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

Chapter 1739: Chapter 1739: Trust

Time flew by quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the banquet at the Hou Residence of Rong’an had arrived. The main gate was wide open, and carriages came and went in an endless stream. This being the first banquet, invitations were more generous, drawing a larger crowd.

The last time the Hou Residence’s main gates were open, it was for a funeral, and no one paid much attention to the architecture and scenery of the residence.

This time, despite it being winter, the snow-laden, exquisite architecture was stunning. The Hou Residence of Rong’an was meticulously built by the Retired Emperor with Silver, with a view at every step.

Guests walked in groups, discussing the scenery of the residence. Some appreciated it purely, while others spoke with envy.

Ming Teng and Lau Jia were the hosts, both busy attending to guests.

Zhulan and her daughter sat together, accompanied by Princess Qi and others, deterring the average person from disturbing them, allowing her some peace and quiet.

Lady Li, not fully trusting her daughter-in-law, watched from the side, ready to help if any mistakes occurred.

The Rong family, including Rong Enqing, also arrived. It was Yao Yao’s first time entering the residence, and she couldn’t help but clutch her husband’s hand.

Rong Enqing, sensing his wife’s emotions, reassuringly patted her hand.

Yao Yao’s eyes inexplicably turned red. She took a deep breath, “I’m fine.”

Rong Enqing said, “Hmm.”

During the anniversary, he did not visit with Ming Teng but chose a different time to pay his respects.

He didn’t envy Ming Teng for living in this house or for having the title of Rong. He understood his own identity; he was still an illegitimate son.

Many guests were present today, and each family brought their young ladies.

Some were there to socialize, while others had ulterior motives.

Zhulan noticed Lady Li returning and asked, puzzled, “Why have you come back?”

Lady Li rubbed her face with her plump hand and whispered to her mother-in-law, “Dealing with them was a bit tiring. You wouldn’t believe how many young ladies I’ve met.”

Zhulan asked, “Young ladies?”

Lady Li nodded. Initially bewildered, she finally understood their intentions, “Ming Teng is adopted into the Rong family.”

Men from the Zhou family were not allowed to take concubines, but since Ming Teng was adopted, and the Rong family had few heirs, there were people who set their sights on him. Just now, the women she met belonged to lower-ranking officials’ families, and she could only return with a forced smile.

Zhulan patted Lady Li’s hand, “Ming Teng is a responsible young man.”

Lady Li also smiled, “I trust my daughter-in-law.”

That’s why she came back. If it weren’t Ming Teng’s first banquet, she would have liked to give a piece of her mind!

Many people surrounded Ming Teng, with his little brother-in-law by his side, yet they couldn’t fend off the greetings.

Among the capital’s elites, Ming Teng’s youth made him particularly conspicuous.

Zhou Shuren sat not far away, sipping tea. Wong Ju asked, “Aren’t you worried?”

Zhou Shuren replied, “Worried about him being bullied? Or worried about him being schemed against?”

“Ming Teng is too young.”

Zhou Shuren said, “I’m not worried. The old man taught him hand in hand while he was alive, and this is something he should experience. He carries the name Rong.”

Wong Ju took a sip of tea, “You’re right.”

Zhou Shuren asked, “Is the old man’s health improving?”

Wong Ju sighed, “No, everything that should be prepared is ready.”

He was also in pain, not wanting his father to suffer further, but his father stubbornly endured the illness for the sake of the Wong family, holding on until the end of the year.

Zhou Shuren felt a heavy heart. The old man taught him so much along the way, like a half-teacher, “Don’t be too sad; this is the old man’s wish.”

The tea in Wong Ju’s mouth tasted more bitter, “I was prepared for this.”

Zhou Shuren sighed, “Over the years, many people have passed one after another.”

Wong Ju touched his own hair, “I’m younger than you.”

Zhou Shuren wanted to roll his eyes, “Yes, yes, I’m waiting for your further promotion.”

After the old man’s passing, Wong Ju would mourn for a year, and upon his return, he would surely rise in status. If only out of envy, this is the power of family connections.

Yu Wen and Lin Xi conversed, Lin Xi nudging Yu Wen’s shoulder, “Cousin, Gu Sheng received an invitation; it must have been your doing.”

Even if the Rong’an Hou Residence lowered its invitation standards, it would have been difficult for someone of Gu Sheng’s level to receive one. Even though Gu Sheng frequented the palace, it was merely potential and not real power. Gu Sheng wasn’t supposed to be here.

Yu Wen admitted openly, “Yes, I asked my sister-in-law for the invitation.”

Lin Xi remarked, “You admitted it so readily this time.”

Jing Xuan’s eyes sparkled, “Is there a story?”

Lin Xi replied, “There indeed is a story.”

On Gu Sheng’s side, Wu Shangheng clicked his tongue twice, “You must be about to have some good news.”

He had noticed something amiss for some time, but since Gu Sheng hadn’t mentioned it, he didn’t dig too deep. After all, it involved Magistrate Anhe; now there was no need to be discreet.

Gu Sheng coughed, “It’s still early.”

Wu Shangheng stroked his chin, “When the good news is official, I’ll give you a big gift.”

Gu Sheng wasn’t concerned about others’ scrutiny and smiled, “Alright.”

Since his appearance at the Rong’an Hou Residence, he had already faced many scrutinizing glances. When he received the invitation, he accepted it without hesitation, regrettably, he couldn’t meet the Magistrate, as men and women were seated separately.

Ming Teng sent the invitation, and those who received it came to give him face.

Ran Xun looked at Ming Teng, sighing deeply, recalling the childhood friends they used to be, but his reputation was tarnished, even when he had the opportunity to advance, he pushed it away himself.

As the banquet concluded, guests left one after another, and the vast mansion was left with only the bustling servants.

Ming Teng’s family returned to the courtyard where the Marquis Zhou resided. Lau Jia held a handkerchief, “Wipe your face first.”

Ming Teng was slightly tipsy from the numerous toasts today. He sat obediently, not moving, letting his wife wipe his face for him.

Lau Jia smiled, “You’re quite good.”

Ming Teng shook his head slightly, “I’ve always been good.”

Lau Jia blushed, pursing her lips, “Some people want to be your concubine. I don’t know who started the rumor that I can’t bear children.”

Ming Teng sobered up considerably, “I will investigate.”

Lau Jia, “Hmm?”

Ming Teng extended his hand to embrace his wife’s waist, “I just want to spend my days with you and our child.”

Lau Jia’s lips curled up, “Go lie down and rest.”

“Alright.”

Lau Jia also washed her face. She too was tired today, and when she touched her stomach, she knew her health was indeed compromised. To say she couldn’t give birth was cruel.

After the banquet at the Rong’an Hou Residence, some people still sought to establish ties with Ming Teng. Unfortunately, having taken on a post, he moved into the Royal manor and didn’t come out.

This fervor gradually subsided as Ming Teng did not appear, and as time passed, the attention shifted to the Crown Prince’s residence.

As the Crown Princess Consort approached childbirth, the focus intensified even more.

Zhulan confirmed, thinking she misheard, “The Empress wants you to oversee the Crown Prince’s residence?”

Xue Han nodded, “I’m surprised the Empress trusts me this much. This task is really difficult to accept.”

As long as nothing happened, it was fine, but if something did, she would bear a great responsibility. If she wasn’t sure the Empress wasn’t setting her up, she would have been furious.

Zhulan said, “Since the Empress stated so, the Emperor must be aware.”

Xue Han pulled a wry smile, “I performed too well at my father’s funeral.”

What could Zhulan say, except to reassure her daughter, “This is trust.”

Xue Han sighed; she really didn’t want this trust. She rubbed her face, “Tomorrow, I have to go to the Crown Prince’s residence.”

“Rongchuan will go with you, won’t he?”

Only Rongchuan gave her comfort, “Yes, he’s accompanying me.”