Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 1230: Want to Live a Little Easier

Zhulan asked Steward Ding, "You said some foreigners came looking for Chang Yi?"

Steward Ding replied, "Yes, several foreigners came looking for the second master, who is not at home today as he is taking his rest."

Zhulan knew why the foreigners had come; it was about these very foreigners that the court had convened early this morning. Although she was not as knowledgeable about history as Zhou Shuren, she was aware of the humiliating past. "Just tell the truth, that will do."

Steward Ding, who had been with the family from the earliest times, may not have thoroughly understood the dispositions of the members of the household, but he was familiar with them to a degree, and the mistress’s indifferent attitude clearly displayed her disdain for the foreigners. "Yes."

In his heart, Steward Ding was puzzled because both the second master and the mistress had an affinity for books by foreigners. That was why he had specifically asked the mistress, thinking she might wish to meet them. To his surprise, she directed that the foreigners be sent away.

At the gatehouse, the two foreigners spoke their foreign language without restraint, leaving the gatekeeper utterly bewildered. Years ago, the gatekeeper had been curious about foreigners due to their rarity, but having seen more over the years, he became indifferent, the only issue being the language barrier, especially since he wouldn’t understand even if they were discussing secrets. As a result, he began to dislike the foreigners.

Steward Ding returned, "The second master is not at home, please return another time."

The two men furrowed their brows, having arrived very early, thinking that Zhou Changyi would be home. Suspecting they had been deceived, they had no choice but to leave.

For the Zhou household, the foreigners harbored hatred because many customs tariffs were associated with Lord Zhou, yet they could not afford to offend him, so they had no choice but to leave with their gifts in hand.

Early in the morning, Chang Yi had gone to Marquis Rong’s Residence. He had tasked Marquis Rong Enqing’s caravan to find foreign books to bring back to the country, and the day before yesterday, Rong Enqing had informed him that the caravan had arrived in the capital.

Rong Enqing had already moved all the books out, "Aside from a few foreign books that could not be obtained and countries we did not visit, we have gathered nearly everything. They are all here."

Boxes filled with books covered the entire room, over a dozen large boxes.

Chang Yi said, "Thank you."

Rong Enqing responded, "You have paid silver, there is no need for thanks, but there are so many books. I have browsed through them, and there are as many as a dozen different languages."

Chang Yi smiled, "I plan to sort out the books not held by the Ministry of Rites, then donate them so that foreigners can translate them, and I will copy them afterward."

Rong Enqing laughed, "That is indeed a good plan."

Chang Yi, noticing Rong Enqing in casual attire, "Isn’t today a working day for the Maritime Affairs Administration, why are you at home?"

Rong Enqing spread his hands, "I am now worry-free. The Maritime Affairs Administration has been turned into a sinecure, and from now on, I’ll just be a leisurely Marquis."

Chang Yi was surprised, "But you have made achievements."

Rong Enqing spoke sincerely, "Ever since birth, I’ve lived with schemes, and I have grown tired of scheming up to this day. Now that I have status and support, I want to live an idle life."

It was the truth. He was too exhausted. From his youth, he had competed with the legitimate heir, and then he had always lived amidst plotting. As he entered the whirlwind of court life, the endless days of cunning and intrigue had aged his heart.

And once the Crown Prince ascended to the throne, he would not be lenient toward him simply because he was from the Rong family. It was better to retire at the most opportune time, for the good of all.

Upon reflection, Chang Yi thought, "That might be for the best."

Inside the Palace, Rongchuan wasn’t beaten much; the blows were controlled, and the best ointments were very effective. Rongchuan would be able to walk by himself today.

In the hall, Xue Han tugged at the clothes on her body, "I am still not used to wearing something so elaborate."

Living in the Palace was too troublesome, with attendants following her around, making even dressing an ordeal.

Rongchuan walked for a bit and then sat down. He also disliked living in the Palace, "I’ll go back once I’m healed."

At this point, he paused, realizing that there was no going back to the Ning Duke Residence. After his return, the Ning Duke Residence had already packed up everything he had used.

Rongchuan sighed, "Once I’m fully recovered, I’ll visit my grandfather and my third uncle, and then I’ll go back with you to your father’s house."

Xue Han saw that the palace maids around her had all left and sat down beside him. "Did mother tell you how to compensate Duke Ning’s Residence?"

Rongchuan took his wife’s hand, touching her sharp fingernails and bringing back unpleasant memories. He really twisted it yesterday, and the inside of his thigh must be bruised. "Father told me that he gave grandfather two choices, either the Duke Residence retains its hereditary position for three generations without a decrease in rank, or the Ning Duke Residence does."

Xue Han, "Father, no, what does third uncle have in mind?"

With Rongchuan’s return to the Royal family, the third uncle no longer had an heir. The Royal family’s giving of this choice was actually dependent on what the third uncle decided. If the third uncle was willing to select an heir, the title would be kept; if not, the compensation would have to be provided to the Duke Residence.

Rongchuan had his own calculations, "Third uncle will not adopt an heir."

He understood that if the third uncle had wanted to adopt, he would have done so while he still held the title of marquis.

Xue Han remembered how kind third uncle had been to them, truly treating her husband as his own son. Now, the one in a difficult position was her husband, and she held his hand comforting him.

In the Zhou family, Zhulan was checking the provisions for Lady Dong and the children to ensure nothing was missing, and only after confirming everything did she put down the list and say to Old Madam Song, "You’ll go on my behalf this time, and when you return, you can retire from the residence."

Now that the crisis was over, and with Qing Xue still by her side, Old Madam Song could retire and enjoy her later years.

Old Madam Song sincerely said, "This old servant thanks you for your care over the years."

Zhulan, "You have also helped me a lot."

At this moment, Steward Ding came in to report that the carriage was ready, and they were only waiting to load the luggage before setting off.

In the afternoon, the statement Zhou Shuren made at the court still managed to leak out. This time, Zhou Shuren had been very clear in his stance, and as a result of that clear stance, Zhou Shuren had drawn the full enmity of the foreigners.

Faced with Zhang Jinghong’s questioning, Zhou Shuren didn’t beat around the bush, admitting openly, "I have always believed that ’those not of our kind must have a different heart.’ My speech at court today was not without aim."

Zhang Jinghong, "Sir, our nation is a great power with thousands of years of heritage. The foreigners are separated from us by the sea. Could it be that you’re overthinking things?"

Zhou Shuren wasn’t angry. Zhang Jinghong wasn’t his student, and besides, Zhang Jinghong’s thoughts represented those of the majority. A civilization that has shone brightly for thousands of years was indeed something to be proud of. "The foreigners have separated many countries with the sea, yet they rely on continually improved technology to explore. Many countries along the various maritime routes have foreigners present. Being separated by the sea is no safe barrier; all barriers crumble before absolute military power."

Zhou Shuren was patient because he felt Zhang Jinghong could become an ally. He took the time to explain the history of the foreigners to Zhang Jinghong in detail.

Zhang Jinghong was taken aback, "Developing so rapidly?"

Zhou Shuren smiled, "Indeed."

Zhang Jinghong grew concerned as well, sensing the foreigners’ ambition from Zhou Shuren’s narrative.

Zhou Shuren was satisfied, and as for the few foreign officials who came looking for him at the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren dismissed them, claiming he was busy.

The next day, Zhou Shuren heard that the foreigners had requested an audience with the Emperor, but they ended up meeting the Crown Prince instead. The foreigners in jail remained unleased.

Two days later, Rongchuan and his wife, with their child, returned to the Zhou residence. Afterwards, leaving their child behind, the couple went to the Duke Residence.

Lady Li was usually very casual, but even she felt something was off. "Mother, little sister seemed hesistant to speak earlier. Is something wrong?"

Lady Li couldn’t help but worry. Rongchuan was a Prince; could he really remain devoted to her younger sister alone? Would the Empress and the Emperor allow it? The various prince’s residences certainly had no shortage of concubines.