Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 1186: Ready

The Emperor signaled the eunuch to open it and skimmed through quickly, "You want to accuse your father?"

Yao Zheyu bit his tongue. He had a son, and perhaps he would only have this one son in the future. He wanted to survive—even if he had to live a frustrated life, he still wanted to live properly, to strive for life. He had his own family and couldn’t be trapped to die in the Marquis Yao residence.

The previous incident involving Yao Yao had enlightened him, and he also wanted to avenge his mother. Even if it meant carrying a bad reputation for a lifetime, he still wanted to live.

Yao Zheyu said firmly, "Yes, I wish to accuse Marquis Yao."

Yao Wenqi’s heart skipped, what was he accusing him of, rebellion? Cold sweat streamed down his back. Just now, he glanced over and saw that despite the Emperor’s caution, he was still caught off guard. He was far from pleased with the Emperor’s current situation—a rational Emperor could torment him slowly, but with the Emperor’s current state, he genuinely feared he might deal with him directly, leaving him no way out.

The Emperor did not say what Yao Zheyu had accused him of, but instead looked amused as he watched Yao Wenqi panic. He knew this old man had a backup plan, waiting for an opportunity, and it was up to him if he would allow it.

A quarter of an hour passed before the Emperor spoke, "A son accusing his father, have you thought this through?"

Yao Zheyu knelt, "I have considered it thoroughly. My mother was murdered, and I want to seek justice for her. I humbly request that the Emperor uncovers the truth, that my mother could divorce Marquis Yao, and let me take my mother’s surname."

The Emperor narrowed his eyes. Yao Zheyu wanted to change his surname, clearly wishing to survive. He fidgeted with a String of Pearls, looking towards Yao Wenqi.

Yao Wenqi was stunned and then filled with anger. Even though he detested Yao Zheyu, he couldn’t just change his surname. "Emperor, I am wronged, I have never harmed my wife!"

The Emperor signaled the eunuch to hand Yao Wenqi the evidence Yao Zheyu had found, "This is the evidence."

Yao Wenqi grabbed it, knowing in his heart the evidence was real. At this moment, being unable to think clearly, he felt he might as well be dead. It was evidently something the Emperor had found, but he couldn’t admit it. He absolutely needed to survive to return to the Hou residence today more than ever.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Rong Enqing arrived with fruits in hand. Zhou Shuren had just approved some applications, "Marquis is a busy man, what brings you here today?"

Rong Enqing placed the fruits on the table, "I heard how hard Minister Zhou has been working; I got these fresh fruits and wanted to share with you."

Zhou Shuren didn’t feel like eating, even though he knew there was nothing wrong with them, "Marquis, please enjoy it yourself."

Rong Enqing sat down, "Rongchuan has been out for some days now, aren’t you worried?"

Zhou Shuren caught on, Gu Ren must be anxious, which is why Rong Enqing had come to the Ministry under the guise of casual inquiry. "Rongchuan is handling matters for the Imperial court, so I am quite at ease."

Rong Enqing whispered, "Minister Zhou, our families are related. If I receive benefits, I can’t leave you out either."

As he spoke, Rong Enqing pulled away the top layer of fruits to reveal silver notes underneath.

Zhou Shuren narrowed his eyes, "I have never coveted a single silver coin; are you insulting me? Leave."

Rong Enqing twitched his lips, the Emperor said he could keep whatever he manages to get, basically compensating him in silver, for when the Crown Prince ascends the throne his position would be but a sinecure.

Rong Enqing tapped the silver note, "This silver came very easily, only needing your help with a few words."

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, the Emperor was clearly aware that Pinggang wouldn’t be sealed for too long, it was only to divert attention. He knew that merchants from various countries frequented Pinggang, and prolonged issues would lead to chaos. Thus, Pinggang had arranged checks already, and merchants without issues could leave with their goods.

Gu Ren’s giving benefits to Rong Enqing meant not just to pry information, but also hopeful that he could possibly facilitate an earlier departure for Rongchuan.

Rong Enqing had already pulled out the silver note, counting them one by one. Gu Ren was indeed desperate; he had learned that many were waiting for that batch of goods, and several had fallen ill from being deeply poisoned. Gu Ren was frantically trying to manage the chaos.

Thus, he had brought with him One hundred thousand taels, stating that upon successful completion, another One hundred thousand taels would be given. He had brought fifty thousand taels with him.

Zhou Shuren glanced at the silver notes. There really was silver money; he was getting a bit resentful towards the wealthy. "Take your silver back; considering our familial ties, I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything this time. Leave."

Rong Enqing smiled, "Consider it for a while. It’s not that difficult; I just hope you can facilitate a little convenience for Rongchuan."

Zhou Shuren didn’t even lift his head and after Rong Enqing had left, he pulled out a piece of paper, wrote a single line on it, and handed it to Jingyan.

At the Palace, after Yao Wenqi and his son had left, the Emperor was speechlessly looking at a note, handed it to the Crown Prince beside him, "Take a look at this."

The Crown Prince, not in his usual attire but dressed as a Hidden Guard, was in the study room with only the Emperor. He took the note which read, "Acceptable?"

The Crown Prince chuckled lightly, "Minister Zhou really wants to take the silver."

The Emperor grunted, "He guessed that I would let things slide, that’s why he wrote the note."

The Crown Prince set down the note, "It seems Gu Ren has given quite a sum to Rong Enqing."

Emperor, "Hmm, it’s also a form of compensation for Rong Enqing."

The Crown Prince didn’t ask how much silver it was; he agreed with his father’s compensation and arrangements. As for Rong Enqing, he had never intended to use him from the beginning.

The Emperor wrote a single character on the paper and had it sent, then turned to the Crown Prince, "You should also leave the Palace."

The Crown Prince’s eyes were rimmed with dark circles; he was busy, very busy, and hadn’t rested properly in days, especially recently, "Yes, I shall take my leave also."

Back at the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren received the character for ’approved’. His eyes twinkling, he could accept the silver openly. Fifty thousand taels were not enough, for the Zhang family had relentlessly tried to harm him, Rong Enqing would surely return, and he needed to think about it.