Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 987: Chang Zhong Treats Guests

Chapter 987: Chapter 987: Chang Zhong Treats Guests

The day after, on the rest day for the Academy, Zhulan longed for a street outing after a long absence. No sooner did she mention going out than she received a number of eager replies—cough cough, mainly from two young girls, Yu Die and Yu Yi. As the eldest sister, Yushuang felt it necessary to accompany the two younger ones, and Yu Lu, the second sister, also joined.

Chang Zhong wished to follow along, Ming Hui also wanted to go, so the group expanded.

Zhulan watched over the children inside the house, feeling almost as if each time she ventured out, she needed to bring along a string of kids. It was difficult to say no to anyone, so with a grand wave of her hand, she decided they would all go. However, they could not simply wander the streets—too many children with such young ages made it rather risky.

Now that autumn had arrived, the scenery at several of the capital’s tea houses was quite nice. Zhulan had someone reserve a large private room before they set off.

Yu Die and Yu Yi seldom went out, and the two girls stayed glued to the carriage window, unmoving as they looked out, whispering to each other in hushed tones.

Yushuang held on to one sister’s clothing with one hand, sighing with resignation, "Those two don’t have the demeanor of young girls at all. We were much more well-behaved when we were little."

Yu Lu, observing her anxious elder sister, responded with a laugh, "I think being lively is quite nice."

The elder sister used to have an air of ethereal grace, but when dealing with her younger sisters, she was "down to earth," just as Grandma had said—especially when scolding Yu Die.

Zhulan didn’t share a carriage with her granddaughters; instead, she took her son and Ming Hui. Knowing her son to be quite bold, she cautioned him, "You must not lead Ming Hui and Yu Die around on a wild chase, and no matter where you go, do not stray from the young servant."

Chang Zhong felt he was well-behaved, "Mother, I’ll remember everything you said."

Zhulan didn’t enjoy being so naggy, and even she grew tired of her own words, but she didn’t have much confidence in her son; the boy truly was daring.

They soon arrived at the tea house. Upon reaching the private room of the tea house, opening the windows revealed a view of the woods, which belonged to the tea house,

and was a unique feature of the establishment.

Chang Zhong asked, "Mother, are we going to stay in the tea house the whole time?"

He had thought going to the street meant walking around outside.

Zhulan pointed to the children inside the room, "Can you count how many there are?"

It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy going out, but with so many kids, the tea house was the safest option. They could enjoy the view and listen to storytelling—it was perfect.

Chang Zhong saw his mother leaning back comfortably, sipping tea while listening to music, and realized she wouldn’t change her mind. Restless in the private room, he asked, "Mother, may I go downstairs to listen to the storytelling?"

Zhulan smiled, "Of course, you may."

And so, the tea house proved to be the best choice—she was satisfied, and the children enjoyed the storytelling.

Yushuang and Yu Lu did not feel like leaving the room; being older, it wasn’t appropriate for them to show themselves in the main hall downstairs.

With Granny Song and several young servants accompanying them, Zhulan didn’t worry. Despite his young age, her son was capable and responsible, and flanked by Granny Song and Shen Xing, there was nothing to fret over.

After a while, a maid reported back that Chang Zhong did not take Yu Die and the others to the main hall downstairs, but instead chose an open room upstairs for storytelling. The young man truly resembled his uncle, remembering her words about safety.

Zhulan gestured for the maid to leave and then said to Yushuang, "Your little uncle is starting to act more and more like an elder."

As for her son’s upbringing, she always expected a great deal from him, hence she had consistently encouraged his independence—the key to rapid personal growth.

As Yushuang brewed the tea, she remarked, "Little Uncle indeed shoulders a lot of responsibility."

All this was the result of grandpa’s—or rather, grandma’s excellent teaching.

After waiting a little while, Grandma Song came back, and it turned out that Mingyun and several others were also at the tea house. Today, being their day off, Mingyun and Liufeng had made arrangements to have tea with several young masters from the Ran family.

Zhulan, "Oh, that’s quite the coincidence, choosing the same tea house."

Yushuang winked at her elder sister and received an eye roll in return, "Indeed, it’s a coincidence."

In the main hall of the tea house, Chang Zhong sat up straight. Although he was not a large man, the seat he occupied was clearly the seat of honor. Who could blame him when he was the eldest by rank? He even seriously said to the young masters from the Ran family, "Order any pastries you’d like to eat; I’m paying the bill today."

Ran Xun covered the corner of his mouth with his fan, turned to Mingyun, and said, "Your little uncle really does act the part of an uncle, knowing to pay the bill even at such a young age."

Mingyun, seeing his little uncle look at him, cleared his throat, "Don’t be shy, little uncle is treating today."

Ran Xun was getting married next year, and being the eldest grandson of the Ran family, even if Uncle Zhou was higher in rank, he couldn’t let a child pay the bill, "I should be the one to treat."

Ran Xun pulled on his elder brother’s sleeve, "Let Uncle Zhou treat; don’t insult him."

Ran Xun was afraid that little Uncle Zhou would cry when it came time to pay with silver.

Chang Zhong was somewhat displeased, feeling that he was being underestimated. He then untied his coin purse, opened it and poured out the Silver Coins, "I have Silver."

Ran Xun was stunned by the Silver on the table, several golden-bloom sycees and a few silver angles, which indeed were enough, "Does every Zhou family child carry so much Silver with them?"

Ran Xun answered, "Brother, all of Zhou’s children know how to save their Silver Coins."

Chang Zhong felt he had shown up the nephews from the Ran family and was very pleased with himself. He had so many nephews, and ever since he heard from Ming Hui that his eldest sister-in-law had been collecting silver for them and he hadn’t seen any silver since, he regretted not keeping it for himself. This silver was what he had saved up this year, and he hadn’t given it to anyone.

Ran Xun looked at his own younger brother, "And you have the nerve to speak; you’re broke every single month."

Ran Xun glared at Ming Teng, who was enjoying the show, "You have no right to laugh; I’m the one who always ends up paying the bill."

Ming Teng sipped his tea, "It’s because you have the Silver, and I’m poor."

Ran Qi couldn’t stop laughing; ever since he started interacting with the grandsons of the Zhou family, he found each of them quite amusing.

Zhulan was also not idle; although she was not out there, she was well aware of what was going on outside, "Today your little uncle is putting out the money, so when you get home, you can ask your grandfather for Silver."

Her son had always been waiting for the Silver that Zhou Shuren had taken, which every time he had asked for it had been dodged. It seemed this time there would be no dodging it.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren sneezed, feeling that someone was talking about him. Recently, many people had been mentioning him. Zhou Shuren thought about the coastal line map he had seen and decided to wait; it wouldn’t be too late when his son was sent away on assignment.

Qiu Yan’s face was flushed, and he coughed intermittently; even drinking tea did not help.

Zhou Shuren couldn’t bear to watch, "You should go back and rest."

Qiu Yan’s throat was sore, "It’s like this every season change. I’m fine; it’ll be better in a few days."

Zhou Shuren said, "Then you shouldn’t be drinking tea. You should make some pear juice to moisten your lungs."

Qiu Yan nodded, indicating he understood. Talking made him cough and it was very uncomfortable.

Zhou Shuren looked at the list of officials from the various departments at the Ministry of Revenue, took out a brush, and started annotating it. Soon, he put the list of officials away, left the room, and as he did, he mulled over what Wu Ming had implied during his last visit home — the Ministry of Rites was almost settled.

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard. It was a pity that he still had to be patient. Now was not the time for him to push things forward. He was in no rush, no rush at all.