Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 402: Missing a Knife_1

Chapter 402: Chapter 402: Missing a Knife_1

The Emperor looked over the list again and read the spy’s message once more before he said to the Crown Prince, "Lord Zhou’s subsidy can be extended to all the provinces."

Nowadays, there were too many officials of noble birth in the court; even the Emperor could not afford to select only those without a background for every examination, nor did he regard all those from humble origins as noteworthy. It was difficult for an Emperor to maintain balance—he sighed inwardly, thinking how hard it was to reclaim the powers that the Founding Emperor had once exercised.

The Crown Prince pursed his lips, "Emperor, expansion will be difficult."

The noble families in various places would not like to see too many poor students taking the exams.

The Emperor knew this full well. Initially, he had been keen on sending Zhou Shuren to Lizhou Prefecture, hoping that the Top scorer would wield the sword on his behalf. But thinking of that Top scorer only irritated him further—his patience was limited, after all. He needed a sharper sword to cut against the influence of the noble families. After mentally reviewing a list of names, he replied to the Crown Prince, "If it can’t be promoted, then forget it."

He did not want to deal with messages of superficial compliance and underlying disobedience—it was headache-inducing enough.

Looking at the Crown Prince, the Emperor asked meaningfully, "Our Lord Zhou should be put to use; where do you think I should send him?"

The Crown Prince felt that his father, the Emperor, had become increasingly unpredictable over the year, but he was used to it now. Bowing his head, he said, "It’s entirely up to the Emperor to decide."

The Emperor spoke pensively, "Then tell me, if Lord Zhou leaves, who should take over the management of Lizhou City? Lizhou City will no longer be a place shunned for its lack of resources; it will become a sizable prize next year. Who do you suggest we send there?"

Sometimes, the Crown Prince also felt like cursing, "This son does not know."

The Emperor flicked a zhezi and said, "Your brothers would be very interested."

Thinking of his brothers’ maternal families’ maneuvers, and how Pinggang had turned into chaotic mess, the Crown Prince found it deeply troubling.

The Emperor thought the Crown Prince was becoming increasingly reserved. Narrowing his eyes, he said, "You may leave now!"

In Lizhou City, Lady Lixu looked at the apple trees that covered the mountainside, "Did your family plant all these?"

Zhulan nodded, then went on to explain how they were cultivated, the annual input, and output. Finally, Zhulan added, "We’ve had continual spring rains this year, so it looks like we’re in for a good harvest. I’ve done the calculations; just the apple orchard alone will bring in no small sum."

Lady Lixu entertained a thought, "Mother-in-law, can these be grown in Dongbei?"

Zhulan had indeed inquired about it, "It’s possible, but they won’t grow as large and the taste will be somewhat inferior. If mother-in-law wants to grow something, hawthorns might be a better choice. I can help find a fruit merchant for you."

In modern times, there were many varieties of apples, and those from Dongbei tasted quite good. However, in ancient times, there were fewer varieties and no advanced technology, resulting in a comparatively inferior taste.

Zhulan was prepared to make a commitment because she trusted the Li family. The Li family was meticulous in their work, and they would surely cultivate the hawthorns with equal care. She believed the Li family could grow hawthorns well.

Lady Lixu was overjoyed, "Mother-in-law, thank you."

"What’s there to thank for? You’ve helped us a lot too," Zhulan replied.

Lady Lixu thought to herself, no wonder there’s an old saying that when one prospers, even their pets ascend to heaven. Without her in-law’s influence as an official, she would never have dared to take up farming for fear that fruit merchants might cause trouble. But now, she could boldly cultivate without fear of loss, as long as no natural disasters occurred.

After touring the area with Lady Lixu, Zhulan did not take her to the shops. She didn’t want to put Lady Lixu in an awkward position—let Lady Li handle that. Mother and daughter would have less to quarrel about.

The next day, Lady Li took her parents to shop and they returned with many purchases.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Lady Lixu said, "I didn’t buy much, just some dates and honey to nourish the body. I was thinking that since we have arrived, we should visit the Yang family. No matter what, we’re the younger generation."

Zhulan glanced at Lady Dong who was biting the corner of her mouth. With a point of comparison, she realized how her mother and herself were not up to standard. Lady Dong felt increasingly ashamed.

Zhulan smiled. Initially, she had only been considering Lady Li’s preferences. Unexpectedly it also had an educational effect on Lady Dong. Remembering life in Li Family Village, Zhulan’s mother always favored Lady Lixu, "My mother will be delighted. She was just reminiscing about old times the other day, mentioning the days she chatted with mother-in-law in Li Family Village!"

Lady Lixu smiled, "I get along well with your aunt. I’ll happily keep her company."

Lady Dong, Yuguang, watched her eldest sister-in-law, hoping that with the contrast to her mother’s family, she would recognize her shortcomings. As the Zhou family climbed higher in status, her inability to conduct herself properly reflected poorly on the entire family.

Early the next morning, Zhulan and Lady Lixu went to the Yang’s together. Lady Sun indeed was happy, "I was just mentioning you the other day. Let your aunt take a good look at you."

Lady Lixu was truly overflowing with emotions. The Yang family had become a family of officials, "Aunt, tell me, do I look older?"

Examining her carefully, Lady Sun felt a pang of sadness, "Indeed, you have aged. Life hasn’t been easy for you."

Lady Lixu had once thought herself unfortunate, but not anymore—she had a capable daughter, after all. In a few years, she would be able to enjoy her days as a contented elderly lady, "The best is yet to come. Right now, I’m just happy, looking forward to the good life ahead."

Lady Sun also had a liking for Lady Li. Of all her granddaughters-in-law, it was Lady Li she favored, and Lady Dong was not bad either. Only Lady Zhao seemed to squander her daughter’s upbringing. Being old didn’t mean she was confused; she was quite aware of her daughter’s family affairs, "Good, good, may you all enjoy prosperity."

Lady Sun genuinely liked Lady Lixu. At noon, Zhulan and the rest were invited to stay for a meal.

That night, just as Zhulan had settled down to sleep, she heard a knock at the door, "My lady, the eldest lady is about to give birth."

Zhulan sat up at once, "Quickly fetch the doctor."