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

Chapter 1292: Chapter 1292: Immortal Younger Brother

The next day, Zhulan also appeared listless. She felt some heatiness due to Chang Yi’s departure, waking up in discomfort with a sore throat in the morning.

At the residence, it wasn’t just Zhulan who suffered from heatiness. Madam Zhao, a strong woman, also fell slightly ill after the departure, and the children were affected too. Consequently, the family had to call for a doctor, and medicinal soups were being prepared, filling the air with a discomforting medicinal scent.

Originally, Xue Han intended to keep her mother company, but she didn’t even enter the door as her mother feared spreading the illness. Touching her swollen belly, Xue Han had no choice but to return to her own residence.

The masters of the Zhou family were actually quite healthy, but they were reluctant to recover from illnesses.

After several days, Zhulan regained her spirit upon receiving a letter from the Yang family. Her elder brother and second brother’s grandsons had already set off for the capital. Some children had grown a lot, and while some came to gain experience in the capital, others wanted to join the Navy.

Yang Wen had already carved out a path and had a foundation, so he sent the children over.

Zhulan was fond of her maternal family and desired to help out as much as she could. However, her maternal family genuinely did not require her to worry or plan, as they had already clearly mapped out their future strategies.

Zhulan perked up and did not want Madam Zhao to continue feeling dejected. During these days, Madam Zhao had lost a lot of weight. Her figure, which had become fuller due to childbirth, had slimmed down again.

Zhulan engaged Madam Zhao in various activities. And indeed, keeping her busy along with Madam Zhao’s innate strength improved her complexion considerably.

A few days later, as tipped off by Zhou Shuren, Zhulan was already aware in advance of the news that Miss Wang was to enter the palace.

Today was the day Mr. Wang started at the Ministry of Revenue. Zhulan said to Su Xuan, ”Now everyone should understand what they need to.”

No wonder there was a dispute in the shop last time. Both Earl Wang and Mr. Wang had the surname Wang, though they were not from the same family. The young ladies tended to make comparisons.

Su Xuan remarked, ”I’ve met Miss Wang a few times; she’s a very gentle person.”

Zhulan felt that the Emperor might not necessarily favor gentleness, but purely wanted a few quieter ladies who wouldn’t make a stir, given that the Emperor’s heart was not really in the harem.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren said to Mr. Wang, ”In the future, as fellow officials of the Ministry of Revenue, I have no other requirements, just do your job well.”

Wang Yi, having served as an official in the capital for many years, was familiar with Zhou Shuren. This requirement was simple yet not so simple; the scope of doing one’s job well was broad, ”Yes, this subordinate will remember.”

Zhou Shuren had never worked with Mr. Wang, and his understanding came only from reading his résumé. As for inquiries, he didn’t make any; he preferred to trust his own eyes rather than rumors.

Mr. Wang must have had exceptional qualities to earn the Emperor’s trust, Zhou Shuren thought, letting Qiu Yan take him to familiarize with the Ministry of Revenue and stepped aside.

Wang Yi had heard a lot about the reforms in the Ministry of Revenue, which first affected the Ministry, then The Six Ministries, and gradually other departments; as The Six Ministries changed, in order not to affect their efficiency, other departments also had to change.

Qiu Yan introduced him all the way, deepening Wang Yi’s impression. Each department and individual’s responsibilities were clear, making him genuinely exclaim, ”Grand Master Zhou is indeed highly talented.”

Qiu Yan smiled, ”Don’t be nervous about being new to the Ministry of Revenue. Just as the Grand Master of Writing said, do your job well. We are very busy in the Ministry; before you came, I was hoping every day for someone to help me, and now that you are here, my burden can be lightened.”

Wang Yi pondered to what extent Qiu Yan meant his words. Was he really delegating authority to him just after his arrival?

Before he came, Qiu Yan was handling everything alone.

It turned out that Qiu Yan did indeed delegate authority to him; for the responsibilities that were his, Qiu Yan didn’t hold back at all.

Wang Yi was momentarily stunned, while Qiu Yan was extremely pleased; he had been working overtime and was frustrated lately, wishing he could go home at a set time each day like the Grand Master of Writing.

In the palace, upon hearing the news from the Ministry of Revenue, the Emperor remarked, ”Well, the type of subordinates really do reflect their superiors.”

The Retired Emperor responded, ”Indeed, nowadays in the Ministry of Revenue, tasks meant for today will absolutely not be dragged to tomorrow.”

The Emperor thought of Wang Yi; if there hadn’t been a lack of suitable persons for the Ministry of Revenue, he wouldn’t have wanted to transfer Wang Yi there, ”Once Miss Wang enters the palace, there will probably be some rumors.”

The Retired Emperor thought to himself, Zhou Shuren truly wished the rumors to be true; unfortunately, the old lady was too astute.

The Emperor asked, ”Has Father Emperor already prepared to leave the capital?”

”Ah, everything is ready. This time, I plan to leave the capital secretly. The date is set, five days from now.”

The Retired Emperor was eagerly anticipating his journey from the capital.

The Emperor, concerned, said, ”You and Mother must be extra careful when you go out.”

Peace does not imply the absence of danger. There are still many risks, especially with the gray areas right under the feet of the Son of Heaven in the capital, not to mention in the various Prefecture Cities.

The Retired Emperor would not joke about his own safety, he assured the Emperor, ”I will be careful, do not worry.”

The Emperor demanded, ”You must communicate frequently.”

The Retired Emperor listened patiently, understanding this as his son’s concern for him. Finally, the Retired Emperor earnestly asked, ”If I want to take Rongchuan with me, would you let him go?”

The Emperor smiled silently. The Father Emperor had great ideas, but his silence meant refusal. Having a good brother was an experience he deeply understood; indeed, no false brother could compare; his own brother had helped him a lot.

The Retired Emperor somberly said, ”Your silence means you are unwilling?”

The Emperor, ”... My son has just ascended the throne, as you know. Prince Qi enjoys his carefree life now, Prince Chu is even more troublesome, unable to manage his own Prince Chu Residence, and Prince Liang stays confined in his estate. My son truly cannot do without Rongchuan.”

The benefits of Zhou Shuren’s teachings were genuinely evident, Rongchuan was highly efficient and had broad visions and thoughts. Such a godsend brother, he would not let go, never would he let his brother leave.

If he lets go now, it would be untamed, and he would have nowhere to cry.

The Retired Emperor, upon seeing this, seriously thought about not taking his youngest son with him. He snorted, leaving a large silhouette as he exited the palace.

The Emperor touched his nose, thinking for his own needs, yes, his little brother must stay in the capital.

The next day, Zhou Shuren heard the Retired Emperor say, ”Alas, when one gets old, one hopes to have a son by one’s side, especially Rongchuan. But the Emperor is unwilling to let him go, which really infuriates me.”

Other sons could indeed not be taken, he and his wife could only think about taking the illegitimate son, not imagine the rest.

Zhou Shuren, with a fixed stare, thought to himself, What’s the use of telling me? If you have the ability, go ask the Emperor himself; he would love for Rongchuan to accompany the Retired Emperor leaving the capital.

A father-in-law cherishes his own son-in-law; the stronger Rongchuan’s capabilities, the more pleased the Emperor uses him. Just look how exhausted his son-in-law has become.

With clenched teeth, the Retired Emperor said, ”Rongchuan gained weight over the new year, and now it’s all gone. I feel pained seeing it.”

Zhou Shuren tugged at the corner of his mouth. Oh, so now you show you care.

The Retired Emperor looked at Zhou Shuren, ”Do you have any ideas?”

Zhou Shuren, ”...”

No, there is no way, there wouldn’t be even if there were; he’d be mad to meddle in the affairs between these two.

The Retired Emperor’s remarks were just a casual mention, having already said his piece. He truly wanted to take his youngest son with him, to enjoy the filial piety like any ordinary father, but unfortunately, his eldest son wouldn’t let go.

The Retired Emperor then said, ”Actually, I thought about taking Ming Teng.”

This child was adopted into the Rong family and was from his mother’s clan; both he and the Emperor had intentions of cultivating him, but Zhou Shuren was already quite conspicuous.

Zhou Shuren’s hands slipped from the shock, truly startled.