Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 179 Meeting Zhao Pan'er, Liang Family Title

In the fifth year of the Hongwu reign, in early August, the weather was clear and sunny.

At the Zhouqiao Wharf in the inner city of Bianjing, carriages and horses gathered, people thronged, and all sorts of sounds mingled together.

Song Yinzhang, accompanied by his maid Yinping, would occasionally tiptoe to look at the passenger ships moored along the shore.

"We can finally reunite with Miss Zhao." Yinping's eyes flickered slightly as she spoke softly.

When they were fighting in Qiantang, she served by Song Yinzhang's side. The two were as close as sisters, and Song Yinzhang specially brought her to Bianjing with him.

About half an incense stick's time later, Zhao Pan'er was seen wearing a light blue linen dress with a matching silk sash around her waist, her figure graceful and nimble.

Her dark hair was piled up at the back of her head, adorned with a few simple yet exquisite pearl flowers.

After a long and tiring journey, her originally beautiful and refined eyes inevitably showed some signs of fatigue.

She stood on the shore with Sun Sanniang, tucked her wind-blown hair behind her ear, and glanced around before her gaze fell directly on Song Yinzhang.

"Introduction!"

"Sister Pan'er!" Upon hearing the voice, Song Yinzhang quickly stepped forward. Looking at Zhao Pan'er, he felt a lump in his throat and threw himself into her arms.

Zhao Pan'er smiled and gently stroked her head.

“From now on, we can be together every day, just like we were in Qiantang.”

Song Yinzhang nodded repeatedly.

Before long, she turned her gaze to Sun San Niang, "Fu Xin Gui is an ungrateful scoundrel, San Niang, please don't make things difficult for him anymore."

She had already learned from Zhao Pan'er's letter that Sun San Niang and Fu Xin Gui had divorced.

Fortunately, it was a divorce. If she had been divorced, she would not only have lost face, but she would also have had difficulty getting married in the future.

Sun San Niang forced a smile, her voice slightly hoarse, "It's all in the past now. We're all in the capital now, so let's just look forward to the future. The only thing that pains me is Zi Fang."

Zhao Pan'er raised her hand and gently patted her shoulder, saying softly, "Zifang is still young and has only been captivated by Tao's small favors."

“I don’t believe Tao can keep up the act forever. Zifang will remember how good you were to me one day. In the future, Yinzhang and I will definitely give him a good beating to avenge you.”

Sun San Niang nodded, "Alright, let's not talk about those unpleasant things anymore."

After saying that, she looked into the distance and said, "This is my first time in the capital. Yin Zhang, you have to show us around properly."

"Okay." Song Yinzhang smiled brightly, his eyes crinkling.

The group boarded a carriage and headed straight for a small courtyard with red walls and green tiles.

This was a place of accommodation specially arranged for them by Song Yinzhang.

The next morning, Zhao Pan'er sat upright in front of the bronze mirror, while Yin Ping stood to one side, carefully combing her long hair.

When entering the palace to meet the emperor, one's makeup and clothing must be dignified and appropriate.

She had a light layer of powder on her cheeks, her eyes were slightly upturned, and her lips were pink. Her already beautiful face was even more delicate and charming.

The success of Zhao's Tea House in Qiantang was not only due to the exquisite quality of its tea, but also closely related to Zhao Pan'er's appearance.

Song Yinzhang gazed at her intently and said softly, "Sister Pan'er, this is your first time entering the palace, why don't you seem nervous at all?"

"What's the use of being nervous? You've already made a big promise in front of the officials, so I should prepare well."

"We can't let the Emperor down and actually punish you for exaggeration," Zhao Pan'er said with a smile.

Originally, she planned to wait at least two or three years before she could come to the capital to reunite with Song Yinzhang.

She naturally cherished the opportunity to enter the palace and meet the emperor, as it concerned whether she could exonerate her father and make a living in the future.

Sun Sanniang smiled and said, "What crime of exaggeration? Our Pan'er is just like this."

Song Yinzhang grasped Zhao Pan'er's hand and said, "If the Emperor can help you open a teahouse, Pan'er, with your abilities, you can establish yourself in the capital in a year or two at most."

"Don't worry, I know what to do." Zhao Pan'er said calmly. After taking one last look at herself in the mirror, she stood up and said softly, "It's getting late, we should set off."

-

Inside the Imperial Palace, in the Hall of Lifting Arches, civil and military officials stood in neat rows on both sides.

After listening to the military report sent from the Southwest, Zhao Han...

Sheng Changbai stepped forward, holding his tablet in both hands, and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, since the implementation of the performance evaluation system, the Ministry of Personnel and the Censorate have conducted extensive investigations."

"Twenty-six officials have been dismissed from their posts and are awaiting further punishment for crimes such as shirking their duties, colluding with gentry, and obstructing new policies."

"Another sixteen people were demoted to local officials for reasons such as procrastination in government affairs and failure to conduct land surveys."

"There are also eight officials who, during their tenure, have undertaken water conservancy projects, promoted agriculture and sericulture, and devoted themselves to implementing new policies. I have compiled their names and achievements into a book and submitted it to Your Majesty for commendation."

Zhao Han nodded slightly, "This is precisely the intention behind my establishment of the performance evaluation system. Only by rewarding the excellent and punishing the inferior can we rectify official corruption and stabilize the court."

"I approve of the reward. Whether it is money or a promotion, Minister Sheng can decide."

Sheng Changbai bowed respectfully, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Standing at the forefront of the civil officials, Sheng Hong, dressed in purple robes and jade belt, unconsciously glanced at Sheng Changbai.

Since being transferred from the Ministry of War to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, he has felt much lighter.

Several times in my study, I've reflected that this kind of leisurely job, which only requires following the rules, suits me best.

Ever since Sheng Changbai was transferred back to the capital, everyone in the court has praised him, saying that Sheng Hong has raised a good son who is fair and just in enforcing the law and has a bright future.

The Sheng family began to thrive under his leadership.

In the future, if other members of the clan want to enter officialdom, they will have a reliable foundation to rely on, and they will no longer have to be as cautious and groping in the officialdom as they were when they were young.

Thinking of this, Sheng Hong unconsciously straightened his back, feeling smug.

After listening to the reports from several court officials as was customary, Zhao Han announced the end of the court session and went directly to the inner palace to rest.

Before long, Qingyun strode over, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, Instructor Song of Pipa has brought Miss Zhao from Qiantang and they are waiting outside the Funing Palace."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Han raised an eyebrow and immediately became interested.

He had seen many beautiful women.

Among the concubines in the imperial harem, there were many who were bright and beautiful, gentle and quiet, but those who were as pure and refined as Zhao Pan'er, with her otherworldly temperament, were truly rare.

"Prepare the carriage for the Funing Palace."

Qingyun immediately replied, "This servant obeys."

When Zhao Han arrived, he saw Zhao Pan'er and Song Yinzhang standing quietly outside the hall, holding their breath and looking somewhat reserved.

The two women lowered their eyes and bowed in unison, saying, "This servant, Song Yinzhang, and this commoner, Zhao Pan'er, greet Your Majesty!"

"No need for formalities." Zhao Han looked at them and couldn't help but feel happy. "Follow me to the inner palace."

"Yes." Song Yinzhang responded softly, then exchanged a glance with Zhao Pan'er, and followed Qingyun carefully, one on each side.

Inside the inner hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of incense. Warm tea was laid out on a table, and several palace maids bowed and quietly withdrew.

Zhao Han smiled and said, "Don't be shy, sit down and let's talk."

The two quickly bowed in gratitude and sat down on the soft stools at the lower end, their backs still ramrod straight. "You are Zhao Pan'er, the one with both outstanding looks and abilities?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Pan'er glanced at Zhao Han out of the corner of her eye, then said softly, "I am but a commoner from Qiantang. To be able to enter the palace and meet the Emperor today is already an immense honor."

"His appearance is a gift from his parents and is not worth mentioning. As for his abilities, he only knows a little bit about running a teahouse. He is really not worthy of the word 'outstanding'."

Zhao Han smiled slightly, "Miss Zhao is too modest. Anyone who can be summoned by me is no ordinary person."

"If I remember correctly, your father was the disgraced official Zhao Qian?"

Zhao Pan'er's heart tightened, and she immediately knelt on the ground, "Your Majesty, my late father was indeed Zhao Qian."

“After my father was convicted, I worked in the music camp for many years. Fortunately, the government granted a general amnesty, which allowed me to leave the camp and regain my freedom. I am extremely grateful to the government and have never complained.”

Zhao Han narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at her slender figure, and waved his hand, saying, "Get up. Now that you are a good man, there is no need to mention the past."

Zhao Pan'er rose as instructed, her posture respectful. It was her first time entering the palace to meet the emperor, and she dared not directly mention that her father had been wronged in his case.

"I've heard that you're skilled in tea art; why don't you demonstrate it today?"

"If you are truly as skilled as Instructor Song says, I will help you open a teahouse in the capital, with profits split 60/40."

"I am sixth, you are fourth."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Pan'er's eyes flashed with surprise, and Song Yinzhang also looked completely bewildered.

Before they could figure out the reason, palace maids brought over all the utensils needed for the tea ceremony.

Zhao Pan'er collected her thoughts, stepped forward, and said softly, "Tea painting requires boiling water to be used to brew tea. The painting can only be done when the tea soup is milky white and smooth. Please wait a moment, Your Majesty."

Zhao Han leaned back on the soft couch, staring at her with great interest.

Zhao Pan'er slowly poured boiling water into the teacup, whisking it back and forth. Amidst the rising steam, tea foam gradually floated to the surface.

Once the tea soup was milky white and thick, she held a silver needle, held her breath, and gently sketched a landscape painting with profound artistic conception on the plain white tea surface.

"Please, Your Majesty, taste it." Zhao Pan'er held the teacup with both hands and stepped forward, her every move releasing a subtle fragrance.

Zhao Han looked at the tea and a satisfied smile appeared on his face. "Not bad, Miss Zhao's abilities are indeed as I expected."

-

The Earl of Yongchang's Mansion, the Liang family.

Inside the main hall, apart from Liang Hui who went to the southwest with the army, the entire Liang family was gathered here, and the atmosphere was somewhat solemn.

Lord Liang has been feeling increasingly unwell lately, and it's time to decide on a successor to his title.

If we wait until after his death to discuss this matter, it will surely cause a great uproar.

All the sordid things in the mansion will be exposed, and not only will the family lose face, but he will also find it difficult to rest in peace even in the afterlife.

Even now, wherever he goes, he hears gossip about the Liang family's title.

However, the eldest son, born out of wedlock, was exceptionally capable, had a smooth career, and enjoyed a good reputation as an official.

The eldest son, born of the legitimate wife, has yet to achieve any official rank, and the government is even reducing the number of hereditary appointments. Given his qualifications, it will be extremely difficult for him to enter the court as an official.

Madam Wu stared at him coldly, "The eldest son inherits the title, it's a rule set by our ancestors, what exactly are you planning, Lord?"

Liang Hui's legal wife, Madam Wei, glanced at Madam Wu indifferently and said quietly, "Mother-in-law, rules are rigid, but people are flexible."

"The so-called ancestral laws are for the prosperity of the family and the continuation of the lineage. If a useless person is forcibly promoted, it will lead to the decline of the family and we will be ashamed of our ancestors."

"Father-in-law, don't you think so?"

Lord Liang took a deep breath; this was exactly what he had been struggling with for many years regarding the title.

Mo Lan sat upright in a round-backed chair, her face gloomy.

Although the title has nothing to do with Liang Liulang, if Liang Hui were to inherit it, he would inevitably suppress the direct line, and her life would certainly become difficult.

"Sister-in-law's words sound like she's thinking of the family, but upon closer inspection, they sound like she's cursing our Liang family."

"Does letting my second brother inherit the title mean this family is destined to fail?"

Aunt Wu gave Mo Lan a rare look of satisfaction.

Madam Wei twitched the corner of her mouth. "Sixth sister-in-law really knows how to misinterpret other people's meanings. The future of the family is related to the rise and fall of the entire family."

"I was just thinking that I should both uphold the traditions of our ancestors and assess the abilities of my grandson."

"Alright, in the end, it's all up to Father-in-law to decide this matter."

"Sir, you are following Lord Gu to the far southwest. Your military achievements are just around the corner. Even if you don't get this title, you will still have a bright future."

Madam Wu put down her teacup and said in a deep voice, "If we break the ancestral rules for the sake of temporary gains or losses, the Liang family will surely become a laughing stock in the capital in the future."

“Mother is right. My eldest brother is out there making his way in the world, while my sister-in-law is at home plotting for a title.”

"Does this coordinated attack from within and without mean we're all blind?" Liang Erlang chimed in, knowing full well what was important at this critical juncture.

As he listened to their argument, Uncle Liang couldn't help but raise his hand and furrow his brow.

If this continues, the Liang family's reputation will be completely ruined before he even dies.

After a long silence, he looked up at the sky and sighed, his gaze slowly sweeping over the crowd. "I do have a solution that satisfies both sides."

"The title will be inherited by the eldest son, but all the land and shops in the mansion will be handed over to the second son."

“My Liang family has a military background, and many of my ancestors buried people in the army. If I submit a memorial explaining the family's situation, the Emperor might agree out of consideration for our ancestors.”

"What do you think?"

Madam Wu frowned, silently weighing the options in her mind.

Both Erlang and Liulang are good-for-nothings, and Lord Liang values ​​Liang Hui highly. If he were to return with another military achievement, more people outside would surely support him in inheriting the title.

This arrangement, while ensuring Erlang and Liulang's future comforts, ultimately leaves them without titles...

Mo Lan turned to look at Liang Liulang, her expression softening considerably.

They weren't entitled to the title to begin with, and all the property went to Erlang. They might even get more money when the family divided up in the future.

Wei's gaze darkened slightly. If she could, she and Liang Hui would naturally want both the title and the family fortune.

But if things really turn out badly after Uncle Liang dies, and it comes to a fight to the death, they might end up with nothing.

After all, Madam Wu's family is still alive, Erlang's wife can be connected with the Duke of Ying's mansion, not to mention that Molan has the Duke of Wei's mansion behind her.

"If you disagree, then do whatever you want; I can't control you!" Seeing that no one in the hall had expressed their opinion, Lord Liang slammed down his teacup.

This was the only solution he could think of that satisfied both sides.

Madam Wei's eyes darted around, and she spoke first: "Father-in-law's arrangement is certainly excellent, but I wonder if Mother-in-law can agree to it."

Madam Wu gritted her teeth and gave Liang Erlang a disappointed look. "Let's do it this way. Someone has to hold the family together."

"Very well, I will personally go to the palace tomorrow to meet with the Emperor and settle this matter."

"If anyone dares to make a fuss about the title again, don't blame me for being ruthless!" After saying this, Lord Liang got up and left.

(End of this chapter)