Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 643 Trust_1

There are many medical clinics in the capital, and Zhulan did not particularly seek out ones she was familiar with; she chose a relatively close one and luckily arrived early, so the doctor had not been called away yet.

There were not a few people seeking treatment in the clinic, especially children; Zhulan did not let Chang Zhong follow her down to avoid infection.

The doctor took Shi Qing’s pulse, and Shi Qing could not help but cough a few times. After waiting a moment, the doctor said, "This young master’s body is seriously depleted. You’ve been ill recently, haven’t you?"

Shi Qing, stifling his cough, "Yes."

The doctor became more certain, "The young master’s illness has not been thoroughly cured; you are sustaining yourself entirely on willpower right now."

Having said that, the doctor felt a sense of admiration internally. Despite their frail appearance, scholars showed incredible perseverance at this time of year.

Zhulan said, "Please prescribe some medicine, and, also, some tonics for recuperation."

The doctor smiled at Shi Qing, "Young master, you should take better care of your health in the future. Sickness lies with the son, but the pain is felt in the mother’s heart."

Shi Qing froze, wanting to say that was not the case, yet inexplicably didn’t wish to explain a single word of it.

Zhulan showed no reaction. In her family, there were several who did not carry the Zhou surname. When they went out together, misunderstandings were common. After so many, she had grown tired of explaining.

Zhulan remained silent, but Shi Qing stole a glance at her and involuntarily curled the corners of his mouth.

The doctor quickly wrote out a prescription. After Shi Qing went to gather the medicines, Zhulan had the doctor examine Chang Lian and Rongchuan as well, and also prescribed some tonics for them.

Zhulan paid with silver coins, and people from nearby medical clinics came one after another, seeking out the doctor.

Just as she stepped out of the clinic entrance, Zhulan ran into Miss Yao Yao. Zhulan was startled, "Miss Yao?"

Yao Yao was caught off guard; she had deliberately chosen a clinic far from home and then she realized they were close to the examination area, "Madam Yang, you’ve come to the capital to accompany someone for the exams."

Zhulan replied with a smile, "Yes, what a coincidence today."

This place is so far from West City!

Yao Yao didn’t feel the need to explain and nodded slightly, "I have other matters to attend to, please excuse me, Madam."

Zhulan nodded, "We should be heading back as well."

Approaching the carriage, Shi Qing said, "I’ve troubled you today, Auntie. I will be heading back to the mansion."

Zhulan looked at Shi Qing. She wasn’t trying to curry favor or harboring any ulterior motives. She knew that when one was ill, it was easy to overthink things, especially for someone lonely. She had experienced that feeling; a child who’s father doesn’t care and without a mother, despite wearing a particularly tough exterior, can also have sensitive and tender moments. "Let’s go back together. It’s a good opportunity for you to see the Zhou residence in the capital, and also to familiarize yourself with the place."

With that, Zhulan boarded the carriage first.

Shi Qing laughed, and Chang Lian patted his shoulder, "Let’s go."

Outside the clinic, Yao Yao watched the carriage leave, pressing her temples. Holding the medicine she bought, she’d specifically found a reason to leave her house today and had spent two months gathering all the necessary ingredients. Some were brought by servants, some she went out to buy herself, purchasing only one kind each time.

The maid said, "Miss, surely the wife of the great Zhou won’t say too much, will she?"

Yao Yao said, "No, let’s head back too."

She had an even bigger secret to entrust to Madam Yang, and for such a small matter, she was sure it would not be mentioned.

Yao Yao’s heart lightened with joy. The full set of medicines was finally ready. This was a strength-draining medicine that did not harm the body, intended for her younger brother. As her brother was growing older, she did not want him to become a pawn as well. Thinking of the two new, cheap younger brothers added to her household, ha, her father truly was exerting himself; within just two short years, the family continued to have sons.

Since there were now more sons, the already unloved brother now had even less of a place. As for the antidote, Yao Yao closed her eyes; she would wait.

In the Zhou residence, hot water had been prepared early, and arrangements were made for Shi Qing. Meanwhile, Zhulan headed to the kitchen.

The dishes today should be changed to something light; in the capital during winter, longing for fresh vegetables is no easy craving to satisfy. The chefs in the manor have all had to get creative with cabbage.

Two hours later, we gathered together for a meal. Shi Qing had already drunk rice porridge and taken the medicinal soup, looking much healthier.

Zhulan called out, "It’s all over now, no need to dwell on it anymore. What you need to do is rest well and focus on recuperating."

Chang Lian’s stomach had been growling earlier, "Yes, Mother."

Zhulan picked up her chopsticks and the younger ones followed suit. The meal was lively, and Zhulan ate an extra half bowl of rice - her appetite had diminished these past days with fewer people around!

After everyone had gone to rest, Zhulan wrote a letter to Zhou Shuren, informing him that the children were all doing well and just needed to wait for the results.

At present, what’s most anticipated in the capital is the exam results. This year’s batch of candidates is younger on average and many are worth making alliances with.

The next day, the Zhou residence received several invitations. Zhulan flipped through them; some were addressed to Zhou Shuren and others were attempts to foster relationships. Picking through them carefully, she decided to decline any that seemed problematic or those she felt uncertain about. Just to be cautious, Zhulan also had Scholar Deng do background checks on the rest.

In the end, Zhulan selected a few invitations, some from the capital and others from abroad, all from long-standing legacies.

Only after a thorough background check did Zhulan hand them over to Chang Lian, who exclaimed, "Mother, you really are very careful."

Zhulan replied, "You don’t understand."

My son, the waters are too deep here; I’m afraid that you and Rongchuan might be used as pawns and fall into a trap.

Chang Lian indeed had some difficulty grasping this. If it was just about him and Rongchuan being taken advantage of, there was no need to investigate three generations back. Nevertheless, he had learned quite a bit. His mother preferred to examine someone’s entire family and living habits. "Mother, Rongchuan and I will be cautious."

Zhulan had been meticulous in her selection, and still, she felt somewhat reassured, "Mhm."

Chang Lian took the invitations, "Today is Father’s day off."

"So? What are you trying to say?"

With a nervous chuckle, Chang Lian said, "Your son thought Father would come to the capital."

He really wanted to talk to Father and had thought Father would come!

Amusement filled Zhulan’s eyes. Zhou Shuren, as a father, was feared, relied on, and loved by his sons, "Your father won’t be coming to the capital."

A slight sense of disappointment filled Chang Lian, "Mother, I’m off."

"Go on, then."

In Jinzhou Province, Zhou Shuren was enjoying a rare day off, reclining in a rocking chair sipping tea and reading a book, quite at ease.

As soon as Wong Ju entered with the steward, he saw Zhou Shuren in such a relaxed state, "My lord Zhou truly knows how to relax. You don’t seem worried about the exam results at all!"

Zhou Shuren set down his book, "Aren’t you supposed to be at home being a doting father to your son? Why have you come here?"

Wong Ju pulled up a chair and sat down, "I wanted to have a chat with Lord Zhou."

Rocking in the chair, Zhou Shuren felt incredibly comfortable, "No need to see yourself out. Don’t disturb my rest."

Right now, all he wanted was to lie back, relax, and clear his mind.

Wong Ju choked back a reply. Lord Zhou certainly didn’t mince words with him, which he could take as a sign of trust or as frustration. Either way, it seemed the lord was increasingly finding him a nuisance, "My lord, do you have any notion of how Chang Lian did in the exam?"

Zhou Shuren was well aware of why Wong Ju was so invested. If Chang Lian’s name appeared on the top ranked list this time, it wouldn’t just affect the Zhou family, but the Wong family too, as the two families had already arranged a marriage in private. If Chang Lian placed well this session, there would be no need to wait another three years, and the Zhou family wouldn’t have to rely on Chang Zhi and Mingyun. Bringing up the younger generation takes time, and the future is too uncertain for anyone to predict.

That’s why Chang Lian was drawing so much attention. If he did well, the foundation of the Zhou family would be even more secure.