Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1436: Feather Duster

Chapter 1436: Chapter 1436: Feather Duster

The next day, the army set out on their campaign. Even though they did not leave through the city gates of the capital, one could still see the endless procession of troops from high ground.

Zhulan greatly regretted not being able to personally witness the army’s departure. It wasn’t a special effect from a TV drama, nor was it acted out by extras. The troops had left before dawn, and today the city gates leading to Dongbei were tightly shut, accessible only to officials.

Zhou Shuren missed it too, as he was extremely busy.

Ming Hui from the Zhou family wanted to see it, and his interest was piqued knowing that Ming Teng could leave the city.

Unfortunately, Ming Teng was known for being fair and unyielding when it came to duties, despite his generally approachable demeanor with his younger brothers. Ming Hui’s hopes were thus crushed, and he had to obediently head to the Academy.

Inside the Academy, Ming Hui, for not paying attention in class, was reprimanded by the teacher and afterwards lay motionless on the desk.

Ming Jia said, "Fourth Brother, do you want to get scolded by the teacher again?"

Ming Hui lifted his head, "I wanted to see the army set out. Now that I can’t, I have no spirit at all."

Ming Jia rested his chin on his hand, "You know what I think?"

"What do you think?"

"I think ever since you were little, you just needed a good spanking."

His mother had a fiery temperament as well; she would rather lay hands on him than nag. He took his fair share of beatings as a child, and if asked who he envied the most in the family, he would undoubtedly say his Fourth Brother.

Fourth Brother was excellent at growing up. As his face began to take shape, he increasingly resembled their grandmother, and because of his looks, Fourth Brother was seldom punished as a child.

Ming Hui sat upright, "That’s too much, Zhou Xiaowu. I’ve been good to you."

Being close in age, he often dragged Xiaowu along behind their younger uncle since they were little. He had always been protective of Xiaowu, and yet Xiaowu was actually wishing to see him get punished.

Ming Jia pursed his lips, "In our family, you’re the most willful. Isn’t it just that you can’t see the departure? Look at you. You don’t listen attentively in class, and even when the teacher scolds you, you’re indifferent. It’s irritating just to look at you."

That was because his maternal uncle and aunt doted on him excessively.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren watched the Retired Emperor in silence. The Retired Emperor sat motionless, having only uttered one sentence since arriving, telling him not to bother.

The Retired Emperor was very much alive, and Zhou Shuren couldn’t just ignore him, especially as the Retired Emperor sighed from time to time, making Zhou Shuren anxious, his grip on the brush tightening relentlessly.

Zhou Shuren put down his brush and massaged his brow, "Does the Retired Emperor have any concerns?"

The Retired Emperor looked up, "Are you finished with your work?"

"Not yet."

The Retired Emperor sipped his tea, "Then you carry on, I’ll just sit here by myself for a while."

Prince Liang was also his son. While he favored and cared for his legitimate children, the others were also his flesh and blood. He felt incredibly aged, his heart growing softer and softer. Yesterday, the Prince Liang Residence was in tears, as if Prince Liang’s mother and wife were fearing that he might never return due to his health condition. He couldn’t even remember what his beloved concubine looked like anymore.

Prince Liang’s current situation was the result of his own ruthless actions in earlier years. Neither Prince Qi nor Prince Chu had laid hands on the Crown Prince’s harem. Only Prince Liang had acted against the Crown Princess Consort and also against Rongchuan.

All of these incidents were etched in the Emperor’s memory, and some scars were impossible to erase.

Zhou Shuren noticed the Retired Emperor remained silent and had stopped sighing, so he stopped bothering about him. He could guess why the Retired Emperor behaved like this. As for Prince Liang, Zhou Shuren felt no sympathy; today’s outcome was the result of his past actions. After all, it was Prince Liang who had been behind the incidents involving Rongchuan and Chang Lian!

Zhou Shuren touched his brush. The Emperor would not tolerate any mistakes, for if it affected the military campaign thereby affecting the Zhou family, the consequences would be detrimental. It was better this way, to watch Prince Liang struggle.

If Prince Liang returned safely this time, even if shielded by military merits, Prince Liang Residence would still have to tread carefully in their daily affairs.

Zhang Jinghong came in and stood frozen for a moment upon seeing the Retired Emperor; having once been a Prince himself, his feelings towards the Retired Emperor were too complex.

In recent years, his opportunities to see the Retired Emperor had become even scarcer, and today, upon seeing him, the Retired Emperor seemed much more aged.

Zhang Jinghong hastened to pay his respects, "Your subject pays homage to the Retired Emperor."

The Retired Emperor sized up Zhang Jinghong, acknowledging his intelligence. Only the clever can survive for long, "Hmm, carry on with your work."

Zhang Jinghong held the account book, "My lord, this has just been verified."

Zhou Shuren flipped through the account book with the tallied Silver. The army had just set out, and Silver was flowing out like water, "Hmm, leave it here."

Zhang Jinghong did not wish to stay in the room any longer and swiftly left.

After everyone left, the Retired Emperor spoke up, "I hear he’s been doing well."

Zhou Shuren nodded, "Having been raised as a Prince since childhood, his knowledge and vision are hardly comparable to ordinary people; he has been of great assistance to me in recent years."

The Retired Emperor stroked his beard. His son shared his attitude; they cared little for the Children of the Previous Dynasty. Keeping Zhang Jinghong could only be beneficial, "Hmm, indeed, he keeps his place and knows his limits."

Zhou Shuren’s ears twitched; therefore, the Emperor had been keeping a close watch on Zhang Jinghong.

After classes in the afternoon, Zhulan was surprised to hear Qing Xue’s report, "You mean to say that Ming Hui and Ming Jia, the two brothers, are on bad terms and neither is willing to pay attention to the other?"

Qing Xue nodded, "Yes."

"Go and find out what caused it."

With Chang Zhong not at home, the relationship between these young brothers was usually very good; it was truly unexpected for them to be at odds.

It didn’t take long for Zhulan to learn the reason. She couldn’t blame Ming Jia for this; Ming Hui, being naturally clever and apt at using his looks, was always indulged by the main branch of the family. Today, feeling discontented, he wasn’t paying attention during lectures, which was unacceptable.

Zhulan stood up and picked up a feather duster, caressed its bristles and turned to hand it to Qing Xue, "Pass this feather duster to Lady Li."

In Qing Xue’s mind, the Fourth Young Master was in for a rough time.

Ming Hui indeed had a rough time; Lady Li found herself in a difficult position to either scold or hit him. Having held back her frustrations over the years, receiving the feather duster felt like she had been handed the Imperial Sword. Sending Qing Xue away, she wielded the feather duster and struck him with it.

Ming Hui turned to run, only to find his father standing at the door, closing it firmly.

Chang Li stood at the door, rolling up his sleeves and speaking to his wife, "If you get tired, I’ll take over."

This rascal, using his cleverness and looks to his advantage over the years, had tricked his own father again and again. Today, he was definitely due for a good lesson.

Ming Hui regretted his actions, realizing he shouldn’t have lost his temper at Ming Jia. He had intended to give Ming Jia the cold shoulder, to let him realize the importance of his Fourth Brother. Instead, grandmother had sent a feather duster straight away!

Ming Hui quickly cowered, "Mother, father, I was wrong, I admit my fault. I shouldn’t throw tantrums when things don’t go my way. I shouldn’t be angry with Ming Jia, who just wants what’s best for me. I was wrong, ow, stop hitting, mother, it’s so painful."

His skin was tender from not being accustomed to beatings since childhood, indeed not as tough as his Second Brother.

As for his Eldest Brother, his parents would only listen to him and truly would not lay a hand on him.

After hearing this, Lady Li grew even angrier, "So you know full well, yet you still throw tantrums and ignore Ming Jia? Very well, let’s see if I don’t deal with you properly today."

In the fourth branch, Su Xuan felt that her son was right in his actions. He was looking out for his brother’s best interests, and Ming Hui indeed deserved to be straightened out.

A maid came in and reported the commotion in the main branch. Su Xuan smiled, "You see, even your grandmother agrees that the youngest needs to be disciplined."