Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 141 Wu Ming_1

Chapter 141: Chapter 141 Wu Ming_1

Having been in Pingzhou for a week, Zhulan had become familiar with the surrounding environment. Zhou Shuren was busy studying or going out with Zhao Bo to expand his social circle, so she would take walks when she had nothing else to do, or play with the children at home.

Today, not only did Zhou Shuren go out, but he also took Ming Qing and Shu Mo with him; they wouldn’t be coming back for lunch.

Lady Li rarely didn’t bring any food home, and Zhulan asked casually, "Aren’t you bringing something back for the kids?"

Lady Li smiled, "They’ve all gone to their grandmother’s house, and when I go home, I’ll be alone."

Zhulan’s eyes lit up, as Lady Li wasn’t in a hurry to go back; she could take the opportunity to have a good chat with Lady Li.

The neighbors around them were quite proud; the family to the left was a Scholar, and a relative to the right was a minor official. They had inquired clearly about Zhulan’s home, looking down on Zhou Shuren for still trying to attain the title of Scholar at his age. They didn’t see any value in making his acquaintance, and when Zhulan visited them according to etiquette, both families were lukewarm at best, yet Zhulan maintained a smiling face.

When she returned, she inquired about the two families in detail. The neighbors didn’t see the Zhou family as worthy of association, but she still wanted to investigate thoroughly. If she hadn’t feared troubling Zhao Bo, she would have asked for help with the inquiries upon arriving in Pingzhou.

After inquiring, Zhulan understood that the Scholar’s family had the arrogance of pure scholars, and the neighbors to the right simply looked down on people, but they bore no ill will.

Zhulan was relieved; as long as the formalities were completed, the only person she could really talk to was Lady Li.

Lady Li got along well with Zhulan, aware that the Zhou family was kindhearted and had not looked down on her. She often allowed Zhulan to take more food home, making Zhulan grateful. After meals, Lady Li didn’t rush home but stayed to chat.

Lady Li then spoke of the hardships of life in the city, "Ordinary people in Prefecture City really have it worse than those in the countryside. Everything requires spending silver coins, unlike in the countryside where you have your own land. Even though what’s left after paying taxes isn’t much, tightening your belt won’t leave you to starve. At least the grain is free, and you can grow vegetables in a garden, supporting yourself without a problem."

Zhulan agreed, "Life in the city is indeed not easy, especially when natural disasters strike."

Lady Li shivered, "Exactly. Take the severe drought four years ago—before it even turned into a disaster, grain prices had already doubled. If it hadn’t been for the price increase, my youngest son and daughter-in-law wouldn’t have met with misfortune and passed away."

Seeing Lady Li wipe away tears, Zhulan hastened to comfort her, "Life will get better and better. Your eldest grandson is about to make a name for himself; that will surely comfort their spirits in heaven."

Lady Li wiped her tears, her face brightening with a smile, "The child is sensible, only fifteen years old. The old man and I never expected him to pass the local exam. I wish I could pray to the Buddha every day to bless Wu Ming and help him pass smoothly to become a Scholar."

Zhulan followed up, "He definitely will."

Everyone likes to hear good things, and Lady Li beamed, "I hope your good words come true."

The next day was the time for the Prefecture-level Test, and Zhulan saw Zhou Shuren out the door. It was just getting light, and although Zhulan wasn’t too worried at first, Lady Li’s frequent concern for her grandson made Zhulan anxious too.

It was only when Zhou Shuren came back in the evening that Zhulan felt at ease. The Prefecture-level Test consisted of several rounds, so Zhulan bought several hens to nourish Zhou Shuren.

In the evening, Zhulan didn’t inquire about it as Zhou Shuren was quite weary. After dinner, he went to rest early to rejuvenate.

Although Zhou Shuren didn’t say how the test went, Zhulan could tell from his expression that it had gone well. As for Ming Qing and Shu Mo, their faces were pale, and even with good food, they had hardly any appetite.

To create good karma, Zhulan made sure to give Lady Li extra portions of the food she made over the past few days. Lady Li was deeply grateful, and from her joyful expression, Zhulan knew Wu Ming had done