Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 512: Seeking Help_1

Chapter 512: Chapter 512: Seeking Help_1

The Emperor clenched his fist, "The toughest ones to catch are always the last ones, but this time, we must firmly grasp it."

The Crown Prince lowered his head to look at the Zhezi, not daring to lift his gaze. This was the first time he had seen his father express such raw emotion. The rage from his father earlier had sent a chill down his spine. As he dealt with more and more affairs, he realized just how much there was that he had failed to see before. More exposure brought wider horizons and sometimes he thought that maybe he had spent too much of his energy on his younger brothers.

The Crown Prince marked the Zhezi with his pen and picked up another one. He was the Crown Prince after all. As long as the Emperor acknowledged him, his position was secure. And, as it appeared currently, his position truly was stable—Yuguang’s examination of the Zhezi was evidence of that.

Early the next day, Zhulan prepared the return-home gifts, and after breakfast, she bid farewell to the Magistrate and Chang Zhi. Since the Magistrate was now without parents, her only relative in Jinzhou Province was a maternal cousin, and she was returning to the home of Lord Wang.

That was also why Zhou Shuren acknowledged Lord Wang. According to Zhou Shuren, Lord Wang had always cooperated with him in official affairs, perfectly filling in any gaps, a rare and syncopated partnership.

Zhulan went out with Lady Li to collect the jewelry from the store. Zhulan had amassed quite a collection of gold ornaments, all of which were out of fashion. She had them melted down and remade. Lady Li also had some gold jewelry sent in for remolding.

What Zhulan had melted down wasn’t for herself; she was crafting complete sets of gold bridal jewelry, intended to be passed down to her daughters and granddaughters. She put a lot of thought into selecting designs that could be heirlooms for generations to come.

The designs Zhulan chose were highly demanding of craftsmanship. Nearly two months had passed, and only now were they completed. They were supposed to be delivered to her residence, but Zhulan, having not left her home in a long time, decided to visit the shop in person.

The shopkeeper greeted her with respect, "Everything is here."

Zhulan picked up a step-shake, careful not to make any sudden movements. The petals on it trembled with even the slightest motion; she feared they might fall off, for they were so delicate and thin.

Lady Li’s eyes widened in amazement, "It’s truly beautiful, just like a real flower."

The shopkeeper beamed with pride, "Our jewelry store’s craftsmen may not be the very best, but they are definitely among the top."

Lady Li nodded in agreement, "Indeed impressive."

Zhulan gently shook the step-shake, marveling at the wonder of it. Pure handcraftsmanship like this had become rare, with many techniques lost in modern times. The hairpin that resembled a butterfly was a testament to skillful artisanship. Zhulan felt an impulse to collect them all.

Lady Li’s pieces were quite lovely. She had them made for Yushuang, not as bridal jewelry but for Yushuang to wear at present.

Zhulan inspected each piece one by one and then glanced at the display cabinet with the jewelry. She restrained the urge to retrieve her gaze; her hands were truly itching—there were new designs yet again. Zhulan thought of household expenses; the family’s finances had taken a hit during the fourth child’s wedding, so it was better to hold off until more Silver Coin came in.

The shopkeeper inwardly rejoiced. Madam Zhou’s standards were exceptionally high, and the elaborate styles she chose meant a significant income from just this order.

Zhulan paid with Silver and noticed Lady Li admiring the jewelry, "Do you want to buy something?"

Lady Li nodded, "I want to get Yushuang a pearl bracelet."

She only had this one daughter and didn’t want hers to lack anything compared to Yushuang, the daughter of the second wife. In the past, she wouldn’t have minded, but now that they had a bit of Silver, she didn’t want her daughter to have less. Her daughter was so understanding, never envious or demanding, which just made her mother’s heart ache more.

Though the first wife’s family didn’t have as much Silver as the second wife’s, and had always been frugal, she couldn’t bear to slight her own daughter. Now that the Zhao family had bought something for Yushuang, she would also provide for her daughter.

Zhulan looked at Lady Li, whose thoughts were all too easy to guess. Zhulan resumed her seat to wait; she was fond of both her granddaughters but, frankly, when it came to predicting their futures, she saw a brighter one for Yushuang. This girl had a good character—contentment, a positive mindset, and broad-mindedness.

Despite Yushuang’s usual silence, she was clear-headed inside. The most valuable trait a person could possess was to live with such clarity, knowing exactly what one desires.

Looking at Yushuang, one couldn’t just consider her looks; her mind was of more concern. She cared too much and was a bit too competitive, living a life full of exertion, doomed to bear too much in the future.

Lady Li carefully chose a pearl bracelet. Although the pearls were not large, they cost quite a sum of silver. Lady Li felt the pinch, but the thought of seeing surprise in her daughter’s eyes made her believe it was worth it.

As Zhulan and Lady Li descended the stairs, someone came up and bumped into Lady Li, who instantly apologized profusely.

Lady Li waved it off, "I’m too fat, it’s not your fault."

The woman paused, then smiled.

Zhulan and Lady Li got into the carriage, and Zhulan frowned, "The handkerchief in your sleeve isn’t yours."

Lady Li’s handkerchiefs were always of a darker color; this one was too light.

Lady Li let out a gasp, pulling out the handkerchief and was shocked, "Mother, why is there writing on the handkerchief?"

It was indeed not hers. Lady Li grew nervous for a moment, but then she was relieved because her handkerchiefs never bore any distinctive embroidery of flowers or symbols. She then felt embarrassed; what was she thinking? With her looks, no one would scheme against her.

Lady Li thought silently that her appearance was indeed a safe one.

Zhulan took the handkerchief, squinting her eyes. That woman just now must have bumped into Lady Li on purpose. Taking a look at the writing on the handkerchief, she put it away.

Lady Li asked, "Mother, shouldn’t we go back and find the person?"

Zhulan waved a hand, "No need, and for today’s matter, act as if you know nothing."

Lady Li covered her mouth with her plump hand, realizing that the matter seemed serious. However, her mother appeared somewhat relaxed. Lady Li thought it must be something good and decided not to dwell on it; she would just quietly remain the respected lady of the Zhou household.

Upon returning to the mansion, Zhulan instructed Nanny Song to put away the jewelry. In the main courtyard, only Zhulan and Zhou Shuren, along with the still young Chang Zhong, lived.

There were many empty rooms in the main courtyard, with hardly a few suitable for living. Zhulan used them as storerooms, keeping the dowries for her oldest and youngest daughters separate.

In just a few years, Zhulan had amassed a considerable number of items. The more she collected, the more she had. Next time they moved, it would surely be an impressive sight.

In the room, Zhulan took out the handkerchief in front of Nanny Song and placed it carefully. There was nothing about this matter to hide from Nanny Song.

Nanny Song inwardly chuckled. The mistress and Master Zhou were indeed alike, both adept at utilizing her. She clearly knew that the mistress sometimes sent her away for private discussions with Master Zhou and was also aware they would talk at night. She was aware but never intruded.

She understood clearly that once she had joined the Zhou household, she belonged to it. She knew what should and shouldn’t be said.

Having positioned the handkerchief, Zhulan considered that the storeroom held an abundance of items, pondering whether to send some to their residence in the capital. The property there was bestowed by the Emperor, ensuring its security. She wasn’t worried about losing anything; perishables like hides would be retained, while materials such as wood could be transported there first.

That evening, when Zhou Shuren returned, Zhulan presented the handkerchief to him, "It’s a plea for help."