Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1051: Fantasy

Chapter 1051: Chapter 1051: Fantasy

Three days later, the sealed gates of the capital finally opened. Even with the gates open, the residents of the capital remained cautious, venturing onto the streets only to purchase necessities for daily life.

At the Zhou residence, Zhulan listened to the rain outside and frowned, "They say spring rain is as precious as oil, but it hasn’t stopped these past few days."

It made the spring rain seem a bit less valuable.

Xue Han was in a bad mood, "This incessant rain really dampens the spirits."

Zhulan nodded. The constant gloom and poor indoor lighting definitely affected one’s mood.

Xue Han set down a handful of melon seeds, "Mother, I heard that the fifth Prince’s injuries have healed."

Zhulan replied, "I heard he wasn’t seriously injured in the first place, just a cut on his arm."

She still remembered the drama of the day; the rumors had made it seem as though the fifth Prince was doomed, and it became quite a laughingstock. These past few days, Zhang Yang didn’t dare show his face in court, embarrassing himself.

Xue Han pursed her lips, stifling a laugh, "Rongchuan said the Prince summoned quite a few Imperial Physicians."

Zhulan also chuckled; by now, who didn’t know that Zhang Yang valued his life above all? Of course, there was no shortage of gossip about the Zhou family either, with two groups of assassins having come to their home. This was impossible to hide, and in recent days they had received many sympathetic visits.

Thinking of this, Zhulan’s expression turned sour. "With everyone in the capital feeling so anxious, Lady Du came to our residence yesterday just to see the spectacle. What was she thinking!"

She and Lady Du didn’t get along at all; it was not a friendly visit, just sheer curiosity. Reflecting on Lady Du’s words, comments about how the Zhou family should be more low-key and not so arrogant—it’s no wonder they attracted hatred.

Even after she had retorted, it still left a bad taste in her mouth.

Xue Han sighed, "If Lady Du becomes the Duchess one day, she will surely tarnish the good name of the Duke Residence."

She had been present the day before; Lady Du was simply too irritating.

Zhulan then felt a bit more at ease, "Hmph, she’ll get what’s coming to her today."

Xue Han giggled, her mother bore grudges. "By now, Grandmother must have already met with Old Sister Song."

Zhulan smiled as well, "Mhm."

At the Ning Residence, the Old Duchess waited until the servant had sent Old Sister Song away, then her smile vanished, and she smashed her teacup on the floor.

Duke Ning walked in and was startled, "What’s gotten into you today, such a temper?"

The Old Duchess glared at her husband. "It’s all because of Lady Du. I thought she went to the Zhou residence yesterday with good intentions, but what happens? She provoked Madam Yang. Though I don’t know exactly what Lady Du said, I can guess from the maid’s words just now that it definitely wasn’t anything good."

Duke Ning’s face stiffened. "What did the maid say?"

Taking a deep breath, the Duchess said, "Madam Yang’s message was that the Zhou family will act with discretion and avoid trouble, ensuring they will not welcome any visitors nor accept invitations for the next month or two. As for the rest, I’d rather not repeat. Isn’t that enough?"

Duke Ning’s face darkened. That was certainly enough; he could imagine what Lady Du had said, "Thoughtless woman."

The Duchess had a severe headache. Being old, her energy was no longer what it used to be. When Lady Du returned yesterday, she hadn’t asked for details—truth be told, she was pleased that Lady Du had personally visited the Zhou family, only to be faced with disappointment, "Alas, if we keep letting her be, who knows whom else she’ll offend!"

Especially now when the Crown Prince was at the height of his popularity, having handled his recent assignments well, his position became more secure. More invitations were being sent to the Duke Residence, and she truly feared Lady Du might get carried away.

Duke Ning, with a grim expression, said, "Let her continue her Buddhist rituals. These past few days, Ning Hui fell ill again because of the rain—it’s a good excuse for her to pray for blessings."

The Duchess nodded, her tone tinged with melancholy, "The Imperial Physician said Ning Hui needs to relax, but with the trouble Lady Du causes, how can Ning Hui be at ease? I’m really afraid that if this continues, our son won’t outlive the two of us old folks."

Duke Ning felt a pang of heartache. He had only two living sons; his eldest and most cherished son had died, a wound forever aching in his heart, while his youngest had faked his death, leaving only his second son by his side.

In the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren massaged his shoulders, speaking to the reporting Lei Langzhong, "We’ve finally accounted for all the antiques and paintings; what’s left is to dispose of them."

Lei Langzhong had dark circles around his eyes. Working at the Ministry of Revenue was truly exhausting. He used to have it so easy at the Ministry of Justice—in comparison, the Ministry of Revenue was hectic, constantly dealing with silver. But with the inventory done, he sounded more cheerful, "Yes."

After Lei Langzhong left, Zhou Shuren leaned back in his chair to rest, his mind blank. Many of Yao family’s eligible members holding positions had died or were injured, very few remained between twenty and thirty years old; Yao Wenqi fell ill—only, whether it was genuine illness, was unknown.

The next morning at court, Zhou Shuren felt suffocated. This new month, he had been attending morning sessions consecutively; Qiu Yan must be doing it on purpose. It was the end of the month and he called in sick, managing to get five days of sick leave.

During the morning court session, Zhou Shuren could feel the scrutinizing gazes, twitching the corners of his mouth as though he wished to be there, but he’d rather have slept in a bit more!

The Emperor and the Crown Prince swiftly arrived. As soon as the Emperor sat down, he began, "I am getting old."

Every minister’s heart skipped a beat at these words. They all raised their heads to look at the Emperor, anticipating his next words—was he about to abdicate?

The Princes were the most anxious. Prince Qi clenched his fists tightly, fearing the Emperor would utter the two words he least wanted to hear.

Prince Liang’s complexion changed; he wasn’t ready for his final gamble.

Prince Chu, however, was much calmer, watching his father with a serene gaze.

Then there was Zhang Yang, whose face turned pale. Had his struggle for power just ended as it began?

Zhou Shuren felt relatively composed; the Emperor had too many tricks up his sleeve, and now was not the time for abdication.

The Emperor watched everyone’s reaction, then pointed to the Crown Prince, "This prolonged drizzle has left me somewhat exhausted. The Crown Prince will take over My imperial duties."

With that said, the Emperor stood up, patted the Crown Prince on the shoulder, and then left the court with Eunuch Liu and others, not minding the shockwave his words had sent through the assembly.

Zhou Shuren silently thought that the task of cleaning up the capital was, in fact, a signal. The Crown Prince’s position was secure, and being entrusted with such an important task already said a lot.

Prince Qi stared intently at the Crown Prince standing before the Dragon Throne. As soon as the Crown Prince would sit down, he would be the Emperor. The position was so tantalizingly close to the Dragon Throne; Prince Qi sneered at himself, understanding the firm stance behind the Crown Prince’s status, not only he understood, but his brothers did too—the Emperor never hid his favor towards the Crown Prince.

Prince Qi questioned himself; the Crown Prince was most like their father, not just due to the Emperor’s guidance, but because of the Crown Prince’s personality, which truly resembled the Emperor’s.

Prince Chu wanted to laugh but couldn’t. He didn’t even know why he wanted to laugh—was it because of his shattered dreams? Yes, dreams. The fantasies he had built for himself; why did he struggle? From childhood, the Emperor’s eyes saw only the Crown Prince. As his son, how could he catch his father’s eye without striving?

He was a Prince, and he had the powerful maternal family as his support. Why shouldn’t he fight? Even if he didn’t, would the Crown Prince let him be? No. With a powerful maternal family, it was only a matter of time before they’d be wiped out, so he had to fight. He just hadn’t anticipated that it would be his father who would strike first—swift, decisive, and ruthless, with no consideration for loyalty. When his maternal grandfather died, he only said one thing: the most heartless people are Emperors.

Now his father had personally torn apart his fantasies. Prince Chu laughed softly, finally letting the laughter escape.