Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 141: A Combination of Kindness and Strictness Leads to Misfortune for the Fourth and Fifth Households

Jiying Lane, Sheng Mansion.

A carriage slowly came to a stop outside the side door, and Dong Rong had just placed a footstool there.

Sheng Hong couldn't wait to lift the carriage curtain and walk into the door in two steps at a time.

"Lord."

Upon seeing this, the maids and servants under the eaves quickly stepped aside and bowed, but Sheng Hong merely waved his hand and did not stop walking for a moment.

Inside Shou'an Hall, Wang Ruofu held a cloth tiger in her hand and was teasing Quan Ge'er with a smile on her face.

Minglan and the old lady sat facing each other, intently playing with the jujube mill, occasionally exchanging a smile.

Rulan lay on the table to catch up on her nap, emitting soft snores.

"Grandma, Madam, the Master has arrived." As soon as Mama Fang finished speaking, Sheng Hong appeared before everyone.

Wang Ruofu put down the cloth tiger in his hand, instructed the wet nurse to take Quan Ge'er away, and then looked at Sheng Hong with a smile and said, "My lord, you've come at the right time. I had some good news that I was just about to tell you."

Sheng Hong glanced at her sideways.

At this moment, he leisurely lifted his robe and sat down in the armchair, picked up the teacup on the table, and gently blew away the foam.

"Your little bit of good news is probably nothing to me."

Wang Ruofu snorted softly and said quietly, "My lord, don't underestimate me. My family is about to enter the capital."

The old lady glanced at them, her gaze remaining calm.

Even a centipede with a hundred legs does not die easily; Grand Tutor Wang has students all over the world; and scholars respect their teachers the most.

Although Wang Shiping was not particularly talented, he had not made any major mistakes during his years in office. It was only natural that the old lady Wang would personally set aside her pride and travel around to make arrangements for his return to Beijing.

"Then we must go to the Wang family to congratulate Brother Shiping properly afterward," Sheng Hong said, stroking his beard and smiling.

A moment later, he stood up, looked at the old lady, and cupped his hands, saying, "Mother, today Hua'er has been formally appointed Empress."

"The Emperor has been kind to our Sheng family. He has now ordered the Ministry of Rites to draft an imperial edict to bestow upon our son the title of Grand Master of the Golden Purple Light."

"He also extended his favor to his relatives, promoting his mother to the title of Grand Lady of Wei and his eldest daughter to the title of Lady of Yongjia County."

The imperial titles of the current dynasty are divided into seven ranks: Lady of the State, Lady of the County, Virtuous Lady, Respectful Lady, Suitable Lady, Peaceful Lady, and Lady of the Ninth.

Among them, the titles of the Lady of the State were also divided into high and low ranks, with those of Qin, Qi, Chu, and Jin being the most prestigious.

Zhao, Wei, Yan, and Han are slightly inferior, while Wei, Zheng, Wu, Yue, and Liang are in the third tier.

Further down are Teng, Ju, Qi, Guo...

Furthermore, an official's wife could not receive an official title until his mother was granted one. The mother's title had to be one rank higher than the wife's.

Upon hearing Sheng Hong's words, the old lady's fingers trembled slightly, and the jujubes that had been spinning steadily on the table rolled to the ground.

"Grandmother, you lost!" Minglan stood up and smiled brightly at the old lady.

Rulan was wide awake. After straightening her slightly disheveled clothes, she hurriedly moved closer to Minglan.

"My God!"

"Mama Liu! Quick! Quickly bring the reward money! Everyone in the manor will be rewarded today!"

Wang Ruofu's heart pounded with excitement.

Now she is no longer Madam Wang; everyone has to call her Madam Wang. The old lady is now Madam Xu.

After Liu's mother responded, she was about to leave.

She waved again and said, "Wait, bring another pot of cold wine. I want to have a good drink and have some fun!"

"Please rest assured, Madam, this old servant will go right away." Mama Liu said with a smile.

"The title of Lady Dowager of Wei... is even more dignified and honorable than that of a maternal grandmother."

Rulan blinked. Back when Grand Tutor Wang was alive, Old Madam Wang was granted the title of Lady of Yue.

Among the noblewomen of Bianjing (Kaifeng) at that time, Lady Dou, wife of the Duke of Ying, held the highest title, being the Lady of Chu.

Sheng Hong smiled slightly: "Yes, the Emperor has been very kind to our Sheng family."

"But remember, the Emperor has just ascended the throne, and those officials in the Censorate are now making baseless accusations for their own advancement."

"They impeach us based on the slightest rumor; we must be even more cautious in the future."

The duties of the censors were to supervise all officials, impeach those who violated the law, clear up injustices, and oversee all circuits.

They had the right to impeach upon hearing rumors and to submit memorials directly to the emperor.

Political achievements are linked to the number of officials impeached. If one can successfully impeach a high-ranking official, one can not only be promoted but also gain a reputation for being upright, incorruptible, and unafraid of powerful figures.

"Of course, I will take good care of everyone in the manor."

"I just wonder how Bai'er is doing in his post. This child has never been away from me for so long in all his years."

"That brat doesn't even send back a letter home now. It's a waste of money to raise him."

Thinking of this, Wang Ruofu felt a pang of sorrow and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

Sheng Hong picked up his teacup and gently comforted him, "Don't worry, he's doing well in his post. He's currently busy checking household registers, and with so many things to do, he can't possibly find the time to write any family letters."

“Pingyuan is currently in Ningzhou. With him taking care of Bai’er, his safety can be guaranteed.”

Hearing this, Wang Ruofu felt a little relieved, took a glass of cold wine from Liu Mama, and took a small sip.

At this moment, the old lady looked at Sheng Hong and said, "Chang Feng now has Liu Shi by his side to advise him."

"I think he has completely put away his impetuous nature. You should check on his studies when you have time."

"This year's imperial examination has been postponed to next year due to the passing of the late emperor. This is both a variable and an opportunity."

"As his father, you can't let him waste this year."

"If Changfeng can also pass the imperial examination, then our family will truly be considered a distinguished and noble family."

Sheng Hong nodded repeatedly. He did not expect Chang Feng to have the same lofty aspirations as Chang Bai.

But he had to at least earn the title of Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) to live up to his efforts in cultivating him and to honor the good marriage with the Liu family.

Meanwhile, the Duke of England's mansion had already begun preparations for Zhang Guifen's entry into the palace as a concubine.

The Duchess of England looked at her with a face full of reluctance, "Fen'er, once you enter the palace, your mother will no longer be able to see you every day."

Zhang Guifen wore a light green brocade dress, her hair was loosely tied up, and a few jade crabapple blossoms were tucked into her hair. She was dignified and had a touch of heroic spirit.

She leaned against the soft couch, her embroidered shoes swaying back and forth. "What are you saying, Mother?"

"Although Fen'er has entered the palace, she will always be her mother's daughter, and her mother can come to the palace every year during festivals."

"If I receive the Emperor's grace, I may return to my parents' home and reunite with my mother. I will also be careful in my words and deeds so as not to worry you and Father."

The Duchess of England sighed softly, and was about to speak when Zhang Guifen's personal maid, Hongying, stepped into the room and bowed, saying, "Madam, Fourth Brother has sent me to invite Miss to play polo."

"Playing polo?! My fourth brother really does love me the most!"

A glint of light flashed in Zhang Guifen's eyes. "Mother, I'm going now!"

After bowing gracefully to the Duchess of England, she strode out of the courtyard.

Watching her departing figure, the Duchess of England frowned slightly, feeling both love and annoyance. "That girl, she's really carefree!"

The old nanny stepped forward with a smile and said softly, "Madam, please don't worry."

"With your open-minded and cheerful nature, you may very well have a good future."

-

For a new emperor to truly secure his position, he must employ a combination of kindness and severity, and a balance of firmness and gentleness.

Simply showing kindness will be seen as weakness and vulnerability.

If one merely establishes authority, he will be labeled a tyrant, causing widespread fear and alienation among the people.

Today, inside the Chui Gong Hall, all is quiet, with civil and military officials standing respectfully on both sides.

Sheng Hong, dressed in a purple court robe and holding a jade tablet, stood at the front. He lowered his eyes slightly and glanced back subtly.

He started as a candidate for magistrate, the lowest rank of the ninth grade, and was later sent to a harsh and cold place, where he served as a sixth-grade assistant magistrate in Quanzhou for several years.

He was later promoted to Vice Prefect of Yangzhou, and eventually rose to the rank of Second Grade Official, joining the ranks of prominent officials.

It took more than twenty years!

Sheng Hong thought to himself with a sigh that compared to most of his colleagues who were wasting their time in officialdom, he was incredibly lucky.

If Hua Lan hadn't been fortunate enough to be made Empress, I would at most be holding a sinecure of the fourth rank, and I would never be like this today, wearing a purple robe and jade tablet, with a gold fish pouch at my waist.

According to the Five Elements theory, the Great Zhou Dynasty belonged to the Fire element, which is associated with the color red. Therefore, during regular court sessions, officials mostly wore crimson, ochre, and pale yellow dragon robes.

Moreover, it has no obvious dragon pattern and is very low-key.

Above the throne, Zhao Han gazed intently at the ministers in the hall and said in a deep voice, "I have been ordained by Heaven to ascend the throne, mindful of the hardships of the people and desiring peace for the nation."

"From this day forward, all crimes except the ten unpardonable offenses, corruption, and murder shall be pardoned."

"Today, the land tax will be reduced by 30%, commercial taxes and miscellaneous taxes will be reduced by 20%, and the Northwest Qinfeng and Ningxia circuits will be exempted from taxes and corvée labor for five years."

"In the event of floods, droughts, or locust plagues, once the facts are verified and reported, I will certainly reduce or exempt taxes further, and will never allow the people to be displaced."

Upon hearing this, the court officials inside the hall exclaimed in unison, "Your Majesty is wise!"

After a moment, Zhao Han changed the subject, her expression remaining calm.

"My lords, I have personally led this expedition to the Northwest and have discovered quite a few interesting things."

"It has become common practice in the army for people to receive salaries without working, resell military funds, and pass off inferior goods as superior ones."

“I ordered the Imperial City Guard to thoroughly investigate this matter a month ago. Now the evidence is complete, from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War down to the head of the Imperial Guard, no one has been overlooked.”

"By imperial decree, all officials listed in the register shall be severely punished, their property confiscated, and they shall be exiled, as a warning to others!"

Whenever a large army goes on a campaign, it will inevitably be exploited at every level, from the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Revenue, the grain supply officials, local officials, and military commanders.

Upon hearing this, several officials broke out in a cold sweat.

Han Zhang cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is wise. Now that the world has been newly settled, it is the perfect time to rectify the laws and regulations!"

"We must not let such a person, who so blatantly defies the imperial court, get away with this!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

"..."

After the court session, the Imperial City Guard was mobilized to arrest people from various households, including the Ningyuan Marquis's residence.

"What...what are you trying to do?!"

"Father, save me!"

"You must save me!"

"..."

Gu Tingbing and Gu Tingyang were originally in the courtyard, drinking and having fun with their concubines and maids.

Upon seeing the Imperial City Guards suddenly appear, they were terrified out of their wits. They didn't even remember to put their clothes on properly before being bound and brought out.

Fourth Uncle Gu Yanming shouted at the top of his lungs, "My Gu family is full of loyalty and righteousness, and has served the court for generations. How dare you be so rude!"

"Is there no law anymore..." Before Fifth Uncle Gu Yanzhi could finish speaking, he was pushed away.

The women from the fourth and fifth wives' families followed behind, their faces filled with terror, weeping all the way.

"My son! What should I do? What should I do?!"

"It's over, disaster is imminent!"

-

Inside the main hall of the Marquis's residence, Gu Tingye sat in the main seat, sighing deeply, his brows furrowed, revealing a helpless expression.

"Erlang, you have to think of something. Tingbing is your cousin. You two grew up together since you were little."

As Aunt Gu spoke, she kept wiping away her tears.

“Your two cousins ​​have always lived a life of luxury and have never suffered any hardship, even in places like the Imperial City Guard.”

“Once they go in, even if they don’t die, they’ll be half-dead. You can’t just stand by and watch them die!” Aunt Gu’s fifth wife chimed in.

Gu Tingye shook his head and sighed.

"Back then, you begged and pleaded with your grandfathers and grandmothers to send Tingbing and Tingyang to serve in the army. Not only were they not obedient, but they also colluded with others to resell military equipment for profit."

Gu Yanzhi slapped his thigh and said in a deep voice, "They were just confused for a moment!"

"If they hadn't been misled, they wouldn't have dared to do it even if they had ten times the courage."

"We only made a few hundred taels of silver in profit, and we'll cover the difference out of our own pockets."

"Erlang, you have some connections with the Emperor. If you speak up yourself, I think the Emperor will be lenient."

"Now that you've inherited the title, and your family is in trouble, you can't just stand by and watch them die!"

Gu Tingye put down his teacup and looked at them coldly. "The Emperor is just about to use this matter to establish his authority. These two wretches are not innocent."

"Never in our Gu family has ever done anything so disgraceful to our family!"

"Now you want me to beg the emperor? I don't have the face for that. If I anger the emperor, I might be punished along with him."

Aunt Gu blurted out, "Erlang, what nonsense are you talking about? How could the Emperor possibly punish you!"

Seeing his cold and hard attitude, Gu Yanming became even more anxious and turned to look at Gu Tingyu.

Just as he was about to speak, Gu Tingyu clutched his chest and coughed violently a few times.

"Erlang, cough cough cough... I'm not feeling well, I'll go back and rest for now. You must take good care of the Gu family's affairs."

After glancing at everyone, Mrs. Shao helped him slowly leave.

On the way back to the house, Gu Tingyu said in a low voice, "No matter what the people from the fourth and fifth branches say these days, you are not allowed to plead for them in front of Xiao Er and his wife."

Mr. Shaw nodded slightly.

“I understand, but the family's fate is intertwined, and the entire Gu family will be disgraced by this incident.”

Gu Tingyu snorted coldly, "What shame? The waiter is preparing to teach them a lesson."

"With his current power and influence, protecting two insignificant people is just a matter of a word for him."

"Over the years, the heinous things that the fourth and fifth wives have done are too numerous to count on one's fingers."

"If I were the second son, I would definitely take this opportunity to clean house, and at the same time, I could gain a good reputation for putting righteousness before family."

After saying that, he turned to look at Mrs. Shao. Since ancient times, the family has not separated while the parents are alive, and the family can also not separate while the elder brother is alive.

However, the Marquis's mansion is now in the hands of his nephew, Gu Tingye. As long as he speaks up, the fourth and fifth branches of the family have no reason to continue to linger in the mansion.

Mr. Shaw was always a simple-minded man, and without these parasites stirring up trouble and spreading rumors, he would have been fine.

After their deaths, the mother and daughter can live a peaceful life.

As long as they behave themselves, Gu Tingye would never drive away the widow and her children; otherwise, the censors would have no idea how they would criticize him.

Inside the main hall, after Gu Tingyu left, the people from the fourth and fifth branches of the family looked at each other in bewilderment.

Gu Tingye raised his hand and said, "Don't worry, Tingbing and Tingyang's crimes won't cost them their heads. At most, they'll be exiled."

Upon hearing the words "exile," Aunt Gu's vision went black, and she fell straight backward.

"Ouch, Aunt Wu, watch out!"

As Gu Tingye spoke, he didn't move an inch. Several maids hurriedly surrounded him and carried Aunt Gu away.

"Erlang, you...!" Gu Yanzhi pointed at Gu Tingye, then angrily turned and left.

The four members of the family looked gloomy and could only reluctantly follow in their footsteps.

"Farewell, Fourth Uncle and Fifth Uncle, don't bother seeing me off." Gu Tingye's lips curled up slightly. After they left, he turned to look at the stone.

“Go to the prison and tell Liu Zhengjie that he should enforce the law impartially and not care about my reputation. In particular, help Gu Tingbing loosen up his muscles.”

"Yes, Lord Marquis!" Shi Tou immediately bowed and replied.

Of the two cousins, Gu Tingye disliked Gu Tingbing the most.

A few years ago, Gu Tingbing took a fancy to a maid named Hongxiao, but because he was afraid of his mistress, he dared not openly take her into his room.

On a dark and windy night, he drugged her and forced himself on Hongxiao.

When Hongxiao woke up, all she could do was cry. She couldn't remember anything, and even insisted on reporting it to the authorities.

Fearing exposure, Gu Tingbing directly framed Gu Tingye.

At that time, Gu Tingye had a bad reputation. No matter what was framed against him, people would believe it, especially with Xiao Qinshi and others joining forces to make everyone agree.

Because of this incident, Gu Yankai did not hesitate to use family discipline and gave him a severe beating.

(End of this chapter)