Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 1262: Passing Away

Zhou Shuren’s heart grew wary, unbidden summons were rare, and now with the new Emperor’s portrait, such a private audience always heralded an ominous premonition.

Indeed, Zhou Shuren received a list, hmm, followed by a string of family businesses attached to it.

Oh, the old powers had been thoroughly deduced by the new Emperor!

The new Emperor began, "Minister Zhou was the most trusted by my late father, and now he is a mainstay minister on whom I also heavily rely."

Zhou Shuren’s face remained solemn, yet inwardly he mused, here it comes.

The Emperor continued, "The individuals I have marked on this list, I would ask you to invite them privately for tea and a chat. As for the content of the discussion, I trust Minister Zhou understands."

Zhou Shuren, "..."

He knew this wouldn’t be good news. During the previous reign, he was valued by the Emperor. Although he was part of the rise of new power and did not initially incite jealousy from the old powers, by the time they became wary of him, he had already leaped to become an imperial relative.

Even though his career had not directly clashed with these powers, it didn’t mean he was ignorant of the noble families’ perseverance; surrendering power they held was like cutting off their own flesh!

Zhou Shuren took a deep breath, "The Emperor trusts his servant too much, but I still have self-awareness."

How about someone else goes to this verbal duel, then?

The Emperor smiled slightly, "I understand Minister Zhou well, which is why this task must be carried out by you."

He had not wanted to confront these old powers head-on just yet. Power had to be accumulated slowly and steadily; he wasn’t in a hurry. Yet, the game was inevitable. Now he had a clear understanding of the situation. These old powers, when not threatened, were fiercely competitive and as scattered as sand, but in the face of threats, they became extremely united—a troublesome situation. Therefore, the best strategy was to dissolve them internally.

Thinking it through, he concluded that the best person for the task was Zhou Shuren. His several performances had fully demonstrated his capability, his sharp tongue when dealing with others, and being unaffiliated with any power, he was the ideal candidate.

Zhou Shuren wanted to say more, but meeting the new Emperor’s trusting gaze, he fell silent. When had he given the Emperor the wrong impression that he could verbally spar with the old guard? He was not almighty!

As eunuch Zhang escorted Zhou Shuren out, he looked back at the government hall’s study regretfully, unable to see the Emperor anymore.

Zhou Shuren was already tired, and now his mind buzzed even more incessantly, tsk-tsking. The Emperor had finally begun to squeeze him for everything he was worth!

At the Zhou household, Zhulan was discussing with Su Xuan how to handle the New Year celebrations. This year meant something different for the Zhou family, not just about rising in rank, wealth, and thriving offspring but also because the threat of death hanging over the Zhou family was gone.

Thus, they had to prepare for a prosperous New Year.

Seeing her granddaughters mumbling among themselves, Zhulan addressed them, including Yushuang, "Speak up if you have any ideas."

Yushuang and the others indeed had some thoughts. Representing them, Yushuang proposed, "Grandmother, may we sisters take charge of the preparations and decorations for each courtyard?"

Zhulan smiled, "It seems you do have plans, very well, whatever you need, you may draw silver from the accounting room."

Yushuang and Yu Lu exchanged excited glances, and in unison, they exclaimed, "Thank you, Grandmother."

Su Xuan watched Yushuang and the others jot down the items needed for preparation, then turned to see her lethargic and nearly asleep daughter, and couldn’t help but feel resigned.

Su Xuan nudged her daughter, "No sleeping."

Yu Wen yawned, the room warm and inviting, and the small kang bed was toasty—such a tempting environment for sleep. Facing her mother’s threatening gaze, she sluggishly got up and sat next to her eldest sister.

Yushuang made room for Yu Wen and then, drawing her in, asked what kind of lanterns she liked.

Su Xuan finally retracted her gaze, satisfied, but Zhulan felt the mother-in-law was becoming at ease too soon.

Indeed, it hadn’t been the time it took to brew a cup of tea when Zhulan lifted her head and saw that Yu Wen already had Yushuang’s sleeve up as a shield and had leaned her little head against her sister, fast asleep.

Yushuang was a gentle eldest sister, and now she ceased speaking, her hands still, fearful of waking her slumber-loving younger sister.

Zhulan shook her head with a chuckle, there was simply no handling Yu Wen; although she was indolent, she was truly clever, learning everything quickly, so she had even more time to be lazy.

The list in Zhulan’s hands was drawn up; this year, all the servants in the estate would receive two sets of new clothes, and a few more dishes were added to the menu.

Su Xuan calculated the Silver Coin in her mind, "Mother, the Silver used for this year’s festival is double that of last year’s."

Zhulan was pleased, "This year is a year of celebration; these Silvers are but a trifle."

Su Xuan smiled as she stowed away the list, just about to say something when Steward Ding rushed in, "Mistress, Duke Ning is gone."

Zhulan paused in shock, "That’s so sudden."

She often saw the Empress Dowager and would occasionally hear some news of the Duke Residence. Just days before, the Empress Dowager had mentioned the Old Duke was in good health, capable of devouring a plateful of dumplings in one sitting.

Steward Ding replied, "Someone has already been sent to inquire."

Zhulan said, "You go yourself and take a look."

Steward Ding, "Yes."

After Steward Ding left, Su Xuan added, "This is so unexpected."

Zhulan sighed deeply, "Yes, I thought the Old Duke would live several more years."

Unfortunately, no one can resist death when their time comes.

The death of Duke Ning was very sudden, so sudden because the Old Duke went asleep at noon and never woke again, passing away during his nap with a fairly peaceful expression on his face.

Ning Xu became the mainstay of the Duke Residence; after dispatching a Servant to spread the news, he calmly dressed his father and had the coffin, prepared in advance, brought forth.

The younger generation of the Duke Residence was at the Academy and not present in the estate, leaving only the wailing great-granddaughter; Mrs. Song was also busy hanging white mourning decorations and the like.

Ning Xu, however, remained composed, for his father had indeed been a bit unusual these past days, insisting that he stay and not return to the Hou Residence, telling him stories of the past every day, occasionally muttering to himself.

He had a premonition but seeing his father eat and drink well, he only paid attention and didn’t think too much about it. He never expected the old master to pass away so abruptly.

Ning Xu’s eyes reddened, as the Old Duke had said that he had no more concerns, therefore he had nothing to bequeath. Indeed, there was nothing left to bequeath; all that should have been divided had been divided, all that should have been arranged had been arranged.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Ning Zhiqi received the news with some disbelief, but, seeing the tearful eyes of the household servants, he had to believe it; his grandfather had truly passed. In a panic, he left without asking for leave, taking his servants and rushing back home.

Zhou Shuren learned of the news, Ning Zhiqi had already left the Ministry of Revenue, and Zhou Shuren was also somewhat stunned, realizing that the Old Duke who represented an era was truly gone.

The Retired Emperor didn’t come today; he and the Empress Dowager were playing chess when they heard the news.

After receiving the news, the chessboard was overturned in the Empress Dowager’s flurry, scattering the chess pieces all over the ground. Though flustered, she quickly calmed herself and went with her Female Officer to change her clothes.

The Retired Emperor sat in silence, eventually sighing before rising to change his clothes as well, planning to accompany his wife to the Duke Residence.

Xue Han changed into her mourning attire quickly, then came to wait with her mother-in-law.

It took the longest for those returning from the Academy to the Duke Residence, as the Academy was further away.

When the carriage of the Qin Prince Residence arrived at the Duke Residence, the Empress Dowager stepped out but hesitated at the entrance; she regretted it, regretted that after leaving the palace, she hadn’t spent more time with her father.