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

Chapter 1710: Chapter 1710: Premonition

After breakfast, Chang Yi and Chang Zhi came to the main courtyard. Zhou Shuren asked, “Why are you two here instead of going to the government office?”

Chang Yi said, “Father, the rain is too heavy. You should wait until it lessens before going to the Ministry of Revenue.”

Chang Zhi added, “Yes, Father, listen to Second Brother.”

The umbrellas were useless in such heavy rain, and both of them were already drenched.

Zhou Shuren pointed to his casual attire, “Do you see what I’m wearing?”

Chang Yi, “…”

Chang Zhi, “…”

Their worry was in vain; the old man had no intention of going to the Ministry of Revenue today!

Zhou Shuren said, “If the rain continues like this, you should wait until it subsides before heading out.”

With the storm raging, hardly anyone arrived at the government office on time today. Apart from a few essential departments, many would surely be taking the day off.

In the end, Chang Yi and Chang Zhi did not go out, and the heavy rain continued until the afternoon.

The streets were flooded everywhere. In contrast, Zhou Shuren went to the Ministry of Revenue to check the extent of the rainfall. The news needed to be relayed to the capital, a challenge of ancient communication that wouldn’t be an issue in modern times.

At the Marquis Zhou’s Residence, the lake overflowed, and quite a few fish were left on the shore after some water was drained. The fish in the lake weren’t ornamental carp but edible ones, so the Hou Residence would be having fish hotpot tonight.

In the palace, the Emperor paced back and forth, occasionally glancing towards the bedroom. The hall was utterly silent.

The Empress said, “Father will be alright.”

The Emperor snapped back to awareness, “Why haven’t you returned? Let the Crown Prince escort you and the Empress Mother back to the palace.”

The Empress moved her lips but did not argue, and silently left as she saw the Emperor continue to stare at the bedroom.

The Crown Prince, sensing his mother’s emotions, said, “Mother, Father is worried about you.”

The Empress knew too, but Her Majesty needed company the most now. “I don’t need you to escort me; stay here and accompany your father.”

“I will escort you back to the palace and then return.”

His mother-in-law was in poor health, and braving the rain today had worsened her complexion. He wouldn’t be at ease if he didn’t see her safely back.

The Empress looked at her son, “Alright.”

There’s an upside to her frail health; the Emperor wouldn’t be vigilant against her. She glanced back at the Retired Emperor’s bedchamber, hoping he would live a long life.

The next day’s morning court, Zhou Shuren learned that the heavy rain had only affected the capital; nearby areas experienced less rainfall.

Today, the Emperor looked especially displeased and left immediately after the morning court.

After the court session, there were scattered discussions, as if the rain had deliberately chosen to fall only on the capital. Without the newspapers reporting on natural disasters, people’s imaginations would run wild.

Wong Ju quietly said, “It’s truly strange. The fierce wind scared me, and the thunder sounded almost as if it would strike right overhead. I couldn’t sleep half the night.”

Zhou Shuren commented, “Did you not see the Emperor’s expression?”

Wong Ju covered his mouth, indicating he wouldn’t say another word.

Zhou Shuren turned his head towards the direction of the Retired Emperor’s bedchamber. He had a bad feeling, and it put him in a poor mood.

Wong Ju sensed it, “What’s wrong with you?”

“Oh, nothing, perhaps I’m just tired.”

Wong Ju said, “It’s only when you’re tired that I remember you’re not young anymore.”

Zhou Shuren smirked, “I’m sure I’ll outlive you.”

Wong Ju’s unhealthy diet was making him increasingly heavy; he was a classic member of the “three highs” group!

Wong Ju, “!!”

Zhou Shuren snorted and quickly walked away, and Wong Ju hurried to catch up, “Look at your petty nature; even when you criticize me, I don’t get angry.”

Zhou Shuren replied, “I’m just stating facts.”

Wong Ju, “…”

This time, he’s truly getting angry!

At the Marquis Zhou’s Residence, Zhulan sent someone to the Girls College since the rain gave them a two-day break. She sent someone to find Rongchuan, but he had entered the palace, so she continued calmly writing her article.

Halfway through, Ming Rui came to the main courtyard with a book. “Grandmother, are you busy right now?”

Zhulan rubbed her forehead, “I was just about to take a break. What book did you bring?”

Ming Rui put the book down, “It’s about husbandry.”

Zhulan picked it up to flip through it, “Did you find all these?”

Ming Rui shook his head, “Uncle-in-law gave them to me and asked me to help organize them if I had time. This is what your grandson has organized.”

He handed over a thin notebook that the young servant was holding.

Zhulan looked it over, “You’ve worked hard.”

These materials had to be well-read to organize, and she knew how challenging that could be.

Ming Rui’s eyes lit up, “It’s no trouble at all; your grandson enjoys it. Grandma, how do you think I’ve organized it?”

Zhulan thought for a moment, “I think each type of livestock should have its own book. What do you think?”

“There aren’t many historical records.”

His uncle-in-law went to great lengths to find these.

Zhulan was aware, “Your oldest uncle has quite some insight into husbandry. He oversaw the livestock at several of the orphanage’s farms back in the day. Yes, the prescriptions used should be recorded too.”

Ming Rui said, “My mind feels stuck after all that reading; I’ll go find my eldest uncle later.”

“I’ve noticed you’ve been cooped up in the study too much lately; you need to exercise appropriately.”

“Your grandson has taken note.”

Ming Rui stayed for a while longer before leaving. Zhulan was about to resume writing her article when she received a letter from Chang Lian.

Zhulan took the letter and read it, “Lady Dong is expecting again?”

Well, no matter how careful a couple is, accidents happen. Chang Lian’s emotions were complicated between the lines, but in the end, he expressed eagerness for the child’s arrival.

There would be no aborting unless Lady Dong’s health was poor, but she was healthy, and they were looking forward to the child’s arrival.

This was good news, and Zhulan stopped writing her article, instructing Qing Xue to inform Yu Yi and Yu Jiao of the joyous news—they were going to have another brother or sister.

She then set out to select gifts for Lady Dong, but had hardly started when the sisters Yu Yi and Yu Jiao arrived.

Yu Jiao said, “Grandmother, I want to go to the market to buy a gift for Mother.”

Zhulan refused, “The streets are still wet with rainfall; wait a few days.”

Yu Jiao could only suppress her excitement, “Next year, the brother or sister will be born.”

Zhulan instead looked towards Yu Yi. With Lady Dong giving birth next year, Yu Yi was coming of age, and Lady Dong wouldn’t be in the capital. Yu Yi hadn’t grown up with her parents, but she was content to fulfill filial duties in their stead. “It’s an unexpected blessing.”

Yu Yi took a moment to react but then smiled, “Your granddaughter isn’t sad.”

Your father needs your mother’s help and companionship. Although she didn’t grow up with her parents, she was proud to be with her grandparents.

Zhulan once again marveled at Yu Yi’s maturity, “Good child.”

In the Ministry of Rites, only after taking a break did Chang Yi realize something was wrong. The Second Prince hadn’t come today.

Ji Deming said, “Lord Zhou, may I come in?”

Chang Yi looked at Ji Deming at the door and replied after a moment, “Mm.”

Ji Deming inhaled the aroma of tea, a rare good tea, knowing he wouldn’t get any. He smiled and said, “Lord Zhou, do you happen to know Gu Sheng?”

Chang Yi thought he knew, as Yu Wen had her eyes set on her future husband, and his fourth brother had frequently spoken about Gu Sheng, “The Tanhua from the Hanlin Academy?”

Ji Deming, “Yes, we are from the same hometown.”

“What do you want to say?”

Ji Deming hesitated but saw Gu Sheng having tea with Magistrate Anhe earlier, although others were present. He felt uneasy, wanting to gather information, having crossed paths with Gu Sheng before!

In the Palace, Zhou Shuren hadn’t yet reached the Retired Emperor’s bedchamber when it started to rain again; no one had brought an umbrella, and they were soon drenched!