Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1393: Shameless

Chapter 1393: Chapter 1393: Shameless

As the time to leave the government office arrived, Zhou Shuren promptly emerged from the Main gate of the Ministry of Revenue, and today in front of the Ministry’s gate there was a carriage from the Grassland Tribes.

Prince Tana stepped down from the carriage, "This prince has never had the chance to invite Your Excellency for a drink, and I deeply regret it. I wonder if Mr. Zhou can do me the honor today?"

Zhou Shuren really wanted to decline, but unfortunately could not, as the Emperor was scheming against the Grassland Tribes, so he had to cooperate fully, "Please, Prince."

Prince Tana laughed heartily, "This prince likes your straightforwardness, Mr. Zhou. After you, please."

Zhou Shuren did not board Prince Tana’s carriage but pointed at his own, "My carriage will follow."

Without giving it much thought, Prince Tana, believing that Chief Zhou would not go back on his word, turned and got into his carriage.

Zhou Shuren also got into his own carriage, and Jingyan came up cautiously, whispering, "Why would the Prince from the Grassland Tribes invite you?"

You should have offended all those tribes last time.

Stroking his beard, Zhou Shuren replied, "The princesses from various tribes are entering the capital; it must be for this matter."

There are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests; if the stakes are high enough, enemies can become brothers.

Within the Grassland Tribes, there’s a daily struggle for territory, and generations of deep-seated enmity, but when interests align, they will wed and form alliances just the same.

Jingyan had a thought, "Prince Tana will bring gifts for you, right?"

Zhou Shuren, "Mhm, these Grassland Tribes likely approached more than just me."

Any who can speak on their behalf before the Emperor would likely be bribed, and one shouldn’t spite oneself by refusing benefits that are freely offered. Thinking about the furs and medicines I saw yesterday, these Grassland Tribes have indeed fattened up over the years.

Zhou Shuren couldn’t help but chuckle again; these people really don’t agree with each other, none foolish enough to deplete their resources in preparation for war, all harboring their own ulterior motives.

That evening, when Zhou Shuren returned, the sky was dark. As soon as he entered the house, Zhulan smelled the alcohol and frowned, "How much did you drink?"

Zhou Shuren, "I didn’t drink much, Prince Tana is the heavy drinker, it’s just the smell that rubbed off on me."

Zhulan put down her pen, accepted the handkerchief handed over by the maid, and wiped her hands, observing that Zhou Shuren indeed hadn’t drunk much before feeling relieved, "You’re not young anymore, drinking hurts the body."

"When have I ever not listened to what you’ve said? I always keep it in mind."

Zhulan gestured for Zhou Shuren to change his clothes. Zhou Shuren took out a box from his bosom, Zhulan opened it and her eyes lit up, "The gemstone is indeed of splendid quality."

"From the Prince of Grassland?"

"Yes, he wants me to speak highly of his daughter and mentioned there would be a generous reward should the matter succeed."

Zhulan, "Quite generous."

Zhou Shuren said regretfully, "Unfortunately, the matter can’t succeed, I can only take advantage this one time."

"It’s already not bad. Are you just going to accept it? Won’t the Emperor overthink it?"

After changing his clothes, Zhou Shuren said, "No, I will simply mention it to the Emperor when I see him tomorrow. Besides, I’m not the only one who accepted gifts."

There are too many cunning foxes in the capital; no one will shun a benefit that comes for free.

Zhulan thought about it, "Have you had dinner? If not, I’ll ask the kitchen to prepare something."

"No, I’d like some noodles. A bowl of zhajiangmian will suffice."

"Alright."

The next day, after the morning court session ended and Zhou Shuren and others were yet to act, the Emperor left but delegated Eunuch Zhang to stay behind. Eunuch Zhang stepped forward, "Mr. Zhou, the Emperor said that you should just keep it."

Zhou Shuren touched the pouch inside his robe and nodded; the General who guarded the gate must have reported to the Emperor.

Eunuch Zhang continued delivering the message. Zhou Shuren counted, and noticed there were indeed quite a few who shared the same thoughts today; even Rong Enqing, who normally does not attend morning court, had arrived, seeming to have also received something.

Rong Enqing hurried over, "You’ve also received a gift?"

Indeed, a gift. He wouldn’t call it bribery.

Zhou Shuren smiled, "Hmm, this official is feeling quite uneasy!"

Rong Enqing, "..."

You weren’t anxious about receiving three hundred thousand taels, why fret over this trifle!

Zhou Shuren raised an eyebrow, "What’s with that look in your eyes?"

Rong Enqing, "I see your complexion isn’t good; you must have had an anxious night with little sleep."

Zhou Shuren nodded, "Yes, I was tossing and turning all night and couldn’t sleep."

Rong Enqing didn’t want to continue the conversation, "Almost everyone has left. Shall we go?"

Seeing that there were few people left, Zhou Shuren turned to leave, only to run into the Crown Prince a few steps later, "This servant pays homage to his Highness the Crown Prince."

The Crown Prince’s eyes skimmed over Lord Zhou’s embrace. Why does nobody give him gifts? He’s truly poor, and even with the Empress Dowager’s support, he’s still in dire straits, "I shall return to the Ministry of Revenue with you."

Rong Enqing hurriedly paid his respects, as he seldom had the chance to interact with the Crown Prince and naturally wanted to curry more favor.

Zhou Shuren sensed the Crown Prince’s gaze. He was determined; what’s in his pocket would stay there.

When they reached the palace gate, the Crown Prince had no carriage prepared. It seemed he planned to hitch a ride with Zhou Shuren. As they were about to get into the carriage, Rong Enqing pulled a pouch from his pocket, "Here are some trinkets I’ve just acquired for the Crown Prince’s amusement, I hope his Highness won’t disdain them."

The Crown Prince knew what these men had received and was inwardly pleased, though he kept a reserved expression, "I really shouldn’t."

Rong Enqing had already stuffed the pouch into the eunuch’s arms, "There’s nothing wrong with it. These were freely given to me as well."

The Crown Prince frowned, "I cannot accept it."

Rong Enqing paid his respects again and quickly left, thinking that having gained the Crown Prince’s favor today put a spring in his step.

The Crown Prince gestured to the small eunuch, then got into the carriage. Zhou Shuren internally rolled his eyes. Rong Enqing had set him up; Rong Enqing was so generous to give it all to the Crown Prince. If he refused to give anything, who knows what the Emperor might think.

Zhou Shuren lowered his head and took out his bag, flipping through the gemstones inside. Making sure to pick the smallest one, he reluctantly offered it, "This servant has a whole family to support and cannot compare to Lord Rong, whose affairs are simpler. It’s not easy for this servant to gather dowry for his granddaughter. Please don’t disdain this single gemstone, Your Highness."

The Crown Prince reached out to take it, no need to pretend in front of Chief Zhou, only to find it didn’t move, "My lord?"

Zhou Shuren reluctantly let go, "Ah, supporting a family is indeed no easy task."

The Crown Prince pretended not to hear, feeling happier to receive something from the stingy Lord Zhou than a whole bag from Lord Rong, "This will be treasured."

Zhou Shuren, "..."

The Crown Prince thought of selling the gemstone to the Emperor, which was the safest option. Even though the price would undoubtedly be lower than market value, at least it wouldn’t be discovered by the Prince of Grassland. Faced with the choice between losing face and losing some silver, he opted for the latter. Yes, he still valued his reputation.

At Zhou’s house, Zhulan was reading letters from her older brothers. She had written to Wu Chun, but the replies came from her brothers, which indicated many things.

The letters reassured that everything was fine at home, without mentioning anything else.

Touching the letters, Zhulan sensed that something was afoot at the border. She took a deep breath and put the letters away.

Mrs. Zhao rushed in, "Mother, Wanwan is about to give birth."

Zhulan stood up, not in a hurry. It was Ran Wan’s second child, "It’s more than ten days ahead of the due date."

Mrs. Zhao, "Yes, my sister-in-law and I were just chatting with Ran Wan when she started to feel pain in her abdomen. The child is eager to come out."

Zhulan smiled, "Let’s go and see."