Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 137 Sheng Changbai Requests Appointment to a Post Outside the Capital, Rewarded by the Zichen Palace

Wang Ruofu frowned, her expression somewhat complicated.

Sheng Hong stroked his beard and said, "It's normal that they don't know. Communication in the military is not easy, and it's common for messages to be blocked."

"If I hadn't made inquiries from various sources and verified the information several times, I wouldn't have believed that the person in the military report was Wei Sanlang."

Wei Shuyi smiled gently, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes.

“My third brother has always been a man of his own mind. Back then, he joined the army without saying a word, and no amount of persuasion from the family could persuade him to stay.”

"I only wish for his safe return soon."

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Sheng smiled and beckoned Liu Ge'er to come over.

"No wonder our Brother Liu always loves to practice with swords and spears. It turns out he has such a valiant uncle."

"It really is a bloodline connection."

Liu Ge'er raised his little face and looked at the old lady with a slightly blank expression. He felt that this uncle was a bit of a stranger to him.

"Once Wei Sanlang and Yuan Ge'er return to the capital, we must close the door and have a proper celebration in the courtyard."

Sheng Hong nodded and said, "Mother is right, that's exactly what I was thinking."

A month ago, Sheng Changfeng married the daughter of Liu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and the wedding ceremony was kept simple.

Firstly, Sheng Hong was busy day and night with matters concerning the grain transport, and simply didn't have time to attend to much else.

Secondly, the Liu family did not want any further complications in their daughter's marriage, so they swallowed their pride and sent people to urge them to complete the marriage as soon as possible.

The engagement between the Liu and Jiang families was known to many in Bianjing (Kaifeng).

If they were to hold a grand and elaborate wedding ceremony now, the Jiang family would see it as a slap in their face.

Since they both served in the court, Lord Liu did not want to have a falling out with the Jiang family, so the Liu family kept the arrangements quite low-key.

Thirdly, Wang Ruofu has always looked down on Sheng Changfeng. If it weren't for Hai Chaoyun's concern for the Sheng family's reputation and her worries that the marriage would be too shabby and cause gossip, and her repeated interventions, the wedding would probably have been even simpler.

Since Liu Yufu entered the household, she has dismissed Sheng Changfeng's concubines one by one.

To protect his reputation, he only kept Ke'er, who was slightly less attractive, by his side to serve him.

This action was exactly what Sheng Hong wanted.

Sheng Changfeng initially disagreed with dismissing the concubines, and in a fit of anger, he went to Sheng Hong's place and was beaten with a stick, after which he had no choice but to obediently comply.

Under Liu Yufu's daily urging and persuasion, Sheng Changfeng finally realized the current situation.

He gradually calmed down and began to bury himself in his studies, preparing for the next imperial examination.

Sheng Changbai, who had been sitting silently in a rosewood armchair, picked up his cup and said softly, "Father, I plan to request to be transferred to the Northwest after my term as a Hanlin scholar expires, to go to the newly established territory of our dynasty, to govern the people and bring peace to the country."

"What did you say?!" Wang Ruofu and Sheng Hong exclaimed in unison, their eyes fixed on him.

Sheng Changbai was so frightened by them that his wrist trembled, and the tea in his cup almost spilled all over himself.

“Changbai, you are a junior scholar appointed by the Emperor. Even if you are to be sent to a post outside the capital, it should be your father who goes.”

In Sheng Hong's plan, he should have continued to hone his skills in the Hanlin Academy for three to five years until he entered the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Following the path of Hanlin Academy member, Grand Tutor, and Vice Minister of the Six Ministries, one can rise step by step and eventually be appointed Grand Secretary by the Emperor, smoothly entering the cabinet to assist in governance.

This is the safest and most respectable path.

If he were to be transferred to a local post, given his current rank and background, he would most likely start as a prefect of a prefecture.

Historically, the officialdom has always valued internal posts over external ones, unless one has made extraordinary contributions in local areas, such as suppressing rebellions or dredging rivers.

For someone who doesn't reach the rank of a high-ranking official like a transport commissioner or pacification commissioner to enter the cabinet is practically a pipe dream.

Although Hanlin officials would be sent out to gain experience after reaching a certain rank, this was not the same thing at all.

The former could return to the capital once his term was over and even get a promotion, but the latter had to take many detours.

"Yes, Bai'er, the northwest is windy and dusty. I heard that in winter the cold wind feels like a knife on your face."

"You'll face countless hardships on your journey."

"I will never forget the hardships your father endured when he served in Lingzhou."

Wang Ruofu clutched her handkerchief tightly, looking at Sheng Changbai with deep reluctance.

The old lady remained calm. She knew Sheng Changbai's personality well; he would never have brought up this matter unless he had thought it through carefully.

"Although the mission to the Northwest is arduous, it is indeed a good opportunity to make achievements and establish a career."

"Your son is willing to use all his knowledge to manage the border regions, pacify the displaced people, and restore the fields, so as not to fail Your Highness's kindness to our Sheng family."

"Your son has made up his mind, and I hope that Father and Mother will agree." After saying this, Sheng Changbai solemnly stood up and cupped his hands in greeting.

Sheng Hong frowned, and after weighing the options in his mind, he could only nod and say, "In that case, I will stay in the capital to manage things well for you. If you need any help outside, the family will take care of you."

"Thank you, Father, for your kindness."

Then, Sheng Changbai turned his attention to Hai Chaoyun.

"With Chaoyun by my side on this trip, sharing both joys and sorrows, I have no worries whatsoever."

Upon hearing this, Hai Chaoyun's eyes held a hint of a smile.

Wang Ruofu's expression was not very good. In most families, the sons were sent to work in other places, and the wives stayed at home to raise the children, serve their parents-in-law, and fulfill their filial duties to their husbands.

How could anyone do this, taking his wife on a new post without even waiting for his mother to speak!

Just as Wang Ruofu was about to speak, Sheng Changbai cupped his hands and said, "Grandmother, I have something to ask of you."

“Quan Ge’er is too young, and the journey to the Northwest is too long; it is really not appropriate for him to accompany us.”

"My grandson wants to send him to Shou'an Hall, and I would appreciate it if Grandmother would take good care of him."

Hai Chaoyun also stood up and bowed respectfully to the old lady.

Although she was reluctant to part with him, the entire Sheng family could only feel at ease after entrusting Quan Ge'er to the old lady.

As for Wang Ruofu, one only needs to look at the temperament that Rulan was raised by her to know that she is very unreliable.

“You…!” Wang Ruofu glared at Sheng Changbai, baring his teeth.

It would be fine if they took Hai Shi with them, but they didn't even entrust Quan Ge'er to his own grandmother's care!

Upon seeing this, Sheng Hong narrowed his eyes and couldn't help but twitch the corners of his mouth.

"This arrangement is quite good. The two of you work together effectively, each fulfilling your respective duties. It's excellent!"

"It just means my mother has to work harder."

The old lady put down her teacup and said slowly, "Quan-ge'er is well-behaved and obedient, and with Madam's help, I only need to look after him a little. It's not hard work at all."

Seeing that they had settled the matter so easily.

Wang Ruofu opened his mouth, his expression complicated, unsure of what to say for a moment.

After leaving Shou'an Hall, Wang Ruofu felt deeply aggrieved in Weirui Pavilion.

"It's true what they say, once you have a wife, you forget your mother. That brat Bai'er doesn't respect me at all now."

"But now the Wei family has gained a younger brother with military merits, and I'm afraid they'll become more and more difficult to control each day."

Currently, apart from Grand Tutor Wang being honored with a place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the entire Wang family has no other notable honors.

Although there are signs that Wang Shiping will be promoted to a position in the capital, there is still no definite news.

Standing beside her, Liu's mother sighed softly and comforted her, "Madam is overthinking things again."

"With someone as steady and considerate as Madam Hai taking care of my second brother after he takes up his post, wouldn't that be more reassuring than if he went to his post alone?"

“A concubine is still a concubine. Even if the Wei family has made tremendous contributions, they would never dare to surpass you, Madam.”

"Madam, just sit at home and relax."

Wang Ruofu turned to look at her, feeling utterly confused. Meanwhile, in the east wing of Shou'an Hall...

Wei Shuyi held Minglan's hand, his eyes full of hope.

“When your uncle comes back, you and your brother will have even more support for your future.”

Minglan nodded obediently.

Compared to herself, she was happier for Wei Shuyi, knowing that in the future, no one in the Sheng family would dare to look down on her stepmother.

-

In the second month of the eighth year of the Jiayou reign, Emperor Zhao Zhen intended to personally go to the city tower to welcome Zhao Han and the royal army back in triumph.

However, after waking up this morning, he suddenly felt unwell, so Han Zhang, Shen Shiqi and other important officials of the court went to greet him on his behalf.

Inside the Zichen Hall, vermilion and purple robes intertwined, and civil and military officials, holding tablets, stood solemnly on both sides.

As noon approached, Zhao Han, Zhang Fu, Gu Tingye, and others walked with steady steps into the hall under the watchful eyes of the officials.

"Your subject has successfully fulfilled his mission, pacifying Western Xia. Today I return to court to pay my respects to Your Majesty!"

"Your subjects Zhang Fu, Xu Pingyuan, and Wei Ling... pay their respects to Your Majesty!"

Everyone in the group bowed in greeting.

Zhao Zhen, barely holding on, smiled with satisfaction and said, "Gentlemen, please rise. Your achievements in penetrating deep into the Northwest and expanding territory by thousands of miles are worthy of being recorded in history!"

"Even before the army set out on the expedition, I said that all soldiers who make meritorious contributions should be richly rewarded!"

"Today you return in triumph, and the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War had already prepared the list of those to be rewarded several days ago."

Among the civil officials, Sheng Hong slightly narrowed his eyes and looked at Xu Pingyuan and Wei Ling without making a sound.

When Wei Ling noticed his gaze, she immediately straightened her back and gritted her teeth.

Several other ministers whispered among themselves that most of the soldiers who had rendered meritorious service in the palace had been promoted by Zhao Han.

With such a capable and battle-hardened team by our side, could it be that our dynasty will produce a powerful emperor who will dominate the world and expand our territory by thousands of miles?
About an hour later, a eunuch in a scarlet robe stood before the crowd, holding an imperial edict, and announced in a loud voice:

"The Emperor decreed to the Minister of State:"

Duke Zhang Fushi of England is loyal and upright, possesses great talent and courage, and has repeatedly made outstanding contributions. He is hereby granted the honor of hereditary succession, with his rank and salary to be passed down from generation to generation. In addition, he is granted one hundred bolts of brocade and one thousand acres of fertile land to commemorate his achievements!
I hope you will continue to assist the state and educate our descendants, so as to solidify the foundation of our Great Zhou Dynasty for ten thousand years.

Awesome! "

Zhang Fu stepped forward and bowed deeply.

Hereditary succession is an honor that countless noble families dream of day and night!

"The Emperor decreed to the Minister of State:"

Gu Tingye, the commander of the Swift Cavalry Battalion, killed several generals. He was both loyal and brave, and the Swift Cavalry Battalion under his command was disciplined and obeyed orders without question.

He is now granted the title of General of the Cloud Banner, a third-rank official, while retaining his position as Commander of the Valiant Cavalry Battalion. He is also bestowed with a purple robe and five hundred taels of gold!
His birth mother, Lady Bai, was posthumously granted the title of Lady Shuren.

I hope that after receiving this honor, you will devote yourself wholeheartedly to protecting the territory of our Great Zhou.

Awesome! "

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingye was so excited that his heart was pounding.

"Your Majesty, I, Gu Tingye, thank you for your great kindness! If my mother could know this in the afterlife, she would surely be grateful for your virtuous conduct!"

With a smile on his face, Zhao Zhen said slowly, "From now on, remember not to be arrogant or impatient. Do not let me hear those rumors about you from the past. Your every word and action is related to military discipline and dignity."

"I understand!" Gu Tingye raised his hand and scratched the back of his head.

The eunuch continued to read aloud: "Your Majesty, the decree states:"

Zheng Xiao, the deputy commander of the cavalry battalion, was the bravest in the army, upright in character, and devoted to the country.

He is now granted the title of General of Loyalty and Martial Valor, a fourth-rank official, and is also appointed as the Commander of the Palace Guard, in charge of the palace guards and protecting the stability of the court!
Awesome! "

Upon hearing this, Zheng Xiao couldn't help but show surprise; such a reward was truly beyond his expectations.

Zhao Han stood at the head of the table and smiled slightly at him.

Originally, out of consideration for Consort Rong, the position of Commander of the Palace Guard was assigned to Rong Xian.

Since the Prince of Yan's rebellion, the Rong family has indeed become much more restrained and cautious in their actions, but Rong Xian really doesn't have much talent.

At Zhao Han's strong recommendation, Zhao Zhen decided to promote Rong Xian in name only but demote him in reality, and hand over the command of the Palace Guard to Zheng Xiao.

Although Consort Rong harbored some resentment about this, she dared not show it, for she knew her own limitations perfectly well.

Besides, every new emperor brings a new court; Rong Xian's day was bound to come sooner or later.

After Zheng Xiao received the imperial decree and expressed his gratitude, the eunuch took a deep breath and said, "Your Excellency, the decree reads: Pei Hu, Commander of the Valiant Cavalry Camp."

He always led from the front when facing the enemy, demonstrating commendable loyalty and bravery, and achieving remarkable military exploits.

In recognition of his meritorious service, I hereby bestow upon him the title of Earl of Loyalty and Courage, and grant him an Earl of Loyalty and Courage mansion, one hundred taels of gold, and one thousand acres of fertile land as a reward.

Awesome! "

Pei Hu clenched his fist, his face beaming with joy, and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your generous reward. From now on, I will be loyal and devoted, and even die to repay you!"

From his position as Commander of the Investigation Division under the Imperial City Guard to his current title of Earl, it has only been three or four years.

How could he not be excited!
Over the next half hour, the eunuchs read out the rewards and honors bestowed upon Xu Pingyuan, Wei Ling, and other generals.

Among them, Xu Pingyuan was granted the title of General Mingwei of Siping, and Wei Ling was granted the title of General Xuanwei of the fourth rank. They were awarded 100 taels of gold and 500 mu of fertile land in the suburbs of Beijing. Both of them continued to hold important positions in the Northwest Border Army.

To prevent local powers from becoming too powerful and causing a repeat of the fragmentation of the Western Xia dynasty.

After discussing with his court officials several days ago, Emperor Zhao Zhen decided to place the prefectures of Yin, Xia, and You in Hedong under the jurisdiction of Hedong Circuit.

Xingzhou and Lingzhou in Hexi were placed under the jurisdiction of Shaanxi Circuit, and Ningxia Circuit was newly established, signifying the pacification and peace of Western Xia, and governing the Hetao region.

A separate Xiliang Road was established to govern the Hexi Corridor.

Yu Sixian will serve as the military commissioner of Qinfeng Road and Ningxia Road. After a few more years of experience, he can be transferred back to the capital to serve in the cabinet and assist in government affairs.

"Xu Pingyuan does have some of the heroic spirit of Marquis Yongyi back then."

Zhao Zhen smiled as he looked at Xu Pingyuan. The lineage of Marquis Yongyi had been dormant for many years, and it was truly a good thing that another capable person had emerged.

"Your Majesty flatters me. I am still too inexperienced to compare myself to my great-grandfather."

"I only wish to take our ancestors as our role models, to be loyal to our duties, and to live up to their expectations."

Xu Pingyuan bowed deeply, his expression extremely respectful, after all, this was his first time meeting the emperor.

"Well said!" Zhao Zhen laughed heartily.

A moment later, he slowly stood up and said loudly, "Issue my decree."

“Those who die in battle will be given preferential treatment, with money, grain and cloth provided, and local officials will personally comfort them. Their descendants will be exempt from taxes for three years.”

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Inside the hall, all the officials bowed and sang in unison.

After the awards were read out, Zhao Zhen held a royal banquet to welcome the meritorious officials. The officials took their seats in order of their rank.

For a time, the hall was filled with singing and dancing, and toasts were exchanged.

Because of his poor health, Emperor Zhao Zhen accepted the court officials' congratulations with tea instead of wine, and then, supported by Zhang Maoze, went to the inner palace to rest.

Led by Han Zhang, the civil officials, holding wine cups, took turns toasting Zhao Han.

"Your Highness, these civil officials may appear frail and gentle, but when they drink, they empty their cups completely and with unhurried ease."

"You really can't judge a book by its cover!" Gu Tingye chuckled, his face slightly flushed.

(End of this chapter)