Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 151 The Selection of Beauties: Empress Dowager Cao Sends Her Niece

Zhao Han, who was listening nearby, also chimed in, "Yanran is right."

"You two have always been on good terms, so let's use the old way of addressing each other; it will make it sound more lively and intimate."

Minglan's eyes flickered slightly, and she smiled brightly, saying, "Yes, Your Majesty, Sister Yanran!"

"When I first met Ming'er at the Sheng family with my grandmother, she was still young and didn't talk much. She just stood quietly to the side and didn't seem as clever as the fourth and fifth young ladies."

"It wasn't until we met several times that I realized that Ming'er is actually a very opinionated person."

"If it weren't for her secretly helping me with ideas on several occasions, I don't know how badly my previous stepmother would have ruined me."

As Yanran spoke, she gestured to a palace maid to bring over a soft stool, so that Minglan could sit to her left.

Zhao Han glanced at the two of them and chuckled, "In my opinion, the Sixth Miss is just a little fox in rabbit skin."

"She looks obedient and docile, but she is more insightful than anyone else."

Upon hearing this, Yanran's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands, saying, "That's right, Your Majesty's description is absolutely apt!"

A faint blush appeared on Minglan's beautiful, innocent face.

She lowered her head and said softly, "Your Majesty, please do not tease me."

"If possible, I would only wish to be as pure-hearted as Sister Yanran, without having to worry about scheming and weighing things all day long."

Yanran parted her pink lips slightly and quickly comforted her, "Those are all things of the past. Right now, you are the only unmarried girl in the Sheng family, and you have a capable uncle like General Wei serving as an official in the court. Who would dare to look down on you?"

"Indeed, Sixth Miss should relax. Speaking of which, I have something that I need to trouble you with for a few days."

Minglan raised her eyebrows slightly, looking at Zhao Han with great curiosity, unable to think of any reason why he could trouble her.

"Sixth Miss, do you still remember when Consort Wei sent you to deliver a pair of knee pads to me?"

Minglan pondered for a moment, then nodded vigorously.

"After many years, those knee braces are badly worn out."

"I wonder if the Sixth Miss could make me a new one in the old style?"

A warm feeling welled up in Minglan's heart, mixed with a touch of surprise.

She blurted out, "That's just an ordinary item, why has the Emperor kept it all this time?"

“Of course, the palace is not lacking in these, but I still feel that none of them can compare to the one that the Sixth Miss sent that day.” After saying that, Zhao Han smiled slightly.

Just as Minglan was in a daze, Yanran reached out and tugged at her sleeve.

"What are you daydreaming about, Ming'er? Hurry up and agree."

Minglan regained her composure, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly stood up and gave a proper bow.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will go back and select the fabric to sew it carefully."

Meanwhile, at Renming Hall.

After taking Hua Lan's pulse, Old Madam He said in a low voice, "Your Majesty's health is fine. Perhaps managing the affairs of the inner palace has taken a toll on your spirit."

"That's why you haven't been able to conceive a royal heir for so long. I'll prescribe a remedy, Your Majesty. Just drink it regularly for a while and it will be fine."

Hua Lan withdrew her fair wrist. "Thank you, Madam He."

"Your Majesty is too kind. It is a blessing I have accumulated over many lifetimes to be able to take your pulse," said Old Madam He with a kind smile.

After finishing her business, Old Madam Sheng held Hua Lan's hand and spoke to her in private.

He instructed her to prioritize her health and the imperial heir, and not to overwork herself.

Some trivial matters can be left to Shulan or Yanran.

In the future, with more concubines in the harem, the Emperor will mostly only come to Renming Hall on the first and fifteenth of each month.

It wasn't until dusk that Fang Mama called Minglan, and together they took their leave of the palace.

On the way back to the mansion, the old lady and Minglan rode in the same carriage.

She noticed that Minglan seemed somewhat uneasy, so she asked gently, "What did Consort Shu say to you today?"

“When I saw you return from Rouyi Palace, you seemed to have something on your mind.”

Minglan subconsciously pursed her lips and shook her head repeatedly, "No...it's nothing important, thank you for your concern, Grandmother."

"Tomorrow, if you have anything on your mind, be sure to tell me."

"You must never do what you did last time, planning so much on your own at such a young age, only to make yourself suffer for nothing."

The carriage wheels rolled over the bluestone road, moving forward steadily, and it seemed that after another turn, they would arrive at the Sheng Mansion.

Minglan hesitated for a long time before speaking, "Grandmother, I met the Emperor at Sister Yanran's place today."

"The emperor still has the knee pads that my concubine gave him years ago, and he actually asked me to make another pair for him, just like the old ones."

Upon hearing this, the old lady turned to look at Minglan with considerable surprise.

After a moment, she sighed and said, "Eight or nine years have passed in the blink of an eye. The Emperor is a man who cherishes old friendships. Since the Emperor said it himself, you should do your best to follow his advice."

“Yes, Grandmother.” Minglan nodded gently.

-

Half a month has passed in the blink of an eye, and the results of the imperial examination have been released. The candidates have mixed feelings about the cancellation of the poetry and prose subject.

This was a tremendous opportunity for those scholars from humble backgrounds who excelled in classical texts and policy discussions but were less adept at literary embellishment.

Many literati who enjoy writing poetry have repeatedly criticized this matter, arguing that poetry can demonstrate talent.

Focusing solely on policy essays and classical texts forces scholars to become bookworms who can only talk about governing the world.

Overall, however, this matter was beneficial to the imperial court's selection of officials.

Tonight, as night falls, a few stars are faintly visible in the dark blue sky.

Inside the Wenhua Hall, the lights were on full display.

Zhao Han held in his hand the exam papers that had been selected by Wang Anshi and many other examiners as the top ten.

After careful review, he personally selected the top three scholars: the first, second, and third place winners.

Just then, Qingyun bowed and entered the hall, saying respectfully, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has sent someone to invite you over."

"Oh?" Zhao Han put down the vermilion brush, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Since his ascension to the throne, Empress Dowager Cao has rarely appeared in public, focusing instead on burning incense and worshipping Buddha within the palace, and has never taken the initiative to send someone to invite him over.

To fulfill his filial duty and observe proper etiquette, he would visit Qingshou Palace every few days to pay his respects, but he would only exchange a few simple pleasantries before leaving.

After a moment's thought, Zhao Han stood up, straightened his robes, and said slowly, "Prepare the carriage for the Qingshou Palace."

Upon hearing this, Qingyun immediately instructed the eunuchs to prepare the imperial carriage.

About an incense stick's time later, inside the Celebration Palace.

The decor here is particularly simple and dignified.

The fine table gleamed dimly in the candlelight, and a faint sandalwood scent lingered in the air.

Empress Dowager Cao was dressed in a crimson-purple casual dress. On her face, which was free of makeup, several fine lines were clearly visible. On her meticulously combed hair, there were also a few faint white hairs.

"Your son greets Your Majesty." Zhao Han followed etiquette and bowed respectfully.

Empress Dowager Cao smiled gently and waved her hand, saying, "No need for formalities, please sit down."

After saying this, Empress Dowager Cao personally picked up the teapot on the table and slowly poured a cup of tea for Zhao Han.

Zhao Han picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said gently, "I wonder what brings Your Majesty here at this hour?"

Empress Dowager Cao sighed softly, "You have been on the throne for two years now. The imperial examinations are over, and the court is gradually stabilizing."

"It's time to consider expanding the harem and having more children."

“If you were born into a noble family, Han-ge’er, at your age, you would definitely not only have a son and a daughter by your side.”

“The selection of concubines is not only a family matter, but also a matter of state. You must have seen how much the late emperor suffered back then.” Zhao Han’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he nodded, saying, “Your Majesty is right. It was my oversight.”

"In a few days, I will instruct the Imperial Household Department to handle this matter."

During the imperial concubine selection process in the Great Zhou Dynasty, the Imperial Household Department was responsible for the initial screening of women who met the criteria in the capital and other regions.

The Court of Imperial Clan Affairs would then investigate whether the family background was clean, while the Censorate would supervise from the sidelines to prevent acts such as the forced conscription of women.

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Cao smiled with satisfaction.

She looked out the window, pondered for a moment, and said, "Han-ge'er, I have a niece whose nickname is Tao Tao."

“She was raised by my side since childhood. She is gentle and beautiful. The late emperor and I were quite fond of her.”

“If you hadn’t already been engaged, I would have intended to betroth her to you.”

Zhao Han's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly.

Gao Taotao's great-grandfather was Gao Qiong, a famous general of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and her grandfather, Gao Jixun, was known as a divine general.

Her father, Gao Zunfu, was of mediocre ability and held a low official position. Her mother was the granddaughter of Cao Bin, a founding hero of the dynasty, and also the cousin of Empress Dowager Cao.

This woman… to praise her as a female Yao and Shun (legendary sages) is perhaps a bit…

Zhao Han pondered inwardly, but her expression remained unchanged. "Does the Empress Dowager mean for her to enter the palace?"

"Indeed, Tao Tao has a distinguished family background and excellent character, and has been praised by the late emperor on many occasions."

"If she can enter the palace to serve you, I can also live out my days in peace at Qingshou Palace." As Empress Dowager Cao spoke, she subtly observed Zhao Han's expression.

Zhao Han stood up and bowed respectfully. Since the late emperor and the idea of ​​enjoying one's old age had been brought up, he naturally had no reason to refuse.

So he said, "Your Majesty's judgment is never wrong, and to have received the late Emperor's praise is even more remarkable."

"Everything is at Your Majesty's discretion."

"As for the selection of the imperial concubine, my son has already made up his mind."

Originally, the imperial harem consisted of one empress and four consorts, but because Emperor Renzong's mother, Lady Li, was titled Consort Chen, it was changed to one empress and five consorts.

Currently, there are only two remaining imperial concubines: the Noble Consort and the Imperial Concubine Chen.

Empress Dowager Cao's expression remained unchanged; she simply picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said, "Very well."

"Han-ge'er, I also have an adopted daughter by my side, and you have met her more than once."

Zhao Han frowned slightly, looking at Empress Dowager Cao with great curiosity.

"Qingshao, come out." Empress Dowager Cao beckoned.

Zhao Han turned her head and saw Wei Qingshao wearing a moon-white brocade dress, with fair and delicate skin and a graceful figure.

As she strode forward, though there was a hint of shyness in her eyes, she still boldly looked at Zhao Han.

Her every smile and frown carried a unique charm, yet there was no affectation whatsoever.

"This humble woman, Wei Qingshao, pays her respects to Your Majesty."

Zhao Han took a deep breath and said quietly, "Chief Wei, you are actually the adopted daughter of the Empress Dowager."

If the Empress does not conceive within three years, the Emperor has the right to depose her.

Empress Dowager Cao had no sons back then, so in order to consolidate her position, she adopted many daughters and took the opportunity to give them to Emperor Renzong.

He intended to emulate Empress Dowager Liu, and if his adopted daughters gave birth to children, they would come to his side to raise them.

The same applies to Consort Rong and several other consorts.

Although it was somewhat unethical, the position of crown prince remained vacant, and those meddlesome courtiers did not stop it.

"Qing Shao has been working at Guangyuntai for many years, serving as the eyes and ears of both me and the late Emperor."

"I originally intended to marry her off to a scholar, but Qing Shao has long been in love with you and has never wanted to marry anyone else."

Zhao Han sized up Wei Qingshao.

No wonder in the original storyline, she secretly passed a message to Empress Dowager Cao, and eventually redeemed herself and ran away to a distant land with a scholar.

Wei Qingshao raised her head, her eyes sparkling, "Your Majesty, although I have been in Guangyuntai for many years, I am still a virgin."

"I do not ask the Emperor to grant me a title or favor, I only ask to be a personal maid so that I can serve the Emperor every day."

"I beg Your Majesty for mercy."

Zhao Han pondered for a moment, then raised his hand to signal her to stand up and speak. "Very well, from now on you will remain by my side as a concubine."

The rank of "Cairen" was fifth grade, and according to the etiquette system, there were a total of nine such individuals.

"This humble woman... Your Majesty, I thank you. I will serve you wholeheartedly from now on!" Wei Qingshao immediately changed her address, her face full of gratitude.

Because of her status as the Empress Dowager's adopted daughter, even though Wei Qingshao had been in Guangyuntai for many years, no one dared to gossip about her past.

The main reason is that Empress Dowager Liu was not only a singer but also a woman who had been married twice.

Consort Rong was originally a bricklayer, but entered the palace as a dancer.

Because of her beautiful appearance and outstanding dancing skills, she was selected by Emperor Renzong to enter the harem and was favored for many years, and her whole family was promoted.

After leaving Qingshou Palace, the moon was already high in the sky.

Zhao Han drove straight to Renming Hall.

On the soft couch, Hua Lan wore only a thin nightgown. Because she was lying on her side, her beautiful spring scenery was on full display.

Zhao Han put his arm around Hua Lan's slender waist and told her everything about the upcoming selection of concubines to enter the palace.

"Speaking of which, I've been pondering this matter recently. Is Your Majesty satisfied with the two people Your Majesty arranged?"

As Hua Lan spoke, her beautiful eyes were fixed on Zhao Han.

Zhao Han sighed softly, her fingers tracing the delicate embroidery on her nightgown.

"Whether we are satisfied or not, we should accept the person sent by the Empress Dowager, both out of courtesy and reason."

"With more concubines in the harem in the future, and with all the complicated affairs, you, Hua'er, will have to put in more effort."

Hua Lan nodded in deep agreement.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I know what to do and will certainly not let Your Majesty worry about matters of the harem."

Zhao Han looked at her with considerable trust.

After a moment, he smiled slightly and said softly, "I intend to take your sixth sister into the palace this time. What do you think?"

In the candlelight, Hua Lan's eyes flickered slightly.

Although Shulan was his cousin, there was still a distance between them in terms of kinship.

In the future, the imperial harem will include not only Empress Dowager Cao's niece, but also many noble ladies from prestigious families.

Shulan is gentle and mild-mannered, and can handle minor matters, but she is still far from becoming my right-hand woman.

Over the years, Minglan has grown into an increasingly beautiful and radiant woman, a unique presence in the entire Bianjing city.

She could tell that Minglan was thoughtful, intelligent, and well-behaved.

Even back then, I never received such love and care from the old lady. Minglan must have some extraordinary qualities.

Besides, Zhao Han himself spoke up.

Thinking of this, Hua Lan gave a soft hum, feigning a coquettish tone.

"If His Majesty wishes to bring someone into the palace, a decree will suffice; there is no need to consult your humble servants."

"My sixth sister is very pretty and charming. If she enters the palace, the Emperor should show her more affection and not let her suffer any injustice."

"I also ask that Your Majesty not neglect me when the time comes."

Zhao Han laughed loudly, raising his hand to stroke Hua Lan's delicate cheek, "How could that be? You are my Empress, my wife of many years, who can surpass you?"

(End of this chapter)