Chapter 265: Too Trusting

Zhulan and Zhou Shuren looked at each other. They were talking in private. They thought the Qian family would come yesterday, but they didn't. Then they thought that the Qian family would have to investigate the Zhou family and would probably have to wait for some time, so they came today.

He must have found out everything by visiting today. It seems that Manager Qian has his own ability to find out information. He found out everything in just one day!

The steward of the Shangjia family has many friends of all kinds and ranks, even more than the steward of the government!

The eldest Zhou came back from the front yard to report the news first, and the second Zhou was welcoming people in.

The Zhou family's house is not big, and there are only a few steps from the front yard to the back yard. As soon as Boss Zhou finished speaking, Zhulan heard the sound of conversation, and they had arrived at the back yard.

Boss Zhou quickly turned around and opened the curtains. It was not yet March but the weather was still very cold, so the Zhou family's curtains were always hung.

When the curtain was opened, the person walking in front of Zhou Laoer was Butler Qian, who looked to be in his fifties. The woman next to Butler Qian had white hair on her head. She was obviously about the same age as Zhulan, but she looked much older than Zhulan. This was Fang.

At the end were two people carrying gifts. The one in his thirties was probably the eldest son of the money steward, and there was also a boy about ten years old, who was probably the grandson.

Zhulan thought that the boy she brought should be a student, otherwise she should bring her eldest grandson.

Zhou Shuren stood up and said, "Mr. Qian, please take a seat."

Master Qian was not surprised that he did not hear the title of his in-laws. He found out that the Zhou family was a farming and studying family. Two of the Zhou family's sons were scholars and had already passed the county examination. Another one was a child adoptive husband who was also being supported by the Zhou family. Together with his grandsons, there were quite a few scholars in the family. If Mr. Zhou passed the imperial examination, the Zhou family would become a family of scholars.

Scholars have the arrogance of scholars. They are scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans. Although he has never been involved in business, he has been a slave, and a slave for merchants. Even if he became a farmer, he was still looked down upon. Mr. Zhou was polite to him. At least he did not show contempt on his face.

What's more, the Zhou family is related to the official family by marriage, and Mr. Zhou has contacts with the Zhao family. It is normal for them to be arrogant. After investigating the Qian family, he asked his son to take the Zhao family to recognize their relatives and presented a valuable gift to them. The Zhou family is a kind family. Being kind is good, but it is also easy to calculate.

Just looking at Mr. Zhou sitting in the main seat, he was over fifty years old and had met all kinds of people as a merchant, from officials to ruffians. He knew at a glance that the Zhou family was not easy to fool and that they were honest and could not be calculated.

Looking at the cheap son-in-law who had always looked silly at the Qian family, he was now polite and his expression never changed. Well, he knew what was going on. What silly son-in-law? He just said what he asked deliberately. If he didn't say it out loud, he wouldn't shock the Qian family.

It looks like the purpose of coming here today has failed!

I have been planning all day, but today all my plans have failed. Well, if I were just honest and incompetent, how could I have had any relationship with the Zhao family and sent my future son-in-law and grandson to the academy!

Zhulan welcomed Fang into the inner room. Compared to the quietness of the living room, she was much more affectionate to Fang. She personally held Fang's hand and sat her down. "Mother-in-law, I have wanted to meet you for a long time, but I never had the chance. Today I finally meet you."

Fang saw that her daughter's mother-in-law's eyes were sincere and not needy, so she felt relieved. Her daughter did not lie, and her mother-in-law was really good to her. "I wanted to come yesterday, but was delayed by something. Today I came here not only to get to know her, but also to personally thank my mother-in-law for her love and care for Zhao. I have been indebted to her all these years."

As soon as Fang was about to bow, Zhulan hurriedly pulled her back and made her sit down. "Since Zhao has entered my Zhou family, she is a member of my Zhou family. It is my duty to protect her. There is no need to thank me, mother-in-law."

Fang was really grateful. At first, when she saw the lady's disfigurement, she was happy that the lady had protected her, but also sad that every woman would love beauty. Fortunately, she was told in private that it was a painting. She also learned from the lady that the lady's in-laws were all good people, especially the lady's mother-in-law, who made her extremely grateful for everything they did.

She was happy that the young lady had a better life and was more fortunate than her, but she still wanted to visit her in person to feel at ease.

Zhulan sat next to Fang and picked up the teapot on the kang table. "The tea has just been brewed. Mother-in-law must be thirsty after the journey. Have a cup of hot tea and warm yourself up."

Fang took the teacup with both hands, and felt more at ease. Her mother-in-law did not despise her for selling herself and remarrying. Her tone was full of gratitude: "Thank you."

Zhulan knew that this thank you contained too much. Thank her for so much, thank her for taking care of Zhao, and thank her for acknowledging that she poured the tea personally.

She had now guessed why Fang didn't come yesterday. The Qian family's inquiries were one reason, and Fang didn't have any clothes to wear when going out. The clothes didn't look like they were custom-made, so they must have been bought from a clothing store in the city.

Looking at Fang's jewelry again, it was low-key but valuable. Zhulan thought, the Qian family is really rich. Not to mention the cash, even if the jewelry, antiques, calligraphy and paintings were sold, it would be a large sum of money. The Yun family really fattened up the big rat, Manager Qian. Hmm, it seems that the housekeepers of wealthy families all have money.

Fang felt a little uncomfortable being looked at, "Mother-in-law, do you think there is something wrong with me?"

No, she knows what she can bring and what she can wear, so she won't make any mistakes.

Zhulan smiled and said, "From what I've seen, Zhao doesn't look much like my mother-in-law."

Fang's mouth was gloomy, "She looks more like her father. This girl is so good at growing up, and she only grows the good things."

She was good-looking to begin with, and her husband was a handsome man well-known in the surrounding villages. The girl also chose good looks, so she ended up looking like a person who harmed herself. Fortunately, the girl was lucky.

Zhulan saw that Fang had not yet walked out, and she felt emotional. Women are particularly willing to reminisce, no matter whether it is painful or sweet, they will never forget it. Just then, Zhao came into the house.

Zhao came so slowly because she wanted to draw up the wound. When Zhao saw her mother, she said excitedly, "Mother."

Fang's eyes were red. She had never thought that she would have the chance to meet the daughter of a noble family. Her eyes fell on the child in Zhao's arms. "Is this Mingrui?"

Zhao handed her son to his mother, "He is already three years old, look how strong he is."

My son's birthday is late, so he suffers some disadvantages in his age.

Zhulan didn't see Yushuang. This was because the Zhao family didn't intend to let anyone see Yushuang, at least not before Zhou Shuren failed in the attempt. The Qian family would only inquire about the men in the Zhou family, and the women would not pay too much attention to them. This was a common problem among men in ancient times, subconsciously ignoring women.

There is nothing wrong with Zhao's introduction of Mingrui as the eldest son, for he is indeed the eldest son of the second wife.

Fang hugged the child tightly, "Okay, okay."

When Fang saw the child, she remembered that she had brought gifts for the child. She took out a gold lock and a pair of gold bracelets from her purse and said, "Since you said you didn't want to mention Yushuang, I brought a set over. The lock is for Mingrui and the bracelets are for Yushuang."

She is no longer the rich lady in name only. After the daughter recognized her father, the old man explained why he didn't help her and the child, and he didn't lie to her. It was because she was worthless. She was soft-hearted but always understood in her heart that because the old man told the truth, she knew that the old man would really treat her well in the future. He also gave her banknotes for her to spend. Thinking of this.

Fang took out two silver bills from her purse and said, "This is what I give you as a dowry."

Zhao was a little confused. Two hundred tael silver notes. "Mom, where did you get the money?"

Fang stuffed the money into the lady's hand and said, "Don't worry, take it. Qian Shengbao gave it to me and let me use it myself. He gave me three hundred taels in one go. This is to support me to give it to you secretly. Take it quickly. This money is really nothing to the Qian family. The Qian family may not have much wealth on the surface, but they are actually very wealthy."

Fang paused and continued, "Although mother doesn't know the exact amount, she has been married to your uncle for several years. She knows the amount in her heart. Antiques and paintings are not counted, but there are thousands of silver bills. Your uncle knows how to hide things, so he must have hidden a lot. This is why the sons and daughters-in-law of the Qian family have been torturing me and your brother. They are afraid that your brother will be the eldest son and get most of the family property."

Zhulan, "......."

Did Fang trust her too much? She actually said that to her face!

There will be updates around 6:30. I will try my best to update 9,000 words in the next few days. I will slowly pay back what I owe~~ Please give me a monthly vote~~

(End of this chapter)