Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 930 Rejoice Together

Chapter 930: Chapter 930 Rejoice Together

At the morning court the following day, Zhou Shuren finally understood what the Emperor meant the day before. The titles for the princes had been determined; there was no Prince Jin, the Second Prince became Prince Qi, the Third Prince became Prince Chu, and the Fourth Prince became Prince Liang. Zhang Yang got nothing at all.

When the decree came down, the court fell silent. Without a Prince Jin, the Crown Prince’s position became even more secure, but the Fourth Prince didn’t even secure the honorable title of Prince Qin, and his face immediately changed color.

Zhou Shuren was also somewhat surprised because it was a bit different from what he had expected. To think there was not even a Prince Qin! Yuguang watched the Fourth Prince, then glanced at Phang Huai, who had been quite pleased with himself lately. They both looked terrible.

After finishing his speech, the Emperor felt there were no significant matters to address and lifted his leg to leave. Unlike usual, the Crown Prince didn’t leave with him but instead stayed behind.

Dismissing the court so early pleased Zhou Shuren, but noticing that nobody else was moving, he looked up and saw the Crown Prince walking toward the other princes.

Zhou Shuren thought it over and decided not to move, instead pricking up his ears to listen.

The Crown Prince’s heart was finally at ease, and with a full-faced smile, he congratulated them, "Congratulations to my second, third, and fourth brothers."

Reflecting on his grandfather’s words, the Second Prince felt that today’s titles weren’t unacceptable, but still felt a sense of loss and resentment. Wasn’t he also a son? Why did his father’s eyes only see the Crown Prince? Was he not good enough?

The Second Prince didn’t feel like acknowledging the Crown Prince, but with all the ministers watching in the court, he forced a stiff smile and said, "Joy shared."

Third Prince Zhang Jingshi was also discontented, but he knew the chances of being conferred as Prince Jin were the lowest for him. Despite his past maneuvers, he didn’t feel too disappointed. After all, he had secured one of the prestigious titles. With interest, he watched the Fourth Prince; the comparison improved his mood considerably, "Joy shared."

The Fourth Prince’s expression was the ugliest. His name had been the most popular, and he had been the most troublesome, but what was the result? Despite his significant achievements, he didn’t even secure the title of Prince Qin. Glaring at the gloating Third Prince, with whom he had completely fallen out due to the Qi family’s issues, he really wanted to storm off without dignity, but unfortunately, that was not an option. Gritting his teeth, he said, "It should be the little brother congratulating the eldest brother, the Crown Prince."

The Crown Prince’s face showed surprise, "Big brother will thank the younger brothers in advance for their future support."

The princes glared, who said they would support you? That was clearly sarcasm.

Who was the Crown Prince? The one with the thickest face was the Crown Prince. Compared to the anger in the eyes of the other princes, the Crown Prince patted the shoulders of his three brothers, "I am grateful for your kindness, rest assured, my gifts of congratulations will be sent to you later."

As he spoke, the Crown Prince briskly walked away, his steps especially light.

Zhou Shuren’s lips curled up. The Crown Prince’s verbal skills were unrivaled. His mood had indeed been great lately, and looking at the furious princes, they were truly pitiable.

The ministers at court quickly left the hall and on the way out of the palace, the Minister of Personnel laughed particularly heartily, "Congratulations to Mr. Phang."

All eyes turned toward Phang Huai, whose arrogance these days had not gone unnoticed.

Phang Huai’s face was especially grim. He couldn’t accept it; the Fourth Prince had made notable contributions, yet he dared not voice it out loud. The Emperor would not be lenient with him, so he could only walk away quickly with a swish of his sleeve.

The rest of the officials, particularly the neutral ones, looked exceptionally relaxed. With the Crown Prince’s position secure, they too could be more at ease.

Those officials who were testing the waters would also quiet down now.

Zhou Shuren looked at the few ministers with sour expressions, his eyes sympathetic. Those who frolic too much get remembered by the Emperor.

Back at the Zhou residence, Zhulan listened as Nurse Song reported on the conditions of several young clansmen. Since arriving in the capital, Zhou Shuren had not arranged anything for them, letting them roam the capital, which was a test for the clansmen.

The temptations of the capital were numerous; only those with a firm mind could go further.

In the past days, there had been many rumors about Zhou Shuren, and the young men stayed inside studying with Chang Zhi. Now that the rumors had subsided, the young men went out every day.

Song Granny had someone follow them; it wasn’t a secret that members of the Zhou clan were in contact with each other, and that they had arrived in the capital, meaning that the Zhou clan wanted to establish roots in the capital with the help of Zhou Shuren.

The young men frequented the bookshop the most, seldom going to the teahouses.

Zhulan didn’t provide them with Silver Taels; the money they spent was all brought by themselves. "They must not have much silver coin left on them!"

Even if they didn’t go everywhere, life in the capital was still expensive. Meeting like-minded scholars over tea was a cost.

Song Granny nodded, "Yes, these days there are more people inviting them. It’s difficult to take advantage of others, and after paying with silver coins a few times, they don’t have much left."

Zhulan still felt disappointed. Their minds weren’t sharp; it was fine that they read a lot, but what really mattered was being quick-witted. Just reading books wasn’t enough; did the Zhou clan lack books? She sent books back every year.

Zhulan massaged her temples, "Let’s wait and see."

Soon afterwards, Zhulan asked, "Is Lady Dong feeling any better? Never mind, I’ll go and see for myself."

Lady Dong was wholeheartedly hoping for a son this time. She thought about it so much, rested poorly, and as her belly grew larger, she started to feel unwell.

In the third room, as soon as Zhulan entered the room, she saw Lady Dong making clothes with colors meant for boys. So much for the comforting words she had said; as Lady Dong’s pregnancy progressed, her reassurances became entirely ineffective.

Lady Dong set down the clothing in her hands, "Mother, what brings you here?"

"I came to see how you are. Seeing that your complexion isn’t bad, I can rest assured."

Zhulan did want to scare Lady Dong a bit by saying that excessive worry could lead to danger during childbirth but ultimately couldn’t bring herself to say it, fearing it might actually cause more concern and lead to real trouble.

After chatting with Lady Dong for a while, Zhulan left with Song Granny. The sun had been good these few days, and the temperature was rising quickly, melting the snow. Zhulan observed the scenery in the garden, "All the other wives have sons; the pressure on Lady Dong is immense."

Song Granny twitched her lips, and Zhulan noticed, "Is there something you want to say?"

Song Granny dared not speak because her experience told her that the child inside Lady Dong might be a girl. She shook her head.

Zhulan truly hoped that this child would be a son so that Lady Dong wouldn’t have to keep worrying. She wasn’t like the people of ancient times; in her eyes, girls and boys were the same, but Lady Dong, who was brought up in the traditional culture, didn’t think the same way.

At the Yao Duke Residence, Yao Wenqi frowned. Zhang Yang hadn’t even received a princely title, but after some thought, his frown relaxed. Without any achievements, it made sense that Zhang Yang got nothing, especially since the Fourth Prince hadn’t obtained the title of Prince Qin.

On second thought, not being awarded a title was a good thing; it would lessen the scrutiny from the capital.

As for Zhang Yang, he had also attended the court today and felt like a joke, having achieved nothing while his brothers even ignored him in conversation!

At the Ning Duke Residence, Duke Ning was in high spirits, taking his two sons to watch a play and even indulging in a few cups of wine.

Some were joyful, while others were discontented.

After the Emperor returned to the palace, he sent the Crown Prince away and sat motionless. Eunuch Liu was worried and frightened, "Your Majesty?"

The Emperor kept his eyes closed, recalling the dream that was too vivid. Although it had been a long time since he last dreamed, it remained etched in his mind, "Even if I have settled the titles, they will not be content."

Even if he used the granting of titles to intimidate and hint, his sons would not let go of their ambition for the throne and the empire. The Emperor sighed deeply, his eyes filled with resolve.