Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 971 Another Poisoning

Chapter 971: Chapter 971 Another Poisoning

Song Lan’s attention remained fixed on her godmother and Xue Han from her seat at the table. Despite the distance, she could still sense the tension in the air. Her godmother could handle it, but she was more worried about Xue Han.

Ever since Song Lan married her husband, she often visited the Zhou residence, gradually becoming acquainted with Xue Han. Relationships grow from spending time together, so she slowly came to treat Xue Han as a younger sister. Having grown up in the capital herself, she knew better than anyone how formidable the capital’s young ladies could be.

Lady Ding whispered, "Don’t be nervous."

Song Lan took a deep breath. She knew she shouldn’t be nervous. Xue Han wasn’t like her; Xue Han had a velvet glove covering an iron fist. When treated well, Xue Han was polite to everyone. Conversely, she could also be tough.

Lady Ding’s attention was entirely on Song Lan. Not only did both belong to families of officials from the Ministry of Rites, but their husbands also had a good relationship with Officer Wu. It was tough for the Gu family in the capital, which made it even tougher for her in the circle of officials’ wives. As the wife of a sixth-rank officer, Song Lan was the legitimate daughter of the prestigious Song clan. With the Zhou family as her in-laws, she rarely faced difficulties.

Over the past few months, Song Lan had been of great help to her, allowing her to gradually make some headway. As for Lady Jin of the Hu family, her relationship with her was only superficial; she would not actually help her.

She did want to visit the Zhou family, but unfortunately, there had never been a suitable opportunity.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Wong Ju asked Zhou Shuren with concern, "You’ve rested for a while. Do you feel better now?"

Zhou Shuren, holding his head, replied, "Much better."

What Wong Ju handed him was the amount of compensation in Silver that needed to be paid out by the Ministry of War, along with the Silver needed for ship repairs. "After looking at this, your headache will probably continue."

Zhou Shuren furrowed his brows. He knew that many had died in battle, but he hadn’t expected so many. Pressing at his forehead, he said, "I will take this to the Grand Master of Writing."

Without leaving, Wong Ju continued, "I’ve heard that this morning both the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of War submitted their Zhezis."

Zhou Shuren just responded with a "Hmm."

"About that Silver..."

Zhou Shuren, with his head aching, didn’t want to dwell on it any longer. "If you stop this topic, we can still be friends."

Wong Ju said, "Alright then, I’ll go out and get busy."

Zhou Shuren went to see Xiao Qing; Xiao Qing had also just left the Palace and returned to the Ministry of Revenue. Xiao Qing said, "If you hadn’t come, I would have had to look for you."

Zhou Shuren knew that the Emperor had kept the Grand Master of Writing after the court session regarding the financial matters at hand. "Please speak, Officer."

Xiao Qing had finally gotten some respite and now had to fret over the finances again. "The Emperor has approved the Zhezis from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of War. He supports the Ministry of Works in their technology research, and at the same time, wants to increase the Navy’s investment. He ordered our ministry to calculate how much Silver we can allocate."

Zhou Shuren knew that the Emperor deeply recognized the importance of the Navy, and he had prepared himself. "I will submit the report to you at the court session tomorrow, Officer."

Xiao Qing went on, "You will have to put in some extra effort."

"Yes."

At the birthday banquet, before the feast had reached halfway, Princess Liang took her leave. Princess Liang was there just to show her face. Zhulan was worried about Song Lan throughout, having noticed her pale complexion.

Zhulan didn’t hide Song Lan’s discomfort; she spoke directly to the wife of the Chief of Staff. On such a joyful day, the wife certainly did not want any mishaps.

Zhulan said with a smile, "This child fears upsetting you and has been enduring without daring to leave early!"

The wife of the Chief of Staff indeed felt slightly displeased, but Yang’s smiling declaration made it difficult for her to bring it up again in the future. She forced a smile, "How could I be upset? I acknowledge Song’s thoughtfulness, and that alone makes me happy. You must repeat this to her."

Zhulan replied, "That’s why I say, my lady, you are one of the kindest hearts in the capital. Now, we shall take our leave."

The wife’s smile became even more artificial, "I’ll have the maids send you off."

"No need, no need, we can walk ourselves out," Zhulan insisted.

Zhulan, accompanied by her daughter and Song Lan, left Phang Residence. Once outside, Zhulan asked with concern, "Does your stomach hurt? We should stop by a medical hall to have it looked at."

This child was of great concern; they couldn’t afford any carelessness.

Song Lan had little appetite and barely touched her food. As she sat for too long, her waist felt uncomfortable. She carefully leaned against the pillow and nodded, "Mm."

Zhulan told the coachman to slow down and kept her eyes on Song Lan, whose face was exceptionally pale. "I told you if you feel uncomfortable to let me know, and yet you insist on toughing it out. If something were to happen, you would regret it."

Song Lan felt unwell in her stomach and was scared as well, "I didn’t expect to feel so uncomfortable after sitting for a while; I just wanted to endure it a bit longer if I could."

Zhulan said, "This is your first pregnancy; you must be very careful with everything."

Song Lan sighed, "I’m afraid my early departure would implicate my husband. These past few days, he’s faced no small amount of difficulties at the Ministry of Rites."

Zhulan frowned, "How come you never mentioned this to me before?"

Realizing she had let something slip, Song Lan knew she couldn’t hide it any longer and could only say, "My husband told me not to speak of it. He’s been coming home very late recently; the Ministry of Rites has been pushing a lot of work onto him."

Zhulan’s frown deepened. She was uncertain whether Officer Phang had discovered something or if it was because Prince Liang moved against the Zhou family that he went after Wu Ming.

They quickly arrived at the medical clinic, where the doctor diagnosed her pulse. Song Lan, who had been anxious these past few days and stressed today, needed to drink fetus-preserving medicine for nourishment.

Song Lan was genuinely frightened. Had she known, she wouldn’t have forced herself. Fortunately, the child was unharmed.

Zhulan first took Song Lan back to the Wu Residence, where there were now two pregnant women. She gave some more instructions before returning home herself.

Back at home, Steward Ding came in holding an invitation, "Miss, Ms. Qie has sent you an invitation.

Xue Han opened it and passed it to her mother, "I guessed she would seek relief. Mother, I’ve started to pretend to be ill."

Zhulan, looking at the invitation, said, "You know what you’re doing; I won’t interfere."

Xue Han, tired from the day, said, "Mother, I’m going to retire now."

"Alright."

Zhulan also changed her clothes, preparing to rest for a while. Not long after she closed her eyes, Old Madam Song came in, "A letter from Miss Wu Ning."

Zhulan opened her eyes and took the letter, uttering in surprise, "She’s given birth already, not even waiting until next month. The child is in a hurry, a boy weighing over five jin. Wu Ning is truly blessed, to have a boy on her first birth."

Old Madam Song chimed in, "Indeed, Miss Wu Ning is blessed."

Zhulan, leaning against the pillow, said, "I didn’t expect the child to be born early. Pick out some nourishing gifts to send over, and go check on Wu Ning and the baby for me."

Old Madam Song nodded, "Yes."

Zhulan closed her eyes again, thinking of Wu Ning. The young girl had become a mother. Truly, this ancient world was cruel. She drifted off into a drowsy sleep and only awoke when the children finished school.

In the Palace, the Emperor asked Shi Qing, "Are you certain of it?"

Shi Qing’s voice was firm, "Your Majesty, I have confirmed it; Zhang Yang has been poisoned with the same substance again."

The Emperor, "Zhang Yang didn’t notice?"

Shi Qing with his head lowered, "The doctor brought in later gained Zhang Yang’s trust completely. Zhang Yang didn’t realize. He believes the doctor really resolved part of the poison."

Shi Qing was inwardly anxious; he didn’t know whether the poison had been mixed into the food or tea. He had shared many meals with Zhang Yang and was planning to have someone examine him later. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have peace of mind.

The Emperor clenched his prayer beads, "Continue watching for me, don’t slack for a moment. Since Zhang Yang believes that part of the poison has been neutralized, then let it be so."

Shi Qing with his head still lowered, "As you wish."

The Emperor gestured for Shi Qing to leave and then called for someone to keep a close watch on the Crown Prince and the others, especially to thoroughly check the food being brought in.

At the Residence of the Fifth Prince, Zhang Yang spent the entire day within the estate, his heart filled with hatred for Prince Qi and pondering over who could have poisoned him. He was determined to seek revenge for this grievance.