Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 153 After the talent show concluded, Gu Tingyu died.

Inside the room, the seventh young lady, Liang Jinyue, was dressed in a light blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a slender, fair neck faintly visible at the neckline.

At this moment, she was sitting upright in front of the bronze mirror, admiring her delicate and beautiful appearance.

Women who fail to be selected for the imperial concubine selection in the Great Zhou Dynasty can immediately discuss marriage and be married normally upon returning home.

If someone has passed the second round of selection by the Inner Palace Attendants Department but fails to meet the Emperor's approval, they may be directly betrothed to a prince of the imperial family or a relative of the Empress.

Madam Wu's decision to have her participate in the imperial concubine selection was a last resort, as neither of her two legitimate sons were any good.

Liang Hui's behavior became increasingly arrogant, and Lord Liang was still wavering about the succession of the title.

If it weren't for her maternal family to rely on, this eldest son of a concubine would probably have stopped paying attention to her long ago.

Now, all we can do is place our hopes on Liang Jinyue.

If she can establish herself in the palace, the support she will bring to her family in the future will be far greater than that of marrying someone of equal social standing.

After all, everyone knows the current situation of the Liang family, making it quite difficult for her to marry into a higher social class.

At this moment, Mo Lan stepped forward and stopped beside Liang Jinyue, and said softly, "Seventh Sister, have you thought it through?"

"If I only become a palace attendant after entering the palace, I might be lucky enough to gain the emperor's favor, but if I'm unlucky, I'm afraid I'll waste several years of my life."

Liang Jinyue turned to look at Mo Lan, her tone very calm, "There's no need for Sixth Sister-in-law to worry about that."

"When the late emperor was alive, there were dozens of women who were promoted to the rank of concubine from the position of imperial attendant. Princess Fukang's mother was one of those imperial attendants."

"Although I am not talented, I will do my best to earn a future for my family and myself."

"By the way, Sixth Sister-in-law, you probably don't know yet, but your sixth daughter from your family has been chosen by the Emperor to enter the palace."

Liang Jinyue's personality is very similar to that of Madam Wu; she despises those affected and pretentious manners.

From the moment Mo Lan entered the manor, he found fault with her in every way, but due to the Sheng family's status, he didn't dare to openly make things difficult for her.

"What?" Mo Lan jumped up, her face full of surprise.

Liang Jinyue blinked.

"The sixth daughter of the Sheng family is exceptionally beautiful, so it's only natural that she would be chosen by an official. Why are you so surprised, sixth sister-in-law?"

Mo Lan took a deep breath, composed herself, and sat down on a soft stool to the side.

"It's nothing. It's just that my sixth sister seems gentle and obedient on the surface, but she's actually sharp-tongued and never lets things go when she's right."

"You're used to being a tyrant at home, but once you enter the palace, you'll have the Empress backing you up. If you run into her in the future, you'd better be careful."

Liang Jinyue frowned slightly and muttered, "How can you talk about your own sisters like that?"

"I've met Miss Sheng before, and she doesn't seem to be as outrageous as you're describing."

Mo Lan gently waved her round fan and raised her hand to smooth a strand of hair from her forehead.

"You can know a person's face but not their face. I'm just telling the truth. As your sister-in-law, how could I possibly have any intention of harming you?"

"Besides, whether you believe it or not is up to you."

Liang Jinyue looked up at her and nodded with a hint of disbelief.
A few days ago, Qiu Jiang was officially taken as a concubine. Mo Lan followed Lin Qinshuang's example and apologized to Liang Liulang several times.

However, Liang Liulang remained indifferent. If it weren't for the Sheng family backing him, he wouldn't even want to step into Mo Lan's courtyard.

Now, Wen Yanjing is extremely attentive to Rulan, and he doesn't even have a concubine by his side, devoting all his attention to her.

The noble ladies who had previously been secretly mocking Rulan's marriage now all kept their mouths shut.

Minglan gained the Emperor's favor and entered the harem, her future filled with glory and limitless prospects.

She alone was neglected in the Earl's mansion, spending her days competing with a group of concubines and maids.

Driven by jealousy and resentment, Mo Lan naturally seized every opportunity to trip them up.

In the Imperial Palace, at the Rouyi Hall, Yanran, her eyes crinkling with joy, paced back and forth.

She tugged at the sleeve of her personal maid, Shishu, her voice trembling slightly.

"That's great, that's really great. With Ming'er here, I'll have someone to confide in from now on."

Shi Shu nodded repeatedly, "Yes, Your Highness, the Sixth Miss will definitely bring that silly girl Xiao Tao in with her!"

Yanran's eyes sparkled as she looked at her with a smile.

Several days later.

After rigorous selection and supervision by the Inner Palace Secretariat, the Censorate, and the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs, the list of shortlisted candidates for the imperial concubine selection has been finalized.

However, the final decision on whether to stay or leave rests with Zhao Han.

Inside the Qingshou Palace, after two whole hours of dazzlingly beautiful young women choosing their partners, the scene was breathtaking.

Besides Minglan, Gao Taotao, and Wei Qingshao, more than twenty people had their ranks confirmed.

More than twenty others were selected as imperial attendants to serve him closely. If they pleased him in the future, they could be favored and given the title of "Talented Lady".

Born into the Xiang family, his great-grandfather was Xiang Minzhong, a prime minister.

Her grandfather, Xiang Chuanliang, was an assistant director of the Ministry of War, and her father, Xiang Chuan, was an assistant director of the Ministry of Works. Their eldest daughter, surnamed Xiang, was conferred the title of Zhaoyi.

Huang Jiyun, the second legitimate daughter of the Huang family of the Earl of Shoushan, was granted the title of Jieyu.

The eldest daughter-in-law of the Shoushan Earl's Mansion is the elder sister of Earl Yuan of the Zhongqin Earl's Mansion, and the two families have a very close relationship.

If Gu Tingye hadn't proposed marriage so early, Yuan Wenying would most likely have married into the Huang family.

Born into the Earl of Fuchang's family, she was granted the title of Xiuyuan by Rong Feiyan, the younger sister of Consort Rong.

Han Miaoyi, the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Zhennan, Liang Jinyue, the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Yongchang, and daughters from the families of some civil officials and scholars.

Northwest, Ningzhou Prefecture.

The matter of Minglan's upcoming entry into the palace.

Sheng Hong had already written a letter and sent it to Sheng Changbai in the Northwest by fast horse.

Sheng Changbai was dressed in a dark blue brocade robe, holding a letter, his brows furrowed, his eyes filled with shock.

Having served as an official in the Northwest for several years, he had grown a beard, making his already dignified and upright face appear even more imposing and solemn.

Hai Chaoyun stood to one side, her eyes gentle, and said softly, "I remember that the Emperor once mentioned that the Emperor had saved the mother of the Sixth Sister. Her entering the palace to serve the Emperor can be considered as repaying that debt of gratitude."

Sheng Changbai slowly put down the letter and said in a deep voice, "What virtue or ability does my Sheng family have to enjoy such glory today?"

"Chaoyun, Father also said in his letter that the Emperor intends to let Quan Ge'er enter the palace to accompany him in his studies next year."

"What? A study companion!" Upon hearing this, Hai Chaoyun's usually dignified and gentle face flashed with surprise.

Sheng Changbai nodded, then bowed respectfully towards Bianjing.

"From now on, I will only be able to live up to the Emperor's grace by being devoted to my duties, loyal to the Emperor, and serving the country!"

After he had finished standing up, Hai Chaoyun sighed softly, "It's been several years since I last saw you. I wonder if Quan-ge'er is doing well at home..."

Sheng Changbai's expression was gentle. He raised his hand and placed it on her shoulder, comforting her, "Don't worry."

"Grandmother always taught her children to be both strict and lenient, and they were reasonable and understanding."

"With his father taking care of him, Quan Ge'er will surely be a well-mannered and knowledgeable child."

Hai Chaoyun looked up at him and nodded gently, but a lingering worry still lingered in her heart.

“Sweat ox.” Sheng Changbai called out softly.

Han Niu, who had been waiting outside the study, immediately bowed and entered. "What are your orders, sir?"

"Quickly inform General Wei about Sixth Sister's entry into the palace." "Yes, sir!" Han Niu clasped his hands in a salute, then immediately turned and strode away.
As they both served as officials in the Northwest, Sheng Changbai and Wei Ling gradually developed a close friendship.

In Wei Ling's view, although Sheng Hong and Sheng Changbai are father and son, their personalities are very different.

Sheng Hong was adept at navigating social situations, often wavering between two sides, and skilled at reconciling differences.

No matter where he is placed, he can navigate between the two sides, pleasing both and offending no one.

Sheng Changbai was upright and impartial, and he was right or wrong. He would never show favoritism or bias because of personal relationships.

Because of this, he was willing to put aside his resentment towards the Sheng family and befriend Sheng Changbai.

But he still harbored deep resentment towards Sheng Hong.

-

Today, the Ningyuan Marquis's residence was completely silent, both inside and out. The maids and servants kept their heads down, not daring to utter a single breath.

In the east wing, Madam Shao knelt on the edge of the bed, her eyes red and swollen from crying, her voice choked with sobs, "My lord..."

Gu Tingyu's face was deathly pale, and he was barely breathing, but he still managed to muster a sliver of strength and asked in a low voice, "Where is Xiao Er?"

Yuan Wenying, standing to one side, said, "The Marquis went to the palace this morning to discuss matters with the Emperor, and I have already sent someone to invite him."

"They're probably already on their way back, brother, please wait a little longer."

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingyu raised his hand and said, "Bring me another bowl of ginseng soup. I have something to say to the waiter later."

The servant boy responded and immediately did as instructed.

"Father..." Xian'er called out in a choked voice, wiping away her tears.

Gu Tingyu turned to look at her and gave a slight smirk.

"It's alright. After your father passes away, you must listen to your second uncle and aunt while you are in the Marquis's mansion. They... will protect you."

"If your fourth and fifth uncles want to see you, you must tell your second uncle the truth. Do not hide anything from them, for they are not good people. Remember this!"

"Father, I've memorized it all." Xian'er nodded solemnly; she had just turned ten.

He knew Shao's personality well; she was easily influenced, so he could only explain these things to Xian'er.

About an hour after an incense stick has burned, Gu Tingye changed out of his official robes and leisurely walked to the side courtyard.

He knew that this older brother would not die until he saw him.

"Waiter." Gu Tingyu looked up at him and gestured for everyone from the Shao family to leave.

Gu Tingye sat down on the soft stool next to him and sighed softly.

"Big brother, just say what you want to say. There's no need to beat around the bush now."

Gu Tingyu's lips twitched slightly, and he said in a weak voice, "Father was right to entrust the Marquis's mansion to you."

“I bullied you in every way when you were young, although it was related to your mother.”

"But more than anything, it's because I feel resentful seeing how much my father values ​​you..."

Gu Tingye raised an eyebrow. "Father beats and scolds me all the time, but he dotes on you. How can you still be so resentful? Nearly half of the injuries on my back were inflicted by him."

"Hehe... He's only being so protective of me because he sees I'm frail."

“In the past few years, you followed the army to quell the rebellion. Your father wrote countless letters, entrusting his old subordinates in the army to take good care of you.”

“Even when you ran away from home several times and wandered the world, your father inquired about you from all sides, fearing that you would suffer outside.”

"When he sent troops to Western Xia, he prayed day and night in the ancestral hall for your safe return."

"Xiao Er, of the three of us brothers, Father has spent the most time on you."

After Gu Tingyu finished speaking, his heart was pounding. He took out a scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Gu Tingye.

"This is a detailed account of the money withdrawn from the public funds by the fourth and fifth branches of the family over the past ten years."

The brothers Gu Yanzhi and Gu Yanming were living increasingly unsavory lives.

They were completely unaware of the importance of increasing revenue and reducing expenditure, and squandered money recklessly. Every few days, debt collectors from the money lenders would come to their door and cause a scene.

There will surely be a day when I can seek help from the Marquis's mansion again.

Gu Tingye unfolded it and glanced at it, then said quietly, "Big brother is really good at planning ahead. He had his eye on Fourth Uncle and Fifth Uncle ten years ago."

"Waiter, for the sake of our brotherhood, could you please find a good family for Xian'er in the future?"

"Back then... ruining your future in the imperial examination was something I did in a moment of confusion and impulsiveness."

Gu Tingyu took a few difficult breaths and then said, "I have already ordered people to spread the word and take all the blame upon myself."

"The world will know that it was I, Gu Tingyu, who was narrow-minded and jealous of my second brother's talent and virtue that led me to deliberately misinterpret his childhood jokes, making a mountain out of a molehill, and even ruining your future..."

“When Xian’er was young, she called you Second Uncle all day long, and your sister-in-law never said a bad word about you.”

"The dowry for Xian'er in the future, and their expenses in the Marquis's mansion."

"I have made arrangements for them all, I only ask that you give them, mother and daughter, a place to stay..."

Gu Tingye's gaze darkened slightly, and he remained silent for a long time.

"Xian'er is a daughter of the Marquis of Ningyuan's family. Her future husband's family will be a good match. Big brother, go ahead with peace of mind."

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingyu gradually loosened his clenched hands. He knew that Gu Tingye was a man of integrity and upright character.

What he says, he will always do.

As night fell, inside the Wenhua Hall of the Imperial Palace.

Qingyun bowed and came forward, "Your Majesty, Marquis Gu has already asked the Ministry of Personnel for leave to handle the funeral arrangements for his eldest son."

"Furthermore, rumors are circulating in the city that Gu Hou's failure to pass the imperial examination was due to a scheme secretly orchestrated by Gu's eldest son."

Zhao Han nodded and said with emotion, "Gu Tingyu is willing to risk his reputation to protect his wife and daughter."

Qingyun raised his hand and scratched his head. As a eunuch, he couldn't really understand such things.

After glancing at the sky outside, Qingyun respectfully said, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Household Department just sent someone to deliver the meal list. May I ask which concubine Your Majesty intends to summon tonight?"

As he spoke, he stepped forward carrying a mahogany tray.

Inside the tray were several sandalwood food tablets, each engraved with the name and rank of a concubine in the imperial harem.

Under the guidance of the senior ladies-in-waiting, they were settled in their respective palaces yesterday.

Zhao Han stared intently, and suddenly there were dozens more women in the harem. He couldn't even remember their names, let alone their faces.

"Let's go to Consort Sheng's place."

"Yes, this servant will immediately send someone to Ninghui Palace to inform Consort Sheng to make preparations in advance," Qingyun replied respectfully.

Minglan's current rank is Zhaorong, and her residence, Ninghui Palace, is very close to Yanran's.

Not long after, inside the Renming Hall.

When Hua Lan learned that Zhao Han intended to favor Ming Lan that night, a faint smile appeared on her face.

Cai Zan, standing to the side, said softly, "The Emperor really likes the Sixth Miss."

"Speaking of which, in my opinion, none of the newly arrived concubines can compare to the Sixth Miss in terms of appearance."

Hua Lan picked up the hot tea and took a small sip. "Although there are many concubines in the palace right now, with Ming'er here, I feel much more at ease."

(End of this chapter)