Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 618 Emperor’s Summoning_1

Zhulan hesitated, "You said a girl came knocking on our door?"

Who would have such audacity? This is the Zhou family estate, after all.

Sweat formed on Steward Ding’s forehead. If the girl hadn’t been so young, he would have thought some young master had caused trouble. "A girl around ten years old, dressed rather thinly. Her hands were so cold they turned purple. She’s now in the gatehouse."

Relief washed over Zhulan. A ten-year-old girl, thank goodness, "You go and call a doctor to take a look at her first. Nanny Song, follow him and keep an eye on her."

Nanny Song, "Yes."

Zhulan’s gaze fell upon Lady Li. Yes, it was Lady Li. When the girl’s arrival was mentioned earlier, Lady Li had visibly stiffened, only relaxing upon hearing it was a young girl. Zhulan’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Second Master Zhou had an affair? Impossible, even if Second Master Zhou was inclined to do so, he wouldn’t dare.

Lady Li felt her mother-in-law’s gaze and quickly lowered her head. She wished it was because she had smelled rouge on her husband’s clothes several times. He explained that women were present during his meetings, and she didn’t want to overthink it, yet she couldn’t help the unease in her heart.

It was because her husband interacted with all sorts of people, and she feared he would be led astray. Coupled with her own insecurities, she found herself unconsciously touching her belly, wishing she could bear another child.

Zhulan noticed Lady Li’s gesture and sighed internally. Being injured and unable to bear another child was always a sore spot for Lady Li.

Su Xuan spoke up, "Mother, the snow keeps falling without a hint of stopping. Mother, I’ll donate some silver."

Zhulan said, "There’s no rush to donate. Let’s wait and see."

Su Xuan, "Mother, when the time comes, I want to make an individual donation. With my titled status as Magistrate, everyone knows I have silver. I’d rather not contribute jointly with the family."

Zhulan, "Alright."

Zhulan signaled for her daughters-in-law to leave. Lady Li remained seated, "Mother, let me keep you company a while longer."

Zhulan did not call out Lady Li’s obvious curiosity. "Alright."

Nanny Song returned swiftly, "The young girl’s name is Deng Li, Scholar Deng’s daughter, ten years old this year. She ran away from her mother’s house."

Zhulan wasn’t convinced, "With the heavy snow blocking the roads, though the way to the capital isn’t completely shut yet, how could a young girl come to Jinzhou alone? Even if she were to seek refuge, it should be with Scholar Deng. Why would she run off to Jinzhou?"

Nanny Song explained with a smile, "It seems like a self-directed act. We’ve checked—Deng Li doesn’t have any frostbite. An adult must have brought her here. As for why she didn’t go to Scholar Deng, perhaps he wouldn’t take her in, so she created this opportunity to win sympathy. Once we take her in, Scholar Deng will have no choice but to accept her back home."

Zhulan frowned, "Send someone to look for the person who brought Deng Li here."

Considering the time, Nanny Song said, "It’s a bit late now; they’ve probably left Jinzhou City."

Zhulan was aware, "Still, go and search."

"Yes."

Having understood the situation, Lady Li asked, "Mother, Deng Yun is at our residence. Should we inform Deng Yun?"

"No need. If we can’t find the person, we’ll send Deng Li back to the capital later."

Startled, Lady Li enquired, "Mother, are you suggesting that Deng Li masterminded today’s drama?"

Zhulan chuckled softly, "You’re quite quick-witted today. Although I’ve never met this girl, I’ve heard a thing or two about her. The young girl regrets leaving the Deng family and has certainly put some thought into getting back."

She’s quite adept at seizing the opportunity during this heavy snowfall! fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

Lady Li sighed, "Mother, I’ll take my leave now."

"Go ahead."

Nanny Song returned quickly, "The person has already left the city, and the city gates are now sealed shut."

Zhulan fell silent, realizing she couldn’t send people away even if she wanted to, "Since it’s like this, arrange for Deng Li to settle in, and then give word to Deng Yun. As for meeting the person, I won’t be seeing them."

"Yes."

That evening, when Zhou Shuren came back, Zhulan spoke to him about Deng Li’s situation. Zhou Shuren said, "Since she’s here, we’ll take care of her until the roads clear up and she can be picked up by Scholar Deng."

"Hmm, what kept you busy today?"

Zhou Shuren spoke wearily, "The snow has been falling nonstop, and I feel uneasy. Fortunately, we prepared quite a few adobe bricks in advance, arranged for people to set up kang heating beds in empty houses, and relocated some residents from dilapidated homes. I didn’t idle away today, running all over the city."

Zhulan massaged Zhou Shuren’s shoulders, "You’ve worked hard."

Zhou Shuren said, "As long as the snow doesn’t stop, this is just the beginning. Only once the capital is stabilized can we welcome the refugees who will arrive in a few days."

Seeing that Granny Song wasn’t in the room, Zhulan couldn’t help but sigh, "Modernization is better after all, with much higher efficiency due to various machines."

At the thought of the snow uncleaned in the streets, Zhou Shuren’s headache worsened, "Let’s eat first, as I didn’t have a good lunch."

"Alright."

They had chicken soup for dinner, a dish that nourishes the body. Fortunately, they had prepared plenty of chickens and frozen them in advance, as the Zhou Residence was well-supplied.

In the capital, within the government hall, the Emperor examined reports from various places, relieved that this year’s heavy snowfall was not widespread, and was much better than the snowstorms of previous years. However, there was also bad news; the eastern borders were unstable and could launch attacks at any time. For the foreign clans, this snowstorm was an opportunity, and he was even more concerned that it could lead to the outbreak of war or provide a chance for some to spread rumors and incite the public.

The Emperor said to the Crown Prince, "I will have someone guard the storerooms, and you are responsible for arranging the settlement of the disaster-affected residents."

The Crown Prince said, "Yes."

The Emperor spoke to his second son, "I entrust you with the security of the capital. Listen to me, I don’t want to hear any rumors about the royal family’s lack of morals."

Second Prince, Zhang Jingyang, dared not meet his father’s gaze, "I will ensure the capital’s safety."

The Emperor addressed his third and fourth sons, "You two will assist Jingyang. I know exactly what you’re capable of. I’ve ignored your previous squabbles, but if any rumors arise this time, well, don’t blame me if I break your hands and feet."

The Second Prince shuddered to the Fourth Prince; the Emperor was serious this time!

The Emperor looked at his fifth son, "You keep a close eye on Hou Residence for me. If you can’t handle it, don’t blame me for being unmerciful."

Zhang Jinghong’s heart trembled; his competition with Yao Wenqi only saw their wit and intelligence grow, but he always felt there was a hidden message in his father’s words, something he dared not guess, "Yes."

The next day after the blizzard, even with preparations, many dilapidated houses had collapsed. Fortunately, Jinzhou Province had made early preparations, and all those left homeless had a place to stay.

Zhou Shuren was preparing to go to East City to check on the situation when Yao Zheyu arrived before he could leave the house, "Aren’t you in charge of leading people to clear the snow? Why did you come here?"

Yao Zheyu said, "I’ve come to say goodbye."

"Returning to the capital? Is the road to the capital clear?"

Yao Zheyu replied, "Not yet, but I’m taking only a few people back."

Zhou Shuren understood; carriages might not pass, but those with good skills could still make it back. It seemed the capital and Jinzhou City were not far apart, and it looked like the Emperor had summoned Yao Zheyu. Intrigued, he asked, "Could it be that you are being sent to Dongbei?"

Yao Zheyu was silent for a few seconds. Master Zhou knew quite a lot, "Yes, the border is unstable."

Zhou Shuren’s mind raced, so this assignment was not just to put Yao Zheyu through a trial but also to have him win over the commanders, "Your father wouldn’t want you to go."

Fires of war were stirring within Yao Zheyu, representing the camaraderie amongst comrades, something Yao Wenqi least wanted to see.

Yao Zheyu was well aware that Master Zhou rarely spoke so much to him. He gave a formal gesture and said, "Please continue to look after the residence, Master."

Zhou Shuren replied, "No need for courtesy, I will take note of it."