Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 1310: Responsibility and Shackles

In the blink of an eye, the day of the flower banquet had arrived. The banquet was set in the garden of the newly built residence, which was expansive and planted with a wide variety of flowers, including some brought back from overseas. The Zhou family’s garden was meticulously designed, with each type of flower placed in its designated spot, creating a visually striking effect.

At the entrance of the residence, many carriages were parked, with some families having several daughters arriving, and others coming alone.

Zhulan was in the main courtyard, listening to the reports of the maids. This flower banquet was organized by Yushuang, and the elders did not show their faces.

All the young ladies of the Zhou family had gone there, no, except for Yu Wen, who had hidden herself away in the main courtyard.

Zhulan watched Yu Wen, who was diligently copying large characters. "You, girl, would rather come and write characters than go to the garden."

Yu Wen kept writing without lifting her head. "They’re all like drunken men not interested in the liquor; your granddaughter does not care to go there."

She had heard enough from her mother these past few days. Although she was young and didn’t understand everything, the more she listened, the more she comprehended the gist—nothing but intrigue and scheming. She did not want to go there at all.

Zhulan stroked Yu Wen’s soft hair. This child was very perceptive, both like and unlike her father—lazy, yet aware of everything in her heart.

In the garden, Yushuang caught sight of the Qiu family’s young lady standing at a distance. Although Grandfather hadn’t said anything, the fact that he took the invitation card meant she understood everything. She whispered to Yu Yi, "Miss Qiu from the Qiu family has come. Would Fourth Sister like to entertain her on behalf of the eldest sister?"

Yu Yi nodded, "Alright, eldest sister, I’ll go over then."

Yushuang thought that Fourth Sister was really reliable. As for her own sister, Yu Die—never mind, the little girl had already dragged Yu Jiao off to the front. Only the second and fourth sisters were by her side helping. As for Yu Wen—oh, she hadn’t expected Xiao Wu to come from the beginning.

Yu Yi hadn’t seen Miss Qiu before, but the maids knew. Yu Yi walked over, "Miss Qiu, I’m Yu Yi. My sister is occupied elsewhere and can’t come, so I will host you."

Qiu Shu was excited when she received the invitation; she had yet to be betrothed and was anxious about marriage arrangements. It wasn’t easy to secure a good match.

Her mother told her to make more friends this time. She came with confidence but once she entered the garden, she felt a bit panicky.

It was rare to see a few familiar faces. They were already surrounding the famous noble ladies of the capital; she didn’t want to join in. Crowded places meant more disputes, and for a moment, her steps faltered as she didn’t know where to go.

Until she saw the fourth young lady from the Count Residence.

Qiu Shu heaved a sigh of relief and gratefully said, "Then I’ll trouble Sister Yu Yi."

The Zhou family had connections to the imperial family, so the Zhou young ladies had many noble ladies as friends. Qiu Shu glanced at Zhou Yushuang again, noting that she was surrounded by noble ladies.

Yu Yi led Qiu Shu to their seats. As Qiu Shu sat down, Yu Yi sat beside her. "Sister, please have a seat for a while; the banquet will start shortly."

Once she sat down, Qiu Shu realized that seating was arranged with care. Her spot must have been deliberately chosen, as the ladies around her were all exceptionally amiable. Since Yu Yi, as a hostess, came over and sat with them, she started the conversations, and Qiu Shu naturally became acquainted with the other young ladies.

It was only then that Yu Yi stood up to leave.

As the organizer of the flower banquet, Yushuang had to keep an eye on everything and listen in all directions. She noted every action of Yu Yi, feeling inwardly that Fourth Sister indeed provided a sense of security.

At the Ministry of Revenue, when the Retired Emperor arrived, Zhou Shuren was discussing the second phase of reform with Qiu Yan and a few others. This time, it was permitted by the Emperor. After two years, all the departments were keeping step with the Ministry of Revenue.

The arrival of the Retired Emperor interrupted the discussion. After greeting him, the Retired Emperor said, "Don’t mind me; continue talking."

Zhou Shuren responded, "The arrangements are almost in place."

The Retired Emperor hummed in acknowledgment, already having heard about the second phase of reform from the Emperor.

After Zhou Shuren made the arrangements, Qiu Yan and the others left.

Zhou Shuren looked at the Retired Emperor with puzzlement. It was rare for the Retired Emperor to visit the Ministry of Revenue. The last time he had come was when he was returning to the capital.

The Retired Emperor said, "I heard that the Count Residence held a flower banquet?"

"Yes, my granddaughter has never hosted one. Seeing that she is of marriageable age, it’s a good opportunity for her to practice in advance."

The Retired Emperor chuckled, finding humor in Zhou Shuren’s choice of words "practice," "We have been monarch and official for many years, and lately almost like friends. I know well what you are thinking; you do not intend to have another marriage alliance with the royal family."

Zhou Shuren was not surprised that the Emperor understood his thoughts, "Indeed, I am fully aware of the principle that too much fullness leads to loss."

It’s better to seek long-lasting legacy than momentary glory at its peak. Fireworks are dazzling, but all too fleeting. He needed to plan for his descendants’ futures, not to gamble them away.

The Retired Emperor’s lips curled into a smile, "That’s why, when I saw a Zhezi proposing that your granddaughter would be a suitable Crown Princess Consort, I had to come."

Zhou Shuren spit out his tea, "Huh?"

Damn it, which bastard did this to him? It’s definitely a conspiracy, a conspiracy!

The Retired Emperor laughed heartily; he had known Zhou Shuren would react like this. So he seized the moment before the Emperor summoned Zhou Shuren to the palace, and seeing Zhou Shuren’s reaction now, tsk tsk, it indeed was rare to witness.

Zhou Shuren wiped the tea from the corner of his mouth, his beard getting damp in clumps. He felt his beard might be getting too long.

With a deep voice, the Retired Emperor said, "I also heard that you sought contact with the Crown Prince with the position of Crown Princess Consort in mind."

Zhou Shuren plucked at his beard, breaking some hairs, "Why would I contact the Crown Prince? Doesn’t the Retired Emperor know the answer?"

Feeling a rare moment of guilt, the Retired Emperor deflected, "Don’t you want to know which granddaughter was mentioned in the Zhezi?"

Rubbing his chin, Zhou Shuren felt the pain of having pulled at his beard, "Yu Yi."

The most sensible girl in the Zhou family, and the eldest daughter of the third branch, with a sense of responsibility and admirable character—his granddaughter would be a blessing for whoever married her, truly a virtuous wife and good mother.

The Retired Emperor remarked, "You do seem to understand your granddaughter quite well."

"Of course, I understand my granddaughters. I need to know their personalities to choose suitable husbands for them. As a man, I am acutely aware of the difficulties women face. I hope that they can live happily and freely before they marry, and also have a good life after marriage."

The Retired Emperor fell silent. Not all women were fortunate, even if born into noble families. Their birth symbolizes a duty, carrying the family name like a shackle.

At the Zhou family’s home, Yu Yi felt she was being singled out. Things were fine at first, but as the flower game continued, it somehow always came to her turn. It didn’t seem like anything at first, but after several rounds, it appeared intentional.

Yu Yi also sensed some subtle scrutinizing glances, which made her nervous. Today was her elder sister’s flower banquet; if she made a fool of herself, not only would her sister be disgraced, but it would also damage the Zhou family’s reputation.

Yu Yi couldn’t understand why Miss Shen’s family was targeting her. Since returning to the capital, her grandmother seldom attended banquets, so the occasions where she went out were quite few. She wondered why there was a focus on her.

Elsewhere, Mingyun’s carriage convoy en route to her hometown came to a halt because someone ahead had stopped them.

Jiang Sheng and Mingyun alighted from the carriage together. It was evident that the people in front had been waiting for them. Mingyun whispered to Jiang Sheng, "Uncle, I recognize the person ahead."

Jiang Sheng peered at the caravan up front, "Who is it?"