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

Chapter 1265: Chapter 1265: The Eldest Son-in-law

Zhou Shuren was very surprised by his son-in-law’s painting skills. He had to admit that he had paid little attention to this elder son-in-law, so, beyond his son-in-law’s personality, he knew very little about him.

Zhou Shuren sized up his son-in-law. After the son-in-law had become a Graduate, he seemed less tense, and his days became increasingly smooth.

Now that he was traveling around, he seemed more go-with-the-flow.

Zhou Shuren withdrew his gaze, put down the painting in his hand, and picked up the travelogue written by his son-in-law. His son-in-law had written it in great detail, not only describing the landscapes and experiences but also recording the lifestyles of the common people they’d passed, covering everything from clothing and food to habitation and travel.

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard. ”Next year, the Imperial court will increase its propagation of governmental policies. I think starting a public sentiment campaign would be good, letting the provinces know about the lives of people in other provinces. Promoting the good aspects vigorously could motivate other provinces’ development.”

Jiang Sheng was not stupid; he was just not very ambitious. ”Dad, are you saying my articles could be used for the campaign?”

Zhou Shuren pulled out one of Jiang Sheng’s pieces. ”This one is very good. You’ve described everything comprehensively, depicting the prosperity and the spirit of the people. The article is very positive and encouraging. Very good.”

Jiang Sheng gasped, quickly retrieving from his own paintings one that he had drawn to accompany the article. ”Dad, this is the village I painted.”

After viewing it, Zhou Shuren praised, ”Not bad, it can be used together.”

Jiang Sheng had never thought he would receive his father-in-law’s praise. After all, his father-in-law was the Minister of Revenue. Being very self-aware, he had never dared to hope for much attention from his father-in-law, yet he had always longed for his approval.

He had never imagined that, just as he was preparing to enjoy his future travels and leisurely days with his wife, he would earn his father-in-law’s approval.

Zhou Shuren picked out the good pieces and returned the rest to his son-in-law. ”These are all good; keep them carefully.”

He felt that if his elder son-in-law could continue with his current attitude, he might very well become a great master.

Zhou Shuren met his son-in-law’s gleaming eyes and after a moment of silence, he said, ”You’ve done very well.”

Jiang Sheng burst into excitement. Having received praise twice, and so straightforwardly, he felt he could die without regrets. ”Dad, I will definitely try harder in the future, and I absolutely won’t let you down.”

Zhou Shuren, ”!!”

Alright, he had ignored his elder son-in-law for too long. It was normal for him to be a bit overly excited.

That afternoon, when Zhou Shuren saw his younger son coming home lost in thought, he stretched out his restless hands, grasping his son’s cheeks and tugging at them.

Chang Xhong’s eyes widened. ”Ouch, ouch, dad, it hurts.”

Zhou Shuren, ”I didn’t hear you clearly. What did you say at the end?”

Chang Xhong was quick to react. ”Dad, dear dad.”

Only then did Zhou Shuren let go. ”What are you thinking about so deeply, boy?”

Chang Xhong explained everything about the places Qiao Yi had visited that day. ”Dad, Qiao Yi isn’t the primary heir; he won’t inherit much, but he’s paying attention to too many things. What the Western ambassadors focus on, what my brother mentioned, no one has been more attentive than Prince Qiao Yi.”

Zhou Shuren explained after listening, ”This means that if Prince Qiao Yi were to become Emperor, he would be an outstanding one.”

Chang Xhong, ”Hmm?”

Zhou Shuren continued, ”Under the rule of Western nobles, the lives of the poor are harsher. The fact that this Prince Qiao Yi is concerned about food shows that he sees more than just the status brought by nobility.”

Chang Xhong understood. ”He mentioned he will return after the New Year. Also, he brought a lot of gifts for me, I find the pens they use very convenient.”

Zhou Shuren wouldn’t stop his son from interacting with Qiao Yi. He hoped his son would use his own eyes to see the world.

Qin Prince Residence, the Empress Dowager’s health had improved significantly. She looked gloomily at her husband, ”I’m really fine now, you don’t need to watch over me.”

The Retired Emperor truly feared for her, holding his wife’s hand, ”Once you are completely healed, I will let you go out.”

The Empress Dowager, feeling helpless, said, ”I am not made of fragile glass.”

Unfortunately, in the eyes of the Retired Emperor, the Empress Dowager was even more fragile than glass. He was concerned about the Empress Dowager’s longevity.

The Empress Dowager was extremely bored. She wasn’t even allowed to write stories anymore, nor do anything else. She couldn’t even leave the residence to listen to stories. Suddenly she said, ”The New Year is coming, should we not return to the palace?”

It was the first year since their son had ascended the throne; the reunion year had significant meaning, and they definitely had to return to the palace.

The Retired Emperor said, ”There’s no rush. Once you are completely healed, we will go back.”

The Empress Dowager somewhat did not want to return to the palace; she had grown accustomed to the quiet.

At that moment, a Female Officer hurried in. ”News from inside the empress palace, the Fourth Prince was frightened.”

The Empress Dowager was fond of her direct grandson. The young boy was lively, and old people liked lively children. ”How is the child?”

The Female Officer responded hurriedly, ”He has taken some sleeping pills and gone to sleep. The Empress is watching over him.”

The Empress Dowager only relaxed upon knowing the child was fine, but her anger surged within, ”It seems they think the Empress has too many direct sons.”

Instantly, the Empress Dowager began to suspect a conspiracy; having seen too many schemes from the former harem’s leader.

The Retired Emperor remained silent. He had anticipated this situation; the status of a direct son inevitably spelled danger. He felt somewhat saddened by the fate of the royal lineage from generation to generation, and he was reminded again of the real nightmare he had experienced.

The Empress Dowager, not hearing her husband respond, turned her head and saw him silent. Realizing something, she sighed, ”Forget it, I won’t bother anymore. Let the Empress and the Emperor worry about it.”

The following day at the early court, Zhou Shuren was bewildered as he listened to the Emperor reprimanding Sir Lau over a minor issue. Sir Lau was the father of Consort Lau.

Not just Zhou Shuren but many ministers were somewhat stunned.

Zhou Shuren regained his composure, realizing the Emperor had made up his mind, perhaps preparing groundwork before the New Year?

After the court session, Zhou Shuren exchanged a look with Li Zhao, who left first. Zhou Shuren walked along with the Minister of Works.

The Minister of Personnel had been kept behind by the Emperor alone.

Once the news spread, Zhou Shuren came to understand the situation, particularly when Mr. Du was not only demoted but also transferred out of the capital.

There was much to ponder over today’s reprimands and the handling of harem affairs.

Although it was found out that Concubine Du was responsible, no one was fooled. Everyone quickly understood the connections.

Clearly, these maneuvers could not deceive the Emperor. Although he did not completely disgrace the Lau family today, he did not leave them much dignity either.

At the same time, the Emperor also used the occasion to send a clear message to the Imperial court.

In the Palace, within the Empress’s quarters, the Female Officer said, ”Concubine Du did not go to Consort Lau’s palace.”

The Empress hummed in acknowledgment. The Lau family had a good idea, scheming against a direct son and making Lady Du the scapegoat. If the scheme had succeeded, it would have left a prince without a mother and beholden to the Empress, perfectly controllable by the Lau family.

The Empress sneered sarcastically. The Lau family did not anticipate that she would protect Lady Du, believing Lady Du would not let the Lhaus off easy.

The handling by the Emperor subtly communicated his intentions. The Empress reflected on the Emperor’s words and thought of her own family, her gaze gradually firming up.