Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1061: Judging Others by Oneself

Chapter 1061: Chapter 1061: Judging Others by Oneself

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye half a month had gone by. The capital had become much quieter, but the topic most discussed was that year’s rain.

Zhulan felt worried, "Ever since spring began, the rain hasn’t stopped. Soon it will be time for spring plowing. How can we plow with so much rain?"

Zhou Shuren set down the book in his hands and pressed his somewhat weary brows, "The weather is cool and it’s also raining at night; quickly close the window. Have you forgotten how well your body is? Aren’t you afraid of falling ill after all this strain?"

Zhulan pulled down the window and looked down at her own body, on an irreversible path to plumpness, "With all the fat on my body, I’m not afraid."

"You can still make jokes about yourself, so it looks like you don’t care about getting fat."

Zhulan, while wiping the rainwater by the window with a cloth, responded, "Stop talking about my body. It’s the first time I’ve encountered such heavy spring rains in all the years since I came to ancient times."

Zhou Shuren also felt anxious, "If the spring plowing is delayed, this year’s harvest will not be good. If the rain continues all year, the grain production will be even lower. We must prepare for many eventualities. The granaries in all provinces are already sealed to prevent unexpected situations."

Zhulan felt heartache, "Our family owns not a little land. We ourselves have managed it, and each household has managed theirs. The loss for a year is not small."

Zhou Shuren furrowed his brows, "Let’s see about setting up some shelters, never mind, the cost is too high."

Zhulan listened to the sound of raindrops outside the window. In the past, it could be a lullaby, but now it irritated her heart, "This year, the Crown Prince is acting as regent. If he does not handle it well, it won’t be good for establishing his prestige."

Zhou Shuren uttered a sound, "The Crown Prince is also worried today. The Zhezi sent from all places report heavy rain, especially the incessant rain in the south. Fortunately, the dikes are newly constructed; otherwise, the hidden dangers would be great."

A flood would destroy fertile fields. Floods are ruthless, and the ones who suffer are the common people. Even the modern world cannot eradicate flooding, let alone in ancient times.

Zhulan saw Zhou Shuren picking up a book again, "Don’t you care about your eyes? Stop reading. Aren’t you old already? Do you want to wear reading glasses in a couple of years?"

Zhou Shuren reluctantly put down the book, "This is a newly bought book of strange tales, quite interesting stories. Okay, fine, don’t glare at me, I won’t read anymore."

Zhulan huffed, arranging the bedding and preparing to rest. It wasn’t all troubling matters: Chang Zhi had returned to his hometown and was doing well. He mentioned a lot about clan matters. Chang Lian was also making steady progress at the Marine Division. Lady Dong, along with her children, had also adapted to life in Xuzhou, and everything was moving in a good direction.

Zhulan thought of Chang Yi, "Calculating the days, Chang Yi should have reached his destination by now!"

Zhou Shuren spoke, "I had asked the Xu family, calculating the days, he should have arrived."

Abroad, Chang Yi and the ambassador had returned to their resting residence. Bahu would take them around tomorrow, after which Bahu left.

The maids inside the room also went down, leaving only their people. They didn’t talk much; Having already exhausted themselves from yesterday’s social obligations, they chatted for a while before going to rest.

Chang Yi didn’t rest, instead he sat drinking alcohol. The local alcohol wasn’t strong, but its taste was still quite good.

Chang Yi heard footsteps, Wu Ming, "Why aren’t you resting?"

Wu Ming didn’t quite like the cushions here, not as comfortable as chairs, "Can’t really sleep. You have spoken quite a lot about this country, but today it seems much more severe than what you described. The struggle for royal power has reached a critical moment."

Chang Yi, "The old Emperor is already not functioning well, but that doesn’t affect us. On the contrary, it’s more advantageous for us, isn’t it? However, we must send someone to guard the ships."

It’s safer if our own Emperor can steal some learning.

Wu Ming, "What good is a design plan if construction is troublesome?"

Chang Yi twisted his lips, "They could sell the design plans to another country and then trade them for one or two ships in return."

Wu Ming still held the haughtiness of a scholar. Thankfully, he was of humble origin, having seen plenty of dark thoughts. Naturally, he had plenty of his own little schemes, always assuming the worst in people.

Wu Ming spoke earnestly, "I will explain more thoroughly going forward."

Chang Yi nodded and continued drinking. On the surface, Mr. Li was in charge of the ambassadorial mission, but secretly it was Wu Ming. Wu Ming hadn’t made this clear to him, but he had seen enough to understand. It seemed there was someone backing Wu Ming. After pondering, he concluded it must be the Crown Prince. If not for the Crown Prince, his father wouldn’t have told him to heed Wu Ming’s words so attentively.

The next day, after the early court session ended, Zhou Shuren was asked to stay behind. Xiao Qing was also there, but still, Zhou Shuren was left alone, immediately following the Crown Prince out after the court session.

Scholar Ding couldn’t hide his jealousy, "Officer Xiao, you are still the Minister of Revenue, aren’t you? Those who don’t know would think Officer Zhou holds the position!"

Xiao Qing rolled his eyes internally. He indeed wished it were Zhou Shuren, but alas, before the transition of imperial power, Zhou Shuren could only be Deputy Minister, a favor to be granted by the Crown Prince.

Seeing Officer Xiao’s expressionless face, Mr. Ding thought he had touched a sore spot, "Officer, you are still the Chief of Staff. If you don’t assert yourself, you might get sidelined by Zhou Shuren."

Li Zhao disapproved of Mr. Ding, "Instead of gossiping, better to focus on official duties. If Scholar Ding were more competent, perhaps the Emperor and the Crown Prince would also prefer to keep you, but unfortunately, some are just full of hot air."

Mr. Ding’s face burned with humiliation; it was the first time someone had openly disrespected him, "Officer Li."

Regrettably, Li Zhao had already turned and left with a flick of his sleeves.

Xiao Qing smiled faintly, "I think Officer Li is right. Mr. Ding, you would do better to focus your energies on significant matters."

Infuriated yet humiliated, Mr. Ding muttered, "No good deed goes unpunished."

Inside the government hall, the Crown Prince handed a Zhezi to Zhou Shuren, "This is from the Marine Division of Xuzhou Province. Your third son has proposed a detailed segmentation of the tax on maritime goods. Take a look, Officer Zhou."

Zhou Shuren understood everything; it was his arrangement. He scrutinized the Zhezi carefully, relieved that no one had stolen Chang Lian’s credit, "I believe the proposal is feasible. Segmenting taxes will not only increase revenue but also better control the market economy."

The Crown Prince watched Zhou Shuren closely. This Zhezi had been sent to the capital a long time ago. Why was it only shown to Zhou Shuren today? Because he and the Emperor wanted to confirm whether it was indeed Zhou Shuren’s idea. Their suspicion was now confirmed.

Reflecting on the Emperor’s words, the Crown Prince thought it was for the best. He reined in his emotions, considering more practical benefits. He was managing state affairs with accomplishments that were advantageous for him, especially given this year’s challenging outset, "Officer Zhou is right. The prices of imported goods have been quite chaotic lately. Such a measure could indeed stabilize prices and smooth out the economy."

Zhou Shuren, "Crown Prince is insightful."

In the hall, seeing only the Crown Prince and not the Emperor made Zhou Shuren wonder where the Emperor might have gone. It seemed, indeed, that the Emperor genuinely trusted the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince pondered what reward to give Zhou Changlian. Promotion was out of the question; it would have to be a financial reward.

An hour later, Zhou Shuren left the government hall. Just as he stepped out, he saw the Emperor holding flowers and promptly greeted, "Your Majesty."

The Emperor handed the flowers to a eunuch, "Is Zhou Shuren leaving the palace?"

"Yes."

The Emperor, hands clasped behind his back, "I too haven’t left the palace in some days. Wait for me, Zhou Shuren. I’ll change clothes and we can leave the palace together."

Zhou Shuren, "..."

How leisurely the life of the present Emperor seemed! Why did he find it so enviable?

The Emperor came out quickly, "Let’s go."

Zhou Shuren, not daring to ask where the Emperor intended to go, walked with his head down.

The Emperor stepped over puddles on the ground, "I want to see if there’s flooding everywhere in the city."

Zhou Shuren responded, "West City and South City are better. The planned areas of the city are not bad. It’s just the unplanned areas where there is a lot of water accumulation."