Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 103 Indifferent_1

Chapter 103: Chapter 103 Indifferent_1

Zhulan remembered that her original self and her son-in-law seldom spoke to each other. Today, when Jiang Sheng came to pay his respects, they conversed briefly for the second time. Zhulan was satisfied with her eldest son-in-law’s appearance and stature. She had a keen eye, and Jiang Sheng had just changed the child’s clothes with such proficiency—it was clear that he was considerate at home, and his gratitude was genuine. Zhulan smiled and said, "Why be so polite? A son-in-law is half a son. This is not only Xue Mei’s home but also yours."

Jiang Sheng felt a complex mix of emotions. The better his wife’s family was, the more weighed down he felt. He had spent his wife’s dowry in pursuit of his academic title, and now, for the sake of the children, he was living in his in-laws’ house. There was no other choice; his parents had abandoned him, and currently, the only people he could rely on were his wife’s family. He was even more grateful that the Jiang family took care of his wife and were willing to help their family. In his heart, he told himself over and over again that he must not disappoint his wife and must restore her honor.

After seeing that her daughter had settled the children, Zhulan whispered, "The child won’t wake up for a while; let’s all go and eat first. After the meal, there’s something I need to discuss with you two."

Xue Mei and her husband exchanged glances, knowing that the matter concerning the Jiang family was about to come up.

For dinner, they had leftover meat dishes from lunch and freshly steamed mixed grain buns, along with millet porridge, which Zhulan had specially taken out. Her grandson and granddaughter were never full enough and their digestive systems were weak, so they needed to be nourished properly with millet porridge first.

After the meal, Lady Li and Xue Mei cleaned up the dishes, and the others went back to their reading. The eldest and the second eldest also returned to their own rooms. Zhulan checked on the children, who had woken up early in the morning and been scared and worried for most of the day. Now sleeping soundly, they could rest a bit more before Zhulan returned to the main house to wait for Xue Mei.

Zhou Shuren sat on the kang bed, while Jiang Sheng stood on the ground. Instead of discussing the matters of the Jiang family, Zhou Shuren tested Jiang Sheng’s academic foundation.

Jiang Sheng’s forehead was covered in fine sweat. His father-in-law had tested him before, but it had never been with such intense pressure. The difficulty had not only increased today but also varied unpredictably, and he was so nervous he feared making a mistake.

Zhou Shuren was satisfied. Indeed, Jiang Sheng was talented and had a solid foundation. His daughter hadn’t exaggerated. If it weren’t for the turmoil caused by the Jiang family this year that had put pressure on Jiang Sheng, he would have certainly passed the exams.

Xue Mei finished tidying up the kitchen and checked on the children before coming over.

Zhulan motioned for her daughter to sit beside her and said to Zhou Shuren, "Let’s discuss the important matter first."

Zhou Shuren gestured for Jiang Sheng to sit as well before recounting what had been said at the Jiang family and the decision to divide the family property. Once the two had come to terms with it, Zhou Shuren continued, "The conflict with the Jiang family is irreconcilable. It’s better to cut the Gordian knot. The division is mostly settled, and without the fundamental conflict, there’s no need for petty squabbles anymore. From now on, you should live a good life without these vexations, and Jiang Sheng will be able to study with peace of mind."

Furthermore, since they didn’t receive any land in the division, Xue Mei wouldn’t have to labor in the fields. Daughters-in-law of the Zhou family no longer went to the fields, and his own daughter certainly shouldn’t need to toil. Women should take good care of themselves, after all.

Zhulan picked up the conversation, "The help we can offer is limited to this. From now on, how you live is up to you two."

Whether in ancient times or the modern era, it’s not good for the wife’s parents to interfere too much. On this occasion, the Jiang family was at fault and the son-in-law indeed needed their help. But if they interfered over the long term, it would be inappropriate. They had to manage this balance well and make it clear beforehand to prevent any reliance solely on their help.

Jiang Sheng knew that his in-laws going to the Jiang family would have caused a stir. He wasn’t a stubborn traditionalist—this year had made him see things with even greater clarity. He felt guilty about his sister-in-law’s actions toward his parents; later, when he failed the exam, he endured it for his parents’ sake. However, with each act of forbearance came more intensified conflict and indifference from his parents, leaving him disheartened. Had it not been for his wife’s encouragement, he would have given up hope.

Now, not only had his in-laws stepped in for him, but they had also resolved the issues. He wouldn’t be manipulated anymore. Though a man shouldn’t cry easily, he couldn’t hold back his tears. "Father, Mother, you have both taken so much trouble for me. I am incompetent."

Zhulan was taken aback, forgetting what she was going to say.

Xue Mei shed tears of joy. They would not have to suffer anymore; her father had even secured a means of earning money for them. It was truly wonderful.

Zhou Shuren, with his sharp eyes, looked at Jiang Sheng. "You are my son-in-law. It’s only right that I consider things for you. You must live your life well in the future!"

Jiang Sheng was stunned; his father-in-law was giving him a warning, reminding him that it was all for Xue Mei and making it clear that he should know where his responsibilities lay. He loved his wife dearly and wasn’t troubled by the warning. "I understand. I will not let you down in the future."

Zhulan’s thoughts went in a flash to the saying, "When a man gains power, he loses his wife." Right now, they were extending a timely hand to the couple in the snow, but who knew what the future held? She didn’t trust promises.

Zhou Shuren didn’t really listen; he believed that true character reveals itself over time. If Jiang Sheng ever wronged his daughter, he wouldn’t be merciful. "Alright, you both are aware now and can live here at ease. Tomorrow I’ll go to the clan office to retrieve the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone so Jiang Sheng can start copying books. Your mother and I are tired from the day; you should go back and tend to the children."

Seeing that both her parents looked tired, Xue Mei said, "Father, Mother, we’re heading back."

Zhulan nodded, "Right, don’t overfeed the children tonight, or they’ll have trouble digesting and will be uncomfortable."

Xue Mei replied, "Understood."

Zhulan waited for her daughter and son-in-law to leave before climbing onto the kang bed to spread out the blankets. She was exhausted from the day’s activities. She quickly undressed and dove into the covers. By the time Zhou Shuren got into bed after changing, Zhulan was already asleep.

Zhou Shuren glanced at the distance between their blankets, greatly satisfied. The distance between the couple had gone from one person’s space to none at all, and he went to sleep contentedly.

Xue Mei and her husband returned to find their children still asleep.

Jiang Sheng was grateful that his father-in-law had given him the task of copying books, thankful for his thoughtful consideration for them, yet he was also anxious. "Father-in-law has looked after us, but copying books is not a trivial income. I wonder if my older brother and younger brothers might overthink this."

If Xue Mei hadn’t heard about the family’s situation from her sister-in-law that afternoon, she would have been worried as well. But understanding the circumstances, she knew her brothers wouldn’t covet the money from copying books; she understood her brothers well. Though her parents hadn’t made it explicit, her brothers could guess some of it, and she confidently said, "They won’t."

Jiang Sheng was surprised by his wife’s certainty, but then he thought about the Jade Pendant given during their engagement, and the jewelry Lady Li had given her daughter. He fell silent—it indeed wouldn’t matter to them. It seemed that from the start, what his parents-in-law had learned was incomplete. The Zhou family had deep roots.

The two children woke up, and for Jiang Sheng and his wife, their thoughts were now occupied with the children. Xue Mei went to the kitchen to get the warmed porridge, which contained diced sausage that her mother had instructed her sister-in-law to prepare.