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

Chapter 1716: Chapter 1716: The Heart is Crying

The first rays of dawn sprinkled onto the earth. Zhou Shuren, who had rested for only four hours, opened his eyes, stretched his slightly stiff body, and got up from the couch. After a simple face wash, he waited for the palace maid to come in to help with rinsing his mouth and brushing his teeth before walking out.

He had come to rest here in the latter half of last night. It wasn’t that he wanted to leave on his own; not considering his loyalty to the Retired Emperor, he had to maintain his composure in front of the Emperor. The Retired Emperor treated him so well that he didn’t want to leave.

Finally, the Emperor got up to rest and took him along, leaving the Crown Prince, Rongchuan, and others to keep watch.

After only a few steps, his stomach growled with hunger. He hadn’t eaten since midday yesterday, having only consumed quite a bit of water. His grief required him to stay hydrated.

A eunuch on the side, hearing his stomach, thought for a moment and took a pastry out of his pouch, “Mr. Hou, this was just brought to me. If you don’t mind, would you like to have it as a bite?”

Zhou Shuren looked at the eunuch. For the sake of duty, his breakfast must have been just one pastry. Zhou Shuren would soon be able to have breakfast, as he wasn’t considered an outsider in the Palace due to his family ties; his son-in-law and daughter, along with Ming Teng, were there, ensuring he wouldn’t go hungry.

Zhou Shuren said, “Keep it for yourself. If you get busy today, it might be your meal for the entire day.”

The entire Palace was bustling for the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager; the palace maids and eunuchs within it weren’t receiving much attention. The eunuch in front of him had some face to receive pastries, while those without it would go hungry.

Seeing that Mr. Hou truly didn’t want it, the eunuch carefully put it back. Only a handful of them were treated with respect, and over the years, Marquis Zhou never looked down on them. The younger eunuchs were most willing to guide him, especially in winter when some could only afford frostbite ointment with the silver given by Zhou Hou.

The eunuch felt that being around Zhou Hou eased the heaviness in his heart. He liked Zhou Hou’s gentle gaze, which was warm and comforting.

Upon reaching outside the hall, he signaled the eunuch to return, as the Emperor was inside.

The Emperor, hearing footsteps, turned his head slightly, “You’re here.”

“Yes.”

The Emperor signaled, “Come in and speak.”

Seeing the Emperor kneeling, Zhou Shuren wondered if he was to kneel upon entering.

With keen insight, Eunuch Zhang picked up a new cushion and placed it behind the Emperor. Zhou Shuren then knelt to kowtow to the Retired Emperor first.

The Emperor hadn’t rested well last night. Though he had no sleepiness, he had been resting with his eyes closed. So early in the morning, the Crown Prince was swapped out, “Is your health okay?”

“I am fine now.”

“Good to hear. Should you fall ill, Father will be concerned.”

Zhou Shuren’s mustache twitched, “The Retired Emperor is more worried about Your Majesty. Please take care of your health.”

The Emperor looked up toward his father inside the coffin, “Do you think the Crown Prince’s first child will be a boy or a girl?”

Zhou Shuren, “…”

This put him in a tough spot!

The Emperor continued, “I believe it will be a boy.”

This feeling was particularly strong; hence today, he excused the Crown Princess Consort from coming, allowing her to nurture her pregnancy properly.

Zhou Shuren thought to himself that they would know once the child was born.

The Emperor didn’t mind Zhou Shuren’s silence, feeling he shared his grief. Father had been so kind to Zhou Shuren, “Rest assured about the Rong family.”

Zhou Shuren felt at ease, for the Retired Emperor would surely have entrusted the matters to the Emperor.

Eventually, the Emperor had no more words. Despite kneeling throughout—a position no tears flowed anymore—his sorrow was palpable, as if his heart was weeping.

When the meals were brought in, Zhou Shuren shared the dishes provided for the Emperor. He filled his stomach modestly, as the vegetarian food was very nutritious.

When the Crown Prince and others arrived, Zhou Shuren withdrew and knelt together with his grandson, Ming Teng.

Ming Teng saw that his grandfather looked well and sighed with relief, “Grandson wanted to see you yesterday but had no one to accompany me.”

Unlike his grandfather, he didn’t have the same presence and couldn’t easily move around the palace even after making inquiries.

Zhou Shuren, “I have the Imperial Physician by my side, rest assured.”

Ming Teng felt grateful—it was the respect his grandfather commanded.

Xue Han walked over, “Father, the Emperor has granted permission for Xiaxia to leave the palace for rest, returning on the last day. If you have any messages for Mother, I’ll send someone.”

Zhou Shuren said, “Tell your mother not to worry, I am well.”

To the point where he didn’t need to prepare clothes for change, as they were all new; he entered the palace in official attire and would leave loaded with packages.

Xue Han looked energetic, relieved that her young son was sent back to the Ning Duke Residence, “Alright.”

Zhou Shuren felt pained seeing the dark circles under his daughter’s eyes, “You must also take care of your health.”

Xue Han wished to rest but could not, “Alright.”

Alas, the Empress had the Imperial Physician watch over her last night, while the Crown Princess Consort was granted rest by the Emperor. Now, the Emperor and Empress tasked her with the responsibilities.

Being the trueborn daughter-in-law, she had to shoulder the burden, as the Emperor didn’t allow the harem’s consorts, however high in status, to share the load — they remained concubines.

Xue Han was busy, having seen off her young son, checked on her daughter and eldest son, spoke only a few words before immersing herself in work again. Fortunately, her mother-in-law liked her and guided her with hands-on teaching and frequent palace visits, truly enabling her to bear the responsibilities.

The mother of Prince Chu observed and muttered, “This young daughter-in-law truly deserves the affection.”

Empress Dowager Chen noticed more and felt her heartache, “Ah, how nice it would have been to marry a lady from the Zhou Hou Residence!”

When it came to taking charge, she truly showed responsibility. Over the years of interaction, she really admired Princess Qin, especially her demeanor and actions, demonstrating high emotional intelligence!

The mother of Prince Chu’s eyes shifted, then sighed, knowing it was futile to have aspirations, “Ah, we’re all getting old.”

Empress Dowager Chen sighed, “I feel like I can live another twenty years.”

Her ambitions were just beginning. She loved hearing about reprints of her newspapers and others discussing her affairs; now not only maidens but even scholars read them. She didn’t intend to die.

The mother of Prince Chu felt envious. They were of similar age, yet why did Empress Dowager Chen look so much younger? “What is your secret regimen?”

“Have dreams!”

“Ah?”

“For someone like you who lacks dreams, no matter how much I say, you won’t understand.”

The mother of Prince Chu, “!!”

At the Zhou Residence, Zhulan received messages from the palace, knowing Shuren was doing very well. She told her eldest sons, “Are you all reassured now?”

The eldest Zhou son was amazed, “Father isn’t just alright; he’s exceptionally well.”

With the Imperial Physicians by his side and a place to rest—he even shared breakfast with the Emperor that morning!

Chang Yi saw deeper issues. With no maids in the room, he spoke directly, “Mother, is there some entrustment?”

That would explain why father was receiving such care. What had the Retired Emperor entrusted him with?

Chang Yi immediately thought of the Crown Prince. The Emperor was in his prime; the Retired Emperor married late, the Emperor married when he reached the age, and now the Crown Prince had his own children. The Emperor was energetic, and the Crown Prince grew more mature—how would the future unfold? Cold sweat broke out on Chang Yi’s back!

Zhulan glanced at him, guessing his thoughts. She didn’t think it was the Crown Prince. In the past, the Retired Emperor hadn’t forced Shuren to mentor the Crown Prince and wouldn’t do so now either.

Chang Zhi frowned, “Second Brother, there are things that shouldn’t be said.”

Even with no outsiders, it was inappropriate for Second Brother to speak. If mentioned, it should be discussed privately with father, as conversation now might lead to leaks!

Chang Yi realized the gravity, “There won’t be a next time.”