Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 825 Save or Not to Save

Chapter 825: Chapter 825 Save or Not to Save

The capital was still unsettled early the next morning, with everyone focused on the Palace, no, rather on how the Emperor would react. A night had passed, and everyone was waiting for the outcome—real or fake Prince, the biggest affair concerning the royal family since the founding of the dynasty.

In the farmhouse of the Zhou family, Zhou Shuren rose early, skipping breakfast to take his wife hiking. There were no particularly high mountains near the farmhouse, and though the paths were not the easiest to traverse, it did nothing to dampen the couple’s enjoyment.

Having lived in ancient times for so many years, despite their initial struggles with rural life, they worked hard to integrate into ancient society. Once Zhou Shuren embarked on his journey as a Scholar, they became even more cautious, careful not to put a foot wrong. Now, though still surrounded by danger, they were confident—tired in spirit, but able to enjoy peaceful days.

Zhou Shuren stood on the stone platform at the mountain’s summit. The day had already brightened as he watched the rising sun, "I haven’t enjoyed life in a long time. The scenery in the distance is truly beautiful."

Zhulan looked at the beautiful vista in the distance, "It’s indeed beautiful. This is what life is about."

As for encountering a snake on the way up the mountain, it was already something they could forget and ignore.

Zhou Shuren wrapped his arm around his wife’s shoulder, "We can’t do much here, but if this is all a dream and we get a chance, I will definitely take you traveling."

Even though Jingyan and the others were far away, Zhou Shuren still spoke cautiously.

Zhulan’s heart fluttered at the thought, "If only we could return."

The pair sat close together, not mentioning the chaotic matters of the capital, thoroughly enjoying the tranquility.

In the capital, within the Hou Residence, Yao Wenqi sat in his study, awaiting news, motionless. One false move would lead to a cascade of mistakes. He didn’t take the departure of the fourth Prince, Zhang Jinghong, from the capital to heart. What did it matter if Jianghuai had issues? There were problems every year, and a clean-up happened every few years, but nothing significant was ever discovered.

He was confident about Jianghuai’s affairs, but he was soon proven wrong, receiving a metaphorical slap in the face. The fourth Prince, Zhang Jingxi, truly reached out and touched the vine.

By the time he learned of it, Zhang Jinghong was nearly close to discovering the inside story.

Jianghuai could not have issues, as every step they took required a large sum of money. The island had been raided, cutting off a significant source of revenue. If Jianghuai were to encounter problems, it would mean a complete loss of their two major sources of funds.

No funds, huh, without money, they could hardly move. Out of desperation, he had to play the Shen Yang card. Fortunately, he had the patience to keep Shen Yang as a contingency all this time.

At the Hanlin Academy, Shen Yang felt hesitant to enter. He had harbored hopes throughout the previous night, expecting the Palace to send for him, but nothing came. His heart grew cold—would the Emperor refuse to see him if he were truly a Prince?

He dared to leave his home now, solely because he anticipated that the Emperor must be investigating the truth.

As Chang Lian alighted from his carriage and saw Shen Yang standing at the entrance of the Hanlin Academy, he retracted his gaze indifferently, continuing on his way without pausing. It was only when his official sleeve was grabbed that Chang Lian turned around, "Why are you holding onto me?"

Shen Yang awkwardly let go, realizing amongst all the people he knew, only Zhou Changlian had the most prestigious family background, "I... I wanted to ask, what did Scholar Zhou tell you?"

Chang Lian’s mouth twitched, "My father is not in the capital, and even if he were here, my father is just a minister. You’ve asked the wrong person."

After speaking, Chang Lian strode away, feeling that mingling with Shen Yang would indeed dull his wits. This was a matter for the Royal family, and the Zhou family were merely ministers—his father was trusted and utilized, but he wouldn’t dare interfere in the Royal family’s affairs!

Shen Yang, face flushed, bowed his head and entered the Hanlin Academy as passersby stared.

The Headmaster, upon seeing Shen Yang, felt conflicted. He had not slept all night; the Hanlin Academy was now at the center of a maelstrom. He was genuinely afraid that the Emperor’s anger would implicate him upon seeing Shen Yang’s dispirited demeanor.

The Emperor did show some special consideration for Shen Yang, but if it came to real distinction, it was Rongchuan who was treated most specially. He truly didn’t want to believe that Shen Yang was a Prince; Shen Yang’s demeanor and actions fell far short of the other Princes.

Shen Yang entered the room, and the previously lively room instantly became quiet, with everyone returning to their seats as if they had very important tasks at hand.

Shen Yang pursed his lips as he walked in, bowed his head, sat down, and couldn’t help but clench his fists.

Inside the Palace, the Emperor looked at the Chief of Staff of The Six Ministries and the scholars and said coldly, "Is there something amiss with my face?"

The officials in the room immediately lowered their heads, not daring to move.

The Emperor hummed and tossed the zhezi into the hands of Minister Sun of the Ministry of Justice, "This is the Ministry of Justice you manage, what have you been doing these past three years?"

Minister Sun’s heart turned bitter, wondering how all these troubles had come together at once!

Minister Sun hurriedly admitted his guilt, "Your servant deserves death."

The Emperor’s face remained stern, "I’m giving you the chance to redeem your failures. If you mess this up, don’t blame me for showing no mercy later."

Minister Sun’s back was drenched in cold sweat; he knew the Emperor was truly angry, "Yes, your servant will not let the Emperor down."

The Emperor turned to Xiao Qing, "The fleet purchasing grain is about to return, make sure the Ministry of Revenue is ready to tally it."

He had learned a great deal from this grain purchasing experience; he planned to continue the business and trusted only the Ministry of Revenue to carry it out to his satisfaction.

Xiao Qing accepted the order, "Your servant obeys the decree."

The Emperor then glanced at the various scholars, too lazy to look further, "Alright, you may all leave."

After the Crown Prince and other officials had left, he spoke, "Father, now that Shen Yang’s identity has been exposed, the more Zhang Jinghong knows in Jianghuai, the more dangerous it is. Should we protect him?"

The Emperor looked at the Crown Prince, "What do you think, should we save him?"

The Crown Prince replied, "Your son believes we should save him. Zhang Jinghong knows how to read the times; his goal is simple— to stay alive. Father, you have already given him the chance to live; why not save him to the end and gain a loyal minister in return? Moreover, his identity will always be problematic and subject to your word."

Whether he’s labeled as dregs of the former dynasty or something else, the threat of execution will hang over Zhang Jinghong’s head; for the sake of surviving, he can only be more loyal to the royal family.

The Emperor patted the Crown Prince on the shoulder, visibly pleased. He was reassured by the Crown Prince’s mention of Zhang Jinghong and his approach to employing people, "Not bad, I have already made the arrangements yesterday."

Yao Wenqi wanted to dispose of Zhang Jinghong, and the Emperor intended to guard him well, to protect him thoroughly. If Yao Wenqi severed Zhang Jinghong’s means to live, that would create a mortal enmity. He never worried about too many swords; instead, he felt there were too few that could be used.

In the Zhou family’s estate, Zhulan and her husband had just come down from the mountain to have breakfast when Steward Ding arrived, "Master, Scholar Deng is here."

Since they had been climbing the mountain, the other households had already had their breakfast; only Zhulan and her husband were eating at the moment.

Zhou Shuren held his bowl and said, "Let him in."

Steward Ding stepped out; he actually could return to the capital, being the chief steward, but he had no desire to go back. Staying by the master’s side was the smartest move; having been away from the capital for many days, his most important task was to be by the master’s side, ready to serve at any moment.

By the time Scholar Deng entered, Zhulan had already finished eating.