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

Chapter 1670: Chapter 1670: Whose Hand Did It Come From

In the evening, Zhou Shuren returned and saw the fruits on the table, his eyes brightened a bit, “Where did these come from?”

“Lin Qing went back to her parental home today, and the matron of the Lin family sent her back with them.”

Zhou Shuren picked one up to eat, “Lin Qing must have gone back for her cousin.”

“Yes.”

“Did the Lin family not send any message back?”

Zhulan motioned for Shuren to change his clothes first, and followed him into the room, “No, that Mr. Ji is just a follower of the Second Prince, the Lin family doesn’t take him seriously.”

The Lin family, being noble and holding the position of Imperial Censor, has no fear of offending the Second Prince, especially with the Liu family being so well-behaved.

Zhou Shuren didn’t dwell on it, saying, “The Emperor must be aware of this matter, and there will be a conclusion about the estate next year.”

“I truly feel a bit reluctant.”

Every bit of effort put into a few estates means a lot to her.

Zhou Shuren changed the topic, “I heard from Scholar Deng that the students in the private school are all guessing who Mr. Fengqing is.”

Zhulan, “Did you see Scholar Deng today?”

Over the years, Scholar Deng has been working for the Zhou family, and as the status of the Hou Residence rose, everyone in the capital knew Scholar Deng relied on the Hou Residence and was leading quite a good life. His son had the privilege of studying at the Zhou family school. After passing the provincial examination, he didn’t continue to rely on taking imperial exams, and now Scholar Deng has handed over most affairs to his son.

Zhou Shuren, “Yes, I had tea with him at noon, and now that he has become leisurely, he’s looking quite prosperous.”

Zhulan hadn’t seen Scholar Deng for a long time. Since she handed the matters over to Lady Li, she seldom intervened in the household matters, “He’s not young anymore.”

Zhou Shuren finished changing his clothes, “Indeed.”

Zhulan asked, “Did he look for you just for tea?”

Zhou Shuren, “Yes.”

Zhulan didn’t continue talking about Scholar Deng, “I made beef braised today.”

Zhou Shuren walked towards the outside, “Then I’ll have to eat more.”

“Eating too much is hard to digest.”

As they talked, Zhou Shuren saw the prepared plates on the table, with only a few pieces of beef, “Too cruel.”

Zhulan looked at her husband’s stomach, “If you eat too much, your stomach will feel uncomfortable.”

Zhou Shuren touched his uncooperative stomach, “By the way, why didn’t Chang Xhong come over to eat with us?”

Zhulan, “He didn’t want to make you envious.”

Zhou Shuren huffed, what fearing he’d be envious, clearly, that boy sneaked to eat by himself.

Time flies, and the end of the year approached quickly. Ming Rui wrote to say he couldn’t return for the New Year. With not everyone at home and Rong Yushang having passed away not long ago, the Hou Residence didn’t get lively even during the minor New Year festivities.

A few days after the minor New Year’s, the New Year’s came. Zhou Shuren rested at home, and Zhulan asked, “Do you want to go to the estate with me?”

Zhou Shuren, “Didn’t you and Chang Li prepare noodles and meat for the few estates?”

Zhulan rolled her eyes, “You’re just too lazy to move.”

Zhou Shuren lay on the rocking chair, “I really don’t want to go out; it’s more comfortable lying at home. Only Yu Wen in our family knows how to enjoy life.”

Seeing that Shuren really didn’t plan to go out, Zhulan didn’t force him, “Then let the eldest and his wife make a trip to the estate.”

Zhou Shuren turned his head, “Aren’t Chang Yi and his wife going?”

Zhulan, “With Ming Rui not returning to the capital, it’s too deliberate if they go.”

Zhou Shuren continued rocking the chair, “This year, the children at the estate can eat dumplings to their heart’s content.”

Zhulan chuckled, “Indeed they can.”

In the past years, it was always their family who provided flour and meat for the children, but this year, there were quite a few contributions.

Zhou Shuren asked, “Why hasn’t Qing Xue come back with Chang Xhong?”

As he spoke, Qing Xue came in, “The Fourth Prince and Fifth Young Master have come, Young Master Chang Xhong is entertaining them.”

So, can’t come to study!

Zhou Shuren indicated he understood, “They come quite often.”

“Yes, the last time was two days ago.”

Zhou Shuren wasn’t worried about the youngest son, as he was very measured, and there was no harm in him being friends with the Fourth Prince.

In Chang Xhong’s courtyard, Wu Shiheng said, “Hurry up, the Fourth Prince and I specially came to take you to the opera house, such an honor!”

Chang Xhong really didn’t want to go out, “I should thank you and the Fourth Prince for offering me such an honor!”

The Fourth Prince was flipping through the essay written by Chang Xhong, “Is this what you wrote recently?”

“It’s from a topic my father gave yesterday.”

The Fourth Prince felt delighted; the topic was similar to one given by his father, the emperor. He had written an essay on it and got criticized, being told to rewrite it. Coming out of the palace today to clear his mind, and never expected, “Are the notes on it written by Marquis Zhou?”

Chang Xhong didn’t think much, “Yes.”

He had thought his essay had a good argument but got reprimanded yesterday; his father’s notes showed no mercy!

The Fourth Prince, noticing Wu Shiheng’s urgency, said, “Don’t rush Chang Xhong, we’re not in a hurry.”

As he kept his eyes on the notes, he silently remembered them, planning to write another all-nighter when he returned tonight!

Wu Shiheng sensed something was wrong; earlier, the person in the biggest rush was His Highness. Seeing him now engrossed in reading the essay, he also started reading, and after finishing, looked at the newly dressed Chang Xhong, noting the sharp words and ideas, even more importantly, the insight within the essay!

Chang Xhong looked down at himself, “Is my outfit not right?”

Wu Shiheng smiled, “It’s fine.”

In the capital’s jewelry shop, Madam Zhao put a lot of thought into her daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony, taking out cherished gemstones to have the shop craft jewelry. Today, she brought Yu Die and a few others to collect the jewelry.

Yu Die looked at the jewelry set, eyes filled with amazement, her tone a bit hesitant, “Mother, isn’t this set of jewelry too precious?”

Madam Zhao gently touched the jewelry, replying, “It’s not too precious.”

Yu Die knew it was her parents’ love and felt deeply moved. As she was coming of age, her mother showed her the dowry list, each item brimming with her parents’ love.

Being the youngest daughter and prematurely born, her parents indeed doted on her.

Madam Zhao signaled the shopkeeper to wrap up the jewelry, and he carefully stepped forward to do so.

“Hold on.”

Madam Zhao turned her head, displeased, only to see a lavishly dressed lady approach, her eyes fixed intently on the jewelry, “Truly beautiful.”

Madam Zhao already recognized her, “Countess?”

The Countess also recognized Madam Zhao and looked embarrassed, “Oh, it’s you.”

Madam Zhao held back her displeasure, “Is the lady also here to choose jewelry?”

The Countess, “Yes, the marriage date with the Duke of Yongan’s family has been set, so I’m here to choose some jewelry for my daughter.”

Madam Zhao indicated for the shopkeeper to pack the jewelry, “Lady, take your time to look; many new styles have arrived in the shop today.”

The Countess couldn’t resist asking, “This set of jewelry is?”

Madam Zhao was already impatient, “It’s for my youngest daughter, who is coming of age.”

The Countess wanted the best for her daughter and asked, “I see this set has a novel design; whose craftsmanship is it?”