Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 463 Not Easy_1

Chapter 463: Chapter 463 Not Easy_1

The only thing that truly consoled him was a hundred taels of gold, yes, and a pair of Glazed Cups. In truth, he didn’t particularly care for the Glazed Cups; what he coveted more were cups carved out of jade stone, and it would be even better if it were a complete set of tea utensils.

Zhou Shuren had left the capital, and not only had he left, but he had also received a reward. Gold was nothing special; what mattered most was that the Emperor had named Zhou’s son. Although the name implied a reprimand, it was still a show of favor.

Most importantly, the reward came directly from the Crown Prince. What did that mean? And what was the Emperor trying to convey?

The sun had set by the time Zhou Shuren returned to the Zhou residence. Zhulan, upon hearing the news, let go of the anxiety she had been holding in her belly and sat waiting for Zhou Shuren to come in.

Zhou Shuren changed out of his official robes before coming over, "See, haven’t I returned home safely?"

Zhulan examined Zhou Shuren carefully. Seeing that he was in good spirits, she completely set her worries aside, "Indeed, you are capable."

Zhulan noticed the paper in Zhou Shuren’s hand, "What are you holding?"

Zhou Shuren signaled for the elderly maid, Song, to leave, then whispered after she had gone: "The Emperor has granted our son a name."

A bad premonition washed over Zhulan; her hand stiffened before she took the paper and opened it. After reading, she closed her eyes, "...Not bad."

Zhou Shuren patted Zhulan’s shoulder and mentioned the other rewards as well.

Zhulan was silent for a moment, finding some solace, "Set aside the gold for now. We have enough liquid silver at home; let’s keep this silver."

Zhou Shuren asked, "Have you had dinner yet?"

"I was waiting for you to come back so we could eat together, the food is all prepared. Shall we eat now?"

"Yes."

He was genuinely hungry; he had been so cautious on the journey that he dared not eat anything, only drinking some water, and now his stomach was growling with hunger.

Liu Ya quickly laid out the meal, all dishes that Zhou Shuren liked. Zhou Shuren, famished, began eating heartily with his chopsticks.

Watching him, Zhulan felt a pang of sadness and kept serving him more food, "Eat slowly."

Once Zhou Shuren had a bit of a foundation in his stomach, he slowed down, "Things will be over in a few days."

Zhulan understood what Zhou Shuren meant: the Emperor had not made any drastic moves, and the storm would soon pass, leaving the Zhou family more at ease, "Mhm."

All branches of the Zhou family knew that the father had returned, and their anxious hearts settled down.

Jiang Sheng was thrilled, "Many officials go years without seeing the Emperor; my father-in-law is impressive."

Xue Mei snipped the thread and set aside the clothes she was sewing for her son, "Don’t just think about the glory; spare more thought for the hardships my father had to endure."

Not only were the masters of the Zhou household tense on this day, but even the Servants were cautious and prudent, her nerves frayed all day long.

Jiang Sheng sighed, "The path to power is paved with blood."

Therefore, his disposition really wasn’t suitable for the power games. He decided not to participate next year and would instead wait for the following term. His plan was to stop after achieving the title of Graduate, as he preferred teaching more.

Call him unambitious if you will, or lacking drive for that matter, but he just wanted to live a stable and peaceful life.

The next day, the imperial orders arrived in Pinggang, targeting some already ostracized officials. With the edicts in place, the turmoil began to subside, and the Emperor successfully secured control over Maritime Affairs, simply waiting for the right moment.

Time flew by and tranquility returned; Zhulan was about to complete her postpartum month.

Because it wasn’t summer, Zhulan’s confinement was not too grievous, and with the elderly maid, Song, around, she didn’t smell bad, at least not to the point of bothering Zhou Shuren.

Mrs. Zhao finished her postpartum month before Zhulan and made a special visit after her own confinement ended.

The biggest change in the family was the addition of the two children. Although Zhulan’s granddaughter still drank medicinal broths, she had grown much sturdier, and her cries were no longer like those of a kitten.

Chang Zhong was changing day by day. Zhulan strictly followed Song’s advice; she had plenty of breast milk, and the little one grew well, weighing nearly eight jin now.

With the month nearing its end, Zhulan truly didn’t want to hold a full-month celebration. Although the storm had passed, she wished to keep a low profile, but alas, that was impossible. After all, her youngest son’s name was bestowed by the Emperor.

Zhulan flipped through her daughter’s menu. The girl had become more thorough in her work, and Zhulan, with her critical eye, couldn’t find any significant faults, "Let’s go ahead with this menu then!"

Xue Han put away the menu, "Mother, how many tables should we prepare?"

Zhulan, "There will definitely be quite a few guests the day after tomorrow; prepare some extra, twenty tables."

Xue Han wrote it down and smiled, "Mother, it’s great to be close to Pinggang. They have everything there, even fruits from other countries."

A few days ago, the fruits her second brother brought back were delicious.

Zhulan, "Enough now, go get busy. You have plenty to do."

Xue Han, "Alright."

After her sister left, Xue Mei spoke up, "Rongchuan is truly fortunate to marry our little sister, who is so young yet manages the Zhou household so orderly."

Zhulan was proud; she had taught Xue Han herself, and of course, Xue Han was exceptionally perceptive, "Indeed, Rongchuan is lucky."

In Xue Mei’s heart, it was a pity. During the past month, she had spent a lot of time with her sister and had also met some of Mr. Guan’s daughters who had invited her sister over. She felt none were as good as her sister; had her younger sister not been betrothed, she might have married even better.

Xue Mei laughed to herself inwardly, watching her mother play with her little brother; her parents truly didn’t value a noble birth. They wished most for her sister’s happiness. Xue Mei felt warmth in her heart, grateful for being born into the Zhou family.

Zhulan looked up, "Why are you staring at your mother like that?"

Xue Mei, "Mother, I have something to tell you."