Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 953: The Zhou Family Has a Future

Chapter 953: Chapter 953: The Zhou Family Has a Future

Yesterday, Chang Lian came back and fooled his wife, but today he could no longer hide the assassination attempt. He gestured for his wife to sit down, "Don’t get agitated in a moment."

Lady Dong’s heart skipped a beat. Last night, the clothes Chang Lian wore were not his own, and if he had not been with Rongchuan, she would have worried for nothing. Now, seeing her husband’s grim expression, she felt something was wrong and her tone was somewhat tense, "Go ahead."

Chang Lian narrated the assassination attempt from the day before, his eyes fixed on his wife the entire time.

Lady Dong sat motionless, eyes widening as if she was about to faint. After a moment, she got up and clutched her husband, "Let me see if you’re hurt."

Chang Lian wrapped his arms around his wife, feeling her hands tremble, now even more violently—she was afraid. To soothe her, he said, "I’m fine, both Rongchuan and I are alright, don’t be scared."

Lady Dong’s eyes turned red, "How can I not be afraid? If something happened to you, what would the three of us do? Wuu wuu, why did you only tell me now?"

Chang Lian held his wife’s hand, "You need to take care of Yu Yi and Yu Jiao. You’re already tired enough from the day’s chores. I was worried that you wouldn’t rest well. It’s all over now, it has passed."

Lady Dong cried fiercely, her tears born of fear. She knew Chang Lian would face schemes, but she had never thought he would face death.

Chang Lian continued, "I will be at home these next few days, please stop crying."

Lady Dong kept crying. Even with her husband home, she was afraid. The closer her relationship with her husband grew, the more vulnerable she became. She could not imagine a life without him.

During breakfast, Zhulan noticed Lady Dong’s tear-stained eyes and looked at Chang Lian. He had already told Dong. She hadn’t intended to keep it a secret; it was better for the whole family to know so that they could all be more vigilant, especially Chang Zhi and Mingyun.

However, it was only after the meal that Zhulan informed the entire Zhou family. Suddenly, the entire hall fell silent.

Zhulan said to Mingyun, "I have already asked the steward to request leave from the Academy. For the next few days, you’ll study at home."

Upon hearing his grandmother’s words, Mingyun finally recovered his composure, first looking at his unharmed third uncle, then responding, "Understood."

Zhou Shuren also snapped out of his shock. He was scared—if it weren’t for his household’s young servant and the experts beside Rongchuan, his third brother might not have returned yesterday, "Chang Lian, are you really alright?"

Chang Lian heard the tremble in his older brother’s voice. He had been quite scared yesterday but had recovered a lot after a night’s rest. Yet, there was some residual fear in his heart. Anyone facing death would not remain calm, but he felt proud of his own composed demeanor.

Now, hearing his older brother’s shaky voice, Chang Lian straightened his back. In the future, he was to be the pillar of the Zhou family, and with this thought, the last vestige of his fear disappeared, "Big brother, I’m fine."

Zhou Shuren felt the firm pat on his shoulder from Chang Lian and his resolute tone, which calmed his unsettled mind. Realizing that as the eldest, he must remain stable, he thought to himself, as the eldest, "It’s good you’re alright. From now on, make sure to take more servants with you when you go out. Only you have embarked on a government career in our family; you are a target and must not be careless."

Yang Zhumu listened to Chang Li’s words. After many years, a different environment had truly changed a person. The eldest nephew of his now had the appearance of the Zhou family’s eldest son.

Chang Zhi pursed his lips, his gaze constantly on his third brother, feeling remorse at this moment. If he had not focused solely on himself before, he would now have been able to help alleviate his third brother’s pressures. His lips quivered, but he couldn’t bring himself to voice his thoughts.

At this moment, Zhou Shuren walked in, "I’ve come back to change my official uniform."

Zhulan stood up, "Why are you completely drenched? Didn’t you have an umbrella with you?"

Zhou Shuren felt uncomfortable all over, replying as he walked, "It started raining when I left the palace, and the downpour came on too quickly."

"Do you need to take a bath?"

Zhou Shuren shook his head, "No, I have to return to the Ministry of Revenue soon. With Minister Xiao resting, and an incident having occurred in the capital, I need to oversee things at the Ministry."

Zhulan took out a change of inner clothes, and after Zhou Shuren had changed, she helped dry his hair, "The children all know about Chang Lian’s incident."

Zhou Shuren grunted, and then there was silence.

Zhulan knew her husband all too well. "You already have a direction in mind, don’t you?"

Zhou Shuren knew he couldn’t fool his wife. "Mhm, after the Emperor’s reaction today, I have a clear idea."

Upon hearing this, Zhulan asked, "The Princes?"

Zhou Shuren did not respond, which said everything. The couple fell silent. Zhou Shuren could trap Zhang Yang because Zhang Yang was not a Prince. As long as he was measured, the Emperor wouldn’t say anything even if he was aware.

But the Princes were different. The Emperor was their father, and they were his beloved sons. The Emperor’s actions when conferring titles showed that the Princes held a significant place in his heart.

Both Chang Lian and Rongchuan were victims, but comparing the two, Chang Lian could be overlooked. The Zhou family didn’t have the power to contend with imperial authority, much less the confidence to challenge it.

This time, the Zhou family seemed especially insignificant under imperial authority. No, even in front of the Princes, they were insignificant.

Thus, the couple remained silent.

Zhulan said softly, "Imperial power will eventually change hands. Now it’s the father, but the next one won’t be so lenient."

Zhou Shuren, who had been somewhat depressed, laughed at this. He had been working hard for the Zhou family’s improvement, but some gaps required time to fill. If the Zhou family were a noble family today, the Emperor would not have overlooked Chang Lian.

Zhou Shuren held his wife’s hand. "You’re right. Now it’s the father. I’m not in a rush."

He was the kind of person who held grudges. The accounts of today were noted, and they would be settled when imperial power changed hands, though interest would still need to be collected. For now, he needed to figure out who had made the move.

Zhulan took a wooden comb and started combing her husband’s hair. "The Zhou family has a future—Chang Lian, Chang Zhi, five grandsons, and our son. So for now, we need to live well."

There were also the younger generation from the Zhou clan. Next year, a batch would come of age. In the years to come, they would be the foundation of the Zhou family’s strength.

Zhou Shuren looked at himself in the Bronze Mirror. He indeed needed to live well.

Zhulan added, "Even a father won’t allow his son to challenge his authority, let alone the Emperor."

Zhou Shuren, his hair now combed, turned around. "I’m not feeling so gloomy anymore."

Zhulan smiled. "That’s good. I was worried you’d dwell on your troubles. You’ve done remarkably well over the years, and I’m proud of you."

Zhou Shuren stood up and embraced his wife. All along the way, she had not only been his beloved partner, relying on each other for survival, but also his wise counselor. Without her, his mindset wouldn’t be as sound as it was now.

Zhou Shuren had to return to the Ministry of Revenue. He didn’t say much as he left. Zhulan watched Zhou Shuren open his umbrella and depart, advancing through the storm, until he left the main courtyard. Only then did Zhulan withdraw her gaze. They were in no hurry.

Zhulan didn’t speak, nor did anyone else in the room. After a while, Zhulan came to her senses and, seeing the concern in Lady Li’s eyes, she offered a comforting smile and said, "The rain has lessened quite a bit. You all should head back too. Make sure to take someone with you when you go out and don’t find it bothersome."

The oldest Zhou son stood up and said, "Yes."

Zhulan looked at her unmoving daughter. Xue Han was worried about Rongchuan. "I’ll have the steward ask at the Hou Residence. If Rongchuan leaves the palace, I’ll have your third brother take you to see him."

Xue Han bit her lip, her heart in turmoil. "Mother."

Zhulan patted her daughter’s hand. "It’s all in the past, everything has passed."