Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 444 Caught Off Guard_1

Chapter 444: Chapter 444 Caught Off Guard_1

Zhulan was comforted to hear Zhou Laodi’s words, at least it proved that Zhou Laodi was truly determined to temper himself. She wasn’t disappointed by his final test, "I am glad you came to discuss this with me, but it’s not feasible. The Zhao family’s affairs may become even more complicated in the future, so you must come with us."

Especially since Zhou Shuren became the Prefect of Jinzhou and was involved with Pinggang, the scheming would only increase.

Zhou Laodi understood what his mother meant, staying together as a family with their father’s protection in the Jinzhou Government Office, would make anyone with malicious intent think twice. But if he and Mrs. Zhao were in Chuanzhou Province, far from their parents, they would become the first targets if any issues arose.

Zhou Laodi said, "Mother, I will have Dongmo take care of the houses and shops in Chuanzhou right away."

As for the orchard, he wanted to keep it. He knew that the family’s orchard would also be kept by his mother; it would suffice to send someone annually to manage the fruit.

At present, the orchard was the biggest source of income for the second wife.

Zhulan pondered as Zhou Laodi reminded her. She considered keeping the shops and the houses, but they could sell the land, keeping only the orchard would be enough.

Zhou Shuren’s meteoric rise to become Prefect of Jinzhou bewildered the powers that be left in Lizhou Province. Everyone thought Zhou Shuren would go to the capital, but if he didn’t, what was all their scheming for?

Now, Zhou Shuren had become Prefect of Jinzhou, also overseeing Pinggang. If you were to say where the most silver was right now, it would be the ports, also a focal point for various forces.

They had barely issued a warning when he became Prefect of Jinzhou!

Although he hadn’t gone to the capital, Jinzhou City was the prefecture city closest to the capital and a higher-level city. The Prefect of Jinzhou, although "just" a prefect, occupied a very important position, one not held without the Emperor’s confidence, given its proximity to the capital.

The Emperor’s appointment surprised everyone; many truly believed Zhou Shuren would enter the capital and become one of the Emperor’s close ministers.

Mr. Chen was green with envy; he had toiled for so many years, yet remained a Deputy Magistrate, with no word of a promotion this year. Suppressing his jealousy, he said, "Congratulations to Magistrate Zhou."

Leaping to the position of prefect, the Prefect of Jinzhou no less, surely his next move was to the capital. It was rumored that every Jinzhou Prefect eventually went to the capital, twisting the knife of his envy further.

Zhou Shuren himself was somewhat stunned. The Emperor really held him in high regard. Pinggang was in chaos. Upon further reflection, he realized that the Emperor was the most adept, dangling everyone on a hook, cleaning up those who were restless, and strategically placing him in Jinzhou City as a clever move.

Mr. Chen, "Magistrate Zhou, Magistrate Zhou."

Zhou Shuren came back to reality, "Mr. Chen."

Mr. Chen was not angry; he would have been ecstatic in his shoes, "Congratulations to Magistrate Zhou."

Zhou Shuren returned the gesture, "Joy shared is joy doubled."

Mr. Chen, "...."

He couldn’t even feel a hint of joy, having no idea where his own promotion might take him!

Mr. He was the happiest of all, having backed the right horse, "Congratulations to Magistrate Zhou."

"Joy shared is joy doubled."

Mr. He was all smiles, indeed sharing in the joy, thinking to himself that he hoped Magistrate Zhou would climb higher swiftly so that he could lend a hand in the future.

The Zhou and Yang families were bursting with joy, while the other officials’ families in Lizhou City were sour with jealousy.

Lady Hua had torn her handkerchief. From now on, upon seeing Lady Yang, she would have to pay her respects, a thought that filled her with raging jealousy.

That evening, Zhou Shuren didn’t come home for dinner, but returned later in high spirits, having celebrated with drinks.

Zhulan smiled, "When do we set off?"

Zhou Shuren caressed Zhulan’s belly, "The Emperor has given me two months. You should hurry with the preparations. The sooner we leave, the less we’ll have to rush on the road. Taking our time will be better for you and the baby."

Zhulan said, "Five days. Give me five days, and then we can depart."

Zhou Shuren wrapped his arms around Zhulan’s waist, "This time in Jinzhou, we need to be doubly cautious. The Emperor appointing me to oversee Jinzhou implies that he wants me to gradually deal with Pinggang’s troubles."

Zhulan frowned, "But you’re just a Prefect. Isn’t the Maritime Affairs Administration in Pinggang independent? If I remember correctly, the Minister of Maritime Affairs is of the Third Rank, two ranks higher than you."

Zhou Shuren’s eyes curved with a smile, "The past two years in Pinggang have been chaotic, with much infighting and depletion of resources. The Emperor must have already planted someone there. His order for me to deal with it doesn’t mean right now; the ’rat’ isn’t fat enough yet!"

Zhulan, "...."

After two years and still not fat enough? Even with Inspection, the Maritime Affairs Administration must be oozing with corruption by now. How big of a ’rat’ does the Emperor intend to raise?

Zhou Shuren smoothed out Zhulan’s furrowed eyebrows, "Alright, stop worrying. Although it’s dangerous, danger often comes with opportunity. If we don’t take advantage of the Emperor’s purge to gain merit now, who knows how long it will take to climb up later."

Zhulan said softly, "You and the Emperor are far apart, but you really have a tacit understanding."

Zhou Shuren’s collaboration with the Emperor had cleared away quite a few people in one fell swoop, and now that he was closer, communication would be even more convenient. Zhulan empathized with the Princes!

In the backyard of the Government Office, Lady Hua watched her husband drink in silence, feeling discontented, "My lord has been a Deputy Magistrate for many years. Why wasn’t he considered for promotion this time?"

Mr. Chen also wanted to know why he was overlooked. A cold breeze blew past, and Mr. Chen shivered. It seemed he understood why he had been excluded. When Zhou Shuren was being challenged, he had distanced himself from him, and now Mr. Chen was fully awake to the realization.

Hearing his wife complain about injustice, he quickly covered Lady Hua’s mouth, "Stop talking, you’ve forgotten about the spies."

Lady Hua broke out in a cold sweat. She had truly forgotten.

Mr. He from the He Residence was in high spirits, drinking away.

The imperial edict from the Emperor had come sealed, and it was only after several days, by pigeon or swift horse, that the news had reached the capital. The Emperor’s appointment had taken everyone by surprise.

The Crown Prince was stunned when he received the news. With his eyes closed, he kept recalling his father’s actions. Zhou Shuren had provided bait, and the Emperor, using fishing as a pretext, had cleared some people, freeing up many positions. The Emperor then promptly promoted several officials. The Crown Prince had read the imperial edict that initially intended to send Zhou Shuren to the Maritime Affairs Inspection, a Fourth Rank position. Although not as high-ranking as the Minister, it was an important position.

Later, after witnessing Zhou Shuren’s ruthless determination, the Emperor swiftly made new arrangements. The Crown Prince’s eyes snapped open as realization dawned. The Emperor had accelerated his pace, admiring Zhou Shuren’s ferocity and reacting promptly by placing him in a more fitting role.

The Crown Prince felt a rush of admiration, recognizing the gap between himself and his father and understanding that everything was under the Emperor’s watchful eye, allowing him to make the most accurate decisions. He himself was lacking.

Suddenly, the Crown Prince laughed loudly, resigned to let them struggle and hustle as they pleased.

At the Second Prince Residence, the Second Prince took several deep breaths. Blocking Zhou Shuren’s entry into Jinzhou? The chance was nil. The Emperor would surely be watching, and this time, he had acted ruthlessly. The Second Prince had suffered the greatest loss of power in his hands, and he dared not make another move. His back broke out in a cold sweat, and every time the Emperor looked at him these past few days, he felt on edge.