Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 145 The Earl's Title, Zhang Guifen Enters the Palace
"The fact that the Great Zhou Dynasty is currently enjoying favorable weather and peace in the northwest is inseparable from the tireless efforts of the previous dynasty's officials."

"It is also inseparable from the virtuous assistance of all the wives and children present here, which has brought stability to our home."

"On behalf of the Emperor and all the people of the land, I offer you this toast."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall raised their cups and replied in unison, "We are unworthy of such praise, and thank Your Majesty!"

After a few rounds of drinks, Yanran finished her private conversation with Old Madam Yu and quietly beckoned to Minglan.

Minglan's eyes flickered slightly, and she whispered, "Grandmother, I'm going to keep Consort Xian company."

The old lady nodded, then added with concern, "Go ahead, but there are too many people around here."

"Now that you two are in different positions, don't break the rules and give others something to talk about."

"Grandmother, don't worry, your granddaughter understands."

Minglan stood up and bowed gracefully to Wang Ruofu before walking to Yanran's side.

Among the ladies of noble birth in the palace today, Wang Ruofu is the most eye-catching, even surpassing the Duchess of Yingguo.

The birth mother of the reigning empress, Lady of Yongjia County, whose father was honored with a place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple and whose posthumous honors never diminished, was a second-rank official, holding the title of Grand Master of the Palace.

Her mother-in-law was the only daughter of Marquis Yongyi, and was bestowed the title of Grand Lady of Wei by imperial decree.

The eldest son is a probationary official appointed by the emperor and is currently serving as the prefect of Ningzhou. He has a bright future ahead of him. The illegitimate son has also passed the imperial examination and is quite talented.

This series of honors is among the best in Bianjing City.

Wang Ruofu gently waved her round fan, occasionally raising her wine cup to accept the flattery and ingratiation from the ladies of the court.

Sitting next to her, Rulan also straightened her back unconsciously, with a perfectly timed smile and a hint of pride on her face.

Now, no matter what elegant gatherings or banquets Rulan attends, she is always the most eye-catching among all the noble ladies.

Families eager to marry her were practically wearing down the threshold of the Sheng family home.

However, Rulan had already figured it out in her heart: when choosing a husband, social status was not important.

The important thing is that they are easy to manage and can be in charge of their own affairs in the future.

He didn't have to live under the thumb of his mother-in-law and sisters-in-law, and the Sheng family could always stand up for him.

After Wang Ruofu's gaze lingered on Minglan for a moment, she said in a low voice, "Ru'er, has Sixth Sister been behaving strangely with you lately?"

Upon hearing this, Rulan's eyes darted around, and after thinking it over carefully, she shook her head repeatedly.

"No, Xiao Liu is just like usual. She shared everything her uncle sent with me. She's very well-behaved."

Why would Mother ask such a question out of the blue?

Wang Ruofu pursed her lips, a strange resentment welling up in her heart.

In her view, she may appear prominent outside, but at home it's a different story.

With his mother-in-law above him keeping order, the eldest son was sent away with his wife.

Sheng Hong ordered that no one should interfere in the affairs of the illegitimate son's courtyard. Now even a concubine has someone to rely on, and her family holds leverage over her.

Being in the back courtyard of the Sheng family, there was nowhere for me to speak.

Wang Ruofu felt increasingly helpless as she thought about it, and said casually, "It's good that nothing's wrong. Sixth Sister is quite sensible."

Old Mrs. Wang was also on the guest list today. Wang Shiping had just returned to the capital and was now the Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, a fifth-rank official.

As the maternal grandmother of the reigning empress, she could also benefit from the honor to some extent.

She gave a soft hum and whispered in Wang Ruofu's ear.

"No matter how illustrious her family is, she is still just a concubine. Right now, the Wei family is only a fourth-rank military officer."

"Don't worry, don't lower yourself to the level of a person."

"If she doesn't behave, the Empress and the Wang family will back you up. Just find an opportunity to teach her a lesson later."

Wang Ruofu glanced out of the corner of her eye and saw that Old Madam Sheng was talking with Old Madam Yu, but she didn't notice what was happening here.

Only then did he feel at ease mentioning the matter to Old Mrs. Wang.

“What Mother said makes sense, but if my husband knew, he would definitely blame me for meddling.”

Old Mrs. Wang frowned. In recent years, the Sheng family had become increasingly prominent, yet they had shown no interest in helping her husband's family.

Therefore, she harbored deep resentment towards her son-in-law, Sheng Hong.

"You've probably forgotten all the household management skills your mother taught you in the past."

“It is only natural for the mistress to discipline the concubine. If she really dares to complain to Sheng Hong, it is enough to show that she is starting to have her own thoughts and is no longer obedient. You should take precautions as soon as possible.”

“Look at your sister’s household, all those concubines, which one of them isn’t respectful and obedient to her, behaving properly?”

Wang Ruofu twitched the corner of her mouth and said quietly, "In terms of disciplining concubines and servants, I am indeed not as good as my sister."

On the other side, seeing that the banquet was nearing its end, Yanran found an excuse to leave the table with Minglan in order to make it easier to talk.

The two were walking hand in hand in the Imperial Garden.

"I noticed that Old Madam Yu looks even better today," Minglan said, casually picking a small flower and playing with it.

Yanran smiled gently, "Yes, the political situation is stable now, so I don't need them to worry about me."

"My second brother and third sister's marriages are settled. They'll be going back to their hometown in Shandong as soon as the Lunar New Year is over."

The second son of the Yu family, arranged by Grand Tutor Yu, is betrothed to the eldest daughter of Lord Mei, a sixth-rank official of the Court of Judicial Review.

As for Yu Yanhong, she was arrogant and domineering, and neither the old master Yu nor the old lady liked her much in the past.

However, now that Madam Fang has left the mansion, she is still a daughter of the Yu family.

Under Lord Yu's careful selection, a suitable marriage was found for her.

"Ming'er, now that you have General Wei backing you up, things are not like before. The Emperor has praised General Wei's bravery more than once."

Minglan lowered her eyes and said, "To be honest, I never imagined things would turn out this way."

"This is God's blessing upon you!" Then, a mischievous smile flashed across Yanran's eyes.

“Ming’er, the Emperor seems quite interested in you. Whenever I mention you, he always asks a few more questions.”

Upon hearing this, Minglan's heart raced, and her fair and delicate earlobes flushed slightly.

"Sister Yanran, what... what nonsense are you talking about? Did you get drunk just now...?"

Yanran shook her head, "I'm not talking nonsense."

"You don't know, my stepmother even considered sending my third sister to the palace in the future."

"If you can enter the palace tomorrow, then I'll have someone to talk to and keep me company."

Minglan glanced around and saw that no one was around.

She frowned slightly and said softly, "Perhaps the Emperor only asked a few more questions on a whim. Sister Yanran, please don't mention it. If someone overhears, we'll be in big trouble."

Yanran stopped and raised her hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"But it seems to me that this is not just a spur-of-the-moment decision. Alas, the Emperor's mind is unpredictable. In any case, if you have the opportunity to enter the palace in the future, just don't refuse."

“I remember you telling me that the Emperor has treated you with immense kindness.”

Minglan lowered her eyes, unsure how to answer for a moment.

As dusk fell and the banquet ended, the ladies of the court rose to take their leave, and led out of the palace gates by eunuchs.

Inside the inner hall, Hua Lan looked at the old lady with reluctance, "Grandmother."

"Good child, seeing how dignified and composed you are now, I am relieved." The old lady gently patted the back of her hand.

Wang Ruofu sighed softly, also filled with reluctance. Only Rulan stood to one side, her face showing signs of exhaustion and weariness.

-

It's already the end of October. Today, the main gate of the Duke of England's mansion is wide open, filled with a joyous atmosphere. Inside the main hall, the incense table has already been set up.

Except for the eldest son, Zhang Zheng, who was leading troops outside, everyone in the Zhang family was here.

Zhang Guifen was dressed in a light yellow brocade dress, and her beautiful face was lightly powdered, making her even more radiant and dazzling.

Half an incense stick's time later, an official from the Ministry of Rites, carrying an imperial edict, led a group of eunuchs in scarlet robes steadily forward.

The Emperor decreed: "I believe that the foundation of good governance begins with the proper management of one's family."

Lady Zhang, daughter of a military officer, comes from a military family. She is of a gentle yet firm nature, cautious and respectful, gentle and virtuous, and harmonious. She is hereby appointed as Consort De.

You should be even more humble and modest, always respectful and cautious, and diligently manage internal affairs, so as to bring glory to your family.

Awesome! "

Zhang Guifen took a deep breath and accepted the imperial edict with trembling hands.

"Your subject, Zhang, respectfully thanks Your Majesty for your grace and will certainly abide by the palace rules to live up to Your Majesty's favor."

The official reading the imperial edict greeted the Duke and his wife with a broad smile, saying, "Congratulations, Your Excellency! Congratulations, Your Excellency!"

Zhang Fu nodded slightly, cupped his hands in a salute towards the direction of the palace, and said, "We are unworthy of the Emperor's grace!"

Three days later, the auspicious time arrived.

Zhang Guifen rode in a sedan chair, slowly heading towards the palace gate amidst the reluctant gazes of the crowd.

The Duchess of England couldn't help but wipe away a tear.

Zhang Fu stroked his beard and comforted him, saying, "Just visit the palace during festivals; what kind of behavior is this, all this weeping and wailing?"

"What do you know? Fen'er is my precious baby, whom I carried for ten months, risked my life, and endured the ridicule of many people to give birth to."

"How can I not be heartbroken that you've left me!"

She was nearly forty when she became pregnant with Zhang Guifen, and many people in Bianjing laughed at her for being an old clam giving birth to a pearl.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fu remained silent for a moment before letting out a long sigh and saying, "They've all gone far; let's go back to the manor."

Just as he turned around, he couldn't help but raise his hand to wipe the corner of his eye. Afraid of being seen by his wife, he had no choice but to walk alone to the study.

After entering the palace, Zhang Guifen went to Renming Hall to pay her respects to Consorts Hualan, Shulan, and Yanran, in accordance with etiquette.

"Sister Zhang, there's no need for such formalities. From now on, we'll all be family. The most important thing is to serve the Emperor wholeheartedly."

Hua Lan's gaze was gentle. Before Granny Kong came to the Sheng family, she had been taught etiquette and manners by the Duke of England.

Hua Lan had always spoken highly of Zhang Guifen, so although they had never met, she had a very good impression of her.

"Your Majesty's teachings will be followed." Zhang Guifen bowed gracefully, her demeanor dignified and respectful.

Shulan and Yanran exchanged a smile.

Meanwhile, inside the Wenhua Hall, Zhao Han held a military report from the Northwest, a hint of joy flashing across his eyes.

After Gusiluo passed away, the land of Qingtang was now under the rule of Dongzhan.

Mu Zheng and Dong Zhan had a deep-seated grudge and were like oil and water. With this guy dead, they would have no more scruples.

"Your Majesty, should we allow the border troops to assist Mu Zheng in capturing Dong Zhan in one fell swoop?" Shen Shiqi asked in a deep voice.

Zhao Han pondered for a moment, then waved his hand, "No need, let these two waste some more time."

The Great Zhou's control over the Tubo region is currently only stable along the Xihe route, while the high plateau hinterland further west of Qingtang remains untouched.

The area is characterized by towering mountains, rugged terrain, and a frigid climate.

The army could not stay there for long, and the tactics that Zhou's army was good at could not be used here.

Furthermore, Tibet was internally divided and fragmented, with numerous religious factions. Even if it were conquered, governing it would be extremely difficult, costing the people and resources.

Wasting resources here would be counterproductive; it would be better to focus our attention on the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun.

"The minister obeys the order."

After leaving the Wenhua Hall, Shen Shiqi walked straight towards the palace gate, where he happened to run into his son-in-law Qi Heng.

"Your son-in-law greets your father-in-law." Qi Heng greeted him respectfully with a beaming smile.

Shen Shiqi narrowed his eyes slightly, glanced at him, and said gently, "The newly appointed Hanlin Academician Wang Anshi is exceptionally talented and ambitious. You must follow him and learn from him."

"I understand," Qi Heng nodded repeatedly.

The main task of the junior scholars in the Hanlin Academy was to observe politics. They were taught by Hanlin scholars who guided them in reading, writing, and discussing political affairs. They were also subject to periodic assessments.

The father-in-law and son-in-law walked one after the other on the flat bluestone path.

Qi Heng then spoke up, "I have some good news in my heart, but I haven't had time to send someone to inform my father-in-law yet."

"Oh? What good news?" Shen Shiqi asked without stopping.

He hadn't initially taken a liking to Qi Heng, a duke's mansion with a lot of show and no substance, and Princess Pingning was notoriously difficult to deal with.

Qi Heng failed the imperial examination again on his first attempt; how could he possibly marry her legitimate daughter?

However, Shen Hezhen had already fallen in love with Qi Heng at first sight and insisted on marrying him, so she had no choice but to agree to the marriage.

Fortunately, Qi Heng did not disappoint him.

During his time at the Hanlin Academy, he acted with moderation and never abused his family background.

"A few days ago, the doctor came to take her pulse and found out that He Zhen is pregnant." Qi Heng said with a smile in his eyes.

Shen Shiqi took a deep breath, stroked his beard, and said, "You must take good care of her during this period. If anything goes wrong, I will hold you responsible."

"Don't worry, Father-in-law, Mother has personally sent people to take good care of her."

Since the two families became related by marriage, Shen Shiqi has been very supportive of the Qi family.

Qi Heng's career, including his position as the Salt Inspector of the State of Qi, depended entirely on the Shen family.

Therefore, even if she usually thinks highly of herself and is arrogant, she has to be more polite to Shin Ha-jin.

She couldn't afford to offend the Shen family!

-

As dusk fell and night descended, countless stars twinkled in the sky.

After a concubine enters the palace, the length of time she is favored by the emperor often indicates the degree of importance she receives.

If several concubines enter the palace together, their arrival time will be arranged according to their rank.

To put the Duke of England and his wife at ease, Zhao Han was preparing to go to Xuanming Hall, where Zhang Guifen resided.

He put down the memorial and turned to look at Qingyun, who was standing to the side.

"I vaguely remember that Consort Shu's parents are on their way to the capital?"

Qingyun pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Your Majesty, Consort Shu's parents took their belongings and sailed north five days ago."

"Judging by the time, we should arrive in no more than half a month."

During this trip to Beijing, the eldest branch of the Sheng family planned to stay in the city for an extended period, and their furniture alone filled seven or eight boats.

The journey will naturally take longer.

Zhao Han raised his hand and touched his chin. After weighing the options, he decided to grant Sheng Wei the title of Earl once he entered the capital.

Inside Xuanming Hall, Zhang Guifen sat listlessly on the bed.

Ever since she learned that Zhao Han was coming tonight, she had already bathed and changed clothes with the help of a group of palace maids, and had freshened up her appearance.

"Your Highness, please don't worry, the Emperor will be here soon," the maidservant Hongying whispered.

Zhang Guifen looked up at her and said, "I'm not in a hurry, I'm just a little nervous."

(End of this chapter)