Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 1126: Probing

Zhou Shuren and the Emperor, among others, were in a private box on the second floor. The Emperor sat down and inquired, "I just heard Mr. Yu Dang speak without any accent. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think Mr. Yu Dang was not an ambassador but one of our own officials."

Hearing this, Zhou Shuren glanced at Mr. Yu Dang. Indeed, not only did he lack an accent, but his appearance and demeanor closely resembled those of a local official. Zhou Shuren had met many ambassadors, some from nearby countries, and even though their hair was black, their demeanor could not be disguised; they clearly looked foreign.

Mr. Yu Dang was not at all flustered and responded with a smile, "Is that so? I hadn’t even noticed."

The Emperor looked intently at Mr. Yu Dang and then turned his head to watch the opera below.

At this moment, Zhou Changyi had no opportunity to speak; he just sat there quietly, excitedly thinking to himself how he had the chance to sit so close to the Emperor and watch an opera—it felt like a dream.

Zhou Shuren did not enjoy the opera, and seeing the Emperor tap the table with his fingertips, they understood each other perfectly. Zhou Shuren casually started a conversation, "Mr. Yu Dang, you must have visited many places in the capital already."

It seemed Mr. Yu Dang was engrossed in the opera, responding a bit slowly, "Yes, I’ve visited quite a few places."

Zhou Shuren smiled and asked Zhou Changyi, "Have you taken Mr. Yu Dang to see the area around Rong Garden?"

Zhou Changyi replied, "Yes, we have wandered along that route."

Zhou Shuren continued speaking to Mr. Yu Dang, "Rong Garden is being built by the Emperor and will be part of the Royal family’s gardens. If Mr. Yu Dang comes by the end of next year, it might be completed by then, and there’ll be an opportunity to stroll through the gardens."

Mr. Yu Dang’s hand stiffened, "Is that so? Unfortunately, I am getting old. This sea journey has been quite an ordeal, and I might not have the chance to return once I go back to my country."

Zhou Shuren’s gaze deepened, "That’s truly unfortunate, for Rong Garden has quite a history."

Zhou Changyi looked puzzled at his father, wondering why he kept mentioning Rong Garden.

Mr. Yu Dang seemed quite interested, "Oh?"

Zhou Shuren spoke softly, "Rong Garden was originally the estate of the Rong family in the previous dynasty. It was destroyed by a major fire. The Emperor kept the site vacant in hopes that some of the Rong family might have survived, but unfortunately, after so many years, it seems as though the Rong family were wiped out. To honor them, the Emperor decided to build Rong Garden and named it after their family."

Mr. Yu Dang exclaimed, then suddenly began to rub his leg, "As one ages, the legs don’t hold up; they even cramp."

Zhou Shuren smiled, then did not continue, turning his head to watch the opera below. He didn’t have the appreciation for it, finding the noise of the opera annoying, but endured it because the Emperor enjoyed it.

Being in the Emperor’s company was said to be an honor; Zhou Shuren certainly didn’t care for it.

However, Zhou Shuren felt today was quite fruitful; Mr. Yu Dang being the highlight. He hadn’t paid much attention to ambassadors before and hadn’t even asked his son about them, but now he could ask more.

The Emperor’s mind seemed to wander. He had intended to meet with Mr. Yu Dang regardless since Mr. Yu Dang’s country was located where the overseas Rong family was based. He had sent people to investigate, but the envoys had yet to return, and the ambassador had arrived first.

He had instructed Zhou Shuren to probe directly, as his focus had been on Mr. Yu Dang, who had seemed unnatural several times. Even if Mr. Yu Dang was not a Rong family member, he was somehow related to them.

Throughout the opera, all four individuals were distracted, each lost in their own thoughts.

As the opera concluded, the Emperor stood up, "We have other matters and must return to the Palace now."

At this point, there was no need to conceal their identities.

Zhou Shuren hastily said, "Your Majesty, may I return home?"

The Emperor glanced at Zhou Changyi and consented, "Mmm."

Mr. Yu Dang quickly stood to pay his respects and, once the Emperor had left, said, "Being old takes its toll; I’ve been out for a while and am quite tired. I will head back now."

Zhou Shuren smiled, "I will arrange for someone to escort you back."

After Mr. Yu Dang had left, Zhou Changyi and his father sat in their own carriage, "Father, is there something wrong with Mr. Yu Dang?"

Zhou Shuren replied, "Yes, significantly so."

Sometimes, a straightforward test can be very useful, especially with an old fox. The more you beat around the bush, the more experienced the old fox gets. On the other hand, a straightforward test can strike right at the heart.

Chang Yi was a bit stunned, "A spy?"

Zhou Shuren smiled, "No, you tell me about Yu Dang’s situation and his family."

Chang Yi also felt that his previous response was a bit silly. He cleared his throat, "This Yu Dang’s family is very large, but it has gradually declined. A hundred years ago, there were many family members serving as officials in the court, but now there are only a few left. This time, it seems that Yu Dang’s family fought to get the ambassador position."

Zhou Shuren knew enough from this news. Without surprise, Yu Dang’s family was the overseas Rong family. If not for the establishment of Rong Garden and Chang Yi’s ambassadorship, the overseas Rong family would still not have sent anyone back.

Back at home, Zhou Shuren’s steps were light; he had taken half a day off and he enjoyed his holidays, humming a tune as he went to see his wife.

Chang Yi hurriedly grabbed his father’s clothes, "Father, don’t rush off, your son has something to ask you."

Zhou Shuren said, "Let go of me first."

Chang Yi chuckled and let go, "My hand grabbed itself."

Zhou Shuren snorted. He didn’t believe it and didn’t change his direction, "Your mother wouldn’t mind hearing it either."

Chang Yi, "...."

This old man was always clinging to his mother.

In the main house, Zhulan had already rested and was reading a book. Hearing footsteps, she asked, "Why did you two come back together?"

Zhou Shuren briefly explained the situation, then sat down, taking the book from his wife’s hand, "Reading about pharmacology again?"

Zhulan hummed a response, "I got into it, it’s quite interesting."

Zhou Shuren put down the book and asked Chang Yi, "What did you want to ask?"

Chang Yi sat up straight, "Your son has seen a lot on this mission. I think the slaves brought by foreigners need to be strictly controlled."

Zhou Shuren raised an eyebrow, "What did you see?"

Chang Yi furrowed his brows, "Your son saw many foreigners treat slaves like animals, beating them was the least of it, and they got the worst food and supplies. Some slaves also contracted diseases, which spread to the local people, so your son thinks we should control this and not allow these slaves to contact the townspeople at the harbor."

Zhulan looked at Chang Yi and smiled. Chang Yi had eyes keen on discovery and a sharp sense of crisis.

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, "You don’t have to worry, the Imperial Hospital is already preparing to establish a government office near all harbors next year."

Chang Yi was stunned, "The Imperial Hospital?"

Zhou Shuren smiled and nodded, "Yes, the Imperial Hospital. A medical department has been set up there. All the doctors in the country can be mobilized. The Crown Prince has already noticed what you discovered and has even specially planned an area in the harbor."

So it was said, the Crown Prince was indeed remarkable, and he would be a fine Emperor once he took the throne.

Chang Yi was slightly deflated, "Your son thought he could get some credit."

Zhulan smiled, "You already did very well."

Chang Yi’s spirits lifted, "Mother, am I really doing very well?"

"Yes, my son has achieved so much just after entering the political arena, I have high hopes for you."

The disappointment in Chang Yi’s heart disappeared; he was young.

Inside the Palace, the Emperor called Shi Qing, "Have someone keep a close watch on Yu Dang."