Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 864: The Scapegoat Introduced

Chapter 864: Chapter 864: The Scapegoat Introduced

The Emperor indeed regretted his decision and, out of sight and out of mind, he didn’t look at Zhang Yang, listening instead to the officials reporting.

Zhang Yang was truly nervous. Standing in the front for the first time, he felt as if everyone’s gaze was upon him, and he kept repeating to himself that he was a Prince, slowly straightening his back. Sneaking a glance at his father the Emperor’s expression, his face paled a bit more, realizing he had just embarrassed his father.

Zhou Shuren had been paying close attention to Zhang Yang, who was gradually becoming accustomed to the court. Now, he really stood like a Prince.

In the past, Zhang Yang could read and was arrogant with low EQ, always pampered as he grew up with no one to guide him in the ways of the world. This made him look foolish in the circles of the capital, but now his status had changed, forcing him to use his brain, having learned to read people’s moods and guess their thoughts.

Zhou Shuren mused internally that the environment had a great influence on a person. Even without the Emperor’s direction, Zhang Yang would have learned from his lessons.

There was nothing important at the court this morning; the main point was merely suggesting that Zhang Yang go to the Ministry of Revenue.

After the court session, Zhou Shuren watched officials like Mr. Li leave ahead of him and scoffed. This was the first time they hadn’t waited for him!

Zhou Shuren glanced sidelong at Zhang Yang beside him and resigned himself to the situation, all were avoiding Zhang Yang. Tugging at the corner of his mouth, he said, "Prince Five, please."

Zhang Yang holed up in the Fifth Prince’s Residence, truly taking his lessons to heart. He remembered the Crown Prince’s words firmly: a Prince wasn’t untouchable. With a modest smile, he said, "Deputy Minister Zhou, please. If there’s anything wrong during my time at the Ministry of Revenue today, I hope you will be forgiving."

Zhou Shuren wasn’t surprised by Zhang Yang’s words. The boy had grown quite a bit these days. "Your Highness will gain experience at the Ministry of Revenue, and I will naturally assist you."

Zhang Yang was silent, sensing Deputy Minister Zhou’s aloofness. Reflecting upon it, it made sense, how could Zhou possibly not hold a grudge against him? He gave a wry laugh.

On the way out of the palace, Zhou Shuren walked at a leisurely pace, the officials ahead having gone far ahead. Zhou Shuren was in no hurry at all.

Zhang Yang was extremely anxious. Deputy Minister Zhou was walking too slowly. He held back but couldn’t help asking, "Deputy Minister, could we walk a little faster?"

"I have slow legs and feet, your Highness. If you are in a hurry, you can go ahead to the Ministry of Revenue."

It seems Mr. Li was truly sincere, pah, indeed a true friendship, as Mr. Li would accompany him at a snail’s pace!

Zhang Yang pursed his lips, feeling that Deputy Minister Zhou was doing it on purpose. Taking deep breaths, he bore it again, "I am not in a hurry."

Zhou Shuren internally sneered, continuing at his own pace. He couldn’t wait for Zhang Yang to go to the Ministry of Revenue first so that he could think about how to pawn him off on the Grand Master of Writing!

Zhou Shuren finally got onto the Ministry of Revenue’s carriage, and the government hall was also informed.

The Crown Prince spoke, "Zhang Yang must think Zhou Shuren holds a grudge and is doing it on purpose."

The Emperor thought of Zhou Shuren’s clothing and pressed his brow, "Zhou Shuren is dressed too warmly, he even put on two pairs of cotton-padded trousers!"

The Crown Prince burst out laughing, "And he tied on knee pads too."

The Emperor didn’t want to talk about Zhou Shuren, "Did you handle the matter with Wu Ming you mentioned last time at the Ministry of Personnel?"

The Crown Prince smiled, "The Ministry of Personnel has already approved it, and after the New Year, Wu Ming will enter the capital."

The Emperor hummed in acknowledgment. He just mentioned it in passing, not meaning anything else. He was pleased that his son would inform him about whomever he used, even if it was a minor official’s transfer. It showed that his son trusted him completely.

The Crown Prince poured the steeped tea for his father, reminding himself that he couldn’t make a single mistake.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren, along with Zhang Yang, met with Xiao Qing. Xiao Qing was very polite, "Your Highness, in the future, Deputy Minister Zhou will guide you."

Zhang Yang didn’t want that. He felt that Zhou Shuren wouldn’t teach him seriously. He held too many grievances against the Zhou family, and it was recently the talk of the capital how he had bullied Zhou’s eldest grandson, "Grand Master Xiao, Your Highness, I..."

Xiao Qing, sensing trouble, interrupted hastily, "The Crown Prince agrees to this arrangement."

Zhang Yang’s following words were choked back, "My apologies for the inconvenience, Mr. Zhou."

Zhou Shuren’s deep gaze fixed upon Minister Xiao, who unnaturally sipped his tea before Zhou retracted his attention, "The Crown Prince said that His Highness is good at calculations, His Highness can help with the accounting. In a moment I will send the account books to Your Highness’s room. I still have affairs to attend to, so I will take my leave first."

Zhang Yang, "....Okay."

Zhou Shuren clearly remembered the Crown Prince’s words, which was a reminder to him not to guide Zhang Yang. Without the Crown Prince’s reminder, he would not have done so. Both the Emperor and the Crown Prince truly knew how to exploit him fully. Who in the capital didn’t know that the Fifth Prince and the Zhou family had grievances? Having learned nothing at the Ministry of Revenue, Zhang Yang was just the scapegoat pushed forward by the Emperor and the Crown Prince.

Indeed, one must not forget Minister Xiao!

At the Yao Residence, Yao Wenqi was still pleased with Zhang Yang’s entry into the Ministry of Revenue. Over the years since the dynasty’s founding, Zhang Yang was the first Prince to gain experience in the Ministry of Revenue.

What irritated Yao Wenqi was Zhou Shuren, the fox who was becoming increasingly cunning. Yao Wenqi hoped Zhou Shuren would target Zhang Yang more, to train him well, making him less foolish but not wanting him to become too clever as cleverness made him harder to control.

Yao Wenqi also pondered over Yao Yao. The news of Yao Yao delivering food and needed items to Yao Xin yesterday had spread throughout the capital. He was somewhat unsure of this daughter’s thoughts; it seemed he had never truly grasped her mind since her growth.

At the Zhou Residence, the sister-in-law of the Second Prince’s Consort, Wu Ming, had come again. This time Mrs. Yun was more forthright, "You have been seeking matches for your grandson all this while, and our Wu family has suitable girls."

If Zhulan remembered correctly, last time it was Mrs. Yun’s own daughter; now it had turned into having suitable girls. It seemed that the rumors about Miss Wu’s engagement were about to come true, but it was unknown which family it would be with.

Zhulan spoke plainly, "I have already found a good family; on behalf of the Zhou family, I thank the Wu family for their regard."

Mrs. Yun didn’t believe Yang was lying; there was no need for falsehoods, and the more forthright, the more it proved to be true. Her lips stiffened slightly, "May I know which girl is so fortunate?"

Zhulan smiled, "When the time comes, everyone will know."

Mrs. Yun was inwardly furious. What should have been her own daughter’s matrimonial opportunity was sabotaged. The Zhou family didn’t take concubines, and Mr. Zhou was destined to rise further—such a splendid marriage alliance, yet ruined!

Zhulan noticed Mrs. Yun’s face becoming strained and hurriedly made a suggestion, "Try some pastries, our Residence’s pastries are quite exceptional."

Mrs. Yun had no appetite to taste them, nor the need to stay longer, "I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."

Zhulan stood up, "Let me see you out."

Mrs. Yun declined, "No need, please stay."

Zhulan wasn’t sincerely offering to accompany her out; she stopped after escorting her out of the main courtyard.

Nanny Song saw Mrs. Yun leaving and said, "I’ll go inquire immediately."

Zhulan raised her hand, "No need."

She then lamented, "A woman’s marriage is also a gamble, and the more affluent she is, the less control she has over her own fate."

Nanny Song replied, "With you and the master here, the young ladies of the Residence will all have good matches."

Zhulan smiled, "I hope so."

There’s no such thing as perfection, and neither she nor Zhou Shuren had the eyes to see through the future. They could only try their best to become stronger to support their granddaughter.

Zhulan had not yet reached the door when she heard heavy footsteps. Without turning, she knew her eldest daughter-in-law had arrived. Turning around, Lady Li was always cheerful, a sight that eased one’s heart, "Why have you come at this hour?"

Usually, Lady Li came over in the afternoon to sit with her for a while and chat.