Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1415: Wanting to Erect a Signboard

Chapter 1415: Chapter 1415: Wanting to Erect a Signboard

Ming Rui pretended not to hear Shangguan Liu’s words, continuing to run through the dense forest, until Shangguan Liu fell to the ground motionless; that’s when Ming Rui collapsed on the ground as well. He had been supporting a person as he ran; this was already his limit.

Shangguan Liu’s throat was burning with pain as he lay on the ground unmoving, only the rise and fall of his chest proving he was still alive. The sweat irritated the cuts on his cheeks, painfully so, and he no longer had the strength to wipe it away with his hand.

After catching his breath for a moment, Ming Rui pricked up his ears to listen to the sounds of the dense forest. They couldn’t stay in this place for long. Gathering some strength, he helped Shangguan Liu up and they started to walk deeper into the forest step by step.

The assassins had taken care of the guards, leaving only a few alive, most of whom were seriously injured. One assassin, suffering grave injuries and disoriented in the dense forest, cursed under his breath. Was the Crown Prince’s stamina a bit too good?

Finally, Ming Rui found a place where there was clear mountain water, thankful for the recent heavy rains that had ensured an abundance of water in the streams. He removed his torn outer garments and carefully cleaned the cuts on his cheeks by the water’s edge. It hurt, but after washing, he found a clean spot to take a few sips of water.

After tending to himself, he saw that Shangguan Liu had somewhat recovered. Ming Rui found a larger leaf to scoop some water and handed it to Shangguan Liu.

Shangguan Liu took a few sips and finally felt that he was still alive. "Shall we rest here for a bit?"

Ming Rui stood up, "We will rest for a while, but we won’t stay here."

He had only encountered this single water source along the way; the mountains housed packs of wolves and ferocious beasts. Who knew if they would come here to drink? He needed to find some herbs to treat the cuts on his face.

Soon, Ming Rui found some anti-inflammatory herbs, crushed them, and applied them to his face, then treated Shangguan Liu’s wounds as well.

Shangguan Liu was surprised, "You know how to do this?"

"My grandmother likes to read medical books. I used to look at them with her when I kept her company."

Shangguan Liu felt much more comfortable on his face, and Ming Rui signaled him to rest. He needed to go and gather bamboo to carry water. No matter how exhausting the escape, he had not discarded the dagger in his hand; its usage in the forest was too great.

Shangguan Liu watched as Ming Rui busied himself, feeling totally useless, and he couldn’t help but laugh. He thought for sure he would be dead; he never expected to still be alive.

At that moment, had the Crown Prince died, it would be a death sentence for any of them who survived, potentially implicating their families. Only if they protected the Crown Prince and he lived, could they hope to survive.

Shangguan Liu laughed softly. It felt good to be alive. As long as he made it back alive, no matter how many women the Crown Prince had in the future, in thanks for his protection, his sister’s status would be as unshakeable as Mount Tai.

In the Capital, at the Ministry of Revenue, the Minister of Works had received the Silver and was nearly through a whole pot of tea, sitting there without any intention of leaving.

Zhou Shuren asked, "Is the Ministry of Works not busy?"

The Minister of Works found his well-rehearsed words stuck in his throat, "Uh, well, I—"

Zhou Shuren pointed to his own desk, "You are not busy, but I am very busy. If you have something to say, say it quickly. I don’t have the time to continue entertaining you."

The Minister of Works cleared his throat, "Don’t get mad at what I’m about to say, alright?"

"Hmm?"

The Minister of Works coughed, "What do you think about my grandson?"

Zhou Shuren just pointed towards the door without saying a word, the meaning clear enough. Psh, he’d have to be insane to marry his granddaughter into that family.

The Minister of Works touched his nose, "My grandson—"

"Take care, no need to see you out."

Did he really think he could pal off his grandson to just anyone? The Liu family were of good and clean heritage, their backyard free from sordid dealings, their family principles were very upright. As for the family of the Minister of Works, ha, chaos and disorder would be considered high praise!

The Minister of Works moved slowly, dragging his feet, "Won’t you reconsider?"

"If you want to come in again, keep your mouth shut."

Don’t let him set up a sign in front of the Ministry of Revenue!

The Minister of Works shut up, sighing dejectedly. They say a good wife brings benefits for three generations, but he wouldn’t mention himself; he hadn’t chosen a good daughter-in-law either, and now although there was a suitable candidate for his granddaughter-in-law, that family looked down upon theirs!

In Huizhou, as time slowly passed, the soldiers guarding the city discovered the corpses of the guards and the assassins but had yet to see Shangguan and young master Zhou.

The guards who had left the capital with the Crown Prince watched their fallen comrades in sorrow, yet felt relieved not to find the bodies of the two young masters. They said to the city guards, "According to the tracks, both young masters have fled into the mountains. We must search for them there."

The Crown Prince’s order was clear: they must bring back the living or the bodies of the dead.

In the mountains, Ming Rui supported Shangguan Liu, "You were very decisive then."

Shangguan Liu replied, "I am similar in stature to the Crown Prince; it was most fitting for me to play his role."

When Ming Rui followed Shangguan Liu, it wasn’t a rash decision; in an instant, he had weighed many factors. Only by following Shangguan Liu was it the best choice for both the Zhou family and himself.

At that moment, when the guard shouted "protect the carriage," the assassin charged at Shangguan Liu. He could have chosen not to follow, but he did—seeking fortune in the midst of danger. Indeed, like his father, he had a bit of madness in his bones.

If he could survive this and return, the merit might not fall upon him, but it would fall upon his father. Ming Rui’s expression lightened considerably, and his body regathered strength.

Shangguan Liu sensed Ming Rui’s change. These sons who bore their family’s legacy knew that while their families bestowed them with honor, they also had to shoulder their families’ burdens and march forward.

Shangguan Liu looked up at the sky, "We will make it out alive, won’t we?"

"Yes," he affirmed.

Shangguan Liu then asked, "How are you so skilled."

Despite seeming so frail and scholarly, why was his martial prowess so remarkable?

Ming Rui chuckled, "My grandfather said without a good physique one cannot withstand the civil service examinations. The boys in our family have practiced martial arts from a young age to strengthen our bodies."

Ever since his fourth uncle and his aunt’s husband were assassinated, his family put even more emphasis on martial arts training.

Shangguan Liu, "..."

Terrifying, they’re supposed to be civil officials!

The two needed to find a place to hide before nightfall, and they were also hungry, having only eaten a few distasteful wild fruits along the way.

Night fell, and the Zhou family in the capital had finished their dinner. Zhulan spoke of the possible marriage alliance with the Liu family, "It has already been so long, and the Liu family has shown sufficient sincerity. It isn’t good for our family to keep stalling. I’ll have Chang Yi and his wife hint at it to the Liu family and consider setting a date for a meeting."

Zhou Shuren commented, "You have a handle on it, which is good. Oh, I recall you mentioning that the old lady of the Liu family passed away quite some time ago."

Zhulan nodded, "Now Lady Gu is in charge of the Liu family. The old master is still alive, so the household hasn’t been divided, but the assets allocated to each branch have already been distributed."

Zhou Shuren inwardly compared the Liu family with the Minister of Works’ family. It was like comparing heaven to earth, and he grew even more pleased with the Liu family, "In the future, Yu Die will be more comfortable after marrying into their family."

Zhulan also smiled, "Liu Yuanbo is not the eldest son, so he does not bear the eldest son’s responsibilities. The eldest son of the Liu family is quite exceptional. If Yu Die really marries into the Liu family, she will have a good mother-in-law without the burden of heavy responsibilities. Their life will not be bad."

Zhou Shuren also smiled. He had been quite worried about his lively granddaughter’s marriage prospects.

Zhulan advised, "If someone comes to propose a marriage, you can turn them down; Yu Yi and Yu Wen aren’t in a rush."

Zhou Shuren nodded, "I have this in mind."

Now that everyone was convinced of the Zhou family women being auspicious for their husbands, he felt a headache thinking about it. Such a reputation had its advantages, but also significant drawbacks. Indeed, sometimes it’s necessary to cool things down for a while.