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

Chapter 1809: Chapter 1809: Taking Care

It turns out there was a dispute downstairs that ended in a fight, and amidst the chaos, someone accidentally hit the third son of the Duke of Yongan with a teapot. Many people ran off in fright, fearing they would be implicated.

Chang Xhong fanned his palm, thinking to himself that if he remembered correctly, the children of noble families from the south had just arrived in the capital a few days ago.

Speaking of which, this year, during the Qiu Wei, the Duke of Yongan’s residence had quite the spotlight. Among the young men in their family who took the exams, except for one who was too young and didn’t make the list, all of them became Graduates.

Cheng Xiang also knew about the Duke of Yongan’s residence, “I’ve heard people say that the Duke’s family has successors. How long has it been and something’s already happened?”

Chang Xhong laughed, “You don’t believe it’s a coincidence?”

“There aren’t that many coincidences. Most coincidences are meticulously planned. Clearly, someone is targeting the Duke of Yongan’s residence. Judging by your expression, you know who did it?”

Chang Xhong stood up, “It’s better if you don’t inquire about it too much.”

Cheng Xiang remembered it in his heart. One of his other merits is knowing his limits.

Chang Xhong waited for a while before going downstairs. Downstairs was already tidied up, and the third son of the Duke of Yongan had left. He thought to himself that there would surely be follow-ups. He didn’t believe it was just about a head being broken.

Sure enough, within a few days, he heard that the Duke’s residence spent a significant sum hiring doctors. It was said that the third son, who had been hit on the head, developed a condition causing severe headaches and wouldn’t be able to participate in the Spring Examinations next year.

Upon hearing the news, Chang Xhong said, “Mother, these noble families are ruthless. The third son, who was the best at reading among the Duke’s sons, is now ruined.”

Zhulan was also shocked, “How long has it been since the Duke’s residence was established, and already they can’t match the means of the major noble clans. I reckon the back courtyard of the Duke’s residence will turn into a sieve.”

She didn’t believe that just a head injury could be so serious; it was clear it wasn’t poison but likely someone had administered drugs.

Chang Xhong said, “This time, the Duke’s residence didn’t catch any evidence at all.”

Zhulan never underestimated any servant, which is why she managed to keep her family’s fences tight, whereas the Duke’s residence always maintained an aloof stance, looking down on the servants. “Ah, the southern noble families don’t want the Duke’s residence to come to the forefront. This is just the beginning.”

Chang Xhong murmured, “This is what the Emperor wishes to see. The Emperor is using the Duke’s residence as bait.”

Zhulan looked at her youngest son, who was now a young man. She felt proud but also worried, realizing that her son, so young, was about to step into the turbulent political world. “Try to go out less before the Spring Exams.”

Chang Xhong understood, “Mm.”

At the Hanlin Academy, Zhou Changzhi observed Zhuo Guyu for two days. If not for being from the Duke of Yongan’s residence, Zhuo Guyu would have a promising future. It’s a pity, his outcome is uncertain.

Mr. Qi walked over, “What are you so absorbed in watching?”

Changzhi replied, “Admiring the snowy scenery.”

Mr. Qi took a look, “It has really started snowing.”

“Did you come to see me for something?”

Mr. Qi said, “It’s a day off tomorrow, inviting you for tea?”

Changzhi smiled, “Can I bring someone along?”

Mr. Qi nodded in agreement, just as he was about to leave, he saw Gu Sheng returning. He couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you being too nice to Gu Sheng?”

The relationship between Changzhi and Mr. Qi was good, allowing for casual conversations. “Why do you say that?”

“As soon as you came back, Gu Sheng was summoned to the palace. I don’t believe you didn’t put in a good word for him.”

Changzhi spread his hands, “That’s really unjust to me. I truly didn’t speak for him. Since coming back, I’ve only been in the palace once.”

Mr. Qi snorted, “Anyway, you’re too protective of him.”

Changzhi thought to himself, my future son-in-law, who else would I care for but him?

Mr. Qi continued, “Three years have passed, and most have found their paths. Aren’t you going to help Gu Sheng?”

Changzhi genuinely hadn’t planned to help, “He has his own path.”

Gu Sheng’s relationship with the future prince consort is quite good!

In the afternoon, at the Hou Residence, Zhou Laoda returned from outside the city, “Mother, I sent vegetables and various meats to my uncle, so he doesn’t have to shop.”

Zhulan said, “Mm, you should be more considerate. Your uncle rarely comes to the capital.”

If not to accompany her for the New Year, her elder brother’s family would have already left. Thinking about the New Year made Zhulan feel very low. She understood her brother’s intention, knowing this year would be the last they spent together. In the future, she wouldn’t be able to leave the capital, and her brother wouldn’t come to the capital again.

Zhou Laoda sensed his mother’s mood and quickly changed the subject, “I invited my uncle and aunt to stay at the Hot Spring Manor for a few days. My uncle said they’d go in a few days.”

Zhulan also wanted to go, but unfortunately, she had a lot to handle and couldn’t leave the residence. “Take good care of your uncle.”

“Don’t worry, Mother.”

Zhulan had confidence in her eldest son. Now, the couple could manage the Hou Residence, but then she noticed gray hairs on her eldest son’s temples, “You already have gray hair.”

Zhou Laoda touched his temples, “Your son is no longer young.”

Zhulan knew in her heart that it wasn’t just his age; it was also the burdens and worries that aged him, “Managing such a big household is hard on you. Get some rest early.”

Zhou Laoda, indeed tired from the carriage ride, said, “Mother, then I’ll go rest.”

“Go ahead.”

After Zhou Laoda left, Zhulan said to Qing Xue, “I’ve accumulated leather and cloth over the years. Pick some out and distribute them to each of the rooms.”

Her private account had continuous income every year, and in the circle of capital’s ladies, she was known to be frugal, accumulating quite a collection of leather.

Qing Xue calculated internally which ones to take and then left the room to carry out the task.

In the evening, Zhulan mentioned the gray hairs on her eldest son’s head to Zhou Shuren. Zhou Shuren sighed, “Once Chang Xhong gets married, our duties will be fulfilled.”

As for the grandchildren, he already had plans mapped out. How they would fare in the future depended on themselves.

Zhulan agreed, “Yes.”

The couple, having been together for over twenty years, exchanged a glance and then both smiled.

The next day, Changzhi went to the appointment. Upon arriving at the teahouse, he saw Gu Sheng waiting at the door. Although it didn’t snow much the previous day, it started snowing again early today. Gu Sheng had quite a bit of snow on his shoulders, “Looking at the snow on your shoulders, you’ve been waiting for a while?”

Gu Sheng felt a bit embarrassed. Zhou Laoda was the first to invite him out, and he was so excited he didn’t sleep well all night. He woke up early, washed up, and couldn’t wait at home, so he came early, “I was afraid of being late.”

Changzhi felt gratified by this. Gu Sheng valued him, “Let’s go inside.”

Upon going up to the private room, Mr. Qi saw Gu Sheng, “I guessed right. You said you’d bring an extra person, and it’s Gu Sheng.”

In the Hanlin Academy, he rarely spoke to Gu Sheng. With pride and confidence, having seen Gu Sheng at the teahouse entrance, he had his guesses but didn’t inquire, stepping inside directly.

Changzhi had already loosened his cloak and sat down, “You guessed it and yet didn’t bring him up.”

Mr. Qi laughed, “Not bringing him up gave him a chance to show himself, no?”

Changzhi, “So I should thank you?”

“Indeed, you should thank me. By bringing him here, aren’t you mentoring the younger generation? Or are you planning to bring him home?”

At this point, Mr. Qi finally understood. Once it was clear, everything made sense.

Changzhi raised an eyebrow, “Isn’t he good?”

Mr. Qi found it hard to express, “I thought you—”

He didn’t finish the sentence, trusting that Zhou Changzhi understood. He truly thought Zhou Changzhi would select a child from a noble family as his son-in-law.

Changzhi smiled, “I only consider whether it’s suitable or not.”

Mr. Qi dropped the matter there, looking at Gu Sheng with much kinder eyes, no longer displaying the previous indifference.

The day not only involved drinking tea but also discussing writings and other subjects, from which Gu Sheng learned a lot. He personally served tea and water.