Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 426 Sour Ah_1

Chapter 426: Chapter 426 Sour Ah_1

Before I knew it, another half month had passed. There hadn’t been a single snowfall during this time, which somewhat eased the tense atmosphere. The most noticeable change was the increase in foreign merchants, all of whom were selling meat. It was said that many livestock had perished on the outskirts, so grain prices in Lizhou Prefecture City had also risen slightly.

Zhulan had people purchase a good amount of lamb to store away, but unfortunately, since she was pregnant, she couldn’t eat much of it for fear of getting overheated—she could only watch wistfully.

Zhulan had cooped up inside the house for most of the half month, only venturing as far as the dining room. Today, she rarefied longed to take a walk in the garden and get some fresh air.

Xue Han and Wu Ning supported her on either side, and Zhulan smiled, "You two are too anxious. To someone who doesn’t know any better, you’d think I’ve forgotten how to walk!"

Xue Han genuinely wished Mother would just stay indoors. Every time Father left the house, he would entrust her to take care of Mother. This responsibility was too great. "Mother, please take pity on me and let us help you!"

Zhulan chuckled, fully aware of Zhou Shuren’s instructions to his daughter. Forget Xue Han; these days, the thing she heard most from Zhou Shuren was to try and stay inside as much as possible until he could accompany her. Zhou Shuren was so anxious he only trusted himself. "Alright, alright, I take pity on you two. Let’s go."

Zhulan’s stomach had swelled, and sometimes even she found it amazing when she touched it, feeling the life growing inside her. Not just her family, but she herself was also being extremely careful, otherwise, she wouldn’t restrain herself from going out, and she had declined all the invitations that she could.

The garden at Zhulan’s home was quite picturesque. She had barely walked with the maids to the pavilion when she saw Chang Lian, Meng Jie, Rongchuan, and Shi Qing. Oh, those few were really enjoying themselves, seated in the pavilion with a small stove on the table heating water, and upon closer inspection, warming liquor. Outside the pavilion, she could see Chang Lian’s young servant, Qi Mo, and a few others roasting a lamb leg.

Zhulan swallowed hard, desiring a taste but aware that eating lamb would cause her to breakout in sores in her mouth—an affliction she found particularly torturous.

Upon seeing Mother, Chang Lian hastily got up, "Mother."

Following that, Chang Lian glared disapprovingly at his younger sister, thinking, why did you bring Mother out? What if something happened to her?

Xue Han returned his glare defiantly, as if to say, all you can do is glare at me—if you’re so capable, why don’t you do something about it?

Chang Lian understood the message in his sister’s eyes and felt embarrassed; he certainly didn’t dare to contradict Mother. His sister could still wheedle with a spoiled charm, but he couldn’t even open his mouth when facing Mother. He was truly afraid of her.

Rongchuan couldn’t help but chuckle. Chang Lian might look like the boss outside, but at home, he didn’t have such authority. Every time he tried to speak up, Xue Han would retort with sharp words, and this time he was shut down with just a look.

Xue Han’s face turned even redder, which, coupled with the blush from being outdoors, made her want to hide her entire face in her cloak’s fur trim. She couldn’t help but steal glances at Rongchuan.

Xue Han’s heart raced. Rongchuan had been in their home for four years now, being about as tall as her for the first year, but he had since caught up, now standing a good head taller than her. As far as the Zhou family was concerned, Rongchuan had handsome looks, and with age, she had long since taken to keeping him in her heart.

The more Xue Han thought about it, the redder her face became—so much so that she wished she could tuck her whole face into the fur collar of her cloak.

Rongchuan’s eyes sparkled, and the smile at the corners of his mouth grew wider. He had changed, and so had Xue Han. The former little girl had blossomed. Xue Han had been poised all year, and it was rare to see the young girl look so shy.

Zhulan looked up at the sky, speechless. Young love, ah. Children in ancient times really matured too early. It was so cloying it made her teeth ache.

Wu Ning had glanced at the pavilion only briefly before lowering her head. She was familiar with the young masters of the Zhou family but not with Young Master Shi. Her mind wandered slightly as she saw Shi Qing in his cloak, standing against the backdrop of a bamboo forest with a gentle demeanor that melded well with the scenery—it made her hesitant to take a second look.

Shi Qing noticed Miss Wu. He had been visiting the Zhou family for some time now, and with familiarity came the invitation from Chang Lian to visit not only at night. It was a pity he hadn’t seen Miss Wu again until today.

Seeing her now, she was somewhat unrecognizable. She no longer looked frail; her hair was blacker and shinier. Shi Qing was stunned that he had taken to observing Miss Wu—it was an unfamiliar realization.

Zhulan decided not to stroll in the garden any longer. With the sourness she felt, all she could think about was Zhou Shuren. Holding her daughter’s hand, she said, "Let’s go back!"

Xue Han’s face was still flushed, "Mm."

As Zhulan turned, she saw Wu Ning still looking downward. This was different—Wu Ning was familiar with the Zhou family boys and had never been so reserved. Zhulan cast a glance at Shi Qing; could it be because of him?

Zhulan was suddenly struck still. She had seen Shi Qing’s glance toward Wu Ning, brief as it was. She had still caught it.

Zhulan narrowed her eyes and took Wu Ning’s hand, "Let’s go back."

Wu Ning, who hadn’t noticed Young Master Shi, replied, "Mm."

Once they were back in the main courtyard, Zhulan noticed Wu Ning getting distracted from time to time, nearly pricking her hand several times while embroidering. Zhulan then let Wu Ning and Xue Han go back.

That evening, when Zhou Shuren returned, Zhulan thought to share what she had seen but then felt she might be overthinking things. After all, Shi Qing had saved Wu Ning’s life; it was only natural for her to have a reaction.

Zhou Shuren changed his clothes, and seeing his joyous expression, Zhulan asked with a smile, "Is there any good news?"