Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1347: The Plan

Chapter 1347: Chapter 1347: The Plan

Yu Lu had not returned to her parents’ home for a little over half a month since her first visit back after the marriage.

Zhulan looked at the married Yu Lu, and in just less than half a month, there had been noticeable changes. Yushuang had become more shy and coy after her marriage, while Yu Lu seemed more composed.

Zhulan held her granddaughter’s hand. On Yu Lu’s head pressed the weight of three generations of formidable women—with such women, one must always be careful and prudent. "Your mother-in-law has left, hasn’t she?"

Yu Lu’s smile became more genuine, "Yes, she left yesterday."

She was truly glad that her mother-in-law had left. Not that the woman was bad, but somehow, it was more about imbalance. Her mother-in-law had to serve her grandmother-in-law and endure some difficulties when she herself got married. Now, to her, her grandmother-in-law was rather indulgent, so it would be odd if her mother-in-law did not feel discomforted.

What’s more, with the elders’ reprimands, her mother-in-law did not even have a chance to set the rules, which made her feel even more stifled. Over the past days, her mother-in-law had not made things difficult for her but was constantly around, which was rather disturbing. Now that her mother-in-law had gone, she felt the sky seemed bluer.

Lady Li felt sorry for her daughter, "It’s good that she’s gone."

Zhulan gave her a stern look, "You must never say that again in the future."

Lady Li patted her mouth, "I definitely won’t say it again in the future."

Zhulan said, "Remember this in the future; even if you feel uncomfortable in your heart, you must never say it out loud. The more one speaks, the more likely they are to err. You may feel there is nothing wrong with saying it once, but if you unconsciously get used to saying what should not be said, you are harming Yu Lu."

Lady Li whispered, "Yes, I remember."

Zhulan’s expression softened as she turned to Yu Lu: "Not only is this what I’m telling your mother, but you must also keep it in your heart. And never speak ill of your mother-in-law to Wong Wei, not even a word."

Yu Lu understood, "Grandma, I understand."

Zhulan continued, "As long as you avoid giving others anything to talk about, and should you face any unfairness, do not be afraid, for Grandma will support you."

Yu Lu felt a warmth in her heart, "Yes."

Because her mother-in-law had departed, the next day, Yu Lu went to visit her eldest sister, Yushuang, and brought along clothes she had prepared for the child, which she had made after getting married.

As Yushuang neared her due date, she grew increasingly uncomfortable, gaining a bit of weight since a fortnight ago. Resting in her seat, she inspected the clothing, "This fabric is rare."

Yu Lu explained, "It was given by my husband’s grandmother; noticing how soft the fabric was, I thought it was suitable for a child, so I made two sets of clothes."

Yushuang’s eyes curved in a smile, "On behalf of the child, I thank his second aunt."

Yu Lu glanced at her elder sister’s belly, "It’s almost time for the birth, isn’t it?"

Yushuang nodded, "Yes, never mind me, how has it been for you at the Wong’s?"

Yu Lu spread her hands, "As a bride, with Grandmother-in-law and Mother-in-law overseeing the household affairs, there’s not much for me. I just take care of my own courtyard. Aside from being busy each morning, my days have been rather relaxed."

Yushuang asked quietly, "Does your brother-in-law treat you well?"

Yu Lu’s cheeks flushed slightly, "Quite well."

"That’s good."

Yu Lu chatted with her sister for a while longer but did not stay for a meal. She then returned to the Wong’s with her husband.

In the carriage, Wong Wei was looking through some notes, "These are some of my brother-in-law’s insights."

Yu Lu smiled, "My brother-in-law is really generous."

Wong Wei laughed, "Yes, both the big brother and brother-in-law have been treating me as if I were their own brother. Grandfather said I’ve taken quite the advantage."

Yushuang smiled without speaking, knowing her eldest brother’s intentions all too well. It likely took her husband a while to catch on, but now he must have realized, though he seemed quite content to play along.

Several days later, Xue Mei and her family returned to the capital. The Jiang family, having been away from the capital for many years, were filled with a particular sense of nostalgia upon their return.

Dong Yiyi sat beside the carriage window, observing the streets of the capital. "The changes in the capital are immense."

She felt a strong sense of unfamiliarity yet stubbornly searched for traces of her memories.

Jiang Ming caressed his amputated leg. If not for his daughter’s marriage, he would not have come to the capital. He wasn’t prepared, but upon arriving, he realized his hesitation was rather absurd.

At the Zhou residence, Zhulan knew her daughter wouldn’t visit today. She was perusing the gifts she planned to give to Mu Lan the following day.

Lady Zhao said, "The Jiang family has purchased a small courtyard in the capital. It seems that she will be married from there."

"Your third sister-in-law helped in the purchase, a small quadrangle courtyard."

Dong Yiyi entrusted this task to Lady Dong, who had it arranged through a letter to Steward Ding.

Lady Zhao, "We’ll meet Dong Yiyi tomorrow. I have no idea how much she’s changed over these years."

Lady Li had seen her when she returned home and replied, "She’s changed a lot and aged quite a bit."

Lady Zhao was particularly sentimental. Back in Jinzhou Province, Dong Yiyi was once a guest in their house; now her memories were blurred, unable to recall Dong Yiyi’s appearance back then.

Zhulan carefully placed the prepared gifts. "The hour is getting late; you should head back."

These past days, Lady Li and Lady Zhao liked to sit with her for chats. But now, day in and day out, hmm, she really had nothing left to talk about.

The next day, Xue Mei and Dong Yiyi visited the residence together, along with Mu Lan and Mu Fan. Mu Fan had participated in the provincial examination and placed tenth, a respectable result, making him a Graduate.

Looking at the two children, Zhulan handed over the gifts in her hands, "In the blink of an eye, years have passed, and the children have all grown up."

The ability to recover from great upheaval required resilience and magnanimity, traits that Zhulan quite liked in these two.

Mu Lan’s face turned even redder; she was here to get married and felt an intense blush.

Now that Yushuang and Yulu were married, Yu Die had become the hostess. Yu Die led Mu Lan away, while Mu Fan went to the front courtyard with Jiang Zhu.

Dong Yiyi was rather reserved, no longer remembering the first time she met the matriarch, "How has the old lady been recently?"

Sensing Dong Yiyi’s nerves, Zhulan’s voice softened a few degrees, "With another happy event on the horizon in our household, I’ve been eating and sleeping well."

Dong Yiyi relaxed a bit, the old lady was still the person she remembered, who—despite changes in status—didn’t act superior, "I am grateful for the old lady’s concern over the years."

Knowing her sister has taken good care of her, which couldn’t happen without the matriarch’s permission, she was thankful for the old lady’s kindness.

Zhulan wanted to avoid an exchange of pleasantries and changed the subject, "You’ve had a long trip."

Dong Yiyi replied, "Travel isn’t as hard as before since the roads have been repaired. I haven’t left the village in years, and now everything I see is a novelty."

Zhulan added, "The nation is growing strong. Speaking of which, isn’t Mu Fan planning to take part in next year’s imperial examinations?"

Anxious, Dong Yiyi followed her son’s plan when she replied, "Mu Fan believes he has much to learn and fears the pressure of failing next year, so he’s considering waiting another session or two."

Zhulan, "It’s good for the child to have such a mindset."

Indeed, as she thought, the Jiang family’s misfortune had affected Mu Fan. A cautious child, he wouldn’t risk a trial without confidence, fearing it would damage his self-esteem. Now that he was aware of this, she had nothing to worry about.

Then came the day of Jiang Zhu’s wedding. It was difficult for him to keep a low profile; Xue Han, his young aunt, was sure to attend. Jiang Sheng had made many literary friends over the past two years who also came, and with the Zhou family as the bride’s relatives, the spectacle was anything but small.