped for a son. Even with her husband’s support, she still wanted to avoid the gossip and trouble, ”Bring me paper and pen, I want to write a letter back to the capital.”

Inside the capital’s palace, the person the Crown Prince sent to Pingzhou had sent a letter back, having found the Shi family’s elder and already embarked for the capital.

The Emperor and the Crown Prince exchanged a glance, both remaining silent. One would only bring someone back if they had discovered something significant. The letter also mentioned picking up someone on the way back, so it would take some more time.

The Emperor put down the letter, ”Send word to Yu Dang. No, wait until the people arrive in the capital and are verified before saying anything.”

The Emperor also asked the Crown Prince, ”Is Zhang Yang continuing to act recklessly at home?”

The Crown Prince, ”Yes, he continues to act out.”

The Emperor did not believe that Zhang Yang, knowing the truth about his identity, was living recklessly out of disillusionment; he did not believe Zhang Yang bore no grudge, ”Have someone watch him more closely.”

The Crown Prince would not be negligent, ”Understood.”