Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 967: Divine Turnaround

Chapter 967: Chapter 967: Divine Turnaround

Zhulan returned home, changed her clothes, and examined the invitations that had been delivered. The one on top was from Officer Phang’s house, inviting her to his wife’s birthday celebration. The rest of the invitations were not as important; attending some was optional.

She took out the invitation from Officer Phang’s house separately. The Phangs were a must-visit; they were the greatest support of Prince Liang.

Granny Song was counting the days, "Madam’s birthday is also approaching."

Zhulan said, "This birthday is celebrated every year, and it’s become rather meaningless, but still we must prepare. Now, the birthday represents the Zhou family."

She preferred simple birthdays.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren was pleased with the eradication of the pirates, even though it cost a ship. At least they’d won and taught the Navy a lesson in the process. The gap between our naval vessels and those of some maritime nations was significant. Had it not been for the obstruction of many ships, the pirates might have escaped. There was also a need to improve ship technology.

After the joy, Zhou Shuren sighed; technological advancement required silver, and silver was needed everywhere. Despite the victory, the losses were substantial.

That night, when Zhou Shuren returned home, Zhulan mentioned the birthday. Zhou Shuren pondered his wife’s gift. He wanted to surprise her this time, and then he mentioned, "Li Zhao’s birthday is tomorrow."

Zhulan arched an eyebrow, "Have you picked out the gifts and are you still grudging the expense?"

Zhou Shuren clutched his chest, "How could I not begrudge it? Our family’s treasures have been saved little by little. But he asks unabashedly for rare volumes or ancient texts."

Zhulan consoled, "Next year, you can also ask for gifts openly."

Zhou Shuren scoffed, "If I don’t get promoted, Li Zhao won’t return a gift of equal value."

"Since you’ve won against the pirates this time, Mr. Li’s birthday won’t be celebrated modestly. There will be a banquet tomorrow night. Are you going to deliver the gift in person?"

Zhou Shuren nodded, "Yes, I need to go. I won’t be back for dinner tomorrow night."

Despite his complaints, he still intended to go personally. He felt his uncle’s plan was feasible, though risky. Many had died fighting the pirates; some bodies were lost to the sea, never to be recovered.

When it came down to it, no matter how risky, if the Yang family truly wanted to take this path, his friendship with Li Zhao could play no small part. He didn’t even need Li Zhao to ask; just visiting the Li Residence would suffice, with no need for favors in return.

After dinner, Chang Lian stayed behind while Zhulan went out for a stroll with Granny Song and the maids, freeing up space for a candid conversation between father and son.

In a low voice, Chang Lian shared his observations, "Father, when I visited the palace these past few days, I saw that the Emperor had punished Prince Qi. He was kneeling outside as punishment today."

Zhou Shuren said, "There have been many zhezi against Prince Qi in court recently, implicating many ministers. Several officials have already been punished."

Chang Lian had been on edge with each palace visit. Ever since returning to the Hanlin Academy, he’d stood out. "The fifth prince has been visiting the palace frequently. I don’t know what’s happening, but I have overheard snippets. The fifth prince never comes to the palace empty-handed."

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, "The Emperor punishing Prince Qi is a pressure tactic against the Chen family!"

Chang Lian went pale. Given the number of his palace visits, it was hard not to overhear, but knowing too much wasn’t always a good thing. Now, having heard his father’s words, he felt it was beyond what he could bear, "Father, have I learned too much?"

Zhou Shuren raised an eyebrow, "What, are you scared now?"

Chang Lian made a face, "I feel that I should leave the capital sooner rather than later. The fifth prince is clearly stirring up trouble, and the Emperor is indulging him. I’m anxious."

Zhou Shuren also wanted to send Chang Lian away from the capital as soon as possible, but unfortunately it wasn’t feasible. The assessment period had not arrived, and besides, the Emperor had repeatedly summoned Chang Lian into the palace. This was a sign of favor towards Chang Lian and the Zhou family, and of course, it was also a form of compensation.

Zhou Shuren was also anxious about his son, cautioning, "When you enter the palace, cover your ears, keep your mouth tightly shut, and don’t utter an extra word no matter who tries to pry information from you. Learn how to feign ignorance."

Chang Lian took note, "Dad, I will head back first."

"Hmm."

The next morning brought with it a spirited court session, and Zhou Shuren was alert. There was no argument today as Mr. Qie spoke at length. The main point was that the fifth prince should marry.

This certainly was not Zhang Yang’s arrangement. Zhang Yang was currently stirring up trouble joyously; it was not the right time for a royal marriage.

Zhou Shuren looked towards Prince Qi, standing at the very front. Prince Qi had suffered losses in recent days. Though Zhang Yang’s abilities were no match for Prince Qi, Prince Qi found himself at a disadvantage, caught unawares by the numerous secret pieces in play behind Zhang Yang.

The Emperor watched Zhang Yang with an expressionless face. Zhang Yang panicked; how could this issue be brought to the court? Besides, he truly hadn’t considered getting married yet, as he hadn’t found a solution to his issue with progeny.

Zhang Yang stepped forward, "Your Majesty, your son—"

The Emperor raised his hand, his gaze shifting towards Qi Heng, "We too are concerned about our fifth son’s marriage. Since you, Officer Qi, have mentioned it, we recall that you have a legitimate daughter, quite suitable."

Qi Heng was taken aback, then overjoyed. He had been worrying about finding a suitable groom for his daughter, and now she was going to be an Imperial Concubine. Although the fifth prince was not yet ennobled, he would certainly become a prince one day, "Your servant accepts your decree with thanks."

The development was so rapid that Zhou Shuren hadn’t recovered when the marriage was decided.

Zhang Yang’s face nearly turned green. Even if he was to marry, he would not marry the daughter of Mr. Qie from the Imperial Censorate. Not to mention that the Qi family had little power in the capital, he did not want Mr. Qie, a troublemaker, as his father-in-law.

Prince Chu almost couldn’t suppress a laugh. This twist was quite something!

After the court session, Zhang Yang wished to leave but was stopped by Prince Qi, "Congratulations to my younger brother."

Zhang Yang was very wary of his second brother. He had been exposing several of his second brother’s deeds behind his back, and even caught a house where his second brother kept skilled fighters. His father the Emperor only punished the second brother. Perhaps today’s proposition by Mr. Qie was arranged by the second brother. With a stiff expression, he replied, "All of us brothers combined are not as important as Second Brother is to our father. I should be the one congratulating Second Brother."

The smile vanished from Prince Chu’s face. Although the palace had been purged by the Empress, there were still remnants left untouched. There was no shortage of news about Prince Qi, and his being on his knees was proof from the Emperor.

All of them were tainted, yet none had been exposed openly. It was common knowledge that the fourth brother was behind the assassination attempt, scapegoats were plentiful, but Zhang Yang’s open exposure of Prince Qi’s deeds went unheeded by the Emperor, which made Zhang Yang’s concerns all the more significant.

Prince Liang’s gaze fell upon Zhang Yang, "Our youngest brother has really opened our eyes. Silent until a sudden awakening, you’ve truly surprised us."

He was frightened. In just a few days, Zhang Yang had gained so much.

Feigning ignorance, Zhang Yang replied, "Fourth brother, you’re still unaware of what your younger brother is capable of. Where does the younger brother have so many skills? You should think it over."

Today, Officer Xiao was absent, and no one was there to walk with Zhou Shuren away. Even though the princes were at a distance, he caught snippets of their conversation. Zhou Shuren looked at Zhang Yang in a new light, hinting at the Crown Prince’s involvement, but he wondered how much the princes believed it.

Prince Wang’s grandfather twitched at the corner of his mouth. He had reached the gate of the hall and, upon seeing Zhou Shuren, turned back and spoke in a lowered voice, "Most have already left!"