Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 928: Applying Eye Medicine

Chapter 928: Chapter 928: Applying Eye Medicine

In the evening, Wu Ming received a warm welcome at the Zhou residence, and Zhou Shuren looked as if he had eaten an entire lemon tree, exuding sourness and sulking with a scowl on his face.

Wu Ming had already grown accustomed to his godfather’s jealousy and was no longer intimidated by it, finding it rather amusing instead. He deliberately grew close to Chang Zhong in front of his godfather.

With the son clinging to Wu Ming and refusing to leave, Zhou Shuren continued to feel jealous. If he had known better, he wouldn’t have constantly talked about the Top Scorer in front of his son, and now his son wouldn’t be so fond of Wu Ming.

Wu Ming teased Chang Zhong, "How about you come back with me tonight?"

Chang Zhong responded eagerly, "Yes, yes, I also want to sleep with Brother."

Zhou Shuren interjected, "Have you forgotten that you’re supposed to draw the map of mountains and rivers tonight?"

Chang Zhong was extremely upset. His cousins had already dropped the subject, "Dad, I don’t wet the bed anymore."

Zhou Shuren scoffed, "That’s not how I remember it."

Before he could finish, he received a hit and covered his head, looking at his wife with a look that said even you are picking on me.

Zhulan glared at Zhou Shuren, Is that how a father should act?

Zhou Shuren saw his son’s tearful look and coughed, "I remembered wrong, Chang Zhong indeed doesn’t draw the map anymore."

Still unhappy, Chang Zhong said, "Dad, you’re really getting more and more muddle-headed as you age."

Zhou Shuren, "...."

The knife from his own son always hit the mark with particular precision!

Wu Ming wanted to laugh but dared not, his facial expression somewhat twisted. He really didn’t expect his godfather to have no authority in front of Chang Zhong, seeing how his elder brothers were always fearful of his godfather, this was indeed a bit unfamiliar to him.

Zhulan watched Zhou Shuren’s dry laugh, snorted in her heart and thought, Serve him right, let him play the doting father.

Now that dinner was already over and it was getting late, Wu Ming clearly had something to say. Zhulan gestured for the old maid to take Chang Zhong to bathe and then get ready for bed.

Chang Zhong protested, "Mom, I want to go with Brother!"

Zhulan spoke indifferently, "Not today, your brother Wu Ming isn’t ready."

Chang Zhong was fundamentally afraid of his mother and obediently got down from the seat, "Dad, Mom, I’m going back."

Zhulan responded with a hum, and at this moment Zhou Shuren envied his wife, just one look and their son didn’t dare to utter an extra word!

Once Chang Zhong left, Wu Ming didn’t avoid speaking in front of his godmother, "The observations these past few days show that the Tao family has indeed joined Prince Four’s faction."

Zhou Shuren commented, "The Phang family has significant influence in the Ministry of Rites, and with Prince Four’s recent rise in prominence, it’s not surprising that the Tao family has chosen their side."

Wu Ming said, "Once they’ve boarded the boat, it’s hard to disembark."

Zhou Shuren hummed in agreement. The Tao family had already made it difficult for themselves to step back when they used their connection as a means to test the waters. It seems that Old Master Wang not only wants to refrain from intervening but is likely already aware of the Tao family’s alignment and does not want the Wang family to be implicated.

Upon hearing this, Zhulan sighed internally. The Tao family had been a constant concern for Mrs. Tao; even though she was as sharp-tongued as a knife, she still hoped for the best for her family.

Wu Ming continued, "What Prince Four is truly interested in is the Wang family; the Tao family is just an addition."

This was the crux of the matter Wu Ming was eager to discuss with his godfather. The Zhou family and the Wang family were related by marriage, and his godfather was true friends with Wong Ju. He felt it was his duty to warn him.

Zhou Shuren was not worried and said with a smile, "With Old Master Wang around, nothing will happen."

The elder master looked gentle and amiable to everyone, but his methods were formidable. The Wong clan had been under his control without any significant mistakes; the old man was certainly not a pushover.

Wu Ming felt relieved after hearing this, "Gu Zhuomin is indeed not bad, but he’s quite wary of me."

Zhou Shuren said, "It hasn’t been easy for him either, having just arrived in the capital without any foundation. He’s had a hard time these days."

As for being wary of Wu Ming, he didn’t see it as a problem. Gu Zhuomin’s wariness stemmed from the sense of danger that Wu Ming gave him, which was a form of praise. Wu Ming’s formidability was not about his age; a boss is a boss.

After Wu Ming left, Zhou Shuren still sneezed from time to time. Zhulan commented, "It seems there’s no telling how many people are cursing you behind your back."

Zhou Shuren snorted, "Those old foxes wouldn’t curse; they’re just frustrated that the chance to dig into things has been lost. As for who would curse me, it must be Wong Ju. I didn’t approve his leave today. You said he wasn’t sick, and with his family in the capital and his parents by his side, what leave is there to ask for!"

Zhulan countered, "You really should take a look at yourself in the bronze mirror; I can very much understand why Wong Ju curses you."

Zhou Shuren had no interest in looking in the mirror, knowing that if he granted leave, it would only be over his dead body. Having finally found a capable assistant, he’d be foolish to offer time off. To make his own life easier, he simply couldn’t afford to give leave.

The next day, Zhou Shuren did not see Zhang Yang at the Ministry of Revenue. He was prepared to continue intimidating Zhang Yang, but the man didn’t show up, which was somewhat disappointing for him. As for Wong Ju’s resentful glances, he blatantly ignored them. Wong Ju didn’t dare to raise his voice at Zhou Shuren until he was outside the main gate of the Ministry of Revenue. Inside, no matter his dissatisfaction, Wong Ju had to hold it in.

In an act of benevolence so as not to provoke Wong Ju, Zhou Shuren specially divided some of the workload and assigned it elsewhere.

Zhang Jinghong envied Minister Wong. He wasn’t afraid of having more work to do—it was a sign of trust. It’s just unfortunate that his official rank was low.

Inside the government hall, the Emperor had just finished up before allowing Zhang Yang to come in. Zhang Yang, now experienced with court visits, made it a point not to drink tea or eat pastries while waiting, remembering the previous unpleasant experience of holding it in.

In recent days, Zhang Yang tried his best to be a good son. He had learned much. Recently, the Emperor hadn’t shown any particular favoritism towards his second brother either, leaving Zhang Yang feeling quite balanced. Shi Qing was right; the old man was now seeing all his sons as threats. He didn’t have to fret over whether the Emperor liked him or not. In the face of imperial power, even a birth son needed to step back, let alone one who had returned later.

The Emperor, observing Zhang Yang paying his respects, found the lure of imperial power irresistible. Look at how that foolish Zhang Yang had vanished.

He ignored Zhang Yang’s companions and noticed Zhang Yang slowly amassing his own power. "Do you have business in the palace today?"

Zhang Yang had grown accustomed to his father’s cold tone. The Emperor was fond of Rongchuan—and he believed it wasn’t just because of Rongchuan’s face, but also because Rongchuan wouldn’t threaten the throne. "Father Emperor, I have been at the Ministry of Revenue for some time now and recognize my own inexperience. Therefore, I wish to gain more experience quickly in hopes of helping the Crown Prince brother with his burdens sooner."

The Crown Prince lifted his head. What did that last statement mean?

The Emperor said, "Your growth has not escaped my notice."

Look at that, he’s learned to offer flattery, to stir trouble.

Zhang Yang, with his head bowed, thought the old man was aging while the Crown Prince was in his prime. "I will continue to work hard and definitely live up to Father Emperor’s expectations."

By now, he had understood why, being a son, he could not strive for the throne. There was only one imperial seat!

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren again didn’t see Zhang Yang but happened upon people from Zhang Yang’s entourage gathering his belongings. Stroking his beard, Zhou Shuren wondered if Zhang Yang was really that concerned about him.

As for where Zhang Yang had gone, he didn’t care, as long as the trouble had left the Ministry of Revenue.

Qiu Yan stood beside Zhou Shuren, "He’s finally gone."

Zhou Shuren chuckled, "Ah, gone indeed."

At the Zhou residence, Zhulan noticed Wu Ning’s pale face and hurriedly called for the steward to summon a doctor, "Did you feel unwell riding in the carriage all the way here?"

Wu Ning seemed to be lacking strength, "This child has been tormenting me these past few days, making me throw up whatever I eat."

Zhulan glared, "Such nonsense. Riding in the carriage for so long when you’re feeling unwell."