Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World

Page 150

Wang Ruofu knew some of the inside story and slowly said, "Your brother-in-law is a high-ranking official of the third rank, enjoying great favor and honor. Many people are interested in marrying you. For example, Prefect Su introduced Cai Jing to him."

"Cai Jing?"

Sheng Rulan nodded slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then asked with her head down, "How is he?"

"Cai Jing was from Xianyou County. He became a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the county-level imperial examinations) at the age of sixteen and a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examinations) at the age of eighteen. His father, Cai Zhun, served as the Tongzhi (assistant magistrate) of Huzhou. From his father's generation onwards, his grandfather and great-grandfather were all Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), and four generations of his family had served as officials. The Cai family was a prominent family in the county."

"Compared to Zhao Ge'er's family background, it's probably much worse."

“However, they are still a prominent family in the county, and with four generations of business, they certainly won’t have to worry about wealth,” Wang Ruofu asserted.

In terms of family background alone, without Zhao Ge'er, it's really hard to say whether the Cai family or the Sheng family was more powerful.

After all, the Sheng family only began to prosper after Sheng Hong started his business.

In terms of background, it is definitely lacking, but with two great figures, the only daughter of the Marquis of Yongyi and the legitimate daughter of Grand Tutor Wang, it is not too bad.

The Cai family had indeed run the business for generations, but none of them had ever held high-ranking official positions; they had merely managed the territory of a single county.

In terms of individual merits, the two are equally matched.

However, since Jiang Zhao became their son-in-law, the Sheng family has become the most powerful force in the country, far surpassing the Cai family.

Of course, when civil officials discussed marriage, they focused more on the woman's family background and upbringing, and the man's character and talent.

Cai Jing's lower social standing didn't matter much.

"A sixteen-year-old scholar who passed the county-level imperial examination, and an eighteen-year-old scholar who passed the provincial-level imperial examination?" Sheng Rulan asked cautiously.

“Not bad.” Wang Ruofu nodded.

This level of reading ability is even much better than Changbai's.

Changbai passed the provincial examination at the age of twenty-two, and then went on to become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). At the age of twenty-three, he entered the Hanlin Academy to compile books.

"Oh." Sheng Rulan nodded, her thoughts unreadable.

Wang Ruofu was not surprised to see this.

When a daughter is involved in marriage, she becomes much more sensitive and is destined to be quiet and reserved for a period of time.

"So how exactly do we discuss marriage?" Sheng Rulan asked.

"In a few days, his father Cai Zhun and Cai Jing will come to visit. If there are no problems, the marriage will be arranged."

A deep, resonant voice rang out, and Sheng Hong stroked his beard as he strode inside.

"Father," Sheng Rulan quickly bowed and asked eagerly, "The engagement?"

"engagement!"

Sheng Hong smiled and said, "That Cai Jing is both talented and handsome, and his speech and conversation are in no way inferior to Changbai's. I was very satisfied with my discussion with his father."

Sheng Rulan nodded.

Linqi Pavilion.

Sheng Molan frowned and exclaimed in surprise, "My brother-in-law has arranged a marriage for Rulan?"

Sheng Molan could not help but be surprised.

That's my brother-in-law!

Given my brother-in-law's network of connections, the talented young man he introduces is definitely not an ordinary person.

"They say they are a prominent family in the county. He passed the provincial examination at the age of eighteen and is a shoo-in for the imperial examination in the future," Lin Qinshuang said slowly.

"I see!" Sheng Molan's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

She felt that this family background wasn't good enough.

She prefers to reap the rewards of others' labor rather than rise to power step by step.

Once married, they enjoy boundless glory, instead of having to wait for seniority.

"Mo'er, no rush."

Lin Qinshuang offered a comforting remark and said in a low voice, "We can't count on the young master, but the eldest son of the Earl's mansion can make do."

Sheng Molan nodded, her heart hardening: "Little sister, you have to help me."

Of the sisters, the eldest sister undoubtedly married the best, so well that it was something no one dared to dream of.

The fifth sister married a young scholar who had passed the imperial examinations. Although she didn't like to suffer hardships with him, she had to admit that he did have a promising future.

The sixth sister attempted to marry into a higher social class, and her reputation was almost ruined by Princess Pingning.

In comparison, the earl's eldest son, whose status is neither too high nor too low, and who is not worried about wealth, is also a good choice.

Unfortunately, her father always wanted her to marry a young scholar and suffer hardships together.

Since her father wouldn't find her a duke's legitimate son, she would find one herself!

……

Chapter 146 Gu Er Enters the Capital, Mo Lan's Operation!

The stars gradually disappeared, and the first rays of dawn appeared.

"when!"

A resounding bell tolled, echoing across the heavens.

The lamplight flickers red, and the tassels sway in the light.

The sound of footsteps gradually rose as officials filed through the left side gate to enter the palace for court discussions.

They might wear purple robes and jade belts with xiezhi (mythical beast) accessories, or red robes and leather belts with black gauze hats. Occasionally, a few would wear green robes and square headscarves.

Jiang Zhao, dressed in a purple robe and jade belt, wearing a gold talisman and fish-shaped pouch, and holding a scepter, walked slowly with his hands behind his back.

"Zichuan."

At a call, Jiang Zhao stopped and turned around.

A man dressed in a red robe, with a strong and imposing physique, exuded a heroic and resolute air.

Gu Tingye!

"Zhonghuai." Jiang Zhao cupped his hands in greeting, not surprised.

The suppression of the rebellion in Guangnan took half a year, and the situation has been completely stabilized.

Gu Tingye had already entered the capital half a month ago.

Holding a ceremonial tablet, Gu Tingye strode closer.

"How's it going?" Jiang Zhao asked.

Since the founding of the nation, successive emperors have always held a policy of reliance, trust, and suspicion towards military generals.

When military generals lead troops to quell a rebellion, victory is only one part of the process.

Upon entering the capital, the primary task of military officers was to enter the palace for an audience, relinquish their military power, and demonstrate their loyalty.

Furthermore, they had to submit relevant documents to the government and the Privy Council, detailing the process of suppressing the rebellion, the loss of troops and supplies, the results of the suppression, and the situation at the front.

The spears, armor, bows and crossbows, and other heavy weapons of the soldiers under his command who were suppressing the rebellion were also confiscated and put into storage.

In fact, apart from the Palace Guards who protected the emperor, most soldiers in the capital were not allowed to wear armor, let alone spears and crossbows.

Conventional weapons still consist of a knife and a shield.

In addition, documents concerning soldiers' merits, rewards, and pensions had to be submitted to the Ministry of War and the Privy Council.

Therefore, even after arriving in the capital, Gu Tingye remained quite busy.

"I've been busy for about half the time."

The two walked side by side, and Gu Tingye said slowly, "The documents for suppressing the rebellion, the soldiers' merits, rewards, and pensions have all been submitted. If there are no doubts from above, I guess we can have some free time for a while."

It has almost become the norm for military generals to keep a low profile for a while after returning with their troops.

Of course, after leading troops for a long time, under high tension and fatigue, military officers do need to rest and recuperate.

Jiang Zhao nodded: "What about Guangnan West Road?"

"The rebels called themselves the 'Emperor Zhaode,' and their army once numbered over five thousand." Gu Tingye waved his hand and said, "However, their military discipline was lax, and they were not a force to be reckoned with."

"The two armies clashed, and more than 3,000 people were killed, while nearly 2,000 people fled."

“Since July, we have been dealing with the fleeing rebels. Finally, we found the rebel leader in the Huainan area and executed him.”

As he spoke, Gu Tingye's expression changed, and he glanced at her, saying, "Speaking of which, I also saved your sixth sister-in-law's life."

"Sixth sister-in-law?"

Jiang Zhao's eyes flickered slightly: "What do you mean?"

A few days ago, Old Madam Sheng and Sheng Minglan arrived in Beijing.

"It's best not to go into details," Gu Tingye shook his head and said, "Anyway, I saved her life."

"After strangling the bandit leader, the remaining months were spent pacifying the Baiyue people."

Gu Tingye explained, "Compared to the Tibetans, the Baiyue people were much smaller in number, but they were very good at fighting in the mountains and forests."

"The issues of appeasement and suppression are the most mentally taxing. If it weren't for my experience in the border regions of Xihe and the integration of Han and non-Han peoples, I'm afraid I might not have been able to control them."

Jiang Zhao understood.

Compared to the Tibetans, the Baiyue people were like "savages".

In terms of fighting strength, the Baiyue people are certainly not very good, but when it comes to appeasement and communication, the difficulty is much greater.

"How is Lord Gu?"

The two walked slowly, and Jiang Zhao asked curiously.

As far as he knew, Gu Yankai's health had not deteriorated overnight; the long-term damage from the medicinal diet was absolutely incurable.

"Ugh!"

Gu Tingye sighed: "His hidden injuries keep recurring, and his leg has become infected. Soldiers took turns carrying him into the capital."

"That's it!"

Jiang Zhao understood and laughed, "Now that you mention it, you'd better get married as soon as possible. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until you're at least thirty."

Gu Tingye is now twenty-six years old.

Once Gu Yankai passes away, he will have to observe a three-year mourning period.

At that time, he will be twenty-nine years old.

If it involves marriage, the marriage process must be followed, which takes at least six months.

Therefore, if Gu Tingye did not get married before Gu Yankai's death, it would mean that he would have to be at least thirty years old to start a family.

Originally, being twenty-five and still unmarried was already considered old.

If you wait until you're thirty, that's really too late.

Gu Tingye nodded.

He was aware of this as well.

“However…” Gu Tingye hesitated, then fell silent.

"But what?" Jiang Zhao asked.

Gu Tingye smiled meaningfully and said slowly, "I have already made some plans about this matter."

"when!"

A bell tolls, its sound echoing across the heavens.

"It's good that you have a plan."

Jiang Zhao adjusted his purple robe and said calmly, "Let's go."

Gu Tingye nodded.