Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 793 Good Acting_1

Chapter 793: Chapter 793 Good Acting_1

All the households along the way sent their stewards or young servants to stand at their gates to see where the Duke Residence’s party was heading.

In the Hou Residence, Yao Wenqi frowned and personally went to the gate to inspect. Upon arriving, he encountered his eldest son, Yao Zheyu, and said in a flat tone, "You came to check personally too?"

Yao Zheyu had been serving at the Ministry of War since returning to the capital and would not seek out his father unless summoned. It had been so long since he returned to the capital, and this was only the fifth time he had seen his father, "Yes."

Yao Wenqi’s fingertips curled into his palm, each time he saw his eldest son, he regretted, regretted that he had listened to his father’s advice and had not dealt with his eldest son as well.

The side gate of the Hou Residence opened, and the Duke Residence’s carriages had already passed by, leaving only the young servants carrying a chest to be seen.

Although it was unclear what was inside the chest, one could tell from the young servants’ stride that the contents were heavy.

Yao Wenqi squinted his eyes. Ning Xu’s favor towards Zhang Rongchuan had never been hidden. This was a trip to the Zhou family; he had also dispatched people to investigate Zhang Rongchuan, and those who had been sent out had not yet returned. He did not believe it had anything to do with recognizing god relatives; as for the Duke Residence, they would not recognize such relations casually.

The problem then lay with Zhang Rongchuan.

Yao Zheyu had already turned to leave. His father did not wish to see him, nor did he harbor any desire to see his father.

Within the capital, aside from the Third Prince, several other Princes had already left the city.

Zhang Jingshi was overseeing the demolition of a house in East City when he received the news and ordered, "Keep a sharp eye out, and send a message to me immediately if there’s any news."

"Yes."

In the palace, the Empress was sitting in the courtyard and looked up at the sound of footsteps, "Why has the Emperor come?"

The Emperor sat down beside her, "I’ve come to keep you company."

The Empress couldn’t deny the touching gesture, but no amount of emotion could surpass that for her sons. She was no longer young and was a mother, especially since her sons were swapped, she constantly blamed herself, always thinking if she had been more capable, could she have protected her son?

Having experienced the loss of a son, she had no desire to go through it again. Therefore, the more critical the moment, the calmer she became.

The Emperor picked up the Empress’s hand, which was well-maintained unlike his aged self, "These days, I’ve been resting in other palaces, have you..."

The Empress placed her hand over the Emperor’s lips; she understood the Emperor well. Although her sons hadn’t spoken to her about it, she was aware that this was all part of a scheme, "I understand."

The Emperor gripped the Empress’s hand tightly, looking straight into her eyes. Even though their relationship had recovered, there were still fractures between them. He tightened his grip a little more, smiling, "Tomorrow Ning Xu will bring Rongchuan into the palace."

Hope filled the Empress’s eyes, "Yes, indeed."

At the Zhou Residence, Zhou Shuren and Zhulan had received the message early and were waiting at the gate. From afar, they saw the procession of carriages from the Duke Residence approaching quickly. Soon, the carriage stopped at the gate, and Duke Ning with the Duchess stepped down.

Zhou Shuren and Zhulan stepped forward to greet them, "Duke Ning, Duchess."

Duke Ning smiled, "We are all family now, there’s no need for formalities, Chancellor Zhou."

The Duchess had already taken Zhulan’s hand, "I’ve always wanted to meet you, but I never had the chance."

Upon meeting her today, she was just as the Duchess had imagined. A woman capable of managing the Zhou family’s household affairs and educating her children well, like Chancellor Zhou.

Zhulan smiled, "I will surely visit the old lady often in the future."

With a hearty laugh, the Duchess replied, "That’s what I like to hear."

All the hosts of the Duke Residence had arrived, and though everyone was present, there were not many, as they first needed to recognize their kin, all gathered in the front courtyard.

After the Duke of Ning had all the thanksgiving gifts brought to the front courtyard, he began, "The Zhou family has shown great kindness to the Ning family, not only saving Rongchuan’s life but also raising him so well. Our Ning family has no way to repay you, these are but trivial possessions, please accept them."

Zhulan looked at the chests that were opened in the courtyard, not disdainful of the sheer volume of trinkets, dizzy from the glittering jewelry, and there were also several chests of gold, the remaining chests contained books, calligraphy and paintings, antiques, and other ornaments.

Zhulan felt bitter, her hard-earned savings paled in comparison to this thanksgiving gift, this was the wealth of a top-tier noble family!

Zhou Shuren said, "The Duke’s gifts are far too valuable, we have truly raised Rongchuan as our own son, not for these worldly possessions, so please take these gifts back."

The Duke of Ning laughed, "I can see Zhou sir’s sincerity, but this is the Ning family’s sentiment. If Zhou sir does not accept, this old man will have no face to acknowledge his grandson."

Zhou Shuren hesitated, "This..."

The Duke of Ning continued, "You wouldn’t want Rongchuan to feel he has not returned home, would you? Therefore, please accept these."

Zhou Shuren’s expression was very apt, showing a bit of difficulty and more of a concern for the Ning family, "If the Duke says so, the Zhou family cannot refuse any longer, we will accept the gifts."

Zhulan wanted to laugh inside, Zhou Shuren’s acting skills were truly getting better and better, his tone, and expressions were perfectly captured.

Zhulan and Zhou Shuren didn’t lose their composure in front of the riches, which impressed the Ning family greatly. It was known that the Zhou family came from scholar-farmers and though they lived comfortably, such a large sum of gold and silver could tempt even those in the capital.

Looking at the daughters-in-law of the Zhou family, there was surprise in their eyes, but no greed, the Zhou family’s values were indeed admirable.

The Duchess was pleased, such family values could have raised Rongchuan so excellently.

The Duchess smiled and said, "Xue Han, come here, girl."

Xue Han felt all eyes on her and mentally cheered herself up, she wasn’t intimidated and remembering her mother’s words, she shouldn’t be afraid. Smiling, she stepped forward to greet, "Greetings, Duchess."

The Duchess held Xue Han’s hand, turning to Zhulan, "This child and Rongchuan are a match made in heaven; I liked this girl at first sight."

Zhulan understood that the Duchess, by expressing her fondness for Xue Han in front of everyone, also wanted to tell all the members of the Ning family not to treat Xue Han poorly, "It is Xue Han’s good fortune to catch your eye, Duchess."

The Duchess was truly delighted, "Good fortune for all, good fortune for all."

Rongchuan, noticing his grandmother’s fondness for Xue Han, felt the weight lift from his heart.

The Duchess noticed Rongchuan’s subtle gestures, her eyes full of laughter, thinking that he was already protective even before marriage, such deep childhood affections were lovely. Remembering her own childhood relationship with her husband, the Duchess’s liking for Xue Han, initially for Rongchuan’s sake, now included more genuine affection.

There were too many people in the front courtyard, the gifts were accepted, Rongchuan was recognized as part of the Ning family, Lady Li and a few others entertained Madam Song and Madam Yu in the garden.

Ning Zhiqi and Zhi Xiang, along with Chang Lian, took on the hosting duties, as for the great-grandchildren of the Duke Residence, Mingyun and others attended to them.

There were two young ladies in the Duke Residence, both of Ning Zhiqi’s daughters, Yushuang and Yu Lu, who saw to the hosting duties.

With many people departing, the front courtyard finally began to feel less crowded.

Zhou Shuren chatted with the Duke of Ning, occasionally Ning Xu and the Princely Heir would join in the conversation, which revolved around Rongchuan’s growth over the years, with not a word on political matters.

Zhulan’s conversation with the Duchess was not limited to Rongchuan; they talked about many things, including Mingyun and others. Zhulan knew that the Duke Residence was very interested in Mingyun’s excellence and hoped he would interact more with their sons.

Lady Du, unable to join the conversation, thought about the thanksgiving gifts that had been sent. These gifts had come from the Duke Residence, and this time, they had really given generously.