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

Chapter 1376: Chapter 1376: The Power of the Ancient Mother-in-Law

Yu Lu halted the hand that had been stroking her husband’s hair; everyone had asked how his examination went when he returned home, everyone except her. She replied softly, ”I believe in my husband.”

Wong Wei lifted his head, gazing at his wife without blinking.

Yu Lu continued, ”I believe that no matter what my husband encounters, he is someone who can shoulder responsibilities and charge forward bravely. In my heart, he may not be lofty, but he possesses a heart that is strong and unafraid of difficulties.”

She remembered her grandmother’s words, asking the same question repeatedly can tire anyone. Too many had already inquired about her husband; he did not lack her questioning but needed her trust and comfort.

Wong Wei lowered his head and drew his wife closer, tightening his embrace around her waist. Born with the burden of his family’s legacy, he exerted his best efforts; he too could feel exhaustion. His homecoming today made him acutely aware—everyone constantly inquired, leaving him no moment of peace.

With greater family expectations came heavier pressure. Only in his wife’s arms, quietly listening to the movements of their children and feeling his wife stroke his hair, could his restless heart due to the pressure find tranquility once again.

Yu Lu, listening to her husband’s breathing as he slept soundly, felt a twinge of heartache.

Yu Lu watched her husband, her thoughts drifting. Having grown up surrounded by affection, she understood happiness well. Her betrothal to Wong Wei was arranged early, and they met only a few times, with little deep affection between them.

Her grandmother had said that managing a marital relationship was a profound art, no less challenging than the imperial examinations. Upon entering a noble family, her grandmother had shared much about the rapport between husband and wife.

Yu Lu looked down at her husband, with sincere affection. I have already given my whole heart, gradually weaving and tightening the net to ensnare you, please don’t let me down!

While waiting for the examination results, Zhulan learned all about the Chang family, indeed as the Zhao family said, the son of the Chang family was a fine young man.

Having been signaled by her mother-in-law, Mrs. Zhao personally made an appointment with Mr. Chang’s wife. She returned with an unpleasant expression.

Upon seeing this, Zhulan asked, ”What did Mr. Chang’s wife say?”

Mrs. Zhao was angry, ”Mr. Chang’s wife said they have already considered another family for marriage. Last time we met, she said there was nobody, which implies they do not wish to form an alliance with our family.”

”Let it be then. It’s good to have found this out now, better than marrying into their family only to discover a malevolent mother-in-law and truly suffer,” said Zhulan.

In ancient times, it was crucial to have a good mother-in-law, as filial piety was considered more important than anything. A difficult mother-in-law had too many ways to make her daughter-in-law’s life miserable.

Mr. Chang’s wife, who everyone praised as a good-hearted person according to inquiries, now seemed to be the most frightening. Were Yu Die’s personality to actually marry into the Chang family, she would be defenseless if bullied in the future.

Mrs. Zhao’s mood was sour, ”At the beginning of the year, it was Mr. Chang’s wife who actively sought my friendship, praising her son without stint. If she had not mentioned it, I wouldn’t have taken it to heart.”

Regarding the rumors of the alliance with the Grassland Tribe, she tested the waters today only to be told they already had someone in mind. Ha!

Mrs. Zhao spoke both angrily and with hidden relief, ”It is my daughter’s fortune, Mr. Chang’s wife is too deceptive, I was completely fooled by her.”

She shuddered at the thought. If her daughter really married into that family, with such a deceitful mother-in-law, her daughter would suffer untold grievances.

At the Chang family, after telling her husband about today’s events, Mr. Chang’s wife subsequently remarked, ”I mentioned that our son has found a suitable match. Regarding the Xu family I have my eye on, should I probe to see how they feel about it?”

Mr. Chang choked on his tea, ”You, how could you dismiss it without consulting me?”

Mr. Chang’s wife gently poured her husband a fresh cup of tea, speaking softly, ”I was only thinking of your best interest. It’s going to be hard for you after the New Year. Marrying into the Zhou family was to help you, but then came the issue of this alliance. You said someone supported the alliance, yet the Emperor has not responded. I was afraid a real alliance might implicate you.”

Mr. Chang was furious, ”Short-sighted woman.”

After the Emperor’s hints, he could guess some of the Emperor’s intentions. The Emperor had no desire to form an alliance, which is why he spoke to his wife about marrying into the Zhou family. However, all his calculations were ruined today.

Mr. Chang’s wife’s expression changed slightly; she did not like the lady from the Zhou family. Although the lady from Zhou was good, she would not allow her son to be faithful to only one wife in the future. There were plenty of good women in the capital; why not choose a virtuous daughter-in-law who matches her wishes.

Mr. Chang’s wife whispered, ”My eye for people is also quite good; our eldest daughter-in-law isn’t too bad.”

Mr. Chang snorted in irritation, ”We have been husband and wife for many years. I know what you’re thinking. You only choose those who you can control.”

Mr. Chang’s wife’s face turned pale, but she, accustomed to pretense, quickly regained her composure, adopting a demeanor of enduring humiliation for the family’s sake. ”I will go and talk to the Zhao family.”

Mr. Chang stood up, ”What do you think the Zhou family is? Today’s incident was their way of probing us; there’s only one chance.”

After her husband left, Mr. Chang’s wife sat back down, a slow smirk curling up at the corners of her mouth. She had no need for a daughter-in-law that would cause her concern.

Because of the Chang family’s matter, the Zhao family learned their lesson. Their eldest son’s mother-in-law was not bad, a fact she had somewhat overlooked. Henceforth, her focus would be on the future mother-in-law of her daughter.

The Zhao family shared the changes they witnessed in Mr. Chang’s wife, and Su Xuan also felt a lingering fear, ”If only all mothers-in-law could be like mine.”

Lady Li joined the conversation, ”Mother is truly one of a kind.”

Zhulan was full of sighs. In ancient times, marrying women who encountered kind mothers-in-law truly had cultivated good fortune—why worry about discord with one’s husband if the mother-in-law was emotionally intelligent and on your side?

Having arrived in ancient times, she saw most often that mothers-in-law in the harem dominated everything, leading to countless couples becoming strangers and many women walking the same old paths. The power of mothers-in-law in ancient times was terrifying.

Mrs. Tao had a nice temperament, but even she didn’t refrain from bringing concubines for her son over the years. It was only after many years of their acquaintance and influence that she became the Mrs. Tao of today.

It’s not that there weren’t good mothers-in-law; in the grand households of ancient times, good ones were simply too rare.

Before the rankings were published, another major incident occurred: Princess Aerola was pregnant, and the timing was significant.

Upon hearing the news, Zhulan said to her husband before going to bed that night, ”It’s fake, isn’t it?”

Zhou Shuren replied, ”You didn’t mention it when I came back from the government office; you’ve been pondering it all by yourself.”

Zhulan took off her shoes, ”Yes, I’ve been thinking that if the Emperor is ambitious, he wouldn’t allow a princess married off in an alliance to have children.”

Zhou Shuren joined her on the heated brick bed, ”Isn’t this the best excuse to block various tribes?”

If there’s a Prince or princess in the harem with Grassland blood, the future potential is limitless if it’s a Prince, and extremely tempting to boot.

An alliance through marriage is nothing compared to marrying off a princess into the palace, where she could get close to the Emperor. Isn’t that better than taking a wife back to the tribe?

Zhulan whispered, ”Our Emperor is truly frightening. He’s already calculated everything step by step, all according to his own scheme.”

The Emperor’s thoughts seem deeper than those of the Retired Emperor.

Zhou Shuren, with his hands under his head, responded, ”Yes, the Emperor is so calculating that I’m always on alert.”

At the beginning of the year court meeting, the Emperor hinted to Mr. Chang, but didn’t inform him. It’s nice to be trusted, but it’s more burdensome—it would be a problem if we don’t coordinate well, wouldn’t it?

The Emperor of now is no longer the same as when he first ascended the throne; he has grown his fangs. As a minister to such a Monarch, one must be even more careful and cautious.

The news of Princess Aerola’s pregnancy spread rapidly, effectively changing the alliance from marrying off to sending people to the capital.

The Emperor also made it clear he would only choose one, which is rather telling. The firm alliances have become wary of one another, guarding against any unwarranted scheming. The Emperor has sown the seeds of doubt within these tribes.