Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 161 You scoundrel, you're turning black into white!

Feeling the comfortable pressure on her shoulders and neck, she met the expectant gazes of Zhang Guifen and Minglan.

Zhao Han pondered for a moment, then smiled and nodded.

"Even the Empress has spoken, how could I refuse? Instruct the Imperial Household Department to make proper preparations."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guifen and the others immediately beamed with smiles.

They bowed gracefully in unison and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty and Your Highness!"

Hua Lan turned to look at Cai Zan and said gently, "Bring me the pair of jade bracelets and a few hairpins that I brought with me as part of my dowry. Consider them as prizes for your polo match this time."

"Polo is fun, but you have to be careful not to fall or hurt yourself, especially the two of you."

Zhang Guifen and Minglan exchanged a glance and nodded repeatedly, "Understood, thank you, Your Majesty!"

Several days passed in the blink of an eye, and the matter of paying back land taxes was in full swing.

The Ministry of Revenue was kept burning day and night, with officials busy counting the silver and grain entering the treasury and checking the accounts. They didn't even have time to close their eyes.

A rough estimate suggests that the supplementary land tax paid by Jingji Road alone would be equivalent to nearly a year's worth of taxes for the Great Zhou Dynasty.

On the Gu family's side, even though the old lady, out of brotherly affection, couldn't bear to see her two brothers reduced to selling their house.

However, the late emperor was benevolent, and noble families like theirs had long been accustomed to profiting from this. Now, with so much silver to be paid, the Yang family was already struggling to make ends meet.

Besides, what kind of person is Gu Tingye now?
He wore a purple robe and a jade belt, held a high position and wielded great power. He had once been on friendly terms with the emperor and was highly regarded by him. In the future, he might even be granted the title of Duke.

If they were to lend a helping hand to the fourth and fifth branches of the family now to get through their difficulties, it would undoubtedly be tantamount to openly opposing Gu Tingye.

Although the descendants of the Yang family did not necessarily need Gu Tingye's help to gain a foothold in the court.

But it's always better to avoid trouble. Offending Gu Tingye for their sake would clearly be a losing proposition.

Therefore, the old lady of the aunt directly claimed to be ill and refused to see anyone, and the entire Yang family unanimously agreed.

After being turned away, the fourth and fifth wives completely lost hope.

They are currently mortgaging their house to raise the money to make up for the shortfall, so as to avoid being held accountable by the Imperial City Guard and ending up in an even more embarrassing situation.

Gu Tingye was worried that they would resort to desperate measures and ruin his reputation.

They have already sent Shi Tou to spread the word about everything they have done in the Marquis's mansion over the years.

Inside the Wenhua Hall of the Imperial Palace.

After bowing and serving Zhao Han a cup of tea, Qingyun said softly, "Your Majesty, General Wei is already on his way back to the capital."

Zhao Han nodded. "Wei Ling has rendered meritorious service in suppressing several rebellions in the Northwest. When he returns, I should reward him handsomely."

"Your Majesty is wise."

"This will also show those officials from the previous dynasty who were dissatisfied with the reforms that His Majesty will never mistreat those who are loyal to the court," Qingyun replied respectfully.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Han turned to look at him and thought that Qingyun, this little eunuch, was becoming more and more clever.

In the original timeline, the Prince of Yan and the Prince of Yong launched a rebellion. If it weren't for Qingyun's help, Minglan would never have had the chance to sneak out of the palace through the dog hole.

“That’s right. No matter how much the court officials object, this matter should be carried through to the end.”

As soon as Zhao Han finished speaking, Danju, dressed in a light blue palace dress, came forward respectfully.

After curtsying, she lowered her eyes and said, "Your Majesty, Consort De and Consort Xian have specially sent me to invite Your Majesty to the rear garden."

As she spoke, Danju smiled warmly, her eyes gentle and charming, with a touch of liveliness.

Zhao Han put down her teacup and stood up slowly.

"Let's go. I also want to see who is better, Consort De or Consort Sheng."

Danju narrowed her eyes, smiled gently, and secretly thought to herself, "It must be my lady!"

On the way to the back garden, since the distance was not far, Qingyun was not asked to prepare a sedan chair.

Zhao Han glanced at Danju and asked casually, "Where do your parents live now?"

Danju blinked, somewhat surprised that Zhao Han had suddenly asked her this question.

She replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, my parents are in Jinling, running a small business, and their lives are quite stable."

"The old lady was very kind and gentle to the servants. She let my mother go out to get married early and even prepared a lot of dowry."

"My mother sent me to the Sheng family because she remembered how good the old lady was to her, hoping that I could repay her kindness in some way."

Zhao Han nodded and walked slowly on the flat bluestone path.

Ordinary palace maids had the opportunity to be released to marry around the age of twenty-five, but because they were too old, most of them could not marry into good families.

Like Danju and Caizan, who were in charge of palace affairs.

If you want to leave the palace and regain your freedom in the future, you will have to be physically unwell and unable to continue serving.

Another option is to release them, but most of them are already in their thirties or forties.

"You are only slightly older than Ming'er and have a good appearance. It's a real pity that you've been wasting your time in the palace."

Danju's heart tightened, and her eyes darted around. She vaguely understood the meaning behind Zhao Han's words, but dared not think too deeply about it.

After hesitating for a moment, she said softly, "When I entered the palace with Your Highness, I was already prepared to serve Your Highness for the rest of my life."

"I have never dared to think about leaving the palace to get married."

Zhao Han smiled and glanced at her, but did not bring up the matter again.

His intuition told him that one day, Danju would beg him for his favor.

About half an incense stick's time later, in the back garden, the fragrance of flowers mingled with the scent of cosmetics.

As soon as Zhao Han arrived, all the concubines stood up and bowed respectfully.

After glancing at them, he stepped forward and took Hua Lan's hand, saying, "Didn't I say that you are pregnant, so there's no need for these formalities?"

Hua Lan smiled and said, "As the Empress, I should set an example and not neglect propriety."

"Fine, I can't argue with you. Sit down and rest."

After settling Hualan in, Zhao Han sat in the main seat. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Rulan, who was standing next to Minglan.

"What a coincidence, Fifth Miss has also come today."

"Why does Your Majesty still call me Fifth Miss?" Rulan retorted, her face showing a touch of coquettishness.

Zhao Han laughed heartily, "That's right, now we should call her Madam Sheng."

“That’s more like it!” Rulan immediately chimed in, a hint of smugness in her eyes.

Hua Lan explained gently, "Wen Yanjing is currently working long hours at the Hanlin Academy."

"I was worried that Ru'er would be bored at home, so I specially invited her to come and liven things up today."

Zhao Han nodded; he wouldn't take such a small matter to heart.

At this moment, Zhang Guifen strode over, without any makeup, dressed in a scarlet outfit with shoulder straps, her brows exuding a heroic spirit.

"Your Majesty, just watch! I will surely be able to welcome Consort Sheng in a moment!"

Minglan took the golf club from Xiaotao, snorted, and said loudly, "We haven't even started yet, don't get too excited."

A palace attendant struck a gong, and Zhang Guifen and Minglan rode forward on horseback, vying with each other and not giving an inch.

Several other palace maids of similar skill levels teamed up with them.

Zhao Han's gaze lingered on them with interest. Rong Feiyan's eyes flickered as she softly asked, "Your Majesty, who do you think will win this prize, Consort De or Consort Sheng?"

"Consort De was an excellent horsewoman. She had followed the Duke of England since she was a child and learned a lot about military strategy and tactics."

"Sheng Zhaorong is meticulous and adept at seizing opportunities to achieve unexpected victories. Both of them have their own strengths, so it is a bit too early to draw conclusions at this time."

Rong Feiyan held a round fan and nodded thoughtfully.

Rulan stared intently at Minglan, secretly cheering her on.

"Consort De will surely welcome Consort Sheng!" Liang Jinyue, currently a Jieyu, said to herself while standing on tiptoe.

On the polo field, the sound of horses' hooves echoed, while incense sticks used to keep track of time burned slowly in the incense burner.

When the incense stick had burned halfway down, Minglan seized the opportunity and swung the cue stick heavily.

With a muffled thud, the polo ball soared into the air, drawing a sharp arc before steadily passing through the goal in the watchful eyes of the crowd.

"Good!" The eunuchs and palace maids gathered around the polo field couldn't help but cheer, and Zhao Han and Hua Lan also clapped their hands and laughed.

Seeing this, Zhang Guifen couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

She knew Minglan was good at polo, but she never expected her to be this good.

She gripped her club tightly, no longer daring to underestimate her opponent. She took a deep breath and spurred her horse toward the next ball.

Minglan smiled and raised her hand to wipe the sweat from her forehead.

The last time I played polo with such relentless effort was when I was trying to retrieve my deceased mother's belongings for Yanran.

She gripped the reins tightly in one hand and held the golf club in the other. After glancing at Zhang Guifen, she headed straight for her.

Before long, the crisp sound of a gong echoed throughout the stadium.

Zhang Guifen lost to Minglan by one goal.

As she unbuttoned her jacket, she looked at Minglan and shouted, "Sheng Xiaoliu, you rascal!"

Minglan's face flushed, her heart pounding, and she smiled, "It was just a game of polo, please don't be angry, Consort De!"

"Let's have another match next time, and I promise I won't lose to you!"

"Okay, I'll be waiting!" Minglan smiled brightly and sat down next to Hualan.

Zhang Guifen looked at Zhao Han, shrugged, and said helplessly, "I was a little careless at the beginning, which allowed her to take advantage of me."

"I will personally set the prizes for the next competition between the two of you."

"Really?" Zhang Guifen's eyes lit up, and Minglan also became interested.

Zhao Han smiled and nodded.

Today, in addition to polo, there will also be pitching pot, hammer ball, song and dance performances, and more.

As dusk settled, Zhao Han rose and headed towards the Funing Palace.

Rulan had been longing for the roasted mutton that Minglan had made, and planned to have dinner at her place tonight before leaving the palace.

On the way to Ninghui Palace, she whispered, "Fourth Sister is pregnant."

"Is that so? Fourth sister has been married for several years and is now pregnant."

"Did you ask Old Madam He to treat you?" Minglan raised an eyebrow and turned to look at her.

Rulan snorted lightly, "How could that be? Old Madam He is not someone she can invite just because she wants to."

"Who cares? It doesn't matter to you in the palace, but if she remains infertile for a long time, I won't be able to hold my head up high outside."

"That's true." Minglan nodded gently, then asked, "Fifth Sister, are you doing well at the Wen family?"

“That’s great. My mother-in-law has wanted to move in with us several times, saying she wanted to help with the household chores, but my husband has turned her away each time.”

"My mother sent people to warn my elder brother and sister-in-law, both openly and subtly, not to cause trouble outside and bring shame to the family."

Rulan was initially surprised when Minglan entered the palace.

But then I thought, my sixth sister is beautiful, and the emperor has taken good care of her and her two children many times. It's hard to say that she might develop feelings for him.

Moreover, she can help her older sister solidify her position.

Although Wen Yanjing's mother and the eldest son of the Wen family were unable to move in with them, the old lady knew the principle of not chasing dogs into a dead end.

If they start arguing and say some unpleasant things, it won't be good for Yu Rulan.

He then asked Wang Ruofu to spend some money to help the Wen family repair their old house and add some tables, chairs and furniture.

If they continue to make trouble, others will only say that the Wen family is ignorant and wants to take advantage of their newfound status.

Just as the two turned the corner, they happened to see Liang Jinyue walking towards them with her maids.

"Greetings, Consort Sheng." Liang Jinyue curtsied, and Ru Lan, who did not hold an official title, followed suit.

Minglan smiled faintly, "Consort Liang, you may dispense with the formalities."

"Consort Sheng is really showing off today. She doesn't even know how to save face for Consort De and the Duke of Ying's mansion."

Lady Guan, the wife of Liang Erlang, the legitimate son of Lady Wu, was Zhang Guifen's cousin.

Although Liang Jinyue was born out of wedlock, she was deeply loved by Madam Wu and Madam Guan.

After entering the palace, he went to great lengths to get close to Zhang Guifen, hoping to gain a powerful patron.

Minglan asked herself if she had ever offended Liang Jinyue, but for some reason, every time she came into contact with her, Liang Jinyue seemed to be somewhat hostile towards her.

After thinking for a moment, Minglan said calmly and gently, "Winning and losing are common occurrences. If you deliberately let others win just to save face, you'll lose the fun."

"Sister Defei is cheerful and generous; how could she possibly care about winning or losing?"

"Speaking of which, we are related by marriage, so it's a bit too formal for Consort Liang to say such things."

"My fourth sister must have told you quite a bit about me."

Liang Jinyue frowned slightly, and without thinking, blurted out, "She said it before, but she's telling the truth."

"What's the point of telling the truth?"

"My fourth sister loves to stir up trouble and gossip behind people's backs. How did she talk about us in front of you?" Rulan asked impatiently, her eyes wide as if she had caught something.

Liang Jinyue looked at them, unsure whether to speak or not.

“Consort Liang, we live in the palace together and will see each other all the time. If there are any misunderstandings, it’s better to clear them up as soon as possible.”

“Otherwise, if this goes on for too long, it’s hard to guarantee that some unscrupulous people won’t get away with it.” As she spoke, Minglan carefully examined her.

Liang Jinyue pursed her lips, a hint of struggle flashing in her eyes. After a moment, she lowered her voice and said, "Sixth Sister-in-law said you have a sharp tongue and are unforgiving when you're right."

"When she was still a young lady in her boudoir, she and Madam Sheng often joined forces to bully her, taking away anything good they got, leaving her, a concubine's daughter, with no status whatsoever..."

After saying that, she secretly glanced at Minglan and saw that her face remained expressionless.

She added, "At first I didn't quite believe it either, but she spoke so convincingly, how could I not be wary of you?"

Rulan hadn't changed her impatient nature. She took a deep breath and said, "We bullied her?! Fourth Sister really knows how to twist the truth!"

"It's clearly because she's favored by her stepmother that she's bullied us repeatedly. To incite you, she's shameless enough to fabricate such lies!"

"If she were truly so pitiful, why would she have married into your Liang family in the first place?"

"If I run into her again, I'll definitely have a good talk with her about this!"

(End of this chapter)