Do You Know?: Rule the World

Zhao Ceying sighed softly, a hint of loneliness flashing across his eyes.

"My father was very prudent and it was my son who was reckless. Who would have thought that the emperor's family would have a prince who was living in exile?"

Seeing this, Shen Congying said gently, "My son, don't blame yourself. Such royal secrets are difficult for ordinary people to guess."

"It's already great that our family can live a stable life in Yuzhou. Why bother thinking about those things..."

Shen Congying knew his son's ambitions, but now the political situation was clear and everything was a foregone conclusion.

"Mother is right. I will order someone to pack up first. It's time for us to return to the Tuanlian Mansion."

After saying that, Zhao Ceying looked up at the sky, turned around and left.

Chapter 97 Hualan: Mother, how dare you touch this kind of business

With the Yan Wang's rebellion and execution, the court and the country were shocked.

Several officials, including Kaifeng Prefecture Governor Qiu Jing and Ministry of Works Vice Minister Liu Xingzhi, were closely connected with Prince Yan.

His residence was searched and confiscated by the Imperial City Administration, and all his family members were imprisoned, awaiting exile.

As for the case of Prince Yong, as early as the Jingyou period, the government had set a rule in the Chuigong Hall: if a member of the royal family committed adultery, unfilial behavior, or corruption, and the law punished him with expulsion, he would not be reappointed and would not be allowed to return to the palace. If the crime did not punish him with expulsion, the government would temporarily issue an imperial decree.

With the day and night investigation by the Imperial City Bureau and the Grand Clan Affairs Bureau, the evidence of the crime was confirmed within six or seven days.

Zhao Zhen immediately issued an order to remove Prince Yong from the imperial register, strip him of his royal title, take back his fiefdom, and move his entire family to the imperial mausoleum to guard the tomb.

Without special permission, he will not be allowed to leave the mausoleum for life, and his descendants will be demoted to commoners and will never be allowed to enter officialdom!

In order to avoid damaging the dignity of the royal family, the royal family members of the Zhou Dynasty who made mistakes were often dealt with by means of imprisonment, stripping of titles, and demotion.

The death penalty was very rare, except in cases like the Prince of Yan, who was involved in the ten most serious crimes such as treason.

Therefore, the punishment for King Yong was already extremely severe.

Zhao Zhen's move was to completely eradicate the foundation that Prince Yong had built in the capital over the years.

Secondly, killing the chicken to scare the monkeys, to serve as a warning to others, so that those royal family members who are ready to make moves will put aside their inappropriate thoughts.

The Ministry of Rites has been very busy these days. They have to take into account the upcoming Autumn Examination, as well as prepare for the sacrifices at the Taimiao and the ceremonies of visiting the mausoleum. None of them can be neglected.

As for the northwestern border, Zhang Fu has sent Tangqi to deliver the message.

Around mid-September, he will be able to lead his army back in triumph. The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue are already calculating the rewards for military merit.

Early this morning, Hanlin Lane, Zhao Mansion.

"Your Highness, the carriage is ready and we can set off." Changqing said with a bow.

Zhao Han glanced at him lightly and said, "Call the lady, let's go."

Not long after, with a light shout from the coachman, the carriage slowly drove out of Hanlin Lane and headed straight for Jiying Lane.

Hua Lan leaned back on the soft cushions in the carriage, an expression of uncontrollable joy on her face.

"I've been feeling increasingly unwell lately. When I come back next time, I'll probably be out of confinement after giving birth."

Zhao Han gathered her cloak that had slipped off and said softly, "It's okay. If you miss someone, just send someone to get her over."

"There are plenty of vacant yards in our house."

When Hua Lan heard this, a smile suddenly appeared in her eyes.

"To be honest, sir, among my three sisters, Molan should have been an excellent child."

"But the older this girl gets, the more she resembles her mother. She's always calculating and comparing herself to others."

"Ru'er is impatient and willful. Whenever I say something to her, she gets impatient and turns her head away. I don't know what to do in the future."

"Only Xiaoliu is the one who suits my taste the most. Although we are not born from the same mother, he is the most considerate and caring."

"Grandma used to be a vegetarian and a Buddhist, and her health wasn't very good. But ever since Xiaoliu went to Shou'an Hall, she seems to have become ten years younger. She can even eat half a bowl more of rice."

"I'd like to bring Xiaoliu over to talk to me, but Daddy probably won't agree."

After saying that, Hua Lan shook her head helplessly and chuckled, rubbing her temples lightly with her fingertips.

Seeing that Zhao Han was a little confused, she said, "My lord, there is something I don't know."

"Father hates it most when people say he's partial. In our family now, we especially value treating everyone equally."

"If I only bring Minglan here, I'm afraid that person from Linqi Pavilion will make a scene in front of my father."

"When the time comes, I'll inevitably have to force Molan over as well. Ru'er hates to see Molan get any advantage, so she'll definitely make a fuss about coming over as well."

"I'd better wait until I have some spare time, then I'll bring them out to see the world. My Lord, please don't think they're too noisy then."

Zhao Han laughed out loud. The Sheng family's backyard was indeed as interesting as he thought.

He said gently, "How could that be? Just make the arrangements."

In less than half an hour, the carriage stopped steadily outside the Sheng Mansion.

When Zhao Han helped Hua Lan get off the carriage, he saw that the door of Sheng Mansion was wide open, and not only Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu were there.

Even the old lady was standing at the steps to greet them, her silver hair combed meticulously, looking particularly energetic.

"Grandma, why did you come out in person!" Hua Lan was surprised and happy when she saw this, and hurriedly took a few quick steps.

Zhao Han followed her, and when he approached, he politely bowed and said, "Greetings to Grandmother."

Upon hearing this, the old lady didn't bother to talk to Hua Lan and quickly reached out to support him.

"No, no, Your Highness is of high status now, how can you bow like this?"

Zhao Han smiled slightly and said, "Grandma, what are you talking about? In front of you, your grandson-in-law is always a junior."

"The emperor mentioned a few days ago how splendid my grandmother was when she was in the palace. All the officials and their wives in Bianjing combined couldn't compare to you."

A trace of reminiscence flashed in the old lady's eyes, and then she smiled and shook her head.

"These are all old stories. It's hard for the officials to remember them."

Hua Lan stepped forward, took the old lady's arm, and asked softly, "Grandma, how are you these days? I miss you so much."

The old lady patted the back of Hualan's hand, her gaze lingering on her bulging belly for a moment, her eyes full of kindness.

"Okay, all is well. But you, you came all the way back even though you're pregnant."

While they were greeting each other.

Brothers Sheng Changbai and Changfeng had already straightened their clothes and walked forward to Zhao Han, bowing respectfully and saying, "Greetings, brother-in-law!"

The three sisters Molan, Rulan and Minglan also followed suit and bowed with a proper smile on their faces.

Zhao Han glanced sideways and saw that the three girls were all wearing lake blue brocade skirts, but each had its own style.

It's been more than half a year since we last met.

Molan tallened up and stood at the front deliberately, with her face slightly raised, which made her look even more graceful.

Although Rulan is not as beautiful as Molan, she is also youthful and energetic, with a pair of lively and bright almond-shaped eyes.

Minglan is even more graceful and elegant. Even when she stands by with her eyelashes quietly lowered, she is as charming as a solitary orchid in a valley.

Zhao Han's eyes swept over her lightly. When Minglan noticed it, she raised her eyes slightly and showed a calm and bright smile.

Sheng Hong stroked his beard and smiled, "Your Highness and Hua'er must have been exhausted from the long journey. Come inside and rest. Tea is already served in the hall."

The group then gathered together and walked towards the main hall.

Along the way, the maids and servants busy on both sides were particularly well-behaved, and from time to time they would look up secretly at Zhao Han.

Sheng Hong deliberately fell half a step behind, letting Zhao Han and the old lady walk in front, while he walked side by side with Wang Ruofu.

In the main hall, Zhao Han and the old lady sat at the top.

He whispered, "If I remember correctly, Changbai and Changfeng will be taking the Autumn Examination soon."

"That's right. Everyone in the family is busy with this matter. The boat to Jiangning has been prepared and will depart the day after tomorrow."

"Speaking of which, I'm not worried about Changbai. He's been down-to-earth since he was young, and his writing is also very solid."

"Except Changfeng, I think this year is doomed." After Sheng Hong said this, he glared at Sheng Changfeng inconspicuously.

The imperial examinations of the Great Zhou Dynasty adopted the system of selecting candidates based on their hometown.

Although Changbai and Changfeng studied in Bian Jing, their hometowns were in Youyang, and they never attended the Imperial College.

Then he had to go to Jiangning Prefecture to take part in the provincial examination.

Gu Tingye's hometown is Bian Jing, and he is already on his way back.

Zhao Han smiled and said, "It's rare to get it right in one try. Chang Feng is talented, so he might have a chance this time."

Sheng Hong nodded repeatedly. He actually hoped that both of his sons would pass the autumn examination and bring honor to the family.

Wang Ruofu had a dignified smile on her face, and thought to herself: If this little bastard fails the exam, she will go to Yuqing Temple and pay three times the incense money to thank the gods!

After lunch, Zhao Han, Sheng Changbai and others moved to the study to chat.

Sheng Changfeng stretched his neck and asked with a smile, "Brother-in-law, I heard that the examiner for this year's autumn examination has been decided?"

Zhao Han put down his cup and said softly, "Indeed, the Right Vice Minister of Rites, Lord Zhou, has received the imperial decree to preside over the examination in Jiangning."

"This Lord Zhou hates flowery writing the most. When you answer, remember to be meaningful and avoid empty talk of morality."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Changbai nodded very solemnly, and a touch of joy surged in his heart. This was exactly the case with the articles he wrote every day.

Sheng Changfeng sighed to the sky with a worried look on his face. He loved to pretend to be cultured and had only been in the capital for three years.

He stood out among a group of literati and was given the elegant nickname of Master Jiafeng.

It is so difficult for him to give up those fancy words now!

On the other side, after Hua Lan finished talking to the old lady, Wang Ruofu couldn't wait to send someone to invite her over.

In Weiruixuan, Wang Ruofu took out a jade qilin from the cabinet with a smile on her face and handed it to Hualan.

"Hua'er, this is for you. I went to Yuqing Temple and asked a master to bless it. He said this item is the best way to keep mother and child safe."

Hua Lan frowned slightly and looked down.

The jade qilin was emerald green all over, with two dots of cinnabar embedded in its eyes. It looked vivid and lifelike, and it was obvious that it was worth a lot of money.

"Mother, this is too expensive. Why should we spend so much money? When my son gets married tomorrow..."