Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 194 Conferring of Imperial Titles and the Title of Prince

Until the eleventh year of the Hongwu reign. In early June, rainfall began to fall in Huainan Road, Jingdong Road, Jiangnan West Road and other places.

Due to the construction of water conservancy projects, orders were issued to stockpile grain ahead of schedule.

This drought did not result in the tragic scenes of people eating coarse food and refugees flooding into the capital, and Zheng Xia, Wang Anshi's favorite student, did not present the famous "Refugee Map".

As the year draws to a close, rainfall gradually increases, and the people who have been incorporated into the river management camps are returning home one after another with their silver, grain, and seeds, preparing for the spring planting of the following year.

Local governments have begun to implement the policy of exchanging locust eggs for grain. Once the locusts hatch into adults, it will be much more difficult to control them.

Inside the Rongchang Earl's Mansion, the back courtyard flower hall was warm and fragrant.

The maids and servants, with smiles on their faces and light steps, served tea and refreshments. Sheng Wei and Madam Li had returned to the capital not long ago.

Today, the ancestral hall of the Sheng family in Youyang is resplendent with its vermilion gates, green bricks and gray tiles, and upturned eaves, exuding the grandeur of a distinguished family. Even the ancestral home of Sheng Wei has been renovated.

Today, Sheng Hong specially brought Wang Ruofu to visit and have a talk.

He was dressed in dark purple casual clothes, and he gently stroked his beard with his hand, and said with a smile: "Brother Wei and sister-in-law have worked very hard on this trip, taking care of all the affairs of the clan. I am truly grateful."

“Brother Hong, you’re being too polite. We are blood relatives.”

"I'm just idling at home anyway, so it's my duty to do my part for our ancestors' legacy. There's no hardship in it," Sheng Wei said with a smile.

This time, he and Sheng Changsong took the lead in donating money and grain, setting up sheds and distributing porridge, which really made the Sheng family famous in the Youyang area.

In addition, Sheng Hong sent a timely letter to remind them, and no mistakes were made. The magistrate of Youyang County and the prefect of Jiangning, along with other officials from the surrounding area, personally hosted a banquet to entertain them.

Upon hearing this, Sheng Hong's smile deepened. He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then said softly, "Has the third branch of the family been secretly plotting anything?"

"Sigh!" Sheng Wei sighed softly.

"Fortunately, Brother Hong didn't go to Youyang, otherwise, seeing their faces would have made him furious."

“They have repeatedly tried to interfere with the ancestral hall’s accounts, stirring up trouble everywhere and saying that I am autocratic, disregard kinship, and heartless.”

“When Song’er and I were just preparing to distribute porridge, our neighbors started gossiping, saying that we were just putting on a show to gain fame.”

"Later, seeing the praise from the people and officials, they wanted to get a share of the pie and wanted to use the Sheng family's name to collect donations and amass wealth."

"Fortunately, I discovered it in time and prevented them from doing anything wrong. Thinking about it now still makes me break out in a cold sweat."

"Speaking of which, Third Brother Zhou is becoming more and more unbecoming. He doesn't care about any sense of propriety when doing things. He's just like Third Uncle back then."

Sheng Hong looked up at him and couldn't help but smile wryly, "Song-ge'er has to juggle business and dealing with them in Youyang, it must be really tough."

"There's nothing we can do about it. After all, they are cousins ​​from the same bloodline, and it's not easy to draw a clear line between us."

"We can only be more vigilant and prevent them from using our two families' names to swindle and cause trouble outside." After saying this, Sheng Wei picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

“Brother Wei is right.” Sheng Hong nodded repeatedly.

Behind the screen, Wang Ruofu was smiling and talking to Li Shi.

Pinlan was also there today. She had a rosy complexion, relaxed eyebrows and eyes, and wore an apricot-yellow brocade long coat. Her red-gold and kingfisher-feather hairpin swayed gently with her movements.

She has given birth to a daughter for the Zheng family, and her figure is more plump and graceful than before.

Zheng Xiao is already the Earl of Jingyuan in the current dynasty, so Pinlan's status naturally rose accordingly. Compared with Rulan, she was more composed and dignified in her every move.

When Wang Ruofu looked at Pinlan, a hint of envy flashed in her eyes.

Back then, Pinlan was just a wild country girl who spent her days fishing and hunting, without any trace of girlishness.

During holidays, I would become speechless and timid, looking like I'd never seen the world before.

Unexpectedly, she married so well. Poor Ru'er, she was the only one among the six daughters of the eldest and second wives to marry down in a truly inferior way.

The Zheng family's accumulated heritage and prestige over generations are unmatched even by the Sheng family, not to mention the good temper and polite manners of the women in the Zheng family.

Thinking of this, Wang Ruofu sighed imperceptibly.

After everyone finished lunch and chatted for a while, the sun began to set in the west, and it was almost late afternoon.

Just as Sheng Hong was about to take his leave, he saw the steward of the manor panting heavily as he ran over and said, "My lord, the eunuch from the palace has arrived with an imperial decree!"

"What?!" Sheng Wei looked surprised, turned to look at Sheng Hong, and without daring to delay, hurriedly straightened his clothes and went to the main hall to receive the imperial decree.

Inside the main hall, the head eunuch in scarlet robes held the imperial edict, a smile on his face, and said, "His Majesty was greatly pleased upon learning of the Marquis of Rongchang's righteous act in Youyang."

“It is all my duty, and I dare not claim credit for it,” Sheng Wei replied respectfully.

The eunuch smiled without saying a word, and after a moment, said loudly, "The Sheng family of Rongchang Earl is known for its loyalty and integrity, and its wealth is abundant."

Recently, due to the severe drought in the area, the people have been suffering greatly. Your compassion and generosity in donating rice and grain to relieve the disaster victims is truly commendable.

Your wife, Lady Li, is virtuous and kind, diligent and thrifty in managing the household, and has assisted her husband in achieving good deeds. She also raised the virtuous concubine who served in the palace. Now, she is hereby granted the title of Fourth-Rank Imperial Lady as a sign of commendation.
He also bestowed upon the family a plaque inscribed with the words "Yi'an Hometown" in his own calligraphy, which was hung at the entrance to commemorate their virtuous deeds.

May you all forever cherish this heart and bring blessings to your community.

Awesome! "

Sheng Wei looked surprised, glanced at the eunuch, and then bowed and thanked Li Shi together.

After the eunuch finished reading the imperial edict and exchanged a few pleasantries, he returned to the palace to report back.

Sheng Hong smiled and said, "Congratulations, Brother Wei and Sister-in-law! This plaque has extraordinary meaning and can be passed down through the ages, bringing glory to our ancestors!"

Sheng Wei stroked the imperial edict, which gleamed with a lustrous sheen, feeling deeply moved. He felt that the several thousand taels of silver he had spent were truly worthwhile!
A few days later, at the Duke of Qi's residence.

Qi Heng served in Jiangnan for many years. Although his political achievements were not outstanding, he was fair and impartial in his dealings. He has now been transferred to the Ministry of Rites and appointed as a fourth-rank vice minister.

Shen Hezhen became pregnant again as she wished. Princess Pingning, worried that Shen Hezhen was overworking herself, took Yu Jie'er to live with her.

It was Princess Pingning's birthday, and everyone in the Qi family knew that the drought had not yet completely subsided.

If the event is held in a grand manner, it will inevitably give others something to criticize. Moreover, Qi Heng has just been transferred to the Ministry of Rites, which is precisely the time when he needs to be cautious in his words and deeds and build up his reputation.

Therefore, the Duke of Qi spent a lot of money to invite the chef from Fanlou to his home to cook dinner, and the family celebrated quietly behind closed doors.

"Mother, you've been wronged. Next year, on your birthday, I will personally organize the celebration and make sure you have a proper celebration."

Qi Heng, dressed in a moon-white casual robe, stood up and bowed respectfully.

A mother and son are of one mind. He knew what kind of personality Princess Pingning had. She was very particular about appearances and never held a simple birthday celebration.

Princess Pingning smiled faintly.

"Don't complain about feeling wronged. As long as your career goes smoothly and you bring honor to your family, those empty formalities are not important at all. They are just for show."

“I heard from the Duchess of Zhenguo a few days ago that the current drought is far more severe than the rumors have suggested.”

"If the government had not foreseen this and issued several decrees in advance, the people would have suffered greatly, there would have been widespread displacement, and there might have been even greater chaos."

Qi Heng nodded. "Indeed, His Majesty is a benevolent and wise ruler. As his subject, I truly admire him to the fullest."

The Duke of Qi, sitting upright on a soft stool, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said quietly, "More than just benevolent and wise! He has expanded the territory several times, implemented new policies, and eliminated old abuses. Such magnanimity and courage are rare among emperors throughout history."

"Now that you are in the Ministry of Rites, you should be more discerning about the Emperor's intentions and do practical work, so as not to let down your hard work since childhood and the plans your mother made for you."

Upon hearing this, Princess Pingning looked at Qi Heng with eyes full of satisfaction.

Her discipline of Qi Heng went far beyond being extremely strict with women. When Qi Heng was seven or eight years old, he went out to fight crickets with the eldest grandson of the Duke of Ling, who had already been stripped of his title and had his family property confiscated.

When she found out, she tied him up, threw him into the ancestral hall, and gave him a severe beating.

Gu Tingye took him to the training ground to ride horses and play, which delayed his studies for half a day. When he returned, she did not let him off easily. After beating him, she punished him by making him copy books in the study and not allowing him to rest all night.

The Duke of Qi felt both heartache and helplessness, fearing that his only son would be driven to illness by Princess Pingning.

Fortunately, Qi Heng was sensible from a young age and did not harbor resentment because of these things. He did not fall behind in his studies and was upright and polite in his conduct.

He is currently making steady progress in his official career and has become a role model for the sons of noble families in the capital. Many colleagues and elders have praised him highly.

"Father's teachings are etched in my mind." Qi Heng nodded solemnly with a gentle smile.

"In your spare time, don't forget to build good relationships with the Duke of Zhenguo and Lord Sheng. After all, you were classmates, so your relationship is naturally closer than with others."

"They are all ministers whom His Majesty trusts greatly."

Duke Qi sighed softly, feeling that sending Qi Heng to study at the Sheng family academy was a truly fortunate and rare opportunity.

Princess Pingning, holding silver chopsticks, took a bite of a small dish and said softly, "The Empress Dowager hasn't been feeling well lately. I'll go to the palace to see her tomorrow."

Aside from the Cao family, she was probably the one who most hoped that Empress Dowager Cao would live a long life.

Although Empress Dowager Cao now lives a secluded life and does not concern herself with worldly affairs.

It can't offer her or the Qi family any real help, but as long as this relationship exists, even if others want to have ulterior motives towards the Qi family, they'll have to think twice.

Once Empress Dowager Cao passed away, the Qi family lost this unspoken, invisible support.

Her maternal family, the Marquis of Xiangyang, had already inherited the title. Not to mention an adopted son, even her own brothers would be a step removed, so she couldn't rely on them at all.

"It is the right thing to do. Please also convey my regards to the Empress Dowager." Duke Qi immediately agreed.

After a long silence, Shen Hezhen turned to look at Qi Heng and said gently, "Mother, Concubine Ding in the master's backyard is also pregnant."

Upon hearing this, Princess Pingning raised her eyebrows slightly and couldn't help but show a look of joy on her face.

"That's wonderful! You've just become pregnant, and she's gotten pregnant soon after. This is a great omen for the family to have many children."

"Send someone to take good care of it, and make sure nothing goes wrong."

Shen Hezhen smiled and nodded, "Don't worry, Mother."

Qi Heng squeezed Shen Hezhen's hand. He naturally hoped to have more children, whether legitimate or illegitimate.

In this way, Han Ge'er won't have to go through what I did in the future.

Bearing the heavy burden of the family alone is truly exhausting, with no one to confide in, and having to do things against one's own will.

-

In the twelfth year of the Hongwu reign, in the third month of spring, spring rain fell incessantly, one after another.

As expected, many locust eggs and nymphs bred on various river and lake beaches. Fortunately, the eradication was timely and thorough, and the locust plague threat was contained in just half a month.

Inside the Chui Gong Hall of the Imperial Palace, the regular court session was underway, with civil and military officials lined up in attendance. Among the military generals, Zhang Fu and Gu Tingye were undoubtedly the leaders.

The civil officials included Shen Shiqi, Wang Anshi, Fan Chunren, Hai Yanping, and others.

Hai Yanping, holding a jade tablet, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, spring plowing has been fully launched in all areas. Oxen are plowing in the fields, the wheat is growing well, and the people are at peace."

"I have checked the report with Lord Shen and the Imperial City Guard, and it is indeed true."

Zhao Han nodded with particular satisfaction.

"The fact that this drought was able to be overcome smoothly is inseparable from the tireless efforts of my trusted ministers Shen Kuo, Hou Shuxian, and others, who worked day and night to survey water conservancy and dredge rivers and canals."

"All rewards for officials shall be jointly drafted by the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites, and then submitted to me for my review."

"Your Majesty, we obey." Several officials bowed in response.

After listening to the reports from several officials, Shen Shiqi, dressed in purple robes and jade belt, hesitated for a moment before loudly proclaiming, "I have something to report."

"Now that the natural disasters have been quelled, spring planting is going smoothly, the world is at peace, the nation is undergoing a period of renewal, and the princes under Your Majesty's tutelage are growing up and are all intelligent and virtuous."

"However, he has not yet been given a title, which is inconsistent with the established rites."

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you select an auspicious day and time to bestow titles upon the princes, clarify the order of rank, and establish the positions of the imperial relatives!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Anshi blinked and immediately followed up, saying, "I second that."

"I also second my opinion."

"..."

After weighing his options for a moment, Sheng Hong was about to speak when he caught a glimpse of Sheng Changbai placing his scepter to his lips and subtly shaking his head at him.

As a relative of the emperor, no matter how much favor one receives from him, one cannot get involved in such matters casually, lest one be accused of plotting something sinister or interfering in politics as a relative of the emperor.

This would be a catastrophe.

Upon seeing this, Sheng Hong felt a chill run down his spine and swallowed the words that were about to come out, continuing to stand there with his head bowed.

In matters like these, he always listened to his son, who was more like a father to him.

Zhao Han looked at the assembled officials in the hall and slowly nodded, saying, "Your suggestions are good. As the prince grows up, it is time to put the matter of bestowing titles on him."

"I will carefully consider and devise appropriate titles for all the princes."

"Your Majesty is wise!" Shen Shi bowed deeply.

After the court session, in the Wenhua Hall, the aroma of tea filled the air. Zhao Han sat upright at his desk, holding a vermilion brush, carefully considering the matter of bestowing a title upon him.

Wei Yunshao and Gao Taotao had already successfully given birth to the Eighth Princess and the Ninth Prince. The Princess was named Zhao Yuchan, and her title had been decided, which was the two characters "Fuqing". The Eighth Prince was named Zhao Qiong.

In other words, there are currently seven princes who are suitable to be granted titles.

The eldest son is Zhao Jing, the third prince is Zhao Zhang, the fourth prince is Zhao Yan, the fifth prince is Zhao Rui, the sixth prince is Zhao Xuan, the seventh prince is Zhao Cong, and the ninth prince is Zhao Qiong.

Seeing that he hadn't put pen to paper for a long time, Qingyun cautiously asked, "Should we issue an imperial decree to have the Ministry of Rites draft it before submitting it to His Majesty for review and approval?"

"No need." After saying that, Zhao Han wrote down the seven characters Jin, Qi, Yan, Ning, Chu, Lu, and Han in one go on the paper.

"Tell the officials of the Ministry of Rites that the investiture ceremony need not be extravagant; it is sufficient to follow the established regulations."

Qingyun nodded repeatedly, "This servant understands."

(End of this chapter)