Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 489 Operation_1

Chapter 489: Chapter 489 Operation_1

Zhou Residence, after Yao Zhe Yu finished chatting with Lord Zhou and was waiting for Chang Lian to come over, Zhou Shuren didn’t want to look at Yao Zhe Yu anymore. He wanted to spend more time with his son and opened his mouth to say, "The garden in the mansion is quite nice. Chang Lian, why don’t you take the Princely Heir for a stroll? You are of similar ages and have both read quite a few books; you’ll surely have a lot to talk about."

Yao Zhe Yu looked at Lord Zhou, suddenly enlightened, with the meaning of his words shining brightly before him. Zhou Shuren seemed to be taking a jab at his heart with every word, but each time it was done so casually that Yao Zhe Yu couldn’t be sure, and this uncertainty coupled with his inability to grasp it made it all the more annoying.

Yao Zhe Yu kept silent, noting that Lord Zhou now differed too much from the man he had met at their first encounter. Before, it was all an act, and now he was seeing a more genuine side of Lord Zhou. He realized he was still too young.

Chang Lian was inwardly astonished. Although their father had been very strict with them, his sons, Chang Lian could still discern some of his preferences. Even if their father hid it well, Chang Lian could see that he wasn’t fond of the Prince.

When Chang Lian saw his father look at him, he realized he was being reprimanded for just standing there foolishly instead of leading the way. "Princely Heir, this way, please."

Yao Zhe Yu replied, "Alright."

Zhou Shuren saw them leave and quickly followed out, taking the small path back to the main courtyard. He was going to spend time with his wife and son.

Yao Zhe Yu and Chang Lian hadn’t walked far when Yao Zhe Yu paused, "Lord Zhou left in such a hurry, has something happened at the mansion?"

Chang Lian’s heart had grown numb to his father’s favoritism for his younger brother. At first, when the younger brother was born, Chang Lian felt jealous, but as time passed and the weather grew warmer and he saw his father holding the baby more and even changing diapers, his feelings faded.

Seeing that Zhou’s Third Master gave no response, Yao Zhe Yu decided that nothing was amiss.

Chang Lian was struggling internally over whether to explain or not. Without an explanation, he feared that the Princely Heir would think his father did not welcome him, "When in Lizhou Prefecture City, my father would not receive visitors on his days off."

Yao Zhe Yu didn’t understand why the conversation had steered in this direction, and he didn’t think Zhou’s Third Master was implying that he shouldn’t have come today. "Why is that?"

Chang Lian said with a smile, "Because my father wants to spend time with my mother, so he doesn’t see anyone on his days off."

Yao Zhe Yu was silent for a moment. Indeed, Lord Zhou was a rare good man. He scoffed inwardly, feeling more resentment the more he compared.

Chang Lian shuddered, certain that the Princely Heir must have killed someone before; he sensed the same murderous aura from him that he had felt from his cousin, Wu Chun. Unable to understand why the Prince’s face had darkened, Chang Lian reviewed his words carefully and, finding nothing amiss, walked on. He reflected that in the past, he wouldn’t have dared to proceed without caution, and now it was all thanks to having a good father.

The two arrived at the entrance of the garden and Chang Lian hesitated to proceed. Rongchuan and Xue Han were inside the pavilion having tea. It wouldn’t be right to interrupt them; Rongchuan was busy not only with his studies but also learning to appreciate antiques from his father. Today, having finally found the time to accompany Xue Han, since they had grown up together, there was a natural understanding between the two that allowed them to spend time together without the family objecting.

Yao Zhe Yu also noticed them and was taken aback by the young lady in the pavilion. He couldn’t recall ever paying much attention to Miss Zhou before, nor did he heed her much these past days, but his gaze lingered on her now.

Yao Zhe Yu had good eyesight. Miss Zhou seemed to have matured quite a bit. Her appearance, while only quite pleasant and not particularly outstanding, was augmented by her temperament, which was memorable at a single glance.

Yao Zhe Yu immediately averted his gaze from the young man in the pavilion, realizing it was impolite to stare.

Feeling that he should offer some explanation, lest the Princely Heir think negatively of Miss Zhou, Chang Lian elaborated, "That is Rongchuan with my sister. Rongchuan has been raised in our home since he was very young, and my father treats him like a son. Their betrothal and upbringing together make their interactions quite natural."

Yao Zhe Yu laughed, "I think we can skip the garden. How about we go to the front courtyard to chat?"

"All right."

In the pavilion, Xue Han, and Rongchuan took notice of the people at the garden entrance. They exchanged a glance, neither expecting the Third Brother to bring the Princely Heir on a garden stroll. Rongchuan adjusted his position and followed behind Xue Han out of the pavilion.

Yao Zhe Yu turned around and paused. On a closer look, the two individuals from the pavilion had already walked far away.

Chang Lian, hearing no footsteps, looked back with confusion, "Princely Heir?"

Yao Zhe Yu let out a sound, recalling the familiar trace in that side profile, though the feeling quickly passed, "Let’s go."

In the afternoon, Yao Zhe Yu dined at the Zhou residence. With Yao Zhe Yu’s ceremonious visit to the household and Zhou Shuren intentionally leaking news, everyone was aware of the connection between the Zhou family and the Princely Heir.

Mrs. Liu clenched her palm, wondering why the Zhou residence was involved everywhere.

Mrs. Ran felt that they still needed to visit the Zhou residence. If they could gather some information, it would be good.

Unfortunately, before Mrs. Ran could take any action, the Emperor’s move baffled everyone.

Zhulan, who was having tea at the time, choked upon hearing the news and turned to Auntie Song, "Say that again."