Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1464: Seriously Ill

Chapter 1464: Chapter 1464: Seriously Ill

It’s a pity that before Minister Yu could visit Zhou Shuren to thank him during his break, Shuren fell ill that very night. This time, it wasn’t pretense to start his year-end leave early—it was a real illness.

The illness came on suddenly. In the middle of the night, Zhulan woke up from a dream when her hand touched the boiling kettle, startling her awake. Only then did she realize her husband’s forehead was scorching hot. When she touched his neck, it was burning as well, and her heart sank. She quickly called the maid on night duty to send for the steward and summon the Imperial Physician.

The Imperial Hospital has physicians on duty overnight, and the Zhou family dared not delay in requesting one. By the time the Imperial Physician arrived, Zhulan was already using physical cooling methods on Zhou Shuren, during which Shuren woke up.

Zhou Shuren was hazy from the fever, awakened by the cooling treatment. Feeling weak all over, he cooperated with the efforts until the physician arrived.

The Imperial Physician said a lot, but Zhulan remembered only bits and pieces. What stuck with her was the severity of Shuren’s illness and the need for proper recuperation. Her heart remained heavy with worry.

Zhulan waited for Shuren to take his medicine and fall asleep again. Her eyes were filled with distress. This year began with flooding, followed by warfare, and now in winter, he was stressed over grain supplies. Even the strongest man couldn’t withstand this burden. This illness was purely from exhaustion.

Shuren might not have told her, but that didn’t mean she was unaware. Several times, grain provisions nearly fell short, and Shuren had poured immense effort into ensuring their adequacy.

As year-end approaches, his mind might have briefly relaxed, but his body couldn’t hold out any longer.

In the morning, Zhou Shuren’s eldest sons stood by his bedside, motionless. When their father fell asleep again and their mother led them out of the bedroom, Zhou Shuren’s eldest son finally spoke, "Mother, did the Imperial Physician say when Father will recover?"

Zhulan was exhausted, afraid to close her eyes after staying up all night. Leaning against a cushion, she replied, "The Imperial Physician didn’t give a specific timeframe, only said he needs thorough rest."

She hadn’t spent years reading medical texts for nothing. Her understanding of medicinal herbs was significant. Normally, physicians keep drug dosages light, but the prescriptions last night were heavier.

Even now, her hands seemed to recall Shuren’s feverish warmth from last night’s high fever.

The Imperial Physician last night had been alarmed and dared not delay, resorting to prescribing stronger medication. Fortunately, the medicine had lowered the fever slightly.

Zhou Shuren’s eldest sons and Chang Zhi remained silent while Mingyun, Shuren’s eldest grandson, was also quiet. Today, both Chang Zhi and Mingyun had taken leave.

Ming Teng was in Pinggang, while the other grandchildren were in the main hall.

Zhulan asked the eldest son, "Have you written your father’s sick leave memorial?"

"I’ve written it, Mother."

At the morning court session, Zhou Shuren didn’t attend; he was officially on leave due to illness. Just yesterday, he had argued with Minister Wen—how could he suddenly fall sick?

Qiu Yan attended court that day, feeling uneasy. Could this be a ruse to take leave early? Such matters were indeed possible for the Grand Master of Writing.

Wong Ju thought the same. Those familiar with Zhou Shuren hadn’t seriously considered the possibility of actual illness.

Only the Emperor knew the truth: Zhou Shuren was genuinely ill and in quite a serious condition. The news had been reported before daybreak, leaving the Emperor deeply worried and prompting him to plan for the Crown Prince to visit personally.

After hearing the physician’s diagnosis, the Emperor realized how hard Zhou Shuren had been working. The burdens placed on him this year were far too heavy.

The court session ended quickly that day, as there weren’t major matters to address.

Then, the ministers watched as the Crown Prince didn’t follow the Emperor out, but instead took his guards and attendant eunuchs and left the palace. Exchanging looks, they wondered: was Zhou Shuren really ill?

Qiu Yan’s heart sank. Perhaps the Grand Master was genuinely sick.

Wong Ju thought about visiting at noon, as he couldn’t leave right now.

The Crown Prince arrived at the Zhou residence, and news of Zhou Shuren’s critical illness spread rapidly. Some rejoiced, while others worried.

Zhou Shuren was hated by many, but there were also those who admired him, especially ministers from humbler backgrounds.

Zhulan and the elders of the Zhou family greeted the Crown Prince. Zhulan stepped forward when she saw him about to enter and quickly interjected, "Your Highness, please wait. The master’s illness is severe and contagious. For the sake of Your Highness’s health, please take precautions."

She worried that if the Crown Prince caught the illness, it might turn into blame on the Zhou family. It was better to be cautious.

The Crown Prince halted his steps, "I was inconsiderate."

Instead, the physician accompanying the Crown Prince went in. Zhulan asked the elder sons to accompany him while she followed the physician into the bedroom.

This time, two Imperial Physicians had come. Their diagnosis matched the findings from the night before. They reviewed the prescription and made adjustments; today’s physician happened to be the chief physician of the Imperial Hospital and modified several components.

Zhulan studied the prescription carefully. The dose had been increased again—clearly last night’s physician hadn’t been assertive enough in prescribing medication.

Zhou Shuren, in a dazed sleep, showed flushed cheeks as his fever returned. Zhulan stayed by his side, uneasy.

The two Imperial Physicians, left behind by the Crown Prince, stayed at the Zhou residence. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince delivered medicines and other supplies but left shortly after arriving.

Just as the Crown Prince stepped outside, he encountered the Retired Emperor. Surprised, he addressed him, "Grandfather, why have you come personally?"

"I wanted to see for myself," the Retired Emperor replied.

The Crown Prince furrowed his brows, expressing concern, "You also fell ill earlier this winter..."

"I know my limits," the Retired Emperor interrupted.

Having experienced illness himself earlier this season, he deeply understood how one’s body weakens after an episode. Beyond their sovereign-subject relationship, the Retired Emperor regarded Zhou Shuren as a personal friend, one he wanted to check on personally.

The Crown Prince then returned, while Zhulan failed to stop the Retired Emperor from entering. The Crown Prince, unwilling to leave him alone, followed inside.

Zhulan, "..."

She had tried her best. If something went wrong, she hoped the Emperor wouldn’t blame the Zhou family.

Sitting by the bed, the Retired Emperor looked at Zhou Shuren’s fragile state, his weathered face marked with white hairs—a stark contrast to the vibrant figure he once knew. The Retired Emperor was moved and sighed, "Shuren has given too much for the people and the court."

His effort in strategizing grain allocations ensured prompt and efficient supply replenishments—a monumental achievement. Ideas like fish cakes helped the commoners address famine during crises.

The Retired Emperor’s tone grew heartfelt, "Shuren, I know you’re tired. You want to rest, but you can’t. Your contributions will be remembered by future generations. You must recover quickly."

His autobiography contained numerous passages about Zhou Shuren. Zhou Shuren was his lucky charm—the royal household’s fortune and a great official for the people.

Zhulan replaced the damp cloth on Shuren’s forehead and gauged the temperature on his neck and other areas, finally exhaling in relief as the fever slightly subsided.

Watching this scene, the Retired Emperor thought of his own wife, who had diligently cared for him during his illnesses. This, he mused, was what true companionship looked like.

When Xue Han learned the news, it was already late. Rongchuan wasn’t in the capital, and her elder brothers hadn’t informed her. By the time she arrived, the Retired Emperor and Crown Prince had already left.

Speaking while shedding tears, Xue Han asked, "Mother, how is Father? Why didn’t you tell me Father was sick?"

Zhulan patted her daughter’s hand, "I told your brothers not to inform you. Your health is fragile, and I didn’t want you to become agitated. I didn’t tell your eldest sister either."

Xue Han sniffled, "But Father’s illness has spread throughout the capital. How could I not find out?"

So what were you trying to keep from me, Mother?

Zhulan smacked her forehead, realizing she had acted foolishly in her desperation. She’d momentarily forgotten they were in the capital, where such news would inevitably spread. "I was just anxious."

Finished speaking, Zhulan pressed her temples. She had grown older and felt she needed rest; the worry and stress were proving too much to bear.