Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 998: Cause and Effect

Chapter 998: Chapter 998: Cause and Effect

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren found Wong Ju’s hesitance extremely annoying, "Speak up if you have something to say, and leave quickly if you don’t."

Wong Ju remained seated, "Your new place is indeed lovely, spacious and bright."

"...I’ve moved in several days ago, and you’ve been coming every day. Isn’t it a bit late to mention this now?"

Not the least bit embarrassed, Wong Ju asked, "Why did you think of recommending Zhang Jinghong to the Crown Prince?"

Zhou Shuren, "Since when did it become a recommendation from me?"

Wong Ju with a look that said I’ll just watch you pretend, "I know you too well, my friend."

Zhou Shuren, "...There’s quite a distance between us, thank you."

Wong Ju became a bit more serious, "How did you get involved?"

"You’re overthinking it. I just don’t want to be busier, that’s all. Thinking about how soon you’ll be leaving, I feel very reluctant to let you go. I truly wish I could keep you at the Ministry of Revenue forever."

Wong Ju stood up, without a shred of reluctance. The Ministry of Revenue was too exhausting, whereas the Ministry of Rites was more relaxing—with fewer major events to deal with: it was almost like being in retirement, comfortable and leisurely, "I am really eager to let go of you. Stop worrying about me."

Zhou Shuren, "..."

He felt somewhat nauseated, especially seeing Wong Ju’s frightened look—it was too much for the eyes.

In the evening, Zhulan felt sad about her brothers leaving, "They won’t stay for Xue Han’s wedding."

"Big brother and second brother are also concerned about the Yang family."

Zhulan still felt sad, as if her brothers leaving the capital meant she had no family left, although when they were in the capital, they often weren’t around. But it simply wasn’t the same, "Are you sending the gift for the Emperor tomorrow?"

This time, Zhou Shuren didn’t feel the pinch, "Yes, I’ll pick the best gift from what Rongchuan gave me and send it over."

The Emperor must have been eagerly anticipating the gifts from Rongchuan. This son-in-law was truly like a son, sending gifts throughout the year. It didn’t bother him—in the end, Rongchuan would send even more back; it was just a rotation of ownership.

Zhulan couldn’t help but laugh, "Rongchuan is really generous."

"Indeed, a good kid!"

The next day at the Palace, the Emperor received the gift, but his mood wasn’t great. Feeling the Blood Coral ornament, his tone was very sour, "Rongchuan really doesn’t know how to manage his finances, which worries me greatly."

The Crown Prince was envious of Mr. Zhou. Though the Blood Coral ornament wasn’t particularly big, it was still extremely valuable. With a sour tone, "Hopefully in the future, my son-in-law will be just like his younger brother."

The Emperor looked disdainfully at the Crown Prince, "Why do I feel you’re becoming more and more stingy?"

The Crown Prince looked as if to say, Father, don’t you feel heartache saying these words?

The Emperor felt a twinge of guilt, having indeed relied heavily on his eldest son in the past. He coughed, "What are you looking at? I am your father."

The Crown Prince, "..."

At the Zhou residence, after the Female Officer left, Zhulan lifted the cover from the tray, revealing the bridal headdress.

Su Xuan’s eyes widened, "The Empress really likes our little sister, even sending her the bridal headdress."

Lady Li stood up carefully to inspect it, "Mother, this headdress isn’t new."

What did the Empress mean by sending a second-hand bridal headdress?

Zhulan felt that the bridal headdress was very meaningful; otherwise, the Empress wouldn’t have sent it. She touched the headdress gently, seeing it as a treasure, one that could be passed down through generations. She wondered if it was the one the Empress wore at her own wedding.

Su Xuan had insight, "Big sister, this is a treasure."

Lady Dong was startled, "Mother, how then shall we manage the bridal headdress for my younger sister’s wedding?"

Zhulan felt distressed. If only the Empress had sent it earlier. A wedding headdress is worn only once in a lifetime, and she really had taken great pains over it. Of course, the cost of silver coins was also heart-wrenching. Now, the custom-made headdress for the family’s granddaughter was not good for any of them, for it was both expensive and extravagant. If given to the eldest granddaughter, to be fair, the younger ones would expect the same, and even though the Zhou family’s finances were decent, the pressure was still there.

Zhulan looked at her daughters-in-law. Aside from Su Xuan, who was a genuine tycoon, the other daughters-in-law were quite expectant.

Zhulan shook her head as she looked at her eldest daughter who had come today. It wouldn’t be right to give it to her eldest daughter either; she had already given her a lot. It might be justifiable to give it to her only granddaughter in the future, being the only one, but her eldest daughter was still not that old. Although she said she wouldn’t have children, contraception was not foolproof.

Zhulan thought for a moment, "Let your younger sister take it away. It was originally meant for her, so naturally, she should take it with her."

Lady Li was a bit disappointed. She wasn’t coveting her mother-in-law’s possessions, but she genuinely liked it. Of course, she also recognized that she didn’t have the means to provide such a fine bridal headdress for her own daughter.

Lady Zhao was not disappointed. She merely looked forward to it without any feeling of loss.

Lady Dong did not come today, as Xiao Yujiao was being fussy and needed to be soothed in the courtyard.

Xue Mei didn’t think much of it. She was very content with her life at the moment. This year’s income had increased with added land, and she felt a sense of achievement accumulating bit by bit.

Time flew swiftly. This year’s first snow did not arrive early. Zhulan, having lived in ancient times for many years, was experiencing the first time that the initial snow had continued for two days without stopping, although it was all light snow. The continuous fall had still accumulated quite a bit.

Furthermore, looking at the sky, there was no sign of it letting up. Zhulan went from initially having the mood to paint the snowy scene to growing a bit worried, "I wonder if it’s only snowing in the capital, or if it’s widespread."

Xue Han knew her mother was worried about her uncles. "Big Uncle and Second Uncle left some days ago, Mother. They’ll be fine."

Zhulan opened the window and instantly felt the chill. "This year’s winter is colder than previous years."

Xue Mei, "Yes, this year is especially cold."

Zhulan closed the window, "It seems we are in for a cold winter."

Xue Han frowned, "I just hope the weather gets better when my daughter gets married."

Getting married in winter is truly miserable. With such cold weather, her bridal gown looked nice, but naturally, it wouldn’t be very warm.

Xue Mei smiled, "At that time, she could wear a cloak and have the maids hold it once she gets out of the palanquin."

Xue Han’s eyes curved with a smile, thinking this was a good idea.

Ministry of Revenue, Wong Ju stamped his feet to fight off the cold. "This winter is really cold. My wife told me that the prices of cotton and furs have gone up in the market."

Zhou Shuren disdained, "What a waste of all that flesh on you, doing nothing to keep out the cold."

Wong Ju disdained Zhou Shuren even more. "Look at yourself, already wrapped up like a dumpling with layers inside and out. Everyone knows that Lord Zhou becomes a big fat man every winter."

"At least my fat keeps me warm."

Wong Ju, "...."

Zhou Shuren was indeed not cold, "This winter, the common people are having a hard time. The prices of charcoal and other things have risen."

The Ministry of Revenue conducted its own comprehensive market research, which had recently been updated. Not everyone in the capital was rich and noble; ordinary people were the main residents.

Wong Ju sat down, "I also heard from my wife just yesterday. The charcoal my family bought yesterday was much more expensive than last year, and even the price of firewood has risen."

However, Zhou Shuren’s mind was elsewhere. With the Emperor’s birthday having passed, the recent actions did not cease even as the temperature dropped. Today’s morning court session was truly spectacular, with accusations against the Phang family clan flying in like snowflakes. The Phang family clan had been arrogant for many years, especially these last two, but what goes around comes around, and now it was time for them to pay the piper.