Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 116: Shen's Arrival in Beijing, I Want to See Hua'er

Han Zhang stepped out with his fists clasped, his voice sonorous and powerful.

"The Nung bandits are so rampant, I implore the government to send troops to suppress them immediately and restore order to the country's laws and moral principles!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

"..."

Zhao Zhen's brows were furious, and the memorial in his hand had already been deformed by his grip.

He kept weighing the candidates to suppress the rebellion in his mind. The leaders of the rebels were the Nong father and son, Nong Quanfu and Nong Zhigao.

Nong Quanfu was originally the governor of Tangyou Prefecture. Because he was blocked from showing goodwill to the imperial court, he turned to the State of Jiaozhi.

Now that he has grown stronger, he has occupied the mountain and proclaimed himself emperor, becoming an enemy of the imperial court.

Zhang Fu could no longer hold back and immediately stepped out of the line, bowing and saying, "Your Majesty, this old minister is willing to lead the troops to suppress the rebellion!"

"The Duke of England is the pillar of the country. Why use a butcher knife to kill a chicken?"

"Now the main force of the rebels is still in Tangyouzhou in the southwest. The one in Yuzhou was just a small group of bandits who came prepared and have now fled back." Zhao Han spoke at the right time in a steady voice.

He clearly remembered that the Nong bandits had taken advantage of the palace coup of the two kings of Yan and Yong and the turmoil in the court to sneak in and capture Guixun and other places within three months.

But now the government is stable and the morale of the imperial guards is still high, so these rebels can't cause any waves at all.

"What does Your Highness mean?" Zhang Fu turned his head to look at him.

Zhao Han stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "In my opinion, it would be better to give the young generals in the court some opportunities to gain experience."

"Pei Hu, the commander of the Cavalry Battalion, is skilled in surprise attacks. Zheng Xiao, the second son of the Marquis of Zhongjing, is an expert in horse riding and archery. Furthermore, I would like to recommend Gu Tingye, the son of the Marquis of Ningyuan. He is not only an excellent rider and archer, but also well versed in military tactics."

"These three are enough to lead the troops to quell the rebellion!"

"Your Highness, the two veteran officials, Pei Hu and Zheng Xiao, think it's acceptable.

"But this Gu Tingye, a dandy who talks big and walks around in the palace, I'm afraid it's not appropriate for him to lead the troops."

Han Zhang's tone was full of doubt. Many court officials had heard that he had spoken up for Yang Wuduan.

Zhao Zhen stared at Zhao Han.

That day, when the eunuch returned from the Gu family to report, he secretly instructed Zhang Maze to find Gu Tingye's examination paper.

After reading it carefully, I felt that the writing of this author was full of the character of Fan Wencheng.

What is even more rare is that this boy actually stated in the article that he wanted to emulate Fan Wencheng, inherit his aspirations and continue his career.

Such ambition is rare among the younger generation and he is a rare talent.

He couldn't help but feel that his punishment on Gu Tingye was indeed too harsh in his momentary anger.

But now the imperial decree has been issued, and the king is not joking. Even if there is regret in the heart, it can only be hidden in the heart.

Zhao Han bowed and said, "Gu Tingye's arrogant words were just something he blurted out accidentally while practicing calligraphy in his study at home seven or eight years ago. After so many years, he can hardly remember them himself."

"As for your reputation as a playboy and dissolute person, I can only say that you can only judge a person by his appearance and not by his heart."

"The reasons behind this are complex and complicated, and I'm afraid only the Gu family themselves know best."

"Oh?" Zhao Zhen raised his eyebrows, and a meaningful look flashed in his eyes.

Several court officials also exchanged thoughtful glances at the same time.

There were many dirty things happening in the harem of every family in Bianjing City, such as the disputes over the legitimate and illegitimate children, the open and covert struggles between wives and concubines, and the inheritance of the family business.

It’s just that everyone kept their mouths shut and the news didn’t get out.

In the case of Ningyuan Marquis Mansion, all three sons are legitimate, but they have three different biological mothers.

Just think about it and you will know how complicated his backyard is.

Especially since Gu Tingye's biological mother was a daughter of a merchant family in Yangzhou...

Zhao Han's eyes swept over them lightly. Since this was a family affair of the Gu family, he shouldn't say too much.

After all, it was Gu Tingye himself who spoke up for Yang Wuduan, and this is irrefutable.

As for Xiao Qinshi's flattery of Gu Tingye, on the surface it was nothing more than the stepmother doting on her stepson too much.

To outsiders, this was actually proof of Xiao Qin's kindness and virtue.

Therefore, for some things, it is better to stop at the point.

Letting these shrewd court officials speculate on their own would trigger more associations.

Zhao Zhen's eyes flickered slightly, and he slowly stood up and said in a deep voice, "Well."

"Since you think so highly of Gu Tingye, I will do as you say."

"Issue an imperial decree, appointing Pei Hu as the envoy to Guangnan West Route, in charge of Guangnan's military and political affairs, and coordinating the suppression of the rebellion!"

"Zheng Xiao was appointed as the pacification envoy, leading the government troops to suppress the rebels."

"As for Gu Tingye, let him serve under Zheng Xiao for now. If he makes military achievements, I will reward him when he returns to the capital."

"Hang the heads of these traitors on the city wall of Yuzhou for public display!"

After a moment's silence, he added, "Also, Announce that Zhao Zongquan's widow, Shen, should come to the capital immediately. She should be given compensation for such an incident in Yuzhou."

"Your Majesty is wise!" All the ministers bowed in unison.

-

In early May, the warm breeze is blowing.

Gu Tingye and his party set out south seven days ago to Guangnan to quell the rebellion.

On the day of his departure, Gu Tingye held a spear and kept saying that he wanted to suppress the rebellion, make military achievements, and ask for an imperial decree for his biological mother, Bai.

Although Gu Yankai did not come to see him off in person, he had already secretly written several letters and sent his confidants to deliver them to various military camps in the southwest. The letters were sincere and he hoped that his old subordinates would take good care of him after seeing Gu Tingye.

The Eastern Palace is closed today, in the main hall of Ciqing Palace.

Zhao Han leaned against the rosewood couch, his eyes unconsciously falling on Hualan and Jing'er.

Hualan was wearing a goose yellow brocade dress and had curved eyebrows and eyes.

Jing'er showed his two baby teeth and waved his arms in the air, trying to grab the rattle in her hand.

Hualan deliberately held the rattle farther away, but Jingge didn't cry or make a fuss, but just crawled towards her in a crooked manner.

At this moment, a burst of quick and quiet footsteps was heard outside the hall.

Zhao Han frowned slightly and turned his head to look.

Shulan stumbled into the hall, her eyes red, her hair slightly loose, and tear marks clearly visible on her face.

"Your Highness, Your Majesty..." Shulan came to Zhao Han, crying and unable to speak.

Seeing this, Hualan quickly put down the rattle and asked the wet nurse to take Jing'er away.

Zhao Han motioned Shulan to sit down next to him and asked softly, "What happened?"

"Your Highness, my father wrote to me saying that my grandmother has not been in good health since the beginning of spring. The doctor said that my grandmother is...she doesn't have much time left. She only asks that she can see me again before she dies..." Shulan choked.

She knew very well that her grandmother was over eighty years old, a rare longevity, but she still felt heartbroken at the moment.

Zhao Han wiped the tears from Shulan's cheeks, sighed softly, and turned to look at Hualan.

"Report this to the Queen, and have her dispatch a famous imperial physician to prepare some fine medicinal herbs. Arrangements will be made for Shu'er to return to Youyang immediately."

Shulan was a concubine of the royal family, and her grandmother's death was a mourning for an outsider.

She could only leave the palace after obtaining the consent of Zhao Han and the Queen, and she must be accompanied by eunuchs and female officials.

And it is only for paying respects, not for observing mourning. Hua Lan nodded gently, "The eldest branch's matriarch and grandmother have always been on good terms, so I imagine she will also be going to Youyang. Could grandmother and sister Shu Lan travel together?"

"You can arrange it." Zhao Han looked at Hua Lan. She has always been careful and cautious, so there would be no mistakes in such a small matter.

"Thank you, Your Highness, and Your Majesty..." Shulan sobbed softly, her slender shoulders shaking constantly.

At the same time, Jiying Lane, Sheng Family, Shou'an Hall.

Sheng Hong frowned, his voice filled with worry, "Mother, please don't think about this again."

"You are already old now. I am worried that your body cannot bear such a long journey."

The old lady turned the Buddhist beads in her hand and sighed, "I and that old sister are sisters-in-law. We have been destined to meet for decades. I must see her one last time."

Then, she set her sights on Wang Ruofu and said, "I plan to bring Ming'er with me on this trip to Youyang and register her under your name, Madam."

"what……"

Wang Ruofu was stunned and looked at the old lady with wide eyes, her face full of surprise.

Registering a concubine's daughter under the name of the wife of the main wife is equivalent to giving the concubine the title of a legitimate daughter.

Although she is not as good as a real legitimate daughter, she is one level higher than her original concubine's daughter.

Just when Wang Ruofu was hesitating whether to agree, Mother Liu pressed her shoulder lightly without leaving any trace.

Wang Ruofu understood and nodded quickly, "Okay, okay!"

"Minglan has always been a well-behaved and sensible child. It would be great if she could be registered under my name."

"But Miss Wei, will she agree?"

The old lady looked gentle and said, "If she hadn't agreed, I wouldn't have said this today."

Although Wei Xiaoniang was reluctant, she naturally strongly supported this matter for Minglan's future.

On the contrary, Minglan cried secretly in Wei Xiaoniang's room with red eyes for a long time before she agreed.

Sheng Hong slowly picked up the teacup, took a sip of the tea, and said quietly, "In that case."

"Mother, why don't you also register Mo'er's name under the eldest lady's? When the marriage is discussed in the future, both girls can benefit."

After these words were spoken, the old lady's expression changed slightly.

Wang Ruofu slammed the table and shouted directly at Sheng Hong, "Sir, you are so easy to say!"

"Sixth girl has been well-behaved and sensible since she was little. Over the years, rain or shine, she has come to Wei Rui Xuan to pay her respects and ask for greetings. She has never been lazy for a moment and has always been dedicated to her work!"

"Where's Molan?! Has she ever sincerely shown filial respect to me, her stepmother?"

Sheng Hong frowned and glanced at her sideways.

"Didn't you want her to come? I see that Mo'er is well-educated and well-mannered in front of me."

"Besides, both children are the blood of the Sheng family. As their legal mother, you should treat them equally."

Wang Ruofu was so angry that she was shaking all over and stood up. "Master, you still know that I am your mother?! And you still know how to treat me equally?!"

"Molan has been raised by that vixen since she was little. Now that she's old enough to get married, she wants to register her name under my name?"

"Do you really think I don't know anything about the land and shops that the official has secretly bought for them over the years?"

"Madam, please calm down..." Mother Liu hurried forward to support Wang Ruofu and pinched her wrist.

Wang Ruofu rolled her eyes and cried out in a tone of thunder and silence, "I used to be the biggest joke in all of Yangzhou. For the sake of my mother and children, I always endured it in silence."

"Now Hua'er is the Crown Princess, and Bai'er has entered the Imperial Academy, yet your Excellency still wants to humiliate me like this..."

"What's the point of living? Where's Hua'er?! Hurry, I want to see Hua'er!"

Upon hearing this, Sheng Hong was at a loss for a moment.

He looked at the old lady awkwardly, only to see that she had already closed her eyes and was resting.

He could only support Wang Ruofu and said with his head down, "Hey, what are you doing?"

"Forget it, forget it. Just pretend I never mentioned it and put Ming'er under your name."

As soon as these words were spoken, Wang Ruofu stopped crying, straightened her clothes, and sat upright on a chair beside her.

He thought to himself: It is impossible to register Molan under his name unless he dies!

The old lady curled her lips, feeling that her daughter-in-law had become smarter and finally knew how to control Sheng Hong.

-

Three days later, the morning light was dim.

Under Hualan's careful arrangement, Shulan went to Youyang with several female officials and eunuchs, as well as Old Lady Sheng and Minglan.

The journey to Youyang will be smooth and it will take at least ten days.

Zhao Han also specially selected more than ten agile guards from the Palace Front Department to accompany him.

In the cabin, Shulan hadn't slept for two days because she was worried about her grandmother.

Seeing that her face was pale and her eyes were dark blue, her personal maid Yue'e was worried that she had hurt herself.

I specially made a bowl of calming soup and coaxed Shulan into drinking it after much persuasion.

The boat swayed gently along with the current. At this moment, she finally couldn't resist the tiredness and fell into a deep sleep, but her brows were still furrowed.

In the next cabin.

Minglan snuggled up to the old lady obediently, looking out the window from time to time with a peaceful smile on her lips.

"Ming'er, there is something I have always wanted to ask you." The old lady looked at her solemnly.

Minglan looked away and blinked, "What's the matter, Grandma?"

"I can see that the young master of the Qi family is quite caring towards you."

Upon hearing this, Minglan immediately lowered her eyes and said softly, "The young master has always been kind to others..."

Before she could finish her words, she was interrupted by the old lady, "Silly girl, don't try to hide it from me."

"Since the Spring Examination ended, the young master has come to Shou'an Hall several times."

"I don't think he's here to greet me. He's clearly just trying to take the opportunity to see you."

"Grandma..." Minglan pursed her lips, not knowing what to say for a moment.

"Ming'er, are you interested in the young master?"

Minglan shook her head decisively, "I've already rejected him several times, but he just wouldn't give in and kept pestering me."

Hearing this, the old lady let out a sigh of relief, and then said meaningfully: "That's good."

"The young master has a good character, is gentle and elegant, and is actually a good young man."

"Princess Pingning is overbearing and overbearing. Everyone in Bianjing knows her temper. Who would dare to provoke her?"

"Considering our family's current status, with the young master insisting and Hua'er stepping in, it's not impossible for you to marry into the Qi family."

"But the young master is a front hall official after all. He has very little time to protect you, whether he's going out to court or attending social events."

"There will be a lot of quarrels in the backyard in the future. Even if the young master has feelings for you, they will be worn away in three to five years."

"Besides, if you were wronged in the Qi family, would your father and stepmother be able to stand up for you in a big way?"

Minglan smiled gently, "Grandma, I understand all these principles, so I have never coveted the Qi family."

"Good boy, your marriage will be personally approved by your grandmother, and you will not be wronged."

After the old lady said this, she raised her hand and stroked her face, which still had some baby fat.

(End of this chapter)