Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1462: Princess

Chapter 1462: Chapter 1462: Princess

At the fabric shop, Yu Yi didn’t want to eavesdrop, especially not on Wen Ling. Her luck was bad today; she actually ran into a young miss of the Wen family—Wen Xiang, the legitimate daughter of the Wen family’s second wife.

The girl beside Wen Xiang was someone she’d seen before: Wen Xiang’s cousin, Ms. Peng.

Wen Xiang couldn’t contain her emotions, her tone full of resentment. "Why? I’m also a legitimate miss of the Wen family. I’m not even engaged yet. Why is Wen Ling being considered first?"

Ms. Peng lowered her gaze, signaling her cousin to keep her voice down, then asked, "Which family has your uncle’s household set their sights on?"

Wen Xiang knew this isn’t something to publicize. Her earlier outburst was simply triggered by seeing fabric in a color Wen Ling loved. "The Yu family. My grandfather and uncle have taken a liking to the Yu family."

At this point, Wen Xiang’s expression became somewhat unnatural, as she had met the Yu family’s son before.

Ms. Peng pinched her handkerchief, "Is it the Yu family from Dingzhou Province?"

"Yes, they just moved to the capital last year. My grandfather and uncle admire the Yu family’s heritage. Good things always go to the main branch."

Yu Yi didn’t want to listen, but her feet betrayed her as she stood by the stairs on the second floor, refusing to move. She even held back her younger sister from moving. As for the servant women and maids, they had already turned into "wooden dolls," pretending not to hear or see. Through the cracks, they could catch Ms. Peng’s expression, her eyes full of amusement. The Yu family’s heritage was not only coveted by the Wen family but also by the Peng family.

Once the two young misses left, Yu Yi finally took Yu Jiao and stepped out. Yu Jiao’s eyes darted around, "Sis, we just uncovered a secret, didn’t we?"

Yu Yi poked her younger sister’s forehead, "You call that a secret? It’s perfectly normal for people to admire the Yu family’s heritage. The real question is, which young lady will they settle on."

Yu Jiao mentioned it once and then dropped the subject, turning her attention to the fabrics. Their household did have cloth procured already, but the sisters wished to pick some out themselves as a token of filial piety for their parents.

Yu Yi did not mention any of this upon returning to their grandmother. It was not their concern, and she didn’t want to speak further on the matter.

Yu Jiao, however, as the younger sibling, excitedly relayed the news to their grandmother as if it were something novel.

Zhulan listened and commented, "They’re being coveted by plenty of people."

Yu Jiao, being young, didn’t dwell on the matter, playing around for a bit before leaving. Zhulan also didn’t rush—as she was more interested in watching how the Yu family would react. The stakes for a marriage alliance with the Wen family were too high, and she wanted to see if the Yu family truly had the clarity of mind necessary.

That evening, Zhulan discussed it with Zhou Shuren, and the two of them shared the same opinion. In the days that followed, during court sessions, Zhou Shuren casually chatted with Master Yu.

On the day before leave from work, after court session ended, Zhou Shuren saw Master Wen Senior approach Master Yu. Zhou Shuren nodded toward Master Yu and said to Wong Ju beside him, "I’ve sent the invitation to your residence today. Tomorrow, during my off day, I’ll visit the old master."

Wong Ju had been sneaking glances at Master Wen Senior and Master Yu, but responded promptly, "My father already knows your off day schedule; he’ll be at home waiting for you."

Zhou Shuren tugged at Wong Ju’s sleeve, "Stop watching."

Wong Ju lowered his voice, "The Wen family is eyeing a marriage alliance with the Yu family?"

"Isn’t it obvious?"

"Not obvious?"

Zhou Shuren swept his gaze, noting how Master Yu was exceedingly polite while Master Wen Senior’s enthusiasm felt forced. "The Yu family’s heritage has everyone coveting it."

Wong Ju narrowed his eyes, "You wouldn’t be eyeing the Yu family too, would you?"

And upon reflecting, that possibility really did exist. Truly, a marriage alliance between the Yu and Zhou families would stabilize Zhou family’s influence even further.

Zhou Shuren clasped his hands behind his back, "Take a guess?"

"Huh?"

Zhou Shuren hummed a tune and left. He wasn’t in a rush; he was simply waiting for the result. The Yu family had been in the capital for only a year. They hadn’t even chosen an academy for their sons, claiming that they’ve been too busy—which was just an excuse. In truth, the Yu family had spent the last year analyzing the intricate web of power within the capital, weighing their options carefully. Their composure, combined with their heritage, was the reason the Emperor had selected them.

Master Wen Senior’s smile grew somewhat stiff. "Your two legitimate sons are not young anymore. Aren’t you worried?"

Master Yu responded, "In my family, the men consistently marry late. I myself married at twenty-two, and my eldest son married a year later than I did after passing the provincial examination. My other two legitimate sons are not in a hurry either."

Late marriages were indeed a tradition in their family, although early marriages also occurred. When the Yu family hadn’t been in the capital, the pressure was high, making education a priority.

They also didn’t want to delay any young ladies and have them face criticism for marrying late as a result.

But their circumstances in the capital were different now. The Yu family had finally returned to the capital, but their sons’ marriage prospects remained unhurried. The capital was simply too complicated.

The Yu family had suffered too many losses under the previous dynasty—grim lessons summarized in their family genealogy, those blood-red pages glaringly vivid. If their minds weren’t clear now, the Yu family risked total annihilation. This time around, the Yu family would only remain loyal ministers, never attaching themselves to the Wen family.

Master Wen Senior brushed his mustache upward, the luck slipping away from him. Bearing such a high status as the Clan Leader of the Wen family and enjoying a smooth life for so long, he wasn’t used to rejection—not from a family trusted by the Emperor, anyway.

Master Yu showed no signs of retreating, though inwardly he felt grateful that so few of his clan members had moved into the capital. The Yu family had lived cautiously all these years, avoiding mistakes and maintaining their prestige. Add to this the Emperor’s appreciation for their loyal minister-like conduct, and their confidence only grew stronger.

In Zhangzhou Province, Madam Zhao was preparing for departure. Her husband’s leave was almost over, and they needed to hurry back to the capital.

Liufeng was reluctant to part with his father-in-law. In the capital, his father-in-law was always busy, and opportunities to interact were scarce. This visit had been invaluable; his father-in-law had accompanied him everywhere, sharing wisdom that had helped him secure fish cakes and some grain supplies, substantially reducing his burdens.

Yushuang also didn’t want to leave her parents. When she was alone, she often felt lonely; during the farewell, her eyes were red with tears.

Madam Zhao, as reluctant as she was, had no choice but to head back to the capital—it was nearly New Year’s.

Chang Yi was highly satisfied with his son-in-law’s reliance on him. His tone was gentle, "It’s time to go back."

Liufeng bowed respectfully, "Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, safe travels on your journey."

Chang Yi grunted in acknowledgment, then paused and added, "If you encounter any difficulty, send word to the capital."

Liufeng straightened up, "I will remember, sir."

Yu Die and Ming Feng waved goodbye enthusiastically. Though they were initially saddened by their sister’s departure, the melancholy faded quickly, replaced by the joy of returning to the capital. They’d been cooped up at the county office, where there were no warmed spaces and the cold was unbearable. Even staying indoors felt miserable.

Ming Feng shrank into himself, "Mother bought those intricate local handicrafts. Do you think everyone will like them?"

Yu Die said, "Of course. I was drawn to them at first glance."

The craftsmanship was so fine that Yu Die felt reluctant to part with them.

Ming Feng squinted his eyes mischievously, "Sis, I really like the penholder you ordered. Can I have it?"

"You little brat, you know exactly who that penholder is for, and you’re still teasing me?"

Ming Feng shrugged, "I’m your dear little brother; surely I deserve something nice too!"

Yu Die burst into laughter, "Such a young boy, but full of schemes."

In the following days, rumors about the Yu family circulated in the capital—claims of arrogance, aloofness, and even absurd conjectures like the Yu family seeking a princess for marriage.

The last rumor was brimming with malice. The Emperor had only two daughters—one born to Consort Ran, the legitimate princess, and the eldest born before the legitimate princess was born. Though she was of lower rank, as the eldest, she was deeply cherished by the Emperor. By age calculation, the only eligible princess for marriage was the elder, illegitimate one.

Zhulan heard the rumors, understanding that the Wen family and Yu family’s marriage prospects had collapsed. Yet with the emergence of such gossip, it became much harder for the Yu family’s sons to secure a bride.