Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 955 True Fire Energy

Chapter 955: Chapter 955 True Fire Energy

Xue Han put down her chopsticks, "Mother, does father know who took action?"

Zhulan was truly surprised this time, "Why do you ask that?"

Under the table, Xue Han’s hands were clasped together. Her mother had taught her much, especially in these past two years, sharing with her the situation in the capital that she could understand. She may not have her mother’s vision, but she had also learned quite a bit, "Father has been very silent. Today, when father returned, he was not like he used to be."

When father stepped into the rain, she watched his retreating figure. Father’s back was more bent than ever before, exuding a sense of powerlessness. As a girl, she was more delicate and could sense these details. From the moment he entered the house, he didn’t look at the third brother, and when he left, he ignored him entirely, which was already very telling.

Zhulan felt gratified by her own successful teachings, instructing Xue Han in observing the situation, because Xue Han was to be the consort of the fifth prince. She hoped that Rongchuan and her daughter could live a peaceful life.

Seeing that her mother didn’t respond, Xue Han said, "Mother, third brother will not be served justice, will he?"

Zhulan watched her daughter with complex emotions. The child was truly clever, even without her teachings, the girl would grow up through her experiences, "Justice must be sought on one’s own, and clearly the Zhou family does not possess the strength or confidence to do so."

She would not give her daughter illusions. Her daughter had already been very well protected. If she does not see reality clearly at this time, she would suffer.

Xue Han’s hands tightened even more, her head bowed. The Zhou family lacked confidence, the Ning Duke Residence may have confidence but still no justice. Angry? Yes, angry. Helpless? Yes, helpless.

At this moment, the old lady Song came in, "The Princely Heir of Rongchuan has arrived."

During lunchtime, Zhulan had let old lady Song go to have her meal, and the maids had also taken turns to eat. Seeing old lady Song gasping for breath, she must have encountered Rongchuan right after finishing her meal. Zhulan said, "I don’t know if Rongchuan has eaten yet, call a maid in first."

The maid, standing in the distance, quickly entered the room, followed by Rongchuan.

Zhulan asked, "Have you had lunch?"

Rongchuan felt at home when he came to the Zhou residence and sat down, "Not yet."

He had been thinking about Xue Han ever since he left the Palace and promptly returned to the Zhou residence, his stomach already growling with hunger.

Zhulan said, "We’ve just finished eating. See if there are any dishes you’d like to add, and I can have the kitchen prepare them."

Rongchuan looked at the light dishes on the table and said without hesitation, "I would like to have fried mutton, and some fish. Do we have shrimp at home? If so, make some of that too."

Zhulan kept a straight face; she’d been shown up. The dishes Rongchuan ordered were all ones Xue Han enjoyed, and suddenly, Zhulan fancied eating a pork knuckle, although the dish was a bit troublesome to make. She signaled to old lady Song to make the arrangements.

Rongchuan felt that Xue Han kept sneaking glances at him. He turned his head, signaling that she could look openly.

Xue Han internally rolled her eyes. It seemed that Rongchuan wasn’t the least bit scared, which set her mind at ease.

Zhulan wondered if she could retire to her room to rest now. The two of them were exchanging glances more than they were talking, flaunting just how in tune with each other they were. Was this a show of your deep connection?

Zhulan coughed, and both Xue Han and Rongchuan’s faces turned red. That’s more like it, don’t be too presumptuous, "It seems you are in good spirits. Did you rest well last night?"

Rongchuan, "I didn’t rest well in the first half of the night, kept having dreams, but it got much better in the second half. Although it was my first time seeing blood, a man should have some vigor. I think I’m okay. How about third brother? How is he doing?"

Zhulan, "Your third brother is already recovering. He’s in good spirits."

Rongchuan planned to visit third brother after the meal. Yesterday, he and third brother were the weakest, but they coordinated the best, thanks to their continuous martial training together. Their bond was already strong, and now with the brotherhood forged in battle, they would be lifetime comrades.

Because there were no complex dishes, the food was served quickly. Zhulan watched Rongchuan eat with relish and found herself with an appetite, enjoying a bowl of rice.

After the meal, Zhulan didn’t ask Rongchuan more questions. Given Rongchuan’s sensitive position in the Palace, she decided to rest after Rongchuan stepped out.

Within the Palace, the Empress maintained a pale complexion. As clever as she was, how could she not guess that it was the doing of one of the other Princes? The Emperor’s reaction was proof enough.

From a mother’s perspective, she was disappointed in her husband, but from the Empress’s point of view, this was advantageous for the Crown Prince and her younger son.

The Empress kept a stern face. Regarding the harem, although she was the Empress, she had never targeted anyone specifically. The women of the harem represented various powers, legacies from the former dynasty. As long as they did not cross her bottom line, she was happy to let them stir trouble and didn’t bother to intervene.

But now, with eyes downcast, the Empress noted that the Qi family clan had suffered a great loss, the Phang family clan wouldn’t be hopping around for much longer, leaving only the Chen family clan. She had previously paid them no mind, both for the stability of the Emperor’s reign and for the sake of her eldest son.

Ever since marrying the Emperor, she had endured the pain of sharing her husband, fulfilling his ambition. After establishing the dynasty, to stabilize the court, she endured the agony of acknowledging a false son, and shaped herself into a model consort. Who didn’t speak of the Empress’s virtue?

This, however, did not mean that this was her true nature. Her eldest son was the return on her investment; her younger son was her bottom line. "There are quite a few older palace maids in the harem, aren’t there?"

The Female Officer, who had been anxious this whole time, knew the Empress was truly angry, "Yes."

The Empress smiled, "You go and bring all the registers to me. I’ve been having too many dreams lately, getting older and believing more in karma. It would be better to pray more. Yes, and bring the registers of some of the older palace maids as well."

The Female Officer was stunned; it had been many years since the Empress made a significant move, "Yes."

In the afternoon, Zhou Shuren left the Ministry of Revenue and saw Prince Qi standing in front of his carriage, idly flipping a fan in his hand.

Officials from the Ministry of Revenue came out one after another, stood still at the doorway, and paid their respects to Prince Qi.

Zhou Shuren also followed suit and paid his respect.

Zhang Jingyang snapped his fan shut and stepped forward, "Would Lord Zhou care to join me for a cup of tea?"

Zhou Shuren mentally crossed off Prince Qi. Prince Qi was not the type to take action. Now, it was a choice between two others. As for Prince Qi’s purpose in approaching him, there could be many, "This servant’s son was startled, and as a father, I’m truly not in the mood. I hope Prince Qi would not take offense."

Zhang Jingyang, unafraid of the Emperor knowing he’d approached Zhou Shuren, said, "That is truly a pity. I thought Lord Zhou would enjoy a chat with me."

Zhou Shuren thought to himself that this fellow was up to no good. If he went for tea with him today, by tomorrow the suspicions would only multiply. At present, he could not afford to be too involved with any Prince; he needed the Emperor’s trust.

Zhou Shuren bowed, "I must hurry home, please excuse me."

Zhang Jingyang took a step forward, leaned down, and whispered, "Lord Zhou is the most sensible person I’ve come in contact with. I’m sure you’ve guessed that it wasn’t I who took action. So, who do you think it was?"

Zhou Shuren looked at Prince Qi, who straightened up his posture. Was Prince Qi hinting that he knew who was behind it?

Zhou Shuren was now extremely wary of Zhang Jingyang for a simple reason. At the morning court, Zhang Jingyang appeared to know nothing, yet within a day, he knew everything. It spoke to the speed and showcased Prince Qi’s power within the capital.

Zhang Jingyang opened his fan, smiled, turned, and boarded his carriage.

Wong Ju bid farewell but did not leave. He waited until Prince Qi’s carriage had departed before stepping forward, "Are you alright?"