Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 486: Meeting_1

Chapter 486: Chapter 486: Meeting_1

Zhulan thought she would have to wait until Zhou Shuren’s rest days to meet Yao Zheyu, but unexpectedly, Zhulan encountered him while she was out shopping for head accessories with her daughter at a jewelry store.

While Zhulan was waiting for the shopkeeper to bring out the new styles of hair ornaments, Yao Zheyu ascended the stairs.

Xue Han, noticing her mother looking at her, quietly retreated behind her. She couldn’t help but take a glance; she remembered this man. Even though several years had passed without seeing him, her memory was vivid. The son of the Yao family carried an inherent pride in his bones, and he spared no glance for others, not even for her brothers, and initially, not even her father had caught Yao’s eye.

Meeting again, the son of the Yao family had grown taller and his face had become firmer, still standing with an arrogant posture. The decorations he wore were much simpler than before. Indeed, he had changed a lot.

The shopkeeper, holding the new head accessories, spoke with eager attentiveness, not only because Mr. Zhou was a Magistrate, but also because the Zhou family had ordered a considerable amount of jewelry recently, making a significant profit for the store. He could be considered a major customer, "Madam, do any of these catch your fancy?"

Zhulan was here to buy jewelry for her daughter and granddaughter, particularly for her daughter, whose status had changed, prompting more invitations and the need to frequently purchase new jewelry. Zhulan was raising her daughter in a manner that wouldn’t subject her to contempt or mockery. What was the purpose of earning Silver if not to live better and provide for her children?

She was always willing to spend Silver on herself and her children.

Zhulan favored matching sets of jewelry, as they coordinated well with outfits; she immediately took a liking to a set of sapphire-incrusted hair ornaments, "This sapphire set, and this emerald set as well, these two."

The shopkeeper’s eyes almost disappeared into a smile, these two sets being the most expensive. Mrs. Zhou had a fine eye, "Right away, I’ll have them wrapped up for you."

Yao Zheyu, who had been silent up until then, finally spoke up, "Wait a moment."

Zhulan looked at Yao Zheyu uncertainly, and he seemed interested as well, yes, the shopkeeper had come out just in time, giving her no chance to guess why Yao Zheyu was in the jewelry store.

As the shopkeeper came out, he noticed the gentleman; as the owner of the largest jewelry store in Jinzhou City, he recognized all sons and daughters of officials of sixth rank or higher. He had spotted someone he didn’t recognize, but due to the gentleman’s air of nobility, had planned to greet him afterward.

But now that the gentleman had spoken, the shopkeeper asked courteously, "Does the young master need anything?"

Yao Zheyu hesitated for a moment, "May I ask if there is another set of emerald-incrusted head accessories in the store?"

The shopkeeper shook his head, "Our store only has one set of each headpiece."

He dared not make duplicates of head accessories, as Mr. Guan’s daughters took great pleasure in comparing jewelry. Having identical pieces was downright troublesome, leading to endless complaints, so his policy was always to offer unique items, which also satisfied the young ladies’ vanity.

Yao Zheyu pressed his lips together tightly and then turned to look, having been too focused on the jewelry; he hadn’t paid attention to the lady purchasing the jewelry. Upon a closer look, he found her familiar, and on even closer inspection, he finally recognized her. What a coincidence, "Madam Yang."

Zhulan felt like touching her own face; she had gained weight, not having slimmed down much after giving birth, but it surely wasn’t that difficult to recognize her, "Prince."

Yao Zheyu felt awkward, especially awkward. In just a few short years, Zhou Shuren, whom he had not previously considered significant, had become the Prefect of Jinzhou, a confidant of the Emperor. Yao Zheyu truly regretted that he had demanded back the Silver he had once given away; but he couldn’t help it--he had been so desperate for money when pressured by his father. At the time, he had thought the difference in their social status was clear, and he could always lend a hand later on. He hadn’t anticipated that Mr. Zhou would catch the Emperor’s eye so directly, rising up against the tide through his own merits. It was clear to anyone paying attention that Mr. Zhou was destined for greatness.

Yao Zheyu felt embarrassed. Had he known this day would come, he would have sold his mother’s jewelry rather than reclaim the Silver. His heart sank. He had been keeping an eye on Mr. Zhou; from Mr. Zhou’s actions, he was surely a man who held grudges. Besides, his father had once invited Mr. Zhou over to the Hou Residence. Heh, Mr. Zhou definitely did not have a high opinion of anyone from the Yao family.

Zhulan tugged at the corner of her mouth. Was Yao Zheyu lost in thought?

The shopkeeper stood by, not daring to show dissatisfaction, as the figure before him topped the Jinzhou Province’s discussion ranking, the Princely Heir of the Yao family, someone wielding considerable power directly from the Emperor. Moreover, he was an excellent matrimonial prospect.

The shop’s jewelry had been selling exceptionally well in the last few days, partly due to his influence.

Yao Zheyu quickly collected himself. It seemed he couldn’t buy the headpiece he was interested in, and he certainly didn’t want to further offend the Zhou family. He differed from Zhou Shuren, who had gained more of the Emperor’s favor. In the Emperor’s eyes, Mr. Zhou held a higher standing, while Yao Zheyu himself was merely a tool employed by the Emperor.

Yao Zheyu smiled and said, "I have other matters to attend to; I must take my leave first."

Zhulan arched an eyebrow, "Prince, please go ahead."

Yao Zheyu walked out straightforwardly, and the shopkeeper watched the Prince descend the stairs, not even putting up a fight. He would have to reassess Mr. Zhou’s standing.