Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 171 Too Unexpected_1

Chapter 171: Chapter 171 Too Unexpected_1

Zhulan sat down and replied, "I fell seriously ill last year, and after I recovered, my heart became more open. Once my heart opened up, I started to care more for myself, spending more time on my own body, and it was through diligent care that I achieved these results. If sister-in-law doesn’t mind, could I share some tips with you?"

For girls like them who came from farming families, without the heritage of major clans in health and beauty, what Zhulan shared might seem commonplace in the modern world, but for those without such foundations, it was still useful.

Madam Lin raised an eyebrow, and Mrs. Yang was also good at making conversation. She called her younger sister-in-law, and Mrs. Yang called her sister-in-law, bridging their relationship considerably, "Okay, sister-in-law thanks you, younger sister."

Then she turned to the obedient girl standing by and smiled, "This must be your little girl, I remember her name is Xue Han, what a lovely name, and she’s so beautiful too. Come over to your aunt."

Xue Han wasn’t an inexperienced girl and remained poised, approaching with a smile, "Xue Han greets Auntie."

Madam Lin took out a box that had been prepared earlier, "This is a little token of affection from Auntie, take it."

Zhulan didn’t put on airs and present gifts to Dong Chuchu. After all, the other was an official’s daughter and she was just a scholar’s wife. Even though she called Madam Lin sister-in-law, she didn’t have the standing to call Mr. Guan’s daughter over. Seeing her daughter accept the box, Zhulan instructed, "Now, thank your auntie quickly."

Xue Han curtseyed, "Xue Han thanks Auntie for her kindness."

Joy glittered in Madam Lin’s eyes. The Zhou family girl didn’t have petty airs about her, which pleased her. The child was young but knew when to advance or retreat, and her affection for her grew. She pulled her own daughter closer, "This is your sister Chu Chu, twelve years old this year. Let your sister Chu Chu take you out for a walk, the two sisters should bond closely."

Xue Han placed the box beside her mother, stood up, and greeted, "Hello, Sister Chu Chu."

Dong Chuchu grew up in the county, and from her birth, her father had been a graduate, later becoming the County Minister. She had met plenty of young ladies from the county, ones from the Shang family and from the officials, but unfortunately, none were to her liking. She disliked the flattery of merchants’ daughters and the competition among officials’ daughters. This younger sister, however, seemed pleasant, her smile reaching her eyes, "Hello, Sister Xue Han. Come with me, I’ll take you out for a walk."

Xue Han could feel Dong Chuchu’s kindness and relaxed. Worried that Magistrate Dong’s daughter would be difficult to get along with, she had braced herself for discomfort. Unexpectedly, her sister was quite nice, "Okay."

Surprise flashed in Madam Lin’s eyes. She knew her daughter best. Because she was the youngest, she and her husband inevitably doted on her. The girl’s temperament took after her grandmother—straightforward and sometimes brusque, disliking roundabout methods; due to this, she didn’t have many friends but was quite good at snubbing others. Lin didn’t expect her to hit it off with the Zhou family girl so quickly upon meeting, and thinking of her husband’s words, she felt even closer to Mrs. Yang, "The two girls seem to get along well."

Zhulan nodded with a smile. She had analyzed with her daughter just yesterday the potential situations and grievances that might occur. It turned out to be needless worry, "That’s fate."

She thought again, the Dong family must have investigated thoroughly, knowing everyone’s names in her family. But it was also good, knowing they were clear about things, one could be at ease.

Zhulan steered the conversation towards how she maintained her own beauty. This was the best topic for women to chat about—lively, comfortable, and effective in building relationships. Zhulan shared simple tricks. Madam Lin knew about honey for skin care, the only new surprise for her was milk.

Madam Lin was astonished, "Is milk really that effective?"

Zhulan nodded, "I stumbled upon it by chance, and it worked well for me. However, some people have had allergic reactions, so it always depends on the individual. One should try it to see."

Zhulan meant to say allergies, but unfortunately in ancient times, she had to phrase it differently.

Madam Lin took note. She, too, shared her skincare experiences with Zhulan, who carefully recorded them. The people of ancient times knew how to take care of themselves, especially with regards to the use of flowers.

Zhulan and Madam Lin hit it off in their conversation, moving from beauty care to discussing their children. Madam Lin also came from a farming background and her husband’s success had brought her to her current position. Not every son was suited for scholarly life, some became squires. Through their discussion, Zhulan gathered lots of useful information.

For instance, Magistrate Dong’s ability to attain his position was with the help of his son-in-law. Magistrate Dong’s son-in-law was the Deputy Magistrate of Pingzhou, a Fifth Rank Official, in charge of grain, land reclamation, water conservancy, and having the same authority as a Circuit Intendant!

Zhulan hadn’t expected the Dong family to have such a powerful son-in-law. A Fifth Rank official position wasn’t something just anyone could attain. The Dong family kept a low profile indeed. Zhulan didn’t probe further; Zhou Shuren knew much about the officials in Pingzhou. When she asked him, she would know. It was clear to her that the Dong family was truly impressed with Zhou Shuren, which was why they let slip the information.

Later, they shifted to discussing books. Having been in ancient times for some time, Zhulan too had read quite a few books. Madam Lin was a sharp woman, and although Zhulan hadn’t studied them intensively, she could still contribute to the conversation, which made Madam Lin think even more highly of her. In good spirits, she even took Zhulan to appreciate her own collection of paintings.

Although Zhulan didn’t possess Zhou Shuren’s ability to appraise the authenticity of paintings, her exposure since childhood and her grandfather, who loved calligraphy and painting, meant she could appreciate them to some extent. This allowed Zhulan to find a new hobby—perhaps she could try ink painting herself. In the future, with their involvement in tea tasting and art appreciation, it would be insufferable to be looked down upon for her ignorance. She had to put in strenuous effort to learn. Unexpectedly, by being in ancient times, she had actually started learning special skills.

Zhulan was now concerned, as back in the modern world, she had no time and all her energy was dedicated to studying. She wondered if she had any talent for painting.

After a year of hard work, it was clear she had no gift for calligraphy; at best, her writing could be neat and tidy. Writing well would take years of hard practice, and to develop her own style would depend on her insight.

Thanks to Madam Lin’s kindness and advice, Zhulan knew she had a lot more to learn in the days ahead.

They were invited to stay for lunch, and Zhou Shuren ate in the front courtyard. Not only was Zhou Shuren there, but also the new County Minister, while in the backyard there were only two guests, Zhulan and her daughter. After a morning’s conversation, Zhulan realized that in order to keep a low profile, the Dong family hadn’t brought any retainers, just the elderly couple with their unmarried young daughter.

It was about three o’clock in the afternoon by modern standards when Zhulan’s family took their leave, arriving home around four.

Zhulan didn’t ask her daughter how she got along with Dong Chuchu, for she wasn’t blind. The two had sat together at the meal and upon departure, Dong Chuchu seemed reluctant to part. It was clear that the two had enjoyed each other’s company.

Back in their own house, Zhulan finally said to Zhou Shuren, "The Dong family’s eldest son-in-law is the Deputy Magistrate of Pingzhou, did you know?"