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

Chapter 1288: Chapter 1288 Causing Trouble

Several days later, for the two vacancies in the Ministry of Rites, Zhou Changyi and Gu Zhuomin applied, along with Scholar Zheng Qing from Hanlin Academy, and another was a Seventh-rank Official from the Ministry of Works, whose department was not only for the diplomatic mission but also aimed at studying abroad.

Now only one spot is left, and this is where it gets interesting.

Zhulan, having heard what Mrs. Wang said, repeated, ”Ming Shan is ill?”

Mrs. Wang was very smart, precisely because of her intelligence she understood her husband very well. Him feigning illness would surely bring Lord Zhou’s disdain. For the sake of her children, she had made her choice a long time ago, so informing on him carried no burden for her, ”Yes, he took two cold baths.”

Zhulan’s eyes held irony. It hadn’t been long since the spring plowing, the weather was still somewhat cold, and yet he was harsh on himself. ”I understand.”

Mrs. Wang thought for a moment and then said, ”He’s been very anxious lately.”

Zhulan knew why he was anxious. With the last spot remaining, Ming Shan feared Zhou Shuren would send him.

After Mrs. Wang left, Zhulan tapped the table lightly. As long as Ming Shan held the identity of a Zhou clan member, he would bask in their family’s glory. She didn’t care about petty tricks; it would be abnormal without them, yet she resented being repeatedly treated like a fool by him and Zhou Shuren.

Zhulan thought it would be necessary to talk to Changzhi that evening. Being in the same Hanlin Academy, Changzhi ought to make his position clear.

In the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren was surprised that the Retired Emperor would come, as he hadn’t visited for some days, being busy recently assisting the Emperor within the palace.

After Zhou Shuren paid his respects, the Retired Emperor said, ”I had thought your clan member would take the initiative to join the mission.”

Zhou Shuren tugged at the corner of his mouth, ”Each clan member has their own ideas, I never thought to control them.”

The Retired Emperor sat down. He believed what Zhou Shuren said. Zhou Shuren was not even willing to be the Clan Leader. Of course, if Zhou Shuren became the Clan Leader, he would not trust him so. A Clan Leader must bear responsibility and strategize for the family.

The Retired Emperor smiled, ”Your clan member is sick.”

Zhou Shuren felt his face twitch painfully, as if he were slapped hard. Anger flared inside him, but he didn’t make a single move. Ming Shan, on the other hand, was adding drama to the affair. Idiot, really thinking he could deceive the Emperor.

Now Zhou Shuren knew. The Retired Emperor truly intended to include Ming Shan in the mission. This was actually a kindness, as with Changyi leading the team, having a clan member to help would reduce many troubles.

However, Ming Shan had cruelly resisted leaving the capital.

The Retired Emperor sipped his tea, glancing at the somber Zhou Shuren. These past days, he and the Emperor had thought the last vacancy would certainly be Zhou Shuren’s clan member. The reason this clan member could stay in the capital was all due to Zhou Shuren’s influence. Now that he had heard the news, the Retired Emperor came to see Zhou Shuren.

Zhou Shuren said, ”I always believe that if gratitude isn’t sincere, it’s better not to have it.”

Although he said that, he still felt his face hurt. Sincere gratitude is one thing, but what does it mean to evade without being pushed?

Zhou Shuren consoled himself, feeling better knowing that Gu Zhuomin would also go on the mission.

Upon hearing this, the Retired Emperor chuckled. It was a remark Zhou Shuren could indeed make.

Zhou Shuren forced a smile, pretending not to notice the Retired Emperor’s ridicule. Inside, he sneered. Ming Shan had a promising future ahead. As long as he showed initiative, the Emperor would not let him down. There was no need to overact. Now well, the Emperor will remember this man.

Zhou Shuren’s gaze was deep. Having him as support was a double-edged sword. Following his steps, there would always be benefits waiting. If one chose to go against the grain, be prepared for the backlash.

After finishing his tea, the Retired Emperor finally spoke, ”But I think he’s quite suitable.”

Zhou Shuren replied, ”The Retired Emperor is wise.”

The Retired Emperor smiled and left. Zhou Shuren rubbed his face. This was the way of Emperors. Had Ming Shan not made a scene, it wouldn’t have come to this. Now, the more he tried to avoid it, the harder it was to escape.

In the afternoon, Changzhi arrived home first, looking exceedingly upset. Zhulan looked at her fourth son, guessing that he had figured out Ming Shan’s feigned illness.

Changzhi was furious, ”Mother, he faked being sick as if our family forced him, that’s disgusting.”

Zhulan directed, ”Go to Hanlin Academy tomorrow and have a good talk with a few people.”

Changzhi calmed down, ”Yes, I will make sure to talk to them clearly about Ming Shan.”

At that moment, Zhou Shuren came in, ”The last spot is decided. Ming Shan.”

Zhulan and Changzhi were stunned.

Zhou Shuren briefly summarized what the Retired Emperor had said. Ultimately, Ming Shan brought this upon himself and would not benefit from the return to the capital.

Changzhi’s face turned red with anger, ”Dammit, he made father look bad.”

It’s one thing for him to embarrass himself, but he also involved father.

Zhou Shuren pressed on his temples, ”You go back to Hanlin Academy and make it clear to a few people that it was not our family that forced Ming Shan.”

Changzhi clenched his fists, ”I will clarify.”

Zhou Shuren went inside to change clothes, no longer angry. It wasn’t worth it to get upset over someone undeserving.

Changyi returned late; dinner had already finished by the time he got back, as he and Gu Zhuomin had been busy cramming knowledge.

Zhou Shuren said, ”Dinner is in the kitchen, I’ll have it sent to your courtyard later.”

Changyi, in good spirits, ”Father, the country for the mission has been decided, the one where the Countess is.”

Zhou Shuren was surprised, ”I thought it would be Prince Qiaoyi’s country.”

Changyi shook his head, ”No, the Countess’s country is more stable. The new king has been reigning for three years and has proactively offered a royal letter, making it most suitable for a lasting and developmental stationing.”

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, ”This seems to indicate that within a year or two, Prince Qiaoyi will make significant moves.”

With rival claims to the throne, the country is bound to descend into chaos. The Emperor must have a deal with this Prince Qiaoyi. Remembering the world map in his mind, he tugged at the corner of his mouth, oh, the two countries are neighbors. Now the diplomatic mission also carries a different significance.

Changyi, familiar with his father’s gestures, clearly saw that his father had realized something, ”Father, have you figured something out?”

Zhou Shuren looked at his second son, who was still unaware of everything. This son had the ability to stir things up, which must also be valued by the Emperor. He simply explained the adjacency of the two countries and the ambitions of Prince Qiaoyi, ”You’ll probably receive orders later. Keep this in mind now, so you can prepare early.”

Changyi was shocked, thinking it was just a simple diplomatic mission. He was too naive, ”Father, this mission allows us to bring fifty people. I think doctors are very important, as well as medicinal herb seeds.”

Zhou Shuren squinted his eyes, having nurtured some doctors over the years of service, ”Understood.”

He was already planning to send some people out to broaden their horizons.

The next day, the imperial decree came swiftly. Ming Shan felt as if he had been struck by lightning at home. How could this be? He was already sick, so why would they still choose him?

Mrs. Wang frowned slightly, then relaxed, it was good for her husband to be away from home.

Once Ming Shan recovered and returned to Hanlin Academy, he realized that people looked at him differently.

Uncle Changzhi ignored him as if he were a stranger.