Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 939: Poisoned

Chapter 939: Chapter 939: Poisoned

The Emperor had also pondered how to better control the foreigners and had a general idea which he was constantly refining. Yet Zhou Shuren’s ideas were even more detailed, "Please, continue."

Zhou Shuren went on: "I believe we need to make foreigners realize that as soon as they land, they must follow our rules."

The Emperor liked what Zhou Shuren said and laughed heartily, "I do love to hear that."

Zhou Shuren frowned. Some ministers might not think so, with their talk about the land of propriety; he could already imagine the flurry of debate that would ensue once this was brought before the Imperial court.

Zhou Shuren sighed, "There are also a lot of details that need careful consideration; this matter cannot be rushed."

Indeed, there were too many details, and the Imperial court needed officials who were fluent in multiple foreign languages. Zhou Shuren’s eyes brightened slightly; Chang Yi had an exceptional gift for languages. Without looking at the Emperor, he thought it was time to send his son a message, affirming that it was indeed beneficial to learn many things.

The Emperor toyed with his String of Pearls. For a forceful stance, the Navy had to be perfected. The current progress in shipbuilding was satisfactory, and the Navy was in training, including gunpowder weapons for long-distance combat at sea. His fingers moved faster over the String of Pearls; he had always controlled gunpowder weapons—no need to rush, as the ships and the Navy were not yet perfected.

Feeling somewhat helpless, the Emperor thought to himself that if he were ten years younger, "Take things one at a time."

Zhou Shuren was also aware that the issue was complex and had to be handled one step at a time. He sat somewhat dejectedly, realizing he had spoken too soon about his reward.

The Emperor looked at Zhou Shuren, "Why do you sigh, my trusted official?"

Zhou Shuren replied, "I was just thinking, I have five grandsons and six granddaughters. The betrothal gifts and dowries are indeed substantial; I am under a lot of pressure."

The Emperor, "...."

You just want a reward!

Before the Emperor could speak, Eunuch Liu hurried in, "Emperor, the fifth Prince has been poisoned."

The Emperor sat up and looked at Zhou Shuren, who instantly understood, "Your servant will take his leave."

After leaving the government hall, Zhou Shuren cursed inwardly; his reward had been within reach, almost tangible like the silver note, yet it had flown away. He felt that Zhang Yang had a grudge against him. But now that Zhang Yang was poisoned, seeing the Emperor and Eunuch Liu’s reactions, he was sure the Emperor wasn’t behind it.

Zhou Shuren strode off quickly, extremely frustrated. What a time to get poisoned! Even five minutes later would have spared him this agonizing discomfort.

Inside the government hall, after hearing the news, the Emperor asked, "Was the poison administered at the fourth Prince’s residence?"

Eunuch Liu’s forehead was dripping with cold sweat, "Yes, the fifth Prince accompanied Prince Liang on an errand, and it was during that time, while eating fruit at Prince Liang’s hospitality, that the poison took effect."

The Emperor questioned, "Did anyone from the fourth Prince’s side detect anything?"

Eunuch Liu lowered his head, "No, nothing was discovered. The poison was likely not intended for Prince Liang."

The Emperor always remained vigilant against poisoning, with the Crown Prince and several Princes accompanied by shadows skilled in medicine. There could be no mistake.

The Emperor’s face darkened, "Investigate. I want an investigation."

At the Zhou residence, Zhulan looked at the cheerful Song Lan and then at Wang Ling, feeling emotional. Wu Ming and Wu Yong were indeed impressive; it hadn’t been long since the wedding and both Song Lan and Wang Ling were pregnant, with their due dates closely matched.

Zhulan was happy for the Wu family, "Today is indeed a day of double happiness. Next year, we’ll have two chubby boys."

Song Lan hadn’t expected to be pregnant herself. Initially, she had sought a doctor for her sister-in-law, but it was the old servant by her side who suggested the doctor check her as well, and that’s when she discovered she was expecting. Hearing the godmother mention a chubby boy, Song Lan too hoped for a son; the eldest brother is like a father, as observed in the Wu family. She wished for her daughter to come later since a daughter should be doted on.

Song Lan said, "May your godmother’s words come true."

Zhulan asked further, "Have you told your mother?"

Song Lan replied, "Someone has already been sent to deliver the good news."

Upon hearing this, Zhulan said, "Then you must hurry back. Your mother must be getting up to see you."

Song Lan shook her head, "No, she won’t. I said I was coming to visit my godmother."

Wang Ling looked on enviously at her sister-in-law, lacking her confidence. Her own family still depended on her elder brother for support, and even though he had divided his properties, he still gave the income to the second wife’s family every year. Yet she still felt insecure, worrying about her dowry – even though her family’s contribution was modest and the clan added more, she continued to worry about the future.

Zhulan had not had many interactions with Wang Ling. After getting married, Wang Ling did not visit often—this was only their fourth meeting. Zhulan asked her, "Have you sent word of happiness back to your family?"

Wang Ling nodded, "I’ve already sent a letter back."

Zhulan nodded, understanding all too well that Wang Ling’s mother would not be coming; Wang Ling had a younger brother to take care of. Seeing Wang Ling’s disheartened look, Zhulan felt helpless.

Song Lan had no complaints about her sister-in-law, actually quite fond of her temperament. Her sister-in-law was a strong character, just a bit too prone to worry, and comforted her by patting her hand.

Zhulan nodded, satisfied. When there was harmony in the household, all was well. With Song Lan and Wang Ling getting along so well, the Wu family could expect fewer troubles.

In the Ministry of Rites, Wu Ming was chatting with Gu Zhuomin, who had an impending sense of a brewing storm, "Have you noticed anything?"

Playing dumb, Wu Ming asked, "Noticed what?"

Gu Zhuomin was too exasperated to be speechless. After interacting for half a year, Wu Ming never took the initiative to say anything, a master of playing the fool. If he didn’t make it clear, there was no use expecting to get any information out of Wu Ming, "I’m talking about the deputy minister. He has made several mistakes these days."

Wu Ming, of course, knew, since he had been scared, "Oh, that. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Maybe there’s something going on at home."

Gu Zhuomin’s intuition told him it was not that simple. They were all old foxes of the officialdom, and domestic issues wouldn’t have such a big impact. Suspicious, he looked at Wu Ming but quickly dismissed any serious implications. Wu Ming didn’t have the capability to be involved in anything significant, feeling somewhat apprehensive, "If there really is anything, I just hope it doesn’t implicate me."

Wu Ming looked at Gu Zhuomin, having used him lately for several coordinated tasks, it was normal for Gu Zhuomin to notice something.

That afternoon, at the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren had heard nothing about Zhang Yang being poisoned. He had specifically instructed Jin Yan to inquire about it, yet no news had come out, stroking his beard, he figured the incident must have been suppressed.

When leaving the government office, Zhou Shuren’s mood was still low, the pain of his loss lingering.

Wong Ju jogged to catch up, grabbing Zhou Shuren as he was about to board his carriage, "You seem a bit like you’ve lost ’Silver Coin’ today, what’s the matter?"

Zhou Shuren replied, "Stop talking nonsense, there’s no news."

Wong Ju let go, "Let me help you onto the carriage."

Zhou Shuren humphed, "I’m not seventy or eighty yet!"

Wong Ju released his grip, "You are quite irritable today. What did I say? It’s not right to take your anger out on me."

Zhou Shuren humphed once more. Wong Ju was becoming less afraid of him by the day. He used to be addressed with the honorifics, and now it was just ’you’ and ’your’, "Please address me as Minister Zhou."

Wong Ju couldn’t be bothered with Zhou Shuren and turned to leave, thinking that he had only half a year left before he was no longer under Zhou Shuren’s employ!

Zhou Shuren muttered, "....I’ve been too kind to Wong Ju; now he even dares to give me attitude."

Jin Yan said nothing, resigned to familiarity, thinking to himself, wasn’t it you, minister, who spoiled him!