Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 126 The Third Daughter of the Yuan Family, Old Madam Wang's Intricate Schemes

In the East Palace, in a side hall study, the aroma of tea wafts through the air.

Only Zhao Han, Gu Tingye, and Sheng Changbai are present here.

Since taking over the Shenji Battalion, Gu Tingye has been busy for days and now he is familiar with all the affairs.

When Granny Chang learned that he had secured an imperial title for Lady Bai, she was overjoyed and immediately sent a letter of divorce to Yangzhou to share the good news.

With Gu Tingye in the capital, he had no time to attend to the Bai family's business.

She had always entrusted the management to Granny Chang's husband and a few trusted confidants.

Moreover, Granny Chang's husband was once a follower of the old master of the Bai family, and these people are extremely reliable in their work.

Every month, detailed account books were sent to the capital by express courier for his review.

Zhao Han picked up his teacup and took a sip. "The affairs of the Divine Machine Camp are complicated. It is truly remarkable that Zhong Huai was able to sort them out in such a short time."

"Your Highness is too kind. It is Zhonghuai's honor to be able to share Your Highness's burdens!" Gu Tingye looked at them with a smile.

What is lost in one place is gained in another; now he feels that his future is bright.

Zhao Han put down her teacup, picked up an exquisitely bound scroll, and slowly unfolded it in front of them.

"What is this?" Gu Tingye looked down unconsciously and saw the four words "Training Records" written on the paper.

Section 1: True or False Identification Exercise

The army was trained by troop formation, and the troops were arrayed on the field; this was called drill. You all know this...

Section Two: Following the Scholar's Feelings

The commander-in-chief constantly observes the soldiers' hunger, satiety, fatigue, strength, weakness, courage, cowardice, skills, and mood, making them feel as if they were his parents...

Section 3: Public Rewards and Punishments

All rewards and punishments are matters of great importance in the army. If someone deserves a reward, even if they have an irreconcilable hatred for their general, the reward must still be recorded... If someone violates military orders, even if they are their own son or nephew, they must be punished according to the law. Revenge and vengeance are absolutely forbidden...

Section 4: Settling Personal scores

If soldiers have personal grudges and take revenge on each other in battle, they will be dealt with according to military law.

Section 5: First Offense

……

As Gu Tingye scanned the dozens of articles, his expression grew increasingly solemn.

Seeing this, Sheng Changbai calmly straightened his sleeves, leaned forward slightly, and looked at it with him.

It took Gu Tingye nearly an incense stick's time to come back to his senses.

He took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Highness, this is truly a treasure for governing the army. Every word is precious, and every sentence hits the nail on the head!"

"To have the good fortune to see this today will surely save me from many detours in the future."

Zhao Han wore a calm smile.

Although he could not completely replicate the training records, he revised them for many days and even wrote a separate method for firearms training, taking into account the characteristics of the Shenji Battalion.

Given time, they can be trained into a disciplined and formidable army.

Sheng Changbai's gaze towards Zhao Han also changed slightly.

This brother-in-law of the Crown Prince was only five or six years older than him, yet he was so knowledgeable about military affairs.

With such a wise ruler in the future, not only will the Western Xia be able to rise to power, but the Liao Dynasty will also be within reach.

"Someone is coming."

As soon as Zhao Han finished speaking, a palace attendant bowed and entered.

"Make several copies of the training records and have the commanders of the Three Military Commands and the Valiant Cavalry Camp study them carefully."

After the eunuch responded, he was about to leave with the training manual in both hands when he heard Gu Tingye's clear voice.

"Wait a minute!"

"Make the first copy and send it to me. I'll study it until I understand it thoroughly!"

Upon hearing this, Sheng Changbai's gentle and refined face showed a helpless smile, and he couldn't help but point at him.

Then, Zhao Han changed the subject and said softly, "I remember that Brother Liu's birthday is coming soon."

"Hua Lan once said that her seventh brother loved to practice swordsmanship and could never sit still for a moment."

"I happen to have a short sword here, which is perfect for children to learn martial arts and defend themselves."

After saying that, he got up and opened the sandalwood box on the table, revealing an exquisite short sword.

The scabbard is inlaid with various gemstones, and two small silver bells hang from the end.

Sheng Changbai frowned, cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, this sword looks very valuable."

“Brother Liu is still young, it would be a waste to make toys for him.”

Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Han slammed the wooden box shut and tossed it into his arms.

“I don’t think it’s a waste; I’ll hand it to him for me later.”

Sheng Changbai instinctively caught the wooden box, and could only straighten his expression and say, "In that case, I thank Your Highness for your kindness on behalf of Brother Liu, and I will certainly tell him to cherish it well."

Zhao Han nodded with satisfaction.

As the three were drinking tea and chatting, Sheng Changbai turned his gaze to Gu Tingye, looking as if he were trying to persuade him with earnest words.

"I heard that your Madam Qin just presented her betrothal gifts to the Marquis of Chengping yesterday."

“Speaking of which, Zhonghuai, you’re not getting any younger. It’s time to think about marriage.”

"Now that you have achieved official rank, it is the perfect time to discuss marriage. You should have a good talk with Lord Gu later."

"He's already in his twenties. If we keep delaying, it would be too much to ask."

Most men get married at the age of seventeen or eighteen.

If one were to enter officialdom through the imperial examinations, it would be a few years later, but in any case, no later than twenty-five years old.

Gu Tingye waved his hand dismissively, "This matter can't be rushed."

"According to custom, I must return to the Marquis's residence after the wedding. I feel disgusted just seeing those people now."

“These past few days, people from the fourth and fifth branches of the family have been looking for me everywhere, all wanting me to arrange jobs for those good-for-nothing cousins.”

"I don't even dare to show my face now."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Changbai sighed softly, feeling that the Gu family was far more complicated than his own.

"Alright, I'll have my daughter Chaoyun keep an eye out for suitable families for you. Don't keep insisting on marrying only women from high-class families."

In the past, under the instigation and flattery of Madam Qin, Gu Tingye had made outrageous remarks in brothels.

He will not marry anyone but the legitimate daughter of a high-ranking and noble family!

Because of this statement, many noble families repeatedly forbade their daughters from marrying him in the future.

"Thank you for your help, Changbai. To be honest, I have some connection with Yuan Wenchun, the eldest son of the Yuan family of the Earl of Zhongqin."

"His younger sister, whose given name is Wenying, is said to be both beautiful and virtuous."

"Have Madam Hai secretly inquire whether this is true."

After saying that, Gu Tingye scratched his head and chuckled.

Zhao Han raised an eyebrow and said gently, "The Yuan family has been neglected for many years. Have you thought this through?"

Gu Tingye picked up his teacup and looked at him with a smile.

"Your Highness, none of that matters. What's important is whether his daughter is beautiful and has a good personality."

"You must never be like my stepmother, who appears gentle and virtuous on the surface but is actually ruthless and cruel."

Zhao Han thought back carefully and realized that it had only been a few months since she married Hua Lan.

With the arrangement of Lord Yuan, Yuan Wenshao married the eldest daughter of the Minister of Works.

Madam Zhang originally planned to strengthen family ties by selecting a suitable girl from her own family to marry Yuan Wenshao.

After all, her eldest son Yuan Wenchun's wife is the daughter of her sister from her maternal family. With both daughters-in-law being from her maternal family, she will be able to better control the Yuan family in the future.

However, Lord Yuan vehemently disagreed with this matter, mainly because he was genuinely afraid of the women from the Zhang family.

Madam Zhang's family was originally the Imperial Academy Chancellor, but it had long since fallen into decline, and its descendants were all good-for-nothings.

It's far inferior to the Earl of Loyalty's Mansion now.

Over the years, Madam Zhang has not only secretly supported her family, but also privately lent money at exorbitant interest rates, repeatedly hindering his plans to take a concubine.

The eldest daughter-in-law was the same; she was arrogant and domineering, and even dared to talk back to her father-in-law.

So he decided to take matters into his own hands and let Yuan Wenshao marry the daughter of his longtime friend.

Although the official position of the Ministry of Works was not high, he was known for his strict family traditions, and his eldest daughter was also a capable woman.

Over the past few years, with the secret support of Master Yuan, they have managed to completely subdue Madam Zhang.

Yuan Wenying, the third daughter of the Yuan family, is also a case of a good shoot emerging from a bad bamboo.

Under Madam Zhang's upbringing, she not only possessed a pure and kind nature but also had a keen sense of right and wrong, making her a rare and excellent girl.

Zhao Han secretly thought that it wouldn't be bad if Gu Tingye could be paired with the Yuan family's daughter.

If Madam Qin dares to make things difficult for her in the future, then Madam Zhang is no pushover either. She is skilled in crying, making a scene, and threatening suicide, and she has always doted on her only daughter.

People like Xiao Qinshi are adept at feigning virtue while resorting to underhanded tricks.

If you're going to confront someone as shameless as Madam Zhang, you probably won't gain any advantage at all.

“Alright, I’ll tell Chaoyun later.” Sheng Changbai looked at him seriously.

In Jiying Lane, inside the east wing of the Sheng Mansion, the charcoal fire was burning brightly.

Minglan leaned against the soft couch, holding a book in her hands, her gaze occasionally glancing at Liu Ge'er.

Zhuang Xuejiu had retired and returned to his hometown, and Sheng Hong rehired a teacher to work in the mansion.

Although he was not as famous as Zhuang Xuejiu, he was still a proper scholar who passed the imperial examination and was most skilled at teaching children to write.

Right now, Brother Liu is hunched over his desk, meticulously copying the calligraphy model stroke by stroke, occasionally revealing an unwilling expression.

Minglan had already found a suitable time to tell the old lady about her scheme against Lin Qinshuang.

The old lady did not blame her; her eyes were full of pity.

When Wei Xiaoniang had a difficult childbirth, although she and Fang Mama went to the mountain to worship Buddha and were not at home, she knew better than anyone who was the mastermind behind it all.

Unfortunately, Sheng Hong is not her biological son. If Lin Xiaoniang is dealt with according to the rules, Sheng Hong will definitely harbor resentment.

A mother and child are connected by blood, so even if there are disagreements, they can be made up for.

However, once a rift develops between the adoptive mother and her stepson, it is difficult to mend the broken relationship.

Therefore, even if one disapproves of Sheng Hong's actions over the years, one must turn a blind eye.

In her view, the fact that Lin Qinshuang was dealt with was indeed a good thing for the Sheng family, as the inner quarters could at least be stabilized.

It's just a pity for Minglan, who has planned so much at such a young age.

At this moment, Danju lifted the heavy curtain and said softly, "Miss, Second Brother is here."

"Oh? What brings Second Brother here?" Minglan snapped out of her daze, put down her book, and got up to greet him.

Liu Ge'er looked down at his crooked handwriting, then looked around and saw that there was nowhere to hide.

He could only follow Minglan slowly and reluctantly.

Sheng Changbai was always strict, and Liu Ge'er's fear of him far exceeded that of Sheng Hong. The way he was now was just like the old Ru Lan and Chang Feng.

Before long, Sheng Changbai stepped into the house.

He looked at Liu Ge'er with a serious expression, his voice gentle yet carrying an inexplicable air of authority.

"How has Changliu been doing with his studies these past few days?"

Brother Liu lowered his head, not daring to answer.

Minglan smiled brightly and came to his rescue, saying, "The teacher said that although my brother is of average talent, he is diligent."

Sheng Changbai nodded. He could also see that Liu Ge'er didn't have much talent for studying.

If the Sheng family can produce a military general in the future, that would be a good thing.

"Diligence is all that matters. As long as you do your best, there will always be a brighter future."

"If you have any questions, just come to Songmoju and ask me."

Then, he handed the sandalwood box to Liu Ge'er and said, "His Highness heard that you like to practice swordsmanship and has specially bestowed this short sword upon you as a birthday gift."

"You are capable of governing the country with your literary skills and defending it with your military prowess. You must not let His Highness down in the future."

Upon hearing this, Brother Liu looked up abruptly, his eyes sparkling with surprise.

He carefully took the wooden box, opened it, and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. He reached out and touched the scabbard, then turned to look at Minglan.

Minglan was also quite surprised, not expecting that Zhao Han would care so much about his own younger brother.

"You must keep this safe. If there is an opportunity in a while, I will take you to the palace to express my gratitude."

Liu Ge'er nodded vigorously, then straightened his back and said, "My lady said that His Highness the Crown Prince is my savior."

"Changliu will protect the reward he gives him more than his own life!"

Sheng Changbai patted his head with a sense of satisfaction.

Just as he was about to leave, Minglan seemed to remember something, got up and took a package from the cabinet.

"These are new shoes I made for my second brother and sister-in-law. I'm taking them back now, which will save me the trouble of making a trip later."

Sheng Changbai took the package and revealed a very rare smile.

"The shoes made by my sixth sister are the most comfortable to wear."

"If there's anything you want, just tell me, or I can tell your second sister-in-law."

"Okay!" Minglan smiled faintly.

In the past, when she made shoes for Sheng Hong and Chang Bai, she would first ask for their old shoes that they had worn.

By identifying the areas of force applied to the soles of the feet through wear and tear, different types of fabric with varying degrees of softness and hardness are then sewn inside.

Sheng Changbai noticed all these subtle details.

Even Hai Chaoyun now enjoys coming to Minglan to talk and relieve her boredom whenever she has free time.

After Sheng Changbai left, Liu Ge'er held the short sword with great affection, a bright smile on his face, and said in a clear voice, "Sixth Sister, in the future I will definitely become a great general who stands tall and upright, to protect my mother and my sister!"

Minglan was naturally pleased to see her younger brother had such ambitions.

However, a sly glint flashed in her eyes. She bent down and said softly, "If you want to be a great general, you have to finish copying today's calligraphy first. Otherwise, when the teacher asks about it tomorrow, no one will protect you."

Upon hearing this, Liu Ge'er's face immediately fell.

Reluctantly, he put the short sword into the wooden box, moved to the desk, and continued writing.

Minglan returned to the soft couch, lowered her eyelashes, and felt a mix of emotions.

Wei Ruixuan.

Wang Ruofu could no longer bear Hai Chaoyun's meticulous care.

As soon as Mo Lan got married, she was sent to Shou'an Hall to take care of the old lady, and she no longer deliberately acted like a mother-in-law.

Hai Chaoyun's original intention was just this. The old lady was kind and gentle. Not to mention making things difficult for her, as soon as they arrived at Shou'an Hall, she was told to go and rest.

At this moment, Wang Ruofu frowned when he learned that Zhao Han had given Liu Ge'er a birthday gift.

"Why does Your Highness treat Liu Ge'er so well? You even remember his birthday."

Rulan fiddled with the forbidden belt at her waist, looking completely unconcerned.

"Who could know? But Your Highness has always treated Seventh Brother quite well."

"He's just a son born out of wedlock anyway. No matter how successful he becomes in the future, he'll never surpass my second brother. Why should Mother worry so much?"

Wang Ruofu took a deep breath, couldn't help but roll her eyes at her, and said in a deep voice, "Don't talk about legitimate and illegitimate children. Your father goes to Tingxue Residence as soon as he gets off court, which shows that he values ​​Liu Ge'er very much."

“If he hears this, I'm telling you, you're in for a good scolding.”

Rulan snorted softly. Now that Molan was gone, there was no one left to argue or bicker with her.

It's easy to feel a little uncomfortable at first, and even find it somewhat uninteresting.

A moment later, Wang Ruofu waved her round fan and said softly, "Your maternal grandmother sent me a letter about your marriage. What do you think of Youge'er?"

Wang You is the only grandson of the Wang family. He is honest and kind, and now he holds an official position.

Although it was technically a marriage downgrade, Wang Ruofu knew what kind of person Rulan was. With her mother and younger brother back in the Wang family, she would definitely not suffer any grievances in the future.

Of course, the fact that Old Mrs. Wang intended for her grandson to marry Rulan was a decision she made after careful planning.

The Sheng family is now thriving, and Hua Lan, as the Crown Princess, has a stable position and will surely become the Empress in the future.

Changbai has a bright future in the Hanlin Academy. If he can really marry Rulan, the apple of his eye.

This is equivalent to binding the Sheng family and the Wang family together firmly, and they will inevitably have to help the Wang family in the future.

Rulan blinked and said reluctantly, "My aunt is a formidable person; only my maternal grandmother can keep her in check."

"If my maternal grandmother were gone, would my mother think I would have a good life?"

Wang Ruofu retorted, "But your uncle is still here, isn't he?"

“My uncle loves me, but can he manage the affairs of the inner quarters? My cousin has been controlled by my aunt since he was a child, and he doesn’t even dare to breathe loudly. I look down on him.”

"So, Mother, just let Grandmother give up on that idea. I'd rather be a nun than marry into their family!"

After leaving those words, Rulan waved her hand and swaggered away with the magpie.

Wang Ruofu watched Rulan's retreating figure, his brows furrowed. "Why do I feel like there's some truth to what Ru'er said?"

Liu Mama stepped forward and said softly, "Madam, please allow me to say something that may not be pleasant to hear. In the letter, the old lady described in great detail the benefits of the Fifth Miss marrying into the Wang family, but she didn't mention at all what benefits they could get from the Fifth Miss."

“Madam should not think too much about helping her family. If the lord knew, he would certainly not agree to it.”

"Furthermore, what you just said makes some sense."

Wang Ruofu turned to look at her, and after thinking about it carefully, he realized that this marriage did not seem to be going well. The main problem was that Rulan would not agree to it.

"Fine, but how come this brat's brain suddenly became so sharp?"

Mother Liu smiled slightly, "It concerns the young lady's own life-long happiness, why is Fifth Miss so confused?"

"But the eldest daughter-in-law was completely bewildered by the old lady."

Wang Ruofu sighed softly, "I was just thinking about Ru'er's impulsive nature..."

Liu's mother interrupted her directly, "This is the old lady trying to come up with a reason to persuade you, madam."

With the eldest sister around, how could the fifth daughter suffer any mistreatment no matter which family she marries into?

hiss--

Wang Ruofu gasped, raised his hand and rubbed his temples; it seemed that it really was true!
(End of this chapter)