Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 808: Marriage

Chapter 808: Chapter 808: Marriage

Zhulan, noticing all eyes on her, felt helpless, knowing she had become the center of attention.

Ran Yan stood up and took a step forward, "This concubine hasn’t seen lady Zhou for a long time, and knowing that my niece has been betrothed to the eldest grandson of Zhou family, I took the liberty to look after her. I didn’t mean to upset the Third Prince’s Consort."

The Crown Princess Consort reached out and patted Ran Yan’s hand, "You are too cautious, Mrs. Zhang is not one to nitpick, you don’t need to explain."

Mrs. Zhang, the Third Prince’s Consort, felt a pang of annoyance in her chest. Their coordinated response made her seem like a petty troublemaker.

Zhulan, twirling the tea cup in her hand, reflected on how Ran Yan’s words had laid out all the ties between the Zhou and Ran families. This was exactly what the Crown Princess Consort wanted; the Zhou family, caught in the web of power, could not escape their deepening entanglements.

The Second Prince’s Consort, unaware of when she had come over and sat down, chimed in, "I just overheard that the Zhou family’s eldest grandson is betrothed. I hear the second grandson is not young either. Does lady Zhou have any suitable families in mind for him?"

Zhulan, at first thinking they were discussing Yushuang, hadn’t expected the conversation to be about Ming Teng. To her, Ming Teng, as lively as he was, still seemed immature, just like Yushuang. Then she remembered that Ming Teng and Yushuang were the same age, "The boy is a bit lively, we haven’t considered suitors yet."

The Second Prince’s Consort, Wu, smiled, "I don’t want to boast, but my niece is talented in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. And speaking of coincidences, my sister-in-law is currently looking for a suitable match."

Consort Ran had unwittingly given Mrs. Wu a reason to be grateful; her initial interest was in the eldest granddaughter of the Zhou family, but the reminder made her realize that a grandson was preferable. Marrying into the Zhou family meant becoming one of them, and any child born would carry the Wu bloodline, which was far more advantageous than marrying off a daughter.

Understanding her meaning, Zhulan felt resigned. Knowing the Zhou family’s future children would have a hard time finding untangled alliances saddened her, but fortunately, the betrothals for Mingyun and Yu Lu had been set early. "It seems that many will be stepping over the threshold of Mrs. Wu’s household."

Before Mrs. Wu could respond, the Fourth Prince’s Consort cut in, "Oh, sister-in-law, you’re here! I was wondering where you’d gone off to. The Second and Third sisters-in-law are looking for you!"

Mrs. Wu scoffed internally. Consort Zhu, of the Fourth Prince, had interrupted deliberately. Among the Princes’ Consorts, Consort Zhu had the weakest family background, but that did not mean she was weak. Like the Fourth Prince, Consort Zhu was the most calculating.

Zhulan exhaled in relief at their departure. When she turned around, she saw that the surrounding officials’ wives had all left, isolating her to avoid getting involved.

In the Ministry of Rites, the Crown Prince had finally finished reviewing everything he wanted and understood the Ministry better. Phang family had operated in the Ministry of Rites for many years, and it was becoming their personal domain, just as Grand Master Xiao had said.

The Crown Prince stood up, "Master Zhou, shall we visit the Ministry of Justice or Ministry of Works next?"

Zhou Shuren thought the Crown Prince would choose the Ministry of War next. Upon reflection, he understood the Crown Prince’s caution; military power was taboo. Zhou Shuren was pleased, the Crown Prince hadn’t slackened due to the Emperor’s trust. A clear-headed and capable Crown Prince was reassuring.

After pondering, Zhou Shuren said, "Your Highness might consider visiting the Ministry of Works first."

This would draw more attention to the Ministry of Works and show that the Crown Prince valued it.

The Crown Prince, however, had the Ministry of Justice in mind, as he had matters to investigate there, whether concerning Yao Wenqi or the troublesome Second Prince, Jingyang; there was much to look into.

The Crown Prince observed Zhou Shuren, who bowed respectfully. Having spent more time with him, he had come to understand Zhou Shuren better. Zhou Shuren never wasted words, "I’ve heard that since you arrived at the Ministry of Revenue, you’ve spoken on behalf of the Ministry of Works. Thanks to your efforts, the silver disbursements were generous. It seems, Master Zhou, you value the Ministry of Works greatly?"

Zhou Shuren bowed lower, "Indeed, I do find it crucial. Having served as a Magistrate and managed the politics of an entire region, I know how closely the Ministry of Works is linked to the people’s livelihood. That is why I place great importance on it."

Zhou Shuren considered for a moment but still spoke the truth, "Development requires the Ministry of Works. Much of the modern accumulation is the wisdom of the ancients. To develop, the investment in the Ministry of Works must be increased."

The Crown Prince’s heart stirred. Although Zhou Shuren came from a farming and scholarly background, he’s been exposed to broad perspectives, and the prince agreed with him, "Then we shall go to the Ministry of Works."

Zhou Shuren’s smile this time was genuine, not feigned, "Yes."

Phang Huai personally saw the Crown Prince off at the entrance of the Ministry of Rites. As the carriage moved away, his gaze became deep and calculating; the Crown Prince truly trusted Zhou Shuren. Thinking of the Fourth Prince’s reply, he concluded that this marriage alliance was indeed viable.

Zhou Shuren didn’t share a carriage with the Crown Prince. Sitting by the window, he looked back at the Ministry of Rites. He had chatted with the people from the Phang family there, and contrary to Wong Ju’s absolute neutrality, the Phang clan had become ambitious. They even probed whether he sided with the Crown Prince, implying that if he took a side, the Phang clan would stand with him.

Zhou Shuren recalled old Mr. Wong’s reply. It suggested that after old Mr. Phang passed away, the spirit of the Phang family’s younger generation dissipated. Now that Wong Ju’s uncle had taken charge, although not very capable and currently a fourth-grade official, with old Mr. Phang gone and no one to protect them, they could only rise by seniority. Hence, they entertained thoughts of achieving glory through alliance.

Fortunately, old Mr. Wong was watching over them and had given a warning. It seemed the old man intended to intervene.

It wasn’t long before they arrived at the Ministry of Works. The Ministry’s office was indeed the worst among The Six Ministries. From the outside, it looked passable, but once inside, its issues were evident. Hence, the doors and such were well-maintained for appearances’ sake.

The Minister of Works hurried out to greet them upon receiving the news, "I have seen the Crown Prince."

Zhou Shuren also paid his respects to the Minister of Works, "Grand Master of Writing."

The Minister of Works felt a twinge upon seeing Zhou Shuren. What exactly did the Emperor intend by having the Crown Prince bring Zhou Shuren to The Six Ministries? In the Ministry of Rites, he hadn’t gone easy on Phang Huai, and during recent court sessions, Mr. Wang and Mr. Xiao hadn’t missed any chances to oppose Phang Huai.

The Minister of Works felt apprehensive, wondering why they had come to the Ministry of Works first. Wasn’t it supposed to be the last one?

The Crown Prince said, "I’ve been keeping the Ministry of Works in mind. With the repairs of the dikes in Jiangnan and the planning of the capital, the Ministry of Works has played an indispensable role. You have worked hard these days."

Zhou Shuren mentally rolled his eyes, certain that had he not mentioned the Ministry of Works, the Crown Prince would have gone to the Ministry of Justice instead.

The Minister of Works felt pleased, as it indicated the Crown Prince valued the ministry. Although delighted, he also understood that someone must have mentioned the Ministry of Works, and looking at Zhou Shuren, he figured it was likely him.

The Crown Prince entered the building with the Minister, and not long after sitting down, the Ministry’s ledgers were presented. The Crown Prince’s mouth twitched—he honestly didn’t want to review the Ministry of Works’ ledgers as they held little interest for him. Even the tea he had just drunk came from the Minister’s own home.

The Crown Prince thought of the other departments: the Ministry of Revenue had special approvals, the Ministry of Personnel was the wealthiest, receiving most of the tributes, the Ministry of Rites, despite its dignified appearance, was also rich, with unceasing tributes below, it seemed the Ministry of Justice wasn’t bad either, having plenty of grey income, and as for the Ministry of War, well, Li Zhao was not one to be trifled with.

The Crown Prince observed the officials of the Ministry of Works. Most were truly hardworking, and the few whose minds wandered were simply looking for opportunities to leave.

Zhou Shuren spoke up, "Your Highness, I would like to take a walk outside."

The Crown Prince replied, "Go ahead."