Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 895 Uncle Tang

Chapter 895: Chapter 895 Uncle Tang

The guessing game at the Ministry of Revenue had ended, and the most discussed topic was not who earned or lost, but Zhou Shuren. At the end of the year, Zhou Shuren successfully dominated the capital’s celebrity leaderboard, resulting in even more people sending gifts to the Zhou family for the New Year.

By the time Zhulan returned the New Year’s gifts, there were still less than seven days until the New Year.

Scholar Deng finally had some news, "The small courtyard you wanted is not available, but there is a small courtyard with a second entrance for sale. The courtyard has its own well, making water conveniently accessible, and it’s very close to West City."

Zhulan initially said a small courtyard was the minimum standard, but a courtyard with a second entrance was even better. She had three grandsons, and the children were getting bigger; it would be better for them to live in a more spacious place. "Have you seen it?"

Scholar Deng spoke, "I have seen it. This family is in a hurry to return to their hometown, the price is fair, and they are including furniture."

Zhulan nodded, "If you think it’s good, then let’s buy it. I’ll go have a look afterward."

That was trust. Zhulan had great trust in Scholar Deng, and Scholar Deng had never let down the Zhou family’s trust.

Scholar Deng was pleased to hear this, "Yes."

The next day, Zhulan had already obtained the property deed and the keys to the main gate, and she went to the small courtyard with her daughter and Lady Li.

The small courtyard with a second entrance was indeed not very large, the yard was not spacious, but there were a good number of rooms. The greatest feature was the location of the courtyard, especially being near the vegetable market, which made life very convenient.

Xue Han, after looking over, spoke, "Mother, will my sister really bring her in-laws here?"

Zhulan confirmed, "Your sister’s husband’s parents have always hoped for your brother-in-law’s success. Though there have been twists and turns, these years they lived continuously with your brother-in-law, and his brothers have all gotten used to it. Besides, your sister is the best at handling relationships. As long as there are no major conflicts, your sister will definitely bring the Jiang family elders here."

Lady Li heard this and kept her opinions to herself; she was also a daughter-in-law.

Xue Han had some memories of the Jiang family elders, and after so many years, she was still a bit nervous about it; however, they weren’t going to live in the Zhou family’s house, so she didn’t ask any further questions.

Zhulan was very satisfied with the courtyard; she instructed Nanny Song to send someone to clean it thoroughly and replace some of the furniture with new ones. They prepared the charcoal and firewood that would be needed and only then did she return home with her daughter and Lady Li.

Upon returning home, Steward Ding handed over a card, "The Wang family has sent a card over."

Zhulan took the card and laughed. Mrs. Tao had finally returned to the capital. She wrote last time saying she would return, but got delayed because her youngest son suddenly fell ill. Now that the child had finally recovered, Mrs. Tao had entered the capital yesterday.

Upon hearing this, Lady Li thought that tomorrow, she should have her daughter dress up nicely, "Mother, I will head back first."

"Alright."

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren was sipping tea and looking at Qiu Yan, who felt somewhat uncomfortable under the gaze, "Why do you keep looking at me?"

Zhou Shuren was somewhat distracted, all because after the busyness had passed, suddenly having leisure time was something he was not used to. "You’re the only one making any noise in this room, so I ended up looking at you a few extra times."

Indeed, Mr. Qiu had returned refreshed from his rest, and Zhang Jinghong had moved out.

Qiu Yan wasn’t too busy either. During his absence, Zhou Shuren had taken over his tasks. Zhou Shuren, seeking efficiency, changed quite a bit, which also made things more convenient for him. As the efficiency had increased, Qiu Yan didn’t need to be busy all the time, "Your blind demolition inspired the merchants, and these few days a number of applications have been submitted to the Ministry of Revenue."

Zhou Shuren smiled, "Indeed, there have been quite a few."

This brought a considerable amount of silver to the Ministry of Revenue. Those who wished to apply had to pay taxes, and the taxes were not insubstantial. To avoid chaos, he thought of every possibility he could and wrote a thick book of rules with severe punishments outlined. Even if the penalties were strict, they still couldn’t deter the merchants eyeing the profits.

Qiu Yan spoke somberly, "Sometimes, I just can’t figure out how your mind works."

At the time, when he saw the harsh conditions and various precautions and punishments, he was filled with both admiration and jealousy. How could there be such a huge difference between people?

Zhou Shuren smiled warmly, his broader perspective complemented by the advantage of having a wife, "Mr. Qiu is also very impressive; this time in Jianghuai, he has truly made great achievements."

Qiu Yan smiled. What kind of achievement was that? It was just the result of hard work.

In the afternoon, Zhou Shuren returned home. Hu Xia was waiting at the entrance of the Ministry of Revenue. As soon as Zhou Shuren saw him, he knew Hu Xia was waiting for him, "If you have something to discuss, why didn’t you come directly to me at the Ministry of Revenue?"

Hu Xia wouldn’t dare. "My lord, you are very busy, and I don’t have anything of importance. I just wanted to mention that Liufeng has an uncle who will be transferred to the capital next year."

Zhou Shuren, not knowing much about the Gu family, gestured for Hu Xia to discuss the matter in the carriage, as it was too cold outside.

Once they were in the carriage, he said, "I remember, Liufeng’s grandfather’s family seems to have no one left."

Back in the day, the Hu family held a minor official position, so naturally, their marriage ties were also with those of official rank.

Hu Xia said, "When my brother-in-law passed away, Liufeng’s grandfather was demoted, and my sister returned home; the Gu family moved out of the capital, and the entire clan went back to their hometown. Now it is Liufeng’s uncle who is entering the capital, which is why he sent me the letter."

Zhou Shuren asked, "Doesn’t Liufeng’s grandfather’s branch have anyone successful?"

Hu Xia nodded with a tone of regret, "Back then, my brother-in-law was very talented and had the most promise, but unfortunately he died young. Thus, the branch of Liufeng’s grandfather has completely fallen into decline. In recent years, they have not kept in touch with our family, partly because they are upset that my sister took Liufeng with her, and partly out of resentment, feeling that my sister and nephew’s tough fate brought disaster upon the Gu family’s hopes."

Zhou Shuren noted everything down, "I have it in mind now."

Hu Xia did not have the means to investigate further, but for his own family’s future and to ensure that his nephew’s future faced no mishaps, he thought of Lord Zhou as soon as he received the letter and had been concerned all day.

Zhou Shuren indeed kept it in mind—if the newcomer was good, it would benefit Liufeng; if not, he could still find a way to get him out, not letting him root himself in the capital so easily.

In Zhou family village, night had fallen. In the quiet hamlet, a line of carriages entered, their numbers not insignificant, their hoofbeats drawing many villagers out to see what was happening.

The gates of Xue Mei’s house were already closed as they were having dinner when there came a knock at the door, accompanied by the sounds of hooves. Jiang Sheng knew at once who it was.

Shen Xing and his group arrived, and even the robust Shen Xing appeared haggard. They had been eager to travel quickly and seldom stayed overnight to rest. Shen Xing said, "Miss, this is a letter from the master."

Xue Mei took the letter, "You have all had a difficult journey, please rest first."

Shen Xing did not refuse, having already arranged for young servants to prepare food while Jiang Sheng led people to the guest rooms. As for lighting the fire, there were plenty of young servants who had come, so there was no need for Jiang Sheng to do it.

Xue Mei had already read the letter. It was indeed from her father, telling her to be at ease. The remaining pages were for the Clan Leader.

With so many people from her family, all skilled young servants, Xue Mei felt even more at ease.

Before long, the grandson of the Clan Leader came to inquire, and Xue Mei handed over the letter, exchanging a few words before the Clan Leader’s grandson left.

The twins were especially happy, running all over the house, even shouting about going to their maternal grandfather’s house.

Xue Mei laughed softly, "We are moving, not staying at Grandfather’s house."

How could she, along with her in-laws, possibly live in her maternal home? Even if she had no in-laws, as a married woman, she would not stay at her mother’s house.