Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 1090: The Idea

Chapter 1090: Chapter 1090: The Idea

At the Ministry of Revenue, Zhou Shuren and Qiu Yan were sipping tea together. Qiu Yan’s eyes were full of envy, while Zhou Shuren couldn’t conceal a hint of pride. His son had made him proud. They hadn’t had much of a chat yesterday, but today he had come to realize just how capable the young man was.

Qiu Yan was full of sour grapes, "I really envy you."

Zhou Shuren nodded, "I understand, I understand."

Of Qiu Yan’s several sons, only the eldest had some promising aspects, raised under strict discipline, while the others were truly lackluster.

Getting choked up, the sour taste in Qiu Yan’s heart intensified, striking him at his core, "Ah, we are both fathers teaching our sons."

Zhou Shuren gave him a look that said the problem lay with you. When he first arrived, his own children were not doing well either, but hadn’t he taught them bit by bit?

Qiu Yan, "..."

He had to admit, Zhou Shuren was taking some inner delight. If it had been his own son, he’d feel proud too!

Zhou Shuren stated pensively, "This kid’s promotion wasn’t because of me. I had everything planned out for him, but it turned out to be unnecessary, what a pity!"

Qiu Yan, "..."

He wanted to punch Zhou Shuren. Such a show-off!

At the Academy, the capital really was a miraculous place. The diplomatic mission had returned to the country, brought back Silver and established merits. By last night, everyone already knew about the rewards granted.

Ming Rui’s face was stiff, his lips rigidly curved in a pretended smile. After seeing off the last classmate who came to inquire, he massaged his face, "Before my father became an official, even as a grandson of the Zhou family, these people acted as if they hadn’t seen me at all. Now, I’m still not quite accustomed to this."

Previously, at the Academy, it was the eldest brother and the second brother who were favored. The eldest was the first grandchild, and the second brother was popular. Together with Ran Xun, they became renowned figures of the Academy. His own exam results had been good but still failed to attract much attention.

Now, heh, he truly experienced the difference status could make. His father had just become an official, although only Eighth-rank, people started noticing him. Now, after his father went out and returned as Seventh Rank, rising so quickly in half a year, and even gaining recognition by the Emperor and Crown Prince, he had become famous in the Academy.

Ming Teng thought highly of his second uncle, "You need to adapt quickly. You are the only male child in your branch of the family."

Ming Rui had a resigned look on his face but was excited in his heart. He wasn’t jealous of his elder brothers, but he looked forward to the attention. He had been stifled by the past neglect, despite his efforts. Now he felt vindicated. The changes in his family were too significant, even though his father couldn’t bring home Silver as before.

But the change in status brought much more than Silver Coin could offer. His mother’s smile broadened, his sister felt more at ease, and naturally, his father’s expectations of him grew higher, but he was happy.

Ran Xun looped his arm around Ming Rui’s neck, "You’re the one among us with the most Silver Coin. On such a joyous day, you should treat us!"

Ming Rui touched his money pouch, "Pah, I’m not as rich as you are."

Ran Xun slumped on the table listlessly again, "I am so pitiful!"

Everyone had been a young lad at some point, so having a crush was normal. He had just learned that his eldest brother had also secretly fancied a girl, even though the brother hadn’t mentioned her name. He was shocked. His own infatuation had died down, but there was still an odd taste lingering in his heart.

Ming Rui wouldn’t be fooled. In the past few days, watching Ran Xun’s wilted demeanor, he had donated quite a bit of Silver. The guy had long since bounced back to normal!

In the Zhou family home, Zhulan watched as Lady Li cried, tears of joy shining in her eyes. Chang Yi had become Seventh Rank, and today Lady Li had received the official attire of an Honored Lady of the Seventh Rank.

Lady Li cried for a while, her tears not yet dry, "Mother, I am crying with joy. I never thought, I never thought I would have such a day."

She had once pinned her hopes on her son, but after her husband became an official, she harbored even more hopes. Yesterday, when her husband was promoted, she had wanted to ask several times but ultimately held back. Unexpectedly, it was delivered to the mansion today.

Zhulan understood Madam Zhao’s sentiment: depending on others was not as solid as relying on oneself. The past second wife had depended on her and Zhou Shuren, but now, the second wife depended on herself. "Today is a joyous day; you should smile, smile more."

Madam Zhao, with a handkerchief, wiped away aimlessly. "Mm, I should smile."

Lady Li, who unusually wanted to touch, was rather carefree. Among the four daughters-in-law in the family, although the youngest had no official status, his wife was a Magistrate, and she was the only one in the family without any titled status. She did not envy others. "This dress is so beautiful; sister-in-law, quickly try it on."

Madam Zhao was tempted, and Lady Li saw it, took her by the hand, and then pushed her to go change her clothes.

Zhulan watched Lady Li’s antics, felt her sleeve being tugged, and turned to look at her son. "What’s wrong?"

Chang Zhong, "Mother, your son has never seen you in a decree robe."

Zhulan fell silent; she barely wore her decree robe, which now probably wouldn’t fit—she had gained weight and the robe would need altering. "Mother’s foot has not yet healed."

Chang Zhong looked regretful as he retracted his gaze, then cheered up again. "Mother, your son will earn a decree robe for you every day."

Lady Li laughed, "Youngest brother, by the time you can earn a decree robe, mother will already be of First Rank."

Chang Zhong, "...Mother, if only you had given birth to me earlier."

Zhulan, "..."

That was not something she could decide!

Madam Zhao returned quickly; although it was hot outside, and she was sweating in the heavy garments, she seemed unaffected. "Mother."

Zhulan’s eyes brightened; Madam Zhao was a beautiful woman. Though she had grown more voluptuous, she was still beautiful. Madam Zhao wore the heavy garments with an appealing grace. "Beautiful."

Lady Li gaped in astonishment, "My goodness, after so many years of acquaintance, I’ve grown used to how you look. But today, in these clothes, it’s as if I’m meeting a different person."

Then she touched her own face and looked down at her belly, silently reciting, "This is the body my parents gave me; I mustn’t scorn it, mustn’t."

In the evening, Zhou Shuren returned, and Chang Yi stayed after dinner. "Father, the weather has been abnormal, and mother asked if I had any thoughts on it. I have some ideas. Father, please listen and give me some advice."

Zhou Shuren never stifled his children’s thoughts when educating them. He liked discussing with his sons and encouraged them to think for themselves, listening with great interest. "You speak."

Chang Yi said, "On my trip, I learned that some small countries lack technology and large ships, so I was thinking the Imperial court could lease out ships that are no longer in use, for perhaps five or ten years. We wouldn’t need them to pay with Silver, we could ask for grain instead."

Zhou Shuren encouraged him, "Continue."

Chang Yi’s confidence grew, "I’ve learned that these small countries have ample grain and land suited for cultivation. By leasing them ships, we could subtly influence these small countries, gradually turning them into granaries for our nation. Should there be great disasters at home, we need not fear. Moreover, with their long-term dependence on us, these small countries could also become our maritime defense line in the future."

Zhou Shuren and Zhulan exchanged looks; they were truly surprised, as they had never taught him this.

Zhou Shuren looked at his second son, "Did you come up with all this yourself?"

Seeing his father’s surprise but no opposition, Chang Yi was pleased and nodded. "Yes, all by myself."