Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 159 Sheng Changbai returns to Beijing

"Okay!" Yanran replied with a smile, and the two picked up silver spoons and began to savor the taste in small sips.

As the sweet and soft cheese entered her mouth, Minglan couldn't help but squint her eyes and slightly raise the corners of her mouth, looking just like a satisfied little glutton.

"I heard that Fanlou recently brewed a snow wine using the first snow of the year, with camphor as the main ingredient and woody aroma as a supplement. It has a refreshing taste with a sweet aftertaste."

I bet you'll like it tomorrow.

Yanran said softly, "Fanlou's Mistaken Water is unique in the capital and has always been Minglan's favorite."

Upon hearing this, Minglan's eyes lit up, and her eyelashes trembled slightly.

"Brewing wine with snow water, what a novel method! Truly worthy of Fanlou!"

Fanlou was the most prestigious of the seventy-two restaurants in the Great Zhou Dynasty. It consisted of five three-story buildings of varying heights, with flying bridges connecting the buildings for people to travel between them.

Whether they are high-ranking officials or ordinary people, they can come and go as they please.

A single meal costs at least three to five taels of silver, equivalent to the expenses of an ordinary family for one or two years.

The private rooms on the second and third floors are not only elegantly furnished, but the waitresses serving drinks are also carefully selected based on their looks and figures; a meal would easily cost several tens of taels of silver.

To this day, she can count the number of times she has been to Fanlou on one hand, and she still follows behind Sheng Hong or Sheng Changbai.

"When Qingyun leaves the palace next time, I'll have him bring you a few jars," Zhao Han said with a smile.

Minglan nodded repeatedly, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Tomorrow, I will go to the small kitchen to make some fried quail with bamboo shoots and shrimp ball and chicken skin soup, as a token of my gratitude."

"A word is settled!"

"it is good!"

Minglan's eyebrows curved, and her face was filled with a gentle smile.

After dinner, the eunuchs and maids quietly removed the tables and chairs.

Zhao Han reached out and pulled Minglan to sit on the soft couch with him, and said softly, "Once the year is over, I plan to summon your second brother back to the capital."

Sheng Changbai has been serving in the Northwest for three years. He is known for his integrity, uprightness, and excellent reputation.

To implement new policies and eliminate old abuses, one cannot do without such a loyal and capable minister.

Minglan nodded solemnly.

As a concubine in the harem, one should not speak much about matters of the previous dynasty, but the fact that Zhao Han was willing to tell her was enough to show that he cared about her.

"It is a blessing for the Sheng family and my second brother to be valued by the officials."

"I wonder if my second brother has changed. My second sister-in-law complained in her letter that he has become increasingly cold and unapproachable."

“If the subordinates do something slightly wrong, she will scold them with a stern face, and she is no exception to her second sister-in-law.”

"I just hope that when Quan Ge'er sees him in the future, he won't be like a mouse seeing a cat, too afraid to even say a word."

As she spoke, Minglan couldn't help but recall how Sheng Changbai used to lecture her at length at home.

Zhao Han put his arm around her slender waist and said with emotion, "It is truly a blessing for the family to have raised a son like Sheng Changbai."

“Grandmother once said something similar.” Minglan smiled gently.

Zhao Han turned to look at Yanran, waved to her, and gestured for her to sit down next to her.

"It's getting late. I wonder who Your Majesty would like to keep in the palace to serve you tonight?" Yanran blinked and asked softly.

Minglan also looked at him with great curiosity. Although there was no intention between them to compete for the emperor's favor, they still couldn't help but want to stay overnight in Funing Palace.

Zhao Han gently patted her slender yet rounded buttocks.

Yanran felt a surge of heat rush from her waist to her cheeks, and she playfully dodged to the side.

"Since both of you sisters are here today, it would seem unfair of me to keep only one of you. It would be better to keep both of you."

"Leave them all?" Minglan exclaimed in surprise, a blush rising to her ears. She then whispered, "Wouldn't that be a little inappropriate?"

Zhao Han shrugged. "What's wrong with that? I am the emperor. I can have whoever I want serve me."

Yanran and Minglan exchanged a shy glance.

They've slept in the same bed before; now it's just one more person.

Yanran lowered her eyes first, her voice barely audible, "Your Majesty's arrangements will be made by me."

Minglan nodded in agreement, giving a soft "hmm".

The next morning, the light was dim.

When Zhao Han woke up, Yanran and Minglan were still asleep. Yanran, who was sleeping on his left, had her face buried in his arms and was breathing lightly.

Minglan's fair, delicate arm rested on his chest, a few strands of hair falling on her still flushed cheeks.

Hearing the commotion, the palace maids gently pushed open the door of the warm chamber and stood quietly outside the screen, carrying warm water and handkerchiefs.

While Zhao Han was washing up, Yanran had already woken up, and Shishu was helping her put on her shoes and socks.

Seeing that Minglan was still asleep, Danju walked to the bedside, bent down, and whispered, "Your Majesty, please wake up."

"No, let me sleep a little longer."

Minglan gave a muffled reply, turned over, wrapped herself tightly in the quilt, and rolled directly to the inside of the bed.

Danju frowned slightly and had no choice but to use the method she used at home, reaching out to gently pinch her waist.

Minglan is extremely ticklish, so she curls up into a ball.

A moment later, she reluctantly poked her head out, "You stinky Danju, just wait and see how I teach you a lesson."

Danju pulled Minglan up and whispered, "I will accept whatever punishment Your Majesty gives me."

"But we still need to pay our respects to the Empress, so we can't be late."

Upon hearing this, Minglan rubbed her sleepy eyes.

By the time she finished dressing, Zhao Han had already left with Qingyun.

Yanran sat on the soft couch, looking at her with a smile.

Minglan noticed her gaze and couldn't help but let out a soft snort, "If the Emperor asks us to serve together again next time, Sister Yanran, you're not allowed to shirk your duties."

"Okay, okay, I understand. You'll embroider a sachet as an apology later."

Yanran smiled mischievously, took Minglan's hand, and they went to Renming Palace together.

-

As soon as the year-end was over, Sheng Changbai received a transfer order from the Ministry of Personnel.

He originally thought that he would rejoin the Hanlin Academy after returning to the capital, but he never expected that Zhao Han would directly transfer to the Ministry of Personnel and serve as the Director of the Examination and Evaluation Department.

Among the Six Ministries, the position of Langzhong (郎中) is second only to the Wenxuansi (文选司) of the Ministry of Personnel, and the Kaogongsi (考功司) is the most powerful, in charge of evaluating and promoting civil officials throughout the country.

From the triennial capital inspection and the six-yearly major assessment to the daily performance evaluation of officials, everything was handled by the Performance Evaluation Office.

The first hurdle officials had to overcome to get promoted was the Performance Evaluation Office.

Hai Chaoyun stroked her swollen belly and said gently, "My father-in-law said in his letter that the Emperor intends to implement new policies and rectify official corruption."

"The reason why the official has been transferred to the Ministry of Personnel is mostly because of this matter."

Sheng Changbai watched the servants carrying furniture onto the carriage and reached out to adjust the cloak on her shoulders.

“Indeed, now that I have accepted this task, I will not fail Your Majesty’s trust. I’m afraid I’ll be quite busy after returning to the capital.” Hai Chaoyun smiled gently and shook her head. “My lord, you can take care of the task outside. My health is still quite stable.”

“My mother-in-law only finds fault with me verbally. I can just go to my grandmother’s place to hide when I have free time. There’s no need for her to bother with me.”

Upon hearing this, Sheng Changbai smiled with satisfaction and thought to himself, "Marrying a virtuous wife is exactly what I'm looking for!"
Because Hai Chaoyun was pregnant, the journey, which should have taken at most half a month, took almost a month.

Mid-March, Jiying Lane, Shou'an Hall.

Wang Ruofu was already restless, turning her head to look outside every now and then, but she still didn't hear the servant announce Changbai's return, and she became more and more anxious.

"Why haven't we arrived yet? Could something have gone wrong on the way?"

Sheng Hong was holding a teacup, slowly stroking his beard. "What's the rush? When traveling by carriage, there's no such thing as being on time."

"Just sit down, have a cup of tea, and wait quietly. Don't disturb your mother's peace."

Wang Ruofu frowned and raised his voice, "I haven't seen Bai'er for three years. You, as her father, aren't you worried at all?"

"My lord, why don't you come outside with me to wait? I can't rest easy sitting here."

Sheng Hong put down his teacup, his expression remaining calm.
“I am his father. What kind of father would go to the gate of the mansion to greet his son? Changfeng and Changliu can greet him.”

Wang Ruofu stood up, clutching her handkerchief, her gaze fixed on Sheng Hong. "If you won't go, then I'll go myself."

"You..." Seeing her lift the hem of her skirt to leave, Sheng Hong turned around and bowed to the old lady, "Mother, I'll be right back."

The old lady gently turned the prayer beads in her hand, smiled and nodded, "Go ahead!"

Upon leaving Shou'an Hall, Sheng Hong walked even faster than Wang Ruofu.

He was actually very anxious, but he didn't show it because of his pride.

About an incense stick's time later, the Sheng family's carriage slowly appeared before everyone's eyes, and Wang Ruofu's eyes couldn't help but redden.

Seeing this, Liu Mama took Quan Ge'er's hand and whispered, "Madam, please keep it to yourself. Second Brother is back. You should be happy."

Wang Ruofu nodded repeatedly.

Once the carriage had come to a stop, Sheng Changbai was the first to lift the curtain and nimbly stepped down.

He stood tall and straight, dressed in a dark blue casual suit, and his expression showed more composure than when he had just left the capital for his post outside the capital.

Hai Chaoyun followed closely behind with a gentle smile on her face, supported by the maid.

"Changbai pays respects to his father and mother."

"I have not been able to fulfill my filial duties at your side for three years. I hope my father and mother will forgive me." Sheng Changbai stepped forward and bowed.

Hai Chaoyun, without even glancing at Quan Ge'er whom she had been longing for day and night, bowed gracefully and said, "Daughter-in-law greets father-in-law and mother-in-law."

"My daughter-in-law is unwell and walks slowly on the way, so I'm sorry to have kept my father-in-law and mother-in-law waiting."

"I didn't wait long, I didn't wait long at all. It's good that you're back." As Wang Ruofu spoke, her gaze remained fixed on Sheng Changbai, unwilling to look away for even a moment.

Changfeng and Changliu bowed in unison, saying, "Greetings, Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law!"

Sheng Changbai looked them up and down, nodded slowly, and said in a deep voice, "Changfeng seems to have become more composed."

"But from now on, I need to calm down more and not be as impetuous as before."

"Changliu has grown quite a bit taller. Remember, martial arts and studying are not mutually exclusive. True skill lies in being proficient in both."

"Don't just focus on practicing martial arts and neglect your studies."

"Whenever you have time in the future, I will check your homework."

Upon hearing this, the smiles on Changfeng and Changliu's faces diminished slightly.

Sure enough, when the second brother returned, he would first give them a lecture.

At this moment, Quan Ge'er let go of Liu Mama's hand, came to Sheng Changbai and Hai Chaoyun, and respectfully bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

Seeing how sensible and well-mannered Quan Ge'er was, Hai Chaoyun's eyes glistened with tears. She immediately stepped forward and helped him up, saying, "Good boy, you've grown up so much in the blink of an eye."

Quan Ge'er stood on tiptoe and reached out to wipe away the tears from Hai Chaoyun's eyes.

Sheng Changbai couldn't help but sigh softly, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

"Let's go inside and talk. The old lady is still waiting at Shou'an Hall." Sheng Hong chuckled twice, his face full of satisfaction.

For some reason, when his son came back, he suddenly felt that the burden on his shoulders had been reduced, and he felt a sense of security and a strange sense of peace.

But then she thought, she was the backbone of the family, so why should she rely on her son for support?
Thinking this, Sheng Hong unconsciously straightened his back, deliberately displaying a fatherly air of authority on his face, and took the lead in walking towards Shou'an Hall.

Inside Shou'an Hall, the old lady looked at Sheng Changbai and Hai Chaoyun with a smile on her face.

"It's good that you're back. The house will be more lively now, and Quan'er will have his parents by his side from now on."

Hai Chaoyun sat in the armchair and couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke Quan Ge'er's face.

“Mother is right. Changbai will hold an important position in the Ministry of Personnel in the future. Once he has established himself, I can finally enjoy a peaceful and comfortable life,” Sheng Hong said, stroking his beard.

The old lady smiled and nodded. In this family, Changbai's future was the most important thing.

After all, Sheng Hong's official position was, at best, only this much.

"How is Pingyuan doing in the Northwest?"

Sheng Changbai replied in a deep voice, "Grandmother, don't worry, he's doing well. He just has some military duties to attend to and can't come back with his son."

Before leaving, he specifically asked his grandson to give his regards to you, Grandmother.

The old lady was relieved to hear this.

Back at the Marquis of Yongyi's residence, Xu Ji knew that his eldest son was incompetent, only knowing how to drink and make merry at home, and not understanding anything serious.

The responsibility of revitalizing the family's reputation will likely fall on Xu Pingyuan, the illegitimate son.

Moreover, he has the support of the Sheng family and Old Madam Sheng.

After weighing his options for many days, Xu Ji had made up his mind that when his days were numbered, he would write a memorial and submit it to the emperor.

They recounted Xu Pingyuan's achievements and abilities, and pleaded with the Emperor to grant his illegitimate son permission to inherit the title of Marquis of Yongyi.

The following day, inside the Wenhua Hall.

Sheng Changbai was dressed in a vermilion official robe, with a handsome and upright face, and a deep and powerful voice, showing no sign of slackness.

"Your subject, Sheng Changbai, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

Zhao Han waved his hand and said, "No need for formalities. You have had a long journey. It is not too late to come to the palace to discuss matters after you have rested for a few days."

"Your Majesty trusts and respects our family, and has entrusted me with an important position. How could I possibly be negligent?"

Standing to the side, Gu Tingye chuckled twice, "Your Majesty, am I right?"

"The first thing Changbai will do after returning to the capital is to go to the palace to pay his respects. Among all the civil and military officials, no one else is suitable to take on the position of Director of the Examination and Appointment Department."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Changbai turned to look at him and couldn't help but say, "You're a father now, how come you still seem so unreliable?"

"How can you joke around like this in the imperial court?"

Gu Tingye was about to retort when Zhao Han said, "It's alright. Don't you know Zhong Huai's temperament? There's no one else here, so there's no need to be too reserved."

"Your Majesty is right." Sheng Changbai bowed respectfully.

(End of this chapter)