Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 476 No Betrothal_1

Chapter 476: Chapter 476 No Betrothal_1

Zhulan, having arrived in the ancient times, had always kept her eye on real estate and land. She hadn’t really considered the sea until now. She hadn’t expected that the Magistrate would be so resourceful, owning not just a fleet of fishing boats but also her very own fishery.

Thinking of oysters and various other shellfish, Zhulan began to crave them. She had just transitioned to this time, and whether in the northeast or the inland, she had never visited the seaside. Pinggang did have seafood, but mostly fish and shrimp, with much fewer varieties.

The main issue in ancient times was the lack of modern refrigeration technology. Seafood that died was too easily spoiled. However, seafood in ancient times was still expensive, at least shrimp rarely appeared on the dinner tables of common families in the inland.

Zhulan stroked her chin, thinking that mariculture might not be a bad idea. She might not understand it, but surely the fishermen by the sea knew what they were doing. It was just a matter of employing more people.

It was just a pity that the current imperial court didn’t allow private pearl diving; everything was under imperial control.

Xue Han had been sitting by her mother’s side. Seeing her mother’s smile deepen, she was very eager to see the news her father had brought back. She already knew that Miss Su was the girl her fourth brother had on his mind, and she was very curious, "Mother, can I take a look?"

Zhulan passed it to her daughter, "Take a look. This Magistrate Anhe is quite something."

It was simply too in line with her own wishes.

After reading, Xue Han was somewhat stunned. It was hard for her to believe that an orphan girl could accomplish all this. Xue Han couldn’t help but think of Sister Wu. Although there was a difference in their statuses, Sister Wu had three brothers, whereas the Magistrate only had herself to rely on. Xue Han wouldn’t naively think that being a Magistrate meant there were no schemes; in fact, there were likely more.

Xue Han fell silent. It was still a matter of personality. She felt that she was starting to like the Magistrate. Suddenly, Xue Han couldn’t help but laugh, "Mother, fourth brother is really lucky."

If the Magistrate truly became her sister-in-law, fourth brother’s days would certainly not be easy. The house would become lively.

Zhulan also couldn’t help laughing, "Indeed, he is fortunate."

Early the next morning, Zhulan penned an invitation to Mrs. Tao, inviting her to a tea-tasting session, and she only invited Mrs. Tao.

Mrs. Tao had just finished reading the invitation when it was snatched away. Seeing Su Xuan’s disappointed expression, Mrs. Tao firmly tapped on Su Xuan’s forehead, "Smartness has led to your own misfortune."

Su Xuan, holding her forehead, "Aunt, that hurts."

"Give me back the invitation."

Su Xuan, biting her lip, "Only my aunt is invited, knowing that I live at the Wang residence, why am I not invited?"

Mrs. Tao was speechless, "I’m telling you, you can’t follow this time. You have to keep your composure."

Su Xuan pursed her lips. She didn’t want to give the Zhou family the impression of being frivolous, but she was still frustrated in her heart. She hadn’t met Zhou Changzhi even once. Biting her lip, she said hesitantly, "Aunt, did Zhou Changzhi’s mother notice something, thus not inviting me? Does she dislike me?"

While speaking, she couldn’t help touching her own face. She wasn’t the demure type that seemed obedient—she had a bold and assertive look, which many elders didn’t like.

Mrs. Tao pressed her forehead, this girl was clever but still lacked understanding in this area. She explained, "Mrs. Yang did notice something. However, it’s not that she dislikes you; quite the opposite, Mrs. Yang has a good impression of you, which is why she invited only me. Do you understand?"

Su Xuan, being smart, quickly grasped the significance. Her face flushed, and she stammered, "Is, is it to talk about me?"

Mrs. Tao laughed lightly, "It’s really rare to see you so nervous."

Su Xuan’s ears turned red. No matter how boldly she teased Zhou Changzhi, when it came down to the crux, she felt somewhat at a loss, stuttering, "Thank you, Aunt."

Mrs. Tao touched Su Xuan’s hair, and though Su Xuan wasn’t her own daughter, Mrs. Tao truly cared for her and hoped that the girl would have a good future, "Hmm."

The Zhou residence invited the Tao family alone, and this news could not be concealed. Soon enough, the Min and Ran families learned of it, each speculating about the intentions of the Zhou family.

But with the principle of erring on the side of caution, both families were highly alert.

The next day Tao arrived, and Zhulan didn’t beat around the bush. As the boy’s family, they still had to consider the girl’s feelings. Zhulan didn’t mention that the Magistrate and Chang Zhi knew each other and took the initiative to ask, "I invited my sister here today because there’s something I want to inquire about."

Tao understood perfectly, "Please do tell, sister."

"In my youth, I also practiced martial arts and favored bold girls. I liked Miss Su the first time I met her, so I specifically wanted to ask, does Miss Su have a matrimonial engagement?"

Tao’s smile deepened; Yang’s words gave ample face to Su Xuan, and by addressing her as Miss Su, it indirectly told her that the Zhou family valued the person, not the Magistrate’s status, "Currently, there is no matrimonial engagement, and I’m indeed giving it thought!"

Zhulan’s smile grew deeper, "The Magistrate’s status is noble, indeed requiring careful consideration."

Tao raised her eyes with a smile and said, "Indeed."

Both expressed their intentions without saying it aloud. There was no need to continue the conversation after conveying the message today. Zhulan would find a reliable official relative and matchmaker to propose.

The only worry was the intermediary. In fact, Tao was the most suitable, but being the girl’s maternal aunt, in order to show importance, the choice of person must be carefully selected.

As for Tao, she needn’t concern herself with these matters; she just needed to go back and wait for news.

Actually, Tao hadn’t even met the fourth young master of the Zhou family. However, anyone that the discerning Su Xuan fancied must be decent. On reflection, Tao felt a hint of sympathy for the fourth young master of the Zhou family who had caught Su Xuan’s eye.

Zhulan didn’t keep Tao any longer. After Tao left, Zhulan counted the official relatives she knew. After much thought, besides Tao, she could only ask the wife of the prefect. Madame Xue of the prefect’s family was also a good person.

This time, asking someone for help, Zhulan personally visited with gifts the very next day. Madame Xue was greatly surprised; she knew that the hottest topic lately was the marriage of the fourth son of the Zhou family. Their own daughter was only eight years old, still too young.

Looking at the gifts, Madame Xue asked, "What is this for?"

Zhulan said, "My fourth boy has come of age, and he’s just returned from his travels. I’m thinking it’s better to decide on these matters early. After giving it a lot of thought, I could only turn to my elder sister for help, hoping you could mediate on our behalf."

Madame Xue was older than her, and since Zhulan was asking for a favor, addressing her as elder sister was not a disadvantage.

Madame Xue understood and became very curious. Many people had their eyes on Zhou’s fourth son, "Who have you set your eyes on?"

Zhulan said, "Magistrate An He, Su Xuan."

Madame Xue choked on her tea, startled. She hadn’t expected it to be Magistrate An He. It wasn’t right; Magistrate An He was an orphaned girl and, in terms of power, couldn’t help the Zhou family. Her reputation wasn’t good either, not to mention her ability to jinx her parents. Just look at An He’s temper and Zhang Yang’s appearance, and it’s clear she isn’t a suitable daughter-in-law. Moreover, there’s the rank issue; as a Magistrate of the second rank, you can’t even show off your authority as a mother-in-law, unless you yourself hold a first rank imperial appointment!

In any case, she would rather choose a daughter of a minor official than Magistrate An He. Blinking, Madame Xue wondered if the Zhou family was after the Magistrate’s wealth.

Madame Xue couldn’t figure it out, but couldn’t help asking, "Is it really An He?"

Zhulan smiled, "Yes, it’s her. I ask for my sister’s assistance."

Madame Xue put down her teacup, knowing she must help busily, after all, Lord Zhou was her husband’s superior, and the husband had also said that Lord Zhou was worth befriending. Smiling, she said, "Have you engaged a matchmaker yet?"