Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 349 Ordinary_1

Chapter 349: Chapter 349 Ordinary_1

"Come in."

Zhou Shuren pushed open the door and handed over the note, "Father, the young servant from the Hou Residence was particularly arrogant, telling you to take the note and go there, saying that Mr. Hou wants to see you."

It truly infuriated him, as if summoning a servant.

Zhou Shuren unfolded the note, "A note from Mr. Hou."

It was quite unexpected, actually a note from Mr. Hou. Regarding what sort of person Mr. Hou was, he had heard some rumors: mediocre in abilities, seldom went to the Ministry of War where he had a position, and spent most of his time either watching operas or hunting, never involving himself in any court politics.

But he didn’t see it that way. Mr. Hou had inherited the marquisate from Old Marquis, so how could the successor be a simple character? Mediocrity was self-preservation, by logic he should have kept a low profile all along, so why would he want to meet him?

Zhulan took the note, which was done very perfunctorily, not even polite phrases were included, it made her want to curse, "Will you go?"

Zhou Shuren stood up, "Of course I’ll go, why not? I’m also curious to see what sort of person Mr. Hou, who caused such a great change in Yao Zheyu, really is."

Zhulan pursed her lips. The young servants from the Hou Residence were all so arrogant, she didn’t believe they acted that way without someone’s instruction. Servants are best at guessing their masters’ intentions, "It might be tough for you."

Zhou Shuren scoffed, "The Hou Residence wouldn’t dare go too far. They should be keeping a low profile now. After all, I am the second-place scholar favored by the Emperor. The Hou Residence wouldn’t dare to offend the Emperor. I suppose what Mr. Hou really wants is to meet me, the question is why he wants to see me."

Zhulan thought about it and it made sense. The Emperor had always wanted to get rid of the Hou Residence, and they wouldn’t dare to do much. The earlier arrogance was putting him in his place, "Just be careful."

Zhou Shuren patted Zhulan’s hand, "Don’t worry."

He had been inside the Palace; a Hou Residence was really nothing in comparison.

Zhou Laoda’s anxious heart was also soothed by Father’s words, especially since Father looked so confident. He had thought the eldest son of the Hou Residence wasn’t so bad before, but now he didn’t think so. He detested the Hou Residence.

When Zhou Shuren left, Zhulan became absent-minded, cursing Yao Zheyu in her heart. If it weren’t for Yao Zheyu, they wouldn’t have gotten involved with the Hou Residence at all. Zhulan thought of the Emperor’s disdain for the Hou Residence, and now that Zhou Shuren had gone to the Hou Residence, she had no idea what the Emperor would think!

There was a knock at the door; Chang Lian was standing outside, "Father."

Zhulan opened the door, "Your father has left, do you have something for your father?"

Chang Lian, "Father said once I’ve adjusted my mindset, then I should come to find him."

The blow to him today was not small. His brother-in-law was a Fifth Rank official, and his real father started his career from the Fifth Rank. On top of that, Graduate Meng was his brother-in-law’s teacher. He went full of confidence, but if it hadn’t been for his brother-in-law today, his teacher would not have accepted him.

He felt bewildered, first rejected by the degree recipient, and then by Graduate Meng. Was he really that inadequate?

Zhulan motioned for Chang Lian to come in to talk, already knowing the matter Zhou Shuren wanted to discuss with Chang Lian. It was just what she needed to distract herself a bit.

Chang Lian felt somewhat wronged inside; he knew he was not bad either, "Mother."

Zhulan looked at Chang Lian. Both she and Zhou Shuren had been busy, and when Chang Lian came, aside from asking about the situation at home, she hadn’t really paid much attention to Chang Lian. Hmm, she was a bit better than Zhou Shuren, who hadn’t noticed him at all.

Now, carefully observing Chang Lian, Zhulan noticed that the boy had grown taller again. He was seventeen this year—time really did fly. She had spent three New Years in ancient times now, and in the blink of an eye, the children had all grown up.

Chang Lian had suffered quite a blow today, but instead of feeling sorry for him, she thought it was rather good. She pointed to a chair beside her, signaling for Chang Lian to sit, "These past days, have you seen Wu Ming suffer any injustice?"

Chang Lian sat down and thought carefully before shaking his head, "No."

The whole capital was abuzz with the news that the current Top Scorer was not favored by the Emperor. He couldn’t help thinking that if he were Wu Ming, he certainly wouldn’t be able to stand it—despite being the Top Scorer, he was relegated to serving as a County Magistrate on the remote frontier.

Zhulan said, "You must know that true strength lies within. Wu Ming is someone with great inner strength. Be it neglect or importance, when he knows what he wants, he can endure. Such a person will soar to the skies once given the opportunity. Remember, a short-term setback is not for life. Life is long, and in its vastness, there will be many opportunities. Don’t just focus on the present."

Chang Lian had an epiphany. In plain terms, his heart wasn’t strong enough; he was too impetuous, especially since his father took office, having felt as though he was walking on clouds. His heart was still influenced by external things, "Mom, you are really wonderful."

Zhulan looked at her son resting on her lap, feeling as if she indeed had given birth to Chang Lian. She sensed Chang Lian’s admiration and felt that he had done fairly well by not going astray amid various temptations. Although she did not ask, she could imagine Chang Lian’s life in Pingzhou City over the past three years—how the boy had been striving to change himself.

If she and Zhou Shuren had arrived a few years earlier, the child’s mind might have been more resolute. When they arrived, Chang Lian was already fourteen, and his character was largely formed. To have changed to this extent, she felt a sense of accomplishment. A jade must be carved to become a vessel; it indeed requires relentless shaping.

Zhulan smiled as she looked at the back of Chang Lian’s head, "My son, it is time for you to cultivate your heart. What your father wants to tell you is to start preparing for the journey home. After this year’s autumn harvest, you’ll go to Lizhou City with your second brother. In the half-year period, stay in the Li Family Village and devote yourself to tranquil study."

Chang Lian, "....."

Mom really knows how to kill the mood. His premonition had been correct. Glaring abruptly, it seemed as if it was only after mom spoke to dad that dad went to write a post to the Jiang Residence, leading to the subsequent events. He wasn’t foolish; upon careful consideration, he realized that mom had long seen through his impetuousness, which was why she not only hinted to dad but had also thought ahead about sending him back to his hometown!

Chang Lian recalled his master’s advice to study in tranquility for a year, his heart trembling. Mom indeed was the most formidable person at home!

Chang Lian straightened up with complex emotions. Having just felt his mother’s care, he was metaphorically struck by a club on the head, "Mom."

Zhulan’s eyes curved with a smile, clever as always— he had quickly understood the situation, "Come with me outside. We need to buy some things to take back to our hometown."

Chang Lian, "....Yes."

Zhulan took Chang Lian to the street to shop. Meanwhile, Zhou Shuren leisurely arrived at the Hou Residence. Zhou Shuren was in no hurry—after all, he wasn’t a servant of the Hou Residence.

After dismounting from the carriage, Zhou Shuren envied the grandeur of the Hou Residence’s main entrance. Comparing the Emperor’s gifted residence with the Hou’s, his seemed quite inferior in an instant. Zhou Shuren thought the Emperor must also be envious of such a residence, wondering just how much silver it was worth!

A young servant who had been waiting at the side door looked down on him, thinking, what does it matter if the Emperor values someone who has never seen the world? Pleased with himself, he said, "Mr. Zhou, Mr. Hou has been waiting for you for some time."

Zhou Shuren was unconcerned by the young servant’s tone. He wouldn’t get angry over someone insignificant—it wasn’t worth losing so much over something so trivial, "Let’s go!"

With a knitted brow, the young servant regarded Zhou Shuren with a bit more respect, reassessing him based on his attire, "Mr. Zhou, please come inside."

Zhou Shuren followed languidly, his attention drifting to the surroundings. The Hou Residence was indeed vast, with numerous servants—a sign of wealth. It took Zhou Shuren a while to reach the main hall where guests were received.

Mr. Hou was already waiting. Zhou Shuren scrutinized Mr. Hou, who bore a resemblance to Yao Zheyu, with their noses being the most similar feature. With Yao Zheyu’s good looks, Mr. Hou was also handsome, his physique refined from regular hunting. Zhou Shuren felt the urge to touch his own belly; since coming to the capital, he had been so engrossed in studying that he lacked exercise, and he had gained weight and developed a paunch.

As Zhou Shuren observed Mr. Hou, Mr. Hou was also sizing up Zhou Shuren, wondering if this was really the man the Emperor held in high regard? Ordinary appearance, average height, an unattractive beard, poor physique—nothing outstanding in his looks at all!