Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 975: Injured

Chapter 975: Chapter 975: Injured

Liu Qi had been standing by the table for a while, tapping on it, "You actually didn’t read anything, did you? I always say, even though you keep a stern face like a block of ice, inside you’re not as cold as ice."

Mingyun put down his book, "You talk as if you know me very well."

"Haven’t you heard, it’s not always friends who understand you best, but rather your rivals? Now, tell me if I understand you or not?"

Mingyun replied indifferently, "Don’t flatter yourself with the thought that you understand me too much, it might make me misunderstand that you actually wish to be friends with me."

Liu Qi lifted his chin, "Haha, who wants to be friends with you, wait for you to trap me?"

Mingyun was speechless, "I’ve only tricked you once, and you sure remember it clearly."

Liu Qi’s face darkened, "Why don’t you let me trick you once then? You say it so lightly, yet at the beginning of the year, you tricked me out of quite a sum of silver."

Picking up the book again, Mingyun felt his mood lighten up a lot after the disturbance from Liu Qi; he was now able to actually concentrate on the book.

Gu Liufeng waited until Liu Qi returned to his spot before whispering, "I think he really does want to be friends with you."

Mingyun, "I think so too."

In the Palace, the Emperor suddenly spoke up, "You’ve meddled in Ran Lei’s case?"

The Crown Prince organized his words, "Yes, Ran Lei has been wronged, and Officer Ran Zheng has made no small contributions over the years. This time, it’s an unwarranted disaster."

The Emperor, "Ran Zheng has indeed had it tough these years and has indeed established much merit."

Unable to fathom the Emperor’s thoughts, the Crown Prince proceeded, "Father, about Ran Lei’s case..."

In the past few days of contending with Prince Qi and others, he faced more than just Prince Qi’s trio alone. Rumors of Officer Ran Zheng’s potential posting, he knew the most, and dared not to use excessive measures in Zhang Yang’s tactics, fearing that it might make the Emperor wary; now, he could only maintain a standoff.

The Emperor fell silent for a while before speaking, "Officer Ran Zheng’s wife is the younger sister of your Third Uncle?"

The Crown Prince’s heart missed a beat, "Yes, the Ran family has already severed ties with the Qi family."

Without continuing, the Emperor lowered his head to read the Zhezi. The Crown Prince waited for a while, as if the earlier moment was an illusion, but indeed the Emperor had spoken. The Crown Prince pondered over the Emperor’s words, knowing the Emperor wouldn’t mention the Qi Clan without reason.

The next day, as soon as Zhou Shuren arrived at the Ministry of Revenue, he received news from Mr. Lei. Ran Lei had been injured the previous day. It was unknown who had done it, but Ran Lei had injured his arm, his right arm, specifically.

Zhou Shuren frowned. He was not in a hurry initially, considering to wait and see if the standoff could be maintained; if it couldn’t be resolved, he would then speak of his own solution. But now, Ran Lei could not afford to wait, especially his arm. If it wasn’t promptly taken care of, even if Ran Lei was released, he would be ruined.

At the Ran family, Ran Zheng received the news with a dizzying headache, almost fainting. He steadied himself against the table for a while before regaining his composure, gritting his teeth, "Damn it."

He had invested too much in his two legitimate sons. To injure his son was to gouge out his heart. His arm, moreover, his right arm.

Ran Zheng felt a seething hatred; he hated the person who had struck, he hated everyone forcing the Ran family into this position.

Lady Ding had already passed out. Ran Zheng ordered the steward to summon the doctor as he adjusted his clothes before going out; his son’s arm needed treatment, and he could not fall now.

Prince Qi’s face fell upon receiving the message. He hadn’t issued the order, nor would Prince Chu—no matter how much the third brother might want to abandon the Ran family, he would not torture Ran Lei. As for Prince Liang, the fourth brother was indeed daring enough, but as they were all testing the Crown Prince, Prince Liang would not act rashly.

Prince Qi tapped on the table, the name Zhang Yang spinning in his mind. Zhang Yang had underestimated them. At first, he truly believed that Zhang Yang was working for the Crown Prince, but after several probes, he found that Zhang Yang had no connection to the Crown Prince. Furthermore, the Crown Prince’s statements were strange. Prince Qi mused silently, "Zhang Yang, Zhang Yang."

Prince Chu’s face was cold. Regardless of who gave the order, he always felt that torturing Ran Lei was tantamount to torturing himself. He and Ran Lei were cousins. He could forsake the Ran family and seal Ran Lei’s fate, but he would not allow anyone to touch Ran Lei before his guilt was confirmed.

Prince Liang found the situation quite interesting—no, extremely interesting. He was the youngest brother, with too many capable elder brothers above him, giving him very few opportunities. But he actually enjoyed the current chaos—the more chaotic it was, the greater his chances.

At Hou Residence, Yao Wenqi inquired, "Is it certain that there is no cure for the poison in Zhang Yang?"

"Yes."

Yao Wenqi signaled them to leave. The study emptied, leaving only himself, and Yao Wenqi was not pleased. From rumors to this recent action in prison, it was all Zhang Yang’s doing. The only thing he did was allow people to listen to Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang’s growth was too rapid—so rapid that he had to confirm whether Zhang Yang was thoroughly poisoned. Indeed, no one could resist the force of imperial power—it compelled people to grow, and Zhang Yang was the proof.

At the Zhou family residence, it was Zhulan’s first formal meeting with Lady Ding. The Gu family had been in the capital for over half a year, and it was also Lady Ding’s first time visiting the Zhou family.

Lady Ding came with her granddaughter, a small girl of only five years old, who timidly hid behind Lady Ding. Lady Ding said, "This child is somewhat bashful, which is why I often take her out to gain experience and hopefully develop her courage."

Zhulan beckoned, "She’s just young, not necessarily timid. Once she’s a few years older, she’ll be fine. Come here, to grandma, we have delicious fruits here."

Naturally, Lady Ding knew that bringing the child was a way to have more conversation. Finally, the Zhou family had accepted her invitation, and she didn’t want the embarrassment of not knowing what to talk about.

Lady Ding nudged her granddaughter, who tilted her head to look at grandma. Seeing her grandmother nod, she went forward to take the fruit and was so thrilled with the red fruit that she almost ran back but then paused and said softly, "Thank you, grandma."

Zhulan said to Lady Ding, "Children always like fresh colors. This child didn’t forget to thank me; you have taught her well."

Lady Ding felt her granddaughter had made her proud but still modestly replied, "It took a long time to teach her to remember."

The little girl lifted her head, thinking that what grandma said was incorrect, but feeling her hand squeezed by Lady Ding’s, she lowered her head again to look at the fruit.

Zhulan didn’t notice. Just like Wu Ming, Gu Zhuomin also had a tough time in the Ministry of Rites. Wu Ming was slightly better off, at least with the Song clan and the Zhou family. But Gu Zhuomin had it harder, which was why, upon receiving a card from the Gu family, she responded, leading to Lady Ding’s visit today.

Zhulan indicated, "The fruit was freshly bought this morning, please try some, the flavor is quite good."

Lady Ding loved to eat them, but finances at home were tight, and she only indulged the children with these exotic fruits a few times. Thinking of her household, Lady Ding sighed inwardly. Over the years, they hadn’t saved much; with her daughter’s marriage and her son’s wedding, the little savings they had were almost depleted.

Living in the capital was costly. Just once, for Officer Phang’s wife’s birthday, they spent a considerable amount of silver. Plus, they had to support a large family. Even with some savings, they had to be frugal, especially now that the grandchildren were starting to grow up.

After eating one fruit, Lady Ding didn’t eat any more. "My lord had tested Liufeng during his rest day, and said that Liufeng was even better than he was at that age and asked if Liufeng will be taking the Scholar examination next year."

Zhulan considered Liufeng’s age, "Next year, the boy will be sixteen, he can indeed take the exam."

Lady Ding smiled and nodded, "My lord and Liufeng’s uncle have spoken as well. If Liufeng successfully passes the Scholar exam next year, they want to try having him take the provincial exam."