Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 150 Minglan Rescues Her from the Predicament and Enters the Palace for an Audience

Wang Ruoyu's heart stirred, and she turned her gaze to Liu Ge'er, a sinister glint flashing in her eyes.

“Sister, she can shut you up with reason today, but she’ll dare to climb over your head to get ahead tomorrow.”

"If we keep Seventh Brother by her side any longer, I'm afraid she'll teach him to have no respect for his stepmother!"

"In my opinion, it would be better to follow the rules and bring the boy to you, his legal mother, to raise him."

Wang Ruofu frowned slightly. She did not raise any illegitimate children, partly because of Sheng Hong's request.

Secondly, although she was not as harsh and disgusted with illegitimate children as Wang Ruoyu, she was ultimately unwilling to put any effort into them.

Besides, Brother Liu has been able to remember things for a long time.

“This…” Wang Ruofu hesitated, unable to finish her sentence.

Liu Ge'er reluctantly raised his head, looking at Wei Shuyi and Minglan with worried eyes.

He didn't want to go to Wei Rui Xuan... As expected, nothing good ever came from Aunt Kang's visit to the manor...

Just as Wei Shuyi was pondering how to respond, Minglan stepped forward and gave a proper bow.

"Aunt, please forgive me. Minglan shouldn't have spoken out of turn."

"Just now, when my aunt talked about etiquette, it reminded Minglan of her grandmother's teachings."

“Grandmother often said that a loving stepmother does not keep her illegitimate children by her side every day, but rather maintains a fair heart and educates them properly.”

“My mother has always been kind and generous to us children born out of wedlock, and has never deliberately restricted us.”

“My aunt’s intentions are good, but our Sheng family has its own rules set by my grandmother and father. My mother has been praised by everyone for managing the household all these years, so there is really no need to find another way.”

"I heard that my aunt recently sent one of her illegitimate cousins ​​to be a concubine to Prince Kang. Such a method of raising children is something our scholarly family would never dare to imitate."

After saying that, Minglan turned her gaze to Wang Ruofu, "Mother, don't you think so?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Ruofu looked at Wang Ruoyu with a face full of surprise.

“Prince Kang is over seventy years old. Although she is born out of wedlock, she is still a member of the Kang family. How can you treat her like this?”

Prince Kang was a cousin of Emperor Renzong within three degrees of kinship, but he was only given the title Kang and had little connection with the Kang family.

Seeing that her family's shameful secret had been exposed, Wang Ruo slammed her hand on the table and glared at Minglan through gritted teeth.

"You...you little hussy, how dare you gossip about your elders! What a disrespectful thing you are!"

Minglan nodded slightly and lowered her eyes, saying, "Aunt, please calm down. I would never dare to make such a fuss."

"But seeing my mother's kind heart, and that you have repeatedly instigated her to cause trouble, I have no choice but to tell the truth."

"You just sent your illegitimate daughter to the Prince's mansion to curry favor, and now you're here to give us your opinions. No wonder Grandmother and Father specifically instructed you not to visit Mother without permission."

Upon hearing this, Wang Ruoyu was so angry that she trembled all over.

His face flushed red, and he pointed at Minglan, "You little brat, what nonsense are you spouting!"

Minglan ignored her words, only looking at Wang Ruofu with a sincere and worried expression.

"Although my seventh brother was raised by my concubine, he has always been very respectful to our mother."

“Even if Mother wanted to elevate Seventh Brother and personally raise him, she should have told Father first.”

"If you act rashly just because of your aunt's instigation, I'm afraid your father will be displeased."

Wang Ruofu's eyes were somewhat complicated. He thought to himself: This sixth girl is usually quiet and reserved, like a silent gourd.

He's quite articulate now.

"Very well, Madam Wei, you should raise Liu Ge'er well. If anyone seeks an audience with you again, you should immediately report it to me."

After leaving those words, Wang Ruofu got up and left. Wang Ruoyu glared at Minglan fiercely and then flung her sleeves.

After they had all left, Xiao Tao quickly brought over a teacup and said softly, "Miss, please have some tea to moisten your throat."

Minglan took the teacup and drank it all in one gulp. Then, she stepped over to Wei Shuyi's side.

“Young lady, it was Lady Kang who instigated Madam to come here and cause trouble today.”

“My daughter didn’t act impulsively. If we don’t speak up and argue, I’m afraid she will really get her way.”

Wei Shuyi took Minglan's delicate hands in his and nodded gently.

"I know that my Ming'er is becoming more and more capable of handling things on her own."

Now that her family has someone to back her up, although they are not in high positions of power, she still has something to rely on, and she no longer wants to endure things as she did before.

Naturally, Minglan and Changliu would not be wronged.

"By the way, Ming'er, how did you find out about the Kang family's affairs?" Wei Shuyi asked, her face full of curiosity.

Minglan smiled and said, "Fifth Sister told me."

"Even if the Kang Wang family does something very quietly, someone will still find out something about it."

Wei Shuyi lowered his eyes and pulled Minglan to sit on the soft couch by the window.

"This Aunt Kang is truly heartless. Such a family that mistreats a concubine's daughter is probably the first of its kind in the capital."

"But tomorrow, you talked back to her today. I saw the look in her eyes when she left. She was very resentful and will definitely not let it go."

"If she makes things difficult again next time, you don't need to step in. Leave it to me to deal with."

Minglan nodded repeatedly, "Okay!"

After saying that, she nestled in Wei Shuyi's arms, while Xiaodie and Xiaotao stood to the side, exchanging smiles.

On the way back to the manor, the carriage jolted slightly, and Wang Ruoyu's face was full of malice, her heart heaving violently.

She was the eldest daughter of the Wang family, her father was entitled to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and her mother was granted an imperial title!
She was a lowly concubine and an illegitimate daughter of the Sheng family, someone who could not be presented in public.

Now they dare to take advantage of their mother's brothers, who must have gotten incredibly lucky, to be so arrogant and defiant towards me!

If she doesn't vent this anger, she'll write her name, Wang Ruoyu, backwards!

In short, no matter what I do, the Wang family will handle it properly.

-

As dusk approached and night fell, the inner courtyard of the Yongchang Earl's Mansion was brightly lit.

Mo Lan was sitting at the table, having dinner with Liang Liulang.

She looked rather unwell. After being rebuffed by Rulan earlier that day, she went to find Sheng Changfeng.

She really didn't expect that even her own brother wouldn't talk to her anymore. He urged her to leave quickly without saying a few words.

"Sixth Brother, my two younger sisters are becoming increasingly arrogant and rude. Today they even joined forces to mock me."

“They all look down on me, their older sister.”

"Speaking of which, you should find a new way out for yourself. You're just loafing around at home all day, hanging out with some shady friends."

"If the eldest son inherits the title in the future, will there still be a place for us in the Liang family?"

"You didn't see the way Father looked at Fifth Sister's husband today. He admired him so much."

Liang Liulang silently put down his chopsticks and picked up the handkerchief on the table to wipe his mouth.

There was a hint of mockery in his eyes as he looked at Mo Lan.

"What? Wasn't it you and your stepmother who meticulously planned and arranged for us to meet at Yuqing Temple? Now you're regretting it?"

"Why did my promising Hou Que appointment fall through? Don't you really know? It's all because of you." Upon hearing this, Mo Lan's expression changed.

Since marrying into the Earl's family, she has remained silent about what happened back then.

She forced herself to remain calm, mimicking Lin Qinshuang's mannerisms, and tugged at Liang Liulang's sleeve, choking back tears as she said, "Liulang, how could you doubt me like this?"

“I heard you calling my name in my dreams more than once, so clearly, it was all God’s arrangement.”

Liang Liulang sneered repeatedly, stood up, and looked down at Mo Lan.

"Stop pretending. Qiu Jiang told me everything the other day. Your stepmother didn't die of illness at all. She was beaten to death by your father in the ancestral hall."

"He bribed the gatekeeper, waited for the right moment, disguised himself as a maid and met with me in secret, saying that he was in love with me."

"Sheng Molan, you and your stepmother have been plotting against me and our Liang family from the very beginning!"

"No wonder Mother always looked down on you and was so fond of your sixth sister!"

Mo Lan turned to look at Qiu Jiang in disbelief, truly not expecting that she would betray her.

Qiu Jiang showed no fear in his eyes, and said with his neck stiff, "Madam, you don't need to look at me like that. You forced me to do this!"

“Ever since I came to the Earl’s mansion with you, you have repeatedly deducted my monthly allowance. Whenever you are unhappy, you take it out on me, either beating or scolding me. What kind of first-class maid lives such a life that is worse than that of a pig or a dog?”

"Sixth Brother, you should have met Lu Zhong and Yun Zai, who used to serve Madam."

"They were beaten to death just like Lin Xiaoniang. The whole thing about them being released to marry is just the mistress lying to you!"

“Previously, Huai Ge’er was sick several times with a persistent high fever, and he almost lost half his life. It was all because of her.”

Mo Lan's face flushed red, and she was so anxious that she wanted to rush over and tear Qiu Jiang apart, but Liang Liulang grabbed her.

"You wouldn't even spare a child! You and your stepmother are both cunning and vicious women!"

Liang Liulang stared fiercely at Mo Lan, his eyes filled with undisguised disgust.

Huai Ge'er was born to Chun Ke. Although he was born out of wedlock, he was still Liang Liulang's first child, and Liang Liulang loved him very much.

Mo Lan tried several times to take Huai Ge'er to live with her, but Chun Ke blocked her with tears, tantrums, and threats of suicide.

"I...I didn't, Liu Lang! Why would you believe a servant's words! My feelings for you are too deep to be contained!"

Mo Lan's hands trembled slightly as she feigned a weak and pitiful appearance.

Unfortunately, Liang Liulang wasn't buying it at all.

He coldly said, "If you dare to lay a hand on Huai-ge'er again, don't blame me for giving you a divorce!"

"Do you think my father-in-law would allow a divorced daughter in the family?"

Mo Lan looked at her in disbelief, her expression somewhat embarrassed.

The entire Sheng family dislikes her. If she is divorced, she will most likely be sent to the estate to live a lonely life.

"Liulang, I...I..."

Liang Liulang didn't want to waste any more words with her, so he flicked his sleeve and left with Qiu Jiang.

He had originally thought that Mo Lan would be a gentle and virtuous woman, a talented woman with whom he could share poetic and artistic interests.

Only after marrying her did he realize that she was such a ruthless, hypocritical, and vicious woman.

Watching Liang Liulang's departing figure, Mo Lan felt weak all over and slumped onto the soft stool.

She couldn't understand why, after marrying into the Liang family, she had done everything according to Lin Qinshuang's teachings, so why had things turned out this way.

She harmed Huai Ge'er, and Liang Liulang should have turned a blind eye, just like Sheng Hong!

Is he just angry and will he be able to forgive and apologize once he calms down?
-

As soon as Rulan's wedding was over, Shenghong plunged headlong into the imperial examinations.

Since no one from the Sheng family participated in the imperial examination this time, he did not need to avoid the topic and thus served as a co-examiner.

He is currently locked inside the examination hall and will not be able to return home until the results of the spring examination are announced.

Several days later, Rulan brought Wen Yanjing to see Hualan, and the old lady, along with Old Madam Yu and Minglan, entered the palace with them.

After learning of the old lady's purpose, Wang Ruofu felt uneasy again.

Hua Lan's success today is ultimately due to the old lady's planning; it seems she herself has played no role at all.

Madam Liu said softly, "The old lady's vision is unmatched even by the master, let alone you, Madam. We should think more about the Fifth Miss's affairs in the future."

Wang Ruofu sighed softly and nodded.

Inside the Renming Hall of the Imperial Palace, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

Hua Lan wore a dark blue brocade dress and a pearl crown, exuding an air of elegance.

After glancing at Rulan, he softly instructed, "Once you're married, you can no longer be as willful and boisterous as before."

"When you speak or do something, you must first think it through in your mind."

Then, she looked at Wen Yanjing and said, "My fifth sister has been spoiled at home since she was little. If she has done anything inappropriate or said anything improper, I hope you will be more tolerant of her in the future."

Wen Yanjing stood inside the hall, looking somewhat reserved.

After bowing respectfully, he solemnly said, "Your Majesty is too kind. It is truly my great fortune to be able to marry the Fifth Miss."

"From now on, I will do my best to protect her, so as not to fail Her Majesty's entrustment today, nor to fail the Sheng family's kindness."

Hua Lan nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this.
Rulan's marriage brought the Sheng family much good reputation, and the civil officials and scholars praised it highly.

With such a powerful family backing her, her reign as empress was naturally more secure and she enjoyed greater public support.

After a short while, Hua Lan sent Wen Yanjing to rest, and then asked softly, "Did his mother give you any trouble?"

Rulan shook her head, "How dare she? Doesn't she even know who my own elder sister is!"

"That's good, but you can't be too willful, or it will damage your reputation," Hua Lan earnestly advised.

"I know, don't worry, big sister." Rulan smiled with her eyes narrowed and sat obediently to the side.

On the other side, after the morning court session ended, Zhao Han went straight to Rouyi Palace.

Just then, Yanran was talking to Minglan when she heard bursts of clear and cheerful laughter coming from inside the palace.

Zhao Han slowly walked in and said quietly, "What are you talking about, so happy?"

Upon hearing this, Yanran and Minglan were immediately taken aback. After exchanging a glance, they quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

"The Emperor is coming, but he didn't even let the palace servants announce it. It startled us and we almost lost our manners." Yanran raised her eyes slightly, her tone carrying a hint of coquettishness.

Zhao Han sat down on the soft couch and said, "If word gets out, we won't be able to hear your cheerful laughter anymore."

Minglan stood to the side, dressed in a gentle blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a few understated jade hairpins tucked into her hair. She was carefully observing Zhao Han out of the corner of her eye.

Yanran offered a cup of tea with both hands and said softly, "Your Majesty, I would like to make a pair of shoes by hand. I was just asking Ming'er for advice."

"Although my embroidery skills are a notch above others, when it comes to doing these things, I am far inferior. Even the notoriously picky Lord Sheng in his household praised me highly."

The "Young Master Sheng" she mentioned was Sheng Changbai. She had met him a few times when she visited the Sheng family with Old Madam Yu when she was young.

Minglan's eyelashes trembled slightly as she humbly replied, "It's just a matter of putting in a little more effort; it's hardly worthy of Your Majesty's praise."

"You should still call me Sister Yanran. The title 'Your Majesty' sounds a bit too formal."

"Don't be reserved just because the Emperor is here. If it weren't for your fifth sister coming to the palace to pay her respects, we don't know when we would have met again." As Yanran spoke, she looked at Minglan with a smile in her eyes.

(End of this chapter)