Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 1211 - 1121 Princess Qi

The next day, at noon, Zhou Shuren looked at the petition list handed to him by Xiao Qing. "So many elders have petitioned this morning?"

Xiao Qing’s eyes remained fixed on Zhou Shuren. "The rumors are getting worse by the day, and seeing the Emperor is the only way to stop them."

Feeling Xiao Qing’s gaze, Zhou Shuren put down the petition list, picked up the pen, added his own name behind that of Xiao Qing in one sweeping motion, and handed it to Qiu Yan. "You are right."

Xiao Qing, "..."

Qiu Yan, after adding his name, asked, "Should all the officials from the Ministry of Revenue sign it?"

Disappointed not to glean anything from Zhou Shuren’s expression, Xiao Qing took the completed list. "No need."

After Xiao Qing left, Zhou Shuren, stroking his beard, thought to himself that all the ministers at court, whether they had ulterior motives or were devoted to the Emperor, were somewhat panicked at this time.

Qiu Yan always felt like something major was about to happen, his heart pounding with anxiety, "Recently my eyelid has been twitching fiercely, it’s very disconcerting."

Zhou Shuren thought to himself that some people are timid, but their instincts are quite sensitive.

By the afternoon, officials of rank fourth and higher had signed their names on the petition list, which was then delivered to the Palace.

At the Duke Residence, Duke Ning’s pupils constricted as he rose to greet his visitor. "Greetings, Crown Prince."

The Crown Prince supported his grandfather, not allowing him to bow formally. "I have worried you recently."

Ever since Duke Ning learned of his daughter’s true poisoning, he had indeed been panicked, until the Empress conveyed the message that the poison had been neutralized; only then did he feel at ease.

Seeing that the Crown Prince was dressed in his usual attire, without the slightest hint of oppression from confinement, but instead full of vigor, Duke Ning, remembering the reassuring news his daughter had sent, inquired, "Is everything well with the Emperor?"

The Crown Prince, smiling, replied, "Very well, he eats well, sleeps well, and has been recuperating for a long time; Father has grown younger."

With a grin, Duke Ning realized it was all a ruse, "That’s good, that’s very good."

Taking some fruit to eat, the Crown Prince commented, "Today, there was a joint petition to see Father. Are you aware of it, Grandfather?"

"I am aware, they even sought me out, and I went along with the majority and signed."

"Crown Prince," "The news of Father’s fainting will spread by tomorrow. I ask that tomorrow you petition for my restrictions to be lifted so I can enter the Palace."

The Crown Prince could have sent a message rather than visit in person, but he chose to come himself to fully reassure his grandfather.

Duke Ning understood, "I understand."

The Crown Prince, who was busy, rose to his feet, "I must attend to other matters, Grandfather, no need to see me out."

With that, he nodded to his three uncles at the door.

The Duke watched his youngest son leave with the Crown Prince, his heart finally at ease, laughing heartily, repeatedly exclaiming how good it was.

At the Hou Residence, Yao Wenqi spoke to the shadows, "Send the two young masters away tomorrow."

"Yes."

The response from the shadows felt almost like an illusion, a careful look revealed nobody there at all.

Yao Wenqi, with closed eyes, suddenly chuckled, waiting for the Zhang family’s downfall. His laughter quickly ceased, and he lay motionless as if asleep.

At the Qi Prince Residence, Princess Qi listened distractedly as her mother and sister-in-law continuously tried to persuade her until they were hoarse, only then did she lazily ask, "Finished?"

Princess Qi’s sister-in-law, Yun, choked up, and Princess Qi’s mother, distressed beyond measure, said, "We are all doing this for your sake, look at your attitude."

Princess Qi sneered, "What attitude? Am I supposed to applaud your foolish fantasies?"

Princess Qi’s mother took a deep breath, "Now that the Emperor has fainted and the Crown Prince is confined, it is a great opportunity for Prince Qi. Last time, the Emperor trusted Prince Qi very much, which all ministers witnessed. You, you are really infuriating me."

Princess Qi remained calm, "For my sake? Please, it’s all for your own ambitions. After Prince Qi stepped back, the Wu family saw no more opportunities and finally settled down. Now they are getting restless again."

Thinking of the impostor in the front courtyard, Princess Qi paused, struggling to breathe. The Emperor had trusted his own people, not the Prince. Now, she didn’t even know where the Prince was, yet her own family was merrily causing trouble.

Princess Qi’s mother wanted to continue, but Princess Qi slapped the table, "I shall act as if I have not heard anything today. Go back and tell father and elder brother that the Qi Prince Residence has no ambitions. If they have ambitions, don’t involve us. Whatever happens, they must bear the consequences themselves."

In her mother’s disbelieving gaze, Princess Qi continued, "From today, the gates of Qi Prince Residence will be closed. We will see no one, and I mean no one."

Princess Qi’s mother was furious. How could she have raised such a daughter? Thinking of Prince Qi made her even angrier; Prince Qi would see no one!

At Zhulan’s residence, Zhulan listened to her maid report that Ming Rui had arrived, and put down the book in her hands.

As Ming Rui entered the room, he saw his grandmother holding a Western book and paused before snapping back to reality and calling out to her.

Zhulan asked, "Are you seeking grandmother for something?"

Ming Rui sat down, somewhat embarrassed, "Grandmother, I don’t wish to be betrothed so soon."

Zhulan chuckled lightly, as this child was the first among her grandchildren to speak his mind, "Alright."

Ming Rui couldn’t believe it was that simple, "Grandmother, did you clearly hear what your grandson said?"

"I heard it well; my ears still work just fine."

Ming Rui had gathered his courage to speak, thinking of many reasons he might need, "You won’t ask why your grandson wishes to delay his betrothal?"

"No need to ask, having your own thoughts is good."

Ming Rui grinned, "Thank you, grandmother."

Zhulan inwardly marveled that Ming Rui’s face was indeed attractive; when he grew up, he would surely captivate many young ladies, "You young man won’t lack for girls’ affection in the future."

Ming Rui’s face turned red; he already didn’t lack attention, as he noticed many girls blushing when they saw him on the streets.

Ming Rui quickly changed the subject, "Grandmother, do you really like Western studies?"

Zhulan’s interest was piqued, "Yes, are you curious too?"

Ming Rui explained, "Father taught me some problems, and I found them quite interesting."

Zhulan beckoned with her hand, "Come here, let grandmother test you."

Full of confidence, Ming Rui approached; despite his mature demeanor, he was still a child eager for praise. However, after a quarter of an hour, he was sweating, and after another, he looked somewhat dazed.

Once Ming Rui recovered, looking at his grandmother wide-eyed and stammering, "Did you teach yourself all this?"

Zhulan’s eyes gleamed with pride, though bullying a child was nothing to boast about, "Your grandfather taught me some, and I figured out the rest myself. Do you want to see the scrap papers where I did the calculations?"

In Ming Rui’s mind, the image of his grandmother instantly overshadowed his grandfather. He had never experienced his grandfather’s prowess in Western studies, but he had personally witnessed his grandmother’s brilliance. Especially considering she was an elderly woman and had learned it all by herself, he couldn’t help feeling proud, "Yes!"

Zhulan signaled to the old servant to bring the scrap papers and handed them to Ming Rui, explaining again everything he did not understand, "Do you understand now?"