Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 184 Invitation_1

Chapter 184: Chapter 184 Invitation_1

Zhulan had her reasons for saying that. Lady Jiangwang’s lips were parched, making it obvious that she had rushed over immediately after visiting Xue Mei’s place. Despite not taking a liking to Lady Jiangwang, Zhulan had to show some courtesy due to the immediate visit.

Lady Jiangwang really couldn’t fathom the Yang family anymore. When seeking a wife for her son, she learned that Mrs. Yang was forthright. Before the new year, Mrs. Yang had shown her power, softly slicing in a way that really hurt her. She braced herself for sarcasm, yet Mrs. Yang behaved as if nothing had happened, which made Lady Jiangwang increasingly wary of underestimating her. "Oh my, there’s no need for my relative to pour tea for me, I can do it myself."

Zhulan didn’t plan on pouring a second cup anyway. Xue Han, too, had entered. The Zhulan household had several scholars, and every evening they would spend some time reading. The growing lads meant snacks were always needed, and there were several varieties at that, including a specific selection for guests.

What Xue Han brought were the most expensive snacks, soft little cakes. Indeed, two months earlier, Shi Qing had expanded his pastry shop to the county town. It was wildly popular, and being able to eat cake was a matter of pride known far and wide.

Putting down the pastries with a smile, Xue Han said, "Auntie, please have some snacks."

Lady Jiangwang recognized the pastries. Her youngest son had brought half a pound home last time. They were said to cost eighty coins per pound, and she had only tasted a small piece. Now looking at the six pieces served before her, the plate must have weighed nearly a pound—eighty coins worth. While she winced at the thought of Silver Coin, the sight deepened her understanding of the Zhous’ wealth.

Her gaze shifted to Xue Han, and she paused. "The last time I saw Xue Han, she was still not very big. After several years, she’s grown into a fine young lady. This girl is truly beautiful."

With that, she felt a pang of jealousy. This young girl, dressed in a light green frock with silver bracelets on her wrists, golden earrings, and a flower accessory only found in county shops in her hair, naturally had the appearance and grace of Mr. Guan’s daughter. And here she was, slumped slightly. In comparison with the Zhou family, the Jiangs were no match. Her son even relied on his wife’s family to find work in the county office. Their confidence was deflated, and her tone even more tentative.

Zhulan listened with softening eyes. Every mother liked to hear praise about their children. Her smile widened genuinely, "Relative, have a taste. Let’s chat over snacks."

Lady Jiangwang simply replied, "Ah!"

Zhulan pondered why Lady Jiangwang had come, but she couldn’t ask. It would appear as though she was trying to control her son-in-law’s family. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship had always been tricky. Even in modern times, relationships between grandmothers and mothers were challenging. Part of the reason for her parents’ divorce was due to this conflict. After graduating from college and her family worrying about her future, her grandma regularly reminded her why she didn’t interfere in her mother’s affairs—it only made matters worse, turning small issues into big ones over face-saving.

Lady Jiangwang stopped after a piece of the pastry, being smart about it. Her grandchildren were well-fed and chubby, clearly benefitting from frequent visits to their maternal grandmother. By eating less herself, the kids could have more. "I’ve been sitting here for a while, how come you’re home alone, Relative?"

Zhulan explained, "Zhou Shuren has gone to the county, and the two eldest have gone to the mountains to gather firewood. The eldest daughter-in-law and the second daughter-in-law went with them to pick black fungus and wild vegetables. So, I’m the only one left to watch the house."

Upon hearing about vegetables, Lady Jiangwang worriedly said, "Jiang Sheng and his wife live alone; their vegetable seedlings in the backyard have only just sprouted and aren’t large yet. If they want vegetables, they’ll have to wait a while. I was worried about the two of them, so I discussed with the old man about staying with them for a bit. I thought he could help carry some firewood back. But as soon as I entered the door, I saw a pile of firewood as tall as a person. It’s only after talking to Xue Mei that I learned it was Chang Li and Chang Yi who helped gather it. Jiang Sheng’s little household relies on my relatives’ care. I can’t be of much help, and I feel ashamed!"

Lady Jiangwang genuinely felt embarrassed. Her son had left home, which made her and her husband reflect a lot. They realized that not only had they been disappointed in their son, but he had also given up on them. In panic, they had sent word to their son and conceded, hoping to be helpful. Instead, they found they were redundant. Compared to the child’s marital family, they felt disgrace burning on their faces.

Zhulan didn’t wish to speculate on Lady Jiangwang’s inner thoughts. As long as the Zhou family did well, and Jiang Sheng relied on them, she didn’t worry about Lady Jiangwang bullying Xue Mei. It was fine as long as the two families were at peace. There was no need for pettiness in daily life, nor for insisting that Lady Jiangwang admit her wrongs; sometimes, it was good to be a little oblivious. "Relative, don’t say that, you’re talking nonsense. Xue Mei is my daughter, her brothers should help. And who says you can’t help? With the garden crops not yet harvested, wanting to eat greens means foraging for wild vegetables. Xue Mei is busy with the kids and has no time. Now that you’re here, you can gather wild vegetables. Get more and dry them for a change of taste in winter. Just look at all the bracken and black fungus drying in my yard!"

Upon hearing this, the heat on Lady Jiangwang’s face subsided by quite a bit. "Then I’ll also gather more to bring back. Relative, shall we go together tomorrow?"

Zhulan, "....."

No, she didn’t want to go. She didn’t want to head to the mountains at all. Even at home, she had made Zhou Shuren buy snake repellent to scatter around. It wasn’t the first time they found a snake in the woodpile. When they spread the repellent, she even used her grandsons as an excuse!