Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 162 The Wei Family Reunited, Another Prince Arrives

Liang Jinyue looked at Rulan with some doubt, unable to tell whether it was true or false for a moment.

Ru Lan gave a light snort, then immediately raised three fingers and solemnly said, "If I utter a single falsehood, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death."

"Would Fourth Sister dare to make such a vow?"

Minglan gently pressed Rulan's arm, signaling her to calm down.

Then, she turned to Liang Jinyue, her expression still gentle and composed, her voice calm and clear, "My fifth sister has a quick temper, and her words were a bit harsh."

"There's no need to rush to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Time will tell. We'll have a long time to spend together in the palace in the future."

"You'll naturally understand what kind of person I am and what kind of personality your fourth sister has over time."

"As for what was said today, let's just consider it a misunderstanding and let it go. We can't let a few words from others damage our relationship."

Upon hearing this, Liang Jinyue's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly.

She nodded, curtsied to Minglan, and went straight back to her own bedchamber, then instructed a maid to bring her pen and ink.

He planned to write a letter and send it to the Yongchang Earl's Mansion to ask Madam Wu who he should believe.

Half a month later, Wei Ling returned to Beijing smoothly.

Inside the Wenhua Hall.

Sheng Changbai, Gu Tingye, and others were all present, waiting for Wei Ling to report to Zhao Han, as was customary, on matters such as border defense and food supply.

Qingyun held a scroll of imperial edict and announced loudly, "Your Excellency, the imperial decree states:"

"Wei Ling, the deputy commander of Qin Feng and Ningxia routes, is commendable for his loyalty and bravery, and is decisive and resourceful. He has made outstanding contributions in suppressing rebellions and quelling treasons."

"I remember that he has long been stationed on the frontier and has made great contributions."

"I hereby bestow upon him the title of General of the Cloud Banner, a third-rank official, and award him two hundred taels of gold, three hundred bolts of brocade, and a jade belt, to show my respect for my meritorious officials!"

"Awesome!"

Wei Ling looked solemnly at Zhao Han, then cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor!"

"From now on, I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the cause, even unto death, and will never fail the trust and affection of the Emperor!"

With a relieved smile on his face, Zhao Han said slowly, "I heard Minglan mention the other day that your mother hasn't been feeling well lately?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Ling was taken aback, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes, and he bowed again in reply.

"Your Majesty, this is indeed the case. My mother caught a cold last winter, and has been suffering from coughing and wheezing ever since."

"My second sister has brought her to the capital and asked a doctor to take good care of her."

Zhao Han nodded. "If it doesn't get better, come to the palace and report it. I will have the Imperial Hospital send a physician to take a look."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Wei Ling said, bowing deeply. After a moment's hesitation, he said softly, "May I ask, how is Consort Zhaorong doing lately?"

"Don't worry, your niece is calm and insightful. I see that she is very energetic every day, so you don't need to worry about her."

Hearing this, Wei Ling finally felt relieved.

Zhao Han already had a plan for Minglan.

The position of Imperial Concubine will be irreplaceable once Zhang Guifen gives birth to an heir, given her family background and character.

As for the position of Consort Chen, it would be more appropriate to give it to Minglan in the future.

After leaving Wenhua Hall, Wei Ling and Sheng Changbai went to the Sheng family together.

Not long ago, with the unanimous consent of Sheng Hong and the old lady, Wei Shuyi has now been promoted to the rank of concubine.

Inside the main hall, Wang Ruofu sat upright to one side, holding a round fan, a forced smile on his face, his heart filled with an indescribable awkwardness.

Sheng Hong stroked his beard and said, "General Wei has risen to the rank of a third-grade military officer at such a young age; his future is limitless!"

"Your Excellency flatters me. I was merely fulfilling my duty as a subject."

"I am fortunate to receive the Emperor's favor this time, thanks entirely to His Majesty's trust and the concerted efforts of the soldiers. I dare not take credit for it myself."

Wei Ling's tone was indifferent, with a hint of detachment.

Sheng Hong chuckled dryly twice.

If he had known the Wei family would end up like this, he would never have allowed Lin Qinshuang to mistreat Wei Shuyi.

After drinking a cup of tea, Wei Ling stood up and said, "Lord Sheng, Madam Wang."

"Wei Ling came to visit today to invite my elder sister and Liu Ge'er to the Wei residence for a family reunion dinner and to stay for a few days."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu couldn't help but exchange a glance.

Standing to one side, Sheng Changbai coughed twice and subtly gave Sheng Hong a wink.

After understanding, Sheng Hong put down his teacup and smiled again, "It is only right that I go to the Wei residence to reunite with my family."

After saying that, he turned to Dong Rong and said, "Go to the backyard and tell them to pack some personal belongings so as not to delay them."

"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Sheng." Wei Ling bowed respectfully.

Before long, they arrived at the carriage bound for the Wei residence.

Wei Shuyi wore a Xiangfei-colored brocade robe with cloud patterns, and a few delicate and understated hairpins adorned her hair.

She smiled and said gently, "If you weren't in power in court now, the Sheng family wouldn't treat me like this. In the past, I wouldn't have dared to even think about such a thing."

"Elder sister, don't say such things. Back then, you gritted your teeth and sold yourself into the Sheng family as a concubine, which is how the Wei family got to where it is today."

"Your mother always thought of you. On the way to Bianjing with my second sister, she called out your and Liu Ge'er's names countless times."

Wei Ling lowered his eyes and sighed softly.

Liu Ge'er is almost twelve years old, and his features are gradually maturing. As the saying goes, a nephew resembles his uncle, and one can vaguely see some resemblance to Wei Ling when he was young.

Now that Sheng Changbai and Sheng Changfeng have both started their own families and careers, and Quan Ge'er has entered the palace to accompany him in his studies, Sheng Hong checks Liu Ge'er's homework whenever he has free time.

As the old lady once said, Sheng Hong was an unremarkable son and an mediocre official, but he was quite good as a father.

Whether choosing a son-in-law or a daughter-in-law, they have a very keen eye and have never made a mistake.

For a normal official family to raise a legitimate son like Sheng Changbai, who is upright and has a promising future, is already a stroke of good fortune.

What's even more remarkable is that the son of a concubine was able to pass the imperial examination with his own abilities and did not become addicted to wine and women.

Such families are few and far between, you could count them on one hand.

Looking at them, Liu Ge'er said, "Uncle, this is the first time I've ever paid my respects to my maternal grandmother."

"Yes, the Wei family will be staying in the capital from now on. You can come to their home and talk to the old man whenever you have time."

Brother Liu nodded repeatedly.

Just as the carriage was about to arrive at the Wei residence, Wei Shuyi suddenly seemed to remember something and said, "Third brother, you're well past the age to get married."

Do you have someone in mind who you like?

Upon hearing this, Wei Ling shook his head. "To be honest, elder sister, I've been focused on my career in the military all these years and haven't thought about these things."

"In that case, the old lady mentioned this matter to Ming'er before. There is a young lady in the fourth branch of the Yu family who is gentle and dignified. You have been helped by Master Yu several times to get to where you are today."

"This Miss Yu is also Lord Yu's cousin."

“Why don’t we ask the old lady to act as a go-between and ask the Yu family what they think? If they think it’s feasible, then you two can pick a day to meet and discuss it, what do you say?” Wei Shuyi looked at him with anticipation in her eyes.

Wei Ling's marriage is currently the most important event for the Wei family. Wei Ling frowned, silently weighing the situation in his mind. For him, marrying a girl from a scholarly family would indeed be a good thing.

"Alright, thank you for your trouble, elder sister."

-

It was late at night in late June, with the bright moon hanging high and the stars shining brightly.

Renming Hall was brightly lit, and several midwives were busy working in an orderly manner. Jingge'er, Minglan, Shulan and others were all waiting outside the hall, their faces showing anticipation and worry.

Just then, I heard a series of hurried and orderly footsteps.

Zhao Han, dressed in casual clothes, strode in, followed by Rong Feiyan. Everyone quickly made way for her and bowed respectfully.

"How is the Empress?"

The palace maid standing guard outside the hall curtsied and said softly, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, this is not Her Highness's first childbirth, and the pregnancy has always been stable."

"The midwife just came out to report that Her Majesty's breathing is stable and she still has plenty of strength. It should be soon that we will receive good news."

Zhao Han nodded and patiently waited outside the hall.

A barely perceptible hint of displeasure flashed across Rong Feiyan's eyes.

She thought to herself: It's rare for the Emperor to come to my palace. I just took off my clothes and was about to serve him when the Empress went into labor.

What kind of crazy luck is this?!

Jingge'er was dressed in a moon-white soft satin brocade robe, his hands unconsciously clenching the hem of the robe, and he would occasionally stand on tiptoe to look into the hall.

Zhao Han could see that he was worried about Hua Lan, and said gently, "Your mother is a blessed person. With so many midwives inside, there's no need to worry too much."

Upon hearing this, Jingge nodded solemnly and stood aside quietly waiting, completely unlike a child who was not yet seven years old.

"Is Ling-jie asleep?" Zhao Han turned to look at Shulan.

Shulan's eyebrows twitched slightly, and she smiled gently.

"Ling'er was tired from playing today and fell asleep on the couch before 7 p.m., and her wet nurse is watching over her."

About an hour after an incense stick has burned, a clear cry of a baby suddenly came from inside the hall.

Minglan and Yanran exchanged a glance, their faces beaming with joy.

Before long, the palace doors opened, and the midwife carrying the swaddled baby hurried out. "Congratulations, Your Majesty! The Empress has safely given birth to a little prince!"

Zhao Han lifted a corner of the swaddling clothes, and Jing-ge'er leaned closer and took a careful look.

The surrounding palace maids and eunuchs all knelt down and said in unison, "Congratulations to Your Majesty on the birth of a prince!"

"Jing-ge'er, you're going to be a big brother again." Minglan smiled and looked down at him.

Jingge stood straight and said softly, "Your Highness, please rest assured. As your elder brother, I will set an example, study diligently, cultivate virtue, and take good care of my younger brothers and sisters."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Tao, who was following behind Minglan, raised her hand and scratched her head.

"Your Majesty, these words sound familiar to me. It seems that my second son said something similar before."

Minglan smiled brightly.

She had long noticed that Jing-ge'er's personality was very similar to Sheng Changbai's.

The next morning, it was common knowledge in the court and among the people that the Empress had given birth to another prince in the Chuigong Hall.

Several veteran officials, including Han Zhang, Xue Pu, and Zhang Fu, were deeply moved.

The late emperor was troubled for many years by the fact that he had no son, and everyone in the court was worried about this.

The eldest prince is intelligent, upright, and diligent in his studies. At a young age, he is calm and composed in his actions. More importantly, he has already grown up safely to the age of seven.

It should be noted that when the late emperor was alive, the three princes raised in the palace all died before the age of three.

Now that the Empress has given birth to another son, it adds another layer of security to the future succession to the throne, which is a great thing.

Faced with the envious glances from many ministers, Sheng Hong suppressed his excitement and maintained a calm and composed demeanor.

With two princes by his side, it's truly heaven's blessing upon Hua Lan and his Sheng family!
As was customary, he listened to the reports from the court officials.

As soon as the court session ended, Zhao Han went straight to the Renming Hall.

After a night's rest, Hua Lan, wearing a headband, was seen leaning against the bed, tenderly playing with the baby in her swaddling clothes.

Minglan and Yanran sat on the soft stools, having come over specifically to keep her company and chat with her to relieve her boredom.

"His Majesty has arrived—" The eunuch's clear voice echoed into the hall.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects!" The two women quickly rose and bowed.

Zhao Han smiled and helped them up. She then walked to the bedside and saw that the little prince had already opened his eyes and was looking around curiously.

"Today in court, I saw that the Emperor's father-in-law was clearly overjoyed, but he was still trying to appear calm on the surface."

Hua Lan gave a soft snort and said in a low voice, "My father has always been cautious and prudent. Even the biggest happy occasions, he can wait until he is at home to celebrate."

"Don't you think so, Ming'er?"

Minglan nodded vigorously.

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. My grandmother once said that my father's success in serving as an official all these years was due to his prudence."

After a moment, Hua Lan changed the subject, stroking the little prince's soft, delicate cheek, "Has His Majesty chosen a name for our child?"

"After much deliberation, I believe the character '璋' is the most suitable. What do you think?"

“Zhang… excellent!” Hua Lan smiled and then said, “Speaking of which, I was much more tired carrying Zhang than carrying Jing, which shows he’s not a good boy.”

Zhao Han laughed and said, "If he were still as honest and steady as Jing-ge, I'm afraid you would be even more annoyed."

"It seems so." Hua Lan sighed helplessly.

Minglan stepped forward, picked up the swaddled baby, and she and Yanran played with Zhang Ge'er with eyes full of joy.

-

Meanwhile, at the Yongchang Earl's Mansion, the Liang family...

Madam Wu held the letter Liang Jinyue had sent, her face extremely grim. She hadn't expected Mo Lan to be so unruly, even trying to instigate Liang Jinyue and Ming Lan to oppose each other.

Although she didn't know much about the affairs of the Sheng family's inner quarters, she knew very well what kind of girl Minglan was.

If Liang Jinyue really does something foolish, it might implicate the entire Liang family!
"Take this letter to Liu Lang!"

"Let him see for himself what kind of woman he went to great lengths to marry, disregarding his reputation and future prospects."

Madam Wu snorted coldly. If the Sheng family hadn't been at the height of its power, she wouldn't have even bothered to look at a daughter-in-law like Mo Lan.

Why is it still like this now, with brocade skirts, delicious food and drink, and an extravagant air when going out?

"Please calm down, Madam. Fortunately, our young lady and Consort Sheng had a good talk, and she didn't get her way," the old nanny standing to the side comforted her softly.

Madam Wu raised her hand and frowned. "This girl's personality is too similar to mine. When we were young, we couldn't resist the slightest provocation from others."

"Bring me pen and ink; I need to give her a good talking-to!"

As she spoke, Madam Wu had already secretly decided that when Mo Lan gave birth to a child, she would definitely find a way to bring the child to her side and raise it herself.

So as not to be spoiled by her upbringing.

(End of this chapter)