Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 906: Testing the Waters

Chapter 906: Chapter 906: Testing the Waters

The Emperor looked at his ministers, a third of whom had not submitted any Zhezi, but two-thirds of them had taken sides, which further tightened his heartstrings.

His fingertips tapping on the Zhezi, the Emperor said, "Today, I have kept you all to discuss the granting of noble titles to Princes."

As these words fell, the ministers in the government hall looked at each other, knowing the Emperor would surely grant titles to Princes, but uncertain whether it would be to several or all of them.

Hearing about the titles, Mr. Phang spoke up cautiously, as no one else had, not sure how many would be granted, "Emperor, do you have any titles in mind?"

Revealing a few titles would let them know whether all would be made Princes.

The Emperor paused for a moment, "Traditionally, these titles have followed the names of states from the time of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, and I have no desire to create special titles. Let’s draft them according to the names of the Eastern Zhou states. Do any of you have recommendations?"

Mr. Phang was at a loss for words, so the Emperor hadn’t thought of any; his probing had been in vain.

Zhou Shuren swiftly glanced at the Crown Prince, whose name contained the character for ’Chen,’ which suggests the throne and is synonymous with ’Emperor.’ The Emperor had decided on the succession as soon as he named the Crown Prince.

Now that titles were being mentioned, it was customary that among the historical titles for Princes, Jin, Qin, Qi, and Chu were the most prestigious, with Prince Jin being the most esteemed, the strongest during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.

Zhou Shuren thought to himself that while current history was fictional, the history up to this unaltered point coincided with his knowledge, and though he couldn’t remember exactly how many titled Prince Jin eventually became Emperor, his impression was that many had.

If Zhou Shuren could figure it out, so could the other old foxes in the room; this was a test, not just by the Emperor, but also a test of the ministers’ understanding of the Emperor’s intentions.

Zhou Shuren couldn’t help but take another look at the Crown Prince. Then their eyes met, and it was awkward. Zhou Shuren silently withdrew his gaze, his heart pounding as the Crown Prince’s eyes increasingly resembled those of the Emperor, as if seeing through him. He dared not look anymore.

The Crown Prince withdrew his gaze, amused. He had felt Zhou Shuren’s first glance, and like the other ministers, who more or less looked at him either with inquisitive stares or with significant intent, only Zhou Shuren seemed to watch as if observing a play.

The Crown Prince’s gaze deepened, recognizing that Zhou Shuren, the old fox, was even more astute than he’d suspected, thankfully disinterested in power; otherwise, he would be wary of delegating authority to Zhou Shuren after his ascension.

A duration of sipping tea passed as if they were being punished by standing; still, no one dared to speak, and the Emperor also took the opportunity to discipline the ministers, letting no one leave.

Only after another half a cup of tea’s time did the Emperor speak again, "Since no one will speak up, then write a Zhezi, you all may leave!"

The ministers left the government hall, finally straightening their backs which had been slightly bent all this time. Zhou Shuren rubbed his lower back; it was terribly tiring, standing throughout the lengthy morning court and then for quite a while in the government hall.

Xiao Qing coughed to signal Zhou Shuren to leave quickly.

Zhou Shuren looked up and saw several senior ministers, like Mr. Wong, leaving quickly, eager to avoid being caught up in conversation. Zhou Shuren touched his leg, grateful that today he only wore one layer of cotton pants.

At the Zhou residence, Lady Hu, Gu Liufeng’s mother, was visiting, having never set foot in the house since the engagement was settled.

Zhulan called for Lady Zhao to meet Lady Hu together. Today, Lady Hu wore slightly more colorful clothing instead of the plain attire, though her accessories were just as simple as usual.

It was Lady Hu’s first visit on her own, clutching the gift tightly in her hand, "My lady, this is a small token of my appreciation."

Zhulan personally accepted it, "You are really too kind."

Seeing the lady still gracious, Lady Hu relaxed considerably, "It’s just a little something, all handcrafted by me. Please don’t dismiss it."

Zhulan did not open it to see, as Lady Zhao entered.

Lady Zhao first greeted her mother-in-law, "Mother."

Zhulan asked, "I heard you were organizing your luggage just now. Is there anything else you need?"

Lady Zhao had already taken a seat beside Lady Hu, "Mother, everything has been packed up."

Zhulan, once she had asked, did not worry about it anymore; Lady Zhao was more meticulous than her. As for the sea voyage, Zhulan did not involve herself needlessly, not knowing what ancient seafaring entailed. The Xu family had experience, and heeding their advice would not go awry.

It was only in the recent days that Lady Zhao came to know about the changes in her future son-in-law’s family, speaking to Lady Hu, "I had planned to visit you for a chat after the master left!"

Lady Hu was a widow who rarely went out. The household provisions were bought in quantities to last half a month. With no green vegetables in winter, they had purchased plenty of radishes and cabbages. The only reason for her to go out was to buy meat; this year was only her second time venturing out, her first being a visit to her brother’s house for New Year’s greetings.

Neighbors would come to visit, but most of the time she was alone at home. Smiling at the words of her future mother-in-law, she said, "I welcome you anytime, but, you’ll have to wait until I move to the new house."

Lady Zhao, "You’ve bought a house?"

Lady Hu was not surprised that the Zhou family knew and nodded, "Yes, I’ve bought it. I figured I’d have to buy it sooner or later, so I bought a large two-entry house at once. This time it comes with a small garden. Although it’s a bit farther from the Academy, it’s closer to West City here."

Lady Zhao, remembering, wanted to have a look, "Please let me know when you move. I’d like to lend a hand."

Lady Hu verbally agreed, but in her heart, she did not wish to trouble the Zhou family. Her son was doing well at the Academy, and it was enough of a bother for the Zhou family; she feared that too many requests might wear out their welcome.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren looked up at the sound of a knock, "Well, look at you, arriving at the capital and not even saying a word."

Inwardly, Wong Ju scoffed; he had done it on purpose, "Grand Master Zhou, the subordinate is here to take up his post."

Zhou Shuren saw the official documents in Wong Ju’s hand, "Did you just come from the Grand Master of Writing?"

Wong Ju nodded, "The Grand Master of Writing instructed me to follow you."

Zhou Shuren thought that since he had brought him in, it was natural for Wong Ju to follow his lead. He gestured for Wong Ju to sit and even personally poured him tea, "Have some tea to warm up."

Wong Ju received the teacup in silence, "Sir, could you stop smiling like that?"

According to his experience, the brighter Zhou Shuren’s smile, the worse off he would be.

Zhou Shuren’s mood was much like that of the Grand Master of Writing, desiring to take care of a capable subordinate, "Alright, just drink your tea first."

Wong Ju, not seeing Mr. Qiu, swallowed his tea and asked, "Is Mr. Qiu not in?"

Zhou Shuren explained, "He’s gone to the Ministry of Works, won’t be back until the afternoon."

Zhang Jinghong entered just at this moment, staring at the obviously joyful Grand Master Zhou, he was taken aback. He had been in the Ministry for some time, yet it was the first time he saw Zhou Shuren openly so pleased.

Zhou Shuren told Zhang Jinghong, "Put the register down and go about your business."

Zhang Jinghong took a few more glances at Minister Wong, full of tension. Minister Wong had been Zhou Shuren’s right-hand man; now that he had come to the capital, would there still be a place for him in the future?

Wong Ju waited until Zhang Jinghong left and then lowered his voice, "I heard from my father that you take good care of Zhang Jinghong?"

Zhou Shuren, "Hmm, the young man indeed has potential, and I am training him as an assistant."

Wong Ju curled his lip, remembering how he was too young when he fell for Zhou Shuren’s ruse, and now he was being chased down!

In the Zhou residence, Zhulan waited until Lady Hu had left before she opened the box. Inside were some delicate pieces of jewelry; the hairpins were exquisitely made. "This doesn’t look like it was bought from a jewelry shop. Lady Hu said she made these herself if I’m not mistaken!"