Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 498 - Nearly Had a Heart Attack_1

Chapter 498: 498 Chapter Nearly Had a Heart Attack_1

Zhulan stood for a while and didn’t speak until Rongchuan had finished his piece of writing, as the child was so focused. "Not bad, can you give it to me?" she asked.

Rongchuan, who had been admiring his calligraphy, jumped at the sound and only then noticed his aunt beside him. "Auntie, when did you get here?" he exclaimed.

Zhulan picked up the paper. She too had practiced a lot of writing. Her own wasn’t to say very good but rather average. The piece before her, if her grandfather from modern times saw it, would have been delighted. "I’ve been here for a while, but I couldn’t bear to interrupt your concentration. I’ll take this piece with me."

Rongchuan, slightly embarrassed, replied, "I’m glad you like it, Auntie, but I haven’t written it particularly well."

He was still unsatisfied with his work.

Zhulan, "....It’s already very good."

This child would have been an absolute academic prodigy in modern times!

Rongchuan, sheepishly, said, "I’ve only been practicing this piece for a short while; there are many parts that aren’t written naturally."

Zhulan couldn’t tell the difference. She set down the piece of paper she was holding and picked up the one from Granny Song, "Here, this is for you. It’s a new calligraphy model obtained by your uncle."

Rongchuan took it with excitement and quickly flipped through it, then felt awkward. He had heard from Chang Zhi about the uncle receiving calligraphy models. Chang Zhi had been envious for a long time and would have tried to take it if not for the fear of his uncle. Now that it was in Rongchuan’s possession, he could imagine that once Chang Zhi found out, the model would not be safe.

Following that, Rongchuan felt a warmness in his heart, "Auntie, no one has been mocking me lately."

He knew that many of the items he used had been replaced, and he understood that his auntie was protecting him in her own way.

Zhulan said with a smile, "I know. I heard you took leave because of the calligraphy model. Since we have a new one at home, I brought it to you."

Rongchuan couldn’t help but glance at Granny Song, knowing there was nothing in the household that could be kept from her. "Thank you, Auntie. I will study it diligently."

"You need to balance work and rest as well, don’t overexert yourself."

"Yes."

Zhulan, worried that her son had woken up, said, "I should go back now."

"I’ll walk you out, Auntie."

Zhulan returned to the courtyard and found her son was already awake and crying. She picked up her son and cooed until he stopped. The child was very attached to her.

Rongchuan had received the calligraphy model, and it was Zhulan herself who had delivered it. This was no secret. Although the other households would not pry into Zhulan’s affairs, they still paid attention to her moves.

In the main house, Lady Li had grown accustomed to it; the mother had always been good to Rongchuan. After hearing, Lady Li simply moved on, her thoughts focused on selecting the dress to wear the next day.

The second wife cared even less. Zhao’s heart and eyes were filled with her little daughter.

The only ones concerned were from the third house and Chang Zhi. Upon receiving the news, Chang Zhi rushed over immediately.

In the third house, Lady Dong reflected, "The mother-in-law truly favors Rongchuan. The calligraphy model that even father-in-law won’t allow the husband to touch, the mother-in-law gave directly to Rongchuan."

Lady Donglin lost her appetite for lunch after hearing that, even though all the dishes on the table were her favorites. Lady Donglin, looking at her eldest grandson whose head hung even lower, felt even more dismayed inside.

Lady Dong hadn’t noticed her mother’s expression and continued her reflection, "Father-in-law has praised Rongchuan, and even the husband admires him!"

Dong Liao’s chopsticks dropped. It was then that Lady Dong noticed and asked, "What’s wrong?"

Lady Donglin noticed she could no longer keep things hidden, so she signaled the old woman to leave and then recounted the morning’s events. Seeing her daughter pale in fright, Lady Donglin felt even worse, "That’s how things are."

Dong Liao broke out in a cold sweat from fear, "Grandma, you and Nanny Yang overheard this together?"

Lady Donglin, seeing how her grandson was scared silly, felt even more heartache, "You should go and apologize to Rongchuan in a bit. After some days, we’ll return home."

Lady Dong had calmed down, clutching her handkerchief tightly with anger. She understood the boy’s desire to stay behind; everyone has ambitions, but he shouldn’t be foolish enough to offend people, especially thinking he could bully the vulnerable when in truth, there isn’t a single pushover in the Zhou family.

Lady Dong was already pregnant, and her temper was easily sparked. Chang Lian was protective and doting, and her mother-in-law was sensible. Lady Dong had never really been mistreated until now. Her anger swelled as she thought about how she would face people in the future. She was aware of how doted upon her younger sister was and how much Rongchuan was loved by their parents. Lady Dong also recalled the times her mother-in-law had disciplined her, and in her anger, she couldn’t help but slam the table while glaring at Dong Liao.

Lady Donglin was startled, "You’re pregnant, so calm down."

Lady Dong, unable to contain her anger, felt pressured already with her sister being the Magistrate and then her nephew was only dragging her down further. She thought of her second wife sister-in-law; despite their mother still treating everyone evenly, it was clear to her that there was less genuine affection for the second wife, "Mother, you should talk to father. It’s time to properly manage the household."

After seeing Dong Liao’s reaction, she no longer expected anyone from the Dong family to stand up and support her. She only hoped they wouldn’t cause her any more trouble.

Lady Donglin’s expression stiffened. The reason she was reluctant to visit her eldest daughter’s home wasn’t just because it was her second marriage, but also because her daughter’s status was higher than hers. Even if she was respected, sometimes her inadvertent actions made her uncomfortable.

She genuinely loved her younger daughter, but the girl had just now looked too much like the elder one. Now, upon looking closely at Zhulan, she wasn’t just a Scholar’s wife, but also the third mistress of the Zhou residence, and her future son-in-law’s career was secure. Perhaps Zhulan might even receive an imperial commendation in the future. She no longer needed to rely on her family, but rather, the Dong family would need her.

Lady Donglin sighed inwardly, "I understand."

After dinner, Zhulan put the children to sleep in no time. She knew that Dong Liao had gone to apologize and that Lady Donglin had spent a significant amount of Silver as amends, which must have cost her deeply.

Zhulan did not wait for Lady Dong’s visit; that was where Lady Dong’s intelligence shone through. She portrayed it as a matter between the two children and left it to them to resolve on their own.

The next day, Zhulan accompanied Lady Donglin to the temple according to plan. However, after yesterday’s incident, the atmosphere had completely changed. Although they still communicated, the closeness they once had could no longer be found.

Lady Donglin sought a fortune. Zhulan didn’t ask, but from her expression, it surely wasn’t a good reading.

On the way back to town, Lady Donglin said, "I had planned to stay a bit longer, but I’m really worried about home. I’m planning to return in three days."

Zhulan sincerely urged her to stay longer, "Please stay a bit more; you’ve barely just arrived."

Lady Donglin, weighed down by the fortune she’d received, thought of her rash grandson. For the sake of the Dong family, it was better to return home, "No need, Chu Chu and the children are all well, and I have nothing to worry about."

It’s just a pity that an opportunity to maintain familial affection was missed. Who knows how the old master will react when she gets home!

Zhulan fell silent for a moment, "Then I won’t insist on you staying."

Lady Donglin let out a sigh of relief. At least her daughter would be able to visit next year, so she wasn’t worried about not seeing her anymore. In the future, her daughter would come to see her; she wouldn’t come out again.

Back home, Lady Donglin said she was tired and went to rest.

Zhulan spent some time soothing until Chang Lian arrived. Naturally taking over the care of his little brother, he asked, "Mother, did you need to see me about something?"

Zhulan said, "Your mother-in-law will be returning home in three days. Prepare for it."

Sitting down with his brother in his arms, Chang Lian said, "It’s probably best that she goes back, to avoid Dong Liao’s impetuousness."

Today, he and Shi Qing had visited the bookshop. What he heard there was even more infuriating, especially Dong Liao’s fawning and flattery which nearly gave him a heart attack. And Dong Liao was currying favor with the son of the Bai family, the same family that almost schemed against his sister!