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

Chapter 1827: Chapter 1827: Consideration

Chang Zhi motioned for Gu Sheng to sit down. Gu Sheng skillfully picked up the teapot, then lifted the boiling water kettle, carefully rinsed it, and took out the tea leaves he brought.

Chang Zhi watched quietly, waiting for a pot of tea to brew before speaking, “Where did you get this fine tea?”

Gu Sheng poured a cup of tea, “The Emperor gifted it to Mr. Wu, and Mr. Wu shared some with me.”

Chang Zhi took a sip from the teacup. This was spring tea freshly brought into the capital, “Did you come just to brew me a pot of tea?”

Gu Sheng pressed down on his palm, then took out a written date from the hidden pocket of his official robe, carefully unfolding it, “There are a few auspicious dates here, I hope you can take a look, sir.”

Gu Sheng was also helpless; it was agreed that a marriage proposal would be made after the spring exams, but Mr. Zhou said his family had plans for his nephew’s engagement, so Gu Sheng waited and waited without getting a hint from Mr. Zhou. He understood Mr. Zhou was not entirely pleased.

Finally, Wu Shangheng reluctantly shared some tribute tea with him, giving him the courage to come to the Hanlin Academy.

Chang Zhi glanced at the dates on the paper, one was ten days later, another half a month later, and the last one a month and a half later, “Actually, I’ve also looked at the dates.”

Gu Sheng’s heart tightened, but he had no choice, so he braced himself to ask, “Which day do you like, sir?”

Chang Zhi, suppressing his reluctance, pointed to the date half a month later, “This day is not bad.”

Judging by the time, both elder and younger brothers should also be returning to the capital.

Gu Sheng’s heart raced and then he grinned foolishly, quickly standing up to bow, “Thank you, sir.”

Chang Zhi motioned for Gu Sheng to sit down. This young man attracted attention whenever he came to the Hanlin Academy; his loud voice drew all eyes, “Sit down.”

Gu Sheng realized his lapse and, seeing the tea in the official’s cup was gone, hurriedly refilled it.

Chang Zhi asked, “Since you left the Hanlin Academy, have these days been smooth?”

Gu Sheng smiled wryly. The place where he would become the future prince consort was an idle position, and with the prince consort covering for him, plus the news of his affair with Magistrate An He spreading, he mixed quite well. With little official duties, he could busy himself with personal matters, which was exactly the life he wanted.

Gu Sheng spoke his mind, “Everything is good.”

Chang Zhi also thought it was quite good. The future prince consort represented idle nobility, and Gu Sheng was on good terms with them; he could mix well without much care.

The next day, after the early court session, Zhou Shuren followed the Emperor to the government hall to discuss the taxes from several harbors over the past two years.

After they finished discussing, the Emperor asked, “Do you think anyone will voluntarily confess to me?”

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, “There are wise people.”

In the past two years, several major cases have occurred in the Imperial court, and with the Emperor’s iron-fisted approach, how many have dared defy him? The Emperor has given the opportunity, and you’re just waiting for a reckoning?

The Emperor snorted, “I only give three days.”

Zhou Shuren thought about taxes, “Tax revenue growth is a good thing, but with so much Silver Coin handled and the merchants’ tributes, not many can keep their integrity.”

Many privately tried to bribe him; not everyone can maintain integrity like him.

The Emperor understood, but that’s precisely what troubled him. When the water is too clear, no fish can survive — sometimes he had to turn a blind eye, but unfortunately, not many could endure the test.

The Emperor said softly, “The transfer of harbor officials has already been frequent enough.”

Zhou Shuren said, “It’s still essential to strengthen control.”

The necessary preventive measures have been taken.

The Emperor was pondering when the Crown Prince came in carrying the Grandson. The Emperor smiled and asked, “Is he awake?”

The Crown Prince smiled, “He was playing for a while when I went over.”

The Emperor took the Grandson in his arms, “What did he have for breakfast?”

The Crown Prince replied, “He had a bowl of egg custard and some fish porridge.”

Zhou Shuren looked at the Grandson, whom he also liked. Needless to say, the Grandson was truly charming. He rarely saw the Grandson cry or fuss; he always had a smiling face for everyone, and of course, his good looks added points.

Just then, Eunuch Zhang entered, saying that the Minister of War and other officials had arrived. Zhou Shuren wanted to excuse himself when the Emperor handed him the Grandson, “Take care of him for a while and stay for lunch today.”

Zhou Shuren looked down at the Grandson in his arms, the little Grandson grinned, showing his tiny rice teeth, “Master.”

Zhou Shuren looked towards the Crown Prince, who was chuckling. He could only carry the Grandson out of the study, followed by the Female Officer attending the Grandson.

Mr. Gong and the others happened to be walking by and immediately noticed Zhou Shuren carrying the Grandson. Mr. Gong’s eyes widened.

These people often saw the Grandson; the Emperor valued the Crown Prince’s eldest son, which made them happy, and they knew how important the Grandson was to the Emperor and the Crown Prince. They entered the palace and could catch a glance, but never had a chance to hold him, let alone hug him.

Mr. Wen felt a blockage in his chest. The Imperial Grandson was evidently very familiar with Zhou Shuren, which meant Zhou Shuren frequently held the Imperial Grandson!

Even he, the Crown Prince’s pro-grandfather, didn’t have this honor; why should Zhou Shuren?

Zhou Shuren nodded to the ministers and then departed under the Imperial Grandson’s guidance.

Mr. Gong began to ponder, glancing at Mr. Wen, as everyone present formed their own thoughts.

The Imperial Grandson could already walk, and Zhou Shuren watched as the Imperial Grandson walked, a very clever little person who even shared nice things. Zhou Shuren received the Imperial Grandson’s String of Pearls, which looked very familiar!

Eunuch Zhang explained, “This is the String of Pearls the Emperor has worn for many years.”

Zhou Shuren, hearing this, stuffed the String of Pearls into his sleeve, ignoring Eunuch Zhang’s hesitant look.

The Imperial Grandson noticed and tilted his head, contemplating before wanting to open his own little treasury again, which made Eunuch Zhang’s heart clench.

Zhou Shuren, feeling uneasy about taking more, untied his Jade Pendant, “This is also a good item, a gift from the Retired Emperor.”

The Retired Emperor gifted him many things. Now thinking of annoying the Retired Emperor didn’t sit well in his heart, as he had worn this Jade Pendant for many years.

Eunuch Zhang hurriedly put it away for the Grandson, fearing he might drop and break it.

The Grandson discovered the hidden pocket in the official robe after looking several times. He walked over to reach in with his hand.

Then, Zhou Shuren’s pouch was taken out; Zhou Shuren felt pangs of regret because his wife had just given him his monthly allowance this month — chuckling awkwardly, “This can’t be given to the Grandson.”

But unfortunately, the Grandson wouldn’t let go, and Eunuch Zhang chuckled unhelpfully.

When the Emperor finished his official duties and returned, Zhou Shuren was deflated, and after hearing Eunuch Zhang’s explanation, the Emperor laughed heartily, “Look at your ineptness.”

Zhou Shuren clutched his chest, “Your Majesty, my son’s got some Silver Coin, and as soon as it arrived in my hand, it was given to the Grandson. Do you really think I have ten thousand taels? This was my entire monthly salary!”

The Emperor picked up the Grandson, “Well done. Let him pinch pennies. You can learn skills, but don’t learn your master’s stinginess.”

Zhou Shuren pinched his deflated pouch, “The treasury’s Silver was saved by my penny-pinching.”

The Emperor cleared his throat, “Uh…”

Zhou Shuren knew there was no good coming from staying for lunch. Every time he stayed, it cost him a lot, but this time it cost him even more.

The Crown Prince took his son, secretly telling him he did well. The little guy thought his father was playing with him and giggled.

Zhou Shuren felt even more depressed!