Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1063: Still Alive?

Chapter 1063: Chapter 1063: Still Alive?

Zhou family, after dinner, everyone returned to their own quarters, and it was only then that Zhou Shuren spoke of Chang Lian’s affairs while sitting on the warm heated brick bed, "I estimate that the rewards will be bestowed tomorrow."

Zhulan regretfully said, "It’s a pity that Chang Lian started at a high rank, otherwise, with his achievements, he would have been promoted within a couple of years. Now he’ll have to wait for years. Without three to five years, he won’t be able to rise."

"At least when Chang Lian does get promoted, his achievements will ensure that no one can obstruct him. Three to five years is just three to five years. It’s also good for Chang Lian to have some time to consolidate his position. He has risen too quickly and too smoothly."

Zhulan hummed in agreement, "As long as you’re aware, that’s good. Oh, and our eldest daughter mentioned the marriage affairs of Jiang Zhu and Jiang Miu, the two children of the Jiang family."

Zhou Shuren withdrew the hand he was extending towards a book, "Since that girl entered the capital, she has been cautious. It’s hard on her, but maintaining her true self also spares her much trouble."

Zhulan sighed, "Our eldest daughter wasn’t raised by me; she has always been with her grandmother by her original family and was brought up well since childhood."

Zhou Shuren hummed in response, not giving it much thought. At the end of the dynasty, bandits were rampant, with many families wiped out and many fleeing for their lives. In such chaotic times, there were too many people hiding their true identities.

At Ning Duke Residence, the servants in front were carrying lamps, and behind them, the Emperor and Rongchuan each held an umbrella. It was already dark when the Emperor finally prepared to return to the palace.

In the quiet courtyard, there were many guards and servants, but not a single one dared to make a sound; they all walked in silence.

As the Emperor approached the front courtyard, he took the umbrella himself and gestured for everyone nearby to back away. Speaking to Rongchuan, who was also holding an umbrella, he said, "In a blink of an eye, you’re getting married and about to become a father."

Rongchuan had thought his heart would be tumultuous, but he found himself unexpectedly calm, "I’ve grown up, and I am now capable of taking care of my own small family."

The Emperor gazed at his younger son under the umbrella and asked casually, "Is everything alright for you in the Hou Residence?"

Rongchuan had figured out by now that among those around him, some were his father’s men and some belonged to the Emperor, "The Emperor knows everything; I have always been well."

He would not be foolish enough to provoke the Emperor by mentioning his father too much. The Emperor’s shrewdness was not to be taken lightly. From the moment he guessed his true background, he lost his sense of ease. He did not want to pretend ignorance; in the Emperor’s eyes, any cunning he possessed was but child’s play.

The Emperor hummed in response. He understood, he knew, and he also saw the desolation in Ning Xu’s eyes. Ning Xu had spent his life serving him, only to leave no heirs in the end. The Ning Clan, Ning Xu’s generation, had all been for him. The Emperor raised his hand and patted Rongchuan’s shoulder, ultimately saying nothing.

When Rongchuan saw the Emperor lift his foot to leave, he thought for a moment before stepping forward to ask, "Emperor, are there any survivors from the Zhang family, Zhang Datie’s family?"

The Emperor’s steps halted, and he turned his head, "I thought you would not ask."

Rongchuan bowed his head, "Back when I was still in the Zhou family village, I had already settled my grievances with Zhang Datie’s family. The debt of saving a life was clear."

He kept his head lowered, realizing that he too could play mind games. He wanted the Emperor to know that he was not cruel at heart; he preferred peace.

The Emperor, holding the umbrella handle, said, "They are still alive."

After speaking, the Emperor walked away with long strides, followed by the guards and eunuchs. The only ones left in the emptied place were Rongchuan and a few young servants in the distance.

Rongchuan tugged at the corner of his mouth. He couldn’t let go of Zhang Datie’s family yet because of his identity, and as for whether he would let go in the future, Rongchuan looked up at the drizzling sky and decided he wouldn’t care—so it was said, he wasn’t truly a person of pure goodness through and through.

The next day, early in the morning, Xue Han arrived. Zhulan hadn’t yet eaten breakfast. "Have you eaten? If not, let’s have something together."

Xue Han touched her stomach. "Mother, I’ve already eaten. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to leave the Hou Residence."

Zhulan had her breakfast alone that day, having gotten up a bit late. She had had numerous dreams the night before and was unable to fall back asleep once she woke up. "You came so early in the morning, is there something you want to talk to mother about?"

Xue Han gestured for the maids and nannies to leave and sat at the edge of the dining table. "Mother, last night Rongchuan said some inexplicable things. I’m feeling unsettled. Only grandpa is at home, and it didn’t seem right to discuss it with him, so I came back."

Zhulan stopped eating the porridge in her bowl. "Tell me, what did Rongchuan say?"

Xue Han was worried. "He asked if the Hou Residence was good, he mentioned how grandpa has been good to him, and he said grandfather had his self-interests but also sincerity towards him. In the end, he asked me if I wanted to stay in the Hou Residence forever. I was so confused. I tossed and turned last night, unable to sleep, pondering over this matter. Mother, what do those words from Rongchuan mean?"

She knew her childhood sweetheart husband well—he wouldn’t say such baffling things without reason.

Zhulan pondered her daughter’s words and had a realization. Rongchuan knew about his own background, but he didn’t want to return to the royal family. But how should she explain this to her daughter?

Zhulan thought for a moment. "Don’t overthink it. When Rongchuan comes to a conclusion, he will naturally explain everything to you. The fact that he hasn’t told you yet only means that he hasn’t figured it out himself."

Xue Han touched her belly, which was now showing her pregnancy. She lacked her usual energy, didn’t rest well the day before, and looked rather pale. "I am truly worried about him. It’s been so many days, and I can hardly remember the last time he laughed freely."

Zhulan said quietly, "People have to grow up. Everyone has their own trials they must endure. Once Rongchuan gets over this hurdle, he will have truly matured."

She could see clearly. The Rongchuan of the past had been well protected. How could he not have been, with his father being the Emperor, and his full brother being the next Emperor, shielding him to freely come and go in the government hall? Now that he understood the truth, after more exposure to it and with the imperial power involved, the young man was maturing, becoming more composed than before.

In Zhou’s village, Jiang Ming had the day off and waited until his son went to the Zhou Clan school. Then, Jiang Ming carefully revisited what Jiang Sheng had said. "Does he value our muchen?"

Dong Yiyi had already been joyful the day before. "Just take it easy. Jiang Sheng must have taken a liking to Muchen. A few days ago, he sent a letter to the capital, and yesterday someone came to propose. That’s why he was in a rush to reveal more to you."

Jiang Ming clapped his hands. It was rare for the Jiang family, which wasn’t very prominent, to find a good match. To be in-laws with the Jiang family would be a top-tier arrangement. "You’ve watched the girl from the Jiang family grow up; she’s a sensible and well-educated young lady."

Dong Yiyi’s lips curled up slightly. "Indeed, she’s a good girl: good-looking, literate, and certainly more distinguished now that she is in the capital. It’s just that we don’t know if Jiang Sheng’s words will carry any weight."

Jiang Ming’s mood dipped. "Indeed, all of Jiang Sheng’s achievements today are thanks to the Yue family. Jiang Miu is the only granddaughter of Magistrate Zhou, and naturally, she’s a bit doted upon. It’s possible they’ll find her a better match in the capital."

If he held Magistrate Zhou’s official position, he wouldn’t agree to this family alliance for his granddaughter.

Dong Yiyi’s smile faded, not wanting to mention it, yet it was the truth. "Not only has Magistrate Zhou been rising through the ranks, but even Zhou’s second son has become an official and has been sent on diplomatic missions. Who could have seen that coming!"

Jiang Ming touched his amputated leg, filled with regret. He had had a decent future, but he had ruined it himself, and now it was too late for regrets. "By the way, what did Sister Mulan say in her last letter?"