Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 170 The Affairs of the Liao Kingdom, A Mid-Autumn Festival Banquet

The Liao Dynasty implemented a system of five capitals.

Shangjing Linhuang Prefecture, Dongjing Liaoyang Prefecture, Zhongjing Dading Prefecture, Xijing Datong Prefecture, and Nanjing Xijin Prefecture.

Because they were of nomadic origin, the emperors of the Liao Dynasty did not reside in one place for long periods.

Following the seasonal system of hunting expeditions, the emperor led the royal family, court officials, and elite cavalry to different palaces and to handle government affairs, depending on the changing seasons.

As autumn deepens, Shangjing and Linhuangfu, important palaces of the Liao Dynasty, are located here.

There is the Kaihuang Hall, which was built by craftsmen dispatched by Emperor Taizu of Liao, Yelü Abaoji, as well as several other halls such as the Ande Hall, the Wuluan Hall, and the Xuanzheng Hall, which were used to receive court officials and handle government affairs.

Today, inside the Xuanzheng Hall, Yelü Hongji, only thirty-five years old, sat upright on the throne, dressed in the Khitan royal robe with an ochre-yellow exterior and black lining.

Four years ago, Yelü Hongji went to Taizi Mountain, an important hunting ground on the upper reaches of the Luan River.

The Imperial Uncle and Grand Marshal of the Army, Yelü Chongyuan, together with his son Yelü Nierugu, Xiao Hudu, the Privy Councilor of the Northern Court, and others, plotted to assassinate him and coerce him into writing an edict of abdication.

Fortunately, Yelü Liang, the envoy of Dunmu Palace, delivered the message in time, thus escaping disaster. Yelü Chongyuan, seeing that his plan had failed, committed suicide out of fear of punishment during his escape.

Yelü Hongji had long heard of the Great Zhou's land survey and reform efforts to eliminate abuses.

The Liao Kingdom's situation is deteriorating year by year, with deep-seated problems.

The aristocracy was indulging in extravagance, bureaucrats in both the North and South were engaged in intrigue and deceit, and military preparedness was lax.

In addition, Buddhism flourished, with the number of registered monks and nuns alone reaching hundreds of thousands. The cost of building temples everywhere and gilding Buddha statues was countless.

The Jurchen tribes in the northeast were also showing signs of instability.

Yelü Renxian, a former official of the late emperor and the Privy Councilor of the Northern Court, frowned and pondered for a moment before bowing and saying, "Your Majesty, the reforms of the Zhou Dynasty have already shown results."

"I believe we could follow the example of the Zhou Dynasty and convene our ministers to discuss and devise reform and elimination strategies suitable for our dynasty."

"The Zhou emperor is ambitious and extraordinary. It's hard to guarantee that he won't one day lead his troops north. We should prepare for this as soon as possible!"

Upon hearing this, Yelü Hongji did not immediately respond. Instead, he lightly tapped the armrest of his throne with his fingertips and focused his gaze on Yelü Yixin.

Yelü Yixin made great contributions during the Chongyuan Rebellion and was granted the title of Prince of Wei, with the honorary title of Meritorious Minister Who Restored the Times and Assisted the Sage in Pacifying the Rebellion.

He was deeply trusted by Yelü Hongji and worked with Yelü Renxian in the Northern Court. The two disliked each other and were like oil and water.

Yelü Yixin snorted coldly, his tone full of sarcasm.

"Our Great Liao is a celestial empire on the grasslands, with valiant cavalry. With the illustrious legacy left by our ancestors, what do we have to fear from the Zhou Dynasty to the south?"

"If we really want to follow the Zhou Dynasty's reckless actions, we'll probably offend all the nobles and powerful relatives in the country first. Then, we'll fall into chaos on our own before they even have to fight us!"

"It is nothing more than putting the cart before the horse and undermining the foundation of the nation."

“You…” Yelü Renxian suddenly flung his sleeve, his face flushed red.

Yelü Hongji sighed softly.

The Liao dynasty nobles not only controlled tribal military power and inherited territories, but also held core official positions in the court. Once the interests of the nobles were threatened, the Liao dynasty would be in serious danger.

They will inevitably unite in rebellion until the Yelü clan's regime completely collapses.

Besides, he didn't want to go through all that trouble.

In recent years, Buddhist temples have been thriving and various departments have been stable. Rather than going to great lengths to promote new policies, it would be better to quietly uphold ancestral traditions and enjoy peace.

Maintaining the rule of the Yelü clan was far more important than a reform whose effectiveness was uncertain.

"Enough, enough, let's not bring this up again."

"There is nothing to do in the court these days. Tomorrow I will go to the Da Yanshou Temple in the west of the city to worship Buddha."

After saying this, Yelü Hongji got up and left.

Yelü Yixin turned to look at Yelü Renxian, sneered, and strode away from the Xuanzheng Hall.

-

A few days later, in the Great Zhou Dynasty, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Hua Lan, following tradition, hosted a palace banquet, inviting noblewomen from both inside and outside Bianjing City.

In addition to climbing mountains to admire the moon and boating to listen to music, the people of the Great Zhou Dynasty would also place mooncakes, candied melons, pomegranates and other offerings in their courtyards, burn incense to worship the moon goddess and pray for all kinds of wishes.

Furthermore, there is no curfew in Bianjing City on Mid-Autumn Festival night, and Fanlou will light up hundreds of lanterns to add to the festivities.

Inside the Renming Hall, melodious music filled the air.

Hua Lan, dressed in a dark blue palace gown with cloud patterns and wearing a kingfisher feather phoenix crown, sat regally at the head of the table. Her eyebrows and eyes were relaxed, and her demeanor was composed. The tassels hanging down swayed slightly with her movements.

Before long, she raised her eyes and smiled gently, saying in a soft voice, "Everyone, please don't be shy. Just chat and enjoy this beautiful time together."

"I recently had the pleasure of tasting the osmanthus wine from Fanlou, and the taste was truly exquisite. So I sent someone to Fanlou to fetch a few jars, and I invite you all to try them as well."

The ladies-in-waiting in the hall rose and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the wine. We are deeply grateful for Your Majesty's kindness!"

Hua Lan waved her hand, indicating that everyone didn't need to be so polite.

The Duchess of England, dressed in a brocade robe, smiled at Old Madam Sheng and said, "It's been a while since I last saw you, and you look even better than before."

"Thanks to my wife, I've been taking a walk around the yard every morning lately, and my great-grandchildren often come to play with me. Life is lively, and my complexion has naturally improved."

Upon hearing this, the Duchess of England said softly, "The old lady is blessed with both longevity and happiness, surrounded by great-grandchildren; she is truly enviable."

“At my age, Madam, I am no different, and my blessings are only increasing.” After saying this, the old lady affectionately patted the back of her hand.

Since Hua Lan was crowned Empress, the Sheng and Zhang families have had more and more frequent interactions. Now that they have moved to the Duke's Mansion, the two families are closer and their friendship has deepened.

Princess Pingning now frequently visits the Sheng family to pay her respects to the old lady, and her attitude is completely different from when Qi Heng wanted to study at the Sheng family's academy.

Although Rulan and Pinlan did not hold official titles.

However, one is the Empress's younger sister and the other is Consort Shu's younger sister, so they are also on the guest list today and are currently sitting around Minglan and Yanran.

Minglan was dressed in a lotus-colored palace gown. Compared to when she was still a young woman waiting to be married, she was even more graceful and slender, with a lively yet gentle expression between her brows.

She picked up her wine glass, took a small sip, and couldn't help but shiver. Then, her eyes crinkled into a smile, and she looked completely satisfied.

"It's delicious."

Yanran turned to look at her, frowning as she said, "Wine is very hot in nature. If you drink it hot, it will dissipate quickly. If you drink it cold, it will solidify inside, and you will have to use your internal organs to warm it up."

"The imperial physicians had previously advised you to drink less cold wine, but you just can't seem to shake this habit."

Minglan smiled brightly and tugged at Yanran's sleeve, "I know you mean well, Sister Yanran, but this is my only hobby right now."

"It's not like I eat it every day. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing and I won't overeat."

Rulan stroked her slightly protruding belly and hummed softly, "Your Highness, don't waste your breath. Even in the dead of winter, my sixth sister likes to drink cold wine."

"I remember my sixth sister also said something like, 'Drinking cold wine on a cold day has a special flavor.'"

Minglan blinked and laughed, "Fifth Sister, you always expose my weaknesses. Next time you go to the palace, don't even think about eating my roasted mutton." "No way, I want to eat it! You promised me!" Rulan said, shaking her head.

A moment later, Minglan turned her gaze to Pinlan.

A faint smile remained on her face, so she asked softly, "Sister Pinlan, how have you been at the Marquis of Zhongjing's residence?"

Pinlan nodded vigorously, "My mother-in-law is gentle and kind, and my eldest sister-in-law is capable and open-minded. Although she doesn't like to joke, she is a very good person."

Upon hearing this, Rulan turned to look at her with slight surprise.

"Really? I heard before that your sister-in-law is very strict, that she values ​​etiquette and law above all else, and she doesn't keep an eye on you at all?"

"No, I've only been focused on living my life with my husband. The entire Zheng family is of very good character."

As Pinlan spoke, a hint of pride flashed across her eyes. Her family had been loyal and virtuous for generations, and her husband had a bright future. Countless young women in the capital envied her for marrying into the Zheng family.

Rulan pursed her lips, feeling a little sour inside, since she had never really thought much of the eldest son's lineage.

But then I thought about it again, and realized that Pinlan and I didn't have any grudges against each other.

When she was a child, she went to Youyang with Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu. Whenever she took a fancy to something, Pinlan would obediently give it up.

As long as Mo Lan's life is filled with misfortune, that's fine.

With that thought, a smile returned to her face.

Meanwhile, in the backyard of the Kang family home.

Wang Ruoyu's face was gloomy as she gripped her cup tightly, her heart pounding with anxiety.

Both her mother and sister were granted official titles and attended the palace banquet, enjoying immense prestige.

But she was the opposite; this year, very few banquets hosted by officials and their families in the capital sent her invitations.

A few days ago, she wanted to ask Old Madam Wang for some money, but she didn't expect that the Wang family's accounts were also heavily in debt. Old Madam Wang only gave her thirty or fifty taels of silver to get rid of her.

The eldest daughter, Kang Yun'er, seemed to be under some kind of spell, and didn't offer any support to her maternal family.

Since moving to the capital, Sheng Wei and Li Shi have become quite clear about the ways of Wang Ruo and the Kang family, and with the guidance of Sheng Hong and Old Madam Sheng, they have also been able to understand each other better.

Li Shi and Sheng Changwu would naturally not tolerate Kang Yun'er's unbridled support of her maternal family. They had warned her about everything, and Li Shi held a firm grip on the power of managing the household.

Kang Yoon-ah also understood that her in-laws' family was not what it used to be.

Even if it was just a nominal title, it was still the prestigious Rongchang Marquis's mansion, and the Shufei's family was incredibly wealthy and powerful.

His father had no hope of becoming an official, and his mother's reputation was ruined because of her loan sharking. All that was left for the family was their ancestral home to maintain their dignity.

Once you anger your mother-in-law and husband, you'll never have a good life again. If you're divorced, you'll be doomed.

Just as Wang Ruo was cursing her mother and daughter in her heart, filled with resentment.

Kang Haifeng strode forward, gazed at her intently, and said calmly, "I have my own plans for Zhao'er's marriage. If you dare to secretly marry off my daughter behind my back again, I will not forgive you!"

"Kang Haifeng, explain yourself clearly!"

"Is that little bitch Su stirring things up in front of you again? A concubine trying to interfere in her children's marriage? She's gone too far!"

"I was just looking for a place to vent my anger, and she came to me of her own accord!"

After saying this, Wang Ruoyu raised his foot and was about to rush into Su Xiaoniang's courtyard to teach her and her daughter a good lesson.

As a result, Kang Haifeng directly blocked her way and said coldly, "Yan'er is under the protection of General Wei. She is diligent and conscientious in martial arts and has never slacked off in the slightest. She is also on good terms with the seventh son of the Sheng family."

"Now that Jin'er has no hope of entering the Imperial Academy, he is my only hope."

"Stop your nonsense. I'm warning you, don't go looking for trouble with them again."

"I've lost all face in Bianjing, but does your Wang family still have any shame? Be careful, or I'll expose all the murder cases you've been involved in over the years!"

"Let's see how the Wang family cleans up your mess. I'm afraid they're not having an easy time either, are they?"

Wang Ruoyu stared at Kang Haifeng with her mouth slightly agape and her brows furrowed, "You...you dare threaten me!"

"Your daughter poisoned a concubine's son, and your mother helped cover it up. If this gets out, your brother in the Censorate will never get a promotion!"

After leaving those words, Kang Haifeng glared at her, turned around and left, heading towards Su Xiaoniang's courtyard.

Although Kang Yan is a son born out of wedlock, if he becomes successful in the future, she will surely enjoy a life of ease and comfort. Su Xiaoniang is also gentle and considerate.

As for Kang Jin's success, I'm afraid I'll have to be subservient to Wang Ruoyu and the Wang family for the rest of my life.

On the other side, inside the Hall of Heroes.

The place was decorated in a magnificent style. Above the throne, Zhao Han, dressed in an ochre-yellow casual robe, had a smile on his face.

The civil and military officials stood upright and looked respectful, sitting in order of rank beside tables on both sides of the hall, where exquisite dishes and wines had already been laid out.

As the father-in-law of the emperor and also granted the title of Duke, Sheng Hong was naturally arranged in a prominent position. He was seen wearing a purple robe and jade belt, stroking his beard with a broad smile.

As a rising star, Gu Tingye's position was second only to veteran generals like Zhang Fu.

At this moment, Zhao Han said slowly, "Yesterday, Wang Anshi sent a memorial stating that nearly 50 million mu of hidden farmland have been surveyed in the Jiangnan region, and even more in the six northern circuits."

"Our dynasty can collect tens of millions of strings of cash from land taxes alone each year. This is truly a cause for celebration."

Upon hearing this, many officials gasped in shock. How could so many hidden lands have been uncovered in such a short time? No wonder the national treasury was empty year after year.

Once the land survey is over, I'm afraid the number of hidden farmlands in our dynasty will be at least forty to fifty million mu!
"My dear ministers, there is no need to be nervous. I am not here to punish you. As the saying goes, scholars and officials should take the world as their responsibility. We will need your advice and suggestions on many matters to come."

"Once the national treasury is full and the military equipment is properly repaired, we can begin to protect the peace of the northern frontier in the Yan-Yun region."

When the mourning period ended, Hai Yanping, then Vice Minister of Revenue, took the lead in bowing and saying, "Your Majesty has the world in your heart and your ambition lies in the northern frontier. This is truly a blessing for the Great Zhou and for all its people!"

"Your Majesty, I am willing to go through fire and water for you!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

"..."

In an instant, all the civil and military officials left their seats and bowed in respect.

After a few rounds of drinks, Zhao Han turned to look at Qingyun, who immediately understood.

Before long, Song Yinzhang, the pipa instructor from the Jiaofangsi, carrying a pipa and dressed in a light blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), gracefully entered the hall, followed by several beautiful and graceful dancers.

"Your Majesty, could this be the foremost pipa player in Qiantang that General Xu mentioned earlier?" Gu Tingye put down his cup and asked with great interest.

Zhao Han nodded slightly, "Indeed, it is her. I have specially ordered her to enter the palace today to add some elegance to my beloved ministers."

"It's quite interesting that someone so young can be called the best pipa player in Qiantang!" A red-robed official looked at Song Yinzhang with a smile.

(End of this chapter)