Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 165 Sheng Hong's Way of Being an Official

A few days later, in the Fu Ning Hall of the Imperial Palace, candlelight flickered and the sounds of string and bamboo instruments drifted around.

After several palace maids and eunuchs set up the table, they quietly brought in the imperial meal.

Gu Tingye, Zheng Xiao, Wei Ling, and Xu Pingyuan, four military generals promoted by Zhao Han, are all here.

"The stabilization of the Northwest is largely thanks to your contributions. It's a pleasure to have you all in the capital. Let's drink until we drop tonight!" Zhao Han's gaze swept lightly over them.

Zheng Xiao was the first to stand up. "Defending the territory and protecting the borders, and maintaining peace in the world, is the duty of a subject."

"We have only done our duty and dare not claim credit."

As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Tingye stood up and said with a smile, "The words 'indispensable merit' are too much for us to bear."

Zhao Han then said, "There's no need to be modest. When we one day lead our troops north to pacify Yan and Yun, I will still have to rely on you all!"

"Twelve years ago, when I first met Your Majesty, I vowed to pacify the Yan and Yun regions."

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will be the first to volunteer for the battle. Even if I am shattered to pieces, I will reclaim the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun!" Gu Tingye waved his hand, his gaze firm and resolute.

Wei Ling and Xu Pingyuan exchanged a glance, then cupped their hands and said, "Lord Gu is right. We are also willing to lead troops into battle to jointly recover Yan and Yun."

Zhao Han nodded with satisfaction, gesturing for them to sit down and reply, and to not be shy.

After a few drinks, the atmosphere in the hall became increasingly lively.

Zhao Han smiled and looked at Gu Tingye, "Zhonghuai, there's something I've thought about and decided is best left to you."

Gu Tingye raised an eyebrow, his eyes full of anticipation, "Your Majesty, please give your orders."

"Jingge'er is well-educated by Minister Han, and as for martial arts, I would like you to be his teacher."

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingye put down his wine glass and couldn't help but gasp. Zheng Xiao and the others also looked at him.

The throne has always been passed down by the eldest son of the legitimate wife.

As the eldest son of the emperor, Jingge'er is the only choice for the future crown prince, not to mention that he was also the imperial grandson personally appointed by the late emperor.

To be his martial arts master is a great honor for the entire Gu family.

After calming himself down, Gu Tingye cupped his hands and said, "I am unworthy of Your Majesty's trust, but the matter of practicing martial arts is too arduous."

"I remember when I was young, I learned martial arts from my father. In winter, we had to practice horse stance before dawn. Our hands were covered with chilblains and our lips turned white from the cold."

"In the summer, the sun was so strong that I would feel dizzy and my head would spin. My father would also be watching me with a stick, and if I slacked off, he would suddenly hit me with the stick."

"I am worried about whether the Crown Prince can endure this hardship."

Zhao Han said slowly, "If Jing-ge'er is not suited for martial arts, we can teach him some riding and archery to improve his health."

"If so, you should teach me wholeheartedly, and you need not be lenient."

Gu Tingye picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp, straightening his chest and saying, "Very well, I will not hold back!"

"But if the Crown Prince accidentally bumps or falls, Your Majesty, please don't feel sorry for him and come to scold me."

"Don't worry, I won't feel bad at all!" Zhao Han laughed loudly.

Before long, several beautiful and graceful dancers, dressed in flowing sleeves, entered the hall.

After curtsying, she twirled and danced to the music of the pipa, adding to the festivities of the imperial banquet that evening.

Xu Pingyuan looked at the musician playing the pipa, his fingers tapping on the table in time with the melody.

After the song ended, he clicked his tongue twice and then shook his head.

"What, perhaps this piece doesn't suit your taste?" Zhao Han put down her cup, a smile playing on her lips.

Xu Pingyuan respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, it is not that I am dissatisfied."

"I recently heard a musician playing the pipa at the Qiantang Music Camp. His skill was superb, and the lingering sound was unforgettable."

"Especially that Liangzhou Dabian, with its powerful and vigorous strings, still resonates with me to this day!"

Gu Tingye looked at him with great interest. "I only know that musicians in Jiangnan are mostly good at playing gentle and graceful tunes. I never expected that there would be such a person in Qiantang."

"Yeah, I didn't expect that either."

"Moreover, that musician only started performing on stage last year, and now he is already a very popular figure in Qiantang."

"In the entire Jiangnan region, I'm afraid there are no musicians who can surpass her."

Most of the musicians in the music camp began performing on stage around the age of thirteen.

Xu Pingyuan's wife, Dong, was from Qiantang. Now, he was a fourth-rank official in the imperial court. When he arrived in Qiantang, the county magistrate would host a banquet to entertain him, and they would be invited to come and add to the festivities.

"Such talent at such a young age seems a bit wasted in the music camp." Gu Tingye said, smiling as he looked at Zhao Han.

The entertainment venues were established by local governments to serve the banquets and social gatherings of local officials and the private banquets of local gentry and merchants.

The Jiaofangsi (教坊司) was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites and was responsible for music and dance performances at court celebrations, sacrifices, banquets, and other occasions.

Some of the musicians in the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) were hereditary, while others were selected from music camps in various regions.

They were required to reside in the capital, be supported by the imperial court, and were not allowed to leave at will.

Zhao Han's gaze darkened slightly, then he smiled and said, "Liangzhou Dabian is a fine piece of music, and there are very few people who can play it well. It is a pity that it is confined to a corner. Let this person come to the Jiaofangsi."

"Yes, this servant will immediately send someone to deliver the decree to Qiantang," Qingyun replied, bowing.

Gu Tingye immediately beamed with joy. Having frequented brothels for many years, he had heard this song more than once throughout Liangzhou.

But he has yet to meet anyone who can truly capture the essence of the music.

After a few rounds of drinks, Zheng Xiao, who was not good at drinking, had a flushed face, squinted his eyes, and looked drowsy.

Gu Tingye patted Wei Ling on the shoulder and couldn't help but tease him, "He's getting married the day after tomorrow. We'd better give him a good beating, and make sure he can't even find his bridal chamber!"

“Okay, let’s do it this way. On my wedding day, he’ll be the most boisterous one.” Wei Ling rubbed his hands together and nodded repeatedly.

The imperial banquet did not end until the moon was high in the sky.

The four stood up, bowed, and took their leave. Led by the eunuch, they walked towards the palace gate.

In the fourth year of the Hongwu reign, in early April, it was the height of spring, with willows drooping and flowers in full bloom.

Zheng Xiao and Pinlan have successfully married. The entire Zhongjing Marquis's mansion is very satisfied with Pinlan. Zheng Jun and Madam Meng, who are far away in Yanmen, even personally sent someone to deliver a congratulatory gift.

After the morning court session ended, Zhao Han went straight to the Wenhua Hall. Just as he picked up a memorial and was about to read it...

Qingyun stepped into the hall, bowed deeply, and said, "Your Majesty, Lord Sheng requests an audience and is currently waiting outside the hall."

"Let him in." Zhao Han put down the memorial, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

Qingyun responded softly, and soon after, Sheng Hong, dressed in a purple official robe and with a jade belt at his waist, walked steadily into the hall.

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

Zhao Han smiled and said, "Minister Sheng, there's no need for such formalities. What brings you to see me at this hour?"

Sheng Hong chuckled dryly twice. "It's nothing important."

"How are the First Prince and the Third Prince doing these days? I heard from the Empress that His Majesty has asked Marquis Ningyuan to teach the First Prince martial arts."

Zhao Han nodded and said earnestly, "Yes, Lord Gu is rough but meticulous, skilled in both literature and martial arts. As my eldest son, Jing'er should learn more skills." "Lord Gu has praised Jing'er to me more than once. As for Zhang'er, he is well taken care of by Hua Lan and the wet nurse."

"That's good. Knowing that the two princes are well, I can finally rest assured."

Sheng Hong spoke respectfully, glancing at Zhao Han's expression from time to time, afraid that he might have done something impolite.

After some casual conversation, Sheng Hong unconsciously rubbed the hem of his clothes with his fingers for a moment.

He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I am of mediocre ability. Lately, I have been feeling powerless in handling the affairs of the Ministry of War."

"I request to resign from my position as Vice Minister of War, and a sinecure will suffice." After saying this, he glanced at Zhao Han discreetly, then quickly lowered his head, quietly awaiting a response.

Sheng Changbai held the position of Director of the Personnel Evaluation Department of the Ministry of Personnel, which not only gave him real power but also made him prone to offending people.

Both father and son hold important positions. If I don't request a transfer, it won't be long before the censors start submitting memorials impeaching me.

Therefore, after discussing it with the old lady at Shou'an Hall last night, the two of them agreed that...
Only if he takes a step back can the Sheng family maintain long-term stability, Changbai's path be more stable, and Zhao Han be more at ease with the Sheng family.

Zhao Han was not surprised by Sheng Hong's words; given his personality, this day was bound to come sooner or later.

Sheng Hong is tactful, considerate, and adept at balancing and coordinating.

His own philosophy of officialdom was: not to seek merit, but to avoid mistakes, to retire peacefully, and to bring blessings to his family.

Therefore, Sheng Hong was best suited to handle matters such as organizing ceremonies and sacrifices, and dealing with civil officials, members of the imperial family, and nobles.

Matters that might offend people, such as implementing new policies or reforming old systems, would quickly turn into a mess if handed to him.

After weighing the options for a moment, Zhao Han said gently, "In that case, I will not make things too difficult for Minister Sheng. I wonder if Minister Sheng is capable of taking on the position of Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices?"

Upon hearing this, Sheng Hong immediately looked up at Zhao Han.

The Court of Imperial Sacrifices was in charge of matters related to ancestral temple sacrifices, rituals, and music.

The Junior Minister is a fourth-rank official, responsible for assisting the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices in handling all matters of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Although his rank is not low, his actual power is limited.

As long as you follow the rules, it's difficult to make a big mistake.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I am capable of fulfilling this duty." Sheng Hong bowed deeply, his previously tense and stiff shoulders immediately relaxing.

Upon seeing this, a subtle smile flashed across Zhao Han's eyes.

"Minister Sheng, please do not be so formal. Although the affairs of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices are not as complicated as those of the Ministry of War, they are still related to the etiquette of the court and should not be neglected."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Sheng Hong replied solemnly.

Zhao Han then asked, "Is the old lady at home still in good health?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Excellency. My mother is doing well."

After leaving the Wenhua Hall, Sheng Hong walked briskly back to his residence to inform Old Madam Sheng about the matter.

Qingyun carefully brought over a cup of hot tea and said in a low voice, "Lord Sheng really knows how to behave appropriately."

Zhao Han took the hot tea and smiled slightly, "Sheng Hong may not be a capable minister in governing the country, but he is a smart man."

-

Meanwhile, in Qiantang County, a warm breeze blew and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers.

Wearing a light blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), Song Yinzhang, whose figure was slightly immature but whose eyebrows and eyes were particularly exquisite, jogged all the way to Zhao's Tea House.

She sat at the wooden table by the window, picked up her tea and drank it all in one gulp. Then, she took Zhao Pan'er's hand, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, and looked up at her intently.

Zhao Pan'er asked with curiosity, "Yin Zhang, what's wrong with you? Why do you look so restless?"

"Sister Pan'er, something terrible has happened!"

"Yinzhang, what serious thing has happened? Tell me quickly!" Sun Sanniang wiped the sweat from her forehead and urged her impatiently.

Under Zhao Pan'er's worried gaze.

Song Yinzhang hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Today, Magistrate Zheng came to see me specifically, saying that the Emperor has appointed me to serve as the head instructor of the Pipa music at the Jiaofangsi."

"They even said it was a great favor and told me not to refuse, and to find an opportunity to say a few good words for him in front of the emperor."

"What?!" Sun San Niang exclaimed in surprise.

Zhao Pan'er's clear and captivating eyes suddenly narrowed, and she said softly, "Yin Zhang, although you are skilled at playing the pipa, you have never left Qiantang. How did this happen to reach the ears of the officials?"

"At first I was curious too, but Lord Zheng said that Lord Xu from the Marquis of Yongyi’s mansion had praised me a few times in front of the Emperor and several important officials in the court."

“Sister Pan’er, I’ve never been to the capital before, and I’m a little scared…” As she spoke, Song Yinzhang’s eyes began to redden.

Zhao Pan'er sat down beside her and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Going to the Jiaofangsi is much more respectable than staying in the music camp. With your skill on the pipa, you will definitely not suffer any grievances."

"Besides, you'll be dealing with high-ranking officials and dignitaries in the future, so you'll have more opportunities to renounce your citizenship than you would in Qiantang."

"When we have time, Third Sister and I can go to the capital to visit you."

Sun San Niang chimed in, "Yes, Pan'er and I have never been to the capital yet!"

Song Yinzhang pursed his lips. "Don't lie to me. I'll write to you once I'm settled in the capital."

“Sister Pan’er, you have no relatives or friends in Qiantang. Why don’t you open a teahouse in Bianjing in the future? In any case, I’m afraid it will be difficult for me to leave the capital in the future.”

Zhao Pan'er sighed softly, looked up at the swaying willow branches by the river outside the window, and a gentle breeze came towards her, blowing a few strands of hair at her temples.

“Silly girl, with my meager savings, how can I afford to open a decent teahouse in Bianjing? Let’s wait a few more years.”

Song Yinzhang gently held the cup, pondered for a moment, and then solemnly said, "No need to wait a few years!"

"In the future, I will save all the money I earn in the brothel and use it to open a teahouse."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Pan'er smiled gently.

"If you really have this idea, you might as well save up some dowry for yourself first."

Song Yinzhang shook his head, "If I can't get rid of my household registration, how can I marry into a good family? Right now, all I want is to be with you, Sister Pan'er."

Zhao Pan'er raised her hand and stroked her cheek, comforting her, "If you encounter any difficulties in Bianjing in the future, just write to me and I will help you find a solution."

"Okay!" Song Yinzhang replied, nestling in her soft embrace.

Six or seven days passed, and the sun shone brightly. A group of eunuchs in red robes, carrying imperial edicts, arrived solemnly at the Sheng Mansion in Jiying Lane.

Inside the main hall, the entire Sheng family was already dressed in their finest attire, standing solemnly in order of seniority.

"Your Excellency, the Imperial Decree states: Sheng Hong, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, is of upright character, has served diligently in his official career, and has a long-standing reputation for virtue. I am very pleased with him."

Your daughter, Lady Sheng, held the position of Empress. She was virtuous and prudent, and gave birth to two sons of the Emperor, ensuring the continuation of the imperial lineage. Her contributions to the nation were immense.

"Considering familial ties and extending imperial favor to your maternal relatives, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Duke of Wei, granting you a fief of three thousand households and a Duke of Wei's mansion, to recognize your merit in educating your daughter and your sincerity in assisting the state."

I hope he will diligently uphold his duties as a subject and encourage his relatives and clansmen.

Awesome! "

(End of this chapter)