Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 1266: Test

This year’s New Year was especially significant, as the smooth transfer of imperial power, favorable weather, and national prosperity were all reasons for grand celebration.

Zhulan asked Zhou Shuren for confirmation, "Fireworks performance?"

Zhou Shuren replied, "Yes, the funding for the fireworks is coming from the Emperor’s private coffers. On the evening of the New Year’s Eve, fireworks will be displayed in front of the Palace, and, by the way, also during the Lantern Festival."

Zhulan blinked, "Rumor has it that it’s going to be a grand scale."

Zhou Shuren kept a straight face, "Yes, if the results are good, it is the Emperor’s intent to continue."

Zhulan noted the look on her husband’s face, sensing his concern about the expenditure, "Continuing means that next year the Emperor won’t be paying out of his own pocket, right?"

Zhou Shuren was indeed concerned, but he also supported the idea. The fireworks display was not just a spectacle but also a way to proclaim the nation’s strength and prosperity, enhancing the cohesion among the people, "Yes, if the response this year is good, next year it will be funded by the state treasury, and not only in the capital but firework displays will also be held in various provinces."

Zhulan thought to herself, "Fireworks are also dangerous, even though they have been used for a long time, it’s still best to be cautious."

Zhou Shuren reassured her, "The Emperor will make arrangements."

Zhulan, having received definite news, turned to leave when Zhou Shuren quickly stopped her, "It’s late at night, where are you going?"

Zhulan smiled, "Ah, I can’t wait to instruct them to set up a platform tomorrow for viewing the fireworks."

Thankfully, in ancient times there were no tall buildings, and their house was well-situated, allowing them to view the fireworks display from home.

Zhou Shuren pulled his wife back, seeing how excited she was. He understood her feelings well; having been in ancient times for so many years, fireworks displays felt very modern, "Just instruct them tomorrow, let’s go to sleep."

Instead, Zhulan wasn’t sleepy anymore, "We also bought fireworks, not many though. I’m thinking of buying some more tomorrow."

Zhou Shuren replied, "You won’t be able to buy any, you came to me for confirmation of the news, do you think you can still buy fireworks tomorrow?"

Zhulan realized he was right; the Emperor’s leading role was strong, resulting in the fireworks having been reserved early on.

The next day, Zhulan still went out with her son. The capital was bustling with people, including foreigners who had integrated into the New Year festivities, and many could be seen with maids shopping in the streets.

Zhulan was heading for the Lantern Shop today. Ever since the price of glass had decreased, the lantern shop had been innovating continuously using glass, and she was after a set of zodiac lanterns.

The lantern shop was booming with business, and carriages stopped at the end of the street; carriages couldn’t pass due to the throng of people. Speaking of which, the capital had recently added regulations for carriage traffic. During road maintenance, special areas were designated for carriage stops to prevent congestion.

Of course, it wasn’t free. Although some of the elite were reluctant, they had no choice, the Emperor’s stance was firm.

This had reduced disputes among the elite regarding carriage congestion and also facilitated convenience for the public.

The new Emperor had smoothly implemented minor policies, which had eased the lives of the public, boosting the Emperor’s reputation among them. This also assuaged the unease brought about by the transfer of imperial power, portraying him as a benevolent ruler who truly cared for his people.

Zhulan entered the lantern shop and immediately spotted the prominently displayed set of twelve zodiac lanterns, still unsold due to their high price.

Now that Zhulan had silver, not just the extra three hundred thousand taels, but also a considerable annual income from her substantial family wealth, she was not one to deprive herself and was willing to spend.

Zhulan said to the Shopkeeper, "Take down the whole set of lanterns, I—"

But before Zhulan could finish, someone behind her cut in, "I want the Zodiac lanterns."

Zhulan turned around displeased. It was a blatant hijacking. As she turned, she saw a woman—oh, a gaudily dressed woman. Zhulan’s voice lowered slightly, "Don’t you understand the principle of first come, first served?"

Having said that, Zhulan felt somewhat disillusioned. This was the backbone brought about by confidence. Why did Zhou Shuren participate in the imperial examination? In this era of clear social hierarchy, only by climbing upward could one live more freely.

Their family never provoked others unless provoked first, and during the few years they had been in the capital, people rarely used power to snatch what the Zhou family had their eyes on. This was the result of their efforts.

The woman, obviously accustomed to being aggressive, did not recognize Zhulan. "The Empress is my cousin, so I’m taking this."

Zhulan raised an eyebrow. This was spoken so casually. Ah, this must be the Empress’s cousin from an uncle’s or aunt’s side.

Zhulan turned around indifferently and said to the Shopkeeper, "Wrap it up."

The Shopkeeper, aware of the woman’s presence, hesitated. Zhulan glanced and said, "Just a cousin, not seen by the Empress for so long, it seems. Surely, if she had actually met her, I, as a wife, should know of her."

Zhulan paused then continued, "Moreover, I believe the Empress, being a virtuous and moral person, would actually reprimand her cousin if she knew of her misconduct. As for this cousin disparaging the Empress, I will personally write a letter to the Duke Residence to explain the situation."

The Shopkeeper promptly went to wrap the lanterns. Announced as a wife, the woman must be either of noble descent or with imperial command, plus the way she spoke, she obviously knew the Empress’s maternal family well!

Zheng Yuan was no longer arrogant, realizing she had offended someone she shouldn’t have. How could she have expected that a shop like this would be visited personally by someone important like Zhulan today?

Zhulan left with the lanterns without giving another look to the woman she had just confronted.

When she got home, before Zhulan could prepare to write the letter, the Empress’s elder sister-in-law, Lady Qi, arrived. Through her words, it was expressed that the Wen family was distinct from the Zheng family, and after a few words, she left gifts and departed.

After Su Xuan and the others left, "I can hardly believe that the Wen family is unaware. Mother, ever since the Emperor stated who the Crown Prince would be, the Wen family’s actions have become increasingly blatant."

Zhulan furrowed her brows, "First there was the Ning family, now the Wen family; the comparison is too stark."

Su Xuan, "Mother, aren’t they afraid of displeasing those above?"

As she spoke, Su Xuan pointed upwards, her meaning clear.

Zhulan believed the Emperor wouldn’t change his mind about the Crown Prince. The legitimate eldest son had both legitimacy and seniority; the Emperor too was legitimate and eldest among princes. If a Crown Prince was to be appointed, it could only be the legitimate eldest son.

The Emperor’s mindset wouldn’t change, but discontent towards the Wen family would only grow, and the public ostentation of the Crown Prince’s maternal family would only harm the Crown Prince. For now, everything depended on the Empress.

When Zhou Shuren returned and learned of this, he stroked his beard, "The Empress’s decision is crucial for the Crown Prince."

Zhulan, "This is also a test of the Emperor towards the Empress."

Zhou Shuren was in good spirits, as he would be resting in a couple of days, "With the New Year approaching, this period serves as the time the Emperor has given the Empress."

Zhulan hummed, "It should be before the appointment of the Crown Prince."

Zhou Shuren chuckled, "Wife, you are right."