Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 1178: Heaven Favors the Simple-minded

The Zhou family’s grandson, Ming Teng, was adopted into one of the Rong Yushang branches, and although it wasn’t widely celebrated, the news still got out; those who needed to know were aware.

On the day of the adoption, Rong Enqing was also present, Yao Yao did not come, but Rong Enqing’s father did.

Because Ming Teng’s name wasn’t changed, all the noble families in the capital understood that the Rong clan had split into two branches. His Highness Prince Qi personally attended on behalf of the Crown Prince, representing the royal family’s stance. Of the two Marquis Rong’s Residences, Rong Yushang’s branch was more favored by the royalty.

Those who came to the residence for the adoption were mostly the men in charge; the women did not attend.

The day after the adoption, the Lau family, to whom Ming Teng had been betrothed, sent someone over—Madam Ma, the wife of Lau Jing, arrived in person.

Zhulan knew why Madam Ma had come; Lau Jing knew not much about Ming Teng’s adoption into the Rong family. Lau Jing felt it improper to ask yesterday, hence Madam Ma’s visit today. "I understand your intentions."

Madam Ma was embarrassed, as Ming Teng’s adoption truly brought no joy to the Lau family, only alarm. Her master should have asked yesterday, but unfortunately, those who came had such high status that the head of the family couldn’t get a word in. "I apologize for disturbing the lady."

Zhulan liked Madam Ma, whose personality was similar to that of Lady Li. "The marriage between our two families remains unchanged. Uncle Four expressed great satisfaction with this marriage and even said that once he’s done with these busy days, he wishes to invite Sir Lau for tea!"

This was the truth. Yushang had no intention to meddle in Ming Teng’s marriage matters, trusting their judgement completely, not even investigating the Lau family in private—a sign of trust in this marriage.

Madam Ma’s tightly clenched handkerchief loosened, and her voice involuntarily rose, "How could the elder invite us? It should be the head of the family inviting Mr. Hou."

Zhulan, "Are you relieved now?"

Madam Ma grew even more embarrassed. Ever since her husband received the invitation, he hadn’t been able to rest well, fearing the marriage would fall through. They were genuinely afraid that Ming Teng might no longer bear the Zhou surname, and with Mr. Hou being a senior to Sir Lau, it would be hard for Sir Lau to refuse if he intervened. They had been scaring themselves these past few days.

Madam Ma gave a simple smile, "I am relieved now."

A quarter of an hour later, Madam Ma took her family’s carriage, her smile turning to a look of worry. She was pleased to secure the marriage, but worried about her daughter’s dowry. Initially, Ming Teng wasn’t the eldest son, and even if the main branch of the Zhou family were to gain a title in the future, they could have managed a slightly more generous dowry, but now that Ming Teng had become a young Marquis, the dowry was indeed a concern.

Meanwhile, Yushang took Ming Teng to perform ancestral rites; Zhou Shuren didn’t attend, as resting for a day yesterday was already a rare opportunity.

Returning from the ancestral rites, Ming Teng tugged at the Jade Pendant on his outfit, "Great-grandfather, this jade pendant is too precious."

His clothes had changed as well, not just the jade pendant. Before the adoption, his grandmother spared no expense on food and clothing, so the Zhou household, despite many masters, was dressed in only the finest.

But he never had the opportunity to wear materials offered as tribute or to wear top-quality jade pendants. He touched the hairpin on his head, feeling its chilly touch, that’s what his grandmother meant by ’grand’! ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

Yushang had slept well the previous night and even had a dream about his father and grandfather, whom he could hardly remember dreaming of before. Yesterday, they appeared smiling in his dream, and when he woke up, his pillow was wet. He knew his grandfather and father would be pleased with Ming Teng, happy that their branch now had a descendant.

Yushang was delighted with Ming Teng, reaching out to touch his face, smiling from ear to ear, "You are now a young Marquis, the future Marquis. You now represent the Hou Residence, you are the Hou Residence."

Ming Teng blinked, "But I’m not usurping anything. When I inherit, I’ll be demoted in rank."

Yushang chuckled, "You won’t be demoted. You are the Marquis, the future Marquis Anning."

Ming Teng was stunned, "Me?"

"Yes, it’s you. Hence, from tomorrow on, I’ll not only mentor you in your academic studies, but since you’ve grown up, and your elder brother already knows the ways of the Zhou family and can represent it, you’ve fallen behind by too much."

Ming Teng felt a bit foolish as he finally understood why, when his brother patted his shoulder, he had looked at him hesitantly, as if wanting to say something but stopping himself!

In the following days, Ming Teng became very busy, not even visiting the Academy, and he accompanied Yu Dang to meet the Emperor and the Crown Prince at the palace and made visits to several noble families.

His days were busy, and his nights were not relaxed either—there was still studying to do before sleeping.

When he no longer needed to make appearances everywhere, Ming Teng started to study.

Zhulan had been observing from the sidelines. She and Zhou Shuren had taught their children according to their own ideas, and it was only after they entered the capital that they began to understand a bit about how the top-tier noble families taught their children. Now that she had the chance to observe closely, Zhulan often returned to check on Ming Teng’s courtyard when she had the opportunity.

Indeed, since his adoption, Ming Teng had his own separate courtyard; his former young servant stayed on, and Yu Dang even assigned a few more servants to him.

That day, when Zhulan visited, she saw the scholar teaching Ming Teng. She had heard Zhou Shuren mention it in passing and had not expected him to actually invite such a teacher.

Zhulan didn’t enter the room. Even her frugal uncle could not afford such a retired notable; it must have been the Emperor supporting from behind, showing the determination of her uncle, who must have asked for the Emperor’s help.

At that moment, Lady Li came by. Seeing her mother-in-law, she softly said, "Mother."

Zhulan motioned for Lady Li to follow her and they walked a distance before speaking, "This is the responsibility Ming Teng must shoulder. He has gained wealth and must now maintain it for the Anning Marquis Residence."

Lady Li understood, "I’m just worried the child won’t settle down, so I secretly watch over him every day."

"That child is like you, knowing his duty, he will try his best," Zhulan reassured.

Lady Li grinned, "I also think Ming Teng is like me."

Zhulan chuckled lightly. When Ming Teng was mischievous, Lady Li was not shy about blaming their eldest.

Lady Li hesitated before asking, "Mother, will Ming Teng no longer attend the Academy?"

Zhulan replied, "For the time being, he will not. His future lies as Mr. Hou and he’s missed out on a lot of the necessary education. Until he catches up, we will employ private tutors at home."

Lady Li’s mouth dropped open in surprise. She had heard from her eldest son about the extent of what Ming Teng was to learn, having previously thought her eldest son’s education was tough already, but now Ming Teng was to endure the same, "Indeed, wealth and nobility don’t come easy."

With a gleam in her eye and in good spirits, Zhulan thought to herself that Lady Li was very clear-sighted, knowing her own limits and never fighting or scrambling for more, even though as the eldest daughter-in-law she had all the advantages.

In the afternoon, Ming Teng also had martial arts masters to instruct him, and even subjects he disliked before, such as calligraphy and painting, he had to study—if not talented, then by listening and observing more.

Zhulan ambled back, thinking of the boys in the eldest branch of the family; Ming Hui and Chang Zhong were of a similar age. Since Chang Zhong had an advantage, sharing in some of his resources, and now under the tutelage of Wu Ming, the two cousins were becoming more alike—sly and crafty. Ming Jung, on the other hand, was clearly one to enjoy wealth and privilege.

Zhulan looked sideways at the portly Lady Li: fools often are blessed with blind luck; Heaven favors the simple-hearted.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren was taken aback when he saw the Emperor; had he not witnessed the Emperor earlier in the government hall, he might have been scared to death. The Emperor appeared rosy in the study during their meeting, but now, come afternoon, his face had turned a waxy yellow. Although he was spirited, it was clear he was not in good health.

The Emperor touched his own face, "Frightened, were you?"