Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 667: Just Afraid of Comparison_1

Yet the Emperor was pleased. Rongchuan’s behavior was one of closeness, a trust that came from deep within his heart. Even without acknowledgment, this child trusted that his biological father would not be annoyed with him. The Emperor’s mood was buoyant, indeed, a true son feels different.

Subsequently, the Emperor began to call forth people, but this time he did not summon Zhou Shuren’s third son. Having just called Rongchuan, to then summon Zhou Changlian would be a bit much, as both currently hailed from House Zhou.

The Emperor called forth many people, and at last, he called upon Shen Yang, "Step forward."

Shen Yang felt this was an opportunity. He must present himself in the best possible light to leave a favorable impression on the Emperor, especially since the Emperor had not called upon Zhou Changlian. He had won this round, "Greetings to the Emperor."

The Emperor did not bid him rise; as the man approached, he felt a visceral distaste, "Rise."

Shen Yang stood up. He wanted to straighten fully, but he dared not. He could feel the Emperor’s imposing presence, and he did not even dare to look directly at him.

The Emperor inquired, "Have you become betrothed?"

Shen Yang was internally delighted, "Replying to the Emperor, your servant has not yet engaged in betrothal."

The Emperor scoffed quietly to himself, "Not betrothed, huh."

Shen Yang was perplexed for a long time, without a follow-up, somewhat stunned. What did the Emperor mean?

The Emperor sipped his wine. Initially, he wanted to speak more, but the feeling of having a true son by his side compared to a counterfeit was so stark that he did not want to utter another word, "You may leave."

Shen Yang was disheartened. He had hoped to speak more, but he had no choice but to retreat reluctantly.

Rongchuan was exceptionally well-behaved. He hardly drank any wine. Whether it was the second-place scholar offering a toast or the Top scorer, Rongchuan barely sipped with his lips, making sure not to swallow. He was afraid that if he drank too much and became too bold, this was the Palace, not his home.

Finally, the banquet concluded, and the Emperor left first, in high spirits, "To the empress palace."

Eunuch Liu, "Yes."

Eunuch Liu calculated inwardly, it had been almost half a year, and the Emperor’s visits to the harem were only to the empress palace. He used to visit the chambers of other consorts at least at noon, partly to save face for the Princes, but now... well, the Emperor wasn’t young anymore.

Eunuch Liu stroked his hair, realizing he was not young either.

The Empress came out to greet him on hearing him, personally assisting the Emperor to sit down and handing him tea to sober up, "Emperor, you’ve had quite a bit to drink today."

After drinking tea, the Emperor said, "Yes, today I am happy. Qingran, don’t call me Emperor here, it’s just you and me."

The Empress took the tea cup to signal the Palace Attendants should all leave, then picked up a handkerchief, "Let me wipe it for you."

The Emperor, eyes closed, "Today I met our son. The lad is quite bold, not scared of me at all, even daring to criticize me in his heart, thinking I won’t get angry at him. Later on, he got scared and didn’t even dare to drink anymore, haha, he really trusts me!"

The Empress listened silently, sensing the Emperor’s genuine joy, happiness that his son trusted him. Nowadays, each of the Princes, even the Crown Prince, wouldn’t trust the Emperor overly, not to mention the other Princes. They would dissect every word from the Emperor!

The Emperor’s face relaxed considerably as he opened his eyes, "I probed today about the betrothal matter. This boy was close to swearing he’d marry no one but a girl from the Zhou family. I had only begun, and there he was, kneeling and confessing everything."

The Empress laughed softly, "The son is sentimentally devoted, and that’s very good."

The Emperor looked at the Empress intently, "To find a person whose heart beats with yours; to never part till white hair marks our years."

The Empress fell silent; those were the words she had spoken when she first met the Emperor. At that time, in the bookstore, she didn’t know someone was behind her, or she certainly wouldn’t have read them out loud. Alas, her innermost wish did not come true, "The Emperor still remembers."

The Emperor grunted affirmatively. He had married late, taking a much younger wife. Initially, he simply found the girl intriguing, "I’m old now."

The Empress changed the subject, "It’s getting late, we should rest early too."

The Emperor dropped the conversation, "Hmm."

In the carriage outside the Palace, Rongchuan slumped unceremoniously. Chang Lian had built up his tolerance to alcohol, but since Chang Lian knew many people, he had drunk a fair amount, "What about you, had too much to drink as well?"

Rongchuan yawned, "I’m not drunk, just a bit shocked, and now tired. I just want to go home and rest."

Chang Lian fanned himself, "You know, you really have some nerve; the Emperor only said one thing and you replied with so much. I was really worried for you at that moment. Fortunately, the Emperor didn’t blame you. Don’t overthink it. If you’re tired, just close your eyes and rest for a while; we’ll be home soon."

Rongchuan, who had been on edge all night, was indeed exhausted. He grunted and closed his eyes, "I’ll take a short nap."

Chang Lian also closed his eyes; he was truly tired from the night, having to watch his words and deal with the people around him.

In the Prince Residence, Zhang Jinghong left the study upon hearing that the banquet had ended.

Since the incident, he seldom went out, adhering to a routine of moving between the mansion and following his second brother. He had always kept an eye on Shen Yang, contemplating and understanding. Since Shen Yang’s arrival, he felt a sense of crisis, but after securing his own way out, he stopped paying attention, that is, until his own predicament became clear to him.

Now that Shen Yang had been left in the capital and remained a Scholar, it became interesting; the Emperor had given him no directive, meaning he was still technically a Prince.

All he could do now was to make himself a target and an obstacle, so all the strength he had accumulated in the past was now devoted to survival. With the imperial examination concluded, his real danger approached.

Zhang Jinghong paused in the garden, his gaze turning towards the main courtyard. Before, he had felt the Prince’s Consort’s status was low, but now, as a scapegoat, he was even lesser, "Go to the main courtyard."

Early the next morning, Zhulan rose and instructed Granny Song to pack up her luggage, for today they could return to Jinzhou Province.

Rongchuan and Chang Lian both had a holiday and were to take office two months later. Jinzhou Province was so close to the capital that commuting was convenient.

Rongchuan and Chang Lian also began packing their own luggage, having prepared everything the day before.

Little Chang Zhong hopped and jumped with excitement, "We’re going home, we’re going home, I get to see father."

Zhulan felt relaxed all over; it was good to be going home, for she had been constantly on edge in the capital, "Slow down, watch your step, don’t fall."

Chang Lian scooped up his little brother in one go, "Could you just settle down for a bit?"

Chang Zhong clung to his brother’s neck, "Third brother, you’re an official now, are you the same rank as father?"

Chang Lian weighed his brother, noting the boy had grown heavier, "No, it will take me many more years to reach the Rank father has."

Chang Zhong emitted an understanding "oh" and said, "Put me down, third brother, I won’t make any trouble."

Chang Lian tapped his brother’s nose, "No way."

Zhulan watched the brothers’ playful antics. Despite the age difference, they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Come to think of it, Chang Lian had overcome the most difficult first step and had become much more relaxed. In the past, Chang Lian wouldn’t joke and laugh like this.