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

Chapter 1844: Chapter 1842: A Quick Calculation—Shall We Get the Marriage Certificate?

The selection of the Crown Prince Consort went smoothly, as the candidates were already decided. The two concubines chosen were of humble origins and possessed gentle dispositions. Both the Emperor and the Crown Prince put considerable thought into this selection, wary of choosing someone with ambitions that could lead to trouble.

Due to the noble status and young age of the Imperial Grandson, Zhou Shuren taught him either at the Ministry of Revenue or the Hou Residence.

As the season turned to summer, the rains increased. On this day, Zhou Shuren was not teaching the Imperial Grandson at home, so the couple idly enjoyed the rain.

During their conversation, they talked about their granddaughters. Zhulan said, "Yu Die has gone out of the capital with Yuan Bo to take up his post. This child always says everything is good; I wonder if she’s keeping any troubles to herself."

Zhou Shuren replied, "You raised your granddaughters, so you should trust them."

Remembering Yuan Bo’s penny-pinching nature, Zhulan couldn’t help but laugh, "Yuan Bo doesn’t mind spending Silver on Yu Die."

Zhou Shuren also laughed, "Indeed."

Zhulan continued, "Yu Wen is pregnant. I heard from Su Xuan that Gu Sheng is treating her like a revered guest, serving her tea and water personally, and even taking leaves to accompany her."

Zhou Shuren reached out to catch some rainwater, "Of all the granddaughters, Yu Wen has the most carefree and blissful life."

Among the grandsons-in-law, Gu Sheng is the only one who wholeheartedly places his wife in his heart. The others aren’t bad, but they have their own ambitions and responsibilities, especially Wong Wei, whose status as the eldest grandson’s consort means Yu Lu is destined to toil for a lifetime.

Zhulan is quite fond of Gu Sheng as a grandson-in-law, who, as the last to join the family, has outshone the others, "He is also capable, managing his business well, and Yu Wen’s wedding was unexpectedly lavish."

There was a smile on Zhou Shuren’s face as well, "Yes, this child is indeed good."

Even after becoming a grandson-in-law of the Marquis Zhou, Gu Sheng still followed his own plans. There aren’t many who can stay true to themselves.

Zhulan suddenly said, "Yu Jiao has a student named Dong Yaya, you should find out more about the Dong family."

Zhou Shuren, "The Dong family?"

"Yes, I heard from Shao Ting that Dong Yaya’s brother didn’t personally pick her up before, but recently, he often picks her up after school."

Zhou Shuren understood, "Is he interested in Yu Jiao?"

Zhulan, "For Shao Ting to notice and tell me, there’s probably something to it. I haven’t asked Yu Jiao. You should look into it first."

Zhou Shuren had some impression of the Dong surname, "I recall a person named Dong who made the secondary list this year and is now in the Ministry of Justice?"

"You know? His name is Dong Liao."

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, "Alright, I’ll inquire."

Zhulan said, "I thought Ming Ling would stay in the capital after Yu Yi got married, but unexpectedly, he’s followed Lady Dong back south."

"Ming Ling is the eldest son of the third household. Previously, Chang Lian didn’t have him by his side for teaching, but later, he couldn’t bear to send him back after teaching. Ming Ling also needed his father’s guidance, and following Chang Lian is good for him, just in time to guide Ming Hu."

Zhulan spoke wistfully, "I see that Chang Lian still cannot bear to send Yu Jiao away in marriage."

Zhou Shuren was silent, "It’s been years since we’ve seen the third family."

This rainy day left a deep impression on the Zhulan couple. Even a decade later, they remembered it clearly.

A decade later, on the same day, the imperial authority changed hands once more. No one expected the Emperor to abdicate, especially while still in robust health. The prosperous era ended, and a new Chapter of glory began.

The Crown Prince ascended the throne without opposition and immediately designated the Imperial Grandson as the Crown Prince—another legitimate son as Crown Prince!

This circumstances led to a lack of attention on the Emperor’s harem, while ministers focused on the new Crown Prince’s and Crown Princess Consort’s selection.

As imperial power transitioned, Zhou Shuren’s marquisate was enshrined for five generations, a hereditary title undisturbed, entrusted by the Emperor to the Crown Prince, clear for all to see.

That day, Zhou Shuren attended the Emperor’s ascension ceremony. Already over seventy, his back no longer straightened easily. Such a complex ceremony required him to stand for a lengthy period, something he hadn’t done in a long time.

Surprised he had lived past seventy, he was no longer the Minister of Revenue. Although he hadn’t succeeded in retiring, he held a first-rank position and rarely attended the court after age sixty-five. Most of the time, he visited the palace to chat with the Emperor, using his remaining time to teach the Imperial Grandson—no, he must now address him as the Crown Prince, according to the imperial edict.

As Zhou Shuren gazed upon the Emperor seated on the Dragon Throne, he couldn’t believe he was now a minister across three reigns!

He turned his head towards Chang Lian. Last year, Chang Lian returned to the capital and became the new Minister of Rites. Zhou Shuren withdrew his gaze, feeling slightly dazed, and shook his head to clear his mind.

After the ceremony, Chang Lian hurried over to support his father, speaking with concern, "Father, are you alright?"

Zhou Shuren was not alright, far from it. He felt as if his energy and spirit dwindled, this sensation alerting him that his time was running out.