Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1054: Nightmare, Skeletons

Chapter 1054: Chapter 1054: Nightmare, Skeletons

Zhao Ji’s emotions were complex; he despised the dark aspects of his own psyche, but he couldn’t help but think how good it would be if Zhou Changlian were in his position. Zhou Changlian had entered the Maritime Affairs Administration and had never been hindered; furthermore, he was universally flattered. Not to mention the disparity in household expenses between their families—Zhao Ji had heard from his son too much about the good food at the Zhou residence, including expensive imported fruits that were sent from the capital every once in a while.

When Zhao Ji first heard the rumors, he was worried, but then he felt a secret joy; now, his feelings were mixed, and he steadied his spirits, "I said Uncle would be fine, but you wouldn’t believe me."

Changlian’s smile faded slightly; sometimes, he thought Lv Liang was more agreeable than Zhao Ji. At least Lv Liang acted exactly as he thought, while Zhao Ji, well, he was truly disappointed but also grateful to have seen through him early on. "Brother Zhao, you are busy with your duties; I am relatively free these days, so I shall return home first."

In just these few days, because of the rumors, he had gained a lot of insights which he needed to digest properly.

Zhao Ji’s smile stiffened. Zhou Changlian’s tone was exceedingly detached. Moving his mouth awkwardly, he could only watch as Zhou Changlian left.

Once Changlian left the Government Office, his eyes gleamed with irony, followed by happiness. This must be the opportunity his father had spoken of—he needed to write to his father. To hold his ground in the Maritime Affairs Administration, he needed achievements.

At Zhou Family Village, everyone knew Zhou Changzhi was returning, and he was bringing the Magistrate’s wife with him—an important event for the Zhou family clan.

Especially the Scholars preparing for the provincial examinations this year looked forward to it, calculating their travel plans daily.

Steward Ding had already tidied up the old residence early, just waiting for the Fourth Master and his wife to arrive.

The Clan Leader visited the village entrance daily and waited for two hours, then slowly headed to the clan school. Zhou Family Village had long since ceased to be the old village it once was; the Zhou family clan had grown considerably—the clan members who fled the decade-long turmoil had returned home over the years, many with their families.

Some returned to their roots only to find that the Zhou family clan had produced a second-place scholar and a degree holder, and were holding official positions in the capital. Consequently, they decided to relocate their entire families back to the village.

Steward Ding enjoyed visiting the clan school, where he could envision the future prosperity of the Zhou family clan as he watched the children.

When Steward Ding saw the Clan Leader, he asked, "Did you go to the village entrance again?"

The Clan Leader, a bit tired from walking, came and sat down, "Yes, my heart can’t rest until Changzhi is home."

Steward Ding poured tea for the old clan leader, "The Fourth Master will send someone ahead to notify us of his arrival; you insist on going to see for yourself."

"Good tea. I’m not just waiting for Changzhi, I also want to take a good look at Zhou Family Village every day. Look at our clan school now; it’s not just about donating books and land. Zhou Family Village is the root of our Zhou family clan, and I want to see it flourish."

Steward Ding listened to the reading aloud of the children and smiled; many Zhou family members had returned in recent years, including some wealthy ones who had made numerous donations of farmland to the clan school, as well as land for religious sacrifices, "You should enjoy these blessings, drink your tea."

The Clan Leader chuckled, "Once Ming Qing passes the Graduate exam, I will stop worrying about anything."

Steward Ding squinted his eyes; passing the Graduate exam was no easy feat. He hoped that Master Ming Qing would prove himself worthy.

In the capital, the news that Mr. Chen had retired spread throughout the city as soon as he left the palace, which was as shocking as the Crown Prince administering the state in place of the emperor. Mr. Chen represented Prince Qi.

Prince Qi was stunned when he found out; he had no idea at all, and he found out from an outsider, sitting there as if his soul had left his body.

Princess Qi’s pupils constricted, knowing how much Prince Qi relied on his grandfather. Her own maiden family was not a matter of concern compared to the Chen family clan. "Prince, this must be a rumor."

Prince Qi came back to his senses, "It’s true."

Princess Qi couldn’t believe it; without the Chen family clan, what would they do? Her dream of becoming Empress, her son’s dream of becoming the Crown Prince, "Prince, let’s go to Chen Residence, we must clarify this."

Prince Qi stood up and walked briskly a few paces then stopped; memories of his grandfather’s hesitations and what he had said came flooding back—he had known all along that he had lost.

Princess Qi grew impatient, "Prince, let’s go."

Prince Qi closed his eyes, then opened them, "You stay, I’ll go alone."

At the Zhou residence, Zhulan received the news and reflected, "This is the significance of being a Clan Leader. The Chen family clan’s survival is due to Mr. Chen’s efforts."

Xue Han sighed deeply, "The once great noble families have either declined or been wiped out. Mother, is this the consequence of the greed you spoke of?"

Zhulan, "Zhou family won’t."

Xue Han smiled, "Yes, because we have Dad and Mom, and we are not greedy."

Zhulan was in high spirits; with Mr. Chen’s decision to step back, the situation in the capital had stabilized even more. The more stable the situation, the safer the Zhou family was.

In the main room, Lady Li teased her nephew, "This child looks just like you."

Lady Li, with a face as puffy as a bun, "Look how plump he is; no wonder I craved so much during my pregnancy—he took it all."

Lady Li’s laughter lightened the mood in the main room. This youngest child of hers closely resembled her elder sister. She had just seen how vigorously the little one nursed, "Elder sister, I truly envy you. Five children, four sons—you are truly fortunate."

Lady Li also felt that her womb had indeed been very capable, genuinely fortunate, flashing a broad smile, "My mother used to say I was lucky, and now everyone agrees. Who would have thought I’d have endless supplements during my pregnancy without ever needing to attend to them myself? After all these years, I sometimes fear it’s all a dream!"

Lady Li shared her fear of waking from a dream—fortunately, it was not a dream, "We are all fortunate."

Lady Li blinked, "Don’t rush; the next one will surely be a son."

Lady Li loved hearing this, "I’m not greedy, just one more son would be enough."

Lady Li had siblings to compare herself with; she was in no hurry. Even if the next child was another daughter, it didn’t matter. Once her health was fully restored, with two sons supporting each other, all her worries would disappear.

At the Chen Residence, Mr. Chen had been waiting for his grandson. Once he arrived, he asked everyone to leave, "You lost."

Prince Qi was silent, "The moment Father took action, I knew there was no chance to win an unfair fight."

Mr. Chen felt relieved, glad that the grandson he had tutored was calm-headed, "I’m sorry, grandson. You are the one I raised, and you learned many of my concerns."

Prince Qi looked up, "Grandfather, did you intentionally teach these? When I was young, did you already foresee today?"

Mr. Chen fell silent, his silence a tacit admission. The quieter his grandson’s tone, the more it hurt him inside, "I am not only your grandfather but also the Clan Leader of the Chen family. As your grandfather, I did what I had to do. I have no regrets towards you."

Prince Qi felt an immense blockage in his heart, "Grandfather, you did it to save my life too, right?"

Mr. Chen had a torrent of thoughts, but ultimately, he couldn’t say anything and switched the topic, "Your eldest brother is the most ruthless of your siblings. He is the continuation of your father."

Prince Qi was deeply shocked by the Crown Prince’s recent activities and statements; he had many nightmares over several days—all featuring the corpses of the Chen family!