Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 118: The position of concubine, the people of the Yu family

"Set up tea and invite Old Master Yu in." Zhao Han gave a deep order to the palace servant beside him.

Not long after, Old Master Yu, wearing an indigo robe with cloud patterns, walked slowly over.

Although he is over 60 years old, his back is still as straight as a pine tree, and he exudes an elegant demeanor when he walks.

Just as Grand Tutor Yu was about to salute, Zhao Han was quick to step forward and support him.

"The old Grand Tutor is a veteran of three dynasties, highly respected and virtuous. He doesn't need to care about those empty formalities."

Upon hearing this, a trace of relief flashed in Old Master Yu's eyes, but he still bowed slightly and said, "Etiquette cannot be abolished."

"Your Highness is kind and gracious, but I must be tactful."

Seeing that he was determined to do so, Zhao Han did not force him, but personally helped him sit down on the sandalwood armchair beside him.

"I originally wanted to find an opportunity to visit the old master in person at his residence."

"I didn't expect that the old Grand Tutor would come here today. I am both surprised and happy."

"Is the old master in good health these days? Is everything alright at home?"

Old Master Yu stroked his graying beard and said with a smile, "Thanks to your concern, Your Highness. This old man is still in good health."

"I originally planned to return to my hometown in Shandong to spend my remaining years in retirement, but I couldn't let go of my granddaughter who had been without her biological mother since she was a child."

Zhao Han's eyes flickered slightly, and he said softly, "Old Master, are you talking about Miss Yanran?"

Old Master Yu sighed softly, "Yes, this child is too kindhearted and can't stand the slightest bit of wind and rain."

"Your Highness must have seen it at the Wu family polo match."

"I've had a smooth career, serving in three dynasties. I never thought I'd end up not even being able to protect my granddaughter."

He has seen everything his daughter-in-law Fang has done over the years, but his incompetent eldest son is under her control.

He almost obeyed everything he said, and the granddaughter he brought up, Yu Yanhong, was also arrogant, domineering, and hot-tempered, which was incompatible with the style of the Yu family, a family of scholars.

As early as several years ago, he had thought about asking his eldest son to divorce his wife, but he never said it out loud to save face.

"The old Grand Tutor is able to manage the court and settle affairs at home, but as for the trivial matters in the harem, it is difficult for an honest official to judge them."

"Besides, under your protection, Miss Yanran has grown into a well-educated and sensible person with a kind heart. Who in the capital would not praise her?"

Yanran's needlework skills were unmatched in Bian Jing, regardless of one's social status.

Even if the prostitutes from Guangyuntai and Yiyunlou came to ask for advice, she would not refuse and would teach them seriously.

Facing Zhao Han's praise, Old Master Yu's heart moved, and he stroked his beard and said, "Yes, this child's biggest fault is his soft temper. He always lacks decisiveness when encountering things. This makes me often worried. I don't know who to entrust him to in the future."

"I wanted to bring her here today to thank His Highness for his help."

"It just so happened that her grandmother was unwell last night. Yanran, always filial, insisted on staying by her bedside to serve her medicine."

Since ancient times, marriage is a matter of parents' orders and matchmaker's words. The old master knew this very well, even though Yanran was raised in his care.

But her lifelong affairs ultimately require the consent of Lord Yu.

It was even clearer that Lord Yu and stepmother Fang were determined to marry Yanran off to a prominent family, preferably one with a wealthy background.

It was the notorious family like the Duke of Lingguo's Mansion who came to propose marriage.

As long as the betrothal gift is large enough, they will agree without any objection and will not consider Yanran's wishes at all.

As for taking Yanran away and marrying her far away, it seems that Old Master Yu is not willing to do so at the moment.

Although the Yu family is not a top-tier powerful family, they have been operating in Bian Jing for many years and have a deep network of contacts, so they can still control the situation.

If Yanran were to marry someone else and get wronged, even if the Yu family wanted to support her, they would be powerless to do anything.

After thinking it over, he set his sights on Zhao Han.

After the prince ascends the throne in the future, he wants to quickly gather the civil service group and gain a firm foothold.

When filling the harem, one cannot avoid the noble families such as the Hai family, the Han family and the Yu family.

The Hai family has ancestral teachings to follow, and the Hai family's daughter has a reputation for being jealous.

All the granddaughters of marriageable age in Lord Han's eldest son's family have married, and currently only his Yu family still has a legitimate eldest granddaughter.

My nephew Yu Sixian is extremely talented. He passed the imperial examination in the same spring as the crown prince. He has now been sent to Liangzhe for training and will be transferred back to Beijing in a few years.

As long as he lives, the prince will never let Yanran down.

Her sarcastic stepmother and arrogant sister would never dare to show Yanran a bad face again.

Zhao Han smiled slightly and said gently, "Old Master, there's no need to worry too much."

"To be honest, when I saw her that day, I was quite interested in Miss Yanran."

"Since the old Grand Tutor is here today, I will speak frankly. If the old Grand Tutor is willing, I am willing to treat you as my concubine and will not let my family down in the future."

After hearing the words "I will never let the Yu family down", Old Master Yu's eyes changed a little when he looked at Zhao Han.

He no longer had any hope for his eldest son, and his grandson Yu Erlang spent all his time fighting cocks and running errands, so he wasn't a promising talent.

I just hope my granddaughter can find a good home.

"Your Highness, are you serious about what you said?"

Zhao Han nodded slightly and said solemnly, "A gentleman's word is as good as gold."

"It's just that marriage is a serious matter, and ultimately it requires mutual love. I hope the old master will first ask Miss Yanran's opinion."

"If Miss Yanran agrees, I will find an opportunity to tell the emperor about this."

Old Master Yu nodded secretly, feeling even more confident that he had not made a mistake.

He had already decided in his heart that he and his wife would continue to stay in Bian Jing, and after the crown prince ascended the throne, he would return to his hometown to spend his remaining years.

After seeing off Old Tutor Yu, Zhao Han went straight to the Military Equipment Bureau and personally selected several craftsmen with clean backgrounds and tight-lipped minds.

They were housed in a secluded courtyard in the western suburbs, guarded by trusted confidants, with strict orders to prevent any leaks. Once the thunderclap cannon and tiger-shaped cannon were successfully tested, the emperor would be notified, and a gunpowder bureau and a divine machine battalion would be established.

-

At night, the moonlight is warm and the stars are bright.

Yu's house, backyard, flower hall.

Old Madam Yu, Yanran, and Fang and others are all here.

When Old Master Yu said that Zhao Han intended to marry Yanran as his concubine, everyone's face changed immediately.

Yanran suddenly looked up at her grandfather, her cherry lips slightly parted, her almond-shaped eyes full of surprise.

Fang's brows furrowed slightly. When she had heard from Yu Yanhong that the Crown Prince and the sixth daughter of the Sheng family had helped her win the prize at the polo club, she had felt something was amiss.

as predicted!

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince wants to marry Yanran, this is a great thing!"

"Father, what are you waiting for? You should accept this marriage right away! Everyone in our Yu family is willing to do so."

A gleam of light flashed in Lord Yu's eyes, and he rubbed his hands excitedly.

The prince's ascension to the throne is a foregone conclusion. If Yanran becomes the empress, the Yu family will also gain honor.

Yu Yanhong pursed her lips, glanced at Yanran sideways, and a hint of jealousy and dissatisfaction surged in her heart.

The old lady seemed to be oblivious to what Master Yu said. She turned around and held Yanran's hand, her eyes full of love as she softly asked, "Child, this concerns your lifelong event. What do you think?"

Yanran lowered her eyes, and the scene on the polo field emerged in her mind.

In addition, Minglan praised the prince for his kindness and humility in front of her several times...

After hesitating for a moment, she clutched her handkerchief, her fair cheeks flushed, and her voice was as soft as a mosquito's.

"Grandfather's arrangements must be excellent. My granddaughter will leave everything to him."

The old master's eyes were calm and deep, and he said slowly, "Don't worry."

"Grandfather has thought about this marriage for many days, and he will definitely not let you suffer any injustice in the future."

Yanran nodded gently, "Granddaughter understands. The Crown Princess is the eldest daughter of the Sheng family. Minglan once told me that this elder sister is very gentle and virtuous, and is extremely generous to others."

Upon hearing this, the old master's eyes flashed with relief, "Grandfather is relieved that you think so."

Fang twitched the corners of her mouth, leaned forward slightly, and said, "Father-in-law, Yanran's marriage is now settled."

"Yanhong is about to reach marriage age, so it's time to look for her marriage. We can't be partial to one and ignore the other."

Lord Yu followed behind and nodded repeatedly.

The old master snorted coldly, "Yanhong has been raised by you since she was a child. You can decide her marriage yourselves."

"Mrs. Fan's dowry has been almost completely squandered by you."

"Yanran is getting married, you don't need to worry about her dowry, and you are not allowed to touch the betrothal gifts sent by the East Palace!"

In order to demonstrate the royal family's grace and power, the crown prince took a concubine, and the betrothal gifts were arranged according to the rules for a prince marrying a wife.

In order to gain a foothold in the palace, she would make arrangements with everyone, and her family would also prepare a dowry for her.

"Father-in-law, what are you talking about, daughter-in-law..."

Fang stood up, unwilling to admit the fact that she had moved Yanran's biological mother's dowry.

Lord Yu's face turned red and blue, and he knew that he would not make any achievements in his official career.

Whether one can be rich and glorious in the future and live a peaceful life depends mostly on Yanran.

He said, "Father, Yanran is my daughter after all. When she gets married, I must prepare some dowry."

"Well, first, you guys complete Madam Fan's dowry and return it to Yanran!"

The old master slammed the table, saying that even though his eldest son had many faults, he had never done anything wrong.

In her early years, when Mrs. Fan was still alive, the family was harmonious and happy.

Ever since Fang came into the mansion, there has been no peace in the rear quarters.

She instigated him to use Fan's dowry to secretly support her family and treat Yanran harshly. There was nothing she couldn't do.

If this gets out, the Yu family will lose all face!

"Father, you are making things difficult for me..." Lord Yu frowned as he spoke, with sweat oozing from his forehead.

"Yes, father-in-law, don't you know that we have spent a lot on Yanran over the years. We have the best food, clothing and other necessities. Now you want us to..."

Fang followed suit.

Old Madam Yu sat aside. She never had any ideas and couldn't even quarrel or scold the servants.

Faced with this situation, I felt like there was a fire burning in my chest, but I couldn't say anything.

Seeing how shameless they were, the old master couldn't help but shout, "Get out of here!"

Fang and Lord Yu looked at each other, and left the flower hall angrily with Yu Yanhong.

On the corridor leading to the east courtyard, only Yu Yanhong and Fang's mother and daughter were there.

"Mother, grandparents are becoming more partial now. They even let my eldest sister marry the crown prince as a concubine."

Fang gritted her teeth and said, "It's all your fault. You were determined to win some prize that day, and made the prince pity the eldest girl for nothing."

Yu Yanhong snorted coldly, "It was obviously me who fell in love with her first, but she, as the elder sister, didn't know how to give in to her younger sister at all!"

"Just wait and see, mother. I don't know how she'll bully us in the future!"

(End of this chapter)