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

Chapter 1232: Chapter 1232 Rongchuan’s Thoughts

Zhou Shuren and Zhulan exchanged glances, and Zhou Shuren asked, ”What’s the matter?”

Xue Han looked at Rongchuan, who repeated what he had said at the Duke Residence, ”That’s the situation.”

Zhulan finally understood why her daughter was hesitating to speak, ”Adoption?”

Rongchuan looked at his father-in-law with unease in his heart. He had originally planned not to return to the royal family, which he found to be quite good. However, his mother had said the Emperor had already drafted a title for him, and realizing his mother’s longing, he knew he could only return to the royal family.

He then heard the Emperor’s promise, and his plans became clearer. Despite his own desires, he hoped someone would carry on his uncle’s legacy and honor his affection as father and son.

Therefore, today he shared his thoughts with his uncle and grandfather, leaving the decision to his uncle and grandfather, and he clearly saw the surprise in his uncle’s eyes.

He recalled the emotions in his uncle’s eyes when they met earlier that day, and it left an uncomfortable feeling in his heart. Upon hearing his uncle’s choice, the weight in his heart was finally lifted.

Yet, in his heart, his father-in-law was also his father, and he feared that Zhou Shuren might think he was doing something inappropriate, which also involved Xue Han.

Zhou Shuren’s eyes were gentle, and he was relieved that Rongchuan maintained his affectionate nature. Rongchuan would be a Prince in the future, and being affectionate wasn’t a bad trait. Seeing Rongchuan eagerly awaiting his response, he couldn’t help but smile, ”Do I seem like a close-minded person?”

Rongchuan shook his head vigorously, grinning, ”Father is the most understanding and reasonable person.”

Zhou Shuren said, ”You wish to adopt your and Xue Han’s second son, which is a sign of your strong sentiment. But having children isn’t something that can simply be done at will. Xue Han has just given birth to Lin Xi, so it’s harmful for a woman to give birth in succession. Moreover, there’s no guarantee that the next child will be a boy. Do you understand what I mean?”

Rongchuan replied earnestly, ”I understand. I’ve also made it clear to my uncle that if he doesn’t have a second son waiting, as long as I have one, the child will still be adopted. If I am not destined to have a second son, my uncle said the title can be returned to the royal family.”

Zhou Shuren knew that Rongchuan understood clearly, and there wasn’t much more to say, ”Have you discussed this with the Emperor?”

Rongchuan replied, ”Before I left the Palace today, I spoke with the Emperor and Empress, and they respect my wishes.”

Zhulan then looked at her daughter. She had no experience with adopting out her children, unlike Lady Li, who, being broad-minded and knowing it was good for Ming Teng and that he wouldn’t be leaving home, had completely let go.

But for her sensitive daughter, adopting out her son would assuredly leave an unpleasant taste in her mouth.

Xue Han initially felt bitter upon hearing the news, but later, considering her uncle’s kindness towards them and her husband’s prior consultation with her, knowing that the idea would be abandoned if she didn’t agree, her heart felt much lighter.

Inside the Palace, the Empress and Emperor were playing chess, discussing Rongchuan’s thoughts. The Empress said, ”I sensed Rongchuan wanted to stay with the Ning family. It was I who constantly whispered in his ear, hoping for his return. After all, we are one family, and even though I know the third brother treats Rongchuan as his own, I still hoped my child would receive what he deserves.”

Ever since the palace coup, the Empress had not seen anyone from the Ning family. Didn’t the third brother wish to make a final attempt? He did, but she had cut off all ties, and her father and third brother understood.

The Emperor asked, ”Did you guess Rongchuan would think of adoption?”

The Empress, with a smile at the corner of her mouth, replied, ”Didn’t the Emperor think of it too? Otherwise, why would you say that the title of Marquis should not be replaced for three generations? I only wanted my son to return. It’s out of my hands if my son, being compassionate, adopts out his grandson.”

She was a mother, a mother whose heart had been tormented. She just wanted to hold on to her son; he was her child, born to enjoy everything–all that belonged to Rongchuan.

The Emperor said, ”Now it’s good, the Ning family is satisfied, and Rongchuan can let go of his guilt.”

The Empress thought of her father. Indeed, her father and third brother were both satisfied, adopting a child was not only about preserving a noble title, but also bringing home a ”peace charm” for the glory and prosperity of the Ning family.

Time flew quickly, and the war in the south had ended. The Crown Prince had effectively used fire in battle, striking a blow against the foreign tribes that they would not recover from for a hundred years—a century was enough time to fully absorb the foreign tribes.

The Ministry of Revenue also dealt with confiscated properties, selling the residence of the Yao family and adding a sum of silver to the national treasury.

Speaking of revenues, the amount of silver brought back from the attack on the islands was not substantial. Ever since the Zhang family lost several quick methods of obtaining silver, they spent silver like water, never managing to save any.

As for the initial cargo ships, they had long been sold by the Zhang family, and the silver coins were also spent.

Today, the Ministry of Revenue was uncommonly idle, Qiu Yan gossiped, ”I heard they are hurrying to make a batch of official robes.”

Saying this, Qiu Yan’s eyes never left Zhou Shuren. After the palace coup, Zhou Shuren controlled the entire Ministry of Revenue, and Minister Xiaolai rarely came to the government office anymore, leaving the power still firmly in Zhou Shuren’s hands—all now laid out in the open.

Zhou Shuren knew a bit. When he reported yesterday, the Crown Prince had casually mentioned it. This was no longer a hint but an explicit statement. Moving up from Third Rank, bypassing the Deputy Rank, straight to Second Rank, Zhou Shuren was getting close to being a first-rank official.

But he knew in his heart that he would remain in the position of Minister of Revenue for a long time.

Zhou Shuren said, ”I’ve heard about it too.”

Qiu Yan spoke somberly, ”It’s just unknown who will take the position of Vice Minister of Revenue at that time.”

Zhou Shuren turned the officials of the Ministry through his mind and really found no suitable person. He felt that the Crown Prince, upon ascending to power, would arrange for his own people in the Ministry, ”We will know when the time comes.”

At that moment, Zhou Shuren was suddenly summoned to the Palace. Seeing the eunuch’s urgent appearance, Zhou Shuren realized a serious issue had arisen.

By the time Zhou Shuren arrived at the Palace, many officials already stood in the study. Seeing Rongchuan there with a grave expression, Zhou Shuren then glanced at several Imperial Physicians, and his mind began to speculate.

The Emperor and the Crown Prince were both present. Once everyone had arrived, the ministers finally learned what had happened. An outbreak of smallpox had occurred at Xuzhou Port.

Zhou Shuren’s mind buzzed—the Chang Lian family was in Xuzhou.

Moreover, one could only fight hard against smallpox at this time, unlike in the modern era where it had been eradicated.

Zhou Shuren especially wanted to slap himself; how could he forget smallpox, this great killer? It had been transmitted from overseas a long time ago. There had been records of it as early as the fourth year of Yonghui; Zhou Shuren stroked his beard and thought hard about how it was written in the books he had read.

Zhou Shuren’s brows furrowed tightly and his head ached with thought, but he couldn’t recall. He was just thankful that he could remember the fourth year of Yonghui at all. If it was documented that early on, then there should be preventative measures and some medical treatments.

Zhou Shuren pursed his lips; he knew about cowpox, oh, and he couldn’t help but recall the historical turning point of the previous dynasty—they never mentioned cowpox.

The Emperor’s expression was very serious. The records of smallpox from the previous dynasty were scarce. He rubbed his forehead, ”Xuzhou has already thoroughly investigated the source.”

It was the first occurrence of smallpox since the founding of the dynasty, and the Emperor did not believe that smallpox would appear in Xuzhou without reason.

The Emperor thought of the frequent dealings with merchants from various countries, their slaves, and he was aware of quite a few. Pinggang, established as a port more recently than Xuzhou, was bustling due to its proximity to the capital. Because of this closeness, the defenses against the merchants and their slaves disembarking were very strict.