Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 443 Good Luck_1

Chapter 443: Chapter 443 Good Luck_1

The distressful state of Li Qiu did somewhat impact Zhou Shuren, as his image had always been that of a benevolent official who was close to and loved the people. Some thought Zhou Shuren was too harsh, while others felt it was necessary.

Each person had their own opinion, and with tens of thousands of people, the stories spread and lost their authenticity, leaving Zhou Shuren’s reputation a mix of good and bad.

Fortunately, in ancient times there was no bandwagon to jump on, and a servant who had signed a death contract and betrayed their master was of no value anymore.

In the capital, the Emperor was surprised and pleased upon receiving the news. He had been worried Zhou Shuren wasn’t ruthless enough and had considered giving him a hard time, but now it seemed unnecessary and would save a lot of time.

The Emperor took out an imperial edict, which was a promotion for Zhou Shuren, and handed it to Eunuch Liu, "Burn it."

Eunuch Liu took it and replied, "Yes."

The Crown Prince, without a sideways glance, thought to himself that Zhou Shuren was really lucky; an imperial edict was about to be issued. Zhou Shuren had once again scratched the Emperor’s itch. He had seen the edict; it was a two-level rise from the fifth rank to the fourth. Now it seemed there would be another change.

The Crown Prince had to admit that some people really did have great luck—and of course, great ability as well.

He really felt vindicated!

The Emperor signaled the Crown Prince that he could leave. The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow. The Emperor wanted to surprise everyone, waiting to shock a whole group of people!

After the Crown Prince left, the Emperor had another imperial edict written, which was promptly sent out to be announced.

Eunuch Liu bowed his head. Although Zhou Shuren wasn’t in the capital, he and the Emperor coordinated well from afar. Despite his rank not being high, Eunuch Liu couldn’t afford to neglect him.

In Lizhou Province, after the New Year, Zhulan’s belly was over six months pregnant, slightly larger than that of Lady Zhao.

Zhulan wasn’t particularly tired yet and in another couple of months, even though she might want to follow the carriage, Zhou Shuren wouldn’t allow it. Zhulan leaned on Zhou Shuren, "When will the imperial edict arrive? If my belly grows bigger, how will I move?"

Zhou Shuren was also worried, as he had thought the edict would have arrived by the end of the New Year, but it had already passed, "It should be soon."

"I hope it arrives quickly."

Zhulan hoped that the child inside her would be sympathetic and wait a full ten months to be born.

Because the Li family had people like the old nurse Song, even though Zhulan knew what to expect, she didn’t pack her luggage in advance.

These days, Lady Li had come to cling to her more, scared by the events of Li Qiu, seeking a sense of security by her side.

Lady Li didn’t stay long each day, only coming after Ming Hui had fallen asleep.

As Zhulan was talking to Lady Li, Steward Ding ran in excitedly, "Madam, great joy, great joy!"

Zhulan had an idea of what it might be but asked anyway, "What joyous event?"

Life depends on acting, and since the arrival of the old nurse Song, Zhulan found that her acting skills had improved rapidly. Look how convincingly she feigned excitement.

Steward Ding, grinning broadly, said, "Jinyan sent a message back, the master has been promoted, to Magistrate, the Prefect of Jinzhou."

Zhulan was stunned—not an act this time. A three-level jump, from the fifth rank to a full fourth-rank And she would be a madam. No wonder Steward Ding was so excited he was about to go crazy.

And the Prefect of Jinzhou—closest to the capital among Prefecture Cities. Right, Pinggang was within the jurisdiction of Jinzhou. Speechless, she looked to the heavens; they were sending him to the most chaotic place.

Steward Ding slapped his forehead, having forgotten something, "Madam, Jinyan said to get ready to receive the edict."

Zhulan understood, that meant the imperial edict to confer upon her was also on its way.

Zhulan had experience in receiving imperial edicts and quickly made the necessary preparations. She took the family to receive the edict and handed the prepared purse to the government officer. Holding the imperial edict in her hand, she couldn’t deny it—she was quite thrilled.

Another thing that made her happy was that being outside the capital, she did not need to enter the palace to express her gratitude—a real bonus.

Yes, yes, I must also pack my luggage quickly; I’m still carrying a child after all.

The government officer and guard who had read the imperial edict didn’t leave, for they were to escort the Zhou family to their new post.

Lady Li, still finding it surreal even after the officers had left, asked, "Mother, has father really become a Magistrate?"

Zhulan nodded, "Mmhmm."

Lady Dong was momentarily stunned. Her father-in-law, a prefect of a direct-ruled territory, held a position with authority equivalent to that of a Magistrate, yet the rank was not the same. If transferred to a direct-ruled territory, it was alright, but elsewhere the power would diminish. She had not anticipated such a swift leap to the direct appointment as a Magistrate, and to top it off, as the Prefect of Jinzhou. Could it mean her father-in-law would be heading to the capital next?

Zhulan returned to her room and looked at the madam’s attire; it was slightly more extravagant than Yiren’s, mainly in the headdress.

Zhou eldest son and Zhou second son were beside themselves with excitement. Zhou eldest son said, "Mother, no one has been sent to inform grandfather yet."

Zhulan, "Right, I got so excited I forgot. You go arrange it."

Then she instructed her daughter, "Today’s a big celebration in the manor, everyone in the family should celebrate. Also, give the servants a month’s wages as a reward."

Lady Li snapped to, "Mother, merely rewarding the servants?"

Zhulan laughed with a snort, realizing that Lady Li, who had been disoriented just a moment ago, suddenly perked up at the mention of silver. "Everyone, each person in the family will receive double their monthly wages this month."

Lady Li grinned, "Mother is so good."

Zhulan then instructed Steward Ding, "Make a thorough inventory of everything in the house for me."

She needed to decide what to take with her.

This time they would be living in the government office, and she didn’t know how large the Prefect of Jinzhou’s backyard was. Nonetheless, all the valuables had to be taken with them; the Zhou family was not planning to return to Lizhou.

Steward Ding set to work with vigor; he was now the steward of a Magistrate. It was an experience he had never imagined before, "I will go and check immediately."

Zhulan also said to each household, "You should also start checking your own luggage. Start packing anything that can be packed beforehand."

After Zhulan had made all arrangements, Chang Lian came back, having received the news, and went to congratulate his mother before returning to his own quarter to pack.

In the eldest lady’s quarters, Lady Li cheerfully packed, saying, "Husband, you’ve become the master in a Magistrate’s family now."

Zhou eldest son grinned, "And you’re not far behind, eldest lady."

Lady Li was filled with emotion, "Why does it feel like I’m dreaming?"

A few years ago, having twenty taels of silver in hand made her feel incredibly proud. Now, dressed in silk, adorned with dozens of taels of jewelry, and served by servants, it really felt like a dream.

"Ow, it hurts, it hurts."

Lady Li’s eyes brimmed with tears; oh, her face!

Zhou eldest son released his grip, grinning mischievously, "If it hurts, it means it’s not a dream."

Lady Li flared up. Was there such way to bully someone? Pinching someone once was enough, why do it on both sides as if you’re stretching dough?

Zhou eldest son, seeing trouble brewing, hastily thought to flee, but Lady Li was no weakling. She was surely a Li through and through, grabbing her husband’s clothes in one pull, "I’ll pinch your face too, so you know how it feels to have yours pulled."

Juan Hua stood outside the door, unsure whether to enter or leave. The master really enjoyed teasing the eldest lady and each time, he wound up being paid back in kind by her. Yet, he never tired of courting disaster.

In the second wife’s quarters, Lady Zhao and Zhou second son hadn’t started packing their luggage; they didn’t have much, as most of their belongings were in Chuanzhou. Lady Zhao said, "Husband, are we going back to Chuanzhou or following your parents?"

Zhou second son pondered for a while; he wanted to go with his parents, but he knew he needed to toughen himself, "I’ll go tell mother we won’t be joining them."