Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 92 Peace of Mind_1

Zhou Shuren clutched the brush tightly, feeling speechless about his own nervousness, "Did you see that hairpin? Do you like it?"

Zhulan expressed her thanks, "I really like it, thank you for bringing me a gift when you went out."

Zhou Shuren said, "....It’s good that you like it. I thought you wouldn’t wear the fine fabrics from our village, so I brought back jewelry instead. You said you liked antique-style hairpins, so I bought one."

Zhulan was surprised; she and Zhou Shuren chatted every evening, sometimes about modern topics, sometimes about preferences. Because they spoke so often, she didn’t even realize what all she had mentioned, but she hadn’t expected Zhou Shuren to remember. A smile touched her eyes, feeling cared for in this unfamiliar era was truly wonderful, "You are thoughtful."

Zhou Shuren’s mouth twitched, even though Zhulan was somewhat indifferent toward him, he still found her quite insensitive, and he felt frustrated. After all, the two of them saw each other every day and even slept together at night. They were as close as could be, aside from not being a real husband and wife, so normal hints were useless on Zhulan!

Zhulan waited a while but didn’t get a reply from Zhou Shuren, and seeing him writing with his head down, she continued sewing with a smile on her lips. In the bedroom, the two of them didn’t disturb each other, creating a truly tranquil atmosphere.

During dinner, Zhou Shuren called over his eldest son and daughter-in-law and said directly, "As for the sausage recipe, your mother and I have discussed this. My intent is to hold onto it for three more years before discussing it."

Right now, their family could only afford to keep a low profile. Selling the recipe to the Shi family or other merchants was inappropriate, and they did not wish to provoke Wang Ru. Despite the frustration, it was vital to ensure a smooth examination for the welfare of the Zhou family during this period of laying low.

Lady Li couldn’t hide her discontent, not daring to speak to her father-in-law; she could only speak to her mother-in-law, "What about giving the kimchi recipe to my maternal family? Or going to Jiangnan once more to sell the recipe there?"

She had truly tasted the sweetness of success, having received a twenty percent share of silver coins; Granny had given her thirty taels, a sum she had never before seen. All that silver was hers!

Zhulan kept a cold face, well aware that Lady Li should not have silver coins in her hand. Now, not only had she become arrogant, but she also dared to contradict her father-in-law’s words. Zhulan glared fiercely at Lady Li, "Your father and I are both acting for the good of the family. As a family dedicated to agriculture and scholarship, what matters most at the moment is the imperial examination. Once you have the capability, you can deal with the recipe however you wish, but for the next few years, it’s not possible. Lady Li, if you dare to undermine this, do not blame me for disowning your entire family."

Zhulan knew that explanations were useless when Lady Li was set on something; threats were more direct and effective. She and Zhou Shuren did not want to invite trouble before the examination; they were well aware of too many underhanded methods, especially in ancient times, which could disastrously disrupt the imperial examination.

Lady Li finally became fearful; she remembered her father telling her that her father-in-law earned even more silver, and her thirty taels meant nothing in his hands. Terrified, she shook; her family could not afford to be disowned. As the eldest son’s wife, she was entitled to a significant portion of the property, and if disowned, what would happen to her son’s education?

Her two sons’ education depended on their father-in-law, and as ignorant parents, they understood that silver coins meant nothing compared to their sons’ future prospects. She was expecting her sons to earn noble titles for her!

Lady Li quickly shrank into herself and said, "I’ll listen to my parents."

Zhulan delivered a figurative slap but followed it with an explanation, "Next year, your father will participate in the departmental exam to become a Scholar. Keep this in mind. Also, next spring, Mingyun should start his studies."

As for the eldest Zhou son, he always maintained his calm when his mother disciplined his wife. He agreed with her, lest his wife forget her place with a little money. But now he became unsettled, "Father will be taking the Scholar’s exam?"

Since his daughter-in-law had spoken, Zhou Shuren hesitated to speak harshly, but he didn’t show the same courtesy to his son, "Do you have an objection?"

The eldest Zhou son swallowed nervously, realizing his father was displeased. He had always been apprehensive around his father, and ever since his transformation, even more so, "No, no objections. I’m just worried about father."

Zhou Shuren knew exactly what his eldest son was worried about, which was likely failing the exams. He snorted, "If it weren’t for poor timing, your father might already have been a Graduate by now. This journey has made me keenly aware of the advantages of having a title. Waiting for your two younger brothers, who knows how many years it would be. Better to rely on myself and take the exams. I haven’t neglected my studies over these years. Passing the Scholar exam is almost certain."

Zhou Shuren spoke the truth; his original self had never abandoned his studies. By integrating his memories and relearning according to his own thought processes, passing the Scholar exam shouldn’t be a problem.

The eldest Zhou son understood why his father wanted to take the Scholar exam suddenly: if his father said he could pass, he believed it. He realized that his father having a title would benefit him more than if one of his brothers had one. With his father as the titleholder, he, the eldest son, stood to gain the most. The relationship with his brothers would become more distant once they married, and he would live more comfortably with his father holding the position than if it was a brother’s turn.

The eldest Zhou son was thrilled at the prospect; if his father really passed, they wouldn’t have to pay taxes on their twenty acres of land, "Father, I believe in you."

Zhou Shuren continued, "Next spring, Mingyun will enter the clan school."

The eldest Zhou son was stunned, doubting he had heard correctly, "Father, what did you say?"