Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 666: Really Extensive Meddling_1

The Crown Prince strode towards the government hall, honestly, he had never expected his younger brother to survive, and now with an additional younger brother, he should be happy, but why didn’t he like Shen Yang?

In Jinzhou Residence, Zhou Shuren also received the news, which spreads quickly in the capital.

Zhou Shuren was surprised that Rongchuan became an editor in the Hanlin Academy; the Emperor wasn’t planning to recognize him after all. Then he thought of Shen Yang—the problem was there. Indeed, since they still hadn’t caught the forces behind him, it wasn’t the right time to acknowledge Rongchuan.

Zhou Shuren was also surprised by Chang Lian, knowing that he would benefit but not expecting to benefit to such an extent. As a scholar, he had also seen Chang Lian’s rank; his performance this time was truly exceptional, with many outperforming Chang Lian.

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, it seems that this batch was chosen by the Emperor for the Crown Prince, the Emperor is indeed a good father to him.

After congratulating, Official Wang couldn’t help feeling envious—his own son had had bad luck back then!

Today, Zhou Shuren was still the object of envy; yesterday was unbearably sour, and today wherever Zhou Shuren went, he could smell that sourness, now full of envy, jealousy, and hatred.

At Zhou residence, Xue Han received the news; she was happy for Rongchuan and her third brother but also wanted to see Rongchuan; thinking of him, her ears hidden in her hair reddened, it had been some days since their parting, and he was always on her mind.

Lady Li had already received a reply from her mother-in-law. This morning, her father-in-law and the head of the family talked about it too. They would formally fix the engagement when her mother-in-law returned. She didn’t have to worry anymore. Today, hearing more good news, her voice grew louder, "In the future, our third sister-in-law will be Mrs. Guan, and she will also have an imperial decree to her name."

Xue Han responded with a touch of sadness, "From now on, third brother will stay in the capital, and our family won’t be able to live together anymore."

Lady Li wasn’t concerned, "Jinzhou Province is so close to the capital, we can meet whenever we want. I think it’s good that our family has a house in the capital; otherwise, we’d have to buy one. It’s hard to find a good house in the capital close to the government office."

Xue Han gave a wry smile, "Sister-in-law, third brother and Rongchuan aren’t the ones going to the government office to work, but fortunately, we do have a house at home. Otherwise, the daily commute would really be inconvenient."

Lady Li wasn’t embarrassed, "I’m just a simple person; remembering the rules is already good, I really don’t understand the rest."

Xue Han thought her sister-in-law lived a happy life, nestled in the inner part of the house, she still lived with gusto, and their part of the house was always the liveliest, where she sometimes loved to go.

Mrs. Zhao was envious in her heart; Lady Li’s Mingyun was not young anymore, and wouldn’t have to wait very long. Her own Ming Rui was still young, and she didn’t know how long she’d have to wait.

Now third sister-in-law had also become Mrs. Guan, and it was all thanks to her husband’s efforts.

As for the fourth sister-in-law, she had a rank of her own.

In the future, her sister-in-law would also have an imperial decree, it seemed only she would have to wait many years, still uncertain whether her son would make it.

Mrs. Zhao realized that the second wife’s family really was too weak, having little presence in the Zhou family. If the family was to divide, what would become of the second wife’s household?

In the blink of an eye, evening arrived, and Zhulan had already had dinner.

Chang Zhong asked, "Mother, why haven’t third brother and brother-in-law returned yet?"

Zhulan patted the little one’s head , "They are attending a dinner in the Palace."

Chang Zhong still looked forward to third brother and brother-in-law returning to hold him, admiring their bright red clothes, he looked a little downcast, "Mother, tell me a story, please."

Zhulan replied, "Alright."

Inside the Palace, Rongchuan, as the Third-rank Scholar, sat in a very forward position. He had met the Emperor twice and hadn’t dared to look directly at him both times. Now, being so close, he was very nervous.

The Emperor sat in his chair, holding a wine cup in his hand, drinking several cups in succession, visibly delighted.

The Emperor called forth the Top Scorer, followed by the second-place scholar, and finally, it was the Third-rank Scholar’s turn, "Third-rank Scholar, step forward."

Rongchuan told himself to hold steady, took a deep breath, and stepped forward, "Your servant is here."

The Emperor saw Rongchuan with his head bowed and was displeased, "Lift your head."

Rongchuan had no choice but to obediently lift his head, and upon doing so, he met the Emperor’s smiling eyes. He felt a bit foolish. Was the Emperor genuinely happy? And was he being so kind to him?

The Emperor thought to himself, he has finally faced me directly, and from such a close distance, hmm, he really is good-looking. This Third-rank Scholar’s proud, even though the Princes are outstanding, the feeling of climbing up the ranks on one’s own is something else altogether. This is his son.

The Emperor’s eyes twinkled as he said, "Confer the wine."

Rongchuan hurriedly took the wine cup, "Your servant toasts to Your Majesty."

The Emperor felt immensely pleased inside. He gestured for Rongchuan to take a seat to the side. Rongchuan was a little shocked; even the Top Scorer hadn’t received such treatment!

After waiting for Rongchuan to carefully seat himself, the Emperor said, "I have heard that you are betrothed?"

Rongchuan grew anxious. The Emperor couldn’t be thinking of meddling in his marriage arrangements, could he? He quickly rose and knelt, "Yes, your servant was betrothed in childhood. Your servant and his fiancée have grown up together as childhood sweethearts. Your servant is only waiting another two years before bringing her into the family."

The Emperor looked at his son. His question had been a probe; he didn’t want his son to marry Miss Zhou out of gratitude. At the very beginning of the inquiry, his son became so nervous. Alright, this youngster does like Miss Zhou. From the looks of it, it’s more than just like!

He clearly remembered what Zhou Shuren looked like and had even sought out a portrait. Thankfully the girl resembles her mother.

Rongchuan hadn’t heard the Emperor’s response yet and his heart was in turmoil. Surely, the Emperor would not intervene in his marriage arrangements for no good reason. Rongchuan thought the Emperor really had too much free time. How could he meddle in his affairs? He didn’t feel particularly indebted, knowing only that he would take no one but Xue Han as his wife.

How could the Emperor not know his own son? Although young, he sensed his son’s emotions and was amused. This child certainly had a temper, "I was merely asking. Rise."

Rongchuan let out a breath, his back drenched in sweat, "Yes."

Chang Lian was truly frightened. All was well, no harm done.

The Emperor casually brought up, "You are not so young anymore. Since you are already engaged, it would be better to marry sooner rather than later. Waiting another two years seems quite long."

Rongchuan was dumbfounded. The Emperor was meddling a bit too much. When he decided to marry was also under scrutiny?

Rongchuan dared not refute the Emperor and could only think of a reply, "Your servant hasn’t saved enough for the bride price. I will marry when I have saved enough."

The Emperor fell silent. He had news from Ning Xu’s investigations, Rongchuan had been saving up, had bought a shop on his own, and had saved some household funds. If his son was still short of a bride price, it was truly... "Bride price, indeed, it should be more. You may return now."

Rongchuan thought to himself, he wished to give more, too, but he didn’t have that much silver. Returning to his place, Rongchuan was stunned. How cautious a person was he? Just now, he had judged the Emperor in his mind more than once. He didn’t believe he had his uncle’s strength.

Therefore, the Emperor must have sensed his emotions just now. Rongchuan shuddered inwardly. When had his courage grown so large? He was clearly supposed to fear the Emperor. How could he believe the Emperor would not be angry with him?

Yes, that was the feeling he had, and indeed, the Emperor was not angry with him and had spoken to him amiably.

Rongchuan felt that he must have had a bit too much to drink, for he had grown bold.