Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1088: Traces

Chapter 1088: Chapter 1088: Traces

"It has been half a month in the blink of an eye, and although it still has not rained near the capital, the well-digging has been very successful. Afraid that the local officials would deceive the Imperial court and embezzle the funds for well-digging without actually doing the work, the Crown Prince dispatched people to supervise the well-digging in the drought-affected prefectures."

Zhulan’s family also dug a well, and the experienced diviner of water veins succeeded in finding water after a few attempts. He was truly skilled.

The capital was bustling too. The local doctors in the capital had taken part in the examination and the results were posted. Those who passed could start receiving their salaries next month.

Zhou Shuren also breathed a sigh of relief. He had thought of everything. If there was enough silver in the treasury, they just needed to buy more grain.

Zhulan received a letter from Xuzhou Province at home. Lying to the south and some distance from the north, Xuzhou did not experience the drought, nor did it have heavy rains. Being near the sea, it even enjoyed favorable weather.

Looking at the purchase list brought back, her son had sent quite a bit of dried seafood. The Zhou family did not lack food; there were two wells in the residence located on an abundant water vein, so they also grew vegetables in the garden.

Zhulan had also received a letter from her fourth son a few days ago. Their ancestral home must really have good fengshui. The early years’ drought had little impact on it, and it had rained there these last few days. Although the rural households were somewhat affected, it was not severe.

Zhao’s wife spoke, "I don’t know what the situation is like in Lizhou City."

Zhulan had not received a letter from Lizhou City for some days now, "Back then, we dug many ice cellars, but if there’s also a drought, I fear the orchards will suffer."

Zhulan then asked Mother Song, "Isn’t it almost time for Yang Wen’s day off?"

Mother Song always remembered the dates, "Three more days."

Zhulan made a note of it, "When Yang Wen returns, I’ll ask this child if he has received any letters."

Zhao’s wife was quite concerned about her brother, her only relative from her parental home. They had gotten along well these past two years and grown closer. "Mother, I’d like to send someone to Lizhou to check, lest the letters only carry good news but hide the bad."

"Alright, let’s send someone to check on Lizhou."

While they were speaking, Manager Wang came in with a letter, "Madam, a letter from the second master."

Zhulan sat up straight, "Bring it here for me to see."

Zhao’s wife stretched her neck, anxious. Her husband had been gone for nearly half a year.

After reading the letter, Zhulan smiled, "He has arrived at Pinggang. He will return to the capital tomorrow. If he rides fast, he could reach the capital by tonight."

Zhao’s wife chanted a Buddhist prayer, "As long as he is safe, that is good."

Only when her husband set foot on land could she truly rest easy.

Zhulan was also happy, "I’ll tell the old master this good news."

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren, having received the letter from home, curled his lips up at Mr. Qiu, "There will be silver."

Qiu Yan was surprised, "How do you know?"

"I know my boy. If he wasn’t bringing back silver, he wouldn’t send a letter home in advance. This is him sending good news first!"

Qiu Yan was silent. The children of the Zhou family were indeed complicated thinkers. He suddenly felt that his own child was too naive, leading to a lack of accomplishment, but then he cheered up again, "Having silver is good; we are in need of it now."

Zhou Shuren was confident in his second son, who had the potential to be a cunning merchant, chuckling happily.

Prince Chu entered, "It seems Master Zhou already knows the envoy has returned."

The smile on Zhou Shuren’s face faded. He had grown weary of Prince Chu lately, "Your Highness, this is the Ministry of Revenue. I am the Vice Minister of Revenue."

He wished Prince Chu would stop asking him since the ambush incident. Ever since then, Prince Chu had been targeting him, frequently coming over unannounced!

Prince Chu ignored Zhou Shuren’s words, thick-skinned when necessary, "Master, His Highness is also trying to do a good job. His Highness is having a hard time."

He was indeed having a difficult time. He could not compare to Prince Qi, who had a resourceful grandfather to plan his future. Qi could cleanly withdraw whenever he wished, but Chu couldn’t. It wasn’t easy for him to tear himself away.

This assignment was an opportunity, yes, an opportunity given by the Crown Prince. If he did well, he could buy himself some time. If not, there would be consequences.

Thus, between himself and Master Zhou, the Crown Prince naturally chose Zhou, who was less dangerous!

Qiu Yan had already slipped to the door, "Master Zhou, I’ll leave you be."

Zhou Shuren, "..."

He wasn’t really busy. Moreover, Qiu Yan really did have the traits of a rabbit, always the first to run at the slightest hint of trouble.

Zhou Shuren watched as Prince Chu held the booklet, cursing the Crown Prince in his mind. If not for the Crown Prince’s indulgence, Prince Chu wouldn’t keep bothering him again and again, wanting him to help Chu with this task, "I think I know how I’m going to die."

Prince Chu was puzzled, "Why does the master suddenly talk of death?"

Zhou Shuren rolled his eyes, "Because I will die of exhaustion."

Prince Chu handed over the booklet, "This is the list of doctors reported from the various provinces. Since there’s not enough time this year, we’ll leave it at that. Next year, they all must come to the capital to take the exams. There are also some follow-up arrangements, which I have added. Master, please see if it is appropriate."

Zhou Shuren knew he couldn’t avoid it and took the booklet to review. He had only provided the framework; many details needed to be filled in, all of which Prince Chu had completed. The follow-up supervision was good. Looking up at Prince Chu, there was a hint of regret in his eyes. He couldn’t understand why all the capable people had to be born at the same time. Wouldn’t it be better if they were more spread out?

Prince Chu was confident in his abilities, "Why does Master look at me this way?"

Zhou Shuren closed the booklet, "Your Highness has done very well. I have nothing to add."

Prince Chu smiled. This was acknowledgment of his capability, and frankly, he admired Zhou Shuren’s abilities. Setting aside past conflicts, Zhou’s manner of handling matters was quite appealing, and this time he hadn’t held back against him.

Prince Chu reflected for a moment, "This prince thanks Master Zhou."

Zhou Shuren twitched his lips, finally accepting the thanks that he rightfully deserved.

Inside the Palace, the Emperor, looking at the Zhezi submitted by the diplomatic delegation, laughed heartily, "Good, good."

The Crown Prince was also pleased; not only had they brought back silver this time, but they had also secured mining rights, "Wu Ming did well."

He esteemed Wu Ming highly as Ming had demonstrated strong capabilities. Last time he efficiently reorganized the Ministry of Rites to his satisfaction, and he did not disappoint this time either.

The Emperor tapped the Zhezi, "This Zhou Changyi is also not bad, daring and smart, contributing quite a few ideas to the negotiations."

The Crown Prince nodded, "Indeed good, it’s a pity he hasn’t read much."

The Emperor changed the subject, "Zhou Shuren’s sons each have their own distinct personalities, all quite commendable."

The Crown Prince suggested, "Father, each of these men on the mission deserves a reward. I think they should all be rewarded."

The Emperor agreed, "Reward them according to their merits. You take care of it!"

The Crown Prince suppressed his excitement, "Yes."

Eunuch Liu entered, "His Highness Prince Liang requests an audience."

The Emperor, in a good mood, motioned for Eunuch Liu to bring in Prince Liang.

Prince Liang entered promptly, "Your son greets you, Father."

The Emperor motioned for him to rise, "Speak, have you found someone from the Rong family?"

Prince Liang reported, "Yes, after my repeated investigations and verification, I indeed found traces of the Rong family, but..."

The Emperor’s tone became anxious, "But what?"