Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 940

Chapter 940: 940

Zhou Shuren had just stepped out of his carriage when he saw the carriage of Ning Duke Residence, which darkened his mood even further. His face turned particularly grim, "That stinking brat practically wants to be here every single day, as if this were his own home!"

Jinyan was dumbfounded upon hearing this. Today, the master’s anger was especially fierce. In the past, Zhou Shuren would never have spoken like this, even though Rongchuan truly seemed to wish he could come every day.

Zhou Shuren walked with a face that screamed don’t mess with me when I’m not pleased. Steward Ding followed him carefully, not daring to make a sound, occasionally looking back with a questioning glance at Jinyan to find out what had happened.

Jinyan shook his head; how would he know what transpired? The master surely wouldn’t tell him everything!

The sight of his wife softened Zhou Shuren’s demeanor, but he still sat down on the chair with some lingering gloom, not even bothering to change out of his official robe.

Zhulan gestured for the maids and servants to leave, "Who upset you?"

Zhou Shuren sighed, "I’m just frustrated. Can you imagine almost having a large sum of silver in your grasp, only to have it slip away just as you’re about to take hold of it?"

Zhulan indeed had never experienced such a thing, "I don’t know what happened, but I can only say what’s yours will not escape you, and what’s not meant for you can’t be forced. Don’t be downhearted now."

She then pulled Zhou Shuren to change out of his official robe, which he had worn all day, especially now that the weather was hot and the robe was drenched in sweat.

Zhou Shuren leaned against his wife’s shoulder, unwilling to move, his manner indicating that he was seeking comfort and behaving somewhat coquettishly.

Unfortunately, their moment was ruined when his eldest son entered the room without knocking, catching a glimpse of his parents close together. It was already too late for the son to retreat. Facing his father’s emotionless expression, he said, "Father, please don’t look at your son like that — I’m shivering in fear."

It had been far too long since he’d enjoyed such affection, and he still couldn’t endure it!

Zhou Shuren averted his gaze, "What brings you here?"

The eldest son felt annoyed that no servant had stopped him. Then he thought, the maids wouldn’t have known about the intimate moment between his parents. Noting his father’s increasingly icy look, he quickly stated his purpose, "Father, I want to discuss Ming Hui with you. The boy followed my younger brother to the Wu family."

Zhou Shuren’s mouth twitched. Surely, it must have been his son who took Ming Hui away, "Understood."

Relieved by his father’s response, the eldest son felt a surge of pleasure. Wu Ming was the top scorer, and although his own younger brother was not lacking and their tutor was adequate, the top scorer held a greater allure. His brother had taken his son to the Wu family, and Wu Ming would not neglect the boy. The thought of his son receiving instruction from Wu Ming was enough to make him wake up smiling in his dreams.

After the eldest son left, Zhou Shuren got changed. Dinner was ready, and during the meal, Rongchuan felt as if he were under the scrutiny of cold blades.

Rongchuan didn’t dare look at Uncle Zhou, wondering if he’d been visiting too frequently.

After dinner, unable to withstand the silent accusatory stares any longer, Rongchuan left posthaste, resolving then and there to change his routine from visiting every four days to every five.

As summer came, the days grew longer, and it remained bright outside even after dinner. Zhou Shuren enjoyed sitting in a chair, relishing the evening breeze.

A young servant hurried in, "Master, a eunuch from the palace has arrived."

Zhou Shuren thought it unlikely that the visit was to summon him to the palace. He sat up, pondering the reason for a palace eunuch’s visit. Steward Ding soon accompanied the eunuch inside.

The eunuch was a familiar face, now the second in command in the government hall, Eunuch Liu, who was always by his side. It was uncertain, however, if he would continue to hold his position once the Crown Prince ascends to the throne.

Eunuch Qi offered his respects first, giving Zhou Shuren especially courteous treatment, which required him to respond with careful politeness, "Grand Master Zhou, this is from the Emperor for you."

Zhou Shuren’s eyes had already been drawn to the chest; was it a delayed reward? But the chest seemed rather small!

Eunuch Qi, unaware of the contents of the chest, felt its light weight, having made a particular note of its heft. Now that his task was completed, he took his leave.

Zhou Shuren signaled Steward Ding to offer a tip, and Eunuch Qi accepted it with a smile.

Zhou Shuren carried the box back to his room, then opened it. On top was a letter, and beneath it were Silver Notes, each with a face value of one thousand taels.

Zhulan wondered, "Why did the Emperor give you Silver Notes?"

Zhou Shuren grinned, as he began to count them, but the way he counted the Silver Notes made Zhulan avert her gaze silently, anyone unaware might think the Zhou family was poor!

After counting, Zhou Shuren couldn’t help but purse his lips, "Only twenty thousand taels."

Zhulan snatched a Silver Note, "Out with it, what did you do this time?"

It was then Zhou Shuren remembered he hadn’t told his wife upon returning and, after sending the maids and old lady down to close the door, he spoke in a low voice about what he had done, "This is a delayed reward."

Zhulan suggested as she pointed at the letter, "You better read the letter first."

To give away silver so generously, the frugal Emperor was indeed shrewd!

Only then did Zhou Shuren pick up the letter, carefully read it through, and passed it to his wife, "No wonder he was generous with the Silver Notes, it turns out he wants me to detail what I said today, but the credit must not be shown openly."

Zhulan put down the letter, "I think it’s quite good like this, the Emperor has given a reward and will remember your service."

"Yes, and it will keep me from being dragged deeper into the whirlpool. The Emperor’s actions are also the result of considering multiple aspects," he replied.

Zhulan took the Silver Notes, "You’re in charge of the money, straightforward and clear-cut. Even if the Princes take notice, they are now more interested in gathering information, and it won’t involve you in too much power and interest."

The Emperor’s actions, though calculated, indeed included protecting Zhou Shuren.

As for whether Zhou Shuren’s achievements would be recognized in the future was uncertain, but now the Zhou family had gained favor with both the Emperor and the Crown Prince, something that no amount of silver could buy. She and Shuren were very pragmatic.

The next morning, Zhou Shuren went to court with a beaming smile. As the Emperor arrived, he felt the Emperor’s glances, and Zhou Shuren thought to himself that he was not the type to be discontent over not receiving credit, the Emperor was worrying over nothing.

In truth, there were quite a few benefits to the Zhou family, not to mention himself.

Since the Emperor couldn’t reward him openly right now, he could pay more attention to Chang Lian instead. In the future, when Chang Lian was sent out, his starting point could be higher and better.

The Emperor silently retracted his gaze. This was also a test; given the significance of the achievements, if Zhou Shuren was unsatisfied, he would have overthought. Now, the Emperor considered that he should trust Zhou Shuren more. Had yesterday’s reward been too little?

Zhou Shuren was in good spirits, oblivious to the Emperor’s quandary. If he knew, he would be even happier, for who would complain about having too much silver?

After the morning court session, Zhou Shuren even hummed a tune, strolling leisurely.

Li Zhao, a staunch supporter of imperial authority, wouldn’t have such reservations and walked alongside Zhou Shuren with openness, "A happy occasion?"

After the last mix-up, Li Zhao would not think about children.

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, ever since the application forms were made mandatory, as long as the need for silver was genuine, the Ministry of Revenue provided it, and Li Zhao seldom had to squabble with the Grand Master of Writing anymore.

Zhou Shuren beamed, "Indeed, there is a happy occasion, but unfortunately, this official does not wish to share."

Li Zhao, "...."

Zhou Shuren, looking like this, was somewhat asking for a smack. Li Zhao stretched out his hand, then thought better of it. The current Zhou Shuren was now a close minister to the Emperor, so he held back.