Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 169 The case is closed, Mo Lan visits the Sheng family.

In the fourth year of the Hongwu reign, in early August, the sky was clear and the air was crisp.

The case involving the Maritime Trade Office has come to an end. From the Transport Commissioner of Liangzhe Circuit to the patrolmen at the port who inspected goods, all those involved have been investigated and dealt with according to the law.

Zheng Qingtian was executed in the autumn, and the male members of his family were exiled three thousand miles away, while the female members were relegated to a lowly status and their families were barred from taking the imperial examinations for three generations.

The other officials involved were dealt with severely: their property was confiscated and they were exiled to the border regions; the less serious cases were demoted and transferred to remote prefectures and counties.

Inside the Imperial Palace, in the Hall of Hanging Arches, civil and military officials stood in neat rows on both sides, each holding a tablet.

Zhao Han, dressed in a crimson dragon robe, slowly swept his gaze over the assembled officials, and the hall fell silent for a moment.

After a long silence, he said in a deep voice, "Zheng Qingtian has been lifting the sea ban for three years now, and you are completely unaware of it. This is truly rare."

Upon hearing this, several officials who had privately accepted bribes from Zheng Qingtian, Xiao Qinyan, and others took a deep breath, their eyes darting around uncertainly.

This was done very discreetly, and the accounts were flawless.

It was assumed that Wang Anshi and his entourage were already preoccupied with many matters while surveying land in Liangzhe Road, so how could they possibly have nothing better to do than devote their attention to the Maritime Trade Office?

Unexpectedly, the canal gangs were overlooked!
Those people made a living at various docks, managing official ships and loading and unloading merchant ships. There was no news they couldn't find out about anything happening at the docks.

"The late emperor ruled the world with benevolence. I originally intended to inherit this benevolent rule, to be more lenient and less critical of you all, so that the ruler and his ministers could be of one mind and work together to support the nation."

"All the officials involved in the Jiangnan case have confessed and are awaiting their fate in the Ministry of Justice prison."

"However, reforming the bureaucracy is not something that can be accomplished in a day, and I do not wish that a single case would cause everyone in the court to feel insecure."

"If someone, like Minister Wang, voluntarily surrenders the money and valuables they have previously received and frankly admits their past oversights, I may punish them leniently."

"But if the Imperial City Guard finds out, I will not let it go lightly."

Upon hearing this, several officials trembled slightly and secretly glanced at Zhao Han out of the corner of their eyes.

Wang Shiping lowered his eyes, his hand holding the tablet trembling slightly.

It is true that all the money and valuables that Wang Shizhuo sent were gathered and delivered to the Dali Temple. Zhao Han only ordered him to make amends for his mistakes and atone for his crimes through meritorious service.

But the Wang family's life is likely to plummet, and they will become even more scarce.

At this moment, an official in a scarlet robe standing on the right stepped forward, knelt down, and said, "Your Majesty, I was confused for a moment and was misled by Xiao Qinyan's slanderous words. I have failed Your Majesty's grace!"

"I am willing to hand over all my money and valuables, and I hope Your Majesty will show leniency and give me a chance to redeem myself through meritorious service."

As soon as he finished speaking, three or four officials stepped forward and knelt down in the hall with a thud.

Han Zhang took a deep breath, pointed at them, and said in a deep voice: "As officials of the imperial court, you disregard the laws and regulations of the country and have no integrity whatsoever!"

Faced with Han Zhang's rebuke, these officials broke out in a cold sweat and didn't dare to lift their heads.

After a moment's thought, Zhao Han said slowly, "After you have all handed over your valuables, you will not be eligible for promotion for six years."

"You must perform your duties diligently while in office. If you make even the slightest mistake, you will be severely punished!"

"Your Majesty, we thank you for your mercy!"

"From now on, I will definitely do my best to fulfill my duties and dare not be negligent again!" The official kneeling in the hall hurriedly kowtowed to express his gratitude.

Being able to keep one's official position is already a stroke of luck. Compared to the fate of officials in Jiangnan, what is it to be unable to be promoted for six years?
After the six-year term is up, there may still be a chance to turn things around.

A moment later, Shen Shiqi stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that we should select honest and capable officials as soon as possible to take over the affairs of Jiangnan."

Zhao Han nodded slightly, "By imperial decree, Yang Zhiyuan, the former Transport Commissioner of Liangzhe Circuit, is hereby promoted to Prefect of Xiuzhou."

Then, he turned his gaze to Lü Huiqing, "The position of Transport Commissioner of Liangzhe Circuit is a very important one. I wonder if you, Lü Aiqing, are capable of taking on the role?"

This person's reputation is mixed, but in the early stages of implementing the new laws, he was absolutely an indispensable and capable official.

Upon hearing the sound, Lü Huiqing stepped forward.

His scarlet official robe accentuated his tall and straight figure, and his brows conveyed a sense of competence and sharpness. Holding a tablet, he said in a loud voice, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your trust!"

"Your subject will certainly rise early and retire late, carefully observe the people's conditions, and assist Lord Wang in surveying the land and implementing the new laws!"

Zhao Han showed a satisfied expression, and then looked at the officials of the Ministry of Personnel, "The Ministry of Personnel will take the lead in drafting a list of candidates for the remaining important positions in Jiangnan within three days."

"It is imperative to select individuals of upright character who are familiar with local government affairs, and who must not be suspected of favoritism or corruption. These individuals must be presented to me for my personal review."

"Your Majesty, we obey!" Sheng Changbai and other officials bowed in response.

Meanwhile, the Liangzhe Road Transport Company.

Gu Qianfan had already written a letter to inform his uncle, Gu Mingjing, of the matter.

Gu Mingjing always doted on his younger sister Gu Shuniang. When he learned that Xiao Qinyan's crimes were proven and he had been brought to justice, he was naturally overjoyed.

At this moment, Gu Qianfan's expression was the same as usual, but there was a hint of indescribable complexity in his eyes.

After more than ten years of hard study and over three years of diligent service in the Imperial City Guard, he finally managed to bring down Xiao Qinyan and avenge his mother.

But for some reason, he suddenly felt a little empty inside.

Qi Heng strode over and patted him heavily on the shoulder. "Young Master Gu, what are you standing there for?"

"Although this case is closed, don't forget that there are still matters such as surveying the land and recovering land taxes."

"His Majesty has personally promised you that if you do this job well, the position of Deputy Envoy of the Imperial City Guard will be yours after you return to the capital."

Gu Qianfan snapped out of her daze and looked up at Qi Heng.

After a moment, he exhaled a breath of stale air and said in a deep voice, "Lord Qi is right. Personal grudges have been settled. Now we should be concerned about important matters of the court."

Qi Heng smiled gently, "Let's go, Lord Wang just summoned us to a meeting."

Gu Qianfan nodded solemnly. He had vented his anger, but his mother's official title was still uncertain, so he could not relax.

-

A few days later, with the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, visits between families in the city gradually increased, and the expenses for purchasing festival gifts and treating relatives and friends inevitably began to rise.

Inside the Wei Rui Pavilion of the Duke of Wei's Mansion.

The name "Weirui" was chosen by her when she gave birth to Hualan, and it comes from the poem: "The orchid leaves are lush and green in spring, and the osmanthus blossoms are bright and clear in autumn."

Therefore, it was directly adopted by the Duke's Mansion.

Wang Ruofu wore a dark green brocade robe, and her hair was piled up high and adorned with several valuable hairpins, making her look even more elegant and wealthy.

She was sitting on a soft couch, holding a wooden box, her brows furrowed, carefully counting the savings she had accumulated over the years.

Previously, when Rulan got married, the money for purchasing a house in Hanlin Lane was taken from her own savings.

"Does Madam truly intend to support the Wang family in this way?"

Standing to one side, Liu Mama frowned, then spoke again: "Although your personal savings are substantial, we all know the Wang family's current situation. It's a bottomless pit. My sister-in-law has to help out, and You-ge'er needs money at the Imperial Academy..."

“Even if we fill it all in, it probably won’t last long. If the master finds out, I think he will be furious, and then trouble will arise.”

Wang Ruofu sighed softly and said helplessly, "But this is the first time my mother has asked me for money, and my sister's situation is also a mess. How can I not help her out?" "It's my personal money after all. If I send it over quietly, my husband won't know."

Liu's mother raised her hand and poured Wang Ruofu a cup of hot tea.

"But once something like this happens, it will happen again. It's hard to guarantee that your aunt won't follow suit and ask you for money."

"At that time, will you give it to me or not?"

Wang Ruofu took the tea and glanced at her sideways.

“My mother said that she would pay me back in full once the family’s finances improved. She has always been a woman of her word and would never lie to me.”

"As for my sister, I..." Wang Ruofu frowned, unsure how to answer for a moment.

Wang Ruo has taken over a thousand taels of silver from the Wang family over the years, and she knows of at least that much more is being kept from her.

After silently calculating for a moment, he gritted his teeth and said, "This is the only time. I can't help my sister with this."

"Bai'er is wholeheartedly devoted to the Hai family, so I need to keep some of her by my side. It wouldn't be good for her to live at the mercy of the Hai family in the future."

Seeing that she had already said that, Liu's mother had no choice but to give up the idea of ​​continuing to persuade her, and silently prayed that Sheng Hong would not find out one day.

At this moment, Caihuan stepped forward, curtsied, and said softly, "Madam, Fourth Miss has returned. She ignored everyone on the way and went straight to the master's study."

"Oh?" Wang Ruofu blinked, slowly closed the wooden box, and said quietly, "Mo Lan doesn't come to the temple unless she has something important to say, so it must be about her young lady."

Mo Lan's daughter is named Liang Ruozhen, and her childhood name is Zhenjie'er. Chun Ke's son born out of wedlock is named Liang Wen. The eldest son of the Liang family has a son and a daughter, Liang Chun and Liang Ruowei.

The legitimate son of the second son only had one son, named Liang Cong.

When the Sheng family held their grand banquet, Madam Wu revealed to her her plan to take Zhen'er into her care and raise her herself.

Wang Ruofu naturally did not want to interfere in this matter.

As for Sheng Hong, based on the personalities and actions of his mothers Lin Qinshuang and Mo Lan, he also felt that Zhen'er might be more suitable to stay by Madam Wu's side.

Inside the study in the second courtyard.

Sheng Hong raised his eyes and glanced indifferently at Mo Lan. Seeing that her eyes were red and her expression was haggard, he put down his brush and said, "Why are you asking me for help with your own family matters?"

"Madam Wu is capable and straightforward, and many wives of officials are happy to befriend her."

"Although my two sons are of average ability, they are no less capable than others in raising their daughters."

“You have nothing to worry about, just entrusting Zhen’er to her care.”

Mo Lan picked up a handkerchief and gently wiped the corners of her eyes, still looking pitiful.

"Father, this is my first child after all."

“From birth until now, she has never left my side for a single day. As long as my father is willing to say a word, my mother-in-law will definitely obediently send Zhen’er back.”

Sheng Hong frowned. "Back then, Hua'er was raised by the old lady for several years, and your mother never complained."

"There are so many noble families in Bianjing who raise their children with their mothers-in-law that you can't even count them on your fingers."

Why do you have so many different explanations when it comes to me?

"Instead of wasting time on this, you should manage your son-in-law's household affairs. They cause chaos every few days, and even I, a man, know a lot of the gossip."

"Don't you feel ashamed? Look at Ru'er, she has a harmonious marriage and manages the household affairs perfectly. Everyone outside praises her for being virtuous."

After saying that, Sheng Hong picked up a book and began to read it by himself.

Mo Lan pursed her lips, her tone pleading.

"Father, I was blinded by greed when it came to this marriage, but I am still a member of the Sheng family and my bloodline is yours."

"Does Father really have no regard for our past father-daughter relationship?"

Sheng Hong snorted coldly and said indifferently, "Whether I care about the bond between father and daughter or not, you know perfectly well. Other people's daughters who do such shameful things can be beaten to death."

Upon hearing this, Mo Lan immediately lowered her eyes. She could tell that the entire Sheng family now treated her as an outsider.

Sheng Hong turned to look at her, and couldn't help but recall Mo Lan's well-behaved appearance when she was young, feeling a mix of emotions.

After letting out a soft sigh, she raised her hand and furrowed her brow before finally speaking: "It is still unknown who will win the Liang family title, but your husband will definitely not be among them."

"The most important thing is to take good care of your health and give birth to a legitimate son as soon as possible, otherwise..."

At this point, Sheng Hong stopped talking. It concerned matters of the inner court, and he couldn't say too much.

Mo Lan understood what he meant. In the inner quarters, how difficult it was for a wife without a legitimate son to rely on.

She nodded gently and said, "I understand, thank you for your advice, Father. In that case, I will not disturb you any longer. I will go and see my third brother."

Liu had already given birth to a daughter for Sheng Changfeng, who was only a few months older than Hui Jie'er. Sheng Hong personally named her Sheng Yuan Nian and loved her dearly.

After rising and bowing gracefully, she was led by Dong Rong to Qingfeng Hall, where Sheng Changfeng now resided.

Mo Lan sat upright on the soft stool, her gaze sweeping across the room, and said quietly, "Why don't I see Third Sister-in-law?"

“Yu Fu’s mother caught a cold a few days ago and went back to her parents’ home today to visit her.”

As he spoke, Sheng Changfeng held Nianjie'er with eyes full of affection, gently teasing her little hand with his fingertips.

Upon learning that Madam Liu was not present, Mo Lan stopped beating around the bush and went straight to the point: "Third Brother."

"Ever since my mother passed away, we are the only siblings in this world who share the same mother and blood."

"You know what kind of life I'm living now. My father doesn't treat me like a daughter anymore."

“The Liu family has some influence in the court. If you rely on the Liu family to do well in your official career, and eventually you will rise to prominence, then when the Sheng family splits up, my brother and I will be able to rely on each other.”

"It's better than me being isolated and helpless in the Liang family now, with no one to speak up for me."

Sheng Changfeng glanced at Mo Lan casually, then continued to tease Nian Jie'er with a smile.

"Father is in good health, so it's too early to separate the family. Besides, how much can I, an outsider, get involved in the affairs of the inner quarters? Do you expect me to go to the Liang family to discipline your concubines?"

"Although your father doesn't like you, you still bear the surname Sheng. No matter what, the Liang family wouldn't dare to truly mistreat you."

"I have limited qualifications to be an official. I just want to live a good life with Yu Fu and Nian'er. I can't help you much."

Upon hearing this, Mo Lan twitched the corners of her mouth and looked at Sheng Changfeng in disbelief. She stood up abruptly and gritted her teeth, saying, "How could I have such a useless brother!"

"I think you've been bewitched by that ugly woman, Liu, and you listen to her in everything, even neglecting your own sister!"

"If my mother knew this in the afterlife, she would never forgive you!"

After saying that, she stormed off and returned to the Yongchang Earl's Mansion in a carriage, filled with resentment.

Sheng Changfeng watched her departing figure and couldn't help but shake his head.

(End of this chapter)