Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 181 Reconciliation and the Demise of Jiaozhi

When Hai Chaoyun and Liu Yufu saw Sheng Hong arrive, they handed Hui Jie'er and Nian Jie'er to the wet nurse, stood up, and curtsied.

Sheng Hong nodded slightly and smiled calmly.

He immediately turned his gaze to the old lady on the couch, took a few steps forward, bowed, and said, "Mother."

"Sit down and let's talk. I've heard about the great victory in the southern border region. Today's court session must be quite lively." The old lady said with a smile and a gentle tone.

Now, because of Xu Pingyuan, her interactions with the Marquis of Yongyi's mansion have gradually increased.

Once Xu Pingyuan inherits the title, the two families can mend their old relationship and rekindle their past friendship.

Her decision to distance herself from the Xu family was not an unforgivable matter.

It was simply that when Sheng Hong was arranging the marriage, the Xu family was unwilling to marry their legitimate daughter to them and only wanted to send off their illegitimate daughter.

Back then, she was a widow raising Sheng Hong alone, a mother and son, and she was eager to save face and establish her own household. Naturally, she didn't want to be looked down upon like this.

Now that he has been granted an imperial title and is dressed in a magnificent purple robe and jade belt, Changbai has a bright future ahead of him. The younger generation, Xu Pingyuan, is also polite and sensible, and often brings Dong Shi to pay their respects.

That past grudge is nothing now; letting bygones be bygones is good for both sides.

Sheng Hong twitched the corners of his mouth, sat down in the armchair on the left, and sighed softly, "Mother, Wei Sanlang has killed an enemy general in his first battle and made another great contribution."

Wang Ruofu frowned slightly and couldn't help but gasp.

"From the first time I met that child, I knew he was going to be successful." The old lady said calmly, gently turning the prayer beads in her hand.

Sheng Hong hesitated for a moment, then looked up at the old lady and said softly, "On the way back, I've been thinking about whether I should..."

Grandma Sheng understood Sheng Hong's meaning. Writing Fang Liang's letter was not a shameful thing. With Minglan and Sheng Changliu around, the relationship between the Sheng and Wei families could not be severed.

Offering this way out is good for both families, and might even dispel Wei Ling's resentment towards Sheng Hong.

So the old lady nodded and said, "Let's prepare it as soon as possible and keep it."

"Yes, son understands." Only after the old lady spoke did Sheng Hong feel a little relieved.

Before long, accompanied by Liu's mother, Wang Ruofu slowly walked towards Weirui Pavilion.

Looking in the direction of Tingxueju, she couldn't help but sigh, "Those who survive a great calamity are bound to have good fortune in the future, and it's true."

“My family is declining day by day and has long lost its former glory.”

"If it weren't for Hua'er and Bai'er, I would have been crushed to death by the Wei family, without even having the chance to raise my head and speak."

"I'm afraid that even if my husband divorces me, he might still favor Lady Wei."

Although a concubine cannot be promoted to the position of principal wife, the principal wife can be divorced, and at that time, the concubine will be able to manage all affairs of the household.

She doesn't have the title of a legal wife, but she's no different from one.

After silently considering for a moment, Liu Mama said in a low voice, "In my opinion, it's still uncertain whether it's good or bad for Madam that Wei Xiaoniang is leaving our house with Fang Liangshu."

Upon hearing this, Wang Ruofu paused, turned to look at her, and said, "Why? Explain yourself quickly, don't keep me in suspense."

"Madam, think about it carefully. With the Lord's current status, there are quite a few people lining up to send concubines to our household."

“Without Wei Xiaoniang, I’m afraid there will be Zhang Xiaoniang and Li Xiaoniang in the future. Even if the master takes care of his wife, he may not be able to completely deny her every time.”

Wang Ruofu frowned, took a deep breath, and said, "That makes sense!"

"Instead of waiting for others to come to me, I'd rather take the initiative to help officials find people, so that others won't interfere later."

"That's exactly what I meant."

Madam Liu nodded repeatedly, "Although there is the precedent of Lin Xiaoniang, I think the master will not do the same foolish things as before."

"But I'm afraid the concubine who comes in will be unruly, and then the mansion will be in chaos again."

Wang Ruofu clutched her handkerchief, slowed her pace slightly, and said with deep agreement, "Yes, I must go and see the Duchess of England when I have time."

"He has only one biological daughter, and over the years, not a single person in the manor has dared to overstep her bounds and cause trouble. The concubines and maids are all well-behaved."

“Unlike our family…” As she spoke, a hint of envy flashed across her eyes.

Mrs. Liu sighed as well.

The Duchess of England came from a distinguished family, and her housekeeping skills were exceptionally efficient and thorough, far surpassing those of ordinary people.

As they approached Wei Rui Xuan, Wang Ruofu blinked, then suddenly seemed to remember something and asked, "How is Caihuan doing at the estate lately?"

"According to the steward of the estate, he is relatively well-behaved. The estate is not like home; it's all hard work that requires getting up early and working late. He shed tears a few times at first, but gradually he got used to it."

Wang Ruofu's expression was moved, and she felt a little sorry for him.

After hesitating for a moment, he said in a deep voice, "She has served me since she was a child. She was confused for a moment because she wanted to compete for my favor and was instigated by my sister."

"Now that you've hit her and scolded her, have someone bring her back in a few days."

Mrs. Liu nodded repeatedly, "Madam is kind-hearted and willing to give her a chance to turn back."

"When she returns, I will keep a close eye on her and make sure she doesn't make any more mistakes."

-

As the year draws to a close, the southwestern army advances southward with unstoppable momentum, achieving victory after victory, breaking through several defense lines in Jiaozhi and heading straight for Thang Long.

Throughout the court and among the people, there was a wave of joy. The Great Zhou Dynasty had once again expanded its territory, and its achievements were worthy of being recorded in history.

Inside the Fu Ning Hall of the Imperial Palace, a warm and cozy atmosphere prevailed, with the Silver Bone Charcoal occasionally emitting soft crackling sounds.

Zhao Han reviewed the memorials at his desk.

Yanran and Minglan were both there, sitting on the soft couch, one on each side. One of them, with her eyes crinkled in a smile, was holding a silver needle and was concentrating on doing needlework.

The other one squinted, nodding its head, looking drowsy.

As the weather gets colder, Minglan enjoys staying in bed even more.

After paying his respects to Hualan at Renming Hall every day as usual, the first thing he did was rush back to Ninghui Hall for a nap.

It wasn't until the sun was high in the sky that Danju finally managed to get up, after much urging.

In the past, she did the same thing at the Sheng family home: after greeting Wang Ruofu and the old lady, she would immediately go back to sleep.

At three quarters past Shen time, Qingyun came forward with a food box, bowing, and said softly, "Your Majesty, Miss Zhao has sent someone to deliver some snacks."

"It is said to have been made by that woman surnamed Sun, so that the Emperor may have the time to appreciate it."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Han calmly put down his vermilion brush.

To better embody the concept of elegance and attract high-ranking officials, nobles, and literati in the city.

Zhao Pan'er and Sun San Niang have been busy rearranging the teahouse these days.

Zhao Pan'er has always loved calligraphy and painting, and while in Qiantang, she collected many precious works by famous artists.

Fan Kuan's "Travelers Among Mountains and Streams", Xu Xi's "Snow Bamboo", and "Plum Blossoms and Two Cranes"...

After carefully mounting these paintings and calligraphy works, she hung them in the various private rooms and halls of the teahouse. The elegant seats by the window were also divided by bamboo curtains, adding to the refined atmosphere.

Even the teaware and the dishes for serving snacks were carefully selected.

"Miss Zhao said that these pastries are: peach blossom cakes, green bean cakes, lotus flower pastries, yellow rice cakes, and pear strips with peach rings."

As Qingyun spoke, he carefully opened the food box, and a fragrant aroma immediately wafted out, gradually spreading to the surroundings. Minglan smelled the aroma, and her previously slumped shoulders instantly tensed up. Her drowsiness vanished, and she opened her eyes, staring intently at Qingyun.

"It smells so good!" she exclaimed, swallowing hard. Xiao Tao, who was standing next to her, did the same.

Zhao Han smiled slightly and stepped to the soft couch. Qingyun followed behind and neatly placed the snacks on the table.

Because Yanran was of a lower rank, Minglan was about to get up to offer her her seat when...

Zhao Han put his arm around her slender waist and sat down on the soft couch, encircling her halfway to his side.

The two were very close, and a faint fragrance wafted from Minglan's fair and delicate neck.

Yanran, who was standing to the side, glanced at this scene and secretly smiled. She snorted and said, "Among all the sisters in the harem, only Ming'er can receive such favor from the Emperor."

"They're so intimate in front of others, aren't they ashamed?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Han did not loosen his grip on Minglan, but instead gently pinched her soft, round buttocks.

"What's there to be ashamed of? Haven't I doted on Sister Yanran enough?"

Yanran put down the silver needles, a blush rising on her cheeks.

Minglan chimed in, "That's right, Sister Yanran always teases me. Next time the Emperor favors you, I won't let him have his way."

"Don't!" Yanran hurriedly said, waving her hand unconsciously.

From a young age, she followed Grand Tutor Yu and the old lady, studying the classics and learning the dignified manners of a noble lady.

In terms of domestic pleasures, she was never as uninhibited as Minglan.

Seeing her embarrassed state, Minglan's smile deepened, and she stopped teasing her.

Focusing her attention on the pastries, she changed the subject, saying, "They look delicious and smell wonderful. The people around that Miss Zhao must all have extraordinary skills."

"Try it first and see how it tastes." As soon as Zhao Han finished speaking, she picked up another piece and handed it to Yanran.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Yanran smiled, pursing her lips.

The moment the peach blossom fruit entered her mouth, Minglan's eyes lit up instantly, and even her voice softened, "Delicious!"

"It has a perfect color, aroma, and taste; it's even better than what Fanlou makes!"

Yanran smiled and said, "It's really good. With such praise from Ming'er, Miss Zhao's teahouse is sure to be very successful."

“That’s right. When it comes to food, I’m second to none.” Minglan proudly raised her chin.

Zhao Han looked at them with a smile, and out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Xiao Tao looking on with longing.

Although Xiao Tao was a year older than Ming Lan, when she first met them in Yangzhou, she was much shorter than Ming Lan and was quite timid.

Unexpectedly, over the years, he has grown to be half a head taller than Minglan, and his figure has become much fuller, making him look more and more sturdy and endearing.

"Your daughter is enjoying her meal, so don't just stand there, come and have a taste," Zhao Han said softly.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Tao happily curtsied and said, "This servant thanks Your Majesty."

Seeing this, Minglan immediately picked up some snacks and handed them to Xiaotao, saying with a smile, "Eat up, silly Xiaotao."

-

Mid-March of the sixth year of the Hongwu reign.

As the remaining snow gradually melts, patches of new green can be seen everywhere inside and outside Bianjing city.

Inside the Chuigong Hall, the regular court session is in session today.

The entire court, composed of high-ranking officials, gathered here. Several important ministers, including Zhang Fu and Han Zhang, showed joy on their faces, their hearts pounding slightly.

Above the throne, Zhao Han glanced around and said in a deep voice, "The southern expeditionary army has entered Thang Long. Gu Tingye pierced through King Li Rizun of Jiaozhi with an arrow."

"His youngest son, Li Qiande, and a group of concubines committed suicide, and the remaining members of the Jiaozhi royal family were captured alive. From then on, there was no more threat of rebellion in the southern border region!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall instantly became heated.

Gu Tingye also followed Zhao Han's instructions and sent people to post notices everywhere, stating that the Great Zhou's military campaign was not for the purpose of seizing territory or causing suffering to the people.

However, Jiaozhi (Vietnam) disregarded its superiors and repeatedly violated the borders of the Great Zhou, plundering the border people. How could the majesty of the superior nation be insulted?
The Emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty only ordered the campaign because he had no other choice; it was a measure to punish the rebels and protect the border people.

Wang Shiping's eyes darted around, and he stepped forward first, saying, "Your Majesty is wise! Our dynasty's territory has been expanded once again; this is a feat that will last for a thousand years!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I also second the proposal!"

"..."

Zhao Han gently exhaled a breath of stale air.

Although he had great faith in Gu Tingye and the others' abilities, he still had some worries in his heart during this period.

The majority of the army in this southern expedition were from the north and central regions, and the miasma and climate of Jiaozhi were not easy for them to adapt to.

"The army has endured a long and arduous expedition; victory in this battle is truly a step in the right direction."

"By imperial decree, Gu Tingye shall temporarily assume command of the military and political affairs of Thang Long, pacify the people, and restore order to the region. Once the situation is stable, he shall return to the capital and be rewarded for his merits!"

"All rewards shall be jointly determined by the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War, and shall be generous to reward the soldiers for their hard work."

"As for the fallen soldiers, their families should be treated even more generously. The Ministry of Revenue should verify the list of fallen soldiers and grant them silver, money and land according to regulations."

"If there are elderly parents who have no one to support them, the local government will provide them with rice and grain on a monthly basis until they die of old age."

“In addition, a suitable site will be selected outside Thang Long City to build a Martyrs’ Shrine, and the names, hometowns and merits of all the fallen soldiers will be engraved on the monument.”

"One day in the future, I will personally go to pay my respects and comfort the spirits of the fallen heroes!"

Upon hearing this, the prince and all his officials, both civil and military, bowed in unison and replied in deep voices, "Your Majesty is benevolent and compassionate towards the people and the military. We obey your decree!"

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Han looked at Shen Shiqi.

After Shen Shi understood, he stepped forward, holding a jade tablet, and said, "I have discussed with my colleagues in the cabinet that Jiaozhi can be divided into three routes for governance to prevent local forces from becoming too powerful."

The Great Zhou Dynasty always used a three-tiered system of circuits, prefectures, and counties as its core structure.

Jiaozhi was a tiny place, and it was always divided into twenty-four routes for governance. In fact, each route was only about the size of a county in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

"With Thang Long as the center, the Jiaozhi Road was established in the Red River Plain area, and the Zhennan Road was established in the area bordering Champa, Zhenla and other countries to the south."

“The western region is covered with dense forests and has many tribes, so Wu’an Road was established there.”

“Each route shall be headed by a Pacification Commissioner who shall be in charge of military and political affairs, and a Transport Commissioner and a Judicial Commissioner shall be in charge of finance and justice respectively.”

"The remaining official positions can be selected from tribal leaders who have genuinely submitted to the Great Zhou and surrendered officials of the Joseon Dynasty."

"In addition, a tributary state was established in the tribal settlements, and the local tribal chief was appointed as the governor, allowing him to manage internal affairs in a hereditary manner."

"However, the tribe's activities must be reported to the local pacification envoy regularly."

Zhao Han's gaze darkened slightly. After a moment of thought, he said, "The Joseon Dynasty in the past relied on the power of its tribes to establish a separatist regime. In matters of military and political affairs, we still need to exercise more restraint."

“The prefect of a tributary state must send his eldest son to the Imperial Academy to study the rites and systems of the Central Plains.”

“Once he has completed his studies and returned to his hometown, he can inherit his father’s position, and then select some talented local children to be sent to the Imperial Academy together.”

(End of this chapter)