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

Chapter 1701: Chapter 1701 Jade Pendant

Zhulan was washing her hands when she saw Lady Li rushing in, “Mother, the well water is cloudy.”

The kitchen was preparing dinner, and the well water was not only turbid, but the chickens and ducks sent from the farm in the morning were running amok. She thought of what her mother-in-law had mentioned about reactions before an earthquake.

An earthquake… she had never experienced one, but she had heard about it. A few years ago, an earthquake hit a certain state, reportedly collapsing many houses. Her heart was filled with fear and anxiety now.

The disaster her mother-in-law spoke of… she had never faced an earthquake before, and just thinking about it sent chills down her spine. She mumbled to herself, “This is the capital… how can there be an earthquake here?”

Zhulan didn’t have time to explain the history of earthquakes in the capital. She quickly wiped her face and said, “I’ll go and check it myself.”

She was startled as well. Thinking back, although she had experienced natural disasters during her years in the capital, she had never suffered. If an earthquake were to strike the capital, she would be terrified.

Soon, Zhulan checked the well water, then went to the kitchen to look at the chickens and ducks. She didn’t miss the lake in the garden either. After seeing everything, her heart sank.

Before returning to the main hall, Zhulan had someone deliver a message to Zhou Shuren. On her way back, she instructed Lady Li, “Have everyone in the residence leave the house, and prepare some water and food.”

Lady Li was extremely frightened, but hearing her mother-in-law’s instructions steadied her heart. With her mother-in-law around, there was nothing to fear.

Zhulan called for Steward Ding and sent people to notify her children and in-laws. Historical records had documented earthquake precursors. When Zhulan explained them, she used the books as examples, and as long as the message got out, people would be warned.

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren immediately sent Qiu Yan to gather information upon receiving the message. Qiu Yan returned quickly, confirming there were indeed precursors. Zhou Shuren summoned Qiu Yan, “I need to enter the palace.”

Qiu Yan was a bit confused, “Why are you giving me this book, my lord?”

Zhou Shuren opened the page he had just found, “Read it carefully yourself.”

Saying that, he got up and left. He was unsure if those inside the palace had noticed anything; he needed to go there immediately.

As for his family and descendants, he was reassured with his wife taking charge.

Indeed, the ancients were not simple. By the time Zhou Shuren entered the palace, someone had already reported to the Emperor. Although they couldn’t predict when an earthquake might occur, it was better to believe there might be one.

The Emperor gave orders one after another before speaking with Zhou Shuren, “Stay within the palace, my loyal subject.”

Keeping him under his watchful eye, the Emperor could feel at ease.

Zhou Shuren said, “I still need to return to the Ministry of Revenue, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor replied, “I’ve already dispatched people to notify them.”

Zhou Shuren realized he could only await the results.

The palace reacted swiftly, with tents already set up in the open area. The Emperor entered one, and the Crown Prince returned.

The Emperor asked, “How is the Retired Emperor?”

The Crown Prince replied, “Grandfather asked me to convey that there’s no need to worry about them.”

The Emperor nodded. His father had experienced many storms before, so he indeed wasn’t worried. He scratched his head and said, “I hope there isn’t an earthquake.”

Zhou Shuren responded, “I hope for the same, Your Majesty.”

“There were signs before that didn’t result in an earthquake. I hope the same happens this time as well.”

Zhou Shuren had a hunch that there would indeed be an earthquake this time; he just didn’t know where it would occur or what the magnitude would be.

At the Hou Residence, Zhulan’s side was well-prepared. They had set up several tents in the garden, and the grandchildren from the Academy had been brought back.

Steward Ding approached, “The government officer has already relayed the message.”

Zhulan was surprised at how quickly the news spread but then realized it made sense. Zhou Shuren’s reforms at the Ministry of Revenue had improved efficiency, impacting various ministries and consequently boosting the entire Imperial court’s efficiency.

Time moved slowly, and Zhulan hadn’t seen Chang Xhong. She asked Qing Xue, “Hasn’t Chang Xhong returned yet?”

Qing Xue replied, “The young master went to the racetrack with the fourth Prince; they should be back soon.”

Zhulan felt a bit anxious, unable to hold back and hugged Yu Jiao. The soft young girl couldn’t calm her, and as she remained silent, nobody else in the tent dared speak. Everyone was extremely tense.

For those who had never experienced an earthquake, it was a heavenly punishment. Fear, dread, and other emotions accumulated. Many people never experienced an earthquake in their lifetime.

Suddenly, the ground started shaking. Zhulan and the others sat on the ground covered with bamboo mats and a thick carpet. The garden at the Hou Residence was vast, with enough open space after clearing some flowers.

The ground’s tremor caused terrified people to scream. Zhulan’s mind went blank for a moment, but she quickly steadied herself.

Elder Zhou fell to the ground, his eyes locked on his mother. Seeing her sway but not fall, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhulan didn’t know the earthquake’s magnitude, only that the tremor passed quickly, indicating an earthquake indeed occurred near the capital.

With the tremor gone, the garden became extremely quiet. Elder Zhou stood up, his voice slightly trembling, “Mother, are you alright?”

The earth shook, and such fear even made Elder Zhou lose his composure.

Zhulan didn’t move, still seated, “I’m fine. I heard the sound of tiles falling. Check if anyone is injured, and be cautious of aftershocks.”

Elder Zhou replied, “Yes.”

Steward Ding followed him. Zhulan signaled Qing Xue to check if any maids were injured as she had heard quite a few of them fall due to the sudden earthquake.

Several aftershocks occurred later. Zhulan left the tent only after they had passed. Most of the household workers were injured from falls, but thankfully, no one was seriously hurt.

Zhulan then sent people to gather information on where the damage was severe, also sending someone to wait for Chang Xhong. Since he hadn’t returned yet, she felt uneasy not seeing her son. As for Zhou Shuren, she trusted him completely.

Gradually, messages came from Xue Mei and Xue Han’s attendants, inquiring about Zhulan’s safety and informing that they and their children were unharmed.

Several in-laws also sent messages, reporting no serious injuries.

Steward Ding returned with Chang Xhong. Seeing her son unharmed, Zhulan’s voice choked, “Why did you come back so late?”

Chang Xhong felt guilty, “Mother, the fourth Prince and I were found by the guards, but just as we were returning to the capital, the earthquake struck, so we had to wait in place. I’m sorry to have worried you.”

Zhulan took a deep breath, holding back tears, “It’s good that you’re alright.”

Chang Xhong asked, “Mother, were you frightened?”

Zhulan glared, “I taught you all the knowledge you know. How could I be scared?”

Chang Xhong supported his mother, “You’re the best, Mother.”

“Was the fourth Prince injured?”

Chang Xhong shook his head, “The guards protected him well. Not a hair on his head was touched.”

Zhulan turned to Steward Ding, who reported the news, “I heard the earthquake occurred south of the suburban county near the capital.”

Chang Xhong said, “I wonder how it is south of the suburban county?”

Zhulan replied, “Let’s wait for more information.”

Hoping the intensity wasn’t high.

The capital itself didn’t suffer much damage. Thanks to the planned development, many houses were newly built, so property damage was minimal. Injury and casualty details still needed compiling.

Zhulan hadn’t let anyone return indoors for fear of more aftershocks. When she brought Chang Xhong back to the tent, she noticed something missing, “Where’s the Jade Pendant at your waist?”

Chang Xhong was taken aback, looking down to see it indeed gone, “The situation was chaotic back then. It might have fallen off in the carriage.”

He instructed a young servant to search the carriage for it.

The young servant quickly returned but hadn’t found the Jade Pendant, “I searched along the road but couldn’t find it.”

Chang Xhong slapped his forehead, “It must have been lost in the chaos.”

The Jade Pendant was a birthday gift from his father, not measured in Silver Coin, but a testament of his father’s affection.

Just then, Steward Ding entered, “Master, someone has returned the Jade Pendant.”

He was about to send people outside to search for it, surprised someone brought it to them instead.

Chang Xhong asked, “Who found the Jade Pendant?”