Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 518 Confusion_1

Su Xuan also couldn’t figure it out, "The Yao family doesn’t have relatives here, and being fifteen, she should be eager to get engaged instead of going out at will."

Zhulan looked at the somewhat weary expression on Su Xuan’s face. Su Xuan wouldn’t have visited the Lin Residence if not to protect Xue Han today. Zhulan patted Su Xuan’s hand, "You’ve also had a tiring day, go back and rest first."

Su Xuan was indeed exhausted. She had stayed up too late the night before. Ahem, it wasn’t because of horsing around, it was her fault. She knew her husband liked books. So, she borrowed two from her cousin-in-law’s place, and because of them, her husband wouldn’t let go even late into the night.

She was so annoyed that she clenched her teeth and dragged him back to bed. But her bedmate tossed and turned without sleeping. Having lost her parents when she was young, she lacked a sense of security and was a light sleeper. This time, she ended up staying awake for most of the night.

Thinking about this made Su Xuan so furious. Holding back the anger, she returned to her courtyard. There, she saw Zhou Changzhi engrossed in reading. She told herself not to get angry, but after circling around Zhou Changzhi twice and getting no reaction from him, she couldn’t hold back, "Zhou Changzhi."

Zhou Changzhi jumped in fright, the book in his hand dropping onto the table. Seeing his wife gritting her teeth, his hands reacted faster than his brain, instinctively covering his ears, "You can’t twist them anymore. I didn’t even go out with my third brother today because he asked. My ears are still red!"

Su Xuan’s anger vanished in an instant, and she laughed with a "pfft," "You still have the nerve to be embarrassed?"

Zhou Changzhi gave her an are-you-dumb look, "It’s for your own good. Your reputation isn’t great as it is, and I didn’t want to add ’fierce tiger mom’ to it, even though it’s true."

After saying that, Zhou Changzhi felt pitiful for himself. They hadn’t been married that long, and Su Xuan was already daring to twist his ears. Women change so quickly; she was still extremely gentle just a few days ago!

Su Xuan was moved at first, but after hearing that, her moved feelings disappeared, "Should I be thanking you then?"

"Of course not. My lady, could you borrow two more books for me?"

His father had even borrowed books from Mr. Wang, showing how rich Mr. Wang’s library collection must be. These two books just weren’t enough!

Su Xuan picked up the book on the table, "Sorry, but no. There’re still books that haven’t been put away."

Zhou Changzhi was taken aback. His books... He stood up anxiously, grabbing his wife’s hand and drawing closer to give her a quick kiss on the lips. Seeing his wife in a daze, it seemed effective. He snatched the book from her hand and hurriedly slipped away.

Su Xuan’s face turned beet red. How could he dare to do that outside? Even if she were bolder, she wouldn’t dare. Zhou Changzhi! She stomped her foot and quickly returned to her room.

In the study, Zhou Changzhi saw his wife didn’t chase after him, and his eyes sparkled with realization. Enlightened!

Zhulan didn’t ask Shi Qing right away. She waited to tell Zhou Shuren about Mr. Wang’s intentions in the evening.

Zhou Shuren, "You don’t need to worry about this matter; I’ll speak to Mr. Wang myself."

Zhulan truly didn’t want to deal with it, but then she remembered Wu Ning. Ever since the girl came back, she’d rarely left the courtyard. Massaging her temples, this was also headache-inducing. She just hoped that once Shi Qing left, Wu Ning could give up. The girl thought she was good at hiding it. Thankfully, Wu Ning was still young, so it might just be a crush.

Muttering to herself, Zhulan sighed, "Girls in ancient times really mature early, huh!"

What was she doing at twelve? Attending various cram schools, her mind filled with academics, not thinking about anything else, homework after getting home. Clearly, there was too little schoolwork, Zhulan thought. Maybe it was time to hire another tutor and assign more homework.

Zhou Shuren had changed his clothes, "What did you say?"

Zhulan remarked, "I said our daughter met the legitimate daughter of the Yao Hou Residence at the Lin family’s place. Do you know why the Yao family’s daughter came to Jinzhou City?"

Zhou Shuren indeed knew, "It’s for the Fifth Prince."

Zhulan, "Ah? But hadn’t the Fifth Prince left?"

Zhou Shuren had learned from the Princely Heir. He too was puzzled. He had little to do with the Princely Heir, each minding their own business, yet the Princely Heir had shared such important news with him. Nevertheless, the news was indeed useful. Aware that Old Madame Song wasn’t around, Zhou Shuren still lowered his voice, "He’s injured. Judging by the time, he should arrive at Jinzhou City in about two days."

Zhulan thought to herself that since he had returned, his injuries must be severe—someone had attacked him with lethal intent, "So, by the sound of it, you won’t be returning to the capital?"

Zhou Shuren sighed, acknowledging Zhulan’s grasp of the key point, "Yes, staying in Jinzhou Province to recover."

Zhulan was at a loss for words—didn’t the Emperor intend to bring back the Fifth Prince after letting him out? "However, the Hou Residence seems very well-informed. Su Xuan mentioned that Miss Yao had been here for two days already."

Zhou Shuren said in a deep voice, "Too well-informed indeed."

The Princely Heir knew that this was exactly what Yao Zheyu did in secret; the Emperor had given Yao Zheyu considerable power. It was not surprising that Yao Zheyu knew since the information passed through him. This time the Fifth Prince’s secret return was known to very few, yet the Hou Residence knew beforehand.

Zhulan felt there was something odd about it, "The Hou Residence shouldn’t be so careless, right? Miss Yao leaving the capital alone is conspicuous enough. Following that to the Fifth Prince secretly returning could expose him, unless... they intended to expose the Fifth Prince?"

Zhou Shuren narrowed his eyes, "No, that’s still not right, too deliberate. I always feel like we’re overlooking something."

Zhulan stayed in the inner residence. In ancient times, her freedom was greatly restricted; most of what she knew came from Zhou Shuren, and the rest from chatting with the wives of other government officials. She really couldn’t guess anymore. Seeing that Granny Song had returned, Zhulan said, "The meal is ready, let’s eat first."

Zhou Shuren relaxed his eyebrows, "Good."

Inside the Palace, the Crown Prince looked troubled as he watched his father drinking tea.

The Emperor couldn’t stand it any longer; it had been an afternoon already, and the prince was still hesitating. It was amusing at first, but now it was irritating, "If you have something to say, just say it."

The Crown Prince steeled his heart, "Your Majesty, may I personally visit my fifth brother?"

The Emperor set down his tea cup, "No."

The Crown Prince narrowed his eyes, "As you wish."

He had already gotten the answer he wanted; his afternoon of acting had not been in vain.

The Emperor looked at the Crown Prince with amusement in his eyes. He was becoming quite capable, and much bolder; he even tried to test his father. The Emperor rose and circled the Crown Prince a few times, "I’ve just realized today that you are the boldest of all."

The Crown Prince accepted the accusation in silence, his boldness had always been greatest, but trapped in the position of the Crown Prince, he dared not show it.

The Emperor was pleased. His son dared to test him today, which also meant that the boy was beginning to trust him. This was a good sign.

At the residence of the Fourth Prince, the fourth prince listened to the report, puzzled. He wasn’t the one who had hurt the fifth brother; his men hadn’t even made a move before the fifth almost died.

By the time his men arrived, another group had already killed them.

This time, during the fifth brother’s return, he had ordered several ambushes, yet before they could strike, someone else did. To avoid further elimination, they simply followed without acting.

The Fourth Prince felt his wits were insufficient. Had he misjudged his second and third brothers? Were these two also ruthless? After all, were they not the sons of the Emperor!

At the residence of the Second Prince, the second prince was also bewildered. He hadn’t sent anyone, but within the men dispatched by the fourth brother, some were his. He too, was well-informed. It seemed it must have been the work of the third brother; unexpectedly, it was him who was the true ruthless one.

The next day, at the Jinzhou Government Office, Zhou Shuren personally sought out Official Wang. The moment he entered, he saw Official Wang leafing through documents, his desk piled high with aging records. Zhou Shuren touched his nose, "Official Wang."

Official Wang felt dizzy from all the reading, but upon seeing Zhou Shuren, he said, "I’m already very busy."

As if to say, don’t give me any more work; this is enough to kill him.