Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 944: Hu Xia’s Thoughts

Chapter 944: Chapter 944: Hu Xia’s Thoughts

Zhulan laughed, "I’ve finally returned to the capital, this kid has finally decided to come back to the capital."

Madame Song chuckled, "You should be saying that Graduate Meng has decided to return to the capital."

Zhulan corrected herself, "Right, indeed it should be Graduate Meng, if Graduate Meng doesn’t return to the capital, Meng Jie wouldn’t dare to return either."

This time Meng Jie returned to the capital, he probably won’t be leaving anymore. The period of his study tour was quite long, and Meng Jie needed to properly settle down and prepare for next year’s provincial exams.

At the Academy, Ming Teng was terribly annoyed; this year, he had enjoyed too many pleasantries. Before, he had hoped to rest more at the Academy, but now, he wished classes would just go on continuously.

Ming Teng felt somewhat stifled. His elder brother said this was an exercise in patience, also warning him not to lose his temper; his face almost stiffened from all the forced smiling.

Ran Xun, on the other hand, experienced the warmth and coldness of the world. When the teacher was about to arrive, he said to Ming Teng, "I’ll have to rely on you, brother, in the future. You have to look out for me."

Ever since Grandfather entered the capital and climbed in rank without securing an official position, some people’s true colors became quite unsightly. They didn’t hold back their ridicule. Although Grandfather had merits, he didn’t attain power. If it weren’t for Aunt becoming a Concubine to the Crown Prince, the Ran family wouldn’t have known how many would have kicked them while they were down – the Phang family had always been waiting for an opportunity!

Grandfather warned him to stick with Ming Teng at the Academy, and to head straight home after classes. He was to be cautious and prudent, which simply meant to keep a low profile and avoid trouble; he couldn’t act like a young master of the Ran family anymore.

Only if Grandfather received the official position he deserved, or if the Crown Prince ascended the throne, would their family produce an Imperial Concubine!

Ming Teng patted Ran Xun’s shoulder, "Sure thing, sure thing. We’re brothers after all. But you’ve been saying all along that you’re going to get engaged this year too. How’s that going? Found a good match yet?"

Ran Xun curled his lip, "Before Grandfather went to the capital, I was a hot commodity. My mother almost went cross-eyed from picking. After Grandfather went to the capital, no one has crossed our threshold."

Ming Teng felt sympathetic for his brother’s troubles, "In the future, I’ll have your back so no one beats you up."

Ran Xun had a particularly sharp tongue and was quite arrogant, and now there were certainly plenty of people who wanted to take a swing at him in secret!

Ming Teng grinned, "Do you still dare to break off our friendship now?"

Ran Xun, "....Dare not, dare not. From now on, I’ll call you ’big brother’."

Watching the dejected Ran Xun, Ming Teng’s own irritations faded away. Seeing someone worse off than himself brought a sense of balance to his heart.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren called Hu Xia over. Qiu Yan was absent, and the room had only Zhou Shuren in it. He gestured for Hu Xia to sit, "Don’t be nervous; I just want to have a chat with you."

Hu Xia was still very nervous, "Sir, what would you like to talk about?"

Zhou Shuren inquired, "You’ve done quite well at the Ministry of Revenue this year. After the end-of-year evaluation, do you have any thoughts?"

Hu Xia was no longer nervous. He had completed many assignments this year, accumulating quite a bit of merit. He knew very well that it was all Zhou Shuren’s doing, and he had plenty of ideas himself. Continuing at the Ministry of Revenue wasn’t realistic; although he wished to stay under Zhou Shuren’s command, unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.

He had thought it over by himself, "The official feels that the Ministry of Works is quite good."

His disposition meant he wouldn’t contest much; better to handle his duties honestly and safely. Of The Six Ministries, only the Ministry of Works was the quietest. Plus, he had his own little schemes. The Ministry of Works had the toughest time with Silver Coin, and everyone knew of his connection with Zhou Shuren. He wouldn’t face any difficulties there. As long as he got the job done well, he still had a chance for promotion.

Zhou Shuren observed Hu Xia, thinking to himself that one shouldn’t underestimate the sincere men of the court. Indeed, the Ministry of Works was the best place for Hu Xia, "It’s good that you have this idea."

Hu Xia relaxed, "It’s all thanks to your protection, Sir."

Without Zhou Shuren, he wouldn’t dare to leave the Ministry of Revenue and wouldn’t dare to fantasize about getting promoted. So his luck was good. When his nephew got married, he would definitely have to send a big gift.

Zhou Shuren knew that, although there were still six months left until the end of the year, it was best to prepare ahead to avoid any mistakes. In the capital, each official was like a radish in its own hole—Hu Xia had to leave the Ministry of Works, and someone would undoubtedly have to leave.

Moreover, having been in charge for so many years, Hu Xia deserved a promotion. Zhou Shuren’s concern for Hu Xia wasn’t only because of Gu Liufeng; it was also because the Zhou family’s influence was weak. Hu Xia had no extraordinary abilities, but his value lay in self-awareness and obedience.

Two days later, on the Ministry of Revenue’s day off, Wong Ju and Tao’s family brought their grandson to visit the Zhou family. Zhou Shuren had already prepared fishing rods by the lakeside and headed directly to the garden with Wong Ju.

Zhulan smiled at Mrs. Tao, "The two of them have a really good relationship."

Mrs. Tao’s smile stiffened for a moment before she nodded and said, "My husband talks about Mr. Zhou every day."

However, none of it was anything nice. My husband’s talent for cursing has grown a lot, and it’s all directed at Mr. Zhou.

Zhulan almost laughed out loud, imagining what Wong Ju would have said. To spare Mrs. Tao any embarrassment, she changed the subject, "It’s been a while since you’ve visited."

Mrs. Tao felt drained, "I wish I could visit more often, but it’s not possible. Ever since I returned to the capital, I’ve been much busier. I need to worry about not only the Wong clan but also the womenfolk within the Wong extended family. It’s really too much."

The current mother-in-law didn’t take care of anything, and as the eldest daughter-in-law, everything rested on her shoulders. The Wong family was a prominent clan in the capital with many social commitments, and she was as busy as a spinning top, having to stay strong even when ill.

Zhulan observed Mrs. Tao’s complexion, which indeed looked very tired, "There are no outsiders here. Come over and rest for a while, don’t just sit stiffly. It makes me tired just looking at you."

Mrs. Tao relaxed her shoulders, "Every move I make represents the Wong clan. Sitting posture has become a habit, so I won’t be polite with you."

With that, Mrs. Tao stood up and sat on the small heated brick bed, leaning back against a cushion.

Zhulan remarked, "It’s not easy being the housewife of a noble family."

As friends and due to the relationship between their families, Mrs. Tao could speak without reserve, "After my natal family ran into trouble, I’ve been even more cautious, afraid of bringing shame to the entire Wong clan. If it affects the reputation of the Wong girls, I would be the culprit."

Zhulan frowned, "You’re just too hard on yourself, putting too much pressure on yourself."

Mrs. Tao smiled, "You were just saying how difficult it is to be a housewife. This is what I should bear, and it’s my responsibility. The Wong clan is a whole, and as the future wife of the Clan Leader, these responsibilities are mine."

Zhulan fell silent. Everything was for the sake of the clan’s legacy. Maintaining the legacy was not easy, especially for the one at the helm.

Mrs. Tao continued, "Coming here with my husband today, I’m the happiest. It finally gives me a chance to relax for a day."

Zhulan laughed, "Then take a longer rest. By the way, why didn’t you bring Wong Lei with you?"

Mrs. Tao pressed her brow, "I wanted to, but unfortunately, that’s not possible. You know she is getting married by the end of next year, and my mother-in-law is instructing her."

Zhulan sensed Mrs. Tao’s resentment. Mrs. Tao held deep grievances against her mother-in-law!

Today, the Zhou family’s garden was especially lively because Wong Wei was coming. Mingyun and the others had taken leave and were all at home, including Meng Jie.

Meng Jie’s experiences from traveling and studying were rich, and the boys were all listening to him in the pavilion, with laughter occasionally drifting out.

Wong Ju looked at Meng Jie, "If this lad didn’t come back, I would have almost forgotten you had a disciple."

This was a disciple officially recognized by Zhou Shuren. Although not particularly outstanding, he could still be considered a young talent.