Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 134 Resources_1

Chapter 134: Chapter 134 Resources_1

Xue Mei, after hearing everything, felt a bit surreal—all the while delighted that her father had become so formidable, "Mom, I’m not foolish, don’t worry. I know what I can and cannot say."

She calculated internally, with five hundred copper coins every month, she could save at least three hundred. As for how long to continue, it all depended on whether Dad could pass the Scholar exam or not. She had great confidence in her father. If he could handle such a difficult yet delicate job, then her perception of his stature grew even taller in her mind.

In the hall, Jiang Sheng too knew what kind of work he was to do. His eyes widened, as if he was seeing his father-in-law for the first time, yet he felt even more joy inside. The more formidable his father-in-law was, the more help he could offer. In contrast, the Jiang family had no clan or scholars, and thus could provide no assistance for his future.

If his father-in-law really continued on a successful path, with his father-in-law pulling strings for him, even if his highest achievement would be becoming a Graduate, he could still find a position. Even if he remained a Scholar for life, as long as his father-in-law was there, his family wouldn’t be too badly off. The best thing his parents did was to marry Xue Mei to him—not only was he pleased with the match, but the potential of his wife’s family was truly promising!

Zhou Shuren, seeing the excitement in Jiang Sheng’s demeanor, knew exactly what was on his mind. Displaying one’s emotions too clearly wasn’t good; it made one’s thoughts transparent, and others could take advantage without one even knowing how, "When you go to the government office, speak less and do more. Be observant of the work, and if someone gives you trouble, don’t complain. Practice your expressions in front of a mirror; at the office, no matter what happens, control your face and mouth, and don’t let people see through you."

Jiang Sheng took his father-in-law’s advice to heart, storing each piece, "Thank you for the guidance, Father-in-law."

Zhou Shuren grunted in acknowledgment, took up a book, and prepared to test Jiang Sheng to see if he had become lax recently.

At noon, Zhulan asked Lady Li to prepare a lavish meal to nourish her grandchildren—a pork knuckle, four pig’s trotters, and a hen were purchased. The pork knuckle and pig’s trotters were marinated; they ate half at lunch and Zhulan packed the rest for the children to take back home. She also carried ten jin of rice, five jin of millet, and five jin of wheat flour.

Xue Mei and Jiang Sheng felt awkward—they had only brought pastries when they visited their maternal home, yet they were taking back even more.

Zhulan pinched her grandchild’s hard-earned flesh, "Take it back, it’s from your dad and me for the kids."

What could Xue Mei say in response? She was simply being cherished by her parents.

Zhou Shuren’s second son escorted Xue Mei and her family back home and returned only after dark.

After dinner, Zhou Shuren’s eldest son said, "Dad, someone has looked at our calf these past few days and asked about the price."

Zhou Shuren asked, "What offer did he make?"

The eldest son replied, "He’s willing to pay four silver taels."

Zhou Shuren hadn’t planned on keeping the calf and was relieved at the prospect of selling it to save himself the trouble. At the time of purchase, only heifers were up for sale, hence the buy. Four silver taels was not a low offer; the price given was sincere. "Alright, tell him tomorrow that it’s a deal, and then take him to complete the sale procedures for the calf."

The eldest son wanted to ask if his father would join him, but looking into his father’s eyes, he swallowed his words. His father was testing his ability to handle affairs independently, "Yes, Dad."

Zhou Shuren acknowledged with a grunt and returned to his room.

When Zhou Shuren came back, Zhulan asked, "What did the eldest son want?"

Zhou Shuren kicked off his shoes and climbed onto the kang bed, "Someone wants to buy our calf."

Only then did Zhulan remember that the eldest indeed had brought people to see the calf. In ancient times, the birth of a calf had to be registered at the government office—under strict regulations. Unauthorized breeding or slaughter was a serious crime. Even for cattle that died naturally or accidentally, it was essential to report to the local office. An official would oversee the slaughter, taking away the hide, horns, and tendons for the Imperial court, as leather could be used for tents and horns for bows, all necessary for wartime resources that were not left to individuals. Only the remaining meat and bones could be sold.

Zhulan’s family had made a profit—their cow had not only given them four silver taels for free but also didn’t interfere with spring plowing due to its birthing time.