Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 107: The Terror of Ancient Talent _1

Chapter 107: Chapter 107: The Terror of Ancient Talent _1

Zhulan waved her hand, "I’m too old for bright clothing; this was made by Xue Mei for herself."

After hearing about it, Lady Zhou learned that Xue Mei and her husband had brought their child back to her parents’ home, and she had also gotten some details from the old man’s mouth the day before. She felt for Zhou Shuren and his wife’s love for their daughter, "A girl born into your family is truly blessed."

Not every parent treats their daughter as important and is willing to help out. Thinking about the twenty taels of silver for copying work given to the son-in-law, she marveled at the solid foundation of Zhou Shuren’s household and felt even closer to them.

Zhulan reflected, "Life is not easy for a woman to begin with. If even her parents don’t cherish her, wouldn’t her life be even harder? Parents are a child’s reliance, aren’t they? That said, when it comes to cherishing a daughter, auntie, you shouldn’t be modest either. You and uncle are among the best as well."

Lady Zhou thought to herself that she and Lady Li were different. Since her family only had one daughter and an older one at that, naturally she was treasured. However, she enjoyed being praised and began gossiping, "Have you heard about what happened to Old Wang’s family?"

Zhulan took the teapot that her daughter had brought in, poured tea for Lady Zhou, and shook her head, "No, what’s happened with Old Wang’s family now?"

Lady Zhou spoke with distaste, "That girl Wang Ru walked alone with a man for ten days and returned yesterday in a carriage, bringing back several boxes of things. She says they were gifts from Master Shi who came to buy patterns. Wang Ru isn’t young anymore. Although it’s not a big deal in the countryside, it’s still improper to go alone without adults. Sun’s wife is still bragging everywhere that the jewelry on Wang Ru’s body was given by Master Shi. She doesn’t care at all about the reputation of Wang Ru and her other two daughters!"

Zhulan really didn’t expect that, instead of Wang Ru showing off, it was Sun’s wife who was bragging everywhere. Although the countryside was relatively lenient about a woman’s reputation, privately accepting gifts was still not permissible, something even ignorant women understood. Sun’s wife must know this, yet she frowned, "Sun’s wife couldn’t be trying to confirm that Master Shi has taken a fancy to Wang Ru, could she!"

Lady Zhou sipped her tea, "That’s what I guessed too. Sun’s wife wants to latch onto Master Shi, but it’s truly foolish. Master Shi isn’t a local; Sun’s wife’s bragging only harms her own daughter’s reputation, without affecting Master Shi at all. There’s a saying that one shouldn’t marry a wife who isn’t wise, lest she become a burden, and that’s absolutely true."

Lady Zhou paused and then suddenly felt awkward, "I mean, no offense, I was talking about Sun’s wife."

Zhulan, "....."

Without explanation, she had not really thought about Lady Li at all, but to explain would be no different from directly pointing at Lady Li.

Lady Zhou stiffly changed the subject, "I really don’t know what Wang Ru went off to do. I don’t believe that a country girl without the potential of a beauty could have attracted attention so early. Could it be that Wang Ru has created some new patterns?"

Zhulan had not noticed that Wang Ru was not in the village. Her family was really too busy. Still, Wang Ru wouldn’t follow someone for no benefit. She tried to remember the details, but she had skimmed through the later parts without paying much attention, and the plot had deviated significantly anyway. She did not know what Wang Ru had produced.

But as the young girl had said, Master Shi had given quite a few exquisite pieces of jewelry, clearly treating Wang Ru as a possession. Thus, Wang Ru must have offered something more meaningful, prompting Master Shi to finally take her seriously and make an effort to woo her.

However, Wang Ru was not like a typical village girl. Master Shi would surely investigate, and the changes in Wang Ru could not be concealed. The Wang family’s excuses would not fool anyone. Without the life-saving grace, Wang Ru, in her eagerness to prove herself, was overly proactive. Their relationship involved mutual calculation, and should Wang Ru’s abnormalities lose their value, what awaited her was surely not a good outcome.

Zhulan thought more deeply, warning herself to stay low-key. She mused that one should not think there was nothing to fear in ancient times just because there was no internet or surveillance. In fact, ancient times were more terrifying; life was cheap, and people could be condemned on the slightest suspicion. To be considered a demon and burned at the stake was getting off cheap.

Lady Zhou ate two pieces of cake without getting a response. Seeing that Zhulan was lost in thought, she asked, "Have you thought of something?"

Zhulan came back to reality, "No, I was just thinking, Wang Zhang’s family will definitely not let Old Wang’s family off the hook."

Lady Zhou, not being one of the Wang clansmen from the village, and instead from Wang’s village, looked down on Wang Zhang’s family, "There was a ruckus yesterday. She firmly refused to leave Old Wang’s house. If Old Wang doesn’t bleed a lot, he can forget about having a peaceful New Year."

Zhulan couldn’t help but criticize, back to the recurring pattern, "Sun’s wife is not far along either, with only three months left before she gives birth. Who knows if Old Wang will get his wish."

Lady Zhou, "Who can tell? Anyway, they’re young enough to have another child. If not this one, they’ll just keep trying. Now that Old Wang’s family is doing well, they can afford it."

Zhulan thought to herself, Wang Ru had already made a move last time, and who knew if she would this time, agreeing, "Indeed they can afford it now."

Zhulan and Lady Zhou chatted more about their children until the Clan Leader called people back home. Zhulan and Zhou Shuren personally saw her to the door before returning.

At night, Zhulan discussed Wang Ru’s situation and her guesses with Zhou Shuren and took the opportunity to warn him, "If you really become an official one day, don’t bring out modern novelties. You have to be cautious not just because of Wang Ru, but also to stay low-key and conform to ancient people’s expectations."

Zhou Shuren had seriously considered it, "Rest assured, I have thought about it. I won’t do anything outlandish. At most, I’ll study more books from past dynasties and summarize their essence. I won’t introduce anything that surpasses the era. However, if Wang Ru brings something out that is beneficial for the people, I will not be polite in using it."

Zhulan felt reassured. Zhou Shuren had his plans in mind, but could no longer resist sleepiness, "Let’s sleep!"