Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 139 Granny Chang Speaks, the Emperor Passes Away
Wei Ling lowered his head, silently weighed the matter for a moment, and then frowned and said, "Your Highness intends to reopen martial arts schools and recruit talented individuals."

"In a few years, when Brother Liu is a little older, perhaps we can send him to martial arts training."

“With me, his uncle, around, the Sheng family won’t need to worry about Liu’er’s future.”

A warm feeling welled up in Wei Shuyi's heart, and she gently reached out and grasped his wrist.

“I understand your thoughts. Once the Wei family has firmly established itself in the capital, I will no longer refuse you.”

Minglan stepped forward and said, “In the past, although the eldest daughter-in-law would act like the eldest daughter-in-law in front of the young lady, now that my uncle has an official title and Liu Mama is advising him, I think she will probably restrain herself more.”

"Uncle, don't worry, there's still tomorrow."

After saying that, Minglan smiled brightly, her beautiful eyes sparkling.

Wei Ling glanced at her and then nodded solemnly.

After the siblings reminisced for a while, night fell, and Wei Ling got up to say goodbye and went to the second courtyard to settle down.

Meanwhile, in the old lady's room, the candlelight flickered.

Sheng Hong felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, his brows furrowed, unsure whether to drink from his teacup or put it down.

Over the years, I have always been cautious and prudent in officialdom, walking on thin ice, and have never allowed anyone to find any fault with me.

Unexpectedly, Wei Ling found fault with her because of something that happened in the inner quarters.

Wei Ling is only just over twenty years old this year, and his future is limitless. If he intends to make things difficult for me in the court in the future...

Sheng Hong became increasingly anxious the more he thought about it.

He glanced at the old lady and said in a low voice, "Mother asked about Pingyuan's marriage just now. Are you thinking about Ming'er?"

"Yes, he seems like a steady young man, but unfortunately he already has someone he loves, so I won't play matchmaker for him."

The old lady knew perfectly well that she had no blood relation whatsoever with the entire Sheng family.

Fortunately, Sheng Hong valued his reputation, which allowed him to live out his remaining years in peace at Shou'an Hall.

Among the Xu family lineage, only Xu Pingyuan has a promising future, which makes her quite satisfied. Minglan has been raised by her side for many years and is well-behaved and sensible.

It's only natural that she wanted to play matchmaker.

"Fate is something that cannot be forced. When Pingyuan gets married, my son will prepare a generous gift."

Sheng Hong spoke respectfully, carefully observing the old lady's expression. After a moment, he said, "Mother, our family and Wei Sanlang are relatives after all, and they will both serve as officials in the court in the future. Shouldn't we think of a way to ease the tension between us?"

"This matter concerns the reputation of both families. I am foolish and need to consult my mother for guidance."

Sheng Hong knew that he couldn't reach a conclusion by discussing this matter with Wang Ruofu; only the old lady could provide a proper decision.

The old lady raised her eyes, her gaze calm. "In the end, it was the Sheng family that owed the Wei family first."

"Fortunately, no one was killed back then, otherwise, if Wei Sanlang came to our door today, it would not be as simple as just a few questions."

"Yes, yes, I am ashamed. I have been deceived by that Lin family for many years, which has led to many years of unrest in the inner quarters and caused this disaster."

Sheng Hong bowed slightly, his tone becoming increasingly humble.

If he had known this would happen, he would have stayed in the manor no matter what.

"I observe that Wei Sanlang is upright and honest, and is by no means the kind of person who would swallow his anger. From today onwards, Wei Xiaoniang shall be in charge of all affairs in her courtyard."

"Tell the lady to restrain her words and actions and not to interfere."

"You should treat Wei Sanlang with sincerity. Do not let others see that there is a rift between the Sheng and Wei families, so as not to give others a reason to criticize you and cause trouble."

As soon as the old lady finished speaking, Sheng Hong nodded repeatedly, "Mother is right, I will definitely keep it in mind."

"If we can mend our old relationship, it would be a good thing for both of us."

Before long, Madam Fang brought in a calming soup. After the old lady finished drinking it, Sheng Hong bowed and took his leave.

Three days later, Wei Ling and Xu Pingyuan traveled south by boat to return home and share the good news.

Before leaving, Wei Ling took out most of the many rewards he had received and stuffed them into the hands of Wei Shuyi and Minglan without saying a word.

-

In mid-February, the Ningyuan Marquis's residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and carriages and horses came in an endless stream.

Lanterns hung high on both sides of the main gate, and maids and servants with smiling faces moved about in the front hall and back courtyard, creating a festive and lively atmosphere.

Gu Tingye, dressed in a scarlet wedding robe and wearing a golden crown, sat atop a tall steed, with Gu Tingwei following closely behind.

When the auspicious hour arrived, he led the wedding procession, making a lot of noise as they went, to the Earl of Loyalty's mansion.

In the Great Zhou Dynasty, it was customary to give generous dowries. Although Madam Zhang was greedy and mean, she doted on her daughter Yuan Wenying and was afraid that she would be mistreated after marrying into the Gu family.

Therefore, nearly 80% of the betrothal gifts previously sent by the Gu family were added to the dowry.

The Yuan family was deserted, while Gu Tingye, a second-rank official, was at the height of his power.

Lord Yuan knew that it was a real stroke of good fortune for the girl to marry into the Gu family; it was a blessing earned over several lifetimes.

The two of them also paid out of their own pockets to purchase many more land deeds, gold, silver and valuables.

After the wedding procession returned with drums and gongs, guests gathered in the front hall of the Marquis's mansion.

With the help of a servant, Gu Yankai sat upright in the main seat, while to his right was Bai Shi's memorial tablet.

After Gu Tingye requested an imperial title for Bai Shi, many people learned that the Gu family once had a Lady Bai.

"I heard that Madam Bai passed away when Lord Gu was only two years old, while Madam Qin raised Lord Gu for many years with utmost care and tolerance. It seems that the debt of giving birth is greater than the debt of raising him."

"Yes, it's a pity that Madam Qin treated her stepson so well, but in the end, it can't compare to blood ties."

"This Lady Bai comes from a merchant family, and it is truly rare for her to receive the title of Lady of Virtue."

"..."

Several guests were whispering among themselves when Granny Chang overheard them and snorted coldly.

"What gratitude for giving birth and raising? Madam Bai gave birth to Ye Ge'er; that was blood and flesh exchanged for her life!"

"How much do you outsiders know about how Madam Qin, outwardly kind, secretly mistreats the young master?"

"Today, seeing that our son has become successful, the elders of the Gu family are all putting on a loving act."

"Pah! Such hypocrisy, aren't they afraid of being struck by lightning!"

"I urge you all to watch your words! Don't just parrot what others say, lest you chill the heart of the deceased and taint your own mouths."

Several guests glanced at Granny Chang and then reluctantly shut their mouths.

After paying respects to Heaven and Earth, Gu Yankai forced himself to greet a few familiar colleagues before being helped away by a servant to rest.

Seeing Gu Tingye settle down and start a family, finally putting an end to his worries, he let out a heavy sigh.

Gu Tingyu, feigning illness, was just about to leave with the Shao family.

But then he saw Gu Tingye holding a wine glass in one hand and putting his arm around his shoulder with the other, saying with a smile, "Brother, don't be in such a hurry to leave, I haven't even had a chance to toast you yet!"

Madam Shao frowned slightly. "Second Brother, you know how your elder brother is. The doctor specifically instructed him not to drink alcohol under any circumstances."

Gu Tingye smiled and turned to pick up the teacup on the table, placing it in Gu Tingyu's hand.

"In that case, let's use tea instead of wine. Today is my joyous day, brother, please don't refuse me even this small favor."

Gu Tingyu looked at the teacup and said in a low voice, "Waiter, Father has decided to pass the title to you."

"I have no intention of arguing with you right now, and you don't need to put on airs in front of me."

“Brother, what are you saying? If you hadn’t ruined my path to the imperial examinations, I would probably still be a lowly sixth-rank official, and I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today.”

"I will never forget your kindness, brother!" Gu Tingye raised his wine cup, his smile deepening. Gu Tingyu glanced at him, speechless at his retort. With everyone watching, he couldn't very well just walk away.

He had no choice but to pick up the teacup and drink it all in one gulp.

Watching his departing figure, Gu Tingye stroked his chin, then turned back to continue attending to the guests at the table.

"Second Uncle is having a joyous occasion today, and Yuanruo has come to offer you a toast." Qi Heng said with a gentle expression, raising his cup to stand before him.

Gu Tingye narrowed his eyes and said quietly, "Yuan Ruo has rarely shown her face since she got married. Could it be that Madam Shen is keeping a close eye on her?"

"Second Uncle is joking. I'm just studying hard behind closed doors and preparing for the exam. I can't let them down again."

As he spoke, a hint of envy flashed in Qi Heng's eyes, and he secretly vowed to achieve top honors in the imperial examination this time!

Gu Tingye raised his hand and patted his shoulder, just as he was about to speak, when a series of noisy footsteps suddenly came from outside.

"His Highness the Crown Prince's congratulatory gift has arrived—"

Upon hearing this, the main hall fell silent instantly. Everyone composed themselves and turned their gazes outside.

Several palace eunuchs entered in single file, each carrying a vermilion lacquered tray. The head eunuch announced, "His Highness has bestowed upon you a pair of jade ruyi scepters, twenty bolts of Shu brocade, and a plaque personally inscribed with the words: 'A match made in heaven, congratulations to Lord Gu on your wedding!'"

Gu Tingye put down his wine cup, stepped forward, and bowed deeply, saying, "Your subject Gu Tingye thanks Your Highness for your great kindness!"

The hall was filled with laughter and chatter again only after the eunuch left.

The way everyone looked at Gu Tingye couldn't help but add a touch of flattery, and the people from the fourth and fifth branches of the family secretly shook their heads and sighed.

If I had known this would happen, I would never have followed Madam Qin in ruining him.

"With our eldest brother dead and our second brother in charge, how can we expect to have a good life?" Gu Yanzhi frowned and said in a low voice.

Gu Yanming shook his head. "Since things have come to this, let's just take it one step at a time."

-

A month or so passed in the blink of an eye. In the eighth year of Jiayou, at the end of March, Sheng Changbai had already taken Hai Chaoyun to his post in the Northwest.

Emperor Zhao Zhen was seriously ill and unconscious. He was only lucid for about an hour each day, and even then, he was delirious and incoherent.

After finishing processing the memorials each day, Zhao Han would stay in the Fulin Hall to serve medicine and keep him company.

Upon seeing this, the court officials all praised the Crown Prince for his benevolence and filial piety!
At the Ningyuan Marquis's residence, Gu Yankai died of illness just three to five days after Gu Tingye's wedding.

On his deathbed, he submitted a memorial to the throne, citing that his eldest son had no children and was frail and sickly, and proposed that his second son, Gu Tingye, inherit the title instead.

Tonight, the night is deep and dark, with no moonlight, only a few stars faintly dotting the sky.

Inside the Funing Hall, candlelight flickered, casting many shadows.

Several senior officials, including Zhang Fu, Han Zhang, Shen Shiqi, and Hai Yanping, stood solemnly in the hall, holding their breath and remaining silent.

After the imperial physician finished taking the emperor's pulse, Empress Cao asked anxiously, "How is His Majesty?"

"Your Majesty, I have ordered people to quickly prepare ginseng soup, which may... extend the time by another hour or so."

Having said that, the imperial physician bowed and stepped aside.

Consort Rong knelt to one side, and upon hearing this, she sobbed softly, weeping for the Emperor, and also for herself.

Hua Lan, with Jing Ge'er and Ling Jie'er by her side, looked at Zhao Han with a worried expression.

After Empress Cao personally served Zhao Zhen the ginseng soup, he lay on his sickbed, weakly calling out, "Han'er..."

Zhao Han immediately stepped forward and replied in a low voice, "Father, I am here."

"Cough cough cough... I have never doubted your talent and strategy."

"I also know that you have the ambition to conquer the world and emulate Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han to unify the world."

"However, a ruler must remember not to exhaust the people with war and aggression. The people have suffered for too long. The land of Yan and Yun should not be treated too hastily. Instead, benevolent policies should be implemented to allow the people to recuperate and recover. Only by keeping the well-being of the people in mind can one be a wise ruler... cough cough cough..."

After saying these words, blood seeped from the corner of Zhao Zhen's mouth. Zhao Han quickly picked up a silk handkerchief and gently wiped it away for him.

"Father, rest assured, your son will follow your teachings and govern the country with benevolence, and live up to your high expectations."

Zhao Zhen nodded in satisfaction, then beckoned Han Zhang, Zhang Fu, and several other important officials to enter the inner hall to speak.

"You are all pillars of the court. After I leave, you will do your utmost to assist the new emperor and jointly safeguard the country."

Han Zhang and the others immediately knelt down, choking back tears, and replied, "Your Majesty's decree will be obeyed without question, and we will do our utmost!"

After giving the important instructions...

Zhao Zhen looked at Huirou not far away and said, "Don't cry anymore. Your father is not here, but your brother will protect you for me from now on."

Huirou nodded repeatedly. She had been staying here since last night, and her eyes were already red and swollen from crying.

About half an incense stick's time later, Zhao Zhen raised his hand and said, "Everyone, go out. Han'er stays. I have a few words to tell him."

"Yes."

After everyone left, only Zhao Zhen and his son Zhao Han remained.

“Zhang Fu’s son, Zhang Zheng, is brave and skilled in battle, and extremely loyal. He should be given important responsibilities.”

"The Marquis of Zhongjing has followed me for many years, and his eldest son, Zheng Jun, has guarded Yanmen for many years without ever making a mistake."

"Sheng Changbai has a very good reputation in the Hanlin Academy and is a promising talent. However, one thing must be done: we must prevent the maternal relatives from becoming too powerful and we must ensure that someone checks and balances the Sheng family."

At this point, Zhao Zhen gripped Zhao Han's hand tightly.

“I have witnessed Consort Rong’s many years of service to me and the loss of her children several times.”

"After you ascend the throne, ensure the Rong family enjoys wealth and stability; this will be considered repaying this favor on my behalf."

"Remember to treat the Li family well... I have never been able to fulfill my filial duty to my birth mother for even a single day in my life, which is truly a great debt I owe."

"I ascended the throne at the age of twelve. Empress Dowager Liu controlled the court and I was like a puppet, suffering unspeakably. If one day the Empress wishes to follow her example and rule from behind the curtain, you should immediately punish the Cao family. Do not hesitate."

"But we must not implicate Huirou. Let her live a peaceful and worry-free life in Bianjing."

Zhao Han nodded with a deep gaze. Zhao Zhen, lying on the sickbed, was already too weak, and his hands slowly fell to his sides.

"Father!"

Zhao Han exclaimed in surprise.

Hearing the commotion, the people guarding outside the palace rushed in. Empress Cao staggered to the bedside, tears streaming down her face.

Consort Rong and Princess Huirou cried so hard they almost fainted.

"Your Majesty..."

"Daddy..."

Inside the Funing Palace, the palace maids and eunuchs were all kneeling on the ground, their shoulders trembling.

Emperor Zhao Zhen was known for his tolerance and kindness, especially towards the palace servants who served him.

There was no water in the Imperial Garden, and he was worried that the palace servants would be punished, so Ning Yuan endured his thirst and went to Empress Cao's palace to drink tea.

Even though she found sand or stones in her food and her teeth were in excruciating pain, the palace maid was not punished. Instead, the maid was told not to make a fuss or be afraid.

Even in an ordinary wealthy family, such a thing would inevitably result in a harsh reprimand for the servant.

How could they not grieve when such a benevolent ruler passed away?

……

(End of this chapter)