Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 497 Tenacity_1

Chapter 497: Chapter 497 Tenacity_1

Rongchuan turned and left, thinking to himself that the eldest grandson of the Dong family had lived for twenty years in vain, not even comparable to Ming Teng. Although Ming Teng was mischievous, he had an exceptionally high emotional intelligence!

Dong Liao dared not chase after him and shout, as Zhang Rongchuan was not only a boy raised by his maternal grandparents but also regarded as half a son by the Zhou family. A trace of fear crept into his heart, the fear that Zhang Rongchuan might tattle on him.

Zhulan closed her eyes, aware that the two people nearby had left. She knew Lady Donglin was in an awkward position, and it was better not to open her eyes. In her mind, she thought that although Lady Donglin and her husband were not bad people, their approach to educating their descendants was indeed poor.

Lady Donglin’s face flushed red. She was already past fifty, nearly sixty, and close to her grave; today, she had completely lost face. She felt both angry and frustrated. She knew the Zhou family well enough to understand that they did not treat Zhang Rongchuan as a boy raised by his maternal grandparents; rather, they raised him as their own son, with the same provisions for food, clothing, and daily needs as Chang Lian.

Lady Donglin’s head felt dizzy with anger. She had initially planned on dragging out her visit for a few more days, but now she felt it was better to leave sooner. Otherwise, it would not only be awkward for her daughter but also strain the affection between the two families.

Lady Donglin stood up, "We spoiled this child, Dong Liao. I apologize on his behalf."

Zhulan hurriedly opened her eyes and stood up, supporting Lady Donglin. "My dear in-law, there’s no need for apologies. It’s normal for children to fight and play. Don’t take it to heart."

Deep down, Zhulan was actually angry. Even if Rongchuan didn’t talk about the ridicule he faced at the Academy, and even stopped Mingyun and the others from reporting it back, she still knew about it. She was pleased with Rongchuan’s magnanimity but also pitied the child. Fortunately, there weren’t many who dared to mock Rongchuan.

Her silence didn’t mean she didn’t care. All she could do was silently replace Rongchuan’s brushes, ink, and inkstone, and she picked the finest accessories for him. Though she said nothing, her actions clearly told everyone that he was also a Zhou family child.

Her actions were very effective; except for those exceptionally proud at heart, others no longer dared to ridicule.

She was painfully aware today, but she could not lecture. Though she couldn’t lecture, she could use a strategic retreat. Lady Donglin would eventually discipline the child without making Lady Dong feel awkward.

How could Lady Donglin not take it to heart? She had often heard about the formidable Mrs. Yang, a woman from a peasant family who managed to avoid trouble in Jinzhou Province, a place filled with noble families. Mrs. Yang’s scheming was too deep for her to fathom what Mrs. Yang was thinking.

Seeing Mrs. Yang smiling only made Lady Donglin feel even more panicked. She would rather her in-laws lose face than smile at her. "My dear in-law, I must be returning now."

"Of course, my dear in-law, please don’t scold the child. He is still young."

Lady Donglin’s steps faltered. It was plausible to say Rongchuan was still young, but Dong Liao was already a father. A cold sweat broke out on her back, and she hurried away.

Zhulan sat back down and spoke to Granny Song, "Why didn’t Rongchuan go to the Academy today?"

Granny Song, knowing everything about the residence like the back of her hand, lowered her head, "The young master took a leave to obtain a book of calligraphy from the book tower."

Zhulan smiled, "I remember the master’s study has a newly acquired book of calligraphy. Never mind, I’ll get it myself."

Granny Song smiled, "Yes."

The mistress would surely deliver it with great fanfare, exerting pressure indeed.

Zhulan rarely entered Zhou Shuren’s study, but she was familiar with his bookshelves. She quickly found the newly acquired calligraphy book, which Zhou Shuren had cleverly obtained from Mr. Wang!

This calligraphy book had been coveted by Chang Zhi for a long time, but unfortunately for him, Zhou Shuren treasured it greatly.

Zhulan carried the calligraphy book out of the study. Granny Song lowered her head, feeling inwardly impressed that the mistress could just casually take it.

In the third house, Lady Donglin returned with a pale face. Lady Dong was making clothes for her unborn child. Seeing her mother’s poor complexion, she quickly set aside the clothes, "Mother, are you unwell?"

She had been fine when she went out.

Lady Donglin sat down in a chair and took a deep breath. She decided not to tell her daughter, so as not to worry her. She regretted coming at all; if she hadn’t, none of this would have happened. During these few days, her daughter had only been worrying about her, "It’s nothing, maybe my body hasn’t fully recovered yet. Are you making clothes?"

Lady Dong did not believe what her mother said. She surmised that her mother-in-law wouldn’t have mistreated her mother. It must have been Dong Liao. The thought of Dong Liao made her angry. He hadn’t come home the day before, and although her husband hadn’t said anything, she knew he was displeased. Fortunately, he was considerate of her pregnancy and didn’t voice his requests about Dong Liao, "Yes, I thought I’d make some while I can still move easily."

Lady Donglin felt the fabric; it was the finest quality. She was astounded. From her brief contact over two days, she could tell that the Zhou family was very well-off. It hadn’t been many years, and yet Mrs. Yang truly had a knack for amassing silver. At this thought, her complexion worsened again.

Meanwhile, Zhulan had arrived at Rongchuan’s courtyard. Rongchuan was practicing his writing in the yard. Zhulan walked in, and the boy didn’t even notice, so engrossed was he. Zhulan gestured to Xia Mo to be quiet, and they carefully walked over to stand beside him and watch.

Outside, it was said that Zhou family’s Master Zhang wrote beautifully, but they did not know how much hard work Rongchuan had put in. Each time Zhou Shuren spoke of Rongchuan, he did so with affection. The boy’s perseverance was both heart-wrenching and admirable.