Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 847: A Son and a Daughter

Chapter 847: Chapter 847: A Son and a Daughter

The Zhou family arranged the marriage with great discretion, and Zhulan had to thank the true and false princes for diverting everyone’s attention. By the time the capital came to its senses, a date for the engagement had already been chosen.

The date for the engagement was a bit rushed, but it was the best one available in the coming month.

Zhou Shuren took leave for the occasion, and since there were no relatives from the Zhou family in the capital, it seemed that Zhou Shuren was still the main pillar of the Zhou family. Compared to the noble families of the capital, they were still too weak.

There weren’t many people from the Hu family either; a few held official positions, with Hu Xia being the highest ranking official, followed by two others of the Eighth and Seventh Rank.

The day of the engagement arrived quickly, and Zhulan finally got to meet the much-anticipated Lady Hu.

Lady Hu was nervous, but her gaze did not wander; she seemed to be a very proper person.

Zhulan said, "This is my eldest granddaughter Yushuang. This child has been sensible from a young age, and I adore her to the bottom of my heart. I’ve always been afraid she would be wronged; there’s no help for it, she’s endearing. If she were wronged, her grandfather and I would be heartbroken."

Lady Jin understood. Lady Yang had told them not to give Miss Zhou any grievance; even without saying, she wouldn’t dare. It was no joke; she wouldn’t risk her husband’s career, as he worked under Mr. Zhou.

Moreover, she was merely an aunt by marriage; her influence wasn’t extensive. She had that much sense. The only thing she envied was why her son hadn’t caught Mr. Zhou’s eye. She would gladly accept her son being slighted if he were to marry into a high-status family, as it would be nothing compared to his future prospects. Unfortunately, the Zhou family didn’t favor him.

Lady Hu looked at Miss Zhou, feeling nervous. Hearing the words of Lady Yang, she knew she had to make her stance clear, "What the grandmother-in-law says is true. Who wouldn’t cherish such a gentle and good-hearted person as Miss Zhou? I’ve always thought that if I had a daughter, she would definitely be like Miss Zhou. Now that I see Miss Zhou, I consider my family blessed with both a son and daughter."

Zhulan’s eyes carried a smile; Lady Hu might be timid in front of Lady Jin, but she understood everything and knew how to speak. This was her way of saying that in the future, she would treat Yushuang as her own daughter. "Indeed, you will have both a son and a daughter. Once you marry this daughter-in-law into your family, she becomes one of your own. Not to boast, but look at how I treat my four daughters-in-law. I truly cherish them as my own daughters, and each manages their household in peace and harmony."

Touching her handkerchief, Lady Hu had an epiphany. Lady Yang was worried she would meddle in her son and daughter-in-law’s affairs in the future. She truly had not considered it, nor would she dare to. Just looking at Miss Zhou, it was clear she had grown up pampered; look at the way she dressed and the accessories she wore.

During these days, she had inquired about them; although not extensively, she still knew that many desired the Zhou family’s eldest granddaughter. However, the Zhou family had not reacted; choosing her son, she had pondered that they were avoiding their granddaughter being wronged.

Her eyes curved with understanding, "You’re right, managing one’s daily life is up to oneself. A harmonious family leads to everything being complete. I understand this."

Zhulan felt her granddaughter tugging at her sleeve secretly and met her granddaughter’s bright eyes. Zhulan patted her granddaughter’s hand, signaling her not to be nervous, assuring her everything was under control. With this thought, she glanced at Yu Lu.

With a sigh in her heart, Zhulan knew that Yu Lu’s marital arrangement was favorable, yet she couldn’t speak as openly as she had with the Taos today. Since arriving in the capital, she had not ceased corresponding with the Taos, diligently maintaining the friendship for Yu Lu’s sake.

Yu Lu felt her grandmother’s gaze and blinked her eyes. Zhulan smiled.

Zhulan commented, "My old man truly likes Liufeng. He has often sung his praises to me. I really admire you; it must not have been easy raising Liufeng so well."

Lady Hu’s discomfort completely vanished; no mother dislikes hearing her son praised, especially since the Zhou family had affirmed her upbringing and efforts, "This child has been sensible since he was young, and I’ve hardly worried over him."

Lady Zhao warmly took Lady Hu’s hand, continuing the conversation, "You can’t say it like that. The effort you’ve put in for Liufeng is tangible and true."

Lady Hu felt even more affirmed, her eyes becoming somewhat red.

Seizing the moment, Lady Zhao added warmly, "The best days are yet to come. You have great fortune to look forward to."

Lady Hu laughed. "I don’t ask for much, just that Liufeng could lead a smooth life, and I will be at ease."

In the future, if the in-laws could lend a hand to our son, as long as his future is bright, I wouldn’t mind not meddling in the young couple’s affairs. In fact, I’d be willing to spend my latter years in vegetarianism and Buddhist prayer.

Outside, Gu Liufeng’s face turned red, especially when facing Zhou Shuren’s youngest son, he dared not make a single move.

Chang Zhong frowned. "In the future, will you have to start calling me ’little uncle’ too?"

Gu Liufeng’s face grew even redder, redder than when he had seen Yushuang. "I, um, we’re not married yet."

Chang Zhong became unhappy, tugging at his brother-in-law’s clothes. "I already call Rongchuan ’brother-in-law’!"

Rongchuan coughed, "It’s different for me, I grew up in the Zhou residence. I called it as it is, cough cough, of course, there was also the fact that I had agreed to it initially because I liked Chang Zhong calling me brother-in-law."

Gu Liufeng became anxious, not knowing how to explain to a child that he couldn’t yet call him ’little uncle’. Facing the little guy’s dissatisfaction, he felt a sense of despair, more challenging than writing an essay, and he was too embarrassed to explain.

Mingyun was feeling quite pleased. It’s good for the ’little uncle’ to keep emphasizing his seniority.

Chang Zhong didn’t wait for an answer. "You don’t want to set the engagement? How can you do this? My grandniece is so wonderful. She’s beautiful and knows music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and is especially good with her hands. Have you seen my purse? This was embroidered for me by my grandniece."

Gu Liufeng, drenched in sweat, hastened his response, "I’m willing, I’m willing."

Yet his eyes uncontrollably fixed on the embroidered purse, longing to snatch it away, but he dared not. This person was like an ancestor to him, someone he couldn’t afford to offend.

Rongchuan watched Gu Liufeng’s embarrassed look and laughed out loud, while Ming Teng’s reaction was even more exaggerated, nearly bent double with laughter.

Ming Rui covered his face, but his laughter didn’t lessen. He thought to himself that having a brother-in-law who was easy to tease would be great. In the future, he would make sure the brother-in-law could only treat his sister well.

But Mingyun thought of his younger sister’s fiancé whom they had met during the festivals, with whom he hadn’t interacted much. He would have to think twice before teasing him, for the fiancé was a direct descendant of the Wang family, and therefore, he had to make an effort. Otherwise, he might have to think thrice before teasing his brother-in-law in the future!

Inside, Zhou Shuren seldom spoke; most of the time, it was Chang Lian who initiated the conversation.

Chang Lian had received much training in the Hanlin Academy. Having attended the court numerous times and having frequent contact with the Emperor, Chang Lian had been well-crafted, used to the big scenes, so small matters to him were just trifles.

Chang Lian smiled with satisfaction. The Hu family was straightforward, and no younger members stood out. This meant that as long as the Zhou family was well, his grandniece’s future would be secure.

Chang Zhi was somewhat distracted. As his third brother talked, he felt a tinge of sadness, thinking about his own daughter Yu Wen getting engaged in many years’ time. Oh no, he couldn’t bear it—a father’s heart is sensitive at the thought of his delicate daughter belonging to someone else’s family one day.

Zhou Shuren was also pleased. The engagement was finally set. After yesterday’s court session, he stayed in the government hall to report on matters. The Crown Prince mentioned Shen—no, Zhang Yang—saying Zhang Yang learned the rules well, and the residence of the fifth Prince had been vacated, ready for him to move in in a few days.

He sensed the ease in the Crown Prince’s tone, apparently also having had enough of Zhang Yang.

Zhou Shuren’s face wore a smile. He was very much looking forward to Zhang Yang’s expression upon hearing the news. Moreover, Zhou Shuren, touching his teacup, knew that his granddaughter was not someone easily coveted.