Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 595 Strong Luck_1

Zhulan arrived neither early nor late, and the garden was already filled with a good number of officials’ family members, all curious about Magistrate Shen.

As Magistrate Shen, Shen Yile commanded respect. Zhulan greeted her accordingly, "I have seen the Magistrate."

Shen Yile replied with a smile, "Madam Yang, please take a seat."

Zhulan smiled and took her place, seated between members of the Qi Clan and the Tao Clan. Xue Han and Wu Ning had already joined the young ladies’ section.

Tao Clan’s lady lowered her voice, "Truly as remarkable as they say."

Zhulan smiled. She saw in Shen Yile the same pride that she had initially seen in Yao Zheyu. An innate arrogance that couldn’t be hidden. But then again, Shen Yile had every reason to be proud: her father held great power, and her name was chosen by the Empress. For the Emperor, who had no daughters, Shen Yile being favored by the Empress made her almost equivalent to a little princess.

With a fan in hand, Zhulan mused internally, What a pity it is that, despite the Empress’s affection, she is still but a pawn under imperial power.

Qi Clan’s lady continued, "It’s said that, for this marriage, the Empress gave quite a generous dowry."

Zhulan replied with a light smile, "The Princely Heir is indeed fortunate."

Tao Clan’s lady concealed her smile behind her fan, "It’s more than just good fortune!"

After a while, when everyone had arrived, they engaged in conversation without probing, merely the usual chitchat, as it was Magistrate Shen’s first visit to Jinzhou.

Zhulan didn’t appreciate flattery. If Magistrate Shen didn’t initiate a conversation with her, she’d sit in a remote spot and observe. By the end of the meal, Zhulan had concluded that despite her arrogance, the Magistrate adhered to her own set of principles. The Ran Residence may have kept tight watch over her, but Magistrate Shen was no naive sweetheart. She had frequent audiences with the Empress and spent much time in the Palace; she was never wanting for perspective or insight.

Zhulan smiled. Yao Zheyu had married himself a capable ally. Even if this Magistrate stayed in the Yao Residence, she had her own strategies!

That evening, Zhou Shuren returned very late. Fortunately, he hadn’t drunk much. Zhou Shuren said, "Today, Yao Zheyu was genuinely delighted. With a wife by his side, the caution that once cloaked him has decreased, and he seems much more at ease."

Zhulan, changing her son’s clothes, replied, "Because he’s got himself a helper. He doesn’t have to shoulder everything alone now, so naturally he feels more relaxed."

"You rate Magistrate Shen quite highly," he observed.

"Mhm, this Magistrate is different from our wild one. She’s seen court battles."

Zhou Shuren laughed, "Your description is quite something—’wild one’ indeed."

Zhulan looked up, "Isn’t it true? Despite our family’s titles, we haven’t really stayed in the capital long, let alone frequented the Palace to be in the Empress’s company. Our family’s Magistrate has always been on her own."

Zhou Shuren coughed discreetly, "You’re right."

Within the Palace, in the Empress’s bedchamber, the Emperor sat beside her. His eyes never left the Empress, who held a child in her arms. He hadn’t seen her this happy in a long time. "I thought children would cry when taken away from their mothers, but it seems Zhenyue enjoys your company," he said.

The Empress held the child without letting go, "We should send the child back tomorrow."

The Emperor responded, "Sending the child back so soon after bringing her here would make people think you dislike the child."

The Empress paused while patting the child’s hand, "You brought the child over without the intention of taking her back. Over the years, you’ve become more and more domineering."

The Emperor felt pleased. After all these years, the Empress finally stopped speaking to him in terse phrases. "I know you like girls. It’s a pity we have no princess. Now that we have Zhenyue, she can keep you company."

Over the years, even without the mishap with their fifth child, he had felt guilty towards the Empress.

The Empress indeed had a preference for girls, which was why she took to the Ran Residence’s daughter almost at first sight. Finally, she sighed, "Let the child stay with me."

Once the Emperor took the child into his arms, he had no intention of returning her. In fact, he was happy. Formerly, she wouldn’t have felt loneliness; the Crown Prince used to visit often and keep her company with the conversation. However, these past two years, their son had been too busy. As for the Crown Princess Consort, the Empress liked her, but the Crown Prince’s Residence could not be devoid of people all the time to accompany her.

The Emperor saw the Empress smile, somewhat dazed. The Empress had never smiled like this even for a daughter of the Shen family—the children have to be one’s own, after all. There was a hint of confusion in his eyes; it had been many years since he’d seen the Empress smile.

The next day, Zhulan in Jinzhou Province heard that the daughter of the Crown Prince’s side consort was being raised by the Empress’ side. This news had come from the Ran Residence.

Nanny Song said, "Who would have thought that Miss Ran the Second could have such good fortune?"

Zhulan had also not expected this, "Indeed, who could have foreseen this?"

She used to be the object of pity, now she had become the object of envy and jealousy.

Nanny Song smiled, "Miss has always been on good terms with Consort Ran; Miss’s fortune is also not bad."

Zhulan agreed with Nanny Song’s words—her own maid’s fortune was indeed not bad.

Before evening arrived, Zhulan received more news: The Min Residence had hung up the white mourning flags; Madam Min had passed away. Zhulan signaled Nanny Song to find out more, although seriously ill, why had it happened so suddenly.

Nanny Song returned swiftly, "Madam Min left this world after hearing the news from the Ran Residence—she didn’t catch her breath."

Zhulan took a deep breath, "It’s for the best that she’s gone."

It spares her from inner torment, as Madam Min’s severe illness was largely self-inflicted.

Nanny Song, who had seen much in life, did not find Madam Min pitiful, only as a loser in the struggles, "What the mistress says is right, it is better she went early."

Zhulan looked at Nanny Song, who was always perceptive. Nanny Song had also foreseen the future of the Min Residence; passing now could still grant a distinguished burial, but in the future, there would be no such posthumous honor.

In the capital, at the Crown Prince’s mansion, the Crown Prince, uncharacteristically, made his way to the back courtyard and entered Consort Ran’s chambers—only to see Consort Ran reading, "I thought you would be distressed."

Ran Yan put down the book to perform a courtesy, then said, "I cannot show distress."

The Crown Prince looked at Ran Yan, indeed, even if she were upset, she must not show it. Being raised by the Empress was a matter of great joy, but he knew deep down that a child’s separation from her mother still pained the mother. During these days, he was aware of how much Consort Ran cared for their daughter.

The Crown Prince sat down, "Sit."

Ran Yan sat down carefully. She had never harbored any illusions about the Crown Prince. There were too many women in the mansion who harbored such dreams; there was no need for her to be one of them. Moreover, the deep and inscrutable thoughts of the Crown Prince only made her feel threatened.

The Crown Prince picked up the book and flipped through it, but his mind was elsewhere. He had known for a long time that his daughter would be taken away. The Emperor had hinted as much several times—this was to prepare him mentally in advance. That the Emperor cared for his feelings was good enough.

Yet, he wondered if the Emperor had any ulterior motives concerning his mother.

The next day, at the Jinzhou Residence, Zhulan was also heading for the Min Residence. Mr. Min’s position remained intact, and the Min Residence didn’t appear desolate; there were people coming and going, with Madam Min’s eldest daughter-in-law presiding.

Zhulan did not stay long and soon left with Madam Xue.

Before boarding the carriage, Madam Xue remarked wistfully, "No matter how much one schemes in life, in death, we all return to the earth."

Zhulan, "In the end, we all turn to dust."

Madam Xue said, "We are all aging, this day will come for all of us."

Zhulan’s mood was also not good, as she sat in the carriage, her thoughts drifting. Upon returning to the residence, Zhou Shuren, concerned, said, "Mother, are you alright?"

Zhulan waved a hand, "I’m fine."

Steward Ding stood to the side, "Mistress, there’s an urgent message from Lizhou prefecture city."