Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 829: Passing Away

Chapter 829: Chapter 829: Passing Away

Zhulan held the teacup steady, pressing down the twitch at the corner of her mouth. Her own child had always been unassuming, never vying for attention at banquets, yet it was remarkable how the Wu and Liu clan could sing such praises: "In fact, I’ve heard plenty about Miss Wu’s fine reputation: she’s adept in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—a prodigy in all respects. Even the empresses in the court sing her praises!"

Ms. Wu was delighted upon hearing this. Her daughter was sought after by many, unrivaled in the capital. It seemed that Mrs. Yang too was satisfied with her daughter.

Zhulan was clear about Ms. Wu’s intentions. By mentioning Yushuang, her aim was obvious. Shifting the conversation again, "Even someone like me, who lives away from the capital, has heard that Miss Wu is about to be betrothed?"

Ms. Wu was taken aback. As the mother, she had no knowledge of any betrothal plans. Frowning, "No, there is no betrothal."

Zhulan expressed her surprise, "Is that so? Perhaps the message was mistaken."

Ms. Wu clutched her handkerchief tightly. Ever since her daughter reached marriageable age, her sister-in-law—the Second Prince’s Consort—had been making plans. The Second Prince had also spoken, desiring to find a good household for her daughter. Yet, there were always those who interfered, making the matrimonial proceedings less than smooth.

This time, upon her sister-in-law’s mention of Mr. Zhou’s family, she and her husband were quite pleased, which was why she had come, having beseeched her sister-in-law’s assistance first.

Ms. Wu’s heart fluttered with panic. How had the news of her daughter’s betrothal spread? She didn’t believe Mrs. Yang was lying. There must have been some rumors. Feeling uneasy, she excused herself, "I heard you had returned, and we do have some acquaintanceship. So, I came to visit. Unfortunately, it’s bad timing. I have matters at home to attend to, and must leave now."

Zhulan rose, "Then allow me to escort the lady out."

Liu Clan watched Mrs. Yang, who led her sister-in-law away soon as she began to speak. With just a few words, her sister-in-law’s plans were thwarted. She now understood that the Zhou family had no wish to forge a marriage alliance with the Wu family. The intentions of her sister-in-law were plainly seen by the host, which was just as well for her; it saved her the trouble.

Upon seeing off Ms. Wu and Mrs. Liu, Zhulan knew she had not lied. It was Scholar Deng who had brought the news to the Estate. Even though her words might have been a bit exaggerated, she was still telling the truth.

When she first heard the news, she and Zhou Shuren had discussed it. At that time, the Third Prince’s Residence, where the Second Prince’s Consort had mentioned her niece from her maiden home.

Looking back at Ms. Wu’s reaction, it seemed Miss Wu had no intention to be engaged, which made the rumors all the more intriguing.

Reflecting on Yushuang’s potential betrothal, Zhulan sighed. The two families Zhou Shuren favored had been investigated by Scholar Deng in recent days. The son of the Residence of the Deputy Minister of Rites was indeed not bad, though his heart seemed quite fickle, having taken several servant girls into his chambers.

The son of Mr. Fang’s family had a good education and appearance, but he had numerous cousins. One cousin, in particular, with whom he had grown up, was said to share a good relationship, and the two families had an intention to be united by marriage.

Zhulan, having acquired this information, dropped the matter. A heart too fickle was unacceptable; she did not wish to gamble her granddaughter on whether a playboy could be confined. Nor did she wish her daughter to marry a man who harbored feelings for another.

In the Hou Residence, the second Yao Miss watched over her mother, who had fallen unconscious, with a weary expression. Having sought out doctors herself, she was yet unable to discern the cause of her mother’s ailment, witnessing her mother’s strength waning day by day.

Yao Yao wiped away her tears, "Mother, you must get better."

Lady Bai’s fingers twitched, and after a long while, she opened her eyes. Yao Yao called out excitedly, "Quickly, go fetch the doctor, quickly!"

It took a moment for Lady Bai’s eyes to show clarity, as she stared blankly at the ceiling. She hadn’t died; after a cough, she looked at her daughter, who was crying miserably. She wanted to lift her hand to stroke her daughter’s hair but had no strength in her arms. She wanted to speak, but her throat was extremely sore, making her cough even more violently.

Yao Yao carefully supported her mother, "Mother, please don’t talk right now."

Lady Bai closed her eyes weakly. She thought she had died, but was still alive. After drinking a few sips of water, the doctor who remained in the residence arrived, astonished that his patient had awoken; he had just suggested preparing for the worst that morning. He checked her pulse and sighed, "I will go and write a prescription."

Hearing the sigh, Yao Yao couldn’t hold back her tears. Lady Bai had regained some strength and knew well enough what was happening—it was a brief rally. After resting for a while and consuming some porridge, she finally mustered the strength to speak.

Signaling everyone in the room to leave, she grasped her daughter’s hand and struggled to speak, "When I’m gone, if you can help it, do not return here."

Yao Yao’s heart trembled, "Mother."

She always found her mother’s illness strange. Now, having heard her words, how could she remain oblivious to the truth?

Lady Bai said she needed a moment to catch her breath, as her time of unconsciousness was not without awareness; she simply couldn’t open her eyes. She knew that Yao Wenqi had visited her, and she was also aware that he knew about her condition that day outside. Clutching her daughter’s hand, she advised, "You’ve done very well with your little brother, and if you’re able to, please help him in the future. If you can’t, then let it be."

Yao Yao’s pupils contracted, realizing her mother knew everything, "Mother, I never meant to be cruel to my little brother, I—"

Lady Bai smiled, "Mother understands; with you here, I have no regrets."

She would arrange nothing, tell the children nothing; this was for the best.

In the afternoon, upon hearing the news, Zhulan was surprisingly flustered and asked Matron Song for confirmation, "You’re saying Mrs. Hou, Lady Bai, has passed away?"

Matron Song replied, "Yes, she has passed."

Zhulan felt somewhat bewildered; she knew of Lady Bai’s illness but hadn’t taken it to heart. Despite the ancient times lacking modern amenities, she had seen the great skill of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and the Imperial Physicians throughout the years. Yet, unexpectedly, the news of Lady Bai’s death reached her.

Matron Song whispered, "Lady Bai’s death is no simple matter."

Zhulan looked at Matron Song, who said no more, but it must have taken some inside knowledge to inform her at all; it wasn’t easy.

At Hanlin Academy, as time wore on, Shen Yang was still overlooked by the palace, ignored by the academy.

Zhou Changlian observed Shen Yang’s darkening eye sockets, then coolly withdrew his gaze.

Lv Liang opened the conversation, "Chang Lian, shall we go for a drink tonight?"

Chang Lian shook his head, "No, you go ahead. My father has returned to the capital, I must go home."

Lv Liang’s eyes brightened, "Mr. Zhou has returned to the capital."

"Yes, he has. I won’t keep you any longer, I must be going."

"Ah, alright."

Shen Yang, upon hearing this, looked up. He envied Zhou Changlian greatly at the moment, a good father means more than anything; he quickly averted his gaze as he felt someone looking at him. These days had eroded all his aspirations.

Lv Liang shifted his gaze away, deciding it best to ignore Shen Yang. Not offending him, not kicking him while he was down, who could tell what the situation within the palace was. They were all patient people, preferring to wait for the outcome.

At Hou Residence, Yao Zheyu observed the well-arranged mourning hall, his eyes icy. Listening to his sister’s crying, he whispered to his wife, "Yao Yao is pregnant; she shouldn’t be crying like this. It will be hard for you, but please take care of her."

Shen Yile had a favorable opinion of Yao Yao, who had helped her a lot before marriage. She always remembered that kindness, "I understand, don’t worry."

Yao Zheyu then looked at his brother who had fainted from weakness, rubbing his forehead. He had too many matters on his hand, Lady Bai’s death smacked of strangeness—though Yao Yao said nothing, he had not missed the hatred in her eyes when their father left.

Yao Yao, a person of detail, had heard that Lady Bai had been lucid today; might she have said something?

At Zhou residence, Chang Lian had already returned, "Father, mother."

Zhou Shuren saw that Chang Lian was in good spirits and felt relieved, "You’ve been handling the household affairs these days; it’s been hard on you."

He had heard much from Steward Wang and grew increasingly reassured about Chang Lian; there was nothing left for him to worry about, even if his son were to leave for some life experiences.