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

Chapter 1826: Chapter 1826: Good Luck

The Zhou Marquis Residence and Shao family arrange an engagement. When Shao Ting visited the Hou Residence again, she was more graceful and less shy. Shao Ting couldn’t avoid coming, as Zhulan needed rest, and the Jiang Ling and Shao Ting she trained had to take on the Academy.

Jiang Ling didn’t accompany Shao Ting to the Hou Residence; she needed to stay at the Academy, leaving Shao Ting to go alone.

After the engagement, Shao Ting visited for the first time, and Zhulan saw Shao Ting differently; now she was practically family. Lau Jia got the message and came to the main courtyard.

Zhulan had already finished discussing matters with Shao Ting and said to Lau Jia, “I was planning to call you, and here you are.”

Lau Jia smiled, “Last time we met was brief; I barely spoke with Miss Shao. This time, I must seize the opportunity to have a good chat.”

Shao Ting hurriedly stood up to greet her. Even though she was engaged, she couldn’t disregard etiquette, “Greetings, madam.”

Lau Jia walked over and said, “No need to be so formal.”

Shao Ting smiled, “Etiquette must not be abandoned.”

After the Zhou Marquis Residence hinted at the significance of the Academy, the Female Officer there privately taught Shao Ting etiquette extensively. Jiang Ling also trained Shao Ting in management skills, although she couldn’t match those of Mr. Guan’s daughter, who had learned since childhood. Shao Ting, being smart, had absorbed quite a bit.

Lau Jia said to Grandmother, “Grandmother, I will accompany you to the Academy in the future.”

Zhulan laughed, “Good.”

Lau Jia’s sincere approach made Zhulan happy; harmonious relations among grandsons’ wives meant fewer troubles in the family.

Lau Jia had changed significantly since becoming Mrs. Hou, and now it was hard to guess her origins. Ming Teng and his wife worked tirelessly to uphold the glory of the Rong family, never ceasing their studies, making Zhulan increasingly pleased with Lau Jia, the granddaughter-in-law.

Zhulan watched the two chatting and noticed Shao Ting’s attire. Previously absorbed in conversation, she hadn’t noticed; now she saw Shao Ting’s clothes had changed, first in fabric, then in accessories.

Zhulan smiled, as Shao Ting’s attention to dress showed her concern for preserving the Hou Residence’s image.

She sighed inwardly, wondering why Jiang Ling, whose family hadn’t encountered hardship, would marry Shao Xun considering her character and background.

After an hour, Lau Jia escorted Shao Ting out, and before reaching the manor gate, they met Ming Hui who had returned. Lau Jia teasingly said to Shao Ting, “I said Ming Hui would come back once he got the message.”

Shao Ting blushed and sneaked a glance at Ming Hui. Lau Jia laughed, released her hand, nodded to Ming Hui, then led the maids away to discuss matters with her mother-in-law.

Today, Ming Hui and Brother Ming Rui went to the embassy to study, nearly missing Shao Ting’s visit. “Why didn’t you inform us beforehand?”

Shao Ting hesitated, “If you’re busy, attend to your matters first.”

Ming Hui asked, “Don’t want me to see you off?”

Shao Ting glared, finding him increasingly audacious, “I came by carriage.”

Ming Hui smiled, “I’ll see you off then.”

Shao Ting didn’t refuse this time; she wouldn’t ride in the same carriage anyway. As she observed the manor’s scenery, she thought about her dowry, making her ears turn red again, “Thank you.”

Ming Hui knew what her gratitude meant, aware he was supplementing the betrothal gifts.

In Zhou’s village, the elder Zhou felt exhausted; considering he was returning to the capital, he not only had to visit kin but also meet visitors.

The elder Zhou returned without seeing his younger brother, only spotting his youngest eating pastries, “Look at how chubby you’ve become, still eating such sweet pastries.”

Ming Jung guarded a plate of pastries, “Father, my physique takes after mother; no matter how much weight I gain, I won’t become too fat.”

In fact, losing weight was hard for him; having confirmed this several times, he felt more at ease eating and drinking.

The elder Zhou sat down and asked, “Where are your uncle and Ming Feng?”

Ming Jung didn’t sit this time, grinning foolishly at his father, “Uncle went to the family school to give lectures; Ming Feng, who loves learning, joined him.”

The elder Zhou felt restless, searching without finding a stick, and took a deep breath, “Why aren’t you there?”

They should have returned to the capital long ago, but because his younger brother delayed for lectures for several days.

Ming Jung realized he couldn’t protect his pastries today, slowly moving towards the door, “Well, you know your son…”

Finishing, Ming Jung dashed out, seeking his uncle’s protection at the family school.

The elder Zhou slammed the table in anger; despite holding no expectations for his youngest, seeing his lack of ambition still enraged him!

At the family school, Chang Xhong lectured graduates today, discussing not just the standardized essays. Despite not being the Top Scorer, Chang Xhong earned respect within the family, evoking admiration, adding commentary on Imperial court changes in his lectures.

He spoke from the common folk’s perspective, prompting questions at certain points.

The family graduates wished Chang Xhong wouldn’t leave, but could only fervently remember his lecture contents.

Growing up in the capital, listening to conversations about court politics from his father and brothers, Chang Xhong’s analyses were astute, qualities not measurable by Silver Coin.

Returning home, it was dark, and despite sipping water occasionally, Chang Xhong’s throat was uncomfortable.

The elder Zhou felt a pang, “Rest well tomorrow, don’t go.”

Chang Xhong shook his head, “We depart the day after, missing one last day won’t matter.”

The elder Zhou was proud of his brother’s success, confident in his legacy and feeling privileged; knowing his brother needed family understanding, he felt pleased thinking about it.

The next day, Zhou Shuren attended the morning court. Since personally writing invitations to ministers he had disagreements with, those ministers showed him no favor.

Zhou Shuren felt not at all discouraged by their dismissive attitudes; their discomfort cheered him greatly.

Today’s court discussed a few developing ports in the court, previously overlooked areas turning into hot spots with growing population and Silver Coin, sparking issues.

Zhou Shuren glanced at the Zhezi in the Emperor’s hand; his eldest grandson was also sent by the Emperor. The Emperor hadn’t informed him beforehand, leaving Zhou Shuren uncertain if the Zhezi was written by his grandson.

With the discussions underway, Zhou Shuren sensed vague stares that made him stand even straighter; they were envious once more!

Zhou Shuren felt pride; he laid a solid foundation for the Zhou Marquis Residence. As long as this foundation remained intact, he needn’t worry for his descendants.

After court, Minister Wei approached, asking, “Has your grandson sent any updates?”

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, “None.”

Minister Wei exhaled, relieved it wasn’t negative; if the Emperor had warned, it signaled a chance for voluntary confessions to reduce penalties, since his eldest was in Maritime Affairs, “Ah, being a father isn’t easy.”

Zhou Shuren chuckled, “Your sons are quite good.”

Minister Wei appreciated the praise, shown in his expression, “They still fall short compared to your son.”

His son hadn’t secured the title of Top Scorer!

Zhou Shuren raised his brows, “Chang Xhong is your son-in-law too.”

Minister Wei beamed foolishly; with Chang Xhong being the Top Scorer, the Wei family basked in glory. Joyful but rational, he refrained from approaching the marriage topic prematurely, aware it wasn’t a matter for the bride’s side to bring up first.

Hanlin Academy, Chang Zhi planned to visit Gu Sheng, but paused realizing Gu Sheng had been transferred, now working with Wu Shangheng. Gu Sheng proved his lack of ambition, and Chang Zhi felt satisfied with the arrangement.

Gu Sheng handled affairs inside and outside the household diligently, even preparing the betrothal gifts well, which pleased Chang Zhi greatly; his daughter didn’t need to worry.

As Chang Zhi thought this over, Gu Sheng appeared, and Chang Zhi laughed, “I was just thinking about you!”