Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 568 Caring for Younger Brother_1

Zhou Shuren thought it was some other matter, and he indeed held a high opinion of Lord Wang, willing to give face without sticking to the bottom line, but taking on an apprentice was out of the question, not only because it was troublesome, but also because he wanted to use his precious free time to educate Chang Zhi and his grandson.

For now, passing the responsibility for Chang Zhi onto Chang Lian was not feasible; who knew when Chang Lian would be capable of taking it over? In the end, he had to shoulder the burden himself. In order to ensure a good life for both himself and Chang Lian, he needed to seriously deal with this issue concerning Chang Zhi.

As for his grandson, the boy was the foundation of the Zhou family. Although he did not teach him hand-in-hand like Mingyun did, he would still make time for instruction.

Since having a son, many problems extended beyond just the responsibilities of inheritance.

Therefore, even if He Shu was an excellent candidate, he would not be swayed. Currently, Wu Ming had not yet shined brightly, and Shi Qing had curried enough favor, along with Yao Zheyu, who was also trying to gain his favor, so he really did not need to bring more talent into his fold.

He Shu felt dejected. Lord Zhou, the nobleman he had heard Uncle Wang mention the most, whose tone carried such admiration—an admiration he aspired to feel. However, he quickly adjusted his attitude, accepting that what was not fated for him might yet prove to be a lucky escape.

Though Zhou Shuren was chatting with Wong Ju, their gaze still lingered on He Shu. Both were satisfied with the young man’s change of expressions.

In Zhou village, Rongchuan rose to find lunch already prepared. After washing his face and stepping outside, he saw that his brother-in-law and Jiang Zhu had received letters and returned home.

After taking his seat, Rongchuan apologized, "I was exhausted from traveling last night and fell asleep. I couldn’t stay awake to greet my brother-in-law; it was my fault."

Jiang Sheng said with a smile, "This is your own home, Rongchuan; there’s no need for formality."

Jiang Sheng was somewhat absent-minded. Having not seen Rongchuan in just over half a year, the young man seemed to have changed a lot, exuding an aura of nobility in every move. This was far from a boy raised by his maternal grandparents; he was more like the son of a noble family.

Xue Mei’s eyes curved with happiness. Rongchuan was a member of her maternal family. With relatives visiting, she felt joy, especially since she had been pregnant, "Don’t just talk, hurry up and eat."

Rongchuan was indeed hungry, noticing that the dishes were all from a restaurant.

Following Rongchuan’s gaze, Jiang Sheng said with a laugh, "You know your sister’s cooking skills. So, we ordered the dishes from a restaurant."

Rongchuan thought of his aunt’s cooking skills. Now she did not even step into the kitchen; probably, she had lost her talent for making soup, "Sister Xue Mei, Xia Mo and Liu Sanliang are not bad cooks. Let them handle the cooking these days."

Xue Mei felt embarrassed. Without servants at home, her mother-in-law had been cooking, and she had been helping. She hadn’t insisted on doing otherwise, "That would be much appreciated."

After the meal, as Rongchuan watched Xue Mei’s in-laws return to their room, he felt reassured about her relationship with them. He could go back and tell his aunt, easing her mind.

Jiang Sheng said, "This place is like your own home, don’t be shy about anything."

As for helping with studies, he wouldn’t make that request. As fellow sons-in-law, Rongchuan was considered a son in the Zhou family, while his father-in-law, Graduate Meng, and the teachers at the Academy were all beyond his reach.

Rongchuan smiled and nodded, "Hmm."

Rongchuan had taken a nap in the morning and was feeling quite refreshed. "Brother-in-law, I’d like to visit the Clan school," he said.

Jiang Sheng replied with a smile, "Okay, let’s go together in a bit."

A quarter-hour later, Rongchuan, wearing a cloak and holding Jiang Zhu’s hand, walked down the familiar streets. "I wonder if it’s just my imagination, but why does it seem that Zhou village has more people now?"

Jiang Sheng’s mouth curled up in a smile. "There are two reasons for that. First, because of your father-in-law, no one dares to cause trouble in Zhou village, so some people have moved here. Second, the Clan school in Zhou village. We owe thanks to your father-in-law for providing a great number of books, and with the income from dozens of acres of land each year, there’s enough silver to pay the teachers. The school has hired two more teachers, so many people from nearby towns bring their children to attend, even kids from the county come here, all wanting to connect with the Zhou family, hoping to talk to your father-in-law one day, at least to get a bit of goodwill."

The gifts he received every quarter were quite considerable. Even if he refused them, people would find all kinds of reasons to deliver them into his hands.

Rongchuan laughed softly, "That’s nothing. The Academy in Jinzhou Province is where the real action is."

As a son-in-law, he went from being scorned to ignored, then to being fawned over. All these changes in attitude came because of his uncle. That’s how realistic people are.

Jiang Sheng looked at Rongchuan and thought that he couldn’t compare, but he didn’t wish to compete either. He was a contented person who also loved teaching, and a clan school was the perfect place for him.

At the Zhou Clan School, Rongchuan met the Clan Leader Zhou and hurriedly went forward to greet him, "Clan Leader, good day."

Clan Leader Zhou smiled warmly, "I heard you had returned, and I thought I might see you at the clan school. And here you are."

Rongchuan smiled, "I was planning to visit you tomorrow."

Clan Leader Zhou sighed. The once thin boy had now become a noble young man. He pondered and wondered what Zhou Shuren had turned into now. He was glad Zhou Shuren still held the Zhou family in his thoughts. "Come, let’s sit inside."

Rongchuan deeply respected Clan Leader Zhou, "Yes."

That evening, at the Zhou Residence, Zhulan heard Zhou Shuren mention He Shu and recounted the incident that had occurred at the beginning of the year, "So it seems this youngster doesn’t even know whom he helped back then."

Zhou Shuren, "There was such a thing? How come you never spoke of it before?"

Zhulan, "It wasn’t anything major, so I didn’t bring it up at the time."

Zhou Shuren smiled, "Seems like He Shu is somewhat related to us by fate."

"But you won’t take him as a disciple even with that fate."

Zhou Shuren kissed his son’s cheek, "Indeed, while I refused, I think Wong Ju will take him."

When Zhulan thought of Su Xuan’s words, "Madame Tao has been complaining quite a bit, and Minister Wong seems eager to pass the buck."

Zhou Shuren snorted, "I don’t see it happening. Minister Wong is hot-headed, but if Minister Wang asked Wong Ju to approach me on behalf of He Shu, it shows he values He Shu highly. Minister Wang wouldn’t agree."

In the capital, the Crown Prince hadn’t gone back to rest yet. A lot of things needed his attention since the beginning of the year. After handling everything, his neck was all stiff. He stood up and rubbed his neck before saying, "Father, everything has been dealt with."

After that, the Crown Prince looked at the Emperor, who was leisurely eating fruit and reading a book, and fell silent. He was happy that his father entrusted him with most matters, but his father didn’t need to show his leisure quite so obviously!

The Emperor wiped his hands, "It’s getting late; you should also return."

The Crown Prince, "....Yes."

He seemed to be going back later and later recently. Since the year began, it had been a while since he’d visited the back palace, and he hadn’t had many chances to spend time with the Crown Princess Consort. The Emperor wanted granddaughters; he would have to wait.

The Emperor picked up a book and suddenly asked, "Has the fifth brother’s health improved?"

The Crown Prince stopped in his tracks, "Yes, he has recovered."

He had been staying in for some days now. With the new year approaching spring, the fifth brother had started going out again and had even visited the Hou Residence yesterday.

The Emperor didn’t lift his head, "Being the eldest and the Crown Prince, you should take more care of your unmarried brothers."

The Crown Prince replied pensively, "Indeed, the fifth brother has grown a year older."

The Emperor lifted his head to look at his eldest son standing in the doorway. He truly had the air of his younger days, "You should watch carefully."

The Crown Prince, "....Yes."