Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 749 Recognition_1

Zhou Shuren and Grand Master Xiao emerged from the palace quite late, and on their way back to the Ministry of Revenue, they could see many carriages — these were the officials returning home after their duties.

Arriving at the Ministry of Revenue, Xiao Qing dismounted the carriage and said, "You too should tidy up and head home to rest soon!"

Zhou Shuren clearly understood that they must have secured the silver now; the Grand Master of Writing had regained his confidence, "Yes."

Qiu Yan’s expression was still relatively calm. Since things had already been settled, he wouldn’t foolishly continue to engage in minor schemes, "Master Zhou has returned."

Zhou Shuren replied with a smile, "Yes, the Grand Master of Writing said that everyone at the Ministry of Revenue can go home and rest today. Mr. Qiu, I will be taking my leave first."

Qiu Yan was stunned for a moment, then felt a sense of unease in his heart. Now that they could go home and rest, they must have found a way to get a significant amount of silver, "Well, that’s good. I will tidy up and head home as well."

By now, Grand Master Xiao had already sent someone to notify all the departments in the Ministry of Revenue. When Zhou Shuren came out, he encountered many officials from the Ministry of Revenue heading home.

The officials from the Ministry of Revenue all knew that the Grand Master of Writing and Zhou Shuren had entered the palace today. They had been flattering Zhou Shuren the past few days, not much of it sincere. Now, as they greeted him, Zhou Shuren could feel the recognition from the officials of the Ministry of Revenue.

Less than half an hour later, at the Zhou residence, the family had already finished their meal when Zhou Shuren arrived home.

Zhulan was pleasantly surprised, "Why didn’t you notify us earlier that you would be coming home today?"

Zhou Shuren explained, "I went to the palace today. It was very late when I came out, and the Grand Master of Writing said we could go back to rest. There was no time to send a message ahead. I’m going to change out of my clothes, you all eat first."

Zhulan stood up, "I’ll accompany you."

Chang Lian and the others set down their chopsticks. With both parents gone, they did not dare to start eating, choosing instead to wait for their parents.

Xue Han was in charge of the household, directing a maid to prepare two dishes that father liked.

Zhou Shuren first went to freshen up after returning to his room, "The resting quarters at the Ministry of Revenue are not bad, but they are nowhere near as comfortable as home. It’s always better to rest at home."

Zhulan, holding a set of clothes, asked, "Can you come home to rest in the future, too?"

Zhou Shuren said, "Today, the Grand Master of Writing is in high spirits. I might not be able to come back tomorrow. But at most, it’ll be busy until the army returns to the capital."

Zhulan chuckled, "As long as you can come home to rest, it’s good."

By the time Zhulan and Zhou Shuren sat down for their meal, the equivalent of two cups of tea time had passed, and the dishes on the table had been reheated.

Zhou Shuren saw everyone waiting for him and couldn’t deny he felt something; this was his children showing him respect, "Let’s eat, everyone."

With that, he picked up his chopsticks. Zhou Shuren spotted his favorite dishes. The Ministry of Revenue’s chef did not yet know his preferences, and since he had been dining with Mr. Qiu, the flavors leaned more towards Mr. Qiu’s palate — too bland for his taste.

Chang Lian observed his father’s relaxed demeanor, void of any forlorn expressions, and felt reassured. It seemed like the Ministry of Revenue’s silver issues had been resolved. He had noted his father mentioned going to the palace, indicating the solution had come from his father’s initiative. His father was truly formidable, having now solidified his position at the Ministry of Revenue. He waited eagerly to see Shen Yang’s reaction.

Chang Lian’s mood lifted, and he picked up his wine cup, "Father, I’d like to propose a toast to you."

Zhou Shuren felt much more relaxed as well, bearing the greatest pressure, and replied with a smile, "Good."

After dinner, Zhulan and Zhou Shuren sat together in the courtyard, "The weather is overcast; it looks like it’s going to rain."

Zhou Shuren, with his belly full and enjoying the cool breeze, felt perfectly content, "Indeed." novelbuddy.cσ๓

Zhulan leaned back in her chair. Having Zhou Shuren by her side was comforting. Although they were both in the capital, when Zhou Shuren didn’t come home, she constantly worried about him. Unable to resist, she stretched out her hand and grasped her husband’s hand.

Zhou Shuren reciprocated the grip. Now he had a reason to earn silver, and to ensure he could come home every day to rest, he certainly didn’t want to slog like the former officials of the Ministry of Revenue!

In the Crown Prince’s residence, the Crown Prince had already sent someone to notify the Xu family. The Crown Prince did not want the Xu family to take in the jewelry — he did not want to get involved but simply informed them of the tax increase. After all, the Xu family was loyal and useful to him.

The Crown Prince sat in his study, Zhou Shuren’s entire dossier laid out on his desk. He scrutinized it once more, with the only dissatisfaction being Zhou Shuren’s age — he wasn’t young, and the Emperor showed no sign of abdicating any time soon.

Thinking about abdication, the Crown Prince squinted his eyes before they cleared once more — he was in no rush.

The next morning, Zhou Shuren woke up early for the imperial court session. Today was the Grand Court Gathering, meant for discussing the tax increment and the royal library affairs. Regularly, they held the Routine Court Sessions, yes, and then there were Grand Court Gatherings, which were held only on specific occasions like New Year’s Day and Dong Zhi, and were not for debating political affairs.

Not all capital officials were entitled to attend the court sessions, and those participating had their own tokens. Attendance was also monitored, and any sick leave or personal leave had to be applied for in advance.

In the court hall, as a third-rank official, Zhou Shuren’s place was towards the back. The hall could not accommodate all officials; many stood outside, which was fortunate as the early morning rain had stopped.

Today, Zhou Shuren had only to lend an ear. Whether it was the tax increment or the royal library, the Emperor and the Grand Master of Writing were present to handle it!

When the tax increase was proposed, no opposition arose; it was common knowledge that the treasury was low on silver. With the army returning and the south in urgent need of silver, the support from the Minister of War was loudest. Furthermore, the Emperor started by advocating for a tax increase, indicating his mind was made up, leaving no room for dissent.

Zhou Shuren silently reflected on how formidable the Founding Emperor was. Look, despite many families having overseas trade, not a soul dared to utter a word.

The matter of the royal library, however, stirred debate. A back-and-forth volley of words ensued. Ah, and there were plenty more attempting to curry favor with the Emperor with their flattery — extolling the Emperor’s sagacity. Of course, there were also sincere remarks, mostly from officials who came from humble beginnings and knew the struggle of aspiring individuals who couldn’t afford books.

Throughout the entire Grand Court, Zhou Shuren remained as inconspicuous as part of the scenery, and even looked around for Mr. Qi. Ah, Mr. Qi seemed even more like a prop than Zhou Shuren, not moving until the gathering finally dispersed.

Zhou Shuren admired that level of composure, something he realized he still had to learn.

Xiao Qing was in good spirits today. Of the three from the Ministry of Revenue who attended the Grand Court, he addressed Zhou Shuren and Qiu Yan, "Let’s go."

Qiu Yan, having finally digested the news from the court, looked at Zhou Shuren with a complex gaze, admitting a grudging respect, "Master Zhou, I hope to learn much from you in the future."

Zhou Shuren responded with a smile, "It is I who dare not presume to teach, let us learn from each other."

Xiao Qing was exceptionally pleased, well aware of Qiu Yan’s past schemes, but had not wanted to intervene. Zhou Shuren, through his own capability, had earned Qiu Yan’s respect. Excellent, excellent. If his left and right arms could coexist peacefully, he too could breathe somewhat easier.