Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 104 Stabbing in the Heart_1

Chapter 104: Chapter 104 Stabbing in the Heart_1

With a new day ahead, Zhulan, exhausted from the first half of the night, slept soundly, but as she had gotten enough sleep and her arms ached uncomfortably, she barely slept through the latter half.

Like Zhulan, Zhou Shuren experienced the same situation; both spent the latter part of the night massaging each other’s arms.

Because her son-in-law was at home, Zhulan couldn’t indulge in a lazy lie-in. Getting dressed was painful for her arms, and as she folded the quilts, she said, "I can’t do any work today."

Zhou Shuren, "I can’t write today either."

Zhulan felt amused, comforted by having someone to share her misery.

After a day of eating meat, Zhulan craved something light. She longed for the crunchiness of cucumbers, but sadly, the northern regions in ancient times did not have off-season vegetables, with only the green of cabbages available.

In the morning, Zhulan asked Lady Li to steam egg custards, simmer cabbage soup, and prepare steamed buns filled with radish and minced meat.

Just as Zhulan started the fire, Xue Mei arrived in the kitchen. Xue Mei said, "Mother, what can I do this morning to help sister-in-law?"

Zhulan recalled her eldest daughter was capable of cooking, though not particularly skilled. Accustomed to Lady Li’s cooking, she didn’t want to torture herself, "We’re making buns this morning. Help your sister-in-law wrap them later!"

Xue Mei had already spotted the eggs and the minced meat and didn’t naively comment on the extravagance, understanding from her sister-in-law’s nonchalance that this was the norm in her mother’s family. No wonder her sister-in-law had become generous, "Okay."

Zhulan took on the task of tending the fire, her sore arms preventing her from assisting with anything else. Fire-warming was not cold, and it was a suitable task. After her daughter washed her hands, Zhulan asked, "Since the kids switched sleeping places last night, did they make any noise?"

Thinking of the two children softened Xue Mei’s expression, "They didn’t fuss at all last night. The room was kept warm, and they fell asleep soon after eating their porridge. They haven’t even woken up yet."

At her in-laws’ home, their room was never properly heated, even though most of the firewood was collected by their family and they used the least firewood every day; otherwise, the sisters-in-law would create a fuss. Her mother’s house was so much better - everyone slept warmly and ate fully. Her son kept asking if they could always stay at grandma’s, a shame that wasn’t possible.

Zhulan felt pity for the two skinny children, "Don’t help out for now; instead, go back and light the fire wall in your room, so the children don’t get cold when they wake up."

Xue Mei smiled, "When I got up, elder brother had already brought the firewood to the door, and Jiang Sheng had lit the fire."

Zhulan was pleased with her eldest son’s initiative; this was how an eldest brother should behave, "Your elder brother is getting more and more thorough in his work."

Xue Mei nodded, herself astonished. In the past, when she returned to her mother’s home for the New Year, her elder brother would never bother with such trifles. He had changed a lot, welcoming and sending off guests with appropriate measures, no longer the awkward speaker he used to be.

Not only had her elder brother changed, all her brothers had changed more or less. But the biggest change had been in their parents. After much thought, she couldn’t understand why they accepted their elder sister-in-law. It could be because having been sick, their mother gained insight into life and death. Their mother changed first after her recovery, then their father, who cared most for her, changed as well, subsequently affecting the brothers.

Breakfast was ready, and Zhulan’s side was occupied by her grandson. Jiang Zhu was smart and knew his grandmother treasured him the most, "Grandma, Jiang Zhu will give his egg custard to grandma."

The gesture touched Zhulan’s heart; the small child already knew how to please others, "Everyone has a share; this bowl is for you. Go ahead and eat, Jiang Zhu!"

Seeing his great-aunt bring in several more bowls, Jiang Zhu believed his grandmother’s words, "Okay, thank you, grandma."

Xue Mei felt a knot in her chest, her son so young and already adept at reading expressions. She felt even more resentment toward the Jiang family, her in-laws. Bowing her head to conceal the emotions in her eyes, she carefully fed her daughter the egg custard, "Don’t rush; it’s a bit hot, eat slowly."

Zhulan watched her granddaughter taste the egg custard and grow eager, wanting to help, feeling even more sorry for her eldest daughter. She contemplated making more delicious food to nourish her properly.

Lady Li, who never knew when to hold her tongue, just said what she thought, "Look how eagerly the child wants the food, poor thing."

Zhulan, "....."

Knowing it in your heart was one thing, but to say it out loud? That was like a stab in the heart, truly vexing!