Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 158 A Few Things About the Wang Family, Twin Flowers in Bloom
The year-end is fast approaching, and the cold wind is howling.

Two months ago, with the assistance of Gu Qianfan and a group of officials, Wang Anshi officially began the land survey of the hidden fields in the capital region.

Zhao Han issued a special decree stating that any prefectural governor or vice-prefect who shields powerful figures, delays land surveys, or accepts bribes should be dealt with accordingly.

They will all be dismissed from their posts and arrested, and then handed over to the Imperial City Guard for investigation.

Those who can proactively expose the hidden land and assist in the land survey with merit can be given a lighter consideration for their past negligence and can remain in their original positions.

From the very elderly to the youngest children, everyone in the Great Zhou Dynasty knew what the Imperial City Guard was like.

Once someone is imprisoned in the Imperial City Prison, even if they are innocent, they will be severely punished if they are falsely accused.

Upon receiving this decree, the previously perfunctory attitude of officials in the capital region immediately improved considerably.

Hanlin Lane, the Prince's Mansion.

Inside the side room in the backyard.

The silver charcoal crackled and popped as it burned, filling the air with a warm glow. Sandalwood incense burned in the burner, its wisps swirling around the room.

Old Mrs. Wang leaned against the soft couch by the window, wearing a dark green brocade robe, with a fine fox fur rug covering her legs.

At this moment, her brows were furrowed, and her complexion was not good.

Aunt Wang sat on a soft stool to the side, her eyes lowered, unsure of what to say.

Wang's granddaughter-in-law, Kang Yuan'er, rolled her eyes.

He stepped forward and poured a cup of tea for the old lady, saying softly, "In this Bianjing city, there are countless noble and official families who have hidden their land and property."

"Grandmother, there is no need to worry. The land survey has only just begun. Let's see how other families handle it first."

The old lady took the tea, glanced at her, and said, "That may be true, but our family has spent a lot over the years, which is incomparable to other families."

"The household needs to provide for the dozens of people, and your mother's side also needs help."

"If we really hand over Hidden Field voluntarily, life will probably be much tighter from now on."

Wang Shiping's return to the capital to take up his post cost a considerable amount of money, and the family's accounts have yet to recover.

Now that the hereditary official system has been reformed, Wang You will have to pay another sum of money if he wants to become an official in the court.

Wang Ruoyu often came back to complain, so we couldn't let her go back empty-handed.

After paying taxes, the farmland and shops that were publicly owned by the family were barely enough to maintain appearances.

The only real source of income for the family was those eight or nine hidden fields that were kept secret.

Upon hearing this, Kang Yuan'er frowned slightly.

“I remember when my fifth sister got married, the dowry the Sheng family gave her was all genuinely good stuff; not a single box was just for show.”

"Grandmother, why don't you go ask the Sheng family? I don't believe they would hand over all their hidden assets."

"If they have a way to deal with it, we can learn from them."

Kang Yuan'er's personality is exactly the same as Wang Ruo's.

They always want others to go along with them, and if anything doesn't go their way, they start sabotaging others behind their backs.

She would beat and scold her illegitimate daughters in the family. Whenever she came to the Sheng family, she would instigate Rulan to deal with Molan and Minglan.

Upon learning that Mo Lan had married into the Earl's household, she was so angry that she smashed up the house.

Seeing Rulan's lavish dowry when she got married, he felt incredibly envious.

After all, when she married into the Wang family, her dowry was nominally sixty-four loads, but in reality, more than half of it consisted of worthless trinkets.

However, as soon as Kang Yuan'er finished speaking, Wang Shiping lifted the heavy curtain and stepped in front of everyone to sit down.

“It’s no use. When I left court today, I tested my brother-in-law both openly and secretly. His family doesn’t have a single piece of land that they’ve concealed.”

"He also instructed me to make sure I honestly handed over the hidden fields, so as not to become a laughing stock!"

Aunt Wang, who had been silent until now, spoke up: "What you say is true, sir. With the Rongchang Marquis's Mansion helping us in every way, the Sheng family doesn't need to do these things to supplement our household income."

"In my opinion, we should just follow the rules and regulations, dismiss some of the unnecessary servants, and reduce our expenses. It's better than living in constant fear in the future."

Kang Yuan'er snorted lightly, "Mother-in-law, you make it sound so easy. If we live such a frugal life, who knows what other people will say about our Wang family behind our backs."

"Does this mean Grandma has to suffer along with us?"

Upon hearing this, Aunt Wang couldn't help but clench her handkerchief, take a deep breath, and grit her teeth, saying, "Then if you can come up with a solution that satisfies both sides, I'll naturally be willing to listen."

"It would be perfectly acceptable to entrust all the housekeeping duties to you."

Kang Yuan'er opened her mouth, but was immediately speechless.

Back then, Wang Ruoyu coaxed her into marrying into the Wang family, praising the Wang family to the skies and saying that her aunt was a gourd with its mouth sawed off, and that she didn't need to be taken seriously at all.

If she dares to act arrogantly like a mother-in-law, just complain to her maternal grandmother and uncle, and she'll get what's coming to her.

But who would have thought that less than two years after entering the family, she would be caught up in the imperial court's land survey and forced to tighten her belt!

She is the eldest daughter of the Kang family!

Even if my father was incompetent, my grandfather was still a figure second only to Grand Tutor Wang in his time.

Seeing this, Old Mrs. Wang put down her teacup and said, "Yuan'er is still a child and doesn't know how to speak properly. Why bother arguing with her?"

"We'll do it your way, but we can't skimp on You-ge'er and Yuan-er's share."

Aunt Wang looked at Wang Shiping.

Seeing that he had no intention of speaking up for her, she suppressed her displeasure, stood up, and said, "Yes, daughter-in-law understands."

After leaving Old Mrs. Wang's residence.

Aunt Wang walked along the corridor with a gloomy face. "The Kang family really knows how to raise their daughter. I had hoped to get along well with her before."

"That little bitch is just like her mother!"

"Pianyou is such a spineless man. He married such a troublemaker and still goes along with her in everything, without ever sharing any of my burdens!"

Lin Mama, who had been part of the Wang family as part of their dowry, frowned and said softly, "Madam, please calm down. Let's wait a few more years until the old lady... We won't be short of opportunities to deal with her."

"What are you waiting for!"

"Ever since she married into the Wang family, it took three to five years for Wang Ruoyu to get married, and now there's Kang Yuan'er!"

"What sins did I commit in my past life?!"

Aunt Wang's heart was pounding. If she had known this would happen, she would never have married into the Wang family.

Lin's mother couldn't help but sigh.

Although Wang Ruoyu has lived with the Kang family for many years, she still can't stand seeing her aunt Wang living comfortably, and she often comes back to stir up trouble.

Old Mrs. Wang actually believed her daughter's words without a doubt.

"If she gives birth to a grandson in the future, will I still have a place to speak in the Wang family?" Aunt Wang said to herself, a look of pain flashing across her eyes.

Grandma Wang is in very good health; she won't pass away for at least ten or eight years.

Moreover, Wang Ruoyu will also interfere and stir things up. Even if she wants to endure it, she doesn't know when it will end.

Neither the official nor the son is of any use.

"Madam, this old servant has a method, but it will kill a thousand enemies and lose eight hundred of our own. You will have to make the decision."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Wang immediately understood what method Lin's mother was referring to. She stopped and weighed the options in her mind.

Although making Kang Yuan'er unable to conceive in this life would harm the Wang family's offspring, there might be an opportunity for Wang You to divorce her and remarry after the old lady passes away.

No matter how much Wang Shiping felt sorry for his sister, he wouldn't just stand by and watch his Wang family have no legitimate son to inherit the family business.

After a moment, Aunt Wang took a deep breath. "It was those mother and daughter who were heartless first, gradually forcing me to have thoughts of harming others." "Go ahead and do it, but don't leave any trace."

Madam Lin nodded solemnly, "Don't worry, Madam, this matter will never involve you, no matter when or where."

Meanwhile, in Old Mrs. Wang's side room, only she and Kang Yuan'er were present.

“Grandmother, my mother-in-law is getting more and more outrageous. She knows our family is in a difficult situation, but she's still holding onto her dowry and won't let us touch it.”

They treated me like a thief, not even letting me glance at them.

"She doesn't even know to take some money from her parents' home to help out. All she knows is to make us live frugally. What kind of wife is as ungrateful as her?"

"No wonder my mother said that my aunt has been married into the family for so many years and has never thought about our family at all."

“I think it’s because you, Grandmother, have been too kind and haven’t set any rules for her,” Kang Yuan’er said while massaging Grandma Wang’s shoulders.

Old Mrs. Wang gently closed her eyes, "Touching her dowry would damage our family's reputation."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing and I will never make you or your mother suffer."

"Grandmother~" Kang Yuan'er called out in a coquettish tone.

She knew in her heart that the old lady liked her mother the most, so whenever she was in front of the old lady, she would deliberately imitate Wang Ruoyu in every move.

Grandma Wang patted the back of her hand, signaling her to stop talking.

-

The Imperial Palace, inside the Funing Hall.

Qingyun stepped forward and said respectfully, "Lord Gu asked me to pass on a message to His Majesty."

He said that he was still in mourning and it was inconvenient to go to the palace to express his gratitude in person. He would bring his son to the palace to express his gratitude in person after the mourning period ended.

According to custom, Gu Tingye was required to observe a year of mourning at home after his elder brother Gu Tingyu passed away.

Three days ago, Yuan Wenying gave birth to the eldest son of the Gu family.

Today is the baby's third-day bathing day. Water boiled with mugwort and locust branches is used to bathe the baby, symbolizing the washing away of impurities and the prayer for blessings and the removal of disasters.

Because of the mourning period, the third-day-after-birth ceremony was held in a very low-key manner, with only a few elders from the clan and the midwife who delivered the baby on the day of delivery invited.

Zhao Han specially sent Qingyun to deliver items such as a necklace and a gold lock, partly to congratulate him and partly to show his appreciation to the meritorious official.

He looked at Qingyun and nodded with great satisfaction.

Gu Tingye may seem carefree and arrogant, but he is actually very meticulous and never misses any of the rules.

"Your Majesty, Lord Gu also spoke to this servant."

"To give his son a good name, he locked himself in his study for two whole nights and read through four or five ancient books. He had never been this serious when he took the imperial examination."

Zhao Han raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and asked, "Has he come up with any good names?"

Qingyun bowed and said, "The Marquis's mansion uses generational names for its books, and Marquis Gu has chosen the character 'Chang' for the young master."

"Gu Shuchang, that's a good name!" Zhao Han laughed loudly.

By the time the memorials were reviewed, it was already getting dark.

Zhao Han stood up and paused by the window for a moment, then turned and instructed, "Tell Consort Sheng and Consort Xian to come and have dinner with me."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The eunuch responded and, without delay, immediately went to convey the imperial decree.

Several palace maids and eunuchs quickly set up tables and chairs, and the imperial kitchen also began to get busy.

The Rouyi Palace was filled with fragrance and felt as warm as a spring day.

Minglan happened to be there as well. She and Yanran were both holding needles and thread, exchanging smiles from time to time as they discussed embroidery styles.

Xiao Tao, Dan Ju, and Shi Shu, along with several palace maids who served her closely, had a good relationship because they were outside the palace.

She was sitting behind the screen, whispering some amusing stories, her silvery laughter lingering in the air.

Ever since Yanran entered the palace, she has spent her free time sewing inner garments for Zhao Han.

The needlework she handled, in terms of both appearance and comfort, far surpassed that of the experienced embroiderers in the palace.

Minglan was carefully sewing the shoe uppers, following the same method she used to use when making shoes for Sheng Hong and Sheng Changbai.

A few days ago, I specifically looked up the shoes Zhao Han had worn and compared them carefully.

"Once you're done serving as an official, don't forget about my share," Yanran said softly, glancing up at her.

Minglan smiled brightly, "Don't worry, I wouldn't dare forget even if you gave me ten lives!"

Just then, Shi Shu led a red-clad eunuch into the hall.

Seeing this, Minglan's eyes flashed with a hint of envy. At this hour, the eunuchs were probably here to deliver the Emperor's decree to summon Yanran to his bedchamber.

She is now experiencing the joys of marriage.

Now I only regret that I cannot serve you in bed every night...

"His Majesty has decreed that the two empresses should go to the Funing Palace together to serve dinner."

"Please, Your Highnesses, prepare quickly."

Upon hearing this, Yanran and Minglan exchanged a glance, realizing that she was merely accompanying them to dinner.

"Thank you for conveying the message, Father-in-law. We'll be there shortly." Yanran smiled, pursing her lips.

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

Zhao Han's eyes lit up as she watched the two of them walk side by side.

Minglan was dressed in a crimson brocade dress, her hair was styled in a high bun, and a few delicate and understated hairpins adorned her.

Ever since she removed the wispy bangs that adorned her forehead when she was still unmarried, the intelligence and charm in her eyes have become unmistakable.

Yanran wore a light blue brocade dress and had a light layer of powder on her face. Although she was not as bright as Minglan, she had a gentle and quiet temperament.

One was petite and charming, the other tall and slender with a willow-like figure.

Each has its own unique charm.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects." The two women bowed gracefully.

Zhao Han stepped forward, took the two women's soft, delicate hands, and said gently, "No need for formalities, I haven't seen you for several days."

Yanran's eyes flickered slightly, and a gentle smile graced her lips.

"There are many sisters in the harem, and Your Majesty should treat them all equally. It is enough that Your Majesty can always keep me and Sister Minglan in mind."

"My virtuous consort is indeed very understanding," Zhao Han praised, then pulled the two of them to sit on the soft stools in front of the table.

Qingyun, who was standing to the side, saw Zhao Han sit down and immediately beckoned to the palace maids to serve the dishes.

As soon as Minglan sat down, she saw several round, white, snow-like pastries on a jade plate on the corner of the table, and her eyes lit up.

"Is this soft cheese?" she exclaimed, about to reach out and poke it, when she suddenly remembered that this was not her own bedroom.

Her hand froze in mid-air, and she awkwardly withdrew it, her cheeks slightly flushed. She whispered, "It was my fault for losing my composure. I forgot my limits when I saw my favorite food."

Xiao Tao stood on tiptoe, craned her neck, and looked at it with great curiosity.

Zhao Han personally moved the jade tablet in front of her, saying, "It's alright. Recently, Fanlou's dishes have become very popular in the capital. I guessed you would like them."

“When Qingyun left the palace on official business, I specifically ordered him to make a detour to Fanlou and obtain the recipe for soft cheese.”

"Try it quickly."

Minglan smiled and nodded, then tugged at Yanran's sleeve, "Sister Yanran, let's go together."

(End of this chapter)