Chapter 1747: Chapter 1747: The Upside of Lying Low

Chang Xhong raised his brow, “From what you’re saying, you also investigated?”

Zeze nodded, “For the safety of the Qin Prince Residence, I naturally have to investigate. I’ve already sent people to investigate the An family, but it will take some time for the information to come back.”

Chang Xhong spoke with a steady voice, “I don’t think Jia Qing is the issue; it should be related to his background.”

Zeze smiled, “Even so, it needs to be thoroughly checked.”

Chang Xhong appreciatively embraced his nephew, “As expected of the future Prince Qin.”

Zeze felt a bit embarrassed, “Uncle.”

“Come, let’s go and have some fun. Don’t always frown; anyone who doesn’t know might think the Qin Prince Residence is struggling!”

Zeze thought to himself, he also wanted to be happy, but unfortunately could not be. Too many people wanted to win him over, and keeping a stern expression deterred a lot of trouble.

Wu Shangheng approached quietly, asking in a low voice, “Princely Heir, how is the princess?”

Zeze, “Elder cousin sister.”

Wu Shangheng perked up his ears, feeling somewhat anxious. Since the Empress Dowager passed away, his opportunities to see the princess had reduced further, and he was eager to know any news.

Zeze decided not to tease him anymore, “Elder cousin sister asked me to send a message to let Young Master Wu be at ease.”

Wu Shangheng’s smile widened, feeling reassured that the Emperor’s anger had subsided, “Thank you, Princely Heir.”

During the New Year, the Zhou Residence was bustling, while the Wong Residence was quite the opposite, without a smile in sight.

In a flash, the seventh day passed. Chang Xhong set off to return to his hometown, taking an extra person with him, as Ming Hui changed his mind after the new year and decided to go back to take the scholar examination.

The two returning together put the family at ease, and the convoy was long, mostly consisting of gifts being taken back to their hometown.

After Chang Xhong left, the Hou Residence became much quieter, and Wu Shangheng had already departed on the third day.

Zhulan’s thoughts were all with the Wong family, and Yu Lu, who did not return home, sent word back saying the old master had only a few days left, but he managed to hold on past the seventh day.

At noon, there was no news from the Wong family. Instead, news arrived that the Duke of Yongan Residence had brought evidence and accused someone.

Zhulan raised her eyebrows, finding the Duke Residence smart for not resorting to private revenge but instead acting openly.

In the evening, Zhou Shuren returned and spoke about the matter, “They have already accepted the charge sheet.”

Zhulan asked, “Were they all arrested?”

“With conclusive evidence, several people have been detained; this time, they won’t be able to escape.”

Zhulan handed over a handkerchief, “A well-played public strategy.”

Zhou Shuren wiped his hands dry, “The Duke does not want to leave any evidence to be held against him.”

Zhulan responded, “Over the years, the Duke Residence has been keeping a low profile, making it difficult for the noble families in the south to cause trouble.”

Sometimes, keeping a low profile has its benefits — fewer weaknesses!

Zhou Shuren laughed, “Qiu Yan also said as much today. If the Duke truly plays the public strategy, these noble families cannot win out in the open, and they will resort to underhanded tactics.”

“That would mean creating something out of nothing.”

Zhou Shuren pointed upwards, “Let’s see how this one up there maintains balance.”

Zhulan added, “This year, there are three from the Duke of Yongan Residence taking the imperial examination.”

“It’s difficult to make the list.”

Zhulan thought the same, a result of karma!

Early the next day, Zhou Shuren had just gotten up when Qing Xue, who was waiting outside, came in, “Mr. Hou, the Wong family has sent a letter saying the old man passed away in the later half of the night.”

Zhou Shuren paused in the middle of putting on his shoes. His nose felt sour, and after a moment, he said, “Have Jin Yan send a leave request to the court.”

Qing Xue bowed her head, “Yes.”

Zhulan also got up, “We should actually be happy, as the old man has gone to enjoy his peace.”

Enduring the torment of a long illness is not something everyone can bear.

Zhou Shuren got up to find his clothes, which were easy to locate as all his clothes this year were in plain colors, “We will go over once it’s a bit brighter.”

Zhulan looked at the sky outside, “Let’s wait until it brightens a little.”

“Mm.”

The couple washed up quickly, and breakfast was brought in. Qing Xue knew his master had no appetite, so he served a sour soup vegetarian wonton.

Zhulan patted Shuren’s hand, “Have a little to eat.”

Zhou Shuren picked up the bowl, the sourness indeed stimulating his appetite, and despite having no appetite, he ate a few, along with some hot water to warm himself. The warmth made him not feel the cold as he left.

By this time, all the rooms in the residence knew about the news, and the elder Zhou couple were already waiting by the carriage at the door.

The elder Zhou helped his parents into the carriage first, then went with his wife to the carriage behind.

Lady Li was concerned about her daughter and grandson, “I wonder if the two children can endure it.”

In the cold weather, they have to kneel, and the two grandsons are so young. In large noble families, the eldest grandson must be present throughout.

The elder Zhou was also worried, “Yu Lu will take good care of them.”

Lady Li muttered, “Ah, in a big family, the daughter will always be busy.”

Indeed, as Lady Li mentioned, the family members of the Wong clan would all come today, along with many acquaintances over the years, making the Wong Residence bustling with visitors.

Zhou Shuren and Zhulan had just descended from the carriage when they heard the sound of crying inside, especially loud, indicating a lot of people mourning.

At the entrance, they were greeted by Wong Ju’s eldest son, whom they hadn’t seen for many years. He had gained weight, but upon close inspection, still showed much thinness, with obvious cheekbones from losing weight.

Entering the courtyard, they hadn’t reached the mourning hall yet, and already there were many kneeling in sight, reminding Zhou Shuren of the scene when Duke Ning passed away.

In the mourning hall, Zhou Shuren went forward to offer incense. Wong Ju was crying like a tearful wreck, having lost at least two circles of flesh from his body.

Wong Wei knelt with two children, and Zhou Shuren’s heart ached as even the children’s cries had gone hoarse.

Zhulan spoke to Mrs. Tao, “Please restrain your grief.”

Mrs. Tao was not in good spirits; the events had piled up, and now her head ached terribly, “I cannot entertain you much.”

“Tend to your matters.”

Zhou Shuren also spoke to Wong Ju, “Everyone’s relying on you, so you need to stay strong.”

Wong Ju sobbed, “You certainly aren’t comforting.”

Zhou Shuren, “…”

Being able to retort, it’s good that there’s nothing seriously wrong.

With his nose stuffed up, Wong Ju’s voice was even more hoarse, “My mind is full of memories from growing up. My father has left me.”

Zhou Shuren, “…”

If he continued crying like this, Zhou Shuren also wanted to leave. Finally, he silently patted Wong Ju’s shoulder.

Wong Ju looked up, “Aren’t you going to say something?”

Zhou Shuren held it in, “The old master is watching you, he would want you to be well.”

Wong Ju cried louder, “Father, please watch over your son more.”

Zhou Shuren, “!!”

He ultimately took a step back and walked over to his great-grandchildren. The two young children already understood their responsibility and were kneeling upright. Zhou Shuren crouched down and felt the cushion beneath them.

Zhuo Ping turned his head to suppress his sobs, and Wong Wei said, “Grandfather?”

Zhou Shuren withdrew his hand; the cushions were thick enough. After touching the children’s clothing, he was satisfied and stood up.

Wong Wei understood and whispered, “The two children won’t have to kneel for too long.”

Their grandmother and mother were keeping watch!

Zhou Shuren grunted upon seeing Wong Ju lying on the ground crying, withdrew his gaze, and sighed. He couldn’t linger here much longer.

After a while, when the elder Zhou couple finished speaking with Yu Lu, they left the Wong Residence together.

Initially, everyone was waiting for a grand show, but the passing of the old master at the Wong family pressed pause on everything. The old master had really good relationships, carriages going in at the Wong Residence, and fewer pedestrians on the streets.

Inside the Palace, the Emperor said to the Crown Prince, “Go take a look after a while.”

He was willing to give the Wong family this honor. Alas, yet another wise elder had departed.