Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 803: Hu Xia

Chapter 803: Chapter 803: Hu Xia

Lady Jin, "The more than sixty taels of silver paid today for compensation are to come from you, older sister. The whole incident happened because you wanted to go out."

Lady Hu’s eyes widened. Her dowry included a small shop, a dozen or so acres of land, and some old jewelry. She lived with her son in her eldest brother’s house and had always paid her own expenses. The more than sixty taels of silver was a considerable sum, and today her son had also been buying fabric for a gift to present to his teacher.

Lady Hu, "Older sister, we don’t have that much silver coin."

Her son needed funds for his studies. He could use his elder brother’s books, but he had to buy his own ink, paper, brushes, and inkstone. The Academy’s fees, on top of their own expenditures, made for no small sum every year. And with the added costs of her elder brother’s birthday and various social obligations, she truly did not have the silver.

Lady Jin sniffed, "This is just the indemnity money. There’s also the matter of offending the daughter of a Third-rank official. When the master returns, you must also visit to offer an apology, and you will provide the gifts for the apology."

Lady Hu felt dizzy, as if pricked by a needle, and nearly fell to the ground.

That evening, the Zhou family’s dinner was lively. Rongchuan had come home for dinner, a rarity nowadays, so Zhou Shuren was also happy.

Zhou Shuren looked at the younger man’s composed features with pride. "See, the child I’ve raised has such a good temperament. Even with his status changing so greatly, he remains humble and unruffled. A fine lad indeed. Come, nephew, drink with your uncle."

Rongchuan particularly liked the atmosphere at the Zhou residence. The Ning family was not unkind to him, but their rules were strict, and his two older cousins were overly eager to please, which made him uncomfortable.

With his wine cup in hand, Rongchuan said, "Uncle, words could never express your kindness to your nephew as well as this wine can. I will forever remember it in my heart."

Zhou Shuren drained his cup, "I don’t ask you to think much of the Zhou family. Just treat Xue Han well in the future, and never let her suffer any grievances."

Zhou Shuren and Zhulan had watched their daughter grow up and they doted on her more than on their son. Over the years, not only had Lady Dong, but Xue Han herself become a confidant and a comfort. If the son-in-law were not to be Rongchuan, Zhou Shuren had many ways to deal with a future son-in-law.

Rongchuan’s ears turned slightly red as he thought of the day his father talked to him about getting married. Looking at his uncle and aunt, he felt guilty. He knew how fond they were of Xue Han, as he had always observed. "Uncle, actions speak louder than words. I won’t let you down."

Upon hearing this, Zhulan knew what was on her child’s mind. Rongchuan was considering marriage, which she understood. Early marriage was common in ancient times, and it was not abnormal for Rongchuan to be of that age and not think of marriage. Seeing Rongchuan’s demeanor, had the boy changed his mind?

That would be for the best, better to delay until the end of next year. Getting married in winter was not a concern, and if delayed until then, Xue Han would be a grown woman.

No sooner had they finished their meal and Rongchuan had left when Steward Wang came in and said, "Master, Officer Hu from the Ministry of Revenue, along with his nephew, have come to apologize. They’re waiting at the gatehouse."

Zhou Shuren raised an eyebrow, "It seems that it’s Officer Hu’s family members who’ve caused trouble today. How ironic that they’re from the Ministry of Revenue."

Zhulan said, "If it weren’t for the Ministry of Revenue, they wouldn’t have guessed so quickly that it was our house, nor would they have come rushing to apologize so hurriedly."

Zhou Shuren instructed Steward Wang, "Invite them to the front courtyard."

Having said that, Zhou Shuren stood up to go to the front courtyard, and Zhulan rose as well, "I want to go and see for myself."

Zhou Shuren raised his eyebrows, "Do you want to see the young man from the street?"

Zhulan nodded, "Although I’ve only heard bits and pieces, I can guess that boy hasn’t had it easy. The purse he handed me was old. Now that Mr. Hu is bringing his nephew to apologize, it piques my interest, and I want to see for myself."

Zhou Shuren hadn’t paid attention to the details, his focus at that time was on his wife and child.

Zhulan and her husband walked slowly, and when they reached the front courtyard, Mr. Hu was already waiting in the hall with his nephew, and Steward Wang had served tea.

Hu Xia felt anxious inside. Having heard his wife’s description of the official’s appearance, his mind went blank. Not only was this man his superior’s superior, but he might even be the future Minister of Revenue. In their casual conversations, the officials of the Ministry of Revenue generally believed that Zhou, more so than Qiu, had a greater chance of attaining the Minister’s position.

He was so anxious that he came without even changing his official robes. Originally, he had not planned to bring his nephew with him. His wife despised his elder sister and nephew, but he didn’t. His sister had always been self-reliant, and his nephew was sensible. It was only that his expenses depended on his wife. As long as his wife hadn’t truly harmed anyone, he didn’t dare to say a word.

But not saying a word didn’t mean he wasn’t clear-headed. If his mind didn’t work well, he wouldn’t have gotten into the Ministry of Revenue. He knew clearly that today’s mishap was caused by his daughter, and he was touched that his nephew wanted to follow along.

Upon hearing footsteps and seeing Deputy Minister Zhou, Hu Xia’s legs went soft, "I, your subordinate, have seen Zhou, the great official."

Gu Liufeng also hurriedly greeted, "This humble man has seen Zhou, the great official."

Zhou Shuren raised an eyebrow; this lad was indeed stronger than Hu Xia. Despite his nervousness, his tone was quite steady, "This isn’t the Ministry of Revenue. Hu Xia, don’t be nervous, feel free to sit."

Hu Xia’s mind went a bit blank. The officials at the Ministry of Revenue were numerous, and he excitedly said, "Great official, you know my name?"

Zhou Shuren, "Hmm."

He kept the Ministry of Revenue’s people in mind. He knew Hu Xia: this official was not showy and belonged to the type who kept his head down and worked hard. Come to think of it, he had been in his position for many years. When the Ministry chose officials to accompany a sea voyage, it was an opportunity, and he remembered that among the few officials who didn’t stand out, Hu Xia was one of them.

It was just unexpected that this pragmatic, head-down type of worker had such a formidable wife.

Zhou Shuren saw that Hu Xia wouldn’t even sit firmly and opened his mouth, "I am aware of your intentions for coming. The incident in the street has already been settled. Take your gifts and go home."

Hu Xia didn’t have any confidence. Apart from guessing who would be the next Minister, they also gossiped and unanimously believed that Zhou was formidable, especially because he always wore a smile. They thought he was a smiling tiger, the kind that held grudges. Having labored in the Ministry for so many years, he hoped only to be promoted to doctor, and he didn’t wish to see his career cut short, "Great official, today, it was due to my poor education of my daughter. I shall discipline her more strictly in the future. Please accept this gift."

Zhulan looked at the gift box on the table, her brow furrowed, and nodded to Nursemaid Song.

Nursemaid Song went out, and Zhou Shuren looked on, quickly understanding his wife’s intention. Nursemaid Song returned quickly with a purse in hand.

Seeing his wife nod, Zhou Shuren said, "I will not accept this gift, and furthermore, my granddaughter only suffered a minor sprain. The doctor’s visit and the medicine oil together didn’t cost two taels of silver. I will leave some silver as a consolation for my granddaughter, and you should take the rest back with you."

If it were not for Hu Xia today, he truly wouldn’t have returned the silver.

Hu Xia, looking at the purse that was put down, trembled, "Great official, that’s not acceptable."

Zhou Shuren raised his hand, "Enough. As grown men, you should take it back if I tell you to."

At this point, Zhulan spoke up, "Our Zhou family has principles. Mr. Hu, please take back everything you’ve brought."

Hu Xia, hearing Zhou’s wife speak, still felt uneasy inside. But feeling his nephew tugging at his sleeve, he came to his senses; he couldn’t argue further, "Your subordinate is grateful for your great generosity, great official."

Zhou Shuren’s gaze lingered on the young man, having seen his small movement just now, "Hmm, it’s getting late. You should head back too."