Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 348 Conditions_1

Chapter 348: Chapter 348 Conditions_1

Zhulan adapted exceptionally well, and it was truly nice not needing to perform formal courtesies. With the pain of losing three mansions lessened, the cheerfulness in her heart when she was called "Auntie" was evident. She was, after all, an ordinary person. Although Lady Jiangdong had been kind last time, she couldn’t fully conceal her condescending demeanor. Finally, they were at the same level!

Zhulan smiled, "Together."

Lady Jiangdong’s face was full of smiles. Once everyone was seated, her gaze fell on Xue Han. Her sister-in-law was indeed beautiful, what a pity she was already betrothed, "So this is Xue Han, whom Chu Chu has always mentioned. I was disappointed not to meet you last time, but today I finally see you in person."

Xue Han was somewhat nervous. After pinching the palm of her hand to calm herself, she replied, "Xue Han has seen Big Sister from the Dong family."

Her sister-in-law’s older sister called her "sister," and warmly called her their mother’s sister, so she couldn’t call Mrs. Jiang "Madam." Although this "big sister" wasn’t young, calling her "sister" felt closer.

Lady Jiangdong raised an eyebrow. The young girl was not only young but also perceptive. No wonder her sister favored this girl, "My sister, please rise."

Xue Han rose with a smile, content in her heart that she didn’t disgrace her mother, but she didn’t show it on her face.

Lady Jiangdong noticed. Zhou Xuehan was dignified and had a stability that was comforting to observe. Furthermore, her manners were more proper than those of her own daughter, who was born as Mr. Guan’s daughter and had received instruction from childhood. How long had the Zhou family been prospering?

Lady Jiangdong’s eyes fell on Yang’s mother. She too didn’t seem like some country old lady. "Like mother, like daughter," thought Lady Jiangdong with a sigh of regret. It was a pity Zhou Xuehan was already betrothed; otherwise, she could have been matched with an even better family.

Lady Jiangdong’s son and daughter entered, and she joyfully greeted her own children, "Come and meet Grandma Zhou."

Zhulan, "....."

She really did take good care of herself!

Zhulan had prepared gifts in advance. After her marriage, Lady Jiangdong had a son and a daughter, both quite young, with the son only seven and the daughter only five. Zhulan’s gift for the boy was a Jade Pendant, and for the girl a forehead ornament.

The boy, the only male child of the Jiang family, was very steady, while the girl, a pampered young miss, was somewhat naive.

After being introduced and giving their greetings, Xue Han took the young girl Jiang Mulan out, while the seven-year-old boy Jiang Muchen went to the front courtyard.

After the children left, Lady Jiangdong said, "I thought I could get closer to you, Auntie, but who would have thought that we’d have to part again so soon."

Zhulan smiled, "We’ll meet again in the future."

She was still looking forward to her free mansion; they were definitely returning to the capital.

Lady Jiangdong smiled, but didn’t hold out much hope. Although her husband seldom spoke about it, she was not an ignorant woman. Lizhou Prefecture was not an ideal place, and returning to the capital was difficult!

Today, Zhulan and Lady Jiangdong talked much more, with Lady Jiangdong initiating the conversation and Zhulan simply following along. They chatted about fabrics, children, and jewelry.

After dining at the Jiang Residence, Zhulan’s family returned home.

Zhulan and Zhou Shuren were in a carriage with Xue Han. Zhulan asked, "Shall we go tomorrow?"

Zhou Shuren nodded, "Yes, we’ll take Chang Lian there tomorrow."

Zhulan replied, "That’s good."

The next day, Zhou Shuren took Chang Lian and met up with Jiang Ming to visit his master, Graduate Meng, a Graduate.

Zhou Shuren and Chang Lian didn’t return until the afternoon. Zhulan asked, "How did it go?"

Zhou Shuren spoke more today, "Let me have a sip of water first."

After drinking several glasses of water and soothing his throat, he said, "Without Jiang Ming’s introduction today, Graduate Meng wouldn’t have accepted Chang Lian."

Zhulan wasn’t surprised since Zhou Shuren’s status had changed so much recently, and Chang Lian had indeed become restless, "Then what happened?"

Zhou Shuren said, "He asked Chang Lian many questions before begrudgingly accepting him."

It was a particularly reluctant acceptance, for the sake of Jiang Ming’s face. He now realized that Graduate Meng taught Jiang Ming not out of appreciation for his talent but because Jiang Ming’s father had favored Graduate Meng. Today’s favor would be charged to him, and he would need to repay Jiang Ming in the future. Being a father was indeed exhausting, as he also had to bear his son’s obligations!

Zhulan asked, "What about your matter?"

Zhou Shuren coughed, "I didn’t hide anything from Jiang Ming. I first tested Graduate Meng. Graduate Meng indeed has talents. Then, in front of Jiang Ming, I explained my intentions to Graduate Meng and spoke with him privately. I spent a lot of effort to persuade him."

"What did you promise him?"

Zhou Shuren knew he couldn’t hide anything from Zhulan, "Graduate Meng’s request was simple: he would help me for ten years, and I would take his youngest son as my apprentice."

Zhulan, "....Wait, if Graduate Meng is so talented, why wouldn’t he teach his youngest son himself?"

Zhou Shuren, "Simple, Graduate Meng may not wish to be an official, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want his sons and later generations to be officials. Besides, there are things he can’t teach his son, and given the Jiang family’s connection, I am the ideal master."

Zhulan was about to respond to Zhou Shuren when Zhou Laoda knocked on the door, "Father, an invitation from the Hou Residence."