Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 914: Orchid-Hearted and Noble-Character

Chapter 914: Chapter 914: Orchid-Hearted and Noble-Character

In the front courtyard, the Emperor had stayed for dinner. The green vegetables were still a rarity at this time of the year, but seeing the few plates of leafy greens on the table, the Emperor’s appetite, which had originally been lacking, was piqued.

Zhou Shuren also noticed the green vegetables, which his eldest granddaughter and second granddaughter had respectfully provided for him and Zhulan were all gone, "If the Emperor likes them, please eat more."

Of course, the Emperor liked them. Even though the South would send green vegetables over, leafy vegetables were rare, and those that made it to the palace were those that could be stored, "Where do your household’s vegetables come from?"

Zhou Shuren felt a small surge of pride, "This official’s eldest granddaughter and second granddaughter like gardening. Since green vegetables are scarce in winter, the two girls planted some in wooden boxes. The amount isn’t much, so they just let us, the old couple, have a taste."

The Emperor had initially thought that if there were more, he would take them all with him, but after hearing this, he dismissed the thought, feeling a pity inside, "Your two granddaughters are indeed of gentle nature and noble heart."

Zhou Shuren thought this meal of green vegetables was well worth it. With the Emperor’s praise, when the two granddaughters got married in the future, having a reputation for being of gentle nature and noble heart would prevent their in-laws from daring to bully them. He was gleefully grateful, "This official humbly thanks the Emperor for his kind words on behalf of his granddaughters."

The Emperor had no daughters, and his granddaughters were too small to appreciate the devotion of young girls. Yet, Zhou’s granddaughters, though born to luxury, took the initiative to plant vegetables just so their grandparents could enjoy a fresher meal. The Emperor envied this; such filial piety and genuine affection were far more valuable than any material gifts.

The Crown Prince had been closely observing his father, sensing the Emperor’s emotional stir. As the Emperor was getting older, his emotions naturally became more sensitive. The Crown Prince looked at the green vegetables on the table, moved his chopsticks, and his smile grew deeper.

Zhulan took her eldest grandson and younger son to eat dinner, leaving only Zhou Shuren to accompany the Emperor in the front courtyard.

Zhulan was concerned about her eldest grandson, but he couldn’t say much. The Crown Prince had a brief chat with him, inquired about the Academy, tested his knowledge, and then let the eldest grandson leave.

Chang Zhong was not afraid of much, and soon forgot everything as he turned his head. By the time Zhou Shuren returned, Chang Zhong had already eaten his fill and gone to bathe.

When Zhou Shuren came back, Zhulan signaled for the servant girls to leave and personally handed him a handkerchief, "The Emperor stayed for almost ’two hours’."

’Two hours’ is four hours!

Zhou Shuren wiped his face, "In the recent days, let’s not attend any invitations that come."

Zhulan took the handkerchief, "Even without your word, I had no plans to go. Tomorrow, our family will be in the eye of the storm."

She felt the Emperor was somewhat insidious; clearly, he had intentionally visited the Zhou residence.

Zhou Shuren had not changed out of his official uniform. He went into the room to change, removing the thick cotton robe, finally feeling relaxed, "This is also a form of trust from the Emperor. Any other official would have been carried away with pride. It’s exactly because I remained unmoved that the Emperor feels reassured."

Zhulan inwardly rolled her eyes, thinking about how the Emperor took advantage of Zhou Shuren’s trust without burden and exploited him freely.

After Zhou Shuren relayed the Emperor’s compliments about Yushuang and Yu Lu, Zhulan was pleased. For women of ancient times, reputation was exceptionally important. With the Emperor’s praise, who would dare to contradict them would be equivalent to slapping the Emperor’s face.

At the Crown Prince’s residence, upon returning, the Crown Prince immediately sent someone to find peasants who knew how to grow vegetables because he intended to do it himself. Whatever he did now seemed wrong, so it might as well focus all his efforts on filial duty.

The Crown Princess Consort was stunned for a long while, "The Crown Prince is going to plant vegetables?"

Holding the Crown Princess Consort’s hand, the Crown Prince declared, "Yes, and I won’t be planting alone. You’ll join me."

The Crown Princess Consort was not afraid of being laughed at by her sisters-in-law, knowing the Crown Prince must have his reasons, "Alright."

The next day, during the early court session, Zhou Shuren felt numerous probing glances. The Emperor had been at the Zhou residence for ’two hours,’ and nobody would believe the Emperor had said nothing, especially with the Crown Prince in tow.

But in reality, the Emperor really didn’t say anything; what he talked about the most was the education of children.

Zhou Shuren clamped his mouth shut, he wouldn’t explain. When it came to cooperating with the Emperor, he had plenty of experience. After leaving the court to gather information, Zhou Shuren played dumb as if he didn’t hear, or just smiled without speaking.

Li Zhao’s stomach ached as he watched, hooking his arm around Zhou Shuren’s neck and walking away. Li Zhao’s actions effectively blocked some officials, and once they were out of the palace, Zhou Shuren looked at Li Zhao boarding the Ministry of Revenue’s carriage.

Zhou Shuren took a deep breath, "If the official hasn’t misremembered, your lordship is quite busy."

The Ministry of War is currently busy with Navy affairs, and the Minister of War shouldn’t be this idle.

Li Zhao leaned against the carriage window, "Indeed busy, but not in a hurry."

Zhou Shuren rolled his eyes inwardly, might as well be direct, "What does your lordship wish to ask?"

Li Zhao lowered his voice and leaned in, "The Emperor has no intention of appointing Prince Jin."

An affirmative statement, without a hint of hesitation.

Zhou Shuren smiled, "What is my lord saying? This official doesn’t quite understand."

Li Zhao, beaming with joy, "Your reaction tells me that you think the same, Zhou Shuren. Have you noticed that when you agree with something, you refute it swiftly and decisively?"

The quicker the refutation, the stronger the agreement.

Li Zhao studied Zhou Shuren, for a simple reason—he would have to deal with Zhou Shuren in the future.

Zhou Shuren didn’t like Li Zhao, not because he didn’t appreciate him, but because he inherently disliked anyone who tried to study or see through him. Li Zhao was a troublesome person, and Higher Officer Xiao really detested him.

Li Zhao didn’t know what the Emperor and Zhou Shuren had discussed, but he knew that Zhou Shuren must know something. He had confirmed what he wanted to know: without Prince Jin, it meant that the Crown Prince’s position was secure. If the Emperor hadn’t taken the Crown Prince to Zhou’s estate, he wouldn’t have sought out Zhou Shuren.

God knows how much he didn’t want there to be a Prince Jin. Prince Jin was a signal, a signal of the Emperor’s dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince. The title not being confirmed had already led his family to be courted. As the Clan Leader, he couldn’t control everyone’s ambitions, fortunately, several princes were not foolish enough to try and win him directly.

But this also made him irritable. With a Prince Jin, it would be difficult for him to deal with family members who had become restless; without a Prince Jin, he could freely clean house, humming a tune in good spirits.

Zhou Shuren closed his eyes and reflected upon himself; facing these top-level power players, he was still green, still had much to learn, his skills in disguising were still not perfect.

Upon reaching the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren curled the corners of his mouth, grabbing the departing Li Zhao, "Since my lord has arrived at the Ministry of Revenue, how can there be a reason not to come in for a visit?"

Li Zhao turned wary; he didn’t want to come in, he had thought about getting off mid-journey, but Zhou Shuren stopped him, so he reluctantly went all the way. Now to be invited into the Ministry of Revenue; in his mind, there was only one thought—Zhou Shuren was cunning, "The Ministry of War has urgent matters."

Zhou Shuren, "Just a moment ago my lord said it wasn’t urgent. Oh right, my lord must not be aware, Higher Officer Xiao has already submitted the silver appropriation forms to this official."

Li Zhao’s mouth twitched rigidly. The one in charge of the silver was the grand boss; Zhou Shuren, whose power was growing, could not be offended. The Ministry of War was a silver-devouring department, and though he knew Zhou Shuren was using him to divert attention, for the sake of silver, he relented, "This official is suddenly not in a hurry. Since Zhou my lord has invited, then am I shall go in for a visit."

Zhou Shuren extended his hand, "My lord, this way please."