Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1043: Good Emperor

Chapter 1043: Chapter 1043: Good Emperor

The Emperor magnanimously admitted, "Yes, I am pleased, I am very pleased. Zhou Shuren has never truly been loyal to anyone. Don’t be fooled by his constant claims of loyalty to me; in fact, he’s loyal to himself. Just now, for the first time, he bowed to me with such respect."

He had seen too many cunning people, so many that he couldn’t even count them all, but he had always seen clearly.

The Crown Prince spoke up, "He has always been preparing a way out for the Zhou family."

The Emperor said, "Dynasties can change, let alone families. Thinking of the future for one’s family and leaving a way out is long-term consideration and a sign of valuing one’s family. I would be more uneasy if he didn’t leave a way out."

The Crown Prince twitched the corner of his mouth, "Father Emperor is a good Emperor."

The Emperor understood what the Crown Prince meant, "When you ascend to the throne, you will know how difficult it is to strike a balance. No monarch dislikes loyal officials, but when it truly comes to a choice, you will understand."

The Crown Prince observed his father with closed eyes; his father’s prestige in the hearts of the people increased year by year. At the founding of the dynasty, many people hated the Emperor, but he was a good Emperor. He always held the people and the realm in his heart, and even though the officials in the court feared him, the people’s love for him grew ever stronger.

The Crown Prince didn’t know if he could do as well as his father, but he knew that if he ever faced a choice between loyal officials and the realm, he would make the same choice as his father.

After leaving the palace, Zhou Shuren didn’t know what kind of odd conversation had occurred between this father and son; his heart had calmed down, and he carefully recalled the Emperor’s words. Initially, the Emperor’s dark sense of humor hadn’t frightened him; now it had. The Emperor’s trust in him was too high, and that trust was too heavy.

An average person would probably have become arrogant by now, so he had to stay steady. Only by staying steady could he win.

At the Zhou residence, Zhulan met Yang Wen, "Didn’t you say you’d arrive in a couple of days?"

Yang Wen’s forehead was covered in sweat, "Miss, this time it’s just me and the young servant, so we traveled faster and arrived a few days early."

Zhulan knew that this boy must have traveled day and night. Yang Wen had managed it by virtue of his martial skills and courage.

Zhulan looked at Yang Wen, grateful that the Yang family genes were strong. This boy, who had practiced martial arts from a young age, had a sturdy body; otherwise, she would have found it hard to part with a mere teenager off to be a soldier, "When the courtyard is ready, go get some good rest. We’ll call you when the meal is prepared."

Yang Wen’s young servants had already gone to rest. Yang Wen wasn’t tired and anxiously asked his grandmother, "Grandma, what’s happened in the capital today? There were very few pedestrians, and everyone was hurrying."

He was startled when he entered the city gates; he didn’t remember the capital being like this, and thought some major event had occurred.

Zhulan said, "A big fire broke out yesterday, you must have seen it. That’s why people are so nervous. Don’t worry, you need not be concerned."

Yang Wen indeed had seen the fire; he remembered it was in an abandoned house, "How could a fire in an abandoned house cause such panic?"

Zhulan did not hide the truth, "It’s the ancestral home of the Emperor’s forebears. This matter is laden with grievances. I’ll briefly explain, remember what I say and don’t ask around about it in the future."

As she spoke, Zhulan dismissed the maids and crones, then recounted the grievances—not a secret.

Yang Wen’s eyes widened; he finally understood, "I won’t ask about it in the future."

Zhulan smiled, "Don’t be afraid. Everyone knows the grudges involved. Just keep it in mind and don’t inquire about it casually."

"I’ve noted it."

In the Ran family home, Ran Wan was sulking, taking out her frustration on her needlework. When Mrs. Liu entered, she was surprised to see her daughter so displeased, "Who has made you this upset?"

Ran Wan was startled; it was rare for her to lose her temper, and she hadn’t expected her mother to witness it. Her face flushed red, "Mother, your daughter was just feeling a bit outraged."

Sitting beside her, Mrs. Liu knew her daughter’s temperament; this time she must have been truly upset, "Tell your mother about it."

Having been seen by her mother, Ran Wan’s anger subsided, "Zhou Mingyun received an invitation to ride horses. Miss Zheng, who is friendly with your daughter, sent a letter today to inquire whether your daughter had received the invitation. That’s when I learned it was not only the young gentlemen but also some young ladies attending."

She realized at once that someone had taken a liking to Mingyun. Ever since Grandfather retired, the Ran family’s influence had waned.

The Zhou family, on the other hand, was different, rising steadily as bamboo does. A Zhou family daughter had already married into the Hou Residence, a marriage as solid as nails, securing her role as Mrs. Hou. In comparison, Zhou Mingyun was the eldest grandson; Ran Wan had heard plenty of idle talk suggesting she was not worthy of him.

Mrs. Liu embraced her daughter, "Getting angry over this isn’t worth it. The Zhou family is known for valuing relationships, which is good. For you to live well, and even better, is the best revenge."

Ran Wan’s face was flushed, "Mother, it’s just that I’ve heard too much of this talk. This is the first time I’ve been angry. I won’t be in the future, I understand now, Mingyun is very good."

During the New Year’s visit to the Zhou residence, Mingyun had spoken at length with her, no longer cold and distant. She could feel that Mingyun had a place for her in his heart. Thinking about belonging to Mingyun alone in the future, not having to share her husband with any other woman, she understood their jealousy!

At the Zhou family, Zhulan was in the main courtyard awaiting the doctor’s pulse examination, but her eyes were fixed on Lady Li. She knew her own condition well enough, and soon it would be time for the birth. Yet there was Lady Li, who despite craving certain foods, dared to walk briskly and then complained of discomfort upon her return.

Lady Li hunched her neck, "I feel much better now."

The doctor remained silent, then turned and said, "You’ve agitated the fetus slightly. The baby is moving quite a bit; you’ll need to rest for several days. But you should also be careful recently, as the due date isn’t far away. It’s best to be cautious."

Zhulan let out a sigh of relief and instructed the maid to see the doctor out. She then looked sternly at Lady Li, "How old are you? How many children have you had? And you still can’t spare me any worry."

Lady Li looked imploringly at her mother-in-law; it had been a while since she had seen her so stern. The emotions of a pregnant woman were volatile, and grabbing her mother-in-law’s sleeve, she pleaded, "Mother, it wasn’t me being greedy. It’s the child in my belly."

Zhulan snorted, and tears started to fall from Lady Li’s eyes, "Mother, you’re scolding me."

Zhulan’s mouth twitched. Lady Li’s tears lacked any semblance of the beauty of ’pear flowers bathed in rain.’ In the end, her heart softened, despite intending to scold Lady Li, "Alright, no more crying."

Lady Li cried sadly. If her husband ever dared to scold her, she’d surely scratch at his face. But her mother-in-law had always been protective of her. She knew without her mother-in-law’s attentive guidance and protection, she’d still be an ignorant and crass woman. Her mother-in-law held the highest place in her heart.

Zhulan felt helpless; she should have been the one to be angry, and she was worried about Lady Li, too. She took a handkerchief, "Alright, I won’t scold you anymore."

Lady Li opened her eyes, sniffing, "Really?"

Zhulan, "Mm."

Lady Li muttered, "Mother isn’t smiling."

Zhulan pinched Lady Li’s plump cheek, "Don’t push your luck."

Lady Li squealed, "Ow, it hurts, Mother, it really does hurt."

Zhulan released her grip and turned to walk away.

Lady Li called out quickly, "Mother, can I eat the pastries on the table?"

Zhulan,"..."