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

Chapter 1736: Chapter 1736: The Eldest Sister Is Like a Mother

Zhulan was truly puzzled. Since Shangguan Jia’s wedding, the women of the Shangguan family were different from the men, instead becoming quite low-key. They never attended unnecessary banquets, especially after the Crown Princess Consort became pregnant, she nearly stopped going out altogether.

The Marquis Zhou Residence and the Shangguan family didn’t have frequent interactions, so receiving an invitation was surprising.

In the evening, Zhulan discussed with Zhou Shuren, “I’ve pondered it all day and still don’t understand.”

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, “There must be something up?”

There must be a reason for the visit; the Shangguan family is as cautious as the Ning family. Who knows about the future, but for now, they’ve clearly earned the Crown Prince’s trust!

Zhulan whispered, “The Shangguan family has it tough, the scheming surrounding the Crown Princess Consort hasn’t stopped since she became pregnant.”

The Crown Princess Consort is just a target, constantly attracting enmity, and until the child is safely born, the Shangguan family won’t find peace.

Zhou Shuren, “We’ll find out tomorrow.”

Later, Zhou Shuren found out why even before he went to court; yesterday, the old man from the Shangguan family took a rest and didn’t attend court, but went today, and came to thank him immediately after court.

Zhou Shuren was momentarily stunned. The old man from the Shangguan family quietly explained the reason; the Shangguan family hadn’t anticipated their embroiderer was bribed, and modifications were made to the clothes.

Zhou Shuren took a moment to process it, “Yu Jiao gave the warning?”

The old man smiled, “That girl has always been clever.”

She visits the Shangguan Residence often and is Zhou Shuren’s youngest granddaughter. She is pampered but quite likable.

Zhou Shuren said, “Fortunately, the Shangguan lady listened.”

If it were another person, they might not have listened.

The old man said, “The young ladies have a good relationship.”

This is something he’s happy to see; girls’ friendships can often be overlooked but sometimes can be quite effective.

Zhou Shuren clicked his tongue twice in his heart; the rear courtyard of the Shangguan family isn’t tightly guarded. However, given the abundance of schemes, it’s difficult to keep it secure.

But using the Shangguan family to harm the Crown Princess Consort, that’s a vicious move.

At the Marquis Zhou Residence, Zhulan also listened to the words of the old lady of the Shangguan family, “Yu Jiao has listened to many stories.”

The old lady said, “It’s good to listen more.”

The rear courtyard of the Shangguan family is well-disciplined; the legitimate daughters receive strict instruction and are taught about the affairs of the household. Yet there are times of oversight, a slip among a thousand precautions, but luckily, no harm was done.

The Shangguan family is already entangled; only if the Crown Princess Consort is well can the Shangguan family proceed smoothly.

Zhulan said again, “As long as you don’t mind her chatting too much.”

“I don’t mind; I like this girl, Yu Jiao.”

The girls in their own family are quiet and graceful, seldom lively; Yu Jiao’s liveliness is quite adorable.

Zhulan didn’t ask about the Crown Princess Consort’s condition, just mentioned a few things about Yu Jiao and sent away the grateful old lady. After the person was gone, she pointed at the box and instructed Qing Xue, “Send it to Yu Jiao.”

These are what Yu Jiao deserves; this girl has a good heart.

Yu Jiao saw the pile of boxes, “These are all for me?”

Qing Xue smiled, “Yes, the Shangguan family is thanking Miss.”

Yu Jiao opened the box; the Shangguan family has heritage, quite a few good items. Looking at the jewelry and jade stones, she said, “This is too much.”

Qing Xue said, “Miss deserves it.”

Yu Jiao clung to the box, “Grandma accepted it, so I won’t be polite.”

She planned to divide the jewelry, give each sister one piece, and keep the rest for her dowry list; they were all good things.

After Qing Xue left, Yu Jiao was about to show off when she met her elder sister’s cold face, shrinking her neck, “I won’t dare to speak out of turn again.”

Yu Yi rose and took out a scripture, “Even if it’s a good deed, it can’t cover your reckless boldness. You won’t go out recently; daily recite a scroll of scriptures.”

This wouldn’t be an issue if the Marquis Zhou Residence didn’t engage in disputes and the Shangguan family trusted them; regardless, Yu Jiao’s character still needs tempering.

Yu Jiao swallowed, “A scroll every day?”

This is torment; her sister took out a scroll with over five thousand words!

Yu Yi, “If you don’t finish, you don’t want to know the consequences.”

Yu Jiao, “!!”

The hand holding the scripture trembled slightly. When would her sister marry? A big sister is like a mother; she doesn’t want to experience it.

Zhulan smiled upon hearing the news, confident in Yu Yi’s ability to educate Yu Jiao.

Qing Xue said, “The residence disrupted the scheme, likely causing resentment.”

Zhulan sneered, “People really think the Shangguan family being non-confrontational means they have a good temper? Won’t the Emperor and Crown Prince investigate? They won’t have time to resent the Marquis Zhou Residence.”

A few days later, Zhulan finally learned who had plotted; the Shangguan family submitted a Zhezi (memorial) denouncing someone, swiftly making things clear.

For the first time, the Shangguan family refused to let someone off, with a hint of serving as a warning to others. Despite constant vigilance, a slip among a thousand precautions, when harsh action is taken again, some people may become more mindful and weigh their options.

Zhulan then heard the news that the Empress’s illness was better. She asked her daughter, “Is it really better?”

Xue Han nodded, “Yesterday, I went into the palace to visit, and indeed she is much better.”

Zhulan, “She must be concerned about the unborn grandson.”

Xue Han said, “The Empress wanted to send a Female Officer to the Crown Princess Consort, but the Emperor refused.”

Zhulan, “Hmm?”

Xue Han explained, “Last time, the Crown Princess Consort was upset during pregnancy; it’s said many people were replaced.”

Zhulan thought about it, indeed; sending a Female Officer over by the Empress might lead to much more headache with chaotic commands, “Did the Empress summon the Crown Princess Consort to the palace?”

“No, she sent the Female Officer to visit, and I see how important this pregnancy is.”

Zhulan thought inwardly, actually, there’s also the matter of your father; the Royal family is deeply worried about your father’s longevity. But, of course, the paramount reason is the importance of the eldest legitimate son.

Xue Han, returning to her maternal home, dressed comfortably as she liked, and adjusted her sleeves, “Princess Jingxuan didn’t go back to the Palace.”

Zhulan, “… Didn’t go back?”

Xue Han tightened her lips, “Yes, Princess Jingxuan returned with me to the Qin Prince Residence yesterday again.”

So, in the Empress’s heart, first is the Crown Prince, second is the unborn Grandson, third is the Fourth Prince, and lastly Princess Jingxuan.

“Princess Jingxuan is much livelier; I see she enjoys going to the academy.”

Xue Han smiled and said, “Led astray by Lin Xi, Lin Xi also taught Jingxuan how to whip.”

“That’s good.”

A princess with high combat skills is quite admirable!

Xue Han was helpless about her daughter, “It’s all Rongchuan spoiling her; the whole capital knows Lin Xi, the Commandery Princess, knows how to use a whip, yes, she even whipped someone a few days ago.”

Zhulan was truly unaware, “Who provoked her?”

Don’t be fooled by the whip she always carries; Lin Xi never uses it on people.

Xue Han, “A woman was being beaten on the street, trying to protect her child and couldn’t run, enraging Lin Xi.”

Zhulan frowned, “If not handled well, returning home would be even more difficult.”

Xue Han laughed, “Rongchuan is around, if anyone mistreats his daughter, he has already dealt with it.”

Zhulan shook her head, “He’s pampering the child more and more.”

“The child has a good nature, being spoiled a bit isn’t worrisome.”

Zhulan was amused, “You’re speaking for Rongchuan again.”

Xue Han also laughed, “Because I also indulge her, but my daughter is still a bit strict.”

In the Palace, the Emperor and Zhou Shuren finished their discussion, sitting together drinking tea. Zhou Shuren watched the Crown Prince not far away reviewing memorials, the scene made him feel nostalgic, nearly scalding himself with the tea.

The Emperor asked, “Why is Marquis Zhou distracted?”

Zhou Shuren returned to his senses, wiping his hand with a cloth, “I find the scene before me very familiar.”

Years ago, the Emperor also sat in the Crown Prince’s seat reviewing memorials, and now it’s the Crown Prince’s turn.