Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 470 This is _1

Chapter 470: Chapter 470 This is _1

Chang Zhi paused before speaking to his third brother again, "Also, third brother, don’t go on and on about wanting a son—you’ve forgotten the oath you took, but I have always remembered it. If you have any spare time, you should spend it reflecting on yourself. And I’m not criticizing you, third brother, but in the future, you must really watch your words."

Chang Lian, "...."

Could he even berate anyone? This kid was practically saying that he was destined to only have daughters.

Zhulan, "...."

Today was an eye-opener; not only was Chang Zhi naturally sardonic, but he also had a venomous tongue—his words were like needles to the heart, and look at that combat power he unleashed as soon as he spoke.

Chang Zhi glared around, and good, no one else seemed inclined to speak.

Lady Li watched Lady Dong with a foolish gaze, noticing that her third sister-in-law’s complexion was rather poor. Thinking back on how she had also been fooled by Chang Zhi, she couldn’t help but sympathize with Lady Dong, understanding fully how much Lady Dong longed for a son. After Lady Dong became pregnant, she most liked to visit Lady Li’s courtyard to play with Ming Hui.

She even secretly taught Ming Hui to call her "little brother"!

Lady Li and Lady Zhao exchanged glances, both of them lowering their heads nervously, genuinely scared of someone like Chang Zhi.

Ming Teng and Ming Rui, both brothers, felt even more like crying. Why did they feel that their fourth uncle was more frightening than before?

Mingyun glanced at his siblings with their mournful faces, thinking to himself that it was right not to manage them. Well, now someone was in charge.

After dinner, Zhulan returned to her bedroom and burst out laughing, "Hilarious! Chang Zhi has made a name for himself in one battle. Let’s see who dares to provoke him in the future."

Zhou Shuren’s eyes were also filled with mirth. He hadn’t expected the boy to be so sharp-tongued. "He really knows how to hit where it hurts."

Tears of laughter were about to spill from Zhulan’s eyes as she observed that Chang Lian’s face had turned green. "That kid has managed to offend the couple from the third branch."

Zhou Shuren, "Well, it’s Chang Lian’s fault. He brought it on himself with that oath."

Zhulan wiped away her tears. "But, I don’t think Chang Zhi has taken a fancy to any girl. It seems like he’s been slighted and couldn’t get it out of his mind."

Zhou Shuren, "Keeping it in mind is a good start. If he can remember, he can also take it to heart. It’s just uncertain which girl it is. As long as she’s not entangled with any powers, that’s all that matters."

Zhulan sighed. Indeed, her youngest son’s name contained ’loyalty’, signifying loyalty to the Emperor, which meant he could not be involved with any faction.

The next morning, Zhulan received an invitation from the Tao family, requesting her presence at the temple to pray for blessings. Zhulan truly couldn’t refuse, not only because she got along with the Tao family but also because she owed them a favor.

A temple visit was a must. Zhulan replied that she would join them the next day.

The Tao family’s maid had just left when a messenger from the Qi Clan also delivered an invitation. Zhulan was glad that she had already replied to the Tao family first.

That morning, a series of invitations arrived one after another.

Xue Han shivered. "Mother, I’m so grateful I’ve already been betrothed."

Otherwise, her situation would be the same as her fourth brother’s—they would both be considered prime meat. And as a girl, her predicament would only be more passive.

Thinking of Miss Ran from the Ran family, Xue Han broke out into a cold sweat.

Seeing her daughter frightened, Zhulan’s heart softened, though she knew more challenges lay ahead. "Daughter, you must be even more cautious when going out. Even a betrothal can be broken, just like what happened to Miss Ran."

Xue Han grew more frightened and clutched her handkerchief, silently telling herself to always bring more people and never wander off alone. "Mother, I want Liu Jin to learn some martial arts."

Zhulan smiled. "Why choose Liu Jin over Liu Li?"

Xue Han grinned. "Liu Jin is more diligent. Liu Li won’t do—she doesn’t have the patience, and she needs to help me with the accounts; she wouldn’t have the time."

Zhulan, "As long as you know what’s best. Our family isn’t short of young servants skilled in martial arts."

Xue Han smiled with curved eyes, "Mm."

After her daughter left, Zhulan fell into thought. Ancient times were truly hard for women. Recalling all sorts of schemes from television dramas, she realized that having maids was not enough—she also needed some young servants skilled in martial arts.

Zhulan smiled with curved eyes. Luckily for her, at her age in ancient times, she was considered old, and those nasty calculations would not likely be used against her.

Zhulan instructed Nanny Song to choose some personnel. Now, she no longer personally managed the Servants. With Nanny Song around, especially as someone sent by the Emperor, she wasn’t afraid at all of being watched. In fact, she welcomed it. With Nanny Song there, she just needed to provide direction.

The next day, Zhulan took Lady Li, Xue Han, and Wu Ning to the temple. Initially, Zhulan did not plan to bring Lady Li, but she couldn’t resist Lady Li’s longing look and brought her along in the end.

Zhulan and Lady Li shared a carriage. Zhulan leaned against Lady Li comfortably, thinking it was right to bring her along.

Lady Li was unhappy with herself. "Mother, I’ve lost weight."

Ming Hui was too much of a handful, and she and her husband were utterly at a loss. They couldn’t bring themselves to spank him—who would have thought the child would grow to resemble her mother-in-law so much? As for scolding—well, the child was too young to understand, and it was she who ended up distressed by the crying.

With a sideways glance, Zhulan agreed she indeed looked thinner. "Consider it a diet."

Anyway, she felt helpless about her grandson as well.

Lady Li, "...."

So, grandmother has no way to discipline Ming Hui? How capable my son has become.

As the carriage swayed to the city gate, the Tao family’s carriage had already arrived. Zhulan lifted the curtain, "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Tao Clan’s matriarch, "I’ve just arrived as well."

Zhulan’s gaze was sharp. She immediately saw a young lady sitting by Tao’s side, someone she knew to be not from the Wong household. She recognized Tao’s daughter, so this girl wasn’t one of the Wongs. Was the Tao clan also trying to put a foot in the door?

Suppressing her curiosity, Zhulan smiled. "We should get going; it’s getting late."

Tao Clan’s matriarch returned the smile. "Please, elder sister, after you."

The Zhou family’s carriage moved first, followed by the Wongs’.

Jinzhou City’s temple was not far from the city wall. It took less than an hour to reach, though the temple was on a hill, requiring a climb up steps. Getting out of the carriage, Zhulan looked at the stairway, feeling loath to exert herself after so long without exercise.

Zhulan waited a moment before the Wong carriage arrived. Tao disembarked and waited. Then another young lady stepped out of the carriage.

Tao affectionately took the girl’s hand, coming over. "I’m sorry for the wait, elder sister."

Zhulan’s eyes were on the girl, smiling. "I thought younger sister would bring Wong Lei. Who is this?"