Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 125 Gu Tingye Returns, Seeking an Imperial Decree for the Bai Family
Upon receiving the news, Liu's mother rushed over to Wei Rui Xuan.

"Madam!"

Wang Ruofu, who was resting on the soft couch, immediately sat up and opened her eyes to look at her.

"What? Has my husband softened his heart again this time?"

Mother Liu shook her head repeatedly and whispered, "That one from Linxi Pavilion is gone. He was beaten to death by Dong Rong with a board."

"It has already been wrapped in straw mats and dragged through the back door to the estate to be buried."

"The lord also ordered that no funeral be held, and that it be as if... as if this person had never existed in the family."

Upon hearing this, Wang Ruofu gasped. He had been fighting Lin Qinshuang for so many years, though they had verbally threatened to kill each other.

In reality, the cruelest thing she ever thought of was finding a human trafficker to sell her far away.

Now that she's really dead, she feels somewhat uneasy.

"You've loved her for so many years, yet you could be so cruel," Wang Ruofu said to herself, frowning.

Liu Mama brought over a cup of hot tea and said, "For her daughter's marriage, Lin Shi is willing to gamble the future of her entire family. This time, she has truly touched the Lord's sore spot."

"The servants of Linxi Pavilion who deserve to be killed have been killed. As for the remaining rough old women, maids and servants, the master has already ordered Madam Hai to send them to the estate."

"Third Brother cried until he was almost out of breath, but the Lord didn't even let him see Lin Shi one last time."

Wang Ruofu took the hot tea, took a small sip, and her brows furrowed deeper and deeper.

"Tell me, if one day I do something wrong, will you abandon me in the same way?"

Upon hearing this, Liu's mother shook her head repeatedly, "What are you saying, Madam? What mistake could you possibly have made?"

"Besides, your eldest sister and second brother are your support. No matter what, the lord would never disregard the dignity of his offspring."

"Right now, there's only Wei Xiaoniang in the mansion. Once Second Brother has a child, First Madam can just enjoy the company of her grandchildren and the joys of family life. Those troublesome matters will no longer concern you."

Wang Ruofu looked up at her and realized that when her bedmate got angry, she could be really ruthless!

Lin Qinshuang's body was hastily dragged away.

Sheng Changfeng, with unsteady steps and swollen, red eyes, staggered back into the house.

Seeing this, the maid and concubine Wan'er quickly put down what she was doing and stepped forward to comfort him, saying, "Third Brother, things have come to this, so don't torture yourself anymore."

"You are a descendant of the Sheng family. No matter how big a mistake your mother and daughter make, the lord will not abandon you."

Sheng Changfeng ignored him and went straight to the inner room. Ignoring the mud stains on his clothes, he lay down on the bed and stared at the curtains above.

He watched helplessly as his father beat his mother to death, unable to do anything about it. He couldn't think of anything to defend his mother, and he didn't even dare to kneel in the main hall to plead for her.

He encouraged his daughter to have an affair and even wanted to spread the news, dragging everyone down with her.

This kind of thing is intolerable in any family.

After he failed the exam, Lin Qinshuang and Mo Lan both criticized him for being useless and even mocked him for being a coward, unlike his second brother.

Only the old lady and Minglan comforted themselves, telling themselves to try harder next time they take the imperial examination.

Before leaving, Mo Lan also took away all of Lin Qinshuang's savings accumulated over the years, leaving only a few worthless shops.

At present, he has neither official rank nor marriage. His mother and sister have never considered his well-being at all, only caring about their own wealth and status.

The more Sheng Changfeng thought about it, the more disheartened and powerless he felt...

At the Yongchang Earl's Mansion, Chun Ke's belly was swollen and the pregnancy was stable; she was due to give birth in less than half a month.

Relying on the preciousness of the child in her womb, and instigated by Wei, she became increasingly wicked.

They didn't take this newly arrived fourth daughter of the Sheng family seriously at all.

After dealing with the guests, Liang Liulang was preparing to return to his bridal chamber with Molan.

Halfway there, a maidservant hurriedly came to him and said softly, "Sixth Brother, my mistress is feeling unwell. Please go and take a look at her."

Seeing his hesitation, the maid remembered Chun Ke's words, squeezed out two tears, and spoke softly and gently.

“The young lady was feeling terribly unwell, but she was afraid of disturbing the young master’s happy occasion, so she kept enduring it and refused to call out to anyone.”

"But I feel so sorry for her, that's why I've dared to ask you, young master, please take pity on her and go see her."

"Has the young master now that he has married his first wife, completely forgotten about my concubine?"

When Liang Liulang saw her pleading like this, his heart softened.

He personally reached out and wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, then whispered in her ear, "Don't cry, my little darling, I'll go, okay?"

"However, your mistress missed my wedding night, so you'd better make it up to me."

The maidservant's eyes flickered, and she clenched her fist, gently tapping his chest. "Young master, go over there first..."

"Lead the way." Liang Liulang said with a smile, completely ignoring Mo Lan who was anxiously waiting for him.

In the simply furnished new house, Mo Lan, dressed in a green wedding gown, sat on the edge of the bed, looking somewhat impatient.

It's almost past midnight, and Liang Liulang still hasn't come.

After Qiu Jiang, the maid who accompanied the bride, went out to inquire about the news, she frowned and said in a low voice, "Miss, why don't you rest first?"

"I've found out that the young master was invited by a maid to Chun Ke's room."

"What?!" Mo Lan's eyes widened, and she threw the ball on the ground.

"Young lady? He already has a concubine?!"

Qiu Jiang nodded with difficulty, "Moreover, this young lady is about to give birth, no wonder Madam Wu agreed to the marriage so readily."

Mo Lan stood up in disbelief. Liang Liulang had never revealed a single word about this to her from beginning to end!
In a fit of anger, she picked up a vase and was about to smash it.

But then he remembered that this wasn't Linxi Pavilion, so he reluctantly put it back.

"It's alright. I am the legitimate wife of the Liang family. I have my own wealth and honor to enjoy. Why would I be afraid of a mere concubine!"

Mo Lan spoke through gritted teeth, her heart pounding.

“What you say is true, but…” Qiu Jiang lowered his head, looking somewhat hesitant.

"Just what?!" Mo Lan turned to look at her, her cold expression startling Qiu Jiang into taking a half-step back.

Qiu Jiang swallowed hard. "The young master has far more than just one concubine. Chun Ke is also a distant relative of Madam Wei. What will happen to us in this mansion if she gives birth to the eldest son, Miss?"

"What are you afraid of!"

"My mother has fought Wang Ruofu for so many years and has never lost, so I am certainly no worse than my mother!"

Mo Lan clenched her fists, her eyes burning with anger.

Lin Qinshuang had previously advised her to take a look at the young master of the Duke of Lingguo's mansion, but she rejected him because she disliked his numerous concubines.

She knew she would suffer hardships after marrying into the Liang family, but she never expected that she would have to compete with a group of concubines and maids.

Mo Lan grew angrier the more she thought about it, but now that the die was cast, all she could do was try to win Liang Liulang over.

-

After six or seven consecutive campaigns, and with the year drawing to a close, the army that had quelled the rebellion in Guangnan returned in triumph.

During this time, Mo Lan was forced to drink Chun Ke's concubine tea.

Madam Wu also disliked her, and would always make a few sarcastic remarks during the morning and evening greetings to feel better.

On the day of her return visit, Sheng Hong avoided seeing her, citing busy official duties.

Wang Ruofu only asked a few perfunctory questions about family matters before hastily sending her back to the Liang residence.

After all, when she got married, Sheng Hong had warned her that whether she suffered or enjoyed happiness in the Liang family, it was her own choice, and even if she was wronged in the future, she should not come back to cry.

No one in the Sheng family will want to see her anymore.

As dawn breaks, the Imperial Palace, Chui Gong Hall.

Civil and military officials, dressed in court robes, stood in neat rows on both sides of the hall, their crimson and purple robes complementing each other.

Pei Hu, Zheng Xiao, Gu Tingye, and other generals who led the troops to quell the rebellion were positioned in the center of the main hall, awaiting the emperor's rewards.

After more than half a year, the Guangnan rebellion was finally quelled.

Even those who managed to escape the net and hide deep in the mountains were investigated one by one by the local militia.

Gu Yan held his tablet, glancing at Gu Tingye every now and then, feeling both gratified and heartbroken. This scoundrel must have suffered a lot outside; he'd become thinner and darker, and a resolute look had crept into his brows.

Wearing this armor, he showed no trace of his former spoiled and dissolute nature.

"Gu Tingye, you have truly not disappointed me and the Crown Prince! I have witnessed your performance in suppressing this rebellion."

After Zhao Zhen finished speaking, he stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes full of admiration.

Gu Tingye cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I am deeply humbled."

"It is all thanks to Your Majesty's wisdom, His Highness the Crown Prince's trust, and the soldiers' bravery; I have merely done my duty."

"What a fine example of fulfilling one's duty!"

Zhao Zhen laughed loudly, never expecting that the reckless Gu Erlang could say such a thing.

Sheng Changbai smiled; he was naturally happy that his like-minded friend was doing well.

Zhao Han nodded slightly. After this experience, Gu Tingye had indeed become much more composed.

He cupped his hands and said, "Father, I have said before that Gu Erlang may seem carefree and cynical, but he is actually a man of great talent and strategy."

"His exceptional abilities have become clear after his experience in Guangnan."

"Yes!" Zhao Zhen responded, then turned his gaze to Gu Tingye.

"The Crown Prince discussed with me yesterday and wants to promote you to the position of Commander of the Divine Machine Battalion, a fifth-rank official."

"This position is of great importance; are you capable of handling it?"

Upon hearing this, many ministers turned to look at Gu Tingye, their eyes filled with envy and even a hint of jealousy.

The Shenji Battalion was created by Zhao Han to reclaim the Western Xia, and they had all witnessed firsthand the power of firearms.

It can be said that the recovery of Western Xia is just around the corner.

Gu Tingye has been entrusted with such an important task at such a young age. If he makes great contributions in expanding the territory, his future will be limitless!
Gu Tingye took a deep breath, his voice steady and powerful.

"Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to live up to the high expectations of Your Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince!"

"However, I have another request, and I hope Your Majesty will grant it!"

Gu Yan frowned, though he didn't know what Gu Tingye wanted to do.

But she kept giving him meaningful glances, signaling him to know when to stop and not to be foolish and ungrateful.

However, Zhao Zhen raised an eyebrow and asked with great interest, "Tell me, I am curious about what exactly your unreasonable request is?"

Gu Tingye solemnly straightened his clothes, knelt down on both knees, and performed a grand salute.

"Your Majesty, I dare to request an imperial decree for my deceased mother, Lady Bai."

"My mother endured many hardships during her lifetime, but because of her humble origins, she was never given a proper name."

"Now that I have received Your Majesty's grace, I am willing to exchange my achievements for a posthumous honor for my mother."

Having said that, he clenched his fist. A fifth-rank official, he could now just barely manage to get Bai a title of county lady.

When I achieve military merit and rise through the ranks, I will surely elevate my mother's official rank accordingly.

From county magistrate to prefecture magistrate, and then to the Lady of the State!

He was determined to make all those uncles, brothers, aunts, sisters-in-law, and cousins ​​in the Gu family who had once looked down on his mother open their eyes wide and see clearly just how honorable their mother was.

Upon hearing this, the officials in the hall couldn't help but show surprise, not expecting that Gu Tingye was actually such a filial son.

Gu Yankai's expression changed drastically, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Of his three wives, he had never petitioned for an imperial decree for any of them.

The past he had to marry Bai Shi despite owing the Ministry of Revenue a debt was the last thing he wanted to remember.

Gu Tingye brought this up in front of all the court officials today, probably to embarrass himself.

Gu Yankai felt as if he were being pricked by thorns...

"Your filial piety is commendable, I grant it!" Zhao Zhen stroked his beard and smiled.

"Your Majesty, I thank you!" Gu Tingye kowtowed deeply, eager to tell Granny Chang the news.

"Get up, I love your childlike heart."

"However, since you have received the imperial favor, you must do a good job with the Shenji Battalion for me."

Gu Tingye nodded repeatedly, "Your subject will certainly repay the Emperor's kindness with his life!"

The rewards given to Pei Hu and Zheng Xiao were only gold and silver.

After all, one is the commander of the Divine Machine Battalion and the other is the deputy commander. If they recover Western Xia in the future, they will be rewarded even more handsomely.

After the court session, Gu Tingye, holding the imperial edict from Lady Bai, left the Chuigong Hall with Zhao Han.

"Zhonghuai, now that you are an official appointed by the imperial court, do you still intend to live in Sweetwater Lane?"

Gu Tingye nodded, "Of course, I will leave immediately after offering incense to my mother at the Gu family ancestral hall today."

"In the entire Bianjing, apart from His Highness and Changbai, only Granny Chang truly cares for me."

Although Sweetwater Lane is not as luxurious and comfortable as the Marquis's mansion, it is the only place where he can feel warmth now.

"Alright then." Zhao Han sighed softly and patted his shoulder.

Inside the ancestral hall of the Ningyuan Marquis's residence.

Gu Yankai, Madam Qin, and other members of the Gu family were all present.

Gu Tingye knelt on the prayer mat, holding three incense sticks, and told Bai about his request for an imperial title that day.

Madam Qin twisted her handkerchief tightly, her lips curled into a smile, but her eyes held endless hatred and malice.

Bai, a lowly merchant's daughter, was actually granted an imperial title!
Why!
A moment later, Gu Tingye kowtowed deeply to Bai Shi's memorial tablet, his forehead hitting the ground heavily with a dull thud.

After he stood up, Gu Yankai said in a deep voice, "Zhonghuai, why didn't you tell me beforehand that you wanted to seek an imperial title for your mother?"

"Should I tell my father that he would do this for my mother?"

“You…” Gu Yankai was speechless.

Madam Qin smiled gently, stepped forward, stroked Gu Tingye's arm, and said softly, "Second Brother, now that you're back, please stay at home. Tingwei talks about you all the time."

"Yes, second brother, I can't muster the energy to do anything when you're not here."

"It's so nice that our family is all together," Gu Tingwei said, his eyes filled with anticipation.

He longed to return to his childhood, when he could carefree follow his second brother around and play all day long.

"Third brother, you are very kind, but the Shenji Battalion is busy with military affairs, and I really don't have time to stay for long."

"If you need anything, just come and find me."

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingwei lowered his head and stood timidly to one side.

Gu Tingye left without hesitation, carrying the stone with him.

Inside the main hall, Madam Qin frowned slightly and said softly, "My lord, Erlang is all grown up now and has long reached the age to get married. Shouldn't we start looking for someone for him?"

"If I could find a well-educated and virtuous lady from a respectable family, perhaps I could win him over."

Gu Yankai put down his teacup with a displeased expression. "Let him be. Look at him, does he look like he's ever been interested in settling down?"

"What well-bred young lady would want to live in such a place with him!"

A hint of smugness flashed in Madam Qin's eyes, but she feigned concern and said, "But if the marriage is delayed, outsiders will probably say that we, as parents..."

"He can even get an imperial title on his own now, so why would he listen to you and me about marriage?"

"As for Tingwei, you can start looking for someone for him."

Madam Qin waved her round fan and sighed softly, "Since Your Excellency has mentioned Tingwei, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Chengping, I think she is quite good. I have seen her a few times from afar before."

"You can decide what to do. Although the Zhu family is not as powerful as before, it's not a bad match for Tingwei to have their eldest daughter as a partner."

After saying that, Gu Yan frowned. He was so preoccupied with Gu Tingye that he couldn't possibly attend to Gu Tingwei's marriage.

I just hope my third son will get a government post in the future and not go out and do anything wrong.

(End of this chapter)