Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 437: Invitation_1

Chapter 437: Chapter 437: Invitation_1

The next morning, Zhulan received the New Year gifts from Shi Qing. As she looked at the gift list, she was stunned. Shi Qing’s gifts were no small matter. Zhou Shuren had resold his gifts, but Shi Qing had sent quite a few items of gold and silver. The jewelry was for her, and there were also brush and ink for Zhou Shuren, but the most valuable was a seal.

She had heard plenty about Shi Qing from Zhou Shuren. Shi Qing’s price for taking the imperial exam was that he could no longer engage in trade. Moreover, he had been troubled for a few years, and it was said that his home had been burglarized, with some property deeds and shop charters stolen. She believed that this time it wasn’t a ruse; it truly was retribution.

She thought to herself that Shi Qing was not someone who didn’t leave himself a way out. He really was generous.

Zhulan showed the gift list to Zhou Shuren, "Should we accept them?"

Zhou Shuren said, "I taught him for free for two years and incidentally protected him as well. I feel completely justified in accepting these gifts. Yes, we’ll take them."

However, Shi Qing only lived in a small courtyard with just a groom and a young servant by his side. It was surprising that he would send such generous gifts, showing great trust in him!

Zhulan was worldly. She really loved gold and silver. "Are you really taking them?"

"Yes."

Zhulan’s smile broadened, and she was genuinely in high spirits. Two sets of gold jewelry, no less, and both crafted by masters. The gold hairpins were so fine, the butterflies seemed as though they could fly. Even without the gold value, the craftsmanship alone was worth silver.

Zhulan happily accepted all the jewelry. She truly loved it, and she didn’t know whether the baby in her belly was a girl or a boy, "I will keep these two sets of jewelry for the child in my belly."

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, thinking that they should indeed save nice things for their unborn daughter or son. "Hmm."

Zhulan put away the jewelry and asked, "Shi Qing is all alone for the New Year, should we invite him over?"

In light of Shi Qing’s generosity, Zhou Shuren considered, "Yes."

Zhulan said, "You tell him tomorrow. I think he really admires you."

Zhou Shuren paused for a moment, "Alright."

The following day, Zhou Shuren reprimanded Shi Qing again, "This essay has many inaccuracies in interpretation. Go back and copy it a hundred times."

Shi Qing’s wrist had grown accustomed to it. "Yes."

After the day’s lessons, Shi Qing packed up his writing materials. He had been studying at the Zhou residence for some time and had encountered some former business associates in Prefecture City. Once they learned that Master Zhou was teaching him, they initially mocked him but quickly changed their tune. Now everyone knew he was Master Zhou’s student.

Being just a student already brought him protection. What about a son? Miss Wu’s brother was Zhou Shuren’s godson and seemed to be under Zhou Shuren’s protection as well!

Shi Qing, lost in thought with a hint of melancholy in his eyes, realized it was yet another year’s New Year. Growing up, he had never celebrated New Year’s. As an illegitimate son, his stepmother did not wish to see him, so he never took part.

After his brother passed away, he couldn’t participate either, a concession his father made to his stepmother. Fortunately, he had grown accustomed to it.

Zhou Shuren waited for Shi Qing to salute and had reached the door before speaking up, "You’re alone outside, come to our home for the New Year’s celebrations."

Shi Qing thought he had misheard until Master Zhou had departed. Only then did Shi Qing realize he hadn’t been mistaken.

Zhou Shuren reached the gate of the courtyard and heard Shi Qing shout back, "Thank you, Teacher."

His footsteps paused for a moment before he waved his hand and walked away.

Clutching his books tightly, Shi Qing felt exhilarated by the New Year festivities. He even had his recitations ready, and with a spring in his step, he quickly left the courtyard.

Outside the gate, the young servant saw his master. "Master, you seem very happy?"

Having followed his master since childhood, it was the first time he saw his master so cheerful.

Shi Qing asked, "Is it that obvious?"

The servant nodded, "Yes, Master’s eyes are shining."

Shi Qing, with a smile curving his lips, said, "Well, the day after tomorrow I will take you to Zhou’s house to celebrate New Year’s. It truly is a happy occasion."

The young servant sighed in agreement; this was indeed a joyous occasion. If Master Zhou called for the young master, he would sneak off to worship Buddha, and he planned to do so again tomorrow, hoping that Master Zhou would live a long life of a hundred years. Right, and that the lady of the Zhou family would have a safe childbirth.

Before they knew it, New Year’s Eve arrived, marking the fifth New Year that Zhulan and Zhou Shuren celebrated together. This year was different; they had their own child, making the New Year feel distinct from the rest.

During their first year in ancient times, Zhulan and Zhou Shuren were quite excited. The second year was also not bad, but by the third year, the novelty had worn off.

But this year, Zhulan and Zhou Shuren got up early. Both in spirit and attitude, things had changed. Zhou Shuren personally led his grandsons to paste couplets and hang red lanterns.

Zhulan cut paper-cut decorations and crafted quite a few little red paper lanterns, hanging them on the trees outside.

The bare trees, adorned with tiny red lanterns and streamers, seemed to bear fruits of winter.

Outside, Zhou Shuren finished pasting the couplets and even bought fireworks. He took off his official robes, put on casual clothes, the children by his side calling him ’grandpa’ cheerfully. Zhou Shuren smiled wistfully, imagining his son or daughter being born and calling him ’daddy’.

Zhulan, taking her daughters, Wu Ning, and her two granddaughters, folded red envelopes together. This year, Zhulan had brought a good number of peanuts, placing one in each envelope.

Yushuang asked, "Grandma, isn’t the number of red envelopes prepared too many?"

There weren’t that many people in the household.

Zhulan explained, "This year, I want to add a little fun to the New Year. Later, we’ll tie the red envelopes to the tree, each with a riddle beneath. Whoever guesses correctly gets to keep the envelope."

Yushuang’s eyes curved in a smile, "That sounds fun."

Xue Han said, "Mother, you seem especially happy this year."

Last year, not to mention playing, mother didn’t have the energy, but this year she was looking forward to New Year very much, with a feeling she couldn’t quite describe; it was more than just happiness.

Inside, Zhulan thought it was because she now had a sense of belonging. Therefore, both she and Zhou Shuren had changed. They now found every day to be enjoyable and cherished time even more deeply, but she couldn’t say that aloud. Instead, she responded, "Because, my dear, your mother is pregnant again. It makes me feel young again. In past years, with each year that passed, I felt older."

Xue Han leaned on her mother, "Mom, you’re not old at all. In my eyes, you’ve always been young."

Xue Han hoped her mother would always be by her side. The thought of her mother growing old saddened her.

Yu Lu said, "Grandma, we will take good care of the little uncle or auntie."

Zhulan, "...."

Right, the child in her belly was of a higher generation.

Xue Han burst into laughter. The idea of nieces taking care of their younger uncle or aunt as they grew up was quite amusing.

Lunch was the unchanging hot pot, and as Zhulan couldn’t eat lamb, this year’s New Year feast was divided into tables according to each courtyard. Zhulan and her husband sat with Wu Ning and Xue Han at one table.

Rongchuan and Mingyun shared a table with Shi Qing.

Zhulan’s table had a chicken soup base, with fish slices, pork, mushrooms, and more on the table.

Because neither Xue Han nor Wu Ning wanted to eat lamb or beef, there was just one pot at Zhulan’s table.

For Wu Ning, this was his first time participating in a New Year celebration with so many people. Although the house was noisy with everyone talking, it was lively and warm.

Shi Qing had tasted better hot pots, but this one he had today was the warmest to his heart.

Mingyun, acting like a little adult, said, "Master Shi, please make yourself at home."

Shi Qing smiled, "Alright."

This was after all the eldest grandchild of the Zhou family. As Chang Lian had said, he was taught personally by Master Zhou. Having interacted with him a few times, he really was impressive.