Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 133 A Few Things About the Xu Family, Sheng Hong Promoted to Fourth Rank

"Good child, I'm relieved to hear you say that. From now on, the three of us must visit each other often and never become estranged."

Grandma Wang held Wang Ruofu's hand tightly, then turned her gaze to Wang Ruoyu.

"Have you remembered this? You must be careful in the future and never drag your sister into your foolishness again."

Wang Ruoyu forced a smile, suppressing the hatred in her heart, and said softly, "Yes, Mother is right, I will keep it in mind."

After having lunch together at the Sheng family's house, Old Madam Wang took her leave with Wang Ruoyu and Wang You.

After watching them walk away, Sheng Hong hurriedly went to Shou'an Hall to see the old lady. Minglan and Rulan exchanged a glance and then wisely withdrew.

"Mother, I really don't want to get involved in the Wang family's affairs."

"If my father-in-law were still alive, and remembered the kindness he showed me back then, I would do my utmost to repay him."

"But my mother-in-law, though seemingly shrewd and capable, is actually short-sighted."

“Although Brother Shiping is not very talented, the Wang family could not have become what it is now in just over ten years.”

Grandma Sheng's gaze darkened slightly, and she slowly turned the prayer beads in her hand. "It's good that you think this way."

"Remember to give the eldest daughter-in-law a few words of advice later. She is soft-hearted and easily swayed by other people's words."

Sheng Hong nodded repeatedly. He picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and then...

Suddenly remembering something, he said softly, "I recently learned from a colleague in the Ministry of War that Xu's son, Yuan, has gone to the Northwest with Lord Yu."

"Pingyuan?" A look of surprise flashed across the old lady's eyes.

"That's right. Yuan-ge'er is not even twenty years old yet, but he's already doing very well in the Northwest Army."

"In my opinion, my son will surely achieve great things in the future."

After the early death of the old master of the Sheng family, the old Marquis and his wife were unwilling to see their daughter widowed at such a young age.

They then planned to send the old lady back to the Xu family and even found her a new marriage that was more suitable for her.

Born into a prominent family in Songjiang, Tang, who was then serving as the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang and a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) in two separate examinations, was a widower.

She has two legitimate daughters and one illegitimate son. Marrying into the Sheng family would be better than staying in the Sheng family.

At worst, they could find a scholar willing to marry into the Xu family; given the Xu family's status at the time, it would be a simple matter.

But the old lady had already given up hope and was determined to support the Sheng family with the young Sheng Hong.

Left with no other choice, the old Marquis adopted a nephew from his clan. After his death, the nephew took over the Xu family and inherited the title.

Since they are not biological siblings born of the same mother, there is naturally a layer of kinship between them.

When Sheng Hong passed the imperial examination and was being asked to marry, the old lady had considered the Xu family, but the Xu family was only willing to offer a concubine's daughter as a perfunctory solution.

The old lady was somewhat disheartened, and the two families gradually reduced their interactions.

In recent years, apart from the usual New Year's greetings, I have only sent a congratulatory gift when Hualan got married and Changbai got married.

The Marquis of Yongyi's mansion is gradually declining, and the current Marquis is old and frail, and it is unknown when he will die.

Moreover, he had only one son, named Xu Ji, who held a sinecure of the sixth rank in Jinling.

This Xu Pingyuan was Xu Ji's illegitimate son, of the same generation as Sheng Changbai. He was not favored by his father because his stepmother was mean-spirited.

He had no choice but to leave the mansion and find his own way out. By a twist of fate, he joined Yu Sixian's tutelage and followed him to the Northwest.

A complex expression appeared on the old lady's face; after all, the Marquis of Yongyi's mansion was her maternal family.

She was naturally pleased that a talented person had emerged from the younger generation, but she also felt a sense of inexplicable melancholy.

"Keep a close eye on his movements, and most importantly, observe his character."

"If he is truly capable of undertaking great responsibilities, he may well be able to offer some assistance in the future."

Sheng Hong said gently, "That's exactly what your son intends to do."

Meanwhile, the entire Eastern Palace was filled with joy as Shulan gave birth to a daughter safely.

Inside the side hall, Shulan was lying on the bed, her face slightly pale, looking at Zhao Han with a smile in her eyes.

Zhao Han carefully cradled the swaddled baby, his movements much more skillful than when Jingge was just born. He said gently, "Shu'er, thank you for your hard work. Now I have both a son and a daughter."

"I am not tired. Being able to continue Your Highness's lineage is my greatest blessing."

Shulan gently shook her head, her face radiating the tenderness of a new mother.

"Look at this child's eyebrows and eyes, she really looks just like her younger sister Shulan. She will definitely grow up to be a beautiful woman with a radiant smile."

As Hua Lan spoke, her gaze remained fixed on the swaddling clothes.

Jingge'er is becoming more and more composed, and is increasingly resembling Changbai in his childhood.

She felt a mix of joy and sorrow, always feeling that her maternal love had nowhere to go, as if she were playing music to a cow.

After Jingge'er begins his formal education in two more years, I'm afraid he'll have less and less time to talk to me.

Yanran turned to the side, her eyes crinkling as she looked at the pink-cheeked baby in the swaddling clothes.

At this moment, a eunuch bowed and came forward respectfully, saying, "Your Highness, the Emperor and Empress are overjoyed upon hearing the good news."

"He is specially granted ten bushels of pearls, a pair of red gold longevity locks, and one hundred bolts of Shu brocade. In addition, three palace maids who are skilled in medicinal cuisine will be assigned to serve him."

"His Majesty also instructed that the Ministry of Rites should perform the ceremony of bestowing the title of Princess after one hundred days."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Han nodded slightly and turned to look at the infant in the swaddling clothes.

"The Emperor has previously stated that the Crown Prince should follow the generation name Yu, and the Princess should follow the generation name Nü."

"What does Shu'er think of the character '姈'?"

Upon hearing this, Shulan's eyes flickered slightly.

“Ling… implies a woman’s intelligence and wit, and the combination of the two characters Yu Ling is elegant and refined. I think it’s excellent.”

“Ling’er…”

Hua Lan couldn't help but reach out and stroke Ling Jie'er's delicate cheek, a gentle smile on her lips.

Shulan gave birth to her eldest daughter, and the Crown Prince's bestowal upon the Sheng family's eldest branch was sent to Youyang by express courier within a few days.

Since the passing of the eldest wife, Sheng Wei and Li Shi planned to move their entire family to Beijing after the mourning period ended.

Over the past few years, Sheng Changsong, the eldest son, has managed his businesses in Youyang and even in the Jiangnan region with great ease.

Not only are the accounts clear and the decisions made decisively, but all the businesses are thriving.

The eldest daughter-in-law, Wen, was also a reasonable, gentle, and virtuous person.

Even if he were to abandon all responsibility now, he would be perfectly at ease.

Although Sheng Changwu was also in mourning in Youyang, he was favored by his superiors, and with the help of Sheng Hong and money, he was able to win their favor.

It has been ensured that he can be reinstated to his original position after the mourning period ends.

-

Before we knew it, the year was over, and in the seventh year of the Jiayou era, good news came from the Northwest once again.

With Yu Longke leading the way, the Northwest Frontier Army was unstoppable.

Within three months, they had recovered five prefectures including He, Tao, and Min, and seized tens of thousands of cattle, sheep, and horses.

Enraged, Gusiluo coughed up a mouthful of blood and fell into a coma, leaving all internal and external affairs to be handled by Dongzhan.

For a time, the Tibetan people were restless, and internal strife intensified.

Inside the Chuigong Hall, Zhao Zhen's face was beaming with joy.

For now, we only need to hold our ground for a few more days until the border provisions and the firearms of the Shenji Battalion are ready, then we can march west and head straight for the Western Xia.

Before leaving the court, Zhao Zhen glanced around the hall and said loudly, "Where is Minister Sheng?" Upon hearing this, Sheng Hong was startled, and stepped forward with his tablet in hand, saying, "Your subject is here."

Zhao Zhen looked at him, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

"Sheng Qing has been a diligent and conscientious official all these years, and he has been particularly dedicated to his duties in the Ministry of Personnel, making great contributions."

"I have always been fair in rewarding and punishing, and someone as capable as you deserves to be given an important position."

"Effective immediately, he is promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, in charge of military affairs and finances in the Northwest Circuit."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent, and many ministers cast envious glances at Sheng Hong.

The Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War was a fourth-rank official, and he was also in charge of the grain supply route—a very lucrative position!
It is truly rare for Sheng Hong to receive such an exceptional promotion, having served in the Ministry of Personnel for less than two years.

Sheng Hong was also quite surprised. He frowned, his hands trembling slightly as he held the tablet, and looked at Zhao Han in disbelief.

Zhao Han had a faint smile on his face. The Emperor had obviously discussed this arrangement with him.

An army marches on its stomach; in this campaign against the Western Xia, the supply lines are of paramount importance.

Furthermore, Zhao Han plans to personally lead the expedition.

Throughout the court, both Emperor Zhao Zhen and Emperor Zhao Han agreed that only Sheng Hong was capable of undertaking this important task.

Not to mention that Sheng Hong is always cautious and meticulous in his actions, Zhao Han felt more at ease having his father-in-law manage the grain supply.

After all, the honor and disgrace of the Sheng family were closely linked to his own, and if the war was lost due to insufficient supplies, he would be in serious trouble.

His good days with the Sheng family are over.

"Lord Sheng, why don't you quickly express your gratitude?" Zhao Han reminded him with a smile.

Sheng Hong regained his senses, suppressed his shock, straightened his robes, and bowed, saying, "Your subject Sheng Hong thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"

"Your Majesty, I will certainly do my utmost and live up to Your Majesty's expectations!"

After the court session, Zhao Han walked slowly toward Sheng Hong and said gently, "Lord Sheng, there is no need to be uneasy. His Majesty's arrangement shows that he values ​​Chong Sheng's talent and loyalty."

Sheng Hong chuckled dryly twice, looking slightly flustered.

"To be honest, Your Highness, in my original plan, I would need at least another three to five years of training before I could hope to reach the fourth rank."

"I am truly flattered by this sudden promotion."

As he spoke, Sheng Hong was filled with emotion.

At my age, I've already reached the fourth rank, so the goal of retiring as a second-rank official doesn't seem too difficult to achieve.

However, once Changbai's term in the Hanlin Academy expires, we will have to start paving the way for his future entry into the cabinet.

After all, there was absolutely no hope for him to become a cabinet minister in this lifetime.

On the other side, a group of eunuchs dressed in crimson palace robes had already arrived at the Ningyuan Marquis's residence.

Inside the main hall, all members of the Gu family were gathered.

After the imperial edict on reinstatement was read aloud, Gu Tingye was overjoyed. He had been bored to death during the more than one year of mourning at home.

It was not uncommon for officials to be reinstated during their mourning period, especially for military officers.

To prevent officials from returning to court too early, the imperial court specifically established a rule: they must observe a mourning period of at least three months before they can be reinstated.

It has been a year since Xiao Qinshi died by self-immolation.

Reinstating him at this moment is both proper and legal.

Gu Yankai had fought on the battlefield for many years and made many meritorious contributions. Emperor Zhao Zhen specially allowed the imperial physician to personally visit and take care of him.

He was originally told he only had six months to live, but he somehow managed to survive for more than a year.

Gu Yankai understood that if he died, Gu Tingye would have to observe three years of mourning. His Gu family could wait, but the Yuan family might not be willing to.

Therefore, no matter what, he had to grit his teeth and hold on until he saw Gu Tingye get married.

After seeing the eunuch off, Gu Yankai, supported by a servant, slowly sat down in a chair and said in a deep voice, "The fact that His Majesty and His Highness reinstated you shows that they have high hopes for you."

Gu Tingye cupped his hands and said, "I understand, Father. You don't need to worry about me. You can just stay home and take care of your health."

Gu Yankai sighed softly and then nodded.

In a small courtyard on the east side of the Marquis's residence, Gu Tingyu stood by the window, his expression inscrutable.

He knew that Gu Yankai had already decided to pass the title to Gu Tingye, and that he was merely clinging to life in the Marquis's mansion.

“My lord…” Madam Shao brought over a bowl of medicine, looking at him with eyes full of heartache.

"It's good if Xiao Er inherits the title in the future. At least he is a loyal and righteous person, and he is highly regarded by the emperor."

"Only under his leadership can the Marquis's mansion bring glory to its family."

"If only he and I were brothers from the same mother, how wonderful that would be." Gu Tingyu gave a wry smile and shook his head.

If we continue to fight with Gu Tingye, my wife and daughters will have nowhere to live in the Marquis's mansion in the future.

"After I leave, you must not listen to the instigation of the fourth and fifth wives, and you must never be enemies with the second husband and his wife."

"As long as you and Xian'er behave yourselves, he will definitely not make things difficult for you."

After saying that, Gu Tingyu took the medicine and drank it all in one gulp.

Mrs. Shao pursed her lips, her heart filled with mixed feelings. How could she not know that the fourth and fifth branches of the family were full of greedy and insatiable people?

-

It was early April, and Gu Tingye was reinstated as the commander of the Shenji Battalion. Everything was proceeding smoothly.

On the Sheng family's side, Hai Chaoyun gave birth to a son, named Sheng Quan, with the nickname Quan Ge'er, meaning he was accomplished in both literature and martial arts.

Hua Lan, as the aunt, was naturally overjoyed and personally sent someone to deliver a generous gift on the day of the baby's third-day celebration.

Today, Wang Ruofu and her daughter-in-law Hai Chaoyun, along with the sisters Minglan and Rulan, entered the palace to express their gratitude.

Inside the Ciqing Hall, Wang Ruofu was beaming, with a smile playing on her lips.

Her joy wasn't just about becoming a grandmother; it stemmed more from Sheng Hong.

Sheng Hong had promised her a few days ago that if she handled the grain transport mission well, he would ask for her and the old lady to be granted official titles.

She had never placed her hopes of being granted an imperial title on Sheng Hong before!

The title of Fourth Rank Lady of the Imperial Household, though far inferior to that of her mother, is still a goal that many officials' wives can only dream of achieving in their lifetime.

Wang Ruofu was so happy he couldn't stop smiling, and he even dreamed about it.

With a smile in her eyes, Hua Lan hugged Quan Ge'er, gently took off the jade ring from her finger, and put it on Quan Ge'er's fair little hand.

Seeing this, Hai Chaoyun frowned slightly and said softly, "Your Majesty, this is too precious."

"Quan Ge'er is still young. It's not too late to reward him with something like this when he's older."

Hua Lan smiled gently, "This is my first little nephew, so naturally I will dote on him."

Then, she changed the subject and asked softly, "How well has Grandmother been these days?"

"Grandmother is doing well. Since Quan Ge'er was born, she has become more and more energetic and wants to see Quan Ge'er every day."

Hai Chaoyun smiled and replied that since she married into the Sheng family, apart from Sheng Changbai, the person who treated her the best was the old lady.

Therefore, whenever she had free time, she would carry Quan Ge'er to Shou'an Hall.

Upon hearing this, Hua Lan nodded in relief.

After exchanging a few brief greetings with Hualan, Minglan set off with light steps to find Yanran.

When Yanran learned that Minglan was going to the palace, she had already instructed people to prepare tea and snacks, and waited expectantly for Minglan in the palace.

(End of this chapter)