Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 98 A Visit to the Seven Sons of the Sheng Family! (Two Chapters Combined)

The clouds disperse as the sun rises, and a gentle breeze stirs the curtains.

The gauze curtains hung low as the beautiful woman dressed and put on her makeup.

The ink flows gently, the rouge is applied lightly, the hair is tied up with a wooden hairpin, the long skirt sways slightly, and the lips are adorned with red.

Every glance and movement is like a painting of a lady by a famous artist, drawing the eye repeatedly.

Jiang Zhao stretched out his hands and silently admired the scene.

A haven of gentle pleasures, a graveyard for heroes!

The ordeal of the night left him with a feeling of weakness.

You know, he's always been full of energy, and he can be full of life again after just two or three hours of rest!

"Ok?"

"Officer."

A casual glance back revealed her husband had woken up. Sheng Hualan called out softly, then took a few light steps, picked up a light blue brocade robe she had prepared beforehand, and draped it over her husband.

Jiang Zhao put on a brocade robe, took his wife's hand, and said gently, "Would you like me to draw your eyebrows, my wife?"

Sheng Hualan was taken aback, but felt a sweet warmth in her heart and nodded repeatedly.

The beautiful woman held her husband's hand, her face full of anticipation.

Jiang Zhao took the eyebrow pencil, smelled the faint fragrance on his wife, and gently began to draw the eyebrows.

The beautiful woman sat gracefully, her every smile and frown captivating.

For a time, the couple lived in perfect harmony.

One time, while drawing eyebrows, both he and she were interested, and it took them two incense sticks to finish.

After finishing her eyebrow makeup, Sheng Hualan moved lightly and instructed her personal maid to bring out two lists.

Without exception, they were all land deeds.

“They were all sent from the palace,” Sheng Hualan said softly.

Jiang Zhao understood.

Otaku, Royal Estate!
In fact, besides these two imperial gifts, he also received official robes such as a sable hat, a gold fish-shaped pouch, a purple robe, and a jade belt as rewards.

However, the official robes were woven by the Wensi Academy, which was under the jurisdiction of the Shaofujian (Imperial Household Department).

A fine third-rank purple robe requires one or two skilled craftsmen to weave for about ten days to complete.

If you include everyday clothes, sacrificial clothes, and seasonal clothes, then that makes four official robes.

It will probably take eleven or twelve days to get all the third-rank official robes into our hands.

Jiang Zhao picked up the land deed for the imperial-bestowed residence.

Since no one has ever lived there, the official residence has no name.

The Great Zhou Dynasty lasted for nearly a century, which is neither long nor short, and produced a total of more than 120 Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet.

The Imperial Street stretches three or four miles from north to south, and contains more than two hundred houses.

It's not unusual to find houses that have never been lived in.

"Have someone clean it up!" Jiang Zhao instructed.

Unclaimed residences are regularly repaired and cleaned by officials from the Ministry of Works.

Have someone do a little cleaning and decorate it according to your aesthetic preferences, and you can move in.

Sheng Hualan nodded.

"Once you move to the royal residence, we'll hold a housewarming party." Jiang Zhao pondered for a moment, "I've sent invitations to some friends and relatives of senior officials from the Korean faction. We still need to maintain some appropriate interactions."

Now he has reached the stage of accumulating experience and knowledge.

Whether it's the younger generation or the older generation of Korean influencers, they all need to be appeased.

As a wife, Sheng Hualan also had to gradually develop into the "wife of the party leader," at least to gain the respect of the masses.

Sheng Hualan nodded repeatedly.

Since marrying Jiang Zhao, she often visited Consort Cui, Han Zhang's favorite concubine, and thus knew exactly what the party leader's wife was supposed to do.

Maintain unity!

Husbands have their social lives, and wives have theirs.

Occasionally, if there are disagreements or conflicts between the wives of two core figures in the Party, the female relatives have to resolve the issue.

Ultimately, if a rift develops, or even hatred, the party leader will be the one who suffers.

Putting down the deed to the imperial residence, Jiang Zhao took out the deed to the imperial estate and glanced at it.

This thing has always been managed by the royal steward.

Being the steward of a royal estate is a lucrative job.

As far as he knew, in the original storyline, Gu Tingye also received a reward from the imperial estate.

The stewards managing the imperial estate acted like masters, even daring to threaten Gu Tingye, who had already become a prince.

Jiang Zhao put it down and said in a deep voice, "Have someone check the accounts of the imperial estate."

"Does Your Excellency mean that someone in the Imperial Estate might be taking bribes?" Sheng Hualan asked softly after carefully examining the land deed.

"I'm afraid that some people who have been with the emperor for many years will think that they have become imperial relatives as well."

Jiang Zhao shook his head. He wasn't like Gu Tingye, willing to endure the butler's threats!
If the steward of the royal estate under his management is honest, that would be an excellent thing.

But if you're not honest, then you can't blame him for being ruthless.

If the steward of the imperial estate is backed by a eunuch, then we should impeach him for the eunuch's monopoly of power.

If the imperial estate is backed by a concubine or empress, then accuse the empress of causing chaos in the inner palace.

In an era dominated by scholars, who cares about mere eunuchs and palace women?
Sheng Hualan understood and nodded obediently.

Jiying Lane, Sheng Mansion.

At noon, the central gate was opened wide.

Perhaps there was some distinguished guest, which is why Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu came out to greet them.

The remaining younger generation—Sheng Changbai, Sheng Changfeng, Molan, Rulan, and Minglan—all came out to observe.

It should be noted that Sheng Hong was transferred from the position of Assistant Minister of Rites (a fifth-rank official) a few years ago, but now he is a newly promoted official minister of Rites (a fifth-rank official).

This is someone who could easily rank among the top 400 in the world.

Judging from this setup, the guest they're welcoming must be at least a third-rank official in purple robes!

"what!"

"They're here, they're here!" Sheng Rulan called out, and everyone looked up at the same time.

Sheng Hong's heart skipped a beat. Following his daughter's gaze, he immediately spotted the approaching elmwood carriage.

The carriage was about ten feet long, with the words "Merit in All Directions" engraved on the saddle and purple ribbons hanging from it. Wasn't that his good son-in-law?
Sheng Hong straightened his clothes and tried to keep his expression calm.

As a father-in-law, he must maintain the dignity and seriousness of an elder, but he cannot be too distant or aloof, lest he upset his son-in-law.

Difficult!

Both Sheng Minglan and Sheng Molan witnessed Sheng Hong's actions, and their feelings were quite different.

As for Sheng Minglan, she already knew a little about her father's temperament.

He favored his concubine over his wife, and was extremely cautious.

Faced with a son-in-law who is a third-rank civil official in his twenties, one has no choice but to carefully curry favor with him.
Crucially, flattery is also an art.

Not only do you have to flatter them, you also have to maintain the dignity of an elder.

Sheng Minglan sighed inwardly.

If she had the same skills as her brother-in-law, why wouldn't she be able to avenge her mother?
Sheng Molan clenched her handkerchief, her eyes fixed on the approaching carriage.

A high-ranking official in purple robes, a third-rank official!

Moreover, he was the Duke of Lu!

In comparison, even the young master Qi Heng would pale in comparison to his brother-in-law.

When the son-in-law and daughter return to their parents' home, almost the entire family comes out to greet them.

Such a grand display is truly enviable.

I wonder if she'll ever have that opportunity?
In less than twenty breaths, the elmwood carriage rolled over the stone slabs, and the driver pulled on the reins, causing the chestnut horse to neigh and stop.

The curtain was lifted, and Jiang Zhao, dressed in a brocade robe, stepped out.

A slender, delicate hand reached out and supported Jiang Zhao.

With one hand supporting her husband, Sheng Hualan gently pulled a four-year-old child wearing a tiger-head hat into her arms with the other.

The mother and son got off the carriage together.

"My dear son-in-law," Sheng Hong called out affectionately.

"Hua'er!" Wang Ruofu exclaimed excitedly.

She hasn't seen her daughter for three years!

However, considering her son-in-law's presence, she restrained herself and did not act impolitely.

"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law," Jiang Zhao said, bowing respectfully.

Wang Ruofu smiled with rare composure and returned the greeting.
"This must be Huaijin?" Sheng Hong returned the greeting with a cupped hand, stepped forward with a kind smile, and patted the child's head.

“Exactly.” Jiang Zhao nodded.

"Big sister, big brother-in-law."

Sheng Changbai and Sheng Changfeng stepped forward and bowed. Jiang Zhao smiled gently and nodded slightly.

"Big sister, big brother-in-law."

Mo Lan, Ru Lan, and Ming Lan bowed in turn.

Jiang Zhao laughed heartily and took several gifts from the elmwood cart, some were calligraphy and paintings, and others were gold and silver jewelry.

The brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law received the gifts and thanked them in unison.

"Ha ha!"

Sheng Hong extended his hand: "My dear son-in-law, please."

"Please!" Jiang Zhao smiled, took a step forward, and the father-in-law and son-in-law walked in together.

Wang Ruofu carefully took her grandson from her daughter's arms, her face full of delight.

Haven't seen you for three years.

The last time, she held Jiang Huaijin in her arms; her grandson was not even a year old.

Jiang Huaijin is now over four years old.

Such a rare meeting is indeed very precious.

Upon entering the inner hall, the group went together to pay their respects to the old lady.

"Grandmother," Sheng Hualan called out, quickly walking forward to pay her respects.

"Hua'er." Old Madam Sheng waved with a smile.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Zhao respectfully bowed.

Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu bowed in turn.

Wang Ruofu stepped forward with her grandson in her arms and introduced him with great interest: "Mother, this is Huaijin."

"ah!"

"Huaijin." Old Mrs. Sheng looked at Jiang Huaijin and hugged him with a smile.

Jiang Zhao and Sheng Hong exchanged a glance, then called Sheng Changbai and Sheng Changfeng, and together they withdrew.

It's not very interesting for a few people to squeeze into Shou'an Hall, so we might as well discuss calligraphy and paintings.

In the study, several people were gathered around a painting or calligraphy.

"Changbai and Changfeng have both passed the imperial examinations."

Jiang Zhao picked up a brush and wrote a character in the style of calligraphy and painting, then asked, "I guess you're going to try it out next year?"

“Exactly.” Sheng Changfeng nodded first.

Jiang Zhao understood.

In the original work, almost all the lines were about Sheng Changfeng being a good-for-nothing.

However, upon closer examination, Sheng Changfeng is by no means inferior.

He passed the provincial examination at the age of eighteen and became a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination). Such talent already surpasses 99% of the Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest level of the imperial examination).

"Then study hard and strive for an official career." Jiang Zhao smiled nonchalantly.

As a high-ranking official of the third rank, supporting the future of two successful candidates in the imperial examinations was not difficult.

Sheng Changbai and Sheng Changfeng both expressed their determination to continue their efforts.

The main reason I made this special trip to the Sheng residence was to understand Sheng Hualan's homesickness.

For a while, Jiang Zhao and his companions didn't have much to say besides discussing politics and their studies.

Fanlou.

Vermilion roofs and green tiles, flags fluttering in the breeze.

On the twelve-foot-long wooden table were three jars of aged wine, several dishes of seasonal side dishes, and several plates of fresh fruit.

Jiang Zhao, Su Shi, Su Zhe, Zeng Gong, Zeng Bu, Zhang Heng, Zhang Dun, Gu Tingye, and Sheng Changbai gathered together.

Time has passed, and three years have gone by. The seven sons of Jiayou have finally reunited.

Each of the nine people recounted their career paths and life experiences.

Su Shi wrote some poems in his spare time, and had already gained considerable fame in the literary world.

As a junior scholar, he served in the Hanlin Academy for three years. According to custom, he was promoted one rank, which was already the sixth rank. Once he was transferred to a post outside the capital, he would be the sixth rank.

Su Zhe quietly read books and would occasionally analyze the political situation on the frontier. One of his analyses caught the attention of Wang Yaochen.

Recommended by Wang Yaochen and Zhang Fangping, he had already been appointed as a sixth-rank official, and if he were to be transferred to a post outside the capital, he would be a fifth-rank official in red robes.

Zeng Gong was promoted one rank, becoming an official of the eighth grade.

Recently, he has been inclined to develop his literary career and has focused on academic pursuits.

Zeng Bu was a junior scholar who served as a sixth-rank official. When he was transferred to a post outside the capital, he was promoted to the sixth rank.

Zhang Heng presided over the tea-horse trade and made considerable contributions, earning him the rank of a fourth-grade civil official.

If nothing unexpected happens, he will become the Deputy Transport Commissioner of Xihe Road.

Gu Tingye rose to prominence overnight, becoming a fifth-rank general of Huaihua and the military commissioner of Xizhou at the age of twenty-one. Even among the noble sons of Bianjing, he was a top-tier figure.

Sheng Changbai has passed the imperial examination and become a Juren, but has not yet entered officialdom.

Jiang Zhao held bamboo chopsticks, picked up two bites of food, and listened attentively to what the others had to say.

“In recent years, Zhonghuai, Ziping, and I have not been living in Bianjing for long. I wonder how the situation in Bianjing is these days?” Jiang Zhao asked curiously.

His existence has altered the plot countless times.

In terms of the throne, the struggle between the Prince of Yan and the Prince of Yong has now turned into a process of six members of the imperial clan entering the capital for observation and training.

Emperor Zhao Zhen was no longer in an awkward position.

In terms of the individual, Gu Tingye was already a successful person and there was no way he would become an outlaw.

Therefore, he really didn't know what the situation in Bianjing had become.

“Five members of the imperial family were vying for power,” Su Shi replied, tapping his chopsticks with interest.

"Five members of the imperial family vying for power?" Jiang Zhao was taken aback. "How did it become five?"

Su Shi explained: "Zhao Yunchu, a member of the imperial clan, passed away last year."

Jiang Zhao understood and nodded slowly.

Zhao Yunchu, also known as the former heir apparent, was summoned to the palace by the late Empress Dowager and competed with the Emperor for the throne.

These are older generation figures; it's perfectly normal that they couldn't hold on.

"How exactly will the remaining five compete?" Jiang Zhao asked, picking up a piece of food.

Even with the secret succession system, which kept the crown prince hidden, the power struggles among the members of the royal family remained unaffected as candidates for the throne.

Jiang Zhao had anticipated this.

It's human nature to fight.

However, there are different ways to compete and different levels of struggle.

“Even before the secret succession law was proposed, the Prince of Yan and the Prince of Yong already had a considerable number of supporters.” Su Zhe interjected calmly, “These people have no way out but to continue supporting the Prince of Yan and the Prince of Yong.”

"The two members of the imperial clan, Zhao Zong'e and Zhao Congshi, are clearly ambitious. They have won over some officials of the fifth or sixth rank, and have already cultivated a reputation for virtue by cheering them on."

Jiang Zhao nodded, not surprised.

The word "throne" is too alluring.

Given the opportunity, whether voluntarily or under pressure, the members of the royal family would fight for it.

“The remaining member of the imperial clan is from the lineage of the founding emperor. He is cautious and discreet, and his every move is very low-key,” Su Zhe said.

"Don't fight!"

Jiang Zhao nodded slowly.

Not arguing is also a skill.

“As long as the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet don’t get involved in the power struggles within the imperial family, it won’t affect the overall situation,” Jiang Zhao asserted.

The secret succession plan ensured that the six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet would remain in power, without needing to intervene.

Since the six most important figures representing the pinnacle of civil service are not involved, it will not affect the imperial power.

With a stable imperial power, the country and its people are unlikely to experience turmoil.

His teacher, Han Zhang, as the head of all officials, was destined to gain merit in supporting the emperor.

It doesn't matter who you follow, just follow whoever is the dragon!

"Let them fight over Bianjing then."

Su Zhe interjected, "Anyway, according to the Grand Master's arrangements, we are all going to Xihe Road."

"Who cares? Let's drink and eat as we please." Su Shi raised his cup.

The group exchanged glances and shook their heads helplessly.

Staying away from disputes is definitely a good thing.

However, Su Zizhan's personality is a bit too carefree.

Let's demote him and see if he still dares to be so carefree!

……

　These two are a bit hard to distinguish.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)