Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 966: Live Version, Not All Are Beauties

Chapter 966: Chapter 966: Live Version, Not All Are Beauties

Zhulan never meddled in her natal family’s affairs, but she had to admit, her eldest brother’s idea was good, though Yang Wen was the eldest grandson, "Big brother, the sea is truly too dangerous, and not everyone is suited for it, seasickness is a major problem."

Chang Yi had been lucky, so he had successfully gone to sea. The navy’s first criterion for screening was good swimming ability, and many sailors came from homes near the water.

Yang Zhumu was not discouraged, he saw an opportunity, "In a few days, I and your second brother will take some of the children to the seaside. I remember you mentioned that you have fishing grounds there, it’s a perfect chance for us to take a look and broaden our horizons."

Zhulan knew that no matter what she said, her eldest brother would not change his mind, "Alright, I’ll have the steward make arrangements."

Yang Zhulin had been listening without interrupting. After their father passed away, the eldest brother had taken charge. In Lizhou Prefecture City, he too looked up to his eldest brother.

Zhulan looked at Yang Wen and the others playing with swords. The children were all outstanding; although the Yang family didn’t have many children, the quality was excellent, "Shuren has sorted out quite a few books and said he is waiting for you to take them back when you return."

Yang Zhumu smiled, "Good, you know, our family’s collection is mostly from your gifts. Your eldest nephew said that our home library is almost catching up to those of the official’s families."

Zhulan, "You must give it importance, books are a very important legacy. Shuren told me that Officer Li from the Ministry of War is well-read and Shuren admires him greatly."

Yang Zhumu took his brother-in-law’s words to heart. The Minister of War seemed too distant for the Yang family, but he was an excellent role model, "Don’t worry, we take the children’s education very seriously."

In the blink of an eye, it was five days later, the day the Empress summoned Zhulan. Many things had happened during those five days, the most significant of which was the sudden release of a number of palace maids and overseers from the Palace, without the noble families having prior knowledge.

Many people had not even reacted before the palace maids were released from the Palace.

When Zhulan received the news, she followed Old Lady Song’s advice. The Zhou family employed several older palace maids, a move that was definitely flawless given Old Lady Song’s involvement. Zhulan planned to place them with Yushuang and others; in the future, when Yushuang and her peers married, they would become personal maids.

As for the overseers, Zhulan hadn’t been tempted. These overseers had always been contested over by the noble families, and the Zhou family’s temple was too small to accommodate them.

Relatively speaking, the older palace maids were not inferior to the overseers. Positions within the Palace were limited, and the rules in the harem were numerous, which meant not all overseers were desirable.

Zhulan entered the Palace with a Female Officer. While the Palace had reduced the number of palace maids, it did not seem barren, but it had become much quieter.

She quickly arrived at the sleeping quarters of the Empress, where there were noticeably fewer palace maids in her service.

The Empress was sitting in the pavilion in the courtyard, playing chess with herself. She looked up at the sound of arrival.

Zhulan stepped forward to pay her respects, "Your servant pays her respects to the Empress."

Xue Han, "Your servant pays her respects to the Empress."

The Empress was clearly in a good mood and said with a smile, "Please, rise quickly. Does Lady Yang know how to play chess?"

Zhulan, "Your servant knows a little."

The Empress, "Play a game with me."

In the pavilion, Zhulan saw several registers laid out on a low table. She dared not look too long and carefully took a seat.

The Empress then said, "I’ve heard that Miss Zhou is skilled at brewing tea, would you please brew a cup for me to taste?"

Xue Han, "Your servant will give it her best."

The Empress picked up a chess piece and said, "Lady Zhulan, after you."

Zhulan made no pretense, aware of her own skill in chess. She made the first move in the tranquil courtyard, surrounded by the aroma of tea.

Unfortunately, the game was not over when Consort appeared. Consort was the mother of Prince Liang and the highest-ranking concubine below the Empress. She carried her chin high, "I heard the Empress had summoned the ladies, so I decided to join in on the fun."

The Empress took a sip of the well-brewed tea and regarded Consort blandly, "It hasn’t been long, and yet Consort has forgotten the rules again?"

Consort Feng’s expression froze as she respectfully greeted the Empress, "Consort pays respects to the Empress."

The Empress’s gaze swept over the Female Officer behind Consort Feng, "I have underestimated Consort. To have such reach even after being cut down, no wonder you have the Emperor’s government hall at your fingertips."

Consort Feng’s face changed. After years of stability, it was the first time the Empress had taken action, catching everyone off guard. The years of efforts lay in ruin which was infuriating. They had failed to see through the Empress over the years, yet she had seen right through them, striking quickly and accurately.

She sought out the Emperor, but he wouldn’t even see her. The Empress had also punished her, causing her knees to ache for days without rest. In the harem, aside from Consort Chen and Consort Qi, others had also been punished.

Zhulan and her daughter paid respects to Consort and then retreated to the side. She did not look closely at Consort, catching only a glimpse and noted that Consort’s appearance was not particularly remarkable. Consort was very thin. Zhulan thought, the prominent figures in the Emperor’s harem represented power, and power did not necessarily equate to beauty – the TV dramas that portrayed every consort and concubine as a beauty were unrealistic.

Over the years, Zhulan had seen many daughters of officials. There were beauties, yet most of the daughters were of average appearance, with many having delicate features.

Zhulan listened quietly to the exchange between the Empress and Consort, as Consort sarcastically criticized the Empress for planning on behalf of the Crown Prince too early, saying that the harem still belonged to the Emperor and the Empress was cleaning house prematurely.

The Empress, in turn, pierced Consort’s pride, calling her myopic, reminding Consort that she had reached her peak.

Zhulan felt like she knew a lot, but Consort’s words served as a reminder that the Empress was clearing the harem not just out of sympathy for Rongchuan but also possibly laying foundations for the Crown Prince.

Consort was tired, "The tea brewed by Mr. Guan’s daughter is good. Pour me a cup to taste."

The Empress scoffed, "If you want to drink tea, go back and have it in your own palace. My tea is not for just anyone to drink."

Consort’s face grew uglier. She knew the Empress favored Mr. Guan’s daughter. By praying for blessings, the Empress was deliberately striking her face. She had purposely sent Mr. Guan’s daughter, yet the Empress did not hesitate to intervene, refusing to give her any face whatsoever. She stood up, teeth clenched, "Then, this consort will return to her palace."

"In the future, unless summoned, you’d better come less often."

Zhulan was thrilled inside, witnessing a live showdown, an outright face-off. The Empress was indeed formidable. And why not? Not only was the Crown Prince the legitimate son and eldest, but his position was also very stable. Moreover, the Empress had not one but two sons!

After the defeated Consort had left and the chess game was done, several Female Officers came over with registers. The Empress was not idling either; the vast harem needed managing.

Another half hour passed before Zhulan left the Palace with her daughter.

This summons by the Empress was merely to fulfill the promise made at the temple, still aimed at elevating the Guan family. In truth, there was not much for her to discuss with Zhulan, which was why the encounter focused on playing chess. The Empress was very skilled at chess. To pass the time, despite Zhulan’s poor skills, they played for a while.

On the carriage ride home, Xue Han’s palms were sweaty, "Mother, feel my hand."

Zhulan reached out, her daughter’s hand was cold, "You did well to remain composed enough to serve tea."

Xue Han rubbed her hands, "Mother, I was afraid I’d drop the cup. Oh, it’s a relief to be out of the Palace."

She hadn’t dared to drink the tea, for fear the nerves would make her need the restroom, which would have been incredibly embarrassing.