Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 195 The Deposed Empress of Liao, Minglan's Birthday

On June 15th, the investiture ceremonies for the princes were completed through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs.

Inside the Xuanming Hall of the Imperial Palace.

Zhang Guifen, dressed in a light blue brocade dress with cloud patterns, was leaning against a soft couch, playing with the nine-linked rings that Minglan had given to the Fourth Prince Zhao Yan a few days ago.

The interlocking rings occasionally made a crisp sound as they collided.

Like Wang Ruofu, she disliked wearing hairpins. Although such items could accentuate a woman's elegance and poise, they inevitably caused her some constraints and restrictions.

"Prince of Yan...this title is good, I like it."

"The Yan region, also known as the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, has been a strategic location for military strategists since ancient times, controlling the northern frontier and protecting the Central Plains. Unfortunately, it is difficult to recover our lost territory."

After saying that, she sighed softly and shook her head.

Having followed Zhang Fu since childhood, practicing swordsmanship and studying military strategy, she clearly understood what the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun meant to the Great Zhou.

Hongying, who was standing to the side, pursed her lips and said softly, "In this servant's opinion, His Majesty's bestowal of the character 'Yan' shows that he places high hopes on our Fourth Prince."

"You've got a good tongue now, girl." Zhang Guifen smiled brightly, then asked, "Where's Yan-ge? Where has he gone off to gallivanting off to again?"

"Your Majesty, the Duke of Zhenguo is teaching the eldest prince martial arts by order of the Emperor. The fourth prince has also been going with him these past two days. He starts practicing horse stance before dawn and hasn't complained of being tired at all."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guifen put down the Nine Linked Rings and gently exhaled a breath of stale air.

"This guy has improved a bit since before. He can't compare to the First Prince's composure and intelligence in studying, but it's good that he's willing to put in some effort in martial arts."

“Our fourth prince still has half of the Zhang family’s blood in his veins, so he can’t be bad.”

Hongying spoke with a hint of pride, saying that the Zhang family had been a military family for generations, and as long as they were willing to put in the effort, they could definitely develop some real skills.

“You’re right.” Zhang Guifen nodded in deep agreement.

Inside Ninghui Hall, the windows were bright and the tables were clean. Fresh plums and several kinds of sweet pastries were laid out on the table.

Minglan looked at Yanran with a smile, "My birthday is coming soon, will you be able to finish this embroidery?"

"If it gets too late, I won't let you off easily. I'll make you make two more clothes for me as punishment."

Upon hearing this, Yanran frowned and said reproachfully, "Li Niangzi's style is already difficult to embroider, and you always make things difficult for me. You're not satisfied with the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix painting."

"He insisted that I embroider another Lady Li guarding Niangzi Pass. This is not something that can be completed in ten days or half a month."

Minglan sat down next to her, picked up a crimson silk thread and handed it to her, her eyes crinkling as she said, "Who can blame you when your embroidery is the best, Sister Yanran?"

“No one else’s embroidery is as lifelike as yours. My mother has told me the story of Lady Li guarding Niangzi Pass more than once since I was a child. Just consider this fulfilling my wish.”

“I will definitely hang this embroidery in my bedchamber and look at it every day.”

Yanran took the silk thread, shook her head helplessly, but couldn't help but smile.

"Alright, alright, I'll stay up late these days and make sure you receive it on your birthday."

"Speaking of which, the Emperor didn't directly designate the Crown Prince this time." After saying this, Yanran turned to look at Minglan, without stopping what she was doing.

Her fifth son, Zhao Xuan, was given the title Ning, which carries the meaning of peace and tranquility. Although it was not as prestigious as the titles of princes from powerful states like Jin, Yan, and Chu, Yanran was already quite content.

Xuan-ge'er's temperament was very similar to hers; he was gentle, obedient, and never competed for anything. The character "Ning" was the perfect name for him.

Minglan pondered for a moment, then said softly, "His Majesty is in his prime, and the court is stable. Why should we establish a crown prince so early?"

"Since ancient times, the eldest son of the legitimate wife has been chosen as the heir apparent. The eldest prince was the imperial grandson appointed by the late emperor, and this time he has been granted the title of Jin, so he is no different from the crown prince."

Among the princes' titles, the one with the character "Jin" was the most prestigious. Minglan's sixth son, Zhao Rui, was given the title "Chu".

"That makes sense. I just hope that we can live a peaceful and stable life from now on."

"Speaking of which, I am truly grateful to my current stepmother, Ms. Hong, for giving my grandparents, who are already quite old, hope for the revitalization of our family."

"Grandfather has now decided to stay in the capital and personally teach Huai-ge to read and write."

Upon hearing this, Minglan couldn't help but sigh, "The Grand Tutor was upright and honest throughout his life, and he devoted half his life to serving the court. Heaven has eyes and should bestow upon my family a capable descendant."

“Huai’er will surely inherit the Yu family’s spirit and fulfill the old Grand Tutor’s long-cherished wish in his later years.”

"I hope so too." Yanran smiled gently.

After the investiture ceremony for the princes concluded, a clear and peaceful atmosphere prevailed both inside and outside the court. For the next period of time, the Great Zhou enjoyed favorable weather and abundant harvests, free from disasters and calamities.

With the vigorous promotion previously, the planting of Champa rice has accounted for nearly 70% of the cultivated land, and the reclamation of the northwest has made great progress, with the number of cultivated land acreage steadily increasing.

Today, in the Fu Ning Hall of the Imperial Palace, Gu Tingye and Sheng Changbai are both present.

In addition to the son and daughter born to Yuan Wenying, Gu Tingye's concubine Zhu Xiaoniang, who came from the Chengping Earl's Mansion, also gave birth to a son for him, named Gu Shumin, bringing joy to the whole family.

Zhao Han sat upright at the desk, holding a scroll of documents. After carefully reading it, he said quietly, "A secret agent from the Imperial City Guard has reported that Emperor Yelü Hongji of Liao is preparing to depose the Empress."

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingye immediately showed surprise. "Empress Xiao of Liao is a woman of great talent, proficient in poetry, lyrics and songs."

"I've heard that his appearance is one in a million, one of the best. Could it be that he did something to offend Yelü Hongji?"

"Because she wrote a poem."

"Oh?" Gu Tingye raised an eyebrow, his surprise deepening, then chuckled twice, his tone laced with sarcasm.

"A single poem was enough to depose the empress. Yelü Hongji is indeed as suspicious and narrow-minded as I know him."

Standing to the side, Sheng Changbai couldn't help but want to remind him to be careful with his words.

Zhao Han raised her hand and handed the document to Gu Tingye, "Take a look, the poem written by the Empress of Liao is on it."

Gu Tingye took the document, straightened his back, cleared his throat, and began to read it aloud.

He kept nodding in praise while reading the first two sentences.

However, his voice grew softer and softer, and the praise on his face gradually turned into surprise and disbelief.

A moment later, Gu Tingye abruptly closed the document, blinked, and exclaimed in surprise, "I never expected that the renowned Empress Xiao would have such romantic feelings!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, interesting, truly impressive!"

Zhao Han smiled faintly and said, "Yelü Yixin and Zhang Xiaojie, the prime minister of the Northern Prefecture, jointly submitted a memorial stating that Empress Xiao had been having an unusual relationship with a court musician who was skilled at playing the pipa."

"What?" Gu Tingye blurted out, looking at him in disbelief.

"This poem is the so-called evidence."

Sheng Changbai's gaze darkened slightly. After pondering for a moment, he said in a deep voice, "The current Empress and a court musician..."

"It is truly unbelievable." "Empress Xiao comes from a prestigious family, has held the position of empress for a long time, and is well-versed in the rules of the palace. The crown prince is also her son. How could she be so unaware of avoiding suspicion and ruin her future?"

"The fact that someone can directly obtain evidence makes this matter highly suspicious in my opinion."

Gu Tingye waved his hand and said, "Who cares? Whether it's a frame-up or it's true, it has nothing to do with us."

"In my opinion, once Empress Xiao is deposed, Yelü Jun's position as crown prince will not last long. At that time, the position of the crown prince of Liao will be in turmoil, and internal strife will inevitably occur."

"If the Jurchens can seize the opportunity to rise up in rebellion again, we may also be able to take the opportunity to march north."

"When the Liao Kingdom is attacked from both sides and cannot defend itself, we will be able to take back Yan and Yun in one fell swoop."

Zhao Han looked at Gu Tingye and touched her chin.

If he remembers correctly, Yelü Jun began participating in politics this year. This crown prince acts with restraint and upholds the law, and has already made a considerable grudge against Yelü Yixin and others.

Yelü Yixin knew that once Yelü Jun ascended the throne, he would absolutely not tolerate a powerful minister like himself, who held great power and had a faction that spread throughout the court.

Settling old scores and stripping them of their power and exterminating their families is only a matter of time.

Therefore, he is probably already planning how to get Yelü Hongji to depose Yelü Jun as crown prince, thus leaving himself a way out.

"The Jurchens and the Liao Dynasty are sworn enemies, and it was only a matter of time before they rose up in rebellion."

"What we need to do is to rectify military discipline, train soldiers, strengthen border defenses, and quietly wait for the right opportunity."

After Zhao Han finished speaking, he secretly thought to himself that once the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun were recovered and the people could recuperate for two or three years, he could summon his ministers to discuss the matter of moving the capital.

However, moving the capital is no small matter, and many people will surely jump out and vehemently oppose it, though merchants and ordinary people are less of a concern.

The most difficult to deal with were the noble families and imperial relatives who had been rooted in Bianjing for many years.

Their residences, connections, and prestige are all here; moving the capital would mean starting all over again.

Moreover, their status and privileges would inevitably be threatened, or even directly replaced by the meritorious officials of the Northern Expedition.

The imperial tombs of past emperors are all located near Bianjing (Kaifeng), and these people might bring up some pretext of betraying their ancestors to attack this matter.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but raise his hand and furrow his brow.

She secretly decided that she must first inform Gu Tingye and others so that when the debate took place in the court, there would be a capable person to stand up for her.

With a smile on his face, Gu Tingye bowed and said softly, "In the past few days, while I have been teaching the princes martial arts, I have discovered that the Prince of Yan is truly a rare and promising talent."

"Not only are they physically strong and quick to learn, but what's even more remarkable is their unwavering will."

“When I was young, I learned martial arts and often wanted to give up. Several times I cried and wanted to go back to my room to rest. If my father hadn’t whipped me from time to time, I’m afraid I would have given up halfway.”

"In my opinion, if we can cultivate him carefully and take him out to gain experience in the future, the Prince of Yan will surely become a fierce general guarding the frontier in due time."

Upon hearing this, the name of Prince Yan, Zhu Di, involuntarily came to Zhao Han's mind.

But then I thought, even if this kid is a clever and restless person, that's something for me to worry about a hundred years from now.

There are ways to deal with the uncertainties of the future.

Zhao Han said gently, "Since he has a talent for martial arts, don't keep it a secret from me, just teach him properly."

Gu Tingye nodded with a smile, "Your Majesty, rest assured, how could I dare to have any secret thoughts!"

A few days later, on Minglan's birthday, Hualan, the Empress, personally ordered a banquet to be prepared and invited more than ten noblewomen from outside the palace to celebrate with her, out of consideration for the deep sisterly bond between them.

Inside Ninghui Hall, the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air between the beams.
The aroma of tea, mixed with the fragrance of flowers and some cosmetics, lingered in layers all around, while several palace maids quietly served dishes and wine.

Hua Lan sat upright in the head seat, a smile on her face, her eyebrows relaxed, her lips like cherry blossoms. Her dark blue palace dress accentuated her beauty, elegance, and nobility.

Her vision far surpasses that of Wang Ruofu.

Minglan gained favor and was made a concubine, but Wang Ruofu always felt uneasy, feeling that Minglan was stealing the favor and dignity that belonged to her firstborn daughter.

Hua Lan, however, knew that Ming Lan was closely connected to her; they would share both glory and misfortune.

The imperial harem is full of concubines with good family backgrounds and good looks. It is more appropriate for Zhao Han to favor Minglan than anyone else.

Minglan is her sixth younger sister. She is calm and insightful, and will never be arrogant because of her favored status. She can also consolidate the foundation of the Sheng family and herself.

Not long ago, Liang Hui, the Earl of Yongchang, went to the palace to request an imperial title for his wife, Lady Wei, and she is also on the list of invited guests today.

She was currently greeting Princess Pingning, Yuan Wenying, Rulan and others. This was her first time entering the palace and paying respects to Hualan, so she was inevitably a little reserved in her movements.

Wei Shuyi sat down beside Minglan, stroking her delicate and slender hand, and said softly, "Ming'er, your uncle also remembers your birthday."

“Some rare treasures were specially sent over, and Xiaodie has already delivered them to the side hall.”

"Okay, I'll write a letter to thank Uncle properly later." Minglan smiled brightly, her beautiful eyes filled with joy. "By the way, how is Jing-ge'er?"

Yu Yanrong has given birth to a son, named Wei Jing.

Wei Shuyi nodded slightly, "Very good, like a mischievous monkey, always jumping around, never still for a moment."

“Your aunt and I were afraid that he might break the rules and offend the nobles, so we didn’t bring him into the palace.”

Since being granted the title of Lady, Wei Shuyi has frequently attended banquets at various homes, and her demeanor has changed considerably. Standing next to Wang Ruofu, she is no less impressive.

Looking at the mother and daughter chatting and laughing, Wang Ruofu clenched his handkerchief and turned to chat with the Duchess of England.

Just as Rulan craned her neck to ask Wei about Molan's recent situation.

The announcement of the Emperor's arrival caused everyone in the hall to stand up, suppress their smiles, and stand respectfully on both sides.

"Today is Consort Chen's birthday. Everyone, please rise and take your seats." With that, Zhao Han put his arm around Hua Lan's waist and they sat down together in the seat of honor.

"Your Majesty, we thank you!" After everyone expressed their gratitude in unison, they took their seats again.

A short while later, Zhao Han turned her head and looked at Old Madam Sheng, and said gently, "Old Madam, you haven't been to the palace for a long time. How is your health?"

"I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's concern. I have been sleeping soundly and have been enjoying good health lately," the old lady replied respectfully as she rose with the help of her maid, Fang Mama.

Zhao Han smiled and nodded.

Although Old Madam Sheng often said, "If I take off my shoes and socks today, I don't know if I'll wear them again tomorrow," she was indeed a long-lived person.

Princess Pingning was secretly observing Minglan. When she first heard the news of Minglan's investiture as Consort Chen, she couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

However, when she heard Shen Hezhen and Empress Dowager Cao praising Minglan, her opinion of Minglan gradually began to change.

(End of this chapter)