Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 198 The Emperor's Personal Expedition, Minglan and Yanran

In the blink of an eye, it was the fourteenth year of the Hongwu reign. Just as Gu Tingye, Zheng Xiao, and others were preparing for war and strengthening defenses on the northern border.

Dushan was one of the royal hunting grounds of the Liao Dynasty. It is located in the heart of Nanjing and is only four or five hundred miles away from Xiongzhou and Bazhou of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

It was late spring, and the vegetation was lush and green, making it the perfect time for hunting.

Yelü Hongji, following precedent, brought his favorite concubine, members of the imperial family, and former court officials, totaling over a thousand people, to this place.

During the day, they would let falcons chase rabbits and ride horses to hunt; at night, they would feast around bonfires, indulging in extravagance. At the same time, they also dispatched a large number of secret agents to investigate the movements of the Great Zhou.

The Liao ministers had naturally heard about Gu Tingye and his group's actions long ago.

After more than ten years of development, Yelü Hongji knew that the Great Zhou was no longer what it used to be, and moreover, it was now armed with powerful weapons. The craftsmen in Liao could not replicate them to this day.

Inside the temporary palace of Xijin Prefecture, candlelight flickered.

Yelü Hongji, dressed in the Khitan royal court robes, stood before the desk with a furrowed brow, looking incredulously at Yelü Yixin below.

"Nonsense! The Crown Prince has grown up by my side since childhood, how could he commit such a treasonous act?!"

Yelü Yixin's eyes were dark. He clasped his hands together, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I also wish the Crown Prince to be exonerated."

"The evidence is conclusive that Xiao Susa, the Privy Councilor of the Northern Court, and eight others secretly conspired to install the Crown Prince as emperor, and I dare not fail to report this."

"I did not believe it at first, but since the two of them are willing to risk their own lives to guarantee this matter, Your Majesty may immediately summon Yelü Chaci and Xiao Eduwo, the Prince of the Imperial Seal, to come and question them."

Upon hearing this, Yelü Hongji's expression changed immediately. After a moment of distraction, he sat back down on the dragon throne, his hands hanging limply at his knees.

"In my opinion, this matter must not be tolerated or delayed."

"Xiao Susa and his men hold military power. If they are not apprehended and interrogated as soon as possible, things may get complicated."

"If they act rashly out of desperation, not only will the Crown Prince be implicated, but His Majesty's safety and the foundation of the Liao Dynasty will also be in danger!"

As Yelü Yixin spoke, he appeared to be earnestly advising Yelü Jun. Although he placed Yelü Jun in a position of being implicated and seemed to be trying to exonerate him, his words were actually a veiled attack.

Yelü Hongji stared intently at him, then raised his hand to furrow his brow before gritting his teeth and saying, "Issue my decree: return to the capital immediately. I will personally interrogate the Crown Prince."

"The rest of the people involved are temporarily under your full control. You must keep a close eye on them, prevent any collusion, and absolutely no leaks!"

"Your Majesty, I obey!" Upon hearing this, a flash of wild joy crossed Yelü Yixin's eyes. He then said, "I have already dispatched elite troops and sent men to strictly guard the border. Your Majesty can return to the capital with peace of mind."

In his view, whether the Great Zhou intended to break the alliance, and the unusual movements of the Jurchen tribes in the northeast, were all far less important than overthrowing Crown Prince Yelü Jun.

Once Yelü Jun falls, no one in the court will be able to oppose him. At that time, all the power of the Liao Dynasty will fall into his hands, and it will not be too late to mobilize troops to deal with him.

The grandson of the emperor, Yelü Yanxi, was only two years old and posed no threat to him whatsoever.

However, we must prepare in advance, as Empress Xiao Tansi has been in the palace for nearly two years and still has no sign of pregnancy.

Yesterday, Xiao Tansi mentioned to me the folk saying that sisters sharing a husband is beneficial for having children, and he intended to have his younger sister Xiao Wotelan enter the palace to serve Yelü Hongji as well.

Although Xiao Wote had already become his daughter-in-law and had given birth to two lively and clever grandchildren, the matter of the imperial heir was of great importance, so he naturally gave his full support.

If Xiao Wotelan is fortunate enough to give birth to a prince, he will have no worries about seizing power and ruling the country.

-

Inside the Wenhua Hall, Zhao Han smiled after reading the report handed to him by Gu Tingye. The recapture of Yanyun was now within reach.

The difficulty in dealing with the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun was not in their recovery, but in their subsequent governance.

The Liao Dynasty operated here for a century, implementing a system of official appointments in both the north and south, allowing the Han Chinese people who had lived here for generations to take the imperial examinations and enter officialdom, just like in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Even more impressively, some were able to rise to the Southern Court and become high-ranking Liao officials with real power.

Over the past century, the Han Chinese clans of Yanyun and the Khitan royal family and the Xiao clan, the empress's family, have been intermarried for generations, forming a deep bond and creating a situation where each is intertwined with the other.

Moreover, if the Liao Kingdom were to lose the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, the Jurchens would surely rise to power sooner than expected.

Zhao Han put down the report and made a decision in his heart.

Before the Great Zhou has fully governed the Yan-Yun region, it is best to let the Jurchens and the Liao Dynasty restrain each other on the grasslands and wear each other down.

As dusk approached, Qingyun approached with a mahogany tray, bowing. After glancing at him, Zhao Han decided to spend the evening at Rouyi Palace with Yanran.

On the flat bluestone palace path, wherever Zhao Han passed, the palace maids and eunuchs all bowed and stood back on both sides, holding their breath.

In their view, although the current emperor is not as considerate, gentle, kind and good-tempered as the late emperor, he has never arbitrarily punished any palace servant.

As they approached Rouyi Palace, Qingyun said softly, "Under the management of Miss Zhao and Sun Sanniang, Banzhaimian's business is booming."

"Over the years, it has become the premier teahouse in Bianjing."

"Yesterday, Miss Zhao sent someone to say that she has taken a fancy to Yong'an Tower along the Bian River in the western part of the city and plans to take it over and expand its scale, increasing the size of the semi-hidden building."

"The plan is to transform Yong'an Tower into a place where one can enjoy wine and tea, as well as listen to music and watch dances."

Zhao Han listened to his words without pausing her steps, and said slowly, "Half-Covered Face has been quite profitable in recent years. Since she has this plan, let her do it."

"However, I still want a 60% cut. Remember to tell her that I will personally visit Yong'an Tower to taste it in the future."

Qingyun nodded repeatedly, "This servant has remembered."

Inside Rouyi Palace, Yanran heard the commotion and quickly straightened her clothes to come out and greet them.

"Is Ming'er here too?"

Zhao Han walked over with a smile and took their hands, one on each side.

Minglan gave a light hum, a hint of playfulness in her eyes, and said coquettishly, "Your Majesty, I've come at an inopportune time. I'll leave in a bit, so as not to disturb Your Majesty and Sister Yanran's sweet talk."

Yanran turned to look at her, her cheeks slightly flushed, and frowned, saying, "What sweet talk? You're becoming more and more inappropriate."

"Did I say something wrong?" Minglan blinked.

Zhao Han laughed loudly, "That's right. You don't need to leave tomorrow night either. I happen to have something I want to tell you."

Upon entering the sleeping quarters, one finds them brightly lit and filled with fragrant aromas.

Zhao Han leaned against the soft couch covered with brocade cushions, holding Yanran in his arms. Minglan sat to his right, playing with the sachet she wore at her waist.

"Recently, Grand Tutor Yu has been frequently sending invitations to the palace to request imperial physicians to examine the old lady of the household. How is her health?"

Upon hearing this, Yanran sat up slightly in his arms, exhaled a breath of stale air, and said softly, "It's just a slight cold. I've taken a few doses of herbal medicine and I'm fine now."

"If Your Majesty were to remember this, my grandfather would surely be overwhelmed with gratitude."

Zhao Han raised his hand and pinched her cheek. "I was just concerned about the relatives of my old ministers. There's no such thing as being flattered."

She smiled gently, her eyes lowered, her demeanor warm and approachable.

Yu Guangzhong and Zhao Han happened to catch a glimpse of several folded sheets of plain paper spread out on a table not far away, with a small inkstone pressed against the corner. Danju, who was standing nearby, understood and quickly and carefully brought the plain paper over.

Zhao Han reached out and took it. After glancing at it, she saw that it was written in delicate and elegant small regular script, with fine strokes and even ink.

The words on the other one are crooked and messy, like earthworms crawling around.

"Ming'er's handwriting is still like this... it's hard to describe!" Zhao Han shook her head with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Minglan immediately put down the sachet, leaned closer, and asked, "How does Your Majesty know that this ugly-written piece is mine? Couldn't it be someone else's?"

Zhao Han put down the plain raft and said quietly, "Grand Tutor Yu's calligraphy was known for its vigorous style and was famously excellent back then."

"The old lady also comes from a scholarly family. Yanran has been around them since she was a child and has been influenced by them. How could she not have developed such good handwriting?"

“But my father’s calligraphy is also excellent. The late Emperor even praised it in front of all the civil and military officials.” Minglan said with a touch of coquettishness.

Xiaotao and Danju exchanged a glance and couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Zhao Han looked up at her and laughed, "Don't try to hide it from me. I've seen your handwriting before, and you haven't improved at all over the years."

Minglan sighed softly, looking helpless. "I'm afraid my handwriting will never improve no matter how much I practice. It's fine as it is; as long as people can recognize it, that's enough."

Xiao Tao pursed her lips, unable to suppress a look of doubt.

"Your Majesty's words are not true. Back then, my second son sent you calligraphy samples countless times, but Your Majesty was too lazy and made me do it all for you."

"After the second brother found out, I was also scolded."

As soon as she finished speaking, Danju smiled and chimed in, "That's right, the old lady is always worried that the Empress's calligraphy won't be presentable in the future."

"But the Empress always complains about the brush, the paper, or the ink; in short, she has no intention of seriously practicing calligraphy."

Minglan blushed at their words, reached out and pinched their arms, scolding them, "You two, you just know how to undermine me."

“But what we servants said is the truth.” Danju smiled, her eyes crinkling.

Yanran smiled and said gently, "As the old saying goes, no one is perfect. Even if you have a little flaw, you should still have one. If you do everything perfectly, you won't seem like a real person."

“That’s right, Sister Yanran still loves me the most.” Minglan looked at her with great agreement.

Then, changing the subject, she blinked her clear and captivating eyes and asked, "His Majesty just said he had something to tell us? What is it?"

“Yes, I’m curious about that too,” Yanran quickly added.

Zhao Han sat up straight, picked up his teacup and took a small sip. "The Duke of Zhenguo has been making preparations on the border for several months. In order to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun as soon as possible, I intend to personally lead the expedition this time."

"What?" Minglan's innocent expression vanished instantly, and she subconsciously clenched the handkerchief in her hand, her wide almond-shaped eyes filled with worry.

Yanran did the same, subconsciously moving closer to Zhao Han.

"With several generals in the court here, the Yan and Yun regions are surely within our grasp. Why should Your Majesty personally risk your life?"

"His Majesty is the supreme ruler, and the safety of his body is related to the well-being of countless people. If there is even the slightest mishap, the court will be in turmoil and the people will be filled with fear. The price would be far too high."

Minglan nodded in agreement, “Sister Yanran is absolutely right. His Majesty only needs to stay in the capital and oversee the overall situation, which is the greatest support for this battle. There is really no need for him to personally take risks.”

Zhao Han held their two delicate, smooth hands and gently exhaled a breath of stale air.

"The land of Yan and Yun has been the long-cherished wish of several generations of emperors of the Great Zhou Dynasty. My personal visit is not only to boost morale."

"My mind is made up. It will only take a year or two at most."

Minglan pursed her lips, unsure how to begin her persuasion.

Yanran raised her eyes and said, "The border is bitterly cold, unlike the warmth of the capital. I will make some soft and warm undergarments for Your Majesty during this time."

"After the army set out, your concubine and Ming'er have been chanting sutras and praying for Your Majesty every day in the palace, hoping that Your Majesty will recover Yan and Yun as soon as possible and return safely."

Zhao Han chuckled and nodded in satisfaction.

At 3:45 PM, the night was deepening.

After washing up, Minglan and Yanran lay down on the soft, comfortable bed. They looked at each other and smiled without saying a word.

Although it was their first time serving each other, the thought still made her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

About half an incense stick's time later, Zhao Han walked over unhurriedly. The palace maid who was serving her gently lifted the quilt, which was already warm and fragrant.

After Zhao Han lay down between the two men, the palace maid bowed and then left the bedchamber, standing guard outside the door to await orders.

As the candlelight flickered gently, two stunningly beautiful women, their breath sweet as orchids, graced his arms, creating a momentarily romantic atmosphere.

After that, Rong Feiyan was the most diligent in serving the women in the palace.

Each time she was favored, she wished she could do it again and again, until she was exhausted and drowsy.

She was well aware of the Rong family's current situation. What she could do in the palace was to produce more imperial offspring, whether princes or princesses. Each additional child would bring the Rong family more opportunities and wealth.

The snow-white pastry nestled around Zhao Han's waist, snuggling closer to him like a kitten.

"It's still warmer in His Majesty's arms. I'll stay closer to him tomorrow."

Minglan gave a coquettish hum, turned over to the inside of the bed, leaving only her slender back exposed, her dark hair scattered on the brocade quilt.

"As I just said, I won't disturb you."

Zhao Han laughed loudly, "In that case, I will favor Ming'er tonight." With that, he picked her up and quickly removed her silk undergarment.

Before long, Minglan's light humming began, and Yanran was not spared from it either.

It didn't quiet down until the end of Hai hour and the approach of Zi hour.

The next morning, Zhao Han, with the help of Yanran and several palace maids, put on a scarlet court robe and a jade belt.

Minglan, who had just sat up by the couch, yawned lazily, rubbing her sore waist and knees, and planned to take a nap after returning to Ninghui Palace.

Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to muster any energy at all during the day.

On the other side, inside the Chui Gong Hall, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified. Today was the regular court session, and civil and military officials, holding their tablets, stood respectfully on both sides.

Sheng Changbai, dressed in red official robes, stood tall and straight like a pine tree, known for his fairness and integrity in handling affairs within the Ministry of Personnel.

Although he offended many people, he was deeply trusted by several senior officials, including Zhao Han.

Now holding a high-ranking position of the fourth rank, his official reputation has always been impeccable, and all the officials in the court envy Sheng Hong for having such a good son.

Zhao Han sat upright on the dragon throne, his gaze slowly sweeping over them, and listened to the reports from several court officials as usual.

He stood up and announced to the public his plan to personally lead the expedition.

(End of this chapter)