Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 704: Harvest_1

Early the next morning, Zhulan put on her clothes and jewelry and applied light makeup until she was satisfied. She stood up and twirled around for Zhou Shuren to see, "How do I look?"

Zhou Shuren said, "Pretty good."

Unsatisfied, Zhulan asked, "Is that all?"

Touching his beard, Zhou Shuren really had nothing more to say. Could he admit he felt a bit threatened?

Dressed up, Zhulan looked a few years younger, whereas no matter how he dressed, he was still an old man. Touching his face, he realized the main issue was his looks; he was just an old man without any trace of handsomeness, unlike his modern self—he was confident he would be a handsome old man!

Zhulan pursed her lips and patted Zhou Shuren on the shoulder, "I know, you’re jealous."

Zhou Shuren said, "...No, I’m not!"

Zhulan had already stopped paying attention to Zhou Shuren and turned to their son, "Today, daddy will be home, so you need to behave, okay?"

"Mom, go out without worry, daddy and I will be good at home."

Zhulan straightened up, still feeling a bit worried.

Then she gave Zhou Shuren a threatening look, meaning not to lead their son into any mischief.

Zhou Shuren couldn’t help but touch his nose, realizing that what Zhulan said to their son was actually intended for him!

In less than the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, the Zhou family’s carriage arrived at the Wang residence. Zhulan stepped out first, followed by Xue Han and Lady Dong. Zhulan waited for the two ladies to come over before they entered the mansion together.

Zhulan’s impression of the Wang residence was all based on what Mrs. Tao had said. In fact, the entire area of the Wang residence was about the same as the current Zhou residence, which showed how generous the Emperor’s gift had been. Not only was the Zhou residence spacious, but it was also well-located.

Trading for a few properties like the Zhou residence was not a loss at all. If it depended on the Zhou family alone, they could never have bought such a desirable residence.

The invitation from the Wang residence, written by Mrs. Tao’s sister, was actually on behalf of the Wang family’s old madam. The servant led Zhulan directly to the main courtyard.

Upon entering the main courtyard, what captured the attention were the flowers in the yard. There were many flowers and a small fish pond. There were no tall trees, only pruned ornamental trees that were not higher than two meters.

There were few maids in the courtyard, but quite a few older female servants, with two stationed right at the door.

Zhulan followed the servant into the house, where only the old madam was present. She expected to see Mrs. Tao’s sister, but she was not in the room.

The old madam smiled warmly, "I have long heard about you from Mrs. Tao, and today I finally meet you."

Zhulan, with her daughter and daughter-in-law, greeted respectfully, "Greetings to you, wife."

Zhulan wanted to address the old madam as "Old Lady", but even though Mrs. Wang had half-greying hair, she thought better of it and dropped the term "Old."

Mrs. Wang’s nod was barely noticeable. The Yang family’s manners were impeccable, showing that she had learned them well. She had no prejudice against the kin of officials from farming backgrounds, she simply disliked fools. She had met many officials’ kin from farming backgrounds. Some of them did not make an effort to adapt and learn, always feeling wronged as if they were being bullied.

Truthfully, apart from those with petty family minds who enjoyed making life difficult for others, they didn’t generally bully people; they actually quite liked clever ones.

Mrs. Liu said with a smile, "Come and sit down."

Zhulan felt the goodwill; in fact, apart from her eagerness to provide her son with concubines for the sake of offspring, Mrs. Liu was beyond reproach in other aspects, "Thank you, wife."

Mrs. Liu expressed some regret, "I was hoping to meet Yu Lu; it seems I can only wait until next time."

Zhulan understood that as the future wife of the eldest grandson, it was only proper for Mrs. Liu to want to meet her, "Next time I come, I’ll bring Yu Lu with me."

Mrs. Liu smiled, "Good, then let’s agree on that."

Whether it was her daughter-in-law or her son’s wife, she had no power to choose; those decisions were made solely by the master of the house—no, initially it was her father who had made the decision.

At the time, her mother-in-law had wanted to introduce someone from her own family, but before she could act, her father had dismissed the idea. Thus, she had no opinion on who should be chosen as the wife of the eldest grandson. She was not worried about the bride’s status either, as the master had his own reasons.

The only thing she desired was to see the person for herself, for even with investigative reports, she trusted her own eyes more. The discerning eyes of the women in the inner courtyard were not easily fooled. Having met Madam Yang today, she felt more at ease—Madam Yang’s gaze was sincere, a kind of gaze she had not seen in a long time.

Afterward, Zhulan and the old lady chatted. Zhulan had offered prayers to Buddha several times with Lady Tao and had copied scriptures for her parents. Sometimes she would also read Buddhist scriptures. Combined with her perspectives not confined to the inner courtyard, Zhulan got along very well with the old lady.

Mrs. Liu was pleased. As an experienced devotee of Buddhism, she liked those who were sincere. Madam Yang wasn’t just putting on an act to please her. At the same time, she was clear that Madam Yang’s knowledge wasn’t limited to having read a few books. Mrs. Liu thought to herself that the relationship between Magistrate Zhou and Madam Yang truly wasn’t just a rumor; Madam Yang must have been taught privately by him.

Two hours later, Zhulan took her leave. The old lady was getting on in years and didn’t have much energy, but still, this visit was quite fruitful.

Zhulan had gained the old lady’s favor and, at the same time, indirectly curried favor for Yu Lu as well.

Lady Dong had gained experience, having met with a first-rank wife. After this, she would not be timid at banquets and would have more confidence.

Xue Han had received jewelry. Mrs. Liu, born into a noble family, had accumulated a lifetime of possessions; nothing she gave could be of poor quality. The jewelry she gave Xue Han was hard to come by outside.

Upon returning home, Zhulan did not see Zhou Shuren and Chang Zhong. After asking the old maid, she learned that Zhou Shuren had taken his son out to the street. Zhulan thought to herself that she knew Zhou Shuren wouldn’t stay home and take care of his son like he should.

Zhulan changed her clothes and came out. Nanny Song was holding a letter in her hand, "The steward brought this over, a letter from the Fourth Young Master."

Zhulan was puzzled, thinking something had happened to her family. She took the letter and read it, feeling somewhat melancholic. Life was so fleeting, "Lady Fang has passed away."

Nanny Song thought for a moment about Lady Fang, the mother of the second wife, "It was quite sudden."

Zhulan put the letter down, "Not really sudden. Lady Fang was weakened during the year of disaster, and having given birth to a child afterward, she never fully regained her health. Moreover, knowing Lady Fang’s nature, she definitely wouldn’t have been willing to spend much silver coin on herself. Years without proper care left her body depleted, and when the severe illness struck, it all came to a head. The illness came on quickly, and she did not survive."

Nanny Song felt somewhat moved inside; Lady Fang had compromised her daughter’s well-being for the sake of her son, and now she hadn’t pulled through herself.

Zhulan picked up some paper to write a reply. Since the burial had already taken place, and Mrs. Zhao couldn’t return, the Zhou family must send someone to Lizhou Province. If the Zhou family didn’t go, even with the protection of the Yang family, Mrs. Zhao’s brother’s life would not be easy.

The Zhou family needed not only to send someone but also to do so with great fanfare. Qian Keqi was ambitious, and Zhulan was willing to put in the effort to help.

In a teahouse in the capital, Zhou Shuren and his son were tired from shopping. Disliking the idea of the carriage following them, they agreed to meet at the teahouse at a set time. Thus, Zhou Shuren and his son were now waiting there.