Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 775: Rallying the Second Prince_1

Chapter 775: Chapter 775: Rallying the Second Prince_1

Zhulan had no knowledge of the lawsuit in the Duke Residence, she was thinking that the Duke Residence was hosting a flower banquet, and it was customary to bring girls of marriageable age.

Now, because of Rongchuan, Zhulan thought that Xue Han must attend, as for her granddaughters, after contemplating, she decided that Yu Lu, who was engaged early on, would not participate; Yushuang must be brought along, as this was a rare opportunity for her to gain experience.

Zhulan called for her maid, instructing her to inform the young misses and the second wife.

At this time, the young misses and Yushuang had not yet gone to their lessons.

In Xue Han’s courtyard, upon receiving the message, Xue Han immediately thought of Rongchuan. Her intuition told her that Zhou family was invited because of Rongchuan, so she rose to choose clothes from her wardrobe, determined to show her best side. She represented not just herself but also the Zhou family.

Shui Popo, "Miss, I know some of the Duchess’s dislikes."

Xue Han turned around in surprise, "Shui Popo, how do you know this?"

Her mother had not told her, which means the mother probably didn’t know either; the Duke Residence kept too low a profile.

Shui Popo smiled, "It’s quite a coincidence, before the dynasty was established, I used to serve by the Duchess’s side."

She and another spy were responsible for protecting the Duchess; after serving her for two years, the dynasty was established, and she was transferred elsewhere.

Thinking of Shui Popo’s and Song Popo’s identities at home, Xue Han smiled and said, "Popo, help me pick my clothes and jewelry."

She trusted Shui Popo, who could have kept quiet, but decided to tell her, showing that Shui Popo felt a sense of belonging to the Zhou family.

In the second wife’s quarters, Mrs. Zhao, upon receiving the news, immediately took out the box of silver, "I will go and choose some beautiful dresses for you, yes, and I must visit the jewelry store to select some jewelry."

In the Zhou family, the only girl of marriageable age fit for matchmaking was her own daughter. How could she not take seriously an invitation to a banquet at the Duke Residence?

Yushuang was stunned; she couldn’t stop her mother and could only watch helplessly as her mother departed with the maids and the old woman.

Yushuang regained her composure and smiled to herself. The biggest concern for her mother now was her marriage. Thinking of her own forthcoming marriage, she felt anticipatory and couldn’t help but blush.

In Zhou village, Chang Li and Chang Zhi met with Mr. Dong. The brothers exchanged a glance; Chang Li saw Mr. Dong more frequently, while Chang Zhi had almost forgotten him.

Chang Li stepped forward, "Mr. Dong, it should be the younger generation who visits you, why have you come in person?"

Mr. Dong waved his hand, "I heard the news and thought that you two brothers were busy with your return, so since I had nothing else to do, I came here myself. Our families are related by marriage; it’s all the same who visits whom. Let’s not stand around, please have a seat."

Chang Li thought to himself that it was not the same. Every time he returned, he would personally visit the Dong Residence to see Mr. Dong, in accordance with proper etiquette and the importance the Zhou family placed on his sister-in-law. In the past, Mr. Dong had never personally come to visit. As he thought that elevation in his father’s rank truly made a difference, he sat down with a smile.

Mr. Dong sighed to himself. The gap between the Zhou and Dong families was widening. He was aware that the Zhou family was only courteous to the Dong family in consideration of their daughters.

Thinking of his daughter’s letter, Mr. Dong felt a tightness in his chest. The daughter he hadn’t seen in many years had changed, and he regretted letting his sons have their way, though it was too late for regrets now. He realized that his youngest daughter was more ruthless and capable than his eldest.

Mr. Dong asked with a smile, "Is everything well with your family?"

Chang Li replied, "My father is doing just fine, aside from being a bit busy. His health and spirits are good. How about you, sir? Is everything well?"

Mr. Dong paused for a moment, "Yes, things have been quite good lately."

The youngest daughter had threatened the eldest son. Since he no longer focused on grinding him down, instead his attention was on the other sons. Mr. Dong had to admit; he was quite relieved.

In the capital, within the Palace, Zhou Shuren stayed in the government hall after the court meeting, surrounded by scholars and Grand Masters of Writing, playing the role of a backdrop all day.

Yes, today the Second Prince is also here, standing next to the Emperor, attracting much attention.

Zhou Shuren didn’t glance sideways, thinking to himself that the Emperor was using the Second Prince to draw attention. He felt as though everyone was part of the game, yet only he was awake to it. Standing in the back, he was able to observe the subtle moves of the officials in front, occasionally stealing glances at the Second Prince.

Zhang Jingyang, for many years, had never been in a better mood than today. His father had always favored his elder brother, but today, it was his turn, and he was even involved in policy discussions.

The Emperor watched everyone’s actions, casting a veiled glance at Zhou Shuren, who stood motionless behind. It was only Zhou Shuren who showed no movement at all. That made sense, considering that just a few days ago, he had shared a meal with the Crown Prince and Zhou Shuren.

The Emperor spoke, "Second son, regarding some plans for the capital, do you have anything to say?"

Seeing that all the officials were looking at him, the Second Prince suppressed the excitement in his heart and reminded himself that he was no less than the Crown Prince, "Your son supports the plans. Your son believes that planning is beneficial for the people of the capital. It should, however, be carried out step by step and not be rushed."

Zhou Shuren kept his head down. Yes, today’s discussion was about planning. After last year’s heavy snow, the Emperor had been concerned and wanted to start the planning from the hardest-hit East City, especially aiming to establish a special refuge in case of emergencies.

The Emperor said, "Since everyone supports it, that’s good. Who do you think should be entrusted with the planning?"

The Minister of Personnel, thinking of the Crown Prince taking away the official records and having not slept well last night, moved his lips slightly, "Your servant thinks, the Second Prince would be suitable."

Minister of Rites Mr. Phang quickly said, "Your servant believes the Fourth Prince is suitable."

The Minister of War kept his mouth tightly shut and did not speak.

The scholars as well had their say, and names of several princes were mentioned, including the Crown Prince, but the Second Prince received the most votes.

Just like the Minister of War, Zhou Shuren kept his mouth tightly shut. At such a time, it was best to remain silent if possible. Fortunately, the Emperor did not require everyone to speak, and there were a few other officials who also kept their mouths shut.

When the policy discussion was over, the Emperor had not assigned the task to anyone. Zhou Shuren had known it would be so and was not surprised at all.

Zhou Shuren walked slowly; he certainly did not want to leave with a group of scholars, but "Mr. Li, aren’t you in a hurry to get back to the Ministry of War?"

Li Zhao said with a smile, "And you’re not in a hurry to return to the Ministry of Revenue either."

Zhou Shuren really did not want to walk with Mr. Li, who was completely cunning, "Your humble official stood for a long time; my legs are a bit numb, so I’m walking slowly."

When Li Zhao saw that the people ahead had walked far away, he said softly, "Old man finds you very much to his liking."

Zhou Shuren, "Hmm?"

Li Zhao smiled. "Whether they’re human or ghost, a single probe will tell. Someone showed their tail today."

Zhou Shuren watched Mr. Li stride forward. Mr. Li was reminding him that the Emperor was sounding out the court. He didn’t need Mr. Li to tell him that; he was clearer on it than anyone. Nevertheless, Mr. Li was truly a sly fox who made rare displays of lucidity, well-deserving of Zhou Shuren’s wariness.

Zhou Shuren returned to the Ministry of Revenue, "The Emperor wants to make plans for the capital, and the Ministry needs to have the silver ready."

Qiu Yan, "... This will require a considerable amount of silver."

Listening to it, his heart trembled. Why was it so difficult to keep silver in the Ministry of Revenue!

Zhou Shuren patted Mr. Qiu on the shoulder, "The autumn harvest is approaching; the silver will be there."

Qiu Yan forced a smile, "It’s not easy being the god of wealth. I just hope Mr. Xiao returns soon."

Should Mr. Xiao return and see the silver depleted, he felt that his own position was doomed!