Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 871 Complaining

Chapter 871: Chapter 871 Complaining

In the evening at the Zhou family, Rongchuan didn’t think of going home to tattle to his father, since his father had no authority over the Ministry of Revenue. After much thought, he decided to speak to his uncle, for he too was a child of the Zhou family, and saw no shame in tattling.

Having had his dinner and chatted with Xue Han while stepping in the snow for a while, Rongchuan returned home, satisfied.

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, "Zhang Yang really is growing in capability."

Zhulan was displeased. As a mother, who would want their daughter to share her husband with another, "Her scheming thoughts are many."

Zhou Shuren held a hand warmer, "So he ought to cool down a bit, and just in time. He finds crunching numbers tedious, so I’ll give him another task."

Zhulan grew curious, "What task?"

"The storage of the Ministry of Revenue’s Department of Punishments is insufficient, so I requested another location, which has not yet been tidied up. I think Zhang Yang could be put in charge of overseeing it. What do you say?"

Zhulan chuckled, knowing full well that Zhou Shuren was not about to let Zhang Yang enjoy himself, especially in this freezing weather, "I think it’s a good idea; it’ll help him cool down."

Zhou Shuren also thought it was a good idea. The courtyard, letting in drafts from all sides, would take several days to fix, "The day after tomorrow is my rest day, and I’ve already made arrangements to meet with Mr. Lei. Have you found a suitable matchmaker on your side yet?"

Zhulan said, "I’ve already found one, Lady Gao."

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, "As long as you’ve chosen well."

Next day, Zhang Yang stood inside the courtyard, looking at its dilapidated state. The paper on the windows had long been gone, leaving the whole yard empty and devoid of any heating.

Zhang Yang clenched his teeth. Zhou Shuren must have done this on purpose. The cold wind was especially biting today, sending shivers down his spine. He called over a young servant, "Prepare some charcoal fire and thicker clothes."

After the young servant left, Zhang Yang paced back and forth. He’d been duped by Zhou Shuren again. Why couldn’t he learn, jumping into the pit of his own accord!

What Zhang Yang did yesterday was easy to find out.

The Second Prince, Zhang Jingyang, curled his lips, "His wings aren’t fully grown yet, and he’s already trying to pluck the fur of an old fox, especially one as little-minded."

However, this incident also made Zhang Jingyang realize that even the most foolish can grow and slowly become more cunning. It hadn’t been long, and already he had dared to drive a wedge between the Ning family and the Zhou family.

In the past, Zhang Jingyang had also entertained the idea, but upon further reflection, considering the deep ties between Rongchuan and the Zhou family, he did not dare to act without absolute certainty.

The following day, on Zhou Shuren’s rest day, he set out early for the prearranged tea house. When he arrived, Mr. Lei was already there.

Zhou Shuren said, "You’ve arrived rather early; I thought I set out early enough myself."

Mr. Lei smiled, "It’s a habit for me, Sir Zhou, please take a seat."

Zhou Shuren sat down, "Have you ordered tea?"

"Not yet."

Zhou Shuren called over the waiter and ordered two pots of fine tea, "Lately at your Ministry of Justice, ahem, let’s not discuss official matters today, let’s talk about personal ones."

Mr. Lei sighed with relief; he really feared discussing official business, "I mentioned Sir Zhou to Lau Jing, and he holds you in high regard. He hasn’t had the chance to meet you before, and when he learned that I’d be having tea with you today, Lau Jing specifically asked me to extend his regards."

Zhou Shuren smiled, "I also respect Sir Lau a great deal. We will have many opportunities to have tea in the future. Tell him not to rush."

Mr. Lei felt reassured, seeing the Zhou family was ready to settle matters, "That’s great. I will also have the opportunity to shamelessly enjoy more of your tea."

"As long as you come, I will always provide fine tea for your reception," Zhou Shuren assured.

Mr. Lei’s grin widened, sensing that he had caught Sir Zhou’s attention. So many in the capital sought to make connections with him, but Sir Zhou rarely formed close associations with many. This was an opportunity, "I thank you in advance, Sir Zhou."

They hadn’t been drinking tea for long when the door to the private room sounded. As the guest entered, Zhou Shuren stood up, "Mr. Hou."

Mr. Lei quickly rose to his feet as well, "Mr. Hou."

Mr. Hou walked in, "Every time I come here, I sit in this room. I only found out from the Shopkeeper today that Sir Zhou was having tea here, and I thought, I might as well come up."

Zhou Shuren did not think it was a coincidence, "Mr. Hou, please have a seat."

Mr. Lei felt it was a pity that he would not be able to enjoy his tea today, but luckily there would be other opportunities to drink tea. He spoke up, "I have some matters to attend to, Sir, Mr. Hou, I must take my leave first."

Zhou Shuren truly appreciated Mr. Lei, a real talent. He knew that Wong Ju could not stay at the Ministry of Revenue for much longer, so he had started thinking of finding a capable subordinate. Mr. Lei was on his list, "We’ll have the opportunity to drink tea together in the future."

Mr. Lei said, "Next time, I will invite you, Sir. Please stay."

Only after the door to the room had closed did Mr. Hou speak up, "Did I interrupt your business?"

Zhou Shuren was quite forthright, "It’s a private matter. My second grandson, Mingteng, has come of age to be betrothed. I have taken a fancy to a family for him and have sent someone to convey the message."

Mr. Hou’s heart skipped a beat, "Has it been settled then?"

Zhou Shuren, "Ah, it has been settled. The matchmaker has been arranged."

Mr. Hou internally felt it was a pity. He had thought it over for days before firmly deciding to seek a marriage alliance with the Zhou family. Previously, his daughter had taken a liking to the eldest granddaughter of the Zhou family, but he wasn’t sure about it. He was thinking long term, as the Zhou family hadn’t yet divided their estate. What about when they did in the future? Therefore, he had always been watching the main branch of the Zhou family.

He liked the eldest grandson of the Zhou family even more, a famous young man from his military exploits. He genuinely liked him, and it was a pity that he had already been betrothed to the Ran family.

Just by thinking a few more days, the Zhou family had already taken a liking to someone else.

Zhou Shuren’s gaze fell on Mr. Hou. Last time they drank tea together, Mr. Hou had not been so reserved. In just a year’s time, the situation of the Hou family had changed dramatically for the worse.

Zhou Shuren, caressing his tea cup, thought how strong the Yao family was, so, too, was the Hou family. Now that the Yao family’s power had weakened, the Hou family had to keep a low profile as well. He internally felt relieved that he had already found a good match, otherwise it really would have been difficult to refuse Mr. Hou who had personally sought him out.

Mr. Hou’s mindset changed quickly, "It seems a long time since our last meeting, I barely remember it. I truly did not expect Sir Zhou to come to the capital so soon."

He had no regrets about not befriending Zhou Shuren earlier, the more he understood him, the more he realized that Zhou had his own measures in mind, and the Hou Residence was never on his list of close associates.

Zhou Shuren also felt quite emotional, "I’m surprised myself, all thanks to the Emperor’s great kindness."

Mr. Hou laughed softly, "Yes, the Emperor’s great kindness."

In front of the entire nation, they all seemed insignificant; the Emperor had only the whole world in his mind.

Zhou Shuren, holding his tea cup, said, "Mr. Hou, please enjoy your tea."

Mr. Hou took a sip of his tea, wanting to continue the conversation, and after a smile, he simply bowed his head and drank his tea.

Two days passed quickly, and Zhulan invited Lady Gao to visit Sir Lau’s house, and Lady Gao returned quite soon from the visit.

Zhulan had a hunch, "You’ve had quite the busy day."

Lady Gao said, "It wasn’t too much trouble. I just made an appearance. You just need to pick a good day to have the official matchmaker pay a visit."

Zhulan laughed, "Once it’s settled, I’ll prepare a generous matchmaker’s gift for you."

Lady Gao laughed, "That’s a deal. Let me tell you, I’ve had my eye on that Plum Blossom Painting you bought."

Zhulan felt a bit of pain at the thought, as she bought that painting from a Painting shop. It wasn’t a matter of expense but the painting’s particularly good artistic conception. Yet, thinking of Mingteng, "Alright, if it’s settled, I’ll give it to you."

Lady Gao chuckled with joy, "Next time your family arranges a marriage, make sure to find me to be the matchmaker."

Zhulan didn’t dare; Lady Gao had keen eyes, and Zhulan didn’t have many valuable items left!

Just then, the steward came in holding invitation cards in his hands.