Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 1169 More than Criticism

The case was immediately presented before the Crown Prince, who inquired about the Emperor’s wishes, "Father, should we delay this case?"

The Emperor smiled with a hint of mischief, "Tell the Ministry of Justice there is no hurry, they should investigate slowly."

The Crown Prince understood, his father wanted to observe Yao Zheyu’s actions, he also wanted to gradually tighten the noose, forcing a desperate action, "Yes."

When Zhulan received the news, her first thought was that Yao Yao was responsible. If not for the ancient belief that filial piety was above all else, where children do not accuse their parents, perhaps Yao Yao would have taken matters into her own hands.

Having been married to Zhou Shuren for many years, Zhou Shuren would sometimes share his thoughts with her, deepening her understanding of history, including some ancient laws and acts of grace, knowing that children protecting their parents from punishment was not considered a crime, unlike the modern age where everything is governed by law. The laws of ancient times, she thought, were never fair.

In an era where imperial power reigned supreme, the law was but a tool to control the poor. How many had Prince Liang killed? Plenty, everyone knew, but did anyone sue him?

Many of the noble families in the capital were guilty of harboring filth, but was it well hidden? No, those who needed to know, knew.

Unfortunately, even the Emperor dared not settle all accounts at once. Was the Imperial court even needed then? He could only make an example of a few, cleaning up periodically, which already deemed him a wise ruler, at least he cleaned up rigorously after intervals.

The more Zhulan thought about it, the more she realized, the Liu family, where Ming Teng was betrothed, and Sir Liu from the Ministry of Justice knew too much.

Zhulan thought of Yao Yao again, who hadn’t made an appearance, but the speculation surely was rife. She knew about the summoning of evidence and witnesses; Yao Yao was caught in a storm, aiding her father or avenging her mother? Right or wrong, in the end, it was all blamed on Yao Yao, for she was a daughter!

Lady Bai and Su Xuan exchanged glances, Zhulan had been lost in thought for quite some time. Lady Bai expressed concern, "Mother, are you okay? You look pale."

Su Xuan shook her head, "I don’t know."

She rarely saw her mother-in-law looking unwell; in fact, she had never seen her looking so. Her mother-in-law had always been composed, and seemed to become even more serene as the years passed since she had joined the family.

Zhulan had regained her composure, pressing her temples.

Lady Bai was still worried, "Mother, are you alright?"

Zhulan lowered her hand, "I’m fine, just thinking about some things."

She then thought about when she first arrived in ancient times, how her sons would kneel at the drop of a hat, proclaiming their undutifulness. Filial piety was indeed greater than heaven in ancient times; she and Zhou Shuren, even though integrated into the ancient era, still retained their modern mindset.

Zhulan, feeling somewhat exhausted, waved her hand, "You both should also go rest."

Lady Bai and Su Xuan exchanged a glance, clearly sensing their mother-in-law’s displeasure. The two walked out of the main courtyard. Lady Bai was still puzzled why her mother-in-law was upset, "Is mother upset because of the Lady Bai case?"

Su Xuan shook her head, "I don’t think so. She wouldn’t bother herself with such matters."

Lady Bai thought about it and agreed; it was unrelated to them, even if it involved Marquis Rong’s Residence, it was their affair.

At Marquis Rong’s Residence, Yu Dang listened as En Qing spoke of the Lady Bai case. He really didn’t want the Rong family to get involved; he was irritable, unwilling to be connected to the Yao family, "You actually agreed, how foolish."

En Qing knew that the old lord disliked Yao Yao, and his disapproval grew stronger after this. The old lord had been upset since he entered, "It’s because the Emperor agreed too readily."

Yu Dang, furiously arriving but then sobering up upon hearing this, said hoarsely, "You mean the Emperor?"

En Qing nodded, "Yes."

Yu Dang took a deep breath, still angry, pacing back and forth, "What a cunning move, he’s making his move."

En Qing bowed her head, "Though it will provoke criticism, it indeed provides Yao Yao an opportunity to tear open the Hou Residence."

Thus, knowing they were being used, they were still willing to be manipulated. Tearing apart now was better than the Yao family being convicted.

Yu Dang inhaled sharply, "To completely sever ties, do you wish to irreparably break them?"

Rong Enqing’s gaze was firm, "Yes." freёwebnoѵel.com

Yu Dang widened his eyes, "If you want to completely sever ties, you must completely turn your backs on each other. Naturally, one has to personally testify. This is more than just controversy."

He felt slightly dizzy, "This really is."

Seeing the fourth grandfather staggering, Rong Enqing quickly steadied him, "The controversy is only for this year or two, it’ll fade after a few years."

Yu Dang scoffed, "Fade? Naive."

Yu Dang did not want to talk anymore. He regretted interfering in the first place. Even if the junior resented him, it might have been better to separate. Thinking of the child in Yao Yao’s belly, Yu Dang pursed his lips and pushed away Rong Enqing, "Carry on with your turmoil. I’m done meddling."

That evening, while the Zhou family was eating dinner, Zhulan and Zhou Shuren noticed the uncle’s lack of appetite and knew he had visited Marquis Rong’s Residence today. It seemed he was still angry!

Zhou Shuren also was reluctant to talk. He had relatives at Marquis Rong’s Residence, indeed. The capital was filled with clever people. The Bai family had not pursued a case early or late, but now that they did, it posed great troubles; the initial assumption would be revenge from the Rong clan, and Mrs. Hou was indeed a legitimate niece of the Yao family.

Zhou Shuren had received quite a bit of attention and inquiry, which he found bothersome.

Yu Dang finally lost his appetite.

After dinner, Yu Dang hesitantly looked at his nephew, but Zhou Shuren quickly excused himself, slipping away.

Yu Dang, "..."

He just wanted someone to talk to, to share his feelings, but his nephew was indeed not considerate.

Zhou Shuren returned to his room, "I was frightened by all the questions today, and I have no desire to continue hearing these troubling matters."

Some events were enjoyable to watch as dramas, while others could vex one to no end.

Zhulan solemnly said, "Just watch; by tomorrow, they will come here seeking information."

Zhou Shuren took off his shoes and lay down on a small heated bed, "This case will drag on."

Zhulan, "You don’t need to tell me. The Emperor is merely pressuring Yao Wenqi step by step, not trying to destroy him at once."

Zhou Shuren, no longer wanting to continue, picked up a book, "Today I met Ning Xu. Ning Xu told me he wants Chang Zhi to take Ning Yang as an apprentice."

Zhulan was surprised, "Ning Yang, isn’t he Ning Zhiqi’s second legitimate son?"

"Exactly, that child. He just started at the Academy. Ning Xu knows I won’t take on disciples, and both Chang Lian and Chang Zhi are fine choices; it’s just unfortunate that Chang Lian isn’t in the capital, so he chose Chang Zhi."

Zhulan curled her lip, "The old veteran has motives beyond the apparent."

"Wrong, this is killing two birds with one stone. He’s securing a good mentor for Ning Yang and also hoping to nurture a pair of childhood sweethearts! Both the third and fourth brothers have daughters."

Zhulan blinked, "What about Ning Zhao? Has a master been found for that child?"

After all, he is Ning Zhiqi’s eldest legitimate son.

Zhou Shuren solemnly said, "Naturally, there are better options, Rongchuan, what a fine choice."

Hence it’s said, aside from showing softness for his sons, no, Duke Ning isn’t soft-hearted towards his sons; it’s just that he had lost two of his three sons, the remaining one was frail, naturally softening his heart. But the old duke’s mind was always sharp.

Zhulan blinked, "Did you agree?"