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

Chapter 1318: Chapter 1318: Come On, Stab with a Knife

The poor common folk hold apprehension when they arrive at the clinic’s door; thus, the free clinic serves as publicity and lets the farmers learn about some herbs, which they could use in lieu of consultation fees in the future.

It’s a perfect opportunity to conduct a census, soothe the southern populace, and greatly boost the new Emperor’s reputation among the nationals, achieving multiple objectives at once.

Zhou Shuren has already prepared the Ministry of Revenue’s approval for Silver, and now with the Emperor having wool to shear, the Ministry can save this sum of Silver.

The Emperor, smiling, said, ”I believe everyone here has the people’s interests at heart, and I shall wait and see how you all care for the people.”

Zhou Shuren, ”...”

Realizing abruptly, he too must donate; no one in the royal court could escape, and even if he wasn’t the main target, he’d still lose his ’fur’, which was painful.

This suggestion, Zhou Shuren had subtly hinted to his son-in-law, a reward indeed for the son-in-law’s loyalty to his daughter.

Thinking of this, Zhou Shuren stealthily peeked at the memorial. Whoever sends ladies to Rongchuan would be investigated by him, and thus this memorial came into existence, proving quite effective, although Rongchuan drew ire. But as Prince Rongchuan, with both the Retired Emperor and the Emperor as his backing, those annoyed could only swallow their vexation.

There are even more harmful plans that he had stopped, which if carried out, would leave the Emperor without excuses. Now it’s much better, the Emperor hasn’t announced the memorial, and even if some held grudges against Rongchuan, they could only glare, while the Emperor also exploited the memorial to his greatest profit.

After the morning court session, Zhou Shuren pulled Rongchuan aside, ”Your father doesn’t earn much in official salary, and the yearly salary isn’t enough to cover the household expenditures, now we need to contribute Silver, too.”

Rongchuan, ”...”

No, father, this idea was given by you, remember? Don’t think that it doesn’t count as advice just because it wasn’t clearly stated. This Silver contribution should also be counted on him?

Zhou Shuren didn’t let go, lowering his voice, ”I’ve taken some of the blame for you, just now in the hall, I bore quite a few hostile glances for your sake.”

Rongchuan touched his nose, ”Ah, so I appear rather upright in the hearts of some ministers?

Zhou Shuren, ”Heh, how come I can’t understand your meaning?”

Rongchuan hurriedly waved his hands, ”Father, I mean no disrespect.”

Zhou Shuren gritted his teeth, ”I feel you’re becoming more cheeky.”

Rongchuan laughed out loud, untying his pouch and stuffing it into his father’s hand, ”Father, I have other matters to attend to, I’ll be leaving first.”

Zhou Shuren, clutching the purse was somewhat satisfied, and as Li Zhao and others watched in shock, Zhou Shuren stuffed the pouch into his sleeve, then like a person who hadn’t recently asked for money, briskly walked off.

Wong Ju got his wits back and quickly followed, ”Isn’t it, you’re just asking Prince Qin for Silver in the palace?”

Zhou Shuren, ”Strange indeed, why assume it’s asking for Silver? Am I, Zhou Shuren, lacking in Silver? Is the Zhou family’s wealth little?”

Wong Ju isn’t aware of the exact wealth of the Zhou family, but he knows the Zhou family has Silver, ”So what about just now?”

Zhou Shuren hmphed, ”Clearly, it’s Silver my son-in-law respectfully offered to me, alas, having a good son-in-law is inevitable.”

Wong Ju, with his mouth agape, if not for seeing things clearly, he almost believed Zhou Shuren’s shamelessness.

When the Emperor knew of the news, he was also silent, saying to the Crown Prince, ”Next time you visit Zhou Shuren, you can take this approach.”

The Crown Prince stirred his fingers, ”Son is poor.”

Ever since the cessation of Silver Coin and items sent by the Wen family, his quality possessions had decreased, yet he still needed to support his legitimate younger brother, fostering brotherly ties from a young age, hoping the brother could be like his uncle, Prince Qin.

The Emperor uttered an ”Oh,” ”You should go study now.”

The Crown Prince incredulously looked at his father, ”Father, don’t you have anything to say to your son?”

While speaking, his hands motioned, perhaps suggesting giving some Silver?

The Emperor smirked coldly, ”Turn around, immediately.”

Still hoping to get Silver from him, recalling how Father Emperor treated him, he’s still waiting for the Crown Prince to grow up!

Just as Rongchuan left the palace, he was stopped by Prince Qi, who gestured him to get on the carriage. Rongchuan said, ”Second Brother skipped the morning court to wait for his younger brother at the palace gate, I’m really touched.”

Prince Qi asked, ”Are these tricks taught by Chief of Staff Zhou?”

Rongchuan, ”...”

He felt he should give more Silver to his father-in-law, even his Second Brother thinks so, his father-in-law really took some blame for him.

Prince Qi realized he guessed wrong, ”It was your own idea, but do you know these people won’t treat you badly, they won’t get close to you in the future either.”

Rongchuan understood his second brother’s intention, meaning he gave up power, ”Am I not influential and powerful enough now?”

He didn’t want to be Emperor himself; already holding great power, all he needed was to stay close to his elder brother, the Emperor.

Prince Qi, ”It’s good that you can think this way.”

Prince Qi felt emotional inside. Rongchuan didn’t grow up in the palace, yet understands give-and-take better than they do, truly his Father Emperor’s son, his younger brother—always thoughtful.

Rongchuan didn’t think that Prince Qi stopped him just to chat, ”Second Brother, do you need something?”

Prince Qi sighed, ”Your nephew has also grown up; I want you to mentor my eldest son, Xu Chen.”

Rongchuan surprised, ”Second Brother, your abilities are exceptional, why turn to me?”

Prince Qi, ”I stay away from politics, but I must consider my son’s future, your guidance will be good for Xu Chen.”

Rongchuan spoke softly, ”Second Brother is really straightforward.”

”There’s no need for us brothers to beat around the bush.”

Rongchuan didn’t reply directly; he needed to go back and consult Father Emperor and the Emperor, ”Second Brother, wait for my news.”

Prince Qi smiled, ”Alright.”

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the day to post the examination results. In Pingzhou City, Mingyun stood under the list, spotting his name at the top at first glance, releasing his clenched fists, hearing Jiang Zhu and the young servant’s cheers beside him.

Jiang Zhu, ”Congratulations, cousin.”

Mingyun was also excited, ”Yes.”

Jiang Sheng slapped Mingyun’s back, ”Let’s go home; your great aunt is waiting for the news!”

Mingyun looked at the crowd gathering around, ”Okay, let’s go home.”

Before the exam, everyone worried he would blame others if he performed poorly; now they crowded around, but sorry, he’s leaving now.

In the capital, Ming Teng sat with Wen Rong in a tea house, watching the exam results being posted in the distance. Ming Teng said, ”If Brother Wen were to participate this year, you would certainly top the list.”

Wen Rong’s eyes concealed his emotions, ”The Princely Heir really has confidence in me.”

Ming Teng, ”Of course.”

Ming Teng and Wen Rong didn’t really have much sincere interaction; he represented the Rong family, Wen Rong represented the Wen family, the maternal family of the Queen, interactions were inevitable.

Wen Rong said: ”Brother Mingyun must have also seen his results. I’m still waiting for his Grand Slam.”

Ming Teng felt a twinge in his teeth; ever since his elder brother participated in the provincial exam, he had heard this same phrase too often, some truly cared, others were waiting to see him fail, ”As long as big brother tried his best, any result is good, the fear is sometimes, there isn’t even a chance to try.”

Wen Rong sneered internally, Rong Mingteng is getting sharper, this is a jab at him being manipulated, Wen Rong wants to compete with Zhou Mingyun, unless Zhou fails next year, but unfortunately, that’s highly unlikely.

It’s hard for Zhou Mingyun to face setbacks, a big name draws much attention, no one dares to make a move, he has no chance to compete with Zhou Mingyun in the same examination session, he can only compete in court later.