Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!

46: Chapter 46 The Circle Can’t Go Back Anymore_1 46: Chapter 46 The Circle Can’t Go Back Anymore_1 Lady Li’s voice was loud, and Lady Zheng from next door heard the commotion.

She went to the base of the wall and, stepping on stumps, climbed up, saying, “Niece, isn’t your family doing any business?

Tell your aunt all about it.”

Zhulan watched the person-high wall with numb emptiness, contemplating that once Zhou Shuren went down south to Jiangnan, she would have her eldest and second brother raise the wall higher, to keep Lady Zheng from peering into her household’s affairs every day for no reason.

Thinking about it upset her.

When the conversation concerned herself, Lady Li’s mouth tightened, “Aunt, you heard wrong.

I was talking about Third Girl going into business.”

Lady Zheng, drawn by the mention of Third Girl, had sustained the village’s number one gossip fever, “Oh!

If Third Girl’s doing business, she should give your aunt’s family a leg up.

We don’t run a business; remember your aunt when you’re hiring.”

Zhulan hadn’t been there long, but she dared not underestimate the ancients.

People of every dynasty had their own survival instincts, especially those of the lower class; they knew best what was taboo to those above them.

Lady Zheng had come into her family as a child bride, taking her husband’s last name directly.

The youngest son of the Zheng family, at eight, had attended school for two years with no great ambition for the civil exams, but he still hoped to pass them and reap their benefits as a Scholar.

Naturally, he couldn’t run a business himself and being a laborer was also off-limits, as his family had its own land.

There were plenty in the village who worked odd jobs, so this wasn’t a problem.

As for the Zheng family arranging a marriage for their youngest son with Third Girl to improve their life, that was impossible.

At this point, it’s important to mention the rules regarding the relatives of businessmen taking the civil examinations.

The son-in-law of a businessman was not allowed to take the exams or hold official positions, cutting off the possibility of minor officials marrying into the Shang family for money.

There were no such restrictions for concubines—after all, the children of businessmen were of lower status, and even if a son was born from a businessman’s concubine, he would be looked down upon.

In ancient times, one’s status followed them throughout life.

Anyone trying to rise above it would face constant suppression without resources.

Such success stories were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

Of course, businessmen could use their daughters to marry non-businessmen and invest in their grandsons, but few reputable families were willing to take a merchant’s daughter as their principal wife—the likelihood was low.

Businessmen’s own brothers were also ineligible for the civil exams.

If one brother developed ambitious aspirations, it could ruin the path to a bright future and turn brothers into enemies.

Those who turned to business halfway through faced numerous obstacles.

Of course, the world runs on profit, and with businesses controlling the economy, there were many loopholes in the rules.

The Emperor understood the cunning of the human heart and didn’t seek to suppress it too severely, fearing backlash.

As long as the suppression served its leading purpose, it was sufficient!

With the establishment of a dynasty, everyone in a household with someone pursuing education was fully aware of these rules to avoid ruining the family’s prospects and dragging the whole clan down.

Zhulan frowned.

If the male lead held an official title, how could he take a liking to Wang Ru?

Wang Ru’s venture into making spicy pickled cabbage was just a foray.

Later, when she left the Wang family without receiving any land or expressing a desire to buy any, she had headed straight to the city and fully became a merchant.

Since the male lead was a legitimate son, his sense of family honor would be deep-seated.

She thought the novel had plot holes that were probably too great to close.

Sensing that her mother-in-law was zoning out again, Lady Li, as the first daughter-in-law, could only remind her constantly, “Mother, Wang Laosi has come.”

Zhulan uttered an ‘ah’ sound, just now realizing that Wang Laosi had arrived at some point.

“Laosi, I’m not criticizing you, but now that Third Girl is skilled, you should pay more attention.

Look how frightened the child is, scared of meeting an unknown end.

A tiger wouldn’t eat its own cubs; be more protective and take her back quickly instead of scaring her further.”

Wang Laosi’s face burned hot.

Auntie Zhou hadn’t said anything ugly, so why did he feel that her soft words tore at people’s dignity even more?

“Auntie, I’m heading back now.

I’ll thank you properly another day.”

Zhulan, “Please don’t.

I’m not in good health and want to live a few more days.

I don’t want to get involved with your Wang family’s affairs.

From now on, keep a close eye on your child and your mother!”

“Understood, Auntie.”

Wang Laosi left with wounded pride, dragging Third Girl by her clothes as they slinked away.

Zhulan snorted.

Wang Laosi hadn’t changed for the better, his temper had grown as he sought control—it’s no wonder Wang Ru sought out other partners.

Zhulan noticed Zhou Er looking at her, she looked down at herself, “Is there something wrong?”

Zhou Er shook his head, “There’s nothing wrong.”

It was just that mother had refreshed his understanding; he no longer had to worry about her being deceived.

His mother was more discerning than he was.