Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 155 Reduced Imperial Supplements, Minglan Cooks Personally

Minglan's eyes flickered slightly as she carefully examined Wei Qingshao.

She had a graceful figure, delicate features, and a pure yet alluring charm that was hard to look away from.

"Ming'er, is this your first time meeting Consort Wei?" Yanran said, her dimples slightly dimpled, as she prepared to introduce her.

Wei Qingshao said softly, "I saw Your Highness once at the Liang family polo match."

In the capital, wealthy families would invariably spend a fortune to hire several renowned courtesans to entertain them at polo matches, poetry gatherings, or other events.

As the head of the guild, Wei Qingshao naturally frequented various banquets and gatherings.

Upon hearing this, Minglan looked at Wei Qingshao with great curiosity.

The Liang family holds a polo match every year, and I really can't remember when I met her.

"That year, the Empress teamed up with the Emperor to play polo. She was agile and spirited, just like a little sun."

"At the time, I was secretly impressed. The Sheng family is a family of scholars and noble lineage. The girl they raised actually has such skills."

Polo is a sport enjoyed by everyone in the Great Zhou Dynasty, from the royal family to the common people, and many young ladies and gentlemen can play a few rounds.

However, very few can fight well, and those like Minglan are extremely rare. The only ones whose names you can name are Zhang Guifen and Yu Yanhong.

"Little sun, Lady Wei is such a fitting description." Yanran smiled, pursing her lips.

Minglan lowered her eyes slightly, her eyebrows curving into crescents, looking a little embarrassed.

Back when the Sheng family first moved to the capital...

To prevent the four girls from feeling embarrassed, the old lady not only had Granny Kong come to teach them manners, but also personally taught them how to play polo.

However, Hua Lan focused all her attention on housekeeping and management, and only learned a little bit.

Mo Lan, always self-assured as a talented woman, disliked the sweat and embarrassment of playing polo and often used illness as an excuse to avoid it.

Rulan has always been playful, but she studies very diligently. Unfortunately, she is not very talented and is unwilling to listen to the old lady's advice to correct her mistakes in time.

Now, only Minglan has truly mastered the old lady's skills and can barely hold her own against Yanran.

“Speaking of which, Consort De is also an excellent polo player. Tomorrow, you two could have a match.” Yanran turned to look at Minglan.

"That's a good idea. Last year at the polo tournament, it was Consort De who won the biggest prize."

Wei Qingshao quickly echoed this sentiment.

From the first time she met Minglan, she felt that this sixth daughter of the Sheng family was gentle and bright, with a calm demeanor, and should be very easy to get along with.

After today's interaction, it's indeed as expected.

From now on, she will finally have someone to talk to and relieve her boredom in this harem.

Minglan frowned and said, "It's not like outside here. Will we still have the chance to play polo in the future?"

"Of course there is!" Yanran smiled playfully. "When the Emperor is in a better mood, we can just ask him and put it in the back garden!"

"If Consort De knew, she would be overjoyed."

"If Her Majesty the Empress were to personally set up a prize, it would surely be quite a lively affair!" Yanran said, picking up her teacup, her eyes sparkling with a lively smile.

After thinking it over carefully, Minglan realized it seemed like a feasible idea.

──
The Chuigong Hall is holding its regular court session today.

Zhao Han, dressed in an ochre-yellow casual robe, sat calmly on the dragon throne.

The civil and military officials stood in neat rows on both sides.

Following custom, after listening to the reports from several officials, it was nearly time to end the court session.

After a brief meeting, Zhao Han's gaze met with several officials, including Han Zhang and Shen Shiqi.

He said in a deep voice, "The so-called 'one who eats the emperor's food should be loyal to the emperor' is truly a cause for concern for me, as the Ministry of Revenue has been empty for years. Do you, my dear ministers, have any proper solutions?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

A court official stepped forward with his hands clasped, saying, "Your Majesty."

"I believe that we should temporarily reduce the expenditures of the inner court and order the prefectures and counties to collect the evaded taxes. This two-pronged approach may alleviate the predicament of the Ministry of Revenue."

Zhao Han nodded slowly, "It's a good idea, but unfortunately it can only provide a temporary solution."

"Speaking of which, if I had more children, I would never have selected concubines to enter the palace when the national treasury was empty. I have already ordered the Empress to reduce the expenses of each palace and keep everything simple."

The ministers exchanged glances and, without prior arrangement, cupped their hands and said, "Your Majesty is wise, and Your Majesty is virtuous. We will certainly do our utmost to share Your Majesty's burdens."

"My dear ministers, you are very kind, but what I want is not just empty words to share my burdens."

After saying that, Zhao Han changed his previous gentle expression and said in a deep voice, "It's good to take shelter under a big tree. Lord Zhang, I heard that you just secured a government post for your grandson?"

Wearing a vermilion official robe, Zhang, who appeared to be around fifty or sixty years old, felt a sudden tightness in his chest and quickly bowed, saying, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty is terrified."

"My grandson is twenty-seven years old. Although he has been granted official status by Your Majesty's grace, he is only a low-ranking official of the ninth grade. I... I would never dare to abuse my power to seize a real position."

"Moreover, in all my years as an official, I have only managed to get a minor official position through hereditary privilege."

At this moment, Wang Anshi said loudly, "Your Majesty, I can attest to what Lord Zhang said."

"It's just that some colleagues in the court, relying on their ancestors' merits or their own official positions, have had dozens of their descendants receive special privileges over the years."

"Among these people, some spend their days in brothels and neglect their official duties; some are even worse, they don't know which way the main gate of the government office faces!"

"Your Majesty is worried about the empty treasury. Forgive my bluntness, but these officials who have been granted favors are like parasites crawling on the treasury!"

"Without tilling the land or weaving, without the need for years of arduous study, one can occupy an official position and receive a salary from the imperial court simply by virtue of one's ancestral inheritance, living a life of luxury and ease every day!"

"If this continues, how can the Ministry of Revenue not run into deficits?"

Upon hearing this, many court officials quickly began to calculate in their minds.

"Lord Wang, you are mistaken!"

A powerful voice rang out in the hall, and then an official in the middle of the ranks straightened his back and stepped forward, holding his tablet.

"This system of hereditary privilege is an ancestral law used to reward meritorious officials."

"Does Lord Wang believe that the ancestral laws are flawed?"

"Or are you suggesting that we should also eradicate the thought that we, who have studied diligently for years and toiled for the country for half our lives, only hope that our descendants can receive a little protection?"

These words were spoken with such conviction that several elderly ministers with gray hair in the hall nodded in agreement.

Wang Anshi snorted coldly and flicked his sleeve: "If it is truly a trace of protection, it should not be abolished."

"However, the late emperor was benevolent, and the number of people granted hereditary privileges increased year by year, which has long since deviated from the original intention of our ancestors to reward meritorious officials."

"The laws of our ancestors must not be changed!"

"Don't try to intimidate me with those words!"

"..."

Just as the ministers were arguing heatedly, Zhao Han spoke up at the opportune moment: "What Lord Wang said makes some sense."

"If these deep-seated problems are not eliminated, the national treasury will never be full."

Han Zhang stepped forward with his hands clasped and said loudly, "I second that proposal!"

"I volunteer to take the lead, in conjunction with the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Rites, to conduct a thorough investigation of the roster and performance of officials who have been granted hereditary privileges over the past ten years, and to formulate new regulations."

Liang Hui, then a fifth-rank official in the Treasury Department, cupped his hands and said, "I also believe that the number of officials appointed through hereditary privilege should be reduced."

"These people are just occupying the position without doing their job, and they're using ancestral laws as a shield."

Although he was born into the Yongchang Earl's family, he obtained his official position through military merit.

At this moment, Madam Wu went to her family home to ask for help in securing an official position for her second son.

If the emperor really takes action on the matter of hereditary appointments, her little scheme will most likely fall through!

At the hour of Shen (3-5 PM), he stepped forward with his tablet in hand, his back straight, his gaze subtly sweeping over his colleagues.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to set an example by giving up all the hereditary appointments in my family, so as to contribute my meager strength to the court's efforts to eliminate malpractices!" As soon as he finished speaking, many ministers cursed inwardly. His three sons had all earned their living through their own abilities and had no need for hereditary appointments at all.

The son-in-law comes from a noble family and entered the court as an official through the imperial examination, making him a model among scions of prominent families.

By stepping forward to relinquish his position, he not only pleases the officials but also gains a reputation for fairness and impartiality—truly a win-win situation.

Sheng Hong's eyes darted around, and he quickly spoke up, "Your Majesty, although I have a young son who is still in elementary school, I do not wish to let him indulge in comfort because of this privilege."

"I am willing to follow Lord Shen's example and voluntarily give up my family's hereditary appointment."

Even the emperor's father-in-law had spoken up. Several civil officials around him, who were always concerned about their reputation, exchanged glances and then chimed in to second his opinion.

Zhao Han nodded with satisfaction, then said in a deep voice, "This is an important matter for the court. If anyone dares to obstruct or cause trouble, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"Confiscating and liquidating the property of the Imperial City Guard is also a shortcut to replenishing the national treasury."

hiss--

Several court officials felt a chill run down their spines and cautiously glanced at Zhao Han out of the corner of their eyes.

"They've even brought up the confiscation of property by the Imperial City Guard, which shows that the Emperor is determined to take action against the hereditary appointment system."

"Shh, watch your words. This emperor is not as easy to talk to as the late emperor. We must all be careful from now on."

"Ugh!"

"..."

"Today's meeting is over. If any of you ministers have other important matters to report, please do so immediately."

After saying that, Zhao Han glanced around the hall.

Seeing that no one spoke, he left the court with the words "Dismissed" and departed amidst the courtiers' salutes.

-

As dusk approached, inside the Wenhua Hall...

Zhao Han held a vermilion brush and was reviewing the memorials submitted from various places.

Before long, he arrived with a memorial from Jiangning in his hand, his brow furrowed.

Hai Yanping, the eldest son of the Hai family, had requested permission to return to Jiangning to care for the ailing emperor a month ago. The appearance of this memorial now is most likely not a good thing.

As expected, Zhao Han glanced around and her expression grew increasingly serious.

Seeing this, Qingyun carefully served a cup of hot tea.

"Your Majesty, you have been looking at this for half an hour. Why don't you take a break?"

Zhao Han picked up the hot tea, took a small sip, and said slowly, "Lord Hai has passed away."

The Hai family, with five members who passed the imperial examinations, was the most prominent family in Jiangning, and Master Hai had many students and former officials.

Sheng Changbai's success in officialdom was not only due to his own talent and the support of Hua Lan and the Sheng family, but also partly due to the influence of the Hai family.

Qingyun pondered silently for a moment, then comforted him, "Your Majesty, please don't worry."

"Master Hai is already in his eighties. He was an upright official with a family full of talented people. He has passed away peacefully and happily."

Zhao Han nodded, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Issue my decree."

"The late Hanlin Academician Hai Ning was a man of outstanding political achievements, dedicated to learning and educating people, whose influence extends to future generations. He is hereby posthumously granted the title of Grand Tutor and the posthumous name Wenduan."

"The funeral was conducted in accordance with the regulations for a first-rank official, to comfort his loyal soul."

Having said that, he looked up to the sky and sighed deeply.

Among the posthumous titles of civil officials, those composed of characters represent the highest honor, while the highest honor for military generals after death is to have the character "忠" (loyalty) in their title.

The title "Wenzheng" was reserved for civil officials who had made great contributions and whose character was impeccable.

Wen Duan means upright character and strict adherence to etiquette, and it is also a first-class posthumous title.

Posthumously honoring deceased officials.

It can appease his students, inspire living officials, and affirm the officials' careers.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will immediately inform the Ministry of Rites to make the arrangements." Qingyun bowed.

About half an hour later, dusk began to fall outside the window.

A palace attendant stepped into the hall and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, it is already three-quarters past dusk. The Imperial Kitchen has prepared dinner according to its management. Shall we serve the meal now?"

Zhao Han's gaze darkened slightly as he put down his vermilion brush. "No need. Tell Consort Sheng that I will be having dinner at her place, and have her prepare it herself."

Not long after, at Ninghui Palace.

Minglan, who was nestled on the soft couch, was somewhat surprised to learn that Zhao Han had specifically requested dinner prepared by her.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Such favor is the envy of countless concubines," Danju said with a smile, standing beside her.

Xiao Tao raised her hand and scratched her head. "But how does the Emperor know that the Empress is a good cook?"

Minglan stretched, rubbed her sore legs, stood up and said, "It must have been Her Majesty the Empress or Sister Yanran who said it."

"But we've never cooked for the emperor before, so we have no idea what his tastes are like," Xiao Tao said with some worry. "What if we don't cook to his liking?"

Danju's eyes flickered slightly as she tapped Xiaotao's forehead.

"Whether it suits your taste is another matter. His Majesty wants to eat dishes made by our Empress herself. Just pick a few that she is good at."

"In my opinion, it would be better to make roasted mutton, water shield and perch soup, fried quail with bamboo shoots and three delicacies, and jujube paste and yam cake!"

Just hearing the names of the dishes made Xiao Tao's mouth water. She looked at Minglan and said, "Your Majesty, let's do as Sister Danju says!"

Rulan's favorite dish is the roasted mutton that Minglan makes, and the water shield and perch soup is a dish that has helped Minglan escape Zhuang Xuejiu's scolding on several occasions.

As Grandma Sheng got older, her appetite diminished, but whenever Minglan cooked for her, she would always eat an extra bowl of rice.

"Okay, let's go prepare quickly." Minglan thought for a moment and then pulled Xiaotao to help her.

Meanwhile, at Renming Hall...

Hua Lan suddenly felt tired, so she instructed Cai Zan to invite the imperial physician to take her pulse.

The imperial physician held his breath and gently placed a thin gauze over Hua Lan's wrist.

A moment later, his face lit up with joy, and he stepped back. “Congratulations, Your Majesty! Your pulse is smooth and rapid, like pearls rolling on a plate. It is indeed a sign of good fortune!”

"Judging from your pulse, I can tell you are more than a month pregnant."

Upon hearing this, Hua Lan was overjoyed. A month ago, Zhao Han had been staying at her place for three to five days in a row.

"Congratulations, empress!"

Several palace maids, including Cai Zan, who were standing to the side, bowed and offered their congratulations.

Hua Lan smiled gently and raised her hand to signal them to rise.

After the imperial physician bowed and took his leave, Hua Lan sat on a soft couch covered with brocade in the inner palace, gently stroking her still flat stomach with both hands.

After several years, she is finally going to be a mother again.

He silently prayed that this child's temperament would not be similar to Changbai's.

"Grandma He's prescription is really effective," Cai Zan muttered softly.

Standing to the side, Wei's mother quickly pinched her arm.

"What prescription? Our Lady is blessed with children thanks to the Emperor's good fortune and favor. Don't talk nonsense!"

Cai Zan immediately realized that she had misspoke and quickly lowered her head to admit her mistake, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. It was my carelessness."

There was no one else around, so Hualan didn't take it to heart.

He looked at her and said gently, "Although it was said unintentionally, there are many people in the harem now, so remember to say this less often in the future, lest someone overhear it."

"This servant understands!" Cai Zan nodded vigorously.

(End of this chapter)