Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent! -
Chapter 986: Unwise
Chapter 986: Chapter 986: Unwise
Zhulan thought of Zhang Yang’s injured leg, yet despite his injury, he was restless—this was a sign of genuine urgency, "Several princes have sons, but only the fifth prince has no child. The fifth prince is truly anxious for an heir."
Xue Han had heard the rumors as well, but she had her own opinion, "Mother, I think the fifth prince’s actions are unwise. So many people have suddenly been added to the inner court; if there’s no news in a few months, won’t the rumors escalate? By then, even false rumors will be taken as truth."
"He has no choice. If he doesn’t produce a child soon to squash the rumors, the power he has painstakingly gathered will crumble."
Zhang Yang’s tactics rely on the backing of powerful supporters, while Prince Qi needs only to find one point of leverage to cause Zhang Yang endless trouble, revealing the clear difference between their capabilities.
Xue Han leaned close to her mother’s ear, "Mother, recently the fifth prince has been inviting Rongchuan to his residence, but Rongchuan has not been attending. Rongchuan told me that Marquis Ning doesn’t allow him to go."
In Zhulan’s mind, it was good that he did not go. In the eyes of both the Emperor and Marquis Ning, The Prince Residence was far too dangerous. Zhulan said with a smile, "I’ve heard that Ning Duke Residence has already prepared the courtyard for Rongchuan’s wedding."
Xue Han sat up straight. She hadn’t told her mother that Rongchuan also asked her what else she needed to provide. It annoyed her so much that she pinched Rongchuan a few times. How could he ask her that? But deep down, she felt sweet about it—Rongchuan took their future home very seriously.
Zhulan continued, "Liu Li’s family will accompany you as part of your dowry; Liu Li’s parents have been assigned to manage the estate that comes with your dowry. There are also a few maids like Liu Jin. If you want to bring anyone else, just tell me."
Xue Han shook her head gently and leaned on her mother’s shoulder, "Mother, you have already prepared so much for your daughter."
Zhulan stroked her daughter’s hair. She used to joke about her daughter getting married without feeling any reluctance, but as the day drew nearer, she found it quite bittersweet, "This year’s income from the dowry estate, along with the dowry silver, I will give it all to you. Time flies too quickly; I feel there are still many things I haven’t taught you."
Xue Han held her mother’s hand, touching the ring on her mother’s finger, "Mother, you have already taught your daughter so much. The rest, your daughter will discover on her own. Being so smart, she certainly won’t disappoint you."
Zhulan pulled her daughter into an embrace. Her little cotton jacket was soon to become part of another family, "When you marry, don’t keep all your silver at hand. The court is stable now; spend the silver on assets that can bring in more income. And, even though Rongchuan sincerely loves you, I’m not asking you to be wary, just to retain some capital for yourself."
Xue Han squeezed her mother’s hand, "Mother, your daughter won’t let you down."
She longed for a love like her parents’, which is why she looked forward to her childhood friendship blossoming into romance. But being raised by her parents, she was decisive. If it turned out that they could not grow old together, she would resolutely refocus and lead her life well.
In Zhou Family Village, Steward Ding had been there for several days. Upon his return, he found the Clan Leader had recovered from his illness and was now recuperating.
As soon as Steward Ding returned, he efficiently bought land and with the deed went straight to the Clan Leader’s house. The old Clan Leader was walking slowly in the yard. Steward Ding stepped forward to support him, "Clan Leader, you are moving much more easily than a few days ago. In a few days, you will be able to visit the clan school again."
The Clan Leader sat down, wiped the fine sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, and waved his hand, "I’ve gotten old, so old. This serious illness has worsened my constitution. Look at me now, even walking a few steps takes effort. Enough about me, let me see the land you’ve bought."
Steward Ding took out the deed, "Land to the east, a total of one hundred acres, including a forest."
Touching his beard, the Clan Leader nodded, "Good land, you have a fine eye."
"In two days, once we’ve recruited people, we can start the construction," said the steward. "Also, do you think we should renovate the ancestral hall and clan school together? Winter is approaching, and with the clan school renovated, the children in the clan could stay warmer during the cold days."
Clan Leader Zhou smiled, "Good, you’ll have to take on more responsibilities then."
Clan Leader Zhou stroked his beard as he looked at Steward Ding, feeling rather pleased with himself. In the Zhou clan, someone like Steward Ding, who could be quite imposing outside, was showing him such respect.
The Zhou clan was getting better by the day. Thinking of his grandson Ming Qing’s examination next year, the old clan leader’s smile deepened, and he rubbed his leg. He was determined to hang on until he saw his eldest grandson become a Graduate; otherwise, he would not be able to rest in peace.
At the Jiang family, Dong Yiyi saw the matchmaker out and only emerged after Mulan and the others had left. "Mother, which girl did the matchmaker speak of today?" she asked.
Holding her teacup, Dong Yiyi replied, "The Scholar’s daughter from the county. They say her dowry includes fifty acres of land, a shop, and a small courtyard in the county town."
Mulan, now grown up, had some understanding of her family’s financial situation. Her mother knew how to run a household, and her father, now a teacher, had a stable income. Her mother wouldn’t be interested in the dowry. "Mother, although I know these dowries won’t catch your eye, the Jiang family is moving further away from us. Jiang Miu is Mr. Zhou’s only granddaughter; don’t set your heart on that match," Mulan said.
Of course, she hoped Jiang Miu could become her sister-in-law. Not only did she get along well with Jiang Miu, but she also fully supported the idea for Jiang Miu’s status. However, the Jiang family had moved to the capital. If they hadn’t moved, there might still be a chance, but by now, Jiang Miu could already be betrothed.
As she washed the teacup, Dong Yiyi said, "I will not arrange a marriage for your elder brother before he turns eighteen. You understand this principle, so how could your mother not? Let’s just take things one step at a time. However, your aunt said that Jiang Miu is not yet betrothed."
Dong Yiyi turned to look at her daughter. She indeed wanted to form a marital alliance with the Jiang family whether it was for her son or her daughter. However, what her daughter said was true. The Jiang family had moved to the capital. What seemed possible before now appeared out of reach.
In the capital, Zhulan was listening to Lady Zhao, "Are you saying that Liufeng’s aunt from his hometown has brought her daughter to the capital?"
Ever since Lady Zhao learned about Liufeng’s cousin’s suicide, she had lost all fondness for the Gu family, "The reputation of the Gu family girl has been affected. Now that she’s of age to be betrothed, they’ve come to the capital hoping to improve her reputation so she can secure a better marriage. They’re worrying now, but what were they doing earlier?"
Zhulan didn’t have a high opinion of the Gu family’s actions either, "Gu Zhuomin’s days are not easy, with all sorts of troubles coming his way. Lady Ding must be worried again."
Thankfully, Gu Zhuomin stood between the Gu family and Liufeng, allowing the latter to avoid getting involved.
With a snort, Lady Zhao said, "Mother, don’t be fooled by Lady Hu’s soft nature; she knows exactly what’s going on. Just today she told me she’s taking her son back to Mr. Hu’s residence for a few days. She’s getting along quite well with Lady Jin now!"
Zhulan laughed too, "She is indeed very smart."
Lady Zhao grew more satisfied the more she knew about her future mother-in-law, "I can tell that Lady Hu harbors deep resentment towards the Gu family. From her words, it’s clear that Liufeng is utterly disillusioned with the Gu family."
She felt very secure now, and what pleased her even more was that the old patriarch of the Gu family had passed on early. The uncles who had separated from the family could no longer have any say over Liufeng, unable to use filial piety as leverage against him.
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