Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 976 Minister

Chapter 976: Chapter 976 Minister

Zhulan asked, "Have you asked about Liufeng’s plans?"

Gu Liufeng is indeed a child with big ideas, a child well versed in making his own decisions.

Lady Ding said, "Liufeng wants to take the Scholar exam next year. Even if he passes, he doesn’t plan to take the provincial exam."

Zhulan nodded, Liufeng’s idea was right, "Taking the provincial exam too early isn’t good either. It’s commendable that Liufeng can calmly plan for himself."

Lady Ding smiled, her husband also noticed Liufeng’s decisiveness and, given that he was only the uncle, he just offered advice and said no more.

At the teahouse, Ran Zheng ascended the stairs with an air of fatigue. After entering the private room, he sat down at once, "Did you also hear the news?"

Zhou Shuren stared at Ran Zheng’s hair. He remembered that the last time he saw Ran Zheng, he didn’t have many white hairs. Now, about half of his hair had turned white. He passed the freshly poured tea, "How is Ran Lei’s arm?"

Ran Zheng’s lips were dry, and after sipping the tea to moisten them, he replied, "We’ve seen a doctor. If well-rested, his arm won’t have any serious issues."

Zhou Shuren poured another cup of tea for Ran Zheng, "You know, I can’t be of much help."

Ran Zheng tried to smile but couldn’t, especially with the pitiful image of his son haunting his mind, his heart ached terribly, "I know, and I am grateful that you care."

After a moment of silence, Ran Zheng said, "I have immense regrets. I’d already considered sending Ran Lei away from the capital. If only I had done it sooner, this wouldn’t have happened. It’s all my fault."

Zhou Shuren caught Ran Zheng’s hand that was about to slap himself, "I may not be able to help much, but I have a way to get Ran Lei out."

Ran Zheng let go of his hand. Having thought of everything he could, yet unable to free his son, he looked at Zhou Shuren, who seemed confident, and hope surged in his heart, "What is it? Tell me, what way?"

Zhou Shuren released his hand, "It only requires a price, a substantial one, at that."

Though Ran Zheng kept a low profile, it wasn’t that he had given up on his official career. He was waiting for the right opportunity; he took it very seriously because of his low profile.

Ran Zheng furrowed his brow, wondering what good solution Zhou Shuren could possibly have.

Zhou Shuren continued, "I didn’t want to mention it so soon, as the cost to you is too great, but Ran Lei’s predicament can’t wait—who knows if there’ll be a next time."

Ran Zheng trembled with emotion, "Just say it, and I will listen."

Zhou Shuren lowered his voice, "The cost is your official career. If you offer to retire to the Emperor, Ran Lei will surely be released."

He had seen Mr. Lei ponder many things on the journey home. The Emperor must surely be aware of the Crown Prince’s actions, as everything in the capital was under his control. The Emperor would know that Ran Lei was wronged. So, he thought of Ran Zheng’s position.

Over the years, Ran Zheng had accumulated many merits. Where those merits would be allocated and the power he held were significant and thus, could not slight a loyal minister’s heart.

But Ran Zheng’s connection with the Crown Prince and Prince Chu complicated matters, especially in the current situation.

Initially, the Emperor had sidelined Ran Zheng for the sake of the Crown Prince, but after a purge of the government hall, several important positions opened up, and Ran Zheng became a likely contender. So as rumors spread and trouble befell Ran Zheng’s household, the Emperor had even more to consider.

Daring to guess, he deduced that, since the Emperor had no intention of using Ran Zheng, his retirement would be the best outcome. In the future, compensation could go to Ran Lei or his daughter, and that would be an issue for when the Crown Prince succeeded to the throne.

Engrossed in finding a way to save his son, Ran Zheng had always been thinking of solutions, placing his hopes on others without considering himself. Reminded by Zhou Shuren, Ran Zheng thought quickly. Suddenly, he laughed, the laughter growing louder, bringing tears to the corners of his eyes.

Ran Zheng realized it then. The Emperor wanted him to propose his own retirement. After serving the Emperor for so many years, in the end, a minister is just that, a minister.

Zhou Shuren listened to the laughter with a heavy heart, pouring himself more tea. There is no greater heartlessness than that of an Emperor. In the face of power, have there not been countless sacrificed ministers since ancient times?

Ran Zheng laughed until he was gasping for air. Reaching for a handkerchief to wipe his tears, he touched nothing and then remembered in his rush he had not brought one with him.

Zhou Shuren handed over his own handkerchief, "Here, use this to wipe your tears."

Ran Zheng wiped the tears from his eyes and drank several cups of tea to calm his emotions, as he could not converse more with Zhou Shuren, "Thank you."

Zhou Shuren, "We are relatives by marriage, and you have taken good care of me as well."

When he was in Jinzhou Province, Ran Zheng had helped him a lot, and he remembered it all.

Ran Zheng forced a smile, "If you had not told me today, someone else would have eventually, it’s just that Ran Lei cannot afford to wait."

He started to help Zhou Shuren because he saw potential in him, for the sake of the Ran family. After they became relatives by marriage, before he could offer more assistance, Zhou Shuren went to the capital.

After the Zhou family moved to the capital, they actually helped the Ran family. His grandson Ran Xun was one, not to mention his youngest son Ran Lei, who went to the capital earlier, and was also looked after by Zhou Shuren.

Zhou Shuren, "You should hurry to the palace, Ran Lei can’t wait."

Ran Zheng got up to bow, "I promise you this, as long as I, Ran Zheng, am alive, should the Zhou family face any trouble, I will certainly help."

As for his grandchildren and children, he dared not make any promises, for once he was dead, he could not control his descendants.

An hour later, Ran Zheng knelt in the government hall and would not rise. The Emperor asked him to get up, but he stayed prostrate and silent, finally speaking, "My mind is made up, Your Majesty, please grant me your permission."

The Emperor felt a complex turmoil in his heart. He wished for the situation to become clearer. Ran Zheng’s retirement would reduce many complications, and he remembered Ran Zheng’s years of loyal service, "You need not do this."

Ran Zheng remained motionless, "Your Majesty, I earnestly request your permission for me to retire. I am truly old and cannot take much more. My son’s arm is injured and he lies feverish on a cold wooden board. As a father, I am desperate to take his place. Although I am reluctant to leave Your Majesty, and I wish to continue serving loyally, I am truly afraid."

The Emperor, taken aback by Ran Lei’s circumstances, pressed his lips together. Zhang Yang’s reach had indeed been too long, "I grant it."

Ran Zheng felt a release of tension, "Your servant thanks Your Majesty."

The Crown Prince watched Ran Zheng perform the grand salute with complex emotions and finally understood what his father had told him the previous day. The Emperor had been waiting for Ran Zheng to volunteer for retirement. He realized he was far from equaling his father, thinking he had learned everything when in fact there was much more he needed to learn.

The Emperor personally helped Ran Zheng to his feet, looking intently at Ran Zheng’s graying hair and gripping his arm with force, he finally patted Ran Zheng’s shoulder, "You have done well, I will always remember that."

Ran Zheng’s eyes shimmered with tears, his voice touched, "It has been my fortune to serve Your Majesty."

The Emperor turned his head to the Crown Prince, "Escort Mr. Ran out."

Ran Zheng left the government hall, "Crown Prince, please stay, I, no, this old man takes his leave."

The Crown Prince watched Ran Zheng leave step by step. Hearing footsteps, he turned to see his father, "Father."

The Emperor also watched Ran Zheng, "Do you think your father is heartless?"

"No, your son understands that all you do is for the dynasty, for the nation."

The Emperor patted his son’s shoulder, "This is a lesson I am teaching you. Reflect upon it; when you become Emperor, you will understand."

The Crown Prince bowed his head, "Your son is anxious."

The Emperor waved his hand and turned to leave, "Take my imperial edict with you and personally release Ran Lei. He is innocent, and Eunuch Liu will provide you with the evidence."

The Crown Prince lifted his head, observing his father’s somewhat bent back, and wondered if it was his imagination or did his father’s back seem more bowed.

Eunuch Liu swiftly brought the evidence, whispering, "The Emperor is deeply troubled."

The Crown Prince, holding the evidence, nodded at Eunuch Liu and departed.