Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 848: Killing Three Birds with One Stone

Chapter 848: Chapter 848: Killing Three Birds with One Stone

The next day at the Ministry of Revenue, everyone knew about the engagement of Zhou’s eldest granddaughter, and they all congratulated Hu Xia upon the successful engagement.

Qiu Yan initially didn’t believe the news until he personally verified with Zhou Shuren. With many doubts in his mind, he thought better than to pry; upon seeing the cheerful Zhou Shuren today, he smiled and asked, "Have you already set the wedding date?"

Zhou Shuren was grinning ear to ear, relieved of a weight on his heart, "My granddaughter is still young, we’ve just arranged the engagement, the wedding will be set when the girl comes of age."

Qiu Yan thought of Hu Xia’s nephew, who was not much older; postponing the wedding would be good for focusing on the imperial examinations, "Congratulations."

Zhou Shuren accepted the congratulations with a smile, "Thank you."

About two hours later, Zhou Shuren and Qiu Yan met Zhang Jinghong in the Grand Master of Writing’s room; Zhang Jinghong’s complexion was pale as if he was still suffering from a serious illness, coughing upon trying to rise for greetings as if he might collapse at any moment.

Xiao Qing looked on sympathetically, "Sit down quickly, you’re saying you haven’t recovered yet, so why rush to report to the Ministry of Revenue?"

Zhang Jinghong bitterly smiled internally; no longer a prince and unsure if it was related to always being associated with the Second Prince, who seemed to genuinely harbor some goodwill towards him, having visited his newly moved residence in the past few days.

Of course, the Second Prince also brought him news that while visiting Zhang Yang, Zhang Yang bore resentment towards him, which meant he could no longer lie in bed. He couldn’t count on the Crown Prince or the Second Prince to look out for him much longer, as it wasn’t realistic.

The only person he could rely on was himself, and since lying in bed was no longer an option, rising was necessary. Reporting to the Ministry of Revenue was essential; with his office secured, he had the protection of his official status.

Coughing into his handkerchief, Zhang Jinghong said, "I am much better now. The Ministry of Revenue is always busy this time of year; I couldn’t stay in bed any longer, hence my presence today."

Xiao Qing silently rolled his eyes; he didn’t believe this tale at all. His sources told him that Zhang Jinghong would need to rest for at least a month or two, and it had only been eight days since he lay down, "I understand your intention, but you should return and fully recover before coming back to the Ministry."

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, noting Zhang Jinghong’s urgency, which Xiao Qing must have seen too. But Xiao Qing did not want to add trouble to the Ministry during a busy time, and he wouldn’t be polite to Zhang Jinghong who was no longer a prince.

Zhang Jinghong wasn’t too disappointed; at least he’d reported in today. Holding his wound, he said, "I appreciate your understanding, Grand Master, I shall take my leave."

Xiao Qing acknowledged, "Go back then."

Zhou Shuren weighed his thoughts, considering Zhang Yang, and curled the corner of his mouth. Since Zhang Jinghong was moving slowly, Zhou Shuren quickly caught up to him.

Zhang Jinghong was genuinely surprised, "Grand Master, do you need something from me?"

Zhou Shuren lamented that Zhang Jinghong adapted well to his new status. With this natural demeanor and the ability to survive, he was indeed a notable person, "The current Fifth Prince is not too friendly towards you."

Zhang Jinghong was bewildered, his mind a blank, not understanding why Zhou Shuren would mention this. He responded evenly, "Isn’t that natural? I took his place."

Of course, Zhang Yang’s animosity was also pretend; he was not afraid of Zhang Yang’s unfriendliness, but his grudge. Now, Zhang Yang was an important piece to the Emperor, and even though it was just a charade, to everyone else it seemed real. If Zhang Yang truly plotted something behind the scenes, Zhang Jinghong currently had no power to counter it; that was what he feared.

Zhou Shuren saw no one around and said, "The Fifth Prince has learned his manners well and will move into The Prince Residence in a few days."

Zhang Jinghong was still somewhat confused. Zhou Shuren seemed to know much more than he did, including the specifics of Zhang Yang’s moving date, "Grand Master, what are you trying to tell me?"

Zhou Shuren spoke thoughtfully, "I simply find you pleasing to the eye, and I see potential in you. The Fifth Prince won’t be returning to Hanlin Academy, which means he’ll be having some idle time. But for a prince raised outside the Palace, just learning manners isn’t enough, don’t you think?"

Raised within the palace, Zhang Jinghong’s mouth twitched. Despite being high-ranking, a prince learns many things, and looking back, he felt exhausted by it all.

Zhou Shuren continued, "As for the Fifth Prince, I have also met him. He is still too naive. Do you agree with that assessment?"

Zhang Jinghong was now certain that Zhang Yang had deeply offended Master Zhou. At the same time, he felt relieved because he knew how to keep Zhang Yang busy. The government officials of The Prince Residence must be chosen with care. "Master speaks the truth," he affirmed.

With profound meaning, Zhou Shuren said, "As we are soon entering winter, the cold weather is not suitable for going out much, especially for those with serious injuries. It is better for someone young to focus on recovering their health to avoid suffering when they are older. Whether you can stay in and heal this winter depends entirely on you."

Zhang Jinghong, ".... This subordinate thanks the Master for his kindness."

Clearly, he was being used as a pawn, yet he sincerely thanked Master Zhou. After all, it at least solved his dilemma, and who wouldn’t want to heal properly if they cherished their life?

Zhou Shuren was very pleased as he watched Zhang Jinghong leave the Ministry of Revenue. He had planned to find someone himself. Following the Crown Prince around had brought him substantial gains; he had met many people. Of course, he dare do such things because he knew what he was doing; the Emperor was the person who most wanted Zhang Yang to behave. Especially after Zhang Yang shamelessly mentioned marrying his granddaughter, the Emperor must have wished to confine Zhang Yang.

His idea also happened to help the Emperor, so he congratulated himself on his cleverness, while also gaining favor with Zhang Jinghong.

Zhou Shuren returned to his residence. "Mr. Qiu, why do you look at me like that?"

Qiu Yan, "Why did you go after Zhang Jinghong? I’m not one to criticize, but it’s best to avoid such troubles."

Zhou Shuren explained, "I’ve had a few encounters with Zhang Jinghong, so when I saw him today, I chased after him to ask a few questions."

Qiu Yan didn’t believe him. Zhou Shuren was not a man known for his sympathy. Having worked together for so long, Qiu Yan had more or less understood Zhou Shuren. Zhou Shuren had his own standards, but he was not soft-hearted.

Zhou Shuren was in a good mood and even willing to chat more with Mr. Qiu. "I believe Zhang Jinghong will be someone of importance in the future."

Qiu Yan, "After all, he grew up in the royal family and has experienced great changes. As long as there’s no issue with his background, his future indeed looks promising at the moment."

Zhou Shuren didn’t want to talk anymore. Since there was a problem with Zhang Jinghong’s identity, even if he were somebody of note, Zhang Jinghong shouldn’t dream of attaining a high position of power in his lifetime.

Inside the Palace, although there were no people around when Zhou Shuren spoke, the Emperor still became aware of the conversation between Zhou Shuren and Zhang Jinghong.

The Crown Prince chuckled softly, "Last time Master Zhou lost his temper, wasn’t it over Zhou Si, the Fourth Son?"

The Emperor did not care about Zhou Shuren’s tricks, "After so many years, he and his wife are protective of their children, especially the girls of the Zhou family. Now that Zhou Shuren’s eldest granddaughter is betrothed, it may not be the most satisfactory match for him. It’s normal for Zhou Shuren to be angry."

It would be abnormal if he weren’t angry. Fortunately, he knew his limits and incidentally solved some problems for the Emperor.

Thinking of Master Zhou providing a dowry for his daughter’s wedding, the Crown Prince said, "I haven’t yet told Zhang Yang about the Zhou family’s engagement. He has been quite preoccupied with it."

The Emperor snorted, "Tell him today, and warn him not to harbor any thoughts."

A fake Fifth Prince compared to Zhou Shuren is naturally less significant.

The Crown Prince imagined Zhang Yang’s expression upon hearing the news, and he was gleefully anticipating it. Zhang Yang hadn’t given him a break these days, and he couldn’t just abandon his responsibilities. The play must go on in its entirety.

In the afternoon, as Zhou Shuren was about to head home, Hu Xia hurriedly came over. Zhou Shuren did not rush to get on the carriage, "What matter brings you to seek this official?"