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

Chapter 855: Chapter 855: No Crying Allowed

Old Madam Song felt at ease; with the two pillars of the family being so capable, she could rest assured spending her twilight years at the Zhou residence, where she finally lived for herself and felt relaxed after a lifetime of hardship.

Old Madam Song said, ”Zhen Xing and Shen Xing are not young anymore. Allow this old body to help look for suitable matches, though I know no good girls myself. Please, Madam, make a decision on this.”

Zhulan thought of Zhen Xing and Shen Xing, who were indeed of age to marry. In the past few years, her confidence in her husband’s safety was due to their abilities. ”Indeed, we should choose two good matches for them.”

She didn’t plan to pick from among the maids. The indentures of Zhen Xing and Shen Xing were long returned to them, for they served at the Zhou residence by imperial command, but their offspring could pursue different paths. Thus, choosing wives from respectable families was also for the sake of their future lineage.

The indenture of Old Madam Song had actually been given back to her as well, but Old Madam Song did not accept it.

In truth, whether they had indentures or not, the Emperor’s given people were the same; they lived in the Zhou residence and ultimately had to obey the Emperor’s command.

Zhulan suddenly laughed, recalling Zhou Shuren’s complaints about Zhen Xing and Shen Xing being stingy despite their wealth. ”You help me ask the two of them what they expect in future wives, and I’ll keep an eye out.”

Old Madam Song replied, ”Yes.”

In the Palace, Zhang Yang finally entered once more. These days, his mind was filled with court etiquette, dreaming of it at night, leaving no room for harboring resentment against Zhang Jinghong—only the thought of when this would end.

In the empress chamber, a Female Officer approached to speak, ”Empress, the Fifth Prince is arriving soon.”

The Empress, lacking any spirit, replied, ”I know.”

The Female Officer, upon hearing the announcement, hurriedly went outside the chamber. ”Greetings to the Fifth Prince.”

Zhang Yang tried to remain calm, but couldn’t help it. Ever since regaining his identity, all he felt was wronged. Neither Father Emperor nor Crown Prince elder brother liked him, and now he had to stay at The Prince Residence to study, his thoughts filled with grievance. ”Is Mother’s illness better?”

The Female Officer thought to herself that the Empress had no illness but simply did not want to see him. ”It is better, Her Majesty has been waiting for Your Highness. Please, this way.”

Zhang Yang hummed in response and entered the chamber to see his mother supporting her forehead while leaning back. He pouted, unable to hold back, and suddenly rushed forward, startling the Empress who had no place to escape to.

Zhang Yang cried woefully, ”Mother, I finally see you. Woo-woo, I feel wronged.”

The Empress saw Zhang Yang clinging to her waist, with a face so dark as to scare even the Female Officer—what happened to the etiquette learned over so many days?

The Emperor walked in to witness this scene: the Empress with a grimly murderous look, well, so did his face, threatening murder—this was not even his own son. ”Pull him away from me! What are all of you doing?”

The Female Officer snapped back to reality and quickly separated them, her heart pounding. The Emperor had never been angry in front of the Empress before, but he was now.

The Empress, her temples throbbing painfully, pressed on her forehead while having to endure the whimpering cries. ”Stop crying.”

”I said stop crying!”

The final command was shouted out, and it proved very effective.

All the Female Officers and palace maids within the chamber kneeled; even the Emperor was taken aback, and Zhang Yang, scared, stopped crying as well.

The Empress, taking a deep breath, reminded herself not to get angry as she waved her hand, signaling everyone to rise, and turned to Zhang Yang, ”I prefer tranquility. It’s been so long since it’s been this noisy that it’s given me a headache. You should stop crying too, I understand your grievances, but it’s all in the past now. Don’t just stand, sit.”

Zhang Yang belched, sitting down somewhat intimidated, not daring to cry anymore. ”I was just too overwhelmed.”

The Empress tried to keep a smile on her face, ”I know all about it, Mother is excited too. It’s just that I’m not as young as I used to be and can’t handle sudden strain. I heard you’ve been studying the proprieties well in the House; Mother is very proud. My son follows me. You’ve returned late, and in consideration of the royal family’s dignity, you must try even harder.”

The Empress paused, then continued, ”Mother had the kitchen prepare your favorite pastries. Have some more later, and also, the pen and ink on the table are part of Mother’s collection, all tribute items. Now, they’re all yours.”

Zhang Yang was deeply touched; he felt that studying in the residence was no longer a hardship, his mother had always been attentive to him, ”Mother, your son will certainly be diligent.”

The Empress responded with a noncommittal sound. If it were not for the purpose of confining Zhang Yang to the residence, she would not have been willing to part with these tribute items, which were originally intended for Rongchuan.

In the Zhou Residence, Zhulan gestured for Lady Dong to slow down, ”You walk slower, remember you have another one in your stomach.”

Lady Dong smiled, ”Mother, I’m being careful.”

”Sit down quickly, look at that joyful expression on your face. Is there something delightful happening?”

Sitting down, Lady Dong shared, ”Indeed, there is good news. Sir Lau’s daughter, who is eight years old this year, is currently seeking a suitable match. I’ve seen the girl before; she’s well-behaved and sensible, with a face that’s really blessed.”

Zhulan laughed, ”How did you get this news without leaving the residence today?”

Lady Dong explained, ”I sent the maid to deliver a reciprocal gift to the Qian Residence, and Mrs. Qian had the maid tell me.”

Zhulan knew that the entire family was looking for a suitable match for Ming Teng. Lady Li had attended several banquets and noted which families were interested, but upon further inquiry, none were suitable.

Zhulan inquired, ”There are many Liu Residences in the capital; which one is it?”

Lady Dong said, ”It is the legitimate daughter of the Deputy Minister of Justice from the Ministry of Justice, Sir Lau, who is also his youngest daughter.”

Zhulan took note, ”I’ll send someone to find out more.”

Lady Dong replied, ”Good, then mother, I will head back now.”

”Hmm, walk slowly on your way back.”

”Okay.”

Zhulan sent old Madam Song to inquire. In fact, the previous unsuitable matches were not because of the girls themselves, but because these families were too entangled in complicated affairs. The Zhou Residence already had connections with the Wong family, the Ran family, and the Duke Ning Residence, so they did not need an exceedingly good match, as long as it was suitable.

In the fourth room, Su Xuan calculated the time. Shen Yile had been there for one and a half hours, the children were tired and wanted to sleep, Shen Yile came for a reason, and she knew exactly why, but she had no intention of getting involved.

She was very satisfied with her current life. Although her husband hadn’t achieved official scholarly honors, she was still content, with her father-in-law and older brother above her.

She felt Shen Yile was mistaken in coming to see her; she was just a daughter-in-law, and even her husband did not involve himself in his father’s decisions, let alone her. With the time Shen Yile had, it would be better for Yao Zheyu to figure out his own solutions.

Shen Yile could not stay longer as the two children were sleepy, ”Time flies so fast, it feels like I just arrived.”

Su Xuan smiled quietly, not saying a word.

Shen Yile’s facial expression stiffened; every time she tried to speak, Su Xuan would steer the conversation away. She repeatedly failed to voice her intentions, so she found it even more difficult to broach the subject, and with pursed lips, she said, ”Then I won’t disturb you any longer, I shall take my leave.”

”I’ll see you out.”

Shen Yile responded, ”Hmm.”

In Jinzhou Residence, inside the Government Office, Wong Ju trembled as he held the letter from Lord Zhou. He knew it was nothing good; he wasn’t an official from the Ministry of Revenue, and with a grimace, he sighed and prepared to help.

But Wong Ju had a bad feeling, as if helping out would mean this matter was far from over.