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

Chapter 1016: Chapter 1016: Craving for Attention

After dinner at the Zhou family, Zhou Shuren kept Chang Yi behind.

Chang Yi had been waiting for his father’s arrangements, knowing well why his father had kept him. ”Father.”

Zhou Shuren hummed in acknowledgment before saying, ”In a few days, ambassadors from several nations will be entering the capital. I have mentioned your linguistic talent to the Emperor, and the Emperor spoke of you to me a few days ago. This time, you’ll serve as a translator. Tomorrow, go to the Ministry of Rites to find Wu Ming; he will make the arrangements.”

Chang Yi exhaled deeply. His father definitely had more in mind than just having him serve as a translator, otherwise, it wouldn’t be referred to as an arrangement. He thought hopefully of the possibilities, ”Father.”

Zhou Shuren gestured with his hand for him to stop and continued, ”This is a test. We will speak of other things once you pass this test. For now, everything else is mere talk. I, your father, have arranged all I could for you. The rest is up to you. The opportunity is right in front of you. Whether you seize it or not is entirely up to you.”

Even if he had great capabilities, if Chang Yi couldn’t seize the opportunity himself, it was all for naught.

Chang Yi felt a fiery enthusiasm within him. This was an opportunity, an opportunity to change the second wife’s situation, and an opportunity planned by his father. ”Father, your son understands. I will not let you down.”

Zhou Shuren had said all that needed to be said and had done all that could be done, ”Alright, you should go rest as well. From tomorrow onwards, you will be busy. Fortunately, the Ministry of Rites has been purged. With Wong Ju, Wu Ming, and Gu Zhuomin there, I can rest a bit easier knowing you will be there.”

Chang Yi clenched his fists. This was the perfect combination of timing, geographical, and human conditions that his father spoke of. The only variable left was himself. He understood that the conditions his father had created for him were not easy, ”Father, your son knows what to do.”

”Mm, of the several children at home, you are the most promising, and I am at ease. Now, go!”

”Yes, Father. Mother should also rest early as well.”

On his way back to the second wife’s quarters, Chang Yi looked up at the moon in the sky. It was a full moon tonight, and he could see the path clearly without a lantern, just as his future was becoming clear to him. Chang Yi felt a slight sting in his nose.

His father’s attention was mostly on Chang Lian and Mingyun, then on Chang Zhi, followed by Ming Teng and Ming Rui. He understood that this was the lot in life for him and his elder brother, yet he still longed for his father’s attention. Now his father was also planning for him, aiming for a seemingly impossible future, and Chang Yi couldn’t help but smile foolishly.

Lady Zhao had been waiting for her husband. Father-in-law only sought her husband when there was a matter at hand. As she greeted him, she saw him smiling foolishly, ”What’s got into you?”

Chang Yi’s smile did not wane. ”I am also Father’s son.”

Lady Zhao did not understand, ”What nonsense are you talking about?”

After Chang Yi explained, ”Father is paying attention to all his sons.”

Casts a sad air over Lady Zhao; both her husband and she had their faults, and yet they were the ones most desperate for parental attention in the family.

Then Lady Zhao reacted, her eyes widening with realization. ”Does Father mean that if you seize the opportunity, you can secure an official position?”

Chang Yi nodded eagerly, ”So I must seize this opportunity.”

In Xuzhou Province, after visiting his two daughters, Chang Lian returned home. ”Living inland has gotten me too used to it; it’s somewhat difficult to adapt to the seaside.”

Due to the port, the Marine Division is set up in a coastal city. Not only had he been feeling unwell for a few days, but he had also caught a cold.

Lady Dong frowned, rubbing her slightly chilled fingers. ”Although the temperature here is a bit higher than in the capital, the rooms are quite chilly. I have already sought craftsmen to fix the kang (a traditional heated bed).”

She somewhat regretted bringing the girls with her; both daughters had been taking medicine since their arrival, an ailment she and her husband had dared not mention in their letters, for fear of worrying their mother-in-law.

Wrapped in a cloak, Chang Lian acknowledged. ”Indeed, the bed is quite uncomfortable, and the blankets are somewhat cold.”

They had been using the cloaks they brought for the past few days.

Lady Dong spoke again, ”We also need more charcoal. I’m thinking of buying some more. When I think about it, there are quite a few things that need to be done.”

”It’s tough on you.”

”You’re the one who has it tough, what I do is nothing.”

She had maids and a young servant by her side, she merely needed to give orders, unlike her husband who had to walk around everywhere upon his arrival.

As Chang Lian warmed himself by the fire, he deeply realized how fortunate he was to be at home.

The next day, Chang Yi arrived at the Ministry of Rites, where Wu Ming had been waiting at the entrance all along. Upon seeing his elder brother, he said, ”Elder Brother.”

Chang Yi quickly walked up, ”You couldn’t have been waiting here all this time, could you?”

”I only came out not long ago, Minister Wong is waiting for Elder Brother, let’s go inside to talk.”

Chang Yi felt somewhat apprehensive, being in the Ministry of Rites as a commoner, fearful of disgracing his father. He followed Wu Ming without asking much until they met Wong Ju.

Wong Ju looked at Zhou Changyi, his heart filled with envy towards Zhou Shuren for having many sons, ”I am friends with your father, and our families are related by marriage, so don’t be so formal. These days, you will assist me closely.”

Chang Yi felt reassured, ”Yes.”

Wong Ju was in charge of a new department, delighted because his father had fought for this position for him. He was acutely aware of its importance, so he couldn’t afford any mistakes during this meeting with the ambassadors, as many were waiting for a chance to replace him!

At the Zhou residence, Lady Li and others only found out that morning that Chang Yi had gone to the Ministry of Rites as a translator. The astute Su Xuan immediately grasped the significance. ”Mother, does this mean Elder Brother might have a chance to join the Ministry of Rites in the future?”

This was not a position just anyone could obtain, even as a translator, and she did not believe her father-in-law would accept shoddy work.

Zhulan, ”The matter isn’t settled yet, it’s too early to say anything.”

Su Xuan was surprised; her mother-in-law did not deny it, and she had guessed right. Her pupils constricted— if Elder Brother really succeeded, second wife’s family would surpass that of the fourth wife. As for the main wife, she did not even consider competing since the main son had undeniable advantages, especially since Mingyun was exceptionally outstanding.

Lady Li finally understood and her eyes widened. The second son was still a commoner. Thinking of her husband, she fell silent; it seemed he had nothing remarkable about him.

Lady Li rubbed her belly, realizing that in this life, her only reliance was her children, whom she could bear.

When Zhou’s second son went to the Ministry of Rites, it initially did not attract much attention, but because Prince Qi was responsible for receiving the ambassadors, Zhou Changyi became well-known.

After the morning court session, Zhou Shuren was stopped by Prince Qi, ”Your Highness, I am honored.”

Prince Qi smiled, ”I don’t have another matter today, just wanted to have a word with Master Zhou.”

Zhou Shuren was inwardly speechless, but politely responded, ”Please speak, Your Highness.”

Prince Qi walked leisurely, ”Yesterday, I had the privilege to witness your second son’s capabilities firsthand. His linguistic talent is indeed exceptional, even the experts I brought were not as competent as your son. What’s most noteworthy is that your son has mastered three foreign languages, which is truly rare.”

Zhou Shuren quickly replied, ”Your Highness, I thank you for your praise on behalf of Chang Yi. He still has much to learn.”

Prince Qi pulled at the corner of his mouth, ”Master Zhou, you are truly modest.”

Zhou Shuren was very cautious; he wouldn’t boast too much as that could backfire, ruining the opportunity at hand, ”I always remember that modesty leads to progress.”

Prince Qi’s deep gaze fixed on Zhou Shuren, deducing that Zhou Changyi’s entry into the Ministry of Rites must have been facilitated by Zhou Shuren. Zhou Shuren’s status in the Emperor’s heart was likely higher than he had imagined.