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

Chapter 901: Chapter 901: Petty Cash

Zhou Shuren looked at Zhang Jinghong, ”You really do have the nerve to show up at my doorstep.”

In his heart, Zhang Jinghong thought that even if he didn’t dare, he had to steel himself to come. Life in the capital was already difficult, and during the New Year’s, his home was especially cold and lonely. He definitely had to make an appearance at the Zhou family, ”Times are tough, no choice.”

Zhou Shuren gestured for Zhang Jinghong to have some tea, ”Then sit for a while longer.”

Zhang Jinghong was overjoyed. He had just planned to pay his respects for the New Year and leave, but he didn’t expect to be able to stay a bit longer. There were many officials visiting the Zhou family to offer New Year’s greetings, and by not leaving immediately, he hoped it would make his year a little better.

Over at Zhulan’s side, Yao Xin’s eyes were glued to the twins, filled with longing for a child.

Su Xuan glanced at her mother-in-law and, seeing that she had no objection to Yao Xin, said with a smile, ”You can hold them.”

Yao Xin was somewhat taken aback and, when the child was passed to her, she hurriedly reached out to hold him. The chubby little fellow was surprisingly heavy. She said with a smile, ”The little master is so well-grown, the Magistrate has raised him well.”

Su Xuan was delighted upon hearing this. She had literally taken care of the twins single-handedly, so their good development was her credit. Seeing her son restless, she said, ”This child is a bit naughty, no worries, he’s doing it on purpose.”

Yao Xin was actually panicking, afraid of dropping the precious child. Seeing the baby in her arms looking at her and then deliberately bouncing, she too laughed, ”The little master is clever.”

Zhulan pinched her grandson’s hand, ”He’s used to bullying his daddy too much.”

Su Xuan chuckled covertly, knowing that her son wouldn’t stop until he scared his father into a sweat.

Yao Xin felt extreme envy in her heart. After all, what she desired was a healthy and lively child.

In the front yard, Zhou Shuren met quite a few officials who had come to pay New Year’s visits. The officials who stayed would all take note of Zhang Jinghong, who appeared very composed and even engaged in conversation with some of them.

It was not until Zhou Shuren looked at the time and showed signs of fatigue that Zhang Jinghong, accompanied by Yao Xin, took his leave.

When Zhou Shuren returned, Zhulan commented, ”Everyone must know that our family has no relatives to visit.”

Zhou Shuren hummed in agreement, then said somewhat regretfully, ”Why didn’t Rongchuan come?”

Zhulan, ”...Are you just waiting for a sheep to slaughter?”

Zhou Shuren rolled his eyes internally, ”I’d actually like to catch a few more. Who do you think is suitable?”

Zhulan fell silent. Well, okay, the fattest one was certainly Rongchuan, and the Emperor was keen on Zhou Shuren shearing him. Zhou Shuren also wanted to get back at him, ”You didn’t remind me; I almost forgot to ask. How much did you win on the second day of the new year?”

Zhou Shuren almost wished he could slap his own mouth. He forced a laugh, ”Not much, really. The second and third brothers won it all. Those two kids are so sneaky; they teamed up to cheat at cards.”

Zhulan wasn’t easy to fool, ”Do you confess of your own accord, or shall I take action myself?”

After some thought, Zhou Shuren decided to come clean and held up three fingers, ”Not much, just over three hundred taels.”

Zhulan was speechless, ”And that’s not much to you?”

Zhou Shuren felt regret, ”The second and third brothers didn’t include me. Those two scoundrels; if they had, I would have won much more.”

At the same time, he felt envious of Rongchuan. His purse might be deflated, but the denominations of the silver notes were truly substantial!

At the Ning Duke Residence, Rongchuan returned from the palace and patted his purse. The purse, which had been emptied by the Zhou family, was now bulging again.

Ning Xu looked at Rongchuan with a puzzled expression and circled his son twice. ”You went to pay New Year’s respects at the palace and got nothing?”

How could he have come back empty-handed?

Rongchuan, grinning playfully, patted his pouch. ”Dad, everything’s in here. The Emperor and the Empress both gave me silver notes, and even the Crown Prince gave me some. Don’t judge by the size of the pouch; it’s filled with Silver Notes.”

Ning Xu’s mouth twitched in amusement. Indeed, it was something the Emperor would do, but ”Before Zhou Shuren finishes his rest, you should stay away from his place.”

Zhou Shuren was taking advantage of his son. He wasn’t upset about his son being bullied; he was upset about his son losing Silver. And his son had that look of readiness to lose any amount as long as his future father-in-law was happy. Had it not been for the Emperor’s, no, the Crown Prince’s watchful eyes, he feared that his entire fortune would end up filling the Zhou’s coffers!

Rongchuan was truly disappointed; it was a rare opportunity to please Uncle Zhou. ”The Emperor said the same thing, asking me to stay at home for the next few days.”

Ning Xu chuckled. No one liked to see their son bullied!

Zhou Shuren didn’t care what the Emperor or Ning Xu thought. He was discussing with his wife that she should handle the Silver. It was his little treasure; including what he won from his sons, there were more than five hundred taels—a sizeable amount of Silver Coin.

Holding his wife’s hand, Zhou Shuren said, ”I want to give you little surprises now and then, present you with small gifts. The catch is, I need to have Silver in my hand to do so.”

Zhulan replied indifferently. ”You can’t compare to Rongchuan, better give up on that idea.”

Unwilling to concede, Zhou Shuren said, ”I may not match him in terms of Silver, but when it comes to affection, I’m sure I’ll win. Let’s wait and see.”

Zhulan, after all, was a woman. Who wouldn’t like surprises and gifts from her husband? Her heart stirred. ”Just don’t squander it recklessly, and above all, don’t secretly buy any nonsense gifts for Chang Zhong.”

Zhou Shuren wished he could swear an oath. ”I absolutely won’t.”

With that, Zhulan didn’t cling to the Silver anymore and was quite looking forward to Zhou Shuren’s thoughtful gestures.

In the Zhou family village, Xue Mei’s luggage had already been loaded onto the carriage, ready to depart in two days. She had given away the remaining farm tools and such in her home to the villagers, grateful for their years of care towards her and her children.

Xue Mei’s impending departure was hardest for Dong Yiyi to accept. The Jiang family had relied on Zhou Xuemei in the Zhou family village, and even though the Jiang family had secured its footing, Dong Yiyi knew Xue Mei’s absence would significantly impact them.

Xue Mei looked at Dong Yiyi, who was helping her pack. She had planned to say her formal goodbyes tomorrow, but affected by Dong Yiyi’s mood, she spoke up. ”Jiang Sheng and the Clan Leader have discussed recommending Jiang Ming to teach at the clan school. The Clan Leader agreed but didn’t know if your family would be willing.”

Dong Yiyi immediately responded, ”Willing, our family is willing.”

Her husband might be lame, but he was in good spirits. She had caught him more than once secretly listening to the children reading outside the clan school. They were too shy to bring it up themselves, but Zheng Shuren wishing for him to teach was an incredible opportunity. If her husband became a teacher in the Zhou family village, the Jiang family wouldn’t be affected even after Xue Mei’s departure.

Excited, Dong Yiyi said, ”Thank you, thank you.”

Xue Mei held Dong Yiyi’s hand, ”Don’t thank me; actually, it was my sister-in-law who mentioned it in her letter.”

Xue Mei wasn’t lying. Before the New Year, her sister-in-law sent a letter to the Dong family with an additional one for her. She rarely interfered in clan matters. Even with her father’s influence, the clan weighed her words heavily. Knowing the extent of her influence, she never involved herself in any clan affairs in the Zhou family village to avoid causing any adverse effects for her father.

It was after much thought, consultation with her husband, and discussion with the Clan Leader—who saw no issue—that she made the recommendation.

The next day, Mingyun went alone to the Lau residence, having accepted Lau Qi’s invitation before the New Year.

Once at the Lau residence, Mingyun had only one thought. He wanted to go home. He looked around to see who else was there today and realized he was the youngest one present!