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

Chapter 1811: Chapter 1811: A Fortunate Match

After a few more days, Zhulan received more accurate news from Yu Wen, “You say Empress Dowager Chen gave Miss Jiao a complete set of ruby headpieces?”

Yu Wen nodded while eating an orange, “It was given in front of everyone, and she told Miss Jiao’s mother there was no rush for the engagement.”

Zhulan saw that the oranges on the plate were about to be finished by her granddaughter, “Aren’t you afraid of getting a sore throat from eating so many?”

Yu Wen swallowed the last segment of the orange, “The oranges this year are sweet.”

Zhulan laughed, “The results of grafting and improvement are not bad.”

Afraid of getting a sore throat, Yu Wen stopped eating and wiped her hands with a handkerchief, gesturing for a maid to bring a cup of warm water over, “Everyone is speculating whom Empress Dowager Chen intends to matchmake for, and no one has thought of the Third Prince.”

Zhulan laughed, “If you hadn’t gotten the news from me, you wouldn’t have thought of the Third Prince either.”

Yu Wen pondered, “It’s indeed surprising.”

Zhulan advised, “As long as you know yourself, I estimate the engagement will be after the Empress’s anniversary.”

Yu Wen laughed, “Don’t worry, grandma, your granddaughter knows what to say and what not to say.”

“Hmm, your father has been taking Gu Sheng with him wherever he goes recently. I heard that he plans to pick a good date after the spring imperial examination. Have you seen Gu Sheng lately?”

Yu Wen truly hadn’t seen Gu Sheng. Her father was satisfied with Gu Sheng’s performance upon returning, realizing that the engagement would be set after the new year, and so he became extraordinarily picky about Gu Sheng, resulting in her not being able to see him, and her father thoroughly isolating her from Gu Sheng!

Zhulan understood her granddaughter’s expression; a father-in-law tends to become more dissatisfied the more he examines his son-in-law, “Your father is no longer hiding it; it’s almost common knowledge that he fancies Gu Sheng.”

Yu Wen pursed her lips with a smile, “People have already started probing me for information.”

At the Palace, the Crown Prince asked, “Marquis Zhou, have you set Gu Sheng as your grandson-in-law?”

Zhou Shuren knew about Chang Zhi’s high-profile manner, “The Crown Prince has heard too?”

“Yes, I heard from Zhuo Guyu.”

Zhou Shuren smiled, “I have observed Gu Sheng for several years; this child is quite suitable for An He, who has her own ideas.”

The Crown Prince still felt it was a pity to set An He with Gu Sheng, thinking privately that Gu Sheng lacked ambition, though he verbally said, “Then let me congratulate Marquis Zhou in advance.”

Zhou Shuren knew internally that some people criticized Chang Zhi, while others praised him. At least it proved Chang Zhi had ability, being both capable and trusted by the Emperor. The only two children naturally became the focus. After Chang Zhi returned, people started probing, but fortunately, Yu Wen had set her eyes on Gu Sheng early on, and Ming Jia also considered a girl from the He family.

After finishing his tasks, the Emperor saw the Crown Prince chatting with Shuren and smiled, “Time flies. In a flash, it’s been three years again.”

Zhou Shuren also sighed, “Indeed.”

The Emperor wished for his Grandson to grow quickly; he couldn’t wish his Grandson to be four years old immediately enough.

Zhou Shuren took the opportunity to talk about Ming Jia’s match with the He family, “Just waiting to propose to the He family.”

The Emperor’s eyes brightened slightly, “The He family is not bad.”

He hadn’t thought of the He family’s daughter, but they would be a good match for his fourth son’s concubine.

Zhou Shuren quickly said, “I am looking at the legitimate daughter of the He clan leader for my grandson.”

The Emperor nodded to show he understood, though internally considering to ask if the He family had any other daughters, thinking to himself: Alas, with the passing of Mother Empress and Empress, the children’s marriages fall solely on him to manage.

That night, Zhou Shuren went home and talked about proposing to the He family. Zhulan said, “Su Xuan has already talked it over with the He family.”

“Decided on the date for the proposal?”

Zhulan, “Picked a good day seven days later.”

“Good to get it settled early.”

Zhulan agreed, thinking the same. Many have inquired for information recently, and even noble families from the South have visited, setting their sights on Yu Wen.

Zhou Shuren had been somewhat busy lately and just wanted to rest when he returned home, losing touch with the family’s children, “How are Ming Rui and Ming Hui doing with summarizing their knowledge points?”

Zhulan felt a headache at this, “The knowledge from the Emperor’s book covers too wide a range, including geography and astronomy, making it quite laborious for the two kids to summarize.”

Zhou Shuren, “That’s because they are stupid and don’t ask their fourth uncle?”

One must admit, there are quite a few prodigies in the family, but only Chang Zhi is the most comprehensive one; even he, as their father, hasn’t read as many books as his son, cough, cough, nor does he understand as much!

Zhulan laughed, “They both implored me, but I was stumped, so I left it to Chang Zhi. Recently, Chang Zhi has been giving them both a lesson for an hour after finishing at the government office.”

Zhou Shuren huffed, “It’s good for them to know what inadequacy is.”

“They are quite humble now.”

Zhou Shuren was inwardly proud of his grandsons, though he didn’t show it on his face, Zhulan could easily see the good mood of her husband.

The couple was chatting when Zhulan suddenly remarked, “The Ministry of Works is drafting the blueprint for the Imperial Garden, you know?”

“Did you hear from Rongchuan?”

“Yes, Rongchuan saw it at the Ministry of Works.”

Zhou Shuren indeed knew, “Due to the Empress’s passing, the Emperor has postponed the garden’s renovation and plans to build it after the Empress’s anniversary. Now, he’s having the Ministry of Works draft the blueprint first.”

Designing a blueprint for an Imperial Garden isn’t easy. Starting it early can save a lot of time.

Zhulan asked, “I heard from Rongchuan that the garden covers a vast area. Have you seen the blueprint?”

“I haven’t seen it. I hope it can be completed early so we might have a chance to stroll through the garden.”

Zhulan nodded in agreement. She also wanted to draw it and preserve it as future reference and wealth.

Zhou Shuren stated with relief, “Fortunately, the Emperor is using his own silver.”

Zhulan chuckled but thought to herself: Although she had first-hand information, unfortunately, she couldn’t engage in business with stones. Marquis Zhou Residence already received sufficient favor; even if there were opportunities to amass silver, one mustn’t stretch their hand.

The next day, Chang Xhong had an appointment with his fiancée. He accompanied her to buy a birthday gift for his future father-in-law, so he also chose a gift.

After breakfast, Chang Xhong prepared to take the carriage to the Wei family. Steward Ding caught up with him, “Young Master, this is a purse from Madam for you.”

Chang Xhong knowingly accepted the purse with a smile, “Thank my mother for me.”

Steward Ding looked at the weather, “It looks like snow, Young Master, take care on your way out.”

Chang Xhong, “I know. You also return early and rest.”

“Aye.”

He then reminded the young servant and guard to take good care of the young master. The sons of the Duke of Yongan’s Residence had encountered incidents successively, so he felt a bit uneasy.

Only after the gate was shut did Steward Ding turn back to rest. He wanted to be a steward in the Hou Residence forever, but alas, he couldn’t; his age was advancing, and no matter how sturdy his body was, he couldn’t compare to the young.

Chang Xhong first went to the Wei family to pick someone up. Wei Xinyi greeted her fiancé joyfully, her face reddening under her mother’s smile.

The young engaged couple left together. Lady Phang remarked to her maidservant by her side, “Even looking at their back figures, they match perfectly.”

The maidservant smiled, “Heaven-sent match.”

Lady Phang was inwardly pleased. Ever since her future son-in-law became the First Place Candidate, whenever she went out, she had to listen to quite a bit of envious gossip. The more she heard, the happier she was because their jealousy and envy were useless; such a good son-in-law belonged to the Wei family.

Chang Xhong and his fiancée took separate carriages. Even as an engaged couple, it was inappropriate for them to share a carriage. Despite this, Miss Wei was as sweet as honey in her heart.