Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 776 - Acting Skills_1

Chapter 776: 776 Chapter Acting Skills_1

In Zhou Family Village, Chang Li and Chang Zhi saw Mr. Dong off. Chang Li said, "I’m going to Li Family Village to see my in-laws. Will you come with me? Or would you rather go somewhere else to look around?"

Chang Zhi had nowhere particular to go, and spoke up, "I’ll go to Li Family Village with big brother. I will accompany you to visit Uncle Li and Aunt Li first, and then I’ll wait for you at our house in Li Family Village."

"That’s good."

Xue Mei sent off her brother and Chang Zhi. Dong Yiyi arrived, and upon entering and seeing the quiet courtyard, she asked, "I heard my father was here, has he left?"

Xue Mei had thought Mr. Dong would visit the Jiang family. It seemed he had left directly. "Come inside and sit down. Let’s talk inside," she suggested.

Understanding the situation, Dong Yiyi wasn’t disappointed. These past two years, she only returned to the Dong family for the New Year and other than that, there were no interactions between the Jiang family and the Dong family. She came upon hearing the news out of filial duty. Once inside, she said, "Jiang Zhu is coming to the capital with us this time, right?"

Xue Mei smiled, "No, he’ll wait until after the autumn harvest to come to the capital."

This time, it was she who couldn’t bear to part with her son. Knowing her son wouldn’t return from the capital for several years, she thought it wouldn’t matter to delay for a month or two, so she wished to spend a few more days with him at home.

Dong Yiyi asked, "Will Jiang Miu go to the capital?"

Xue Mei shook her head, "She will stay home and won’t go to the capital."

She knew well that not everyone could withstand the allure of wealth and status. Her daughter was still young, and Xue Mei feared that her daughter might become dazzled. Even if her daughter relied on the Zhou family to find a match, she would still lack the confidence needed. In the end, what her daughter could truly rely on was Jiang Zhu.

Moreover, being sensitive by nature, she feared her daughter might compare herself with her cousins, and thus she didn’t want her to go to the capital. Such a move could be detrimental to her future marriage prospects. She wouldn’t gamble her daughter’s lifelong happiness on her temperament. She and her husband did not seek any benefits from their daughter; they simply hoped she would live a happy life.

She and her husband were unambitious, and they were content with their current life.

Dong Yiyi had thoughts stirring within her, but she quickly suppressed them. She indeed liked Jiang Miu, but given the current situation of the Jiang family, she dared not contemplate further.

In the capital, at the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren was having lunch when Marquis Ning arrived. Zhou Shuren hurriedly finished the meal in his bowl and went out to meet Marquis Ning. "Mr. Hou, what brings you to the Ministry of Revenue? Is there something you need from this official?"

Ning Xu did indeed have business. Zhou Shuren had secured his footing in the Ministry of Revenue faster than the Ning Residence had anticipated. The elder of Ning family wanted to acknowledge Rongchuan, so he had chosen the day to come, "Indeed, there is a matter. Lord Zhou, I invite you to join me for tea at a nearby teahouse."

Zhou Shuren had a break at noon. Ning Xu had timed his visit perfectly as the food at the Ministry of Revenue was a bit greasy that day. "Alright, Mr. Hou, after you."

There were two teahouses near the Ministry of Revenue; one was frequently visited by officials from the Ministry, while the other was comparatively quieter. Zhou Shuren and his companion chose the quieter teahouse.

In the private room of the teahouse, waiting for the tea to be served, Zhou Shuren said, "Mr. Hou has come personally to find me. Now you can tell me what the matter is."

Ning Xu organized his thoughts, "The matter I want to discuss is personal and concerns Rongchuan."

Zhou Shuren knew the drill and it was time to act. Marquis Ning wasn’t someone who could be easily fooled. With a look of surprise on his face, he said, "What does this have to do with Rongchuan? Has he done something wrong? Mr. Hou, Rongchuan is young. If he really did something wrong, it’s all this official’s fault for not teaching him well. If you want to blame someone, blame me."

He was quite satisfied with his words, which would surely endear him to Marquis Ning.

Ning Xu was somewhat touched. Zhou Shuren really did care for Rongchuan as if he were his own son. Ning Xu quickly said, "Don’t be nervous, Rongchuan is fine. I wanted to talk about his resemblance to my elder brother. The first time I saw him, I took note and had people investigate. We’re now able to confirm Rongchuan’s identity."

Zhou Shuren’s eyes widened in a well-performed expression of shock, his mouth hanging open in surprise, "So, Rongchuan is your elder brother’s son?"

After saying it, he almost laughed, but he managed to restrain himself.

Ning Xu felt awkward. No, Rongchuan was the Emperor’s fifth son. He coughed once and steeled himself, "No, Rongchuan is indeed my son."

Zhou Shuren guessed that the Emperor had instructed the Ning Residence to recognize Rongchuan as their own. Though he had anticipated it, he still couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth at the revelation. What a bold move, but he still had to play along. His eyes widened in disbelief, "Mr. Hou says Rongchuan is your son? I recall, Mr. Hou, you’re not yet married."

He was laughing inside, eager to hear how Marquis Ning would concoct the tale.

Ning Xu’s eyes betrayed mild embarrassment. The most ruthless person was being portrayed as the most infatuated. It was somewhat uncomfortable for him to admit, "This story is a long one. Alas, those times were so chaotic, I hid Rongchuan’s mother, and during childbirth, she was still outmaneuvered by cunning schemes. These years, ah, it’s better left unsaid!"

He couldn’t continue the act; facing Zhou Shuren, who was as cunning as a fox, it was better to say less.

Zhou Shuren, "...."

His acting skills were not as good as Zhou Shuren’s, and some of what he said was quite jarring to hear. It was apparent that Marquis Ning wasn’t much of a sentimental man, his expressions somewhat stiff.

Seeing that Zhou Shuren hadn’t spoken, Ning Xu’s heart tightened. He had practiced long and hard before daring to seek out Zhou Shuren; he couldn’t let anything give him away, "Why is Official Zhou not saying anything?"

Zhou Shuren rolled his eyes internally, "The official is just overly surprised. Mr. Hou, are you certain that Rongchuan is your son?"

Ning Xu, "....Yes, I have verified it conclusively. Rongchuan is indeed my biological child."

Zhou Shuren, "Really confirmed? This is a significant matter concerning bloodline."

Ning Xu, already feeling guilty from being questioned twice, might have suspected Zhou Shuren of doing it deliberately had his gaze not been so sincere, "Yes, he is indeed my biological child. Rongchuan bears a striking resemblance to my late older brother, there’s no mistake."

Zhou Shuren’s ears ached. Marquis Ning’s shout was so thunderous it was ear-piercing. Better not to tease Marquis Ning further; he had genuine concerns about him grabbing his collar in desperation, "Mr. Hou has sought this official. Is it to formally acknowledge Rongchuan?"

Ning Xu sighed in relief, finally getting to the crux of the matter, "Indeed, you’ve raised Rongchuan for many years. I felt I should inform you first. Leave the rest to me."

Zhou Shuren conjured up the appropriate emotion, his tone cautious, "Then, you are aware that Rongchuan and my daughter are betrothed? What about their engagement?"

Ning Xu replied with a smile, "I have no objections to their engagement."

Zhou Shuren sneered inwardly, your objection would be meaningless anyway, "Then I am reassured."

Ning Xu paused then continued, "However, now that I’m acknowledging Rongchuan, the Ning Duke Residence lacks a mistress. The children have been betrothed for many years and share a great affection, almost like childhood sweethearts. They wouldn’t mind marrying a year or two sooner; it would be a good thing."

Zhou Shuren gritted his teeth, "But Rongchuan said he wanted to wait two more years. This child has always been protective of my young daughter. Perhaps, I should go back and consult Rongchuan?"

Humph, he didn’t believe Rongchuan would dare to contradict him face-to-face about marrying early.

Ning Xu, unaware of Zhou Shuren’s inner thoughts, assumed Zhou Shuren was just reluctant to part with his daughter. He forced a dry laugh, "We’ll discuss this later."

Zhou Shuren asked, "Mr. Hou, do you need me to inform Rongchuan about his origins?"

Marquis Ning hastily replied, "No, tonight, I will personally talk to Rongchuan."

He was afraid, afraid that Zhou Shuren might wildly speculate. It was better that he explained it to Rongchuan himself, to avoid being caught off guard by any questions Rongchuan might have.