Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 147 The eldest son's family enters the capital and is granted the title of Earl of Rongchang.

“Since I was little, I have never been as good as my older sister in any way. I am not as talented as Mo Lan, nor as well-behaved and pleasing as you.”

"Of the seven siblings in my family, I was the one my father disliked the most."

Minglan gently held her hand and lowered her eyes, saying, "Fifth Sister, don't think too much. Father still loves you very much."

Rulan snorted lightly, her face showing disdain, "Don't try to fool me."

“If I didn’t have the title of legitimate daughter, I would probably have been bullied to death by Mo Lan in the past. But you are also useless, like a silent gourd. She can snatch away any good things I get.”

“I’m not like my fifth sister.” Minglan said with a helpless smile.

"That's true. Your stepmother isn't as arrogant as Lin Shi. Although your grandmother loves you, she doesn't like to interfere in everything."

"But things are different now. With General Wei in charge, you'll definitely have a better life than Mo Lan in the future."

"Liang's eldest son is gaining more and more power in the court and has openly started to compete for a title. There are quite a few people outside who support him."

"The Liang family is in complete chaos. We'd better watch this show closely."

As Rulan spoke, she shook her head and swayed her body. Even now, she still tries to mock Molan whenever she gets the chance.

Minglan frowned and said, "But if you, Fifth Sister, were to marry into the Wen family, you would be worse off than Fourth Sister right now."

"If she knew, she'd probably laugh at me behind my back."

"How can these be lumped together!"

"Young Master Wen is a true scholar with exceptional talent. With the help of his father and second brother, he will surely have a bright future."

"Besides, if I were to get married, I would definitely have a grand wedding procession with a ten-mile-long red bridal procession, much more magnificent than Mo Lan's wedding."

"Young Master Wen was also sincere to me, without any concealment. He said that his mother was a bit mean and his brothers were idle, but every family has its troubles."

"Those mistresses of noble families in the city, though they appear glamorous on the surface, do they really have nothing but happiness inside?"

“My father is a high-ranking official of the second rank, my grandmother and mother are both bestowed with imperial titles, my elder sister is the empress, and my second elder brother is a civil official.”

"If the Wen family wants to live a good life, they have no choice but to respect me at all times and cling to my family's coattails."

Upon hearing this, Minglan stared blankly at her, never expecting that Rulan, who was always cheerful, had such a clear plan in mind.

Even a single hair from the Sheng family is thicker than a thigh from the Wen family.

How could Wang Ruofu tolerate her being wronged? He would surely be able to subdue the entire Wen family.

The following day, Wen Yanjing nervously arrived at the door.

Wang Ruofu saw that he was simply dressed and had a dignified appearance, and that he took all the blame for his secret rendezvous with Rulan.

Although she still looked down on his social status, she reluctantly agreed.

The old lady also praised him repeatedly.

Inside the study, Sheng Hong, dressed in a brown satin robe, sat upright at his desk.

He picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, took a small sip, and asked softly, "Wen Yanjing, what exactly is it about my Ru'er that caught your eye?"

Wen Yanjing bowed respectfully and said, “In reply to my teacher, I have studied diligently since childhood and have witnessed the coldness and warmth of human relationships.”

"Fifth Sister is frank and innocent, with a pure heart. She does not hide anything in her words and deeds, which is truly rare."

"Hehehe." Sheng Hong stroked his beard and chuckled dryly, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

He had not previously considered betrothing Rulan to Wen Yanjing, partly because he was worried that Wang Ruofu would look down on his family's social standing.

Secondly, Rulan's personality is so similar to Wang Ruofu's that they are practically cut from the same mold.

When he and Wang Ruofu drifted apart, it wasn't entirely due to Lin Qinshuang's sweet words; her methods were quite sophisticated.

Part of the reason was that Wang Ruofu would use her family background to suppress her whenever she was slightly unhappy, making her feel completely ashamed.

Only in recent years, with the Wang family declining, has he been able to straighten his back a little.

"In that case, I will accept this marriage."

"You must remember what I said today. My Sheng family will not treat you unfairly," Sheng Hong said in a deep voice.

Wen Yanjing looked delighted and bowed deeply.

Marrying a girl from the Sheng family was undoubtedly a blessing for him for several lifetimes.

Eight or nine days later, the eldest branch of the Sheng family had arrived in Bianjing.

Yulin Lane, Sheng Mansion.

Today, Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu, along with two young ladies, Ru Lan and Ming Lan, have come to pay their respects.

Sheng Wei, along with Li Shi and Sheng Changwu, were waiting at the door early on.

As soon as they stepped off the carriage, Sheng Wei immediately stepped forward and said with a smile, "It's been a long time, Brother Hong, you're still as dashing as ever!"

"Your sister-in-law and niece have also come. Please come in, please come in!"

"Greetings, Aunt." Kang Yun'er, dressed in an apricot-colored brocade dress, bowed gracefully to Wang Ruofu.

Wang Ruofu smiled broadly, "Oh, it's Yoon-ah!"

"Look at you now that you're married, you've become even more beautiful and elegant. It's clear that Changwu has been very fond of you these past few years."

Kang Yun'er blushed and said, "Yun'er is fortunate to have found a good marriage thanks to my aunt and the old lady for their love and support."

Both Li and her sister-in-law Wen were kind-hearted people, and her sister-in-law Pinlan was very easy to get along with and never made things difficult for her.

Compared to the chaotic Kang family, the Sheng family was like a paradise.

"Minglan, my little sister! Rulan, my older sister!" Pinlan looked at them with great joy.

In the past, Rulan followed Wang Ruofu closely, imitating her, and did not think much of the eldest son's lineage.

In Pinlan's eyes, Rulan was arrogant and willful. As soon as she arrived in Youyang, she put on airs and no one pleased her.

Of the two, Pinlan is closer to the clever and intelligent Minglan.

After everyone had caught up in the past, it was nearly noon.

Since everyone is a family, there were no separate tables today; instead, a family banquet was set up in the flower hall.

Sheng Wei chuckled and said, "Changwu's reinstatement is all thanks to Brother Hong's efforts in managing things in the capital these past few years."

The imperial court is teeming with talented individuals, and twenty-seven months is enough for earth-shattering changes to occur.

After most officials finished their mourning period, they were required to report to the Ministry of Personnel and wait for reassignment.

Although his official rank remains unchanged, returning to his original position is virtually impossible without the help of a capable person to pull strings.

If there are no vacant positions in the court at the moment, one can only stay at home and wait for a vacancy, which may take anywhere from a few months to several years.

Even worse, if one offends someone before the mourning period, their career could very well come to an end.

"It's nothing, just a trivial matter," Sheng Hong said with a smile, waving his hand.

“If the girl’s wedding is approaching, we, as her uncle and aunt, should naturally prepare a generous gift,” Madam Li added.

Upon hearing this, Rulan quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Aunt!"

Wang Ruofu's lips curled up slightly. Two days ago, after the Wen family sent the betrothal gifts, she began to busy herself preparing Rulan's dowry.

Sheng Hong always considered himself a man of integrity and was cautious in his official duties, so he was not interested in how to make money.

Although Changfeng's wedding was not a grand affair, there was still Minglan in the family whose marriage had not yet been arranged, so they had to keep one for her.

Without the help of the eldest son's family, it would have been quite difficult to put together a grand dowry.

After several rounds of drinks, the official, panting heavily, came running over, saying, "Sir, someone from the palace has arrived!"

"What?!" Sheng Wei was greatly surprised and didn't know how to react for a moment. He subconsciously turned to look at Sheng Hong.
Sheng Hong pondered briefly, then stroked his beard and said, "Brother Wei, don't panic. In my opinion, this is a good thing. Let's straighten our clothes and head to the main hall!"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Inside the main hall, Sheng Wei and the others bowed respectfully. The head eunuch in red robes announced loudly, "Your Excellency, the decree states:

I have heard that the key to governing is to be kind to one’s parents, and to uphold filial piety is to cherish one’s parents.

Ziersheng, father of Consort Shu, is of gentle and kind nature, honest and dignified, and has taught his daughter well. He should be granted a noble title and reward.

Now, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Earl of Rongchang and grant you an Earl of Rongchang Mansion, as a special honor.

Awesome! "

Upon hearing this, Sheng Wei couldn't help but swallow hard, while Li Shi, standing beside him, widened her eyes in disbelief.

The title of Earl!

His family never expected this day to come!
Sheng Hong subtly tugged at his sleeve, and Sheng Wei snapped out of his daze, quickly bowing and saying, "Sheng Wei thanks Your Majesty for your grace!"

After he received the imperial edict with both hands, the eunuch, with a dignified and composed expression, said slowly, "His Majesty has shown great favor."

"The women of the Rongchang Marquis's family may enter the palace in three days to have a family reunion with Consort Shu."

After seeing the eunuch off, Sheng Wei's hand holding the imperial edict trembled uncontrollably, and he was unable to calm down for a long time.

Li held onto the corner of the table, her heart heaving.

Congratulations, Brother Wei!

"It is only natural that Shuyatou is favored by the Emperor in the palace and has given birth to a princess for the Emperor, bringing blessings to the family."

As he spoke, Sheng Hong stroked his beard and smiled, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

Now that both families are in the capital, they are naturally bound together by fate, sharing both prosperity and adversity.

When the late emperor was alive, the Fuchang Earl's family was extremely prestigious in Bianjing because Consort Rong was favored.

Even if people gossip about his family background, that's a private matter. When you actually meet them, everyone is very polite.

"Congratulations, Uncle and Aunt." Rulan and Minglan exchanged a glance and said in unison.

Sheng Wei let out a long breath and exclaimed excitedly, "Someone come here!"

"Go to the storeroom and fetch two red gold necklaces for Ruya and Mingya to wear and play with!"

"Thank you, Uncle."

The two men smiled broadly, secretly marveling at how generous their uncle was, just as always.

Pinlan held Minglan's hand, beaming with joy. From now on, she was a young lady of the Rongchang Earl's Mansion!

It wasn't until dusk that Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu took their leave.

Inside the carriage, Wang Ruofu sighed repeatedly, "I really don't know when our family will be able to obtain a noble title."

Sheng Hong glanced at him sideways.

"Be careful what you say. I now hold real power in the Ministry of War, which is the foundation of my position. A noble title is just icing on the cake."

“After a few years, when Changbai is transferred back to the capital and establishes himself, I will definitely make way for him. Our family will then have no worries about not having a title.”

Wang Ruofu nodded, and couldn't help but look forward to the day when Changbai would join the cabinet.

-

Three days later, Lady Li dressed in new clothes and, together with Pinlan and Kang Yun'er, entered the palace to pay homage to Shulan.

Inside Yanfu Palace, the mother and daughter, who had not seen each other for several years, couldn't help but choke up a little.

Pinlan stood to the side, unable to hold back her soft sobs.

After some casual conversation...

Shulan frowned slightly and instructed, "Mother, Bianjing is not like Youyang. It's right under the capital, and there are many people and a lot of gossip."

"From now on, you must be extra careful in your words and actions, and never give anyone a handle to use against you."

"If you encounter any unresolved matters, or those difficult-to-balance social obligations, feel free to consult your second uncle and aunt."

“They have been in the capital for a long time and know the ins and outs of all parties. With their guidance, my daughter can feel more at ease in the palace.”

Li patted her fair and soft hand, "Don't worry, your father knows what he's doing and would never cause trouble recklessly."

"Let me see the little princess quickly. As her maternal grandmother, I have been hoping to enter the palace to see her ever since I heard the good news."

Pinlan couldn't wait to chime in, "Yes, Second Sister, I also want to see my little niece!"

Shulan looked at the two of them, sighed softly, and immediately instructed the nanny to bring Lingjie over.

Meanwhile, inside the Wenhua Hall.

Han Zhang, Shen Shiqi, Lü Hui, Gu Tingye, and several other important court officials were all present.

Shen Shiqi cupped his hands and said, "Recently, several minor rebellions have occurred in the former territory of Western Xia."

"Fortunately, Wei Ling led the border troops to react quickly and suppress the rebellion in time."

“Ningzhou was the former capital of the Western Xia Kingdom. I previously thought it was the most prone to change, but it turns out to be the most stable place now.”

It is perfectly normal for rebellions to occur in the former territories of other countries after territorial expansion.

Han Zhang stroked his chin, recalling the events carefully.

"I recall that the Prefect of Ningzhou was Sheng Changbai, the son of Lord Sheng."

Zhao Han smiled slightly and said, "Since Sheng Changbai took office in Ningzhou, he has rectified the administration, comforted the displaced people, and personally handled everything. It was expected that Ningzhou would be able to remain stable."

"It's truly remarkable that someone so young can act with such composure and thoroughness," Shen Shiqi couldn't help but remark.

Just then, Qingyun bowed and stepped forward, cupping his hands and saying, "Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Wang of the Hanlin Academy requests an audience."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Han raised an eyebrow slightly, "Let him in."

Before long, Wang Anshi stepped into the hall, and Han Zhang subtly moved a step to the side.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects!" Wang Anshi bowed deeply, and as he raised his hand, a clear ink stain was visible on his sleeve.

There were several creases and stains at the hem of the official robe. Although he was wearing a purple robe and a gold belt, he still looked careless.

Gu Tingye blinked. "Why does Lord Wang look so much darker these past few days?"

Wang Anshi remained calm and simply said, "I am naturally dark-skinned, and in the past few years when I was serving in other places, I was exposed to the wind and sun. I hope Lord Gu will forgive my dark complexion."

"I see, I was rude." Gu Tingye bowed deeply.

Wang Anshi was frugal and incorruptible, and did not care about trivial matters. If he were not wearing his official robes, no one would mistake him for a high-ranking official in the court.

Zhao Han looked up at him and asked, "I wonder what brings you here today, Minister Wang?"

Wang Anshi's gaze swept lightly across the hall, and he said in a loud voice, "Your Majesty, I have come today for the sake of the nation and its people."

"In my opinion, the first step in governing a country is to determine the methods of reform!"

"If we only maintain the status quo and do not seek change, even if we have thousands of miles of fertile land and millions of people, it will be difficult to resist the deepening of accumulated problems."

"I passed the imperial examination at the age of twenty and served successively as a judge in Yangzhou and magistrate of Yin County for more than twenty years. This is what I have seen and heard during these years. I hope Your Majesty will read it."

Zhao Han took the heavy memorial he handed her, scanning it line by line with her eyes.

As he expected, Wang Anshi planned to implement reforms.

He had offered this advice many years ago, but the late emperor did not heed it.

"Your Majesty, our dynasty is already plagued by deep-seated problems. Nowadays, military expenditures alone account for 60% of tax revenue each year. The Ministry of Personnel has more than 20,000 registered officials, while our dynasty only admits about 300 people through the imperial examinations each year. However, nearly 1,000 people become officials through hereditary privilege and other means!"

"If reforms are not implemented and official corruption is not eradicated, the consequences will be dire. I dare to offer my suggestions today, and I am willing to propose a plan for reform!"

(End of this chapter)