Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 213 Unusual_1

Chapter 213: Chapter 213 Unusual_1

The next morning, Chang Lian put on his new clothes, grooming himself like a young master. In his hand, he carried a box custom-made by the carpenter, holding the mooncakes he had prepared. His purse contained the prescription dictated by his older sister-in-law, which he had written down himself, brimming with confidence as he took the ox cart and left.

Zhulan could already imagine what Chang Lian would look like upon his return, and looking at the distracted Lady Li, it seemed another person in the house was filled with expectation. Lady Li couldn’t help but dwell on their plans, thinking Zhulan was unaware of them; she kept her mouth shut, though she dared not to speak, causing Zhulan to feel uncomfortable just by watching her.

Zhulan, disdainful of Lady Li’s fussing around, suggested, "You haven’t gone out to chat for a long time. There’s nothing much to do at home today, and you don’t need to stick around. Go out quickly!"

Lady Li really couldn’t stand staying at home any longer. She would rather go out and distract herself with some gossip than be upset by everything at home. Her heart was in a flurry as she said, "Mother, I’ll be going out then."

Zhulan waved her off with disdain, "Off you go, quickly!"

Just over a while, her head was spinning from all the circling, as Lady Li, who was rather plump, whirled around like a spinning top, causing dizziness just to watch.

Lady Li pursed her lips, feeling wronged. Just yesterday, she was the darling of her mother-in-law, and today she was being shunned. Her mother-in-law’s moods were more fickle than a child’s. But then she thought to herself, "Old baby, old baby," and felt much better in her heart.

Fortunately, Zhulan didn’t know what was going on in Lady Li’s mind, or else she might have thrown a shoe at her—they are not that old, not even forty!

Soon, each member of the Zhou family was busy with their tasks. The day was clear, and Zhulan sat in the courtyard sewing clothes with needle and thread, Zhou Shuren was reading a book off to the side, and Xue Han was teaching Yu Lu how to walk. The scene at the Zhou family was one of tranquil, ordinary days.

Zhou Er soon stepped out and quickly returned. Seeing the troubled look on Chang Yi’s face, Zhulan asked, "What’s wrong?"

Zhou Shuren also put down his book, waiting for Zhou Er to answer. Zhou Er often played his part well, but it was rare to see him so unable to hide his emotions!

Zhou Er’s first attempt at scheming had come to nothing. "I had a perfect trap set for Wang Lao Si, but Wang Xin just went and sold himself, signing a deed of sale today."

All the calculations he had made, yet he still could not anticipate every outcome—too many variables and surprises. He simply wasn’t capable enough; this would be a tough lesson.

Zhulan doubted her ears, "Wang Xin sold himself? To whom?"

Zhou Er narrowed his eyes, "He sold himself to Young Master Shi. Wang Lao San said it was Wang Ru’s idea; she didn’t want to be separated from her older sister and couldn’t bring outsiders into the back house, so the only option was to become a maid and follow her in. Wang Xin then sold himself. He didn’t even give the silver to Wang Lao Si, which left Wang Lao Si and his wife cursing away at home."

Zhulan felt something strange about this. Wang Ru seemed oddly awake this time, as if she especially hated Wang Xin, to the point of tricking Wang Xin into signing a deed of sale. From now on, Wang Xin’s fate was in Wang Ru’s hands. Zhulan asked, "What about Wang Rong?"

Zhou Er answered, "According to Wang Lao San, Wang Ru is not treating Wang Rong badly. It’s said by those who have visited Wang Ru that she has even given her own jewelry to Wang Rong."

Zhulan didn’t believe it was simply because Wang Ru was in trouble that such different treatments were given to Wang Xin and Wang Rong. Knowing that Wang Ru had slapped Wang Xin as soon as she woke up, it must have taken a significant hatred to react so strongly upon first sight, then to faint from the shock. Something was off with Wang Ru.

Zhulan and Zhou Shuren exchanged a glance, both understanding that this was far from ordinary—Wang Ru obviously intended to make Wang Xin’s life a living hell.

Zhou Er couldn’t figure out why Wang Ru was behaving so oddly—he merely assumed that Wang Xin must have done something during Wang Ru’s coma to earn such spite. He couldn’t avenge his mother, so he could only redirect his anger toward Wang Lao Si, narrowing his eyes as he pondered his next move.

Zhou Shuren picked up his book again, "Alright, go busy yourself with your own matters!"

Zhou Er, "....."

He hadn’t been seated for long and his father was already finding him a nuisance. He wanted to spend more time with his parents, but it seemed they both disdained his presence!

Two hours later, Zhulan finished the clothing. Playing with her granddaughter, Xue Mei and Jiang Sheng arrived together.

Judging by the couple’s expressions, and looking at Jiang Sheng’s attire, they had just returned from the county. Without Zhou Shuren’s support, Jiang Sheng’s work in the county had also come to an end.

Jiang Sheng and Xue Mei, "Mother."

Zhulan picked up Yu Lu and said to Jiang Sheng, "Your father is inside the house. Go find him. Xue Mei, stay and chat with me."

Jiang Sheng indeed was eager to see his father-in-law; the work worth two silver taels had vanished unexpectedly, and with his father-in-law no longer going to the county, he wanted to know what had happened.

After her husband entered the main room, Xue Mei hurriedly asked, "Mother, is father in some kind of trouble?"

Compared to her husband losing his job, she was more concerned about her father possibly being in trouble.

Zhulan, seeing the worry in Xue Mei’s eyes, felt content—her affection for Xue Mei was not in vain. She reassured her first about Zhou Shuren, "Your father is quite fine. The truth is, our family is only a modest Scholar’s household, and we’ve attracted too much attention. From now on, your father will just read at home. Don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong."

Xue Mei knew her mother wouldn’t deceive her about such matters, and seeing her mother’s healthy complexion, she was completely reassured—her father was indeed alright.

Zhulan was expecting Xue Mei to inquire about Jiang Sheng’s predicament, but instead, Xue Mei doted on the child without questioning.

Zhulan asked, "Aren’t you concerned about Jiang Sheng’s situation?"

Xue Mei smiled, "Mother, if father is well, Jiang Sheng will be fine. If father has no troubles, Jiang Sheng has merely lost some work—that’s all. As long as father is well, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. There’s nothing to ask."

Zhulan’s smile deepened, "As long as you understand that, it’s fine."

Xue Mei wasn’t foolish—she knew that her husband’s current position was entirely thanks to her father. Without her father’s support, losing a job was understandable, and she was clearer on the fact that her father’s wellbeing was the most important.

Today was destined to be a busy day for the Zhou family; before noon, Chang Lian had returned as well, his mouth pursed and his face rigid. Upon entering, he headed straight for his room and shut the door with a loud thud.

Startled, Xue Mei asked, "Mother, what’s wrong with Chang Lian?"