Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 754: The Black-Hearted _1

Chapter 754: Chapter 754: The Black-Hearted _1

Zhou Shuren straightened his back, his smiling face vanished, slowly transforming into an expression of woe, "The original plan was to place the damaged ancient books from the Ministry of Revenue in the library, but, alas, the damage was too severe, they were overly worn, it would tarnish the library’s reputation, so..."

Zhou Shuren left the rest unsaid, as everyone present was intelligent enough to understand!

Xiao Qing understood, thinking to himself that Zhou Shuren had indeed not disappointed him. These princes were wealthy, with very thick family coffers. The maternal families of several princes had not refrained from plundering in the past. The princes’ hands were dripping with wealth, and it was precisely because their roots were too profound that minor financial schemes continued without end.

Second Prince, Zhang Jingyang, wanted to bite into Zhou Shuren, the man with a black heart, it was not enough to trick people out of their Silver, but he also aimed to trick him out of his collection, which were all treasures and immensely valuable, each piece worth a fortune.

Third Prince, Zhang Jingshi, tugged at the corner of his mouth, "Minister Zhou, whenever you open your mouth, it always has to draw blood!"

Zhou Shuren’s face was strained with worry, "Third Prince, I’m getting on in years, and even eating meat has become difficult for me. Third Prince, it’s just that I feel helpless about the library; I truly meant nothing else by it."

His acting wasn’t bad either, hmm, quite the convincing expression of hardship.

Fourth Prince, Zhang Jingxi, was tempted to back out. This Mister Xiao and Zhou Shuren were like bottomless pits; he was afraid he couldn’t fill them!

Zhang Jinghong glanced around, all that was left in his hands were melon seed shells. Today he had learned his lesson. However, he resolved never to set foot in the Ministry of Revenue again—entering required Silver!

Xiao Qing sighed, "The Ministry of Revenue simply wishes to make the library more dignified. Everything is for the Emperor, after all!"

Zhou Shuren, "Honorable princes, what do you say?"

The time to display filial piety had arrived. The Emperor spared no effort in exploiting his sons, so they had even less reason to show mercy.

The faces of several princes turned green, especially the Fourth Prince, who had been ready to withdraw. Now that Mister Xiao had brought up their father, he didn’t dare pull back. He had to grit his teeth and raise the bid, thinking of his collection, his collection.

Zhang Jingxi felt a pang in his chest. His second brother only liked to collect items, and his third brother was the same. Only he truly cherished books and paintings. Among the princes, he was the most learned!

In Prefecture City of Lizhou Province, Chang Yi awaited outside the Academy. Upon his arrival in Lizhou, he did not immediately visit his brother-in-law but instead took the time to carefully investigate and confirm that everything his brother-in-law had written in his letter was true before he showed himself.

Qian Keqi stepped out of the Academy, took a careful look, and with a sense of familiarity, hesitated before asking, "Brother-in-law?"

Chang Yi pointed towards the carriage behind him, "Let’s talk inside the carriage!"

Qian Keqi nodded and followed him onto the carriage. Facing his brother-in-law, he was nervous; when he was younger, he was naive and puzzled. Later, after joining the Academy and gaining knowledge, he understood more, aware that his brother-in-law and sister didn’t particularly like him.

Once his brother-in-law had settled, Chang Yi signaled the coachman to start moving. "We received your letter. Your sister is worried about you and has sent me to check on you in Lizhou."

Qian Keqi looked up in surprise. His main reason for writing the letter was self-awareness, not wanting to be a nuisance at the Zhou residence, and second, he was a man with ambition, preferring self-reliance over relying on others. He didn’t lack Silver, was studying at the Academy, and had the protection of the Yang family, so he had some confidence.

He hadn’t expected his sister to send someone to Lizhou, let alone his brother-in-law!

Chang Yi smiled, seeing the child was still young, even though his mother-in-law’s passing had made him mature considerably, "Your sister really couldn’t leave the house, so I paid respects to your mother-in-law on her behalf. We held a ritual for your mother-in-law in Jinzhou Province, your sister and your niece even wrote scripture, scripture that I’ve brought with me."

Qian Keqi thought of his mother, his ears reddening. While she was alive, she often complained that his sister was enjoying fortune without lending him a hand. Even in her last moments, she always reminded him how she had protected his sister, urging him to remember—if his sister treated him poorly at the Zhou residence, he should complain about it more.

Watching his brother-in-law’s reaction, Chang Yi understood; his mother-in-law certainly hadn’t spoken well of his wife. He truly didn’t mind, the person in question was gone, and his wife was missing the mother-in-law. He had no intention of going back and telling his wife, potentially saddening her. He became interested in this young brother-in-law.

Qian Keqi, feeling his brother-in-law’s gaze as if seeing through him, panicked inside, "Brother-in-law..."

Chang Yi withdrew his gaze, "I will stay in Lizhou City for a few days. You should follow me during this time. Once I’ve arranged things for you, we can all be at ease."

This boy was indeed a child with a gift. The teachers and the dean of the Academy thought very highly of him. Although he was ridiculed after his engagement was broken, at such a tender age he held no resentment and focused all his thoughts on his studies. This child, if well-cultivated, had a future.

Qian Keqi understood, his brother-in-law intended to take him to meet someone, certainly an official in Lizhou City. He moved his lips, "Thank you, brother-in-law."

Chang Yi patted the still youthful head of hair, "We are family."

In the capital, at the Ministry of Revenue, Xiao Qing looked at the calligraphy and ancient books on the table, his mustache nearly curling with delight.

Zhou Shuren was also very satisfied. These imitations of calligraphy and painting would indeed fetch a high price.

The Third Prince felt stifled, for even though he had become the dean of the Academy, he was still displeased. However, on comparing himself with his second and fourth brothers, he felt considerably better.

The Second Prince and Fourth Prince got nothing, and while they did retrieve their silver, they had invested in the calligraphy and books.

The Second Prince, Zhang Jingyang, couldn’t bear to stay in the Ministry of Revenue any longer, grinding his teeth, "Master Zhou, I have learned well from your eloquence."

Zhou Shuren humbly replied, "This lowly official doesn’t deserve the Second Prince’s admiration."

Zhang Jinghong was a bit dazed, as the Second Prince’s tone seemed as though he could eat Zhou Shuren alive!

Xiao Qing coughed, "Do the Princes have any other matters? If not, this official should write a Zhezi to the Emperor."

Zhou Shuren continued, "These are all expressions of the Princes’ filial piety. The Emperor will surely be pleased upon seeing them."

Fourth Prince, Zhang Jingxi, stood up, "I take my leave."

Zhang Jingshi also got to his feet, warning himself that as long as Zhou Shu Ren was in the Ministry of Revenue, he definitely would not visit casually. He was bleeding inside now; all the dowry of his mother had been given to Zhou. His maternal grandfather had also fully supported him, and even though he had silver, losing this much still hurt.

The Second Prince, Zhang Jingyang, glared at Zhang Jinghong, who was still sipping tea, "The show is over."

Zhang Jinghong chuckled sheepishly, "Ah, it’s getting late. I should also return to my residence."

With those words, he hurriedly made his escape.

Zhou Shuren watched as the Princes left and then said, "This time, I’ve thoroughly offended the Princes."

Xiao Qing snorted, "Don’t make it sound as though you’re afraid."

As if he didn’t know anything!

Zhou Shuren smiled, "This official is merely expressing his emotions."

Xiao Qing had already counted the silver notes and flicked them, "There really is a lot of silver here, taking out two hundred thousand taels as if it were nothing."

He considered himself someone who knew how to live a life; he had saved quite a fortune over the years. Looking at the silver notes in his hand, he felt a pang of envy. Even if he were to sell all his possessions, he wouldn’t be able to sell for so much silver.