Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 237: Write-off_1

Chapter 237: Chapter 237: Write-off_1

Zhulan and Zhou Shuren thought it was a case of baby swapping, not expecting that Zhang Datie had already left the Jiang family long ago. Zhang Datie hadn’t lied; this matter could be checked, as long as one knew the original family’s surname and name.

After drinking a sip of tea, Zhang Datie looked at Rongchuan and said, "Back then, it was not easy to find a caravan, and one day I was late coming home from drinking. I heard a baby’s wail and saw an old woman holding a basket in her hand. I initially didn’t want to get involved, but the baby kept crying, and the old woman, impatient as if she feared being discovered, was about to smother the child with her hands in the basket. Having drunk too much, my head heated up, and I rushed forwards."

At this point, Zhang Datie looked at Rongchuan, the implication clear: I am also your lifesaver.

Zhang Datie continued, "I knocked the old woman to the ground. Seeing my drunken and brutal appearance, she thought the child was smothered to death and panickedly fled. I didn’t chase after her. Looking at the basket’s stark-naked child, a boy, I just so happened to have no sons. Noticing the child still had breath, I took him back. I’ve seen plenty of shadowy dealings in the inner courtyards, even cases of swapping beams and pillars. Luckily, I had already negotiated with a caravan, and we left the capital three days later."

Zhulan believed Zhang Datie’s words. He could have easily concocted a perfect origin story, which would have been quite troublesome to verify. Zhang Datie didn’t lie but told everything he knew. Zhulan asked, "Was there anything unusual about the basket at the time?"

Zhang Datie shook his head, "Aside from Rongchuan being a newborn, there was nothing else in the basket, no possessions that could prove identity. Whether it was swapping beams and pillars or stealing a child, to make a clean getaway, naturally, nothing would be left behind."

However, he didn’t mention that the more nothing was left behind, the more it indicated a fear of being traced. Someone capable of a wide-ranging investigation surely meant Rongchuan’s background was not simple.

It was precisely because there was no proof of identity that he dared to raise him, and after having his own sons, Rongchuan became troublesome. Without a son, he was naturally treasured, but with sons, who knew if a real investigation would turn out to be good or bad. Furthermore, several years had elapsed—if there were to be an investigation, it would have happened long ago. Not being investigated so far, he was clear in his mind that it wouldn’t happen now, and his boldness increased. Having been a slave for a long time and crippled, he naturally harbored some dark thoughts. Being pushed around by his master, he vented all the resentment he had as a slave on Rongchuan, who, after all, still belonged to a wealthy and prestigious family’s heir, a master in his own right. It’s just that he hadn’t anticipated Rongchuan’s luck would turn.

Zhang Datie’s plans to sell Rongchuan eventually collapsed, and he couldn’t provoke the Zhou family either. While his heart was filled with resentment, as the Zhou family’s status rose, he no longer dared to let his wife and children contact Rongchuan.

Zhulan and Zhou Shuren were unaware of Zhang Datie’s inner thoughts. Although there wasn’t much useful information from Zhang Datie, there were still quite a few leads—firstly, the capital; secondly, the resolve to eliminate issues by killing infants indicated that even those who dared to kill were afraid; lastly, Rongchuan’s good-natured appearance was not without foundation, and there was a real chance he could end up as cannon fodder.

Zhou Shuren’s lower back was in pain. Zhang Datie had said all that he meant to say, and it was time for him to rest. "Alright, you can take the Silver Coin and go," he said.

Zhang Datie was in no hurry to leave. He needed a promise from Rongchuan. He looked at Rongchuan and continued, "Had I not been moved by compassion back then, you would have died. I did save your life after all, and I took you away from that place of conflict. More than that, I raised you well for a few years. Although later on I tormented you, your life was indeed saved by me. Today, I also told you about your origins of my own accord. You have to promise me that, no matter what happens in the future, you will not seek revenge on me or my descendants."

Rongchuan pursed his lips; Zhang Datie was stating facts. He did owe his life to Zhang Datie, or else he would have died long ago. "Fine, from this day on, we are even," he answered.

Zhang Datie was relieved. Having a promise was enough. Had he known that this kid would have fortune in his future, he would have never tormented him to death. "Thank you, thank you," he said.

Zhang Datie, with his wife and children, left with the Silver, and Zhou Shuren watched his own sons. "Remember what you heard today and keep it to yourselves. You shall not discuss this matter ever again, got it?"

Zhou’s eldest son and the others exchanged glances and said in unison, "We remember."

Rongchuan opened his mouth; he wanted to mention the Silver, but his aunt and uncle had not given him the chance and were already retreating to their room to rest.

Chang Lian patted Rongchuan on the shoulder. "Our parents treat you as their own. Don’t fret over the Silver. If you mention it, they might get upset."

This kid has truly had a rough life; surviving has not been easy. From now on, he resolved to treat him with more kindness.

Rongchuan’s eyes flickered with redness; growing up, his aunt and uncle had been the kindest to him, no different from his own parents.

Zhulan helped Zhou Shuren into the room to lie down. With a groan from Zhou Shuren, his back hurt even while lying down, and he didn’t dare to move. As Zhulan applied medicament and massaged his back, Zhou Shuren gasped with each painful breath.

Zhulan, compassionately undeterred in her touch because being gentle would not be effective, didn’t continue discussing Rongchuan with him. Given the current situation, talking about it was useless, so it was better to concentrate on their efforts now.

After massaging for a while, Zhou Shuren felt much better and unknowingly fell asleep. Carefully, Zhulan set his clothing aside and untied his hair, which was very well kept and smoother than hers.

Zhulan got into bed beside Zhou Shuren, fatigued from the day’s activities and soon fell asleep herself.

When she awoke, the room was quite dark; it was almost winter, so daylight hours had decreased, and Zhou Shuren was still sleeping. She quietly got up and went outside.

Lady Li was preparing dinner. Since moving, they ate in the main courtyard, cooking in the main kitchen.

Zhulan said, "Make some millet porridge tonight."

Lunch had been too greasy, and that evening she only craved something light; millet porridge and pickles would be perfect.

After leaving the kitchen, Zhulan didn’t see Xue Mei, assuming the couple had returned home while she was asleep. Everyone had been busy all day, and after dinner, they rested early.

Early the next morning, Jiang Sheng’s parents arrived. It occurred to Zhulan then that the Jiang family hadn’t been informed of the move yesterday—apparently, no one notified them!