Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 809

Chapter 809: 809

Zhou Shuren and Mr. Fang went out together, Mr. Fang said, "I want to thank you for today, Zhou."

Zhou Shuren, "It was the Crown Prince who wanted to come over."

Mr. Fang smiled, "This way, please, Zhou."

Zhou Shuren quite enjoyed dealing with Mr. Fang. After a quick tour, Zhou Shuren had a better understanding of the Ministry of Works. There weren’t many officials in the ministry; some were on business trips to Jiangnan, and others were planning with the Third Prince.

By the time Zhou Shuren returned, the Crown Prince had already flipped through several account books. He hadn’t read them carefully, but he had got the gist.

Zhou Shuren didn’t say much; he had already made his recommendations today. Saying more wouldn’t be good; it was better to take things slowly and not rush.

At the Zhou residence, Zhulan came home feeling exhausted. She had just changed her clothes and had no energy to rest, so she sent for Scholar Deng, wanting to find out more about the Wu family first.

Zhulan took out the notebook she had organized, which listed the ladies from the families of officials in the capital. Her memory was good, but she couldn’t remember them all.

Before Scholar Deng arrived, Lady Dong and Zhao’s wife came together, bringing Yu Yi and Yu Die.

Zhulan waved them over, "Come here, let Grandma take a look."

Two little girls; Yu Die had been raised well by Zhao’s wife, no longer thin as before and had gained some weight. While she hadn’t inherited Zhao’s wife’s beauty, she was a cute babe.

And Yu Yi, needless to say. Lady Dong treasured her enormously; Chang Lian, her father, doted on her as well. The little one loved to laugh and was very likable.

Zhulan noticed that both granddaughters wore necklaces, "Oh, these two little ones are wearing matching necklaces."

Zhao’s wife smiled, "My sister-in-law and I were lucky to find identical pieces at the jewelry store, and they just so happened to fit the little ones, so we bought them."

Zhulan looked at the two little ones holding hands and laughing happily, "If someone didn’t know any better, they might think the girls are twins!"

Lady Dong said, "The two of them are close in age and much younger than Yushuang and Yu Lu. These two are as close as if they were a single person; they even want to sleep together at night!"

Seeing the little ones go off to play, Zhulan asked her two daughters-in-law, "You came together, is there something the matter?"

When she was home, the daughters-in-law would visit daily, but they wouldn’t come on the days she was attending social engagements.

Lady Dong looked slightly embarrassed, "Mother, you are going to be a grandmother again."

Zhulan was delighted when she heard this, "I always say, having children is a matter of fate. Look, here comes another one."

Lady Dong felt a sense of relief too, thankfully she hadn’t resorted to fertility medicine, "Yes, the daughter-in-law did not understand before, and caused mother worry."

Zhulan smiled, "Now that you are pregnant, ease your mind. Whether it’s a son or a daughter, it’s all predestined, and you mustn’t worry unnecessarily."

Of her four daughters-in-law, only the one in the third branch was without a son, putting pressure on Lady Dong.

Lady Dong still yearned for a son. Having a daughter now, she hoped for a son next—a perfect pair of a son and a daughter. Knowing that her mother-in-law wanted her to be at ease, she felt grateful for her kindness, as her mother-in-law never put pressure on her. Being pregnant made her even more emotional, her eyes reddening, "The daughter-in-law must have accumulated blessings in a prior life to become your daughter-in-law, mother. In the next life, I will still be your daughter-in-law."

Zhulan couldn’t help but laugh, "In that case, I’d have to have a lot more sons next time, or there wouldn’t be enough to go around."

Lady Dong had said this before, and so had Lady Li. It seemed that all the daughters-in-law had mentioned it.

Both Zhao’s wife and Lady Dong laughed. Zhao’s wife said, "Mother, I’ve sorted through the fur that my husband brought back. I specially picked the best pieces for my little sister-in-law’s dowry, and my husband asked me to let you know that we will send it over in a while."

Zhulan said, "Alright, just give it to Nanny Song later."

Chang Yi had purchased quite a few furs, and the finest among them were sent to the main courtyard as soon as he arrived home. She was very pleased with them and had already handed them to the needlework room to make winter clothes.

Zhulan pondered for a moment and said, "Now that we are entering the capital this year, the banquets we’ll attend in the future will be different, so you should also make more clothes. Mother will pay for these furs."

Lady Dong and Lady Zhao exchanged glances, knowing full well how their mother-in-law liked to save things up. She had many fine items at hand, and they said joyfully, "Thank you, Mother."

Zhulan mentioned to Lady Zhao, "You don’t need to worry about Yushuang’s marriage arrangements. I’m keeping an eye on it!"

Lady Zhao said, "Mother, your daughter-in-law is not in a rush now, but I am a bit worried."

Zhulan thought for a moment and said, "Today at the Third Prince’s residence, the Second Prince’s Consort mentioned Ming Teng, which will divert some attention away from Yushuang."

Lady Dong frowned, "Ming Teng and Ming Rui aren’t but a few years apart."

Upon hearing this, Lady Zhao realized it was true, and her headache returned.

Zhulan said, "Ming Rui is still young; there’s no hurry."

By this time, Scholar Deng had arrived, and Lady Zhao and Lady Dong took the children back with them. Zhulan instructed them to look into the family of Judge Wu.

Scholar Deng took note, and Zhulan added, "Also, help me look into whether there are any shops in the capital for sale."

Scholar Deng made a mental calculation, wondering how much dowry Zhou Shuren’s wife intended to add for Miss Zhou. Still, he noted it in his mind, "I have taken note."

In fact, Scholar Deng had guessed wrong. Zhulan now had silver and was looking to buy more shops, not to provide a dowry for Xue Han, but to increase the Zhou family’s assets.

Inside the palace, the Emperor looked over a secret missive. Zhang Jinghong had not disappointed him, having tricked the enemy into trust and wiped out a stronghold. It was just a pity that no big fish were caught. The list that was sent did not feature high-ranking officials, but all of them held quite important positions.

The Emperor burned the secret missive, reflecting that Fourth Prince had just arrived in Jianghuai, his actions brash but with limited effect. Thinking of the Crown Prince’s conversation with Zhou Shuren, he wanted the person behind the scenes, and began writing a letter.

The Emperor quickly finished writing the letter and had it sent off, then picked up the Second Prince’s report. After a brief glance, he cast it aside. On this mission, the Second Prince had gathered quite a bit of silver, and it would be better to have that silver returned.

In the evening, as soon as Zhou Shuren returned home, Zhulan said to him, "Duke Ning’s residence has sent a letter, wishing to go through the engagement rituals again."

Zhou Shuren replied, "It’s been some time since Rongchuan went back, and Duke Ning had not visited. I had guessed this outcome. These past days were likely spent preparing the betrothal gifts!"

Zhulan handed over a garment and said, "Tell me, who will accompany the matchmaker tomorrow?"

"We’ll find out tomorrow," Zhou Shuren said.

Zhulan was happy to go through the process again, not for the betrothal gifts, but for her daughter’s and Rongchuan’s happiness.

Zhou Shuren said, "This time the betrothal gifts will certainly be valuable. They will also be part of Xue Han’s dowry. From my estimation, adding this betrothal gift, Xue Han’s dowry won’t need further additions."

Zhulan said, "Even if you didn’t mention it, I wouldn’t have added more. I inquired about the dowries of Prince’s consorts, and Xue Han’s dowry will suffice."

The Duke Ning’s residence had made up for the lack of precious antiques and such decor, and to add more would be excessive.

Zhou Shuren said, "I don’t know when Eldest Son and Chang Zhi will be home. Speaking of which, being a father, I didn’t use to care much. But this time they left, and I miss them quite a bit."

Zhulan chuckled, "You’ve been busy recently; I didn’t hear you mention this before. It seems the days you spend with the Crown Prince are rather leisurely."

Zhou Shuren laughed as well, "That’s why I’m in such good spirits."