Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 1174: Bewitchment

The next day, Yu Dang observed Chang Li and his wife, knowing they had visited Zhou Shuren the previous night. Seeing them smile at him, he knew the matter was settled, a grin spreading across his face.

Chang Li and his wife had thought long and hard after returning home last night. Unlike Chang Yi, who could secure resources for his children, they couldn’t rely solely on their eldest son. After much deliberation, they concluded that aiding Ming Teng was indeed the most beneficial choice.

Today, after Zhou Shuren left the imperial court, he stayed behind. The battle in the southwest continued, with both sides in a standoff. Daily provisions were substantial, and Zhou Shuren knew of some radicals who had submitted a zhezi suggesting setting fire to the forests.

Fortunately, the Emperor and the Crown Prince had rejected the zhezi.

Inside the study, after discussing other governmental affairs, the Emperor asked Zhou Shuren, "Did your eldest son return home yesterday?"

Zhou Shuren replied, "Yes, he has returned."

The Emperor continued, "Your Fourth Uncle has been staying at your residence for some days now."

Zhou Shuren thought to himself that the moment had indeed come. "Indeed, he has been at the residence teaching Ming Teng. Fourth Uncle is more capable than I am. Under his guidance, Ming Teng has made significant progress in both his studies and martial arts."

In the recent Academy test, Ming Teng had for the first time ranked among the top five in Class B—a notable improvement.

The Emperor stroked his beard. "The roads in the capital are also nearing completion. If Marquis Rong’s Residence were not related by blood to my uncle, Fourth Uncle would also deserve credit for these achievements."

Zhou Shuren understood; the Emperor was pointedly telling him that the favors bestowed upon Marquis Rong’s Residence were due to the Emperor’s mother. Regardless of Rong Enqing being an illegitimate son, he belonged to that bloodline, an unchangeable fact.

The Emperor thought internally, calling him an old fox, but continued aloud, "The Crown Prince’s ascension will bring rewards."

Zhou Shuren finally looked solemn. Was the Emperor implying that there would be rewards for Fourth Uncle’s lineage?

The Emperor smiled, "I have granted Fourth Uncle a title, but alas, he stands alone. I wish to give more but must take back what is given. However, Fourth Uncle mentioned adoption, so the rewards will exist."

Zhou Shuren clearly understood. The Emperor explained why only a Marquis title was given, and made it clear that Fourth Uncle could only adopt a child from the Zhou family, absolutely not from the lineage of Marquis Rong’s Residence. Fourth Uncle was obstructive and the Emperor wouldn’t allow it. Ultimately, the Emperor harbored a dislike for Marquis Rong’s Residence.

Seeing that the Emperor fell silent and just watched him, Zhou Shuren solemnly stated, "I understand."

The Emperor hummed approvingly, "You are a good one. Over the years, I have tested you, and I trust your conduct."

"To have the trust of the Emperor is the highest honor I can seek."

As for being faithful unto death, sorry, that was beyond him.

The Emperor helped Zhou Shuren to his feet. "Rise."

After Zhou Shuren exited, the Emperor stood by the window watching him leave. He had once suggested adopting Zhou Shuren’s second son, which with his title could have smoothed his career path, but Yu Dang was unwilling.

Having lived for so many years, Yu Dang hoped to forge a greater Rong family, rather than choosing a predefined heir. In Yu Dang’s words, he desired authenticity for the Rong family, not excessive schemes.

Thinking it over, the Emperor felt this was better, to avoid Zhou Shuren’s second son from becoming too ambitious and potentially ruining his plans.

At the Academy, Ming Teng was listless, appearing somewhat absent-minded. He answered the instructor’s questions incorrectly several times and was reprimanded by the teacher, yet he couldn’t muster the energy to improve.

Ming Rui knitted his brows, "Second brother, what’s wrong with you today?"

Ming Teng hesitated; the disturbance from his parents the previous night had been significant. He had accidentally overheard them upon their return, and thinking of what he heard, he replied dejectedly, "Nothing, it’s nothing."

Ming Rui knew his brother, who couldn’t keep secrets, too well. Something major must have happened. Recalling a remark their father had once let slip, his eyes widened in realization. Could it be true?

Ran Xun, curious, pressed, "Stop lying. You must be bothered by something."

Ming Teng was incredibly irritable, "I said it’s nothing."

Ran Xun felt even more convinced that it was no small matter.

At the tavern, Rong Enqing sat opposite Gu Ren, eyeing the item Gu Ren had presented. "This is what you called a great item?"

Excitement flashed in Gu Ren’s eyes. "Yes, don’t underestimate it. This can invigorate a person immensely. It’s a rare commodity abroad. On my recent trip to trade in the Northwest, I took some to the foreign clans, and they fought over this good stuff. This box alone costs ten gold pieces."

Rong Enqing, suppressing the turmoil within, yet had to force a smile. "Are you sure the Emperor will like it?"

Gu Ren spoke temptingly, "He will definitely like it. Didn’t you say the Emperor has been feeling fatigued lately? Just try it, and you’ll see the effect. My people who’ve used it are all fine. If you’re still not assured, you and your father can try it first."

Gu Ren paused before continuing, "Two members of the Marquis Rong family, your position isn’t promising. Although you are the more legitimate one, the Emperor favors an old man on his deathbed. Are you content being a nominal marquis? We have known each other for many years; I’m taking great pains for you because I care. I hardly have any of this stuff left."

Rong Enqing played with the box, aware of its contents. When Zhou Shuren regulated the tariffs on various goods, this paste was listed among foreign commodities. Upon seeing it, Zhou Shuren submitted a zhezi about its dangers and sent people to investigate along the coast, yielding chilling results.

Thus, the Maritime Affairs Administration’s customs had outlawed this paste’s entry for years, even campaigning along the coast about its hazards. Unexpectedly, Gu Ren had relabeled it and presented it before him.

Rong Enqing pondered, did Gu Ren really think he was unaware? That was plausible; just last year, he was still an insignificant scholar at the Hanlin Academy, and this substance had been banned from import since Zhou Shuren arrived in the capital. Indeed, many were unaware.

Seeing Rong Enqing’s silence, Gu Ren grew anxious. These goods had been smuggled in; before the ban, they had made quite a profit. Thinking of this ignited his anger all the more against Zhou Shuren, who had tightened customs duties step by step, cutting off their substantial income.

Gu Ren pressed, "Are you hesitating? Now’s not the time for that. I’ve heard that your great-uncle plans to adopt Zhou Shuren’s grandson. With descendants for your grandfather’s lineage, the Emperor will pay even less attention to you. In the future, speaking of the Rong family, only your great-uncle’s lineage will be remembered. Are you satisfied with that?"

Narrowing his eyes, Rong Enqing realized Gu Ren knew a lot, even the details of the adoption that outsiders weren’t supposed to know. Did Gu Ren have someone close to his great-uncle?

As for being marginalized, he was painfully aware; his son, bearing the blood of the Yao family, was not the firstborn, a fate already sealed.

In the tavern next door, Prince Qi and Prince Chu pricked their ears. This tavern was owned by Prince Qi, who had become aware that Rong Enqing often met with a merchant here. Today, by chance, they were right next door. The tavern had its quirks; some mechanisms, once activated, made the otherwise muffled voices from next door much clearer.

Prince Qi’s eyebrows raised—things just got interesting.