Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 132 Appeasing the Tibetan Tribes, Old Lady Wang Makes a Visit

In mid-May of the sixth year of the Jiayou era, Yu Sixian, a cousin of Grand Secretary Yu, was ordered to be transferred back to the capital.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Rites was arranging the marriage between Princess Fukang and Cao Ping.

The Princess's Mansion, constructed by the Ministry of Works, was recently completed. It stands on the east side of the Imperial Street, facing south, and is exceptionally grand.

According to the rites of the Great Zhou Dynasty, after a prince consort marries a princess, his seniority in his family will increase by one generation along with that of the princess.

Princesses address their fathers as elder brothers and their grandfathers as fathers. They address their mothers-in-law as sisters-in-law and do not need to pay their respects to their mothers-in-law morning and evening.

Furthermore, a prince consort cannot take a concubine without the princess's consent.

As for the Li family, since the marriage did not go through, Zhao Zhen naturally gave them some other compensation. In short, he would never mistreat the Li family.

Today, in the Wenhua Hall, Han Zhang, Zhang Fu, and several cabinet ministers are all here to discuss sending troops to recover the Hehuang region.

Yu Sixian straightened his robes and stepped forward, bowed and cupped his hands, and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, the internal affairs of the Gusiluo are in chaos. The power of Muzheng, the son of Xiazhan, is relatively weak, and the various tribes are governing themselves and fighting frequently."

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we wait for a great leader to emerge and unite the various tribes, the future threat from Tibet may be no less than that from the Western Xia."

Before Zhao Zhen could speak, a cabinet minister stepped forward with his hands clasped and said, "Your Majesty, military matters are related to the fate of the nation."

"The Hehuang region is a barren land. After its recovery, the annual military expenditure will consume one-tenth to one-twelfth of the annual revenue. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."

Shen Shiqi frowned, silently calculating in his mind.

Building the city, stationing troops, transporting grain, and governing it in the future all cost a fortune, and it seems that it is indeed not worth the effort.

Zhao Han nodded slightly, then glanced at Zhao Zhen with a deep look. "That statement is somewhat biased."

"The Hehuang region is simply not good at growing rice and millet from the Central Plains. Its water and grass are abundant, making it suitable for grazing and hunting. It is also a crucial place for recovering the Western Xia. How can we regard it as worthless just because it does not grow grains?"

"If this is true, then the vast land of the Great Zhou Dynasty, apart from the granaries of Jiangnan, is all wasteland."

Upon hearing this, the ministers exchanged bewildered glances, while Yu Sixian cast a grateful look at him.

"Your Majesty, in my opinion, governing the Hehuang region does not require much silver."

“A market exchange office can be established in Longxi, funded by the government, to provide low-interest loans to trustworthy and capable merchants.”

"Merchants will be happy to expand border trade after they make a profit, and the court can collect interest to fund the army."

Zhao Zhen raised an eyebrow and put on a kind smile.

"This is a good method; it's a great way to use commerce to support the war effort."

This move was a triple win: it reduced military spending for the court, developed the Hehuang region, and won over Tibet.

After the Tibetan tribes benefited, they naturally turned their hearts towards the Great Zhou Dynasty, and could even undermine those tribes allied with the Western Xia.

"Father, recovering the Hehuang region can sever the right arm of Western Xia. This matter should be done sooner rather than later."

Zhao Han looked solemn. He had already made up his mind that he would definitely launch a military campaign against Western Xia by next year at the latest.

Zhao Zhen nodded, then turned his gaze to Yu Sixian.

"My dear minister, I hereby appoint you as the Chief of Staff of Qin-Feng Road, and you shall take up your post in Longxi immediately. You shall be given full authority over all matters concerning the Hehuang region."

"Do not disappoint the expectations that I, the Crown Prince, and Grand Tutor Yu have for you."

Upon hearing this, Yu Sixian's face immediately lit up with joy. He lifted his official robe and knelt down, saying, "Your subject will certainly devote himself to the cause and do his utmost, even unto death!"

After leaving the Wenhua Hall, Yu Sixian followed Zhao Han, keeping a respectful half-step distance.

"If there is any urgent matter on your way to Longxi, you may send someone to report directly to the Crown Prince."

"If anyone dares to obstruct me, I will report this to the Emperor and will not let them off lightly."

Yu Sixian squatted down and bowed deeply, "Your subject will remember Your Highness's great kindness."

"There's no need for such formality."

“In the Qinghai-Tibet region, there was a Tibetan tribal leader named Yu Longke, who commanded more than 100,000 people and was very powerful.”

"If you can persuade him to submit, the other smaller tribes will naturally follow suit, which will save you a lot of effort."

Yu Sixian's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he solemnly replied, "Your Highness is wise. I have also heard of this person, and I will certainly do my best to try."

"Alright, I await your good news." With that, Zhao Han raised his hand and patted his shoulder.

The two continued walking slowly on the wide, flat bluestone path.

"I heard that Grand Tutor Yu has been unwell recently. Have you managed to find time to visit him?"

Yu Sixian was immediately surprised, as he had just received a letter from Grand Tutor Yu before returning to the capital.

In the letter, the old tutor stated that since his cousin Yanran's marriage was arranged, all his worries had disappeared.

His health has improved significantly, and he is now enjoying his retirement at home.
How did you suddenly fall ill?

He shook his head and said, "Not yet. I have been busy with many affairs since returning to the capital and have not had any free time. I will go to pay my respects tomorrow."

Zhao Han smiled slightly, "Go ahead, and please give my regards to the Grand Tutor and Lord Yu as well."

When Grand Tutor Yu suddenly fell ill, Yanran was initially quite startled, but yesterday Grand Tutor Yu personally sent his trusted confidant to the Eastern Palace to explain.

Fang embezzled public funds, conspired with the steward of the manor to falsify the accounts of the Yu family's estate and shops, embezzled public funds, lined her own pockets, and subsidized her maternal family. Every single one of these acts was supported by conclusive evidence.

In order to force Lord Yu to divorce his wife, he orchestrated this whole serious illness drama himself.

Although Lord Yu was a greedy and incompetent man, he also knew that if these scandals were exposed...

Forget about his official reputation and future prospects; even his current life of luxury and extravagance is probably coming to an end.

Moreover, the Grand Tutor enjoys a high reputation in the capital, and it would be risky if word got out that he had fallen ill from anger caused by his daughter-in-law.

He could be drowned by the spittle of his colleagues.

Therefore, Lord Yu disregarded the pleas of Yu Erlang and Yu Yanhong.

He was preparing to convene the elders of the Yu and Fang families to discuss the matter of divorcing his wife.

It was already early September, and the air in Bianjing was filled with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms. Princess Fukang was getting married, and Yu Sixian had been in Longxi for more than two months.

Today, inside the Funing Palace, Huirou was dressed in a dark green wide-sleeved ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a crown adorned with nine pheasants and four phoenixes. Her eyebrows and eyes were exquisitely drawn, and her fair and radiant face was filled with joy.

Emperor Zhao Zhen and Empress Cao sat at the head of the table, their gazes gentle and warm, yet tinged with a hint of reluctance.

"Mother, Aunt looks so beautiful today."

Jingge held Hualan's hand and stood obediently to one side, his clear eyes fixed on Huirou in her formal attire.

Hua Lan smiled gently and reached out to flick the tip of his nose.

As Zhao Zhen's eldest daughter, whom he had favored for many years, Huirou's wedding expenses were prepared entirely according to the standards for the Crown Prince's marriage.

The dowry alone cost nearly 500,000 taels of silver, and the red procession stretched for miles.

Zhao Hanhua and the ladies of the palace each presented a dowry gift for Huirou.

After bidding farewell to Zhao Zhen and Empress Cao, Huirou's eyes reddened slightly. She turned to the side and looked at Zhao Han with great reluctance.

“Brother Crown Prince, after today’s farewell, Huirou will no longer be able to come to the Eastern Palace to chat and laugh with you and your sister-in-law as she used to.”

Zhao Han chuckled lightly, "What nonsense are you talking about? If you miss home, you can come back anytime."

Hua Lan, with her gentle features, replied at the opportune moment, "That's right."

"When we get new tea in the future, I will definitely send someone to invite my sister to the palace to taste it first."

Upon hearing this, Huirou finally managed to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes.

She composed herself and bowed solemnly, saying, "May my brother enjoy eternal peace and health, may the rivers and mountains remain forever strong, and may my sister-in-law be joyful year after year."

"Although Huirou is now married, she must remember the teachings of her elder brother and sister-in-law, keep to her duty, and not disgrace the imperial family."

After saying that, she turned her gaze to Jingge'er and gently pinched his cheek.

"You must be a good boy and listen to me. When your aunt goes to the palace, she will bring you lots of new and interesting things."

To demonstrate the imperial family's high regard for Huirou, Zhao Han personally escorted her to Xuande Gate. Cao Ping and the wedding procession had been waiting there for a long time. Upon seeing Zhao Han, they immediately bowed respectfully, not daring to overstep their bounds in the slightest.

After Zhao Han's gaze lingered on him for a moment, she said gently, "Rise."

"Today I entrust Huirou to you, hoping that you will cherish her for the rest of your life and not fail the grace of the imperial family."

Upon hearing this, Cao Ping bowed again, his words extremely respectful.

"Your Highness, rest assured, I will do everything in my power to protect the princess. If I break this oath, may heaven and earth not forgive me."

Zhao Han nodded slightly, and only after Huirou entered the sedan chair did he return to Funing Palace with a group of attendants.

-

As the year draws to a close, good news keeps coming from Longxi. Yu Sixian has successfully pacified Yu Longke and the surrounding tribes.

Emperor Zhao Zhen was overjoyed. This man had now become a loyal subject of the Great Zhou Dynasty. He bestowed upon him the title of Military Governor of Qingzhou and granted him the honor of General Guide, as a sign of imperial favor.

Under Yu Longke's guidance, the Northwest Border Army has assembled at Weiyuan Fort and is preparing to seize an opportunity to march westward.

Meanwhile, in Jiying Lane, at the Sheng family's residence.

The Wang family had been stationed in Runzhou for many years. This year, Old Mrs. Wang specially brought her grandson Wang You to Beijing, ostensibly to visit relatives.

In reality, he wanted to do some lobbying to get Wang Shiping transferred back to Beijing.

After all, his son-in-law held real power, and the old Grand Tutor Wang had left behind a vast network of connections. If he was willing to swallow his pride, there were still some he could use.

Today, Old Mrs. Wang made a special trip to visit the Sheng family, accompanied by Aunt Kang.

Because of the usury incident, Wang Ruofu became much more restrained in his actions, especially after seeing Sheng Hong's ruthless and decisive treatment of Lin Qinshuang.

These days, I rarely see Aunt Kang anymore. Even when we do, we only exchange polite words and dare not open our hearts to each other.

Inside Shou'an Hall, everyone was gathered.

As Hai Chaoyun's health deteriorated, after paying her respects, she was escorted back to her room to rest by Old Madam Sheng.

Rulan, dressed in a light blue brocade dress, stood beside Minglan, occasionally winking and muttering under her breath to vent her dissatisfaction.

Although Rulan doesn't seem very bright, she has a clear sense of right and wrong.

She keeps track of who treats her well and who doesn't, and she's not good at hiding her true feelings.

In her eyes, this aunt never came to her unless she had a reason.

Today, my maternal grandmother came to visit unexpectedly. I'm afraid she might be up to no good, and that she might bring trouble to my mother for no reason.

"My dear in-laws, it would be best if you stayed in the capital for a few more days before you left."

The old lady exchanged a few pleasantries with a faint smile on her face.

Old Mrs. Wang, her full head of silver hair neatly combed, nodded and said, "That's exactly what I was thinking. Over the years while serving in other places, I've always missed the scenery and people in the capital."

"Once the New Year is over, it's time to put Youge's wedding on the agenda."

Upon hearing this, Wang Ruofu couldn't help but lower her head, fearing that her mother would blame her for refusing Rulan's marriage into the Wang family.

"It's time to put it on the agenda. At that time, my wife and I will present you with generous gifts." The old lady said with a smile.

Having known each other for so many years, she knew exactly what kind of person this in-law was.

This person is no good; in the past, with Grand Tutor Wang around, he was able to keep her in check.

She is now in charge of the entire Wang family and is determined to strengthen the family's power. Who knows how many more troubles she will cause in the future?

After a moment, Old Mrs. Wang changed the subject, holding her teacup and sighing, "The two most difficult hurdles for civil officials to get promoted are the promotion of local officials to the fifth rank and the promotion of officials in the capital to the third rank."

"Shiping has been working his way up in local areas for years, and now he's stuck at the threshold of the fifth rank."

"If I can be transferred back to Beijing, then I will finally have something to look forward to."

Sheng Hong, who had been keeping a subtle wariness in his eyes, instantly understood the meaning behind her words. He tugged at the corner of his mouth and said, "Yes, back then, I also toiled in the countryside for many years before I had the opportunity to return to the capital."

"But nowadays, the examination system is becoming increasingly strict, and even high-ranking officials in the capital dare not lightly discuss the promotion of officials."

Upon hearing this, Old Mrs. Wang's smile faded slightly, and she placed her teacup lightly on the table.

"Where there's a will, there's a way. My son-in-law now holds an important position; surely there's no room for maneuver?"

Rulan reached out and quietly tugged at Minglan's sleeve, whispering, "Like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken, it's definitely not up to any good."

Minglan lowered her eyes and remained silent, but she had already seen through everything.

Sheng Hong and Old Madam Sheng looked at each other simultaneously. He immediately stood up, looking troubled. "Mother-in-law, you are wise. The officials of the Censorate supervised the Ministry of Personnel's assessment throughout the process. They submitted impeachments as soon as they heard any rumors."

"Although my son-in-law works in the Ministry of Personnel, he has no say in matters of the Performance Evaluation Department. Just last month, an official was dismissed for favoritism."

"Even if I am willing to help, I must wait for the right opportunity."

"However, if Brother Shiping can get a top rating in his performance review this year, I can put in a good word for him."

Among the four virtues and three excellences in the evaluation of officials, those who possess all three excellences and four virtues can be rated as the best.

One best and three good qualities, or no best and four good qualities, can be rated as above average; one best and three good qualities, or no best and three good qualities, can be rated as below average.

One best and one good deed, or two good deeds without a best, can be rated as above average; one best or no best but one good deed can be rated as average.

Those who are neither the best nor the worst, but are law-abiding and without fault, can be rated as below average.

Those who rank in the middle three levels can at least keep their official positions.

The next level is the lowest rank. Those in the lower-middle rank are placed on probation, those in the middle rank are demoted and transferred, and those in the lowest rank are dismissed and investigated, even to the point of being punished.

Grandma Wang frowned, feeling that her son-in-law was becoming increasingly slippery.

Waiting for the right opportunity is clearly just an excuse to avoid the matter.

However, the Sheng family is ultimately one she cannot afford to offend.

So Old Mrs. Wang sighed softly, "I'll have to trouble my son-in-law to put in more effort, after all, for the sake of Fu'er bearing your children."

"Look at them, one by one, how promising they are. Our two families are truly interdependent, sharing both prosperity and adversity."

"Back when your father-in-law was still alive, he saw the potential in you and helped you in every way."

Seeing that she had even brought up Grand Tutor Wang, Sheng Hong could only nod and say perfunctorily, "What my mother-in-law says is true. I will never forget this kindness over the years."

Sitting to one side, Wang Ruoyu secretly twisted her handkerchief, occasionally casting jealous and hateful glances at Wang Ruofu.

Such a glorious life was something only she deserved.

After leaving Shou'an Hall, Old Madam Wang, with an affectionate demeanor, took Wang Ruofu's hand and said gently, "Your sister was just confused for a moment, which led you to make a mistake. Now she... sigh!"

"You two sisters are, after all, blood relatives, bound by blood. What obstacle in this world can't you overcome?"

She gently patted Wang Ruofu's hand, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Now your mother is hoping that you sisters can get back together and that the whole family can live in harmony."

"I can close my eyes in peace tomorrow, even though I'm an old man."

These words, though spoken with sincerity, were actually a calculated maneuver to manipulate Wang Ruofu.

Aunt Kang followed behind, feigning concern as she wiped away her tears.

She knew in her heart that if she could not reconcile with Wang Ruofu, her days in the Kang family would become more and more difficult.

Sooner or later, he will be humiliated to death by Kang Haifeng and his group of arrogant concubines.

Wang Ruofu frowned and said softly, "Mother, what are you saying? As long as my sister doesn't do anything foolish again."

"Let alone his daughter, even his husband wouldn't have any real grudges against the Kang family."

Grandma Wang glanced at her sideways, feeling a little uncomfortable.

Why is it that this daughter, who wasn't raised by my side since childhood, is the most successful now?
Now, for the sake of the Wang and Kang families, we have to humbly visit them.

(End of this chapter)