Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 381: Obviously Sabotaging_1

Chapter 381: Chapter 381: Obviously Sabotaging_1

But Zhulan, the one being earnestly thought of, truly did write a letter to Zhou Shuren. However, a heavy snowfall prevented the letter from being sent out, so she could only hold onto it tightly in her hand.

As the days went by, one after another, it wasn’t until the twelfth day that Zhou Shuren finally received Zhulan’s letters—several of them arriving all at once.

Zhulan’s first letter recounted her journey and experiences, ending with a question asking whether Zhou Shuren had been eating on time and taking good care of himself.

The second letter mentioned the heavy snowfall that had blocked the roads and prevented the previous letter from being sent out.

The subsequent letters detailed her days spent in West State City, and she subtly expressed her longing for Zhou Shuren.

Zhou Shuren’s stern face finally lit up with joy. After eating alone for twelve days, he at last joined the main hall for dinner.

Chang Lian’s trembling heart was somewhat calmed. These past days, he truly wished for death; his father had been terrifyingly dreadful. In his heart, his father was no longer just his stepfather—he was even more fearsome than that.

The daughters-in-law also breathed a sigh of relief. They had already felt their mother-in-law was quite wonderful, but now they believed that the family could do without anyone but her. Their father-in-law had truly frightened them in these last few days.

Even Mingyun, who got along best with his grandfather, didn’t dare to approach. Mingyun felt a pang in his heart, realizing that his grandfather only had eyes for his grandmother!

Zhulan’s trip to Jiangnan was known to all who paid attention to the Zhou family. With Zhulan not at home, and Zhou Shuren having once dealt with the brokers, those with vested interests thought Zhou Shuren was afraid of the family matriarch. Now that Mrs. Zhou had left, the minds of those who were eagerly waiting began to stir again.

Some merchants with backing from the royal court knew very well that although Zhou Shuren was not in the capital, his deeds were widely known there. Zhou Shuren had the Emperor’s esteem and was capable; naturally, he was someone they sought to win over.

Since ancient times, beauty traps are well-known despite their notoriety, for indeed, they are effective.

Unfortunately for them, Zhou Shuren punctually returned home every day, and even when he personally received invitations, he would face them with a gloomy expression, not daring to speak out.

Today, Zhou Shuren finally went to the government office with a smile on his face. Mr. Chen and Mr. He felt as if the dark clouds that had been hovering over their heads had finally dispersed. They truly did not expect that Zhou Shuren could not bear to be without his wife to such an extent. Perhaps others did not know why Zhou Shuren looked so grim.

But his colleagues knew all too well, for they could occasionally hear Zhou Shuren asking if there had been any letters sent home, saying that he should be immediately notified at the government office if any arrived!

Mr. Chen, with a chuckle, said, "Did your sister-in-law write back?"

Zhou Shuren had never concealed his thoughts about Zhulan. He wished everyone knew how much he cared about her. As for showing a weakness, he truly wasn’t afraid. He was happy to reveal his vulnerabilities; it also reassured the Emperor, for it is not good for a minister to be too capable—I certainly do not want to be used up and thrown away.

Zhou Shuren, chuckling, said, "She replied, and now I can rest easy, or else I’d have been worried all the time."

Mr. Chen felt a pang of emotion. Who could have imagined, the capable Zhou Shuren was such a romantic? He thought he was good to his own wife, but he also had two concubines and a mistress!

Shortly after, someone delivered calling cards. Zhou Shuren flipped through the cards, chuckling to himself, "Those people really don’t give up. I assuredly will attend this evening."

Mr. Chen and Mr. He exchanged glances, knowing that there was sure to be quite a spectacle to see the next day.

At dinner time that evening, Zhou Shuren did not return home. Chang Lian only learned after sending a young servant to the government office that father had gone to a restaurant. Especially after knowing who had invited him, and having encountered those who sent women before, cough cough, he had always declined those invitations. He didn’t believe his father couldn’t see through it. But why would his father go?

Chang Lian felt as though his head might explode, knowing in his heart that his father wasn’t such a man. To him, his father had eyes only for his mother, yet his legs were more earnest than his brain. He couldn’t rest easy until he had seen with his own eyes what was going on for his mother’s sake, so he stepped into the carriage.

"To the tavern," he commanded.

On the way, Chang Lian imagined all sorts of possibilities. But when he arrived at the tavern, well, there was no need to wonder anymore. There was his father, face dark with anger, scolding from the second-floor landing, "You say you donate twenty thousand taels of silver to dig ice cellars for Lizhou Province, and I personally host a banquet with my official salary as thanks. But lo and behold, you deceive me! These two women are your so-called twenty thousand taels? Can they dig a dozen ice cellars? Can they prevent drought disasters for Lizhou?"

Zhou Shuren had secured this trap by settling the bill as soon as he entered the tavern!

The two merchants inside the private room were dumbfounded. They hadn’t said a word, yet Mr. Zhou flipped the table as soon as he entered, then opened the door and berated them. No, wait, when had they ever mentioned donating silver, let alone ten thousand taels of it?

Zhou Shuren was livid, his face red with anger, "I come from a scholarly background, and my wife has experienced wars and famines with me, born and raised my children, and supported me through the civil examinations. Without her, there would be no me today. I swear I only have eyes for my wife. But you used the pretext of silver donation with the intent to ensnare me, to betray trust and break my promise. You, you’ve gone too far!"

Zhou Shuren already had a high reputation among the common people, and residents of the city would give him a thumbs-up when talking about him. The tavern was not lacking in patrons, and with Zhou Shuren bringing up the digging of ice cellars for drought prevention, the diners were riled up even more.

Hearing the angry voice, the merchants were startled. They had anticipated Zhou Shuren’s rejection of the women but had not expected him to set a trap without even giving them a chance to speak.

They wanted to explain, but what good would that do? The people of Lizhou Province would sooner believe Mr. Chen’s lies than suspect Zhou Shuren of dishonesty!

Zhou Shuren, fuming, turned away from the crowd and whispered, "Twenty thousand taels, see you at the government office tomorrow, otherwise the Emperor’s awarded troops will have arrived."

He had met the government officer who had brought forward the news that very afternoon.

The two merchants were stunned; this was a blatant setup!

Zhou Shuren’s eyes narrowed, "If you dare send women again..."

Let the rest be a lesson learned.

The merchants fell silent. Without having said a word, they had been trapped ruthlessly. They knew that if Zhou Shuren really took strong measures, it wouldn’t just be a matter of losing money.

Zhou Shuren knew exactly how much to do; he was not the same as when he first arrived at Lizhou Province. His abilities had been proven, and the Emperor would support him. Moreover, the influence behind the two men wouldn’t oppose him over a couple of merchants.

The two in the private room locked eyes, clearly understanding that they had to donate the silver. This time it wasn’t just about the donation but also about failing to fulfill the higher-ups’ expectations.

After seeing the merchants nod, Zhou Shuren turned around and announced, "Please be quiet, everyone. I misheard just now. Those two women are the servants of these two men here; it’s all because I didn’t listen carefully. Everyone, please disperse. The donation will be delivered to the government office tomorrow."

Zhou Shuren smiled slyly; he had gained much from a single move. No one would dare send him women in the future, he had informed the Emperor of a potential weak point, and he had effortlessly acquired the silver. Now, Mr. Chen wouldn’t need to worry about silver any longer. Zhou Shuren felt that this trip had been very worthwhile.

Descending the stairs, Zhou Shuren saw Chang Lian, and with a narrowing of his eyes, he alarmed Chang Lian to nearly kneeling. He knew his father all too well; this was clearly a masterful act by the elder. When the old man made his move, all that was left for him was admiration, "Father, dinner is prepared at home."

Zhou Shuren rarely showed warmth towards Chang Lian, for whom Zhulan had not lavished care in vain. He even came to check on his behalf, "Mm."

Chang Lian turned to Fen Mo at his side and asked, "Did the old master just smile at me?"

Oh, how he wanted to cry!