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

Chapter 1737: Chapter 1737: Anniversary

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the first anniversary of Ming Teng’s mourning for Rong Yushang. The doors of the Hou Residence, which had been closed for the funeral, opened once again. Over the past year, Ming Teng had stayed within the mansion except for a return to the Marquis Zhou’s residence.

Lau Jia and her child kept a very low profile. Due to being in mourning, Lau Jia rejected all invitations that were sent to her.

On the first anniversary, Zhou Shuren took a special leave and brought several sons and Ming Teng to offer incense at the Rong family’s ancestral tomb.

The snow this winter was frequent, though fortunately not blizzard-like. As the carriage left the city and moved onto the main road, the sound of the carriage wheels pressing on the snow could be heard. The elder Zhou said, “No one clears this side.”

Outside the capital, only the main roads were cleared. Roads leading to villages were the responsibility of the villagers, and roads to the cemetery, except those to the Imperial Mausoleum, were not swept by anyone.

Zhou Shuren looked through the glass to see the outside scenery. After several snowfalls, the snow had become quite deep. “Mm-hmm,” he nodded.

Further along the road, the path was clear, for someone maintained the area around the Rong family’s ancestral tomb, keeping the road clean.

Ming Teng had already gotten off the carriage and first helped his father down, followed by his grandfather.

Zhou Shuren took a deep breath of the cold air. The Rong family’s cemetery now felt peaceful, no longer having an eerie feeling. “Let’s go,” he said.

Today, they first paid respects to Rong Yushang. It had been a year. Zhou Shuren, not being a descendant of the Rong family, muttered under his breath while watching over Rong Yushang’s tomb.

Ming Teng selected another grave to pay respects, and the elder Zhou, uneasy, followed his son there.

Zhou Shuren kneeled on a mat, “I thought over this past year you might appear in a dream, but nothing. The Retired Emperor is gone, yet the Rong family is still doing well; you can rest assured.”

The cemetery was silent, and Zhou Shuren spoke in a low voice, which Chang Yi and Chang Zhi could hear clearly.

Chang Yi stared at his grandfather’s grave with mixed emotions. Because of the Rong surname, the Marquis Zhou residence was involved with the imperial family.

There was no wind today, but the temperature was still very low. Even with a hat, Zhou Shuren felt cold. “This year’s temperatures have hit a new low, though fortunately there wasn’t a snow disaster.”

He spoke his thoughts casually, as if Rong Yushang were still alive, chatting idly with an elder.

Zhou Shuren continued, “The temperature is low. Even places in the south that don’t normally see snow have had some. Cotton demand exceeds supply annually, though fortunately wool is being utilized. Wu Ming is talented; woolen clothes are selling exceptionally well, so I’m assured with Mingyun following Wu Ming.”

After a pause, he added, “I am getting old, and Wu Ming is capable of teaching Mingyun many more things.”

Chang Yi listened with an uncomfortable feeling in his heart. His father appeared strong only because of the thick clothing; without it, he looked frail.

When Ming Teng returned, his forehead was bruised. This child had knocked his head quite a lot.

Time was passing, and Ming Teng helped his grandfather up, “Grandfather, let’s return to the capital.”

Zhou Shuren took another look at Rong Yushang’s tombstone. “Alright,” he said.

At the Hanlin Academy, Zhuo Guyu didn’t see Lord Zhou, “Did Lord Zhou take leave today?”

Others shook their heads, unaware of Lord Zhou’s situation.

Gu Sheng didn’t lift his head but sneered internally. Ever since he had quarreled with Zhuo Guyu, the man had been watching him and Lord Zhou closely. “Lord Zhou’s elder had an anniversary today,” Gu Sheng remarked.

Whose elder? People quickly realized—the Rong family’s elder. But something felt off, prompting them to scrutinize Gu Sheng: Did he know too much?

Zhuo Guyu had only one thought: Gu Sheng was showing off. After Marquis Zhou’s residence showed interest in Gu Sheng, the more Zhuo Guyu observed, the more he felt like slapping himself for not realizing how apparent Lord Zhou’s care for Gu Sheng was.

He also thought of spreading the word but refrained. Doing so wouldn’t harm Gu Sheng and might benefit him endlessly. A background-less Gu Sheng compared to one set to become Marquis Zhou’s grandson-in-law—those were different circumstances.

Through the rigorous journey of the imperial examinations, only the smart ones survived. Meanwhile, Zhuo Guyu noticed that everyone in the room was being increasingly friendly towards Gu Sheng.

The capital knew of the Marquis Rong’s anniversary, and Lau Jia was busy preparing to move things back to the Marquis Zhou’s residence, with invitations having already arrived.

Her sister-in-law and second sister-in-law didn’t come personally but sent people to see if help was needed. Lau Jia responded appreciatively to their gestures, saying her mother was not at home and she felt their intentions were enough.

Mrs. Hou’s personal maid was dispatched, “Madam couldn’t come in person. She inquires if there’s anything she can help with.”

Lau Jia smiled, “Please thank your madam for me. I’m not too busy here.”

The maid deeply understood her own madam’s situation. Back when the funeral was held, she had kneeled outside the mansion gates—her origins couldn’t be erased.

Lau Jia sent the maid off and said to her mother-in-law, “Yao Yao is thoughtful.”

Lady Li, “Indeed.”

This Yao Yao, a Hou madam, was a low-key presence in the capital. Fortunately, Rong Enqing wasn’t unfaithful, staying by Yao Yao’s side all these years. Now, having both a son and a daughter is quite good.

Lau Jia said, “We still need your help with the banquet here, mother.”

The Hou Residence hadn’t held a formal banquet before, so after the mourning year had passed, a banquet was inevitable.

Lady Li knew her daughter-in-law hadn’t hosted a large banquet before and smiled, “Don’t be nervous, dear; mother will help you.”

Lau Jia felt relieved. Her mother-in-law was carefully nurtured by her own grandmother. She managed all social affairs at the Zhou residence, knowing well each family’s taboos. “First, let’s send over the packed items. Once the banquet ends here, we’ll move back,” Lau Jia suggested.

Lady Li smiled brightly, “Sure.”

Lady Li had already sent a maid back to fetch the notebook, and once it arrived, she handed it directly to her daughter-in-law. “Here’s mother’s record of taboos. Have a close look.”

Lau Jia noticed the worn edges of the notebook—it had been frequently perused. Opening it, she admired her mother-in-law’s thoroughness, documenting every family’s taboos, preferred foods, and even favored colors. “Thank you for your hard work, mother,” Lau Jia expressed.

Lady Li didn’t see it as hard work, “Your grandmother said diligence makes up for lack of intelligence. I’m not clever, so I use this method. If I forget, I look often. Though the method seems clumsy, the records don’t err, whereas memory can fade over time. I can’t pass much down to you, just my own methods.”

Lau Jia beamed, “Your method is very smart, mother. Thank you.”

Lady Li smiled even more happily, recognizing sincerity or insincerity in her daughter-in-law, “Good, good.”

At the Zhou Residence, Zhulan noticed Shuren sneezed as he entered and became worried, “Did you catch a cold?”

Zhou Shuren touched his nose, “It’s too cold outside, and upon entering, the warm air made my nose uncomfortable.”

Zhulan breathed a sigh of relief and reached out to take his cloak, but Zhou Shuren avoided her, “Avoiding what?”

Zhou Shuren stepped back, “I’m chilled; don’t come near.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll stay put.”

Once warm, Zhou Shuren undid his cloak, handed it to a maid, then sat and took the ginger tea offered by his wife. After two cups, he felt warm all over, and the room’s warmth soon brought sweat to his brow.

Zhulan smiled, “The cold has left your body.”

Zhou Shuren wiped his sweat, “It really is cold outside—dry and cold. I wore two layers of wool gloves, plus one of leather, and they still let the chill through.”