Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 199 Regent's Administration, Inside Shou'an Hall

Apart from a few high-ranking and powerful senior officials such as Zhang Fu and Shen Shiqi, everyone in the hall looked surprised and whispered among themselves.

The emperor's personal command of the expedition was no small matter, especially since it was against the Liao Kingdom.

Thinking back to the last time, it was Emperor Taizong who disregarded the advice of his ministers and insisted on leading his troops north to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun.

As a result, not only did they fail to recover an inch of territory, but they also suffered heavy losses and lost all their supplies.

They fled in panic all the way, and in the end they had to ride a donkey cart back to the capital in a sorry state, which became an indelible shame in the hearts of many veteran officials and common people.

Sheng Changbai glanced at Sheng Hong out of the corner of his eye.

After understanding, Sheng Hong immediately took out his jade tablet, stepped forward, and said loudly, "The emperor's personal expedition is a matter of great importance, affecting the entire nation and all its people."

"Your Majesty, I urge you to think twice before acting."

"I second the proposal."

"I also second my opinion."

"..."

Looking at the ministers stepping forward one after another, Zhao Han remained calm and composed.

Scholars would die for their principles, and warriors would die in battle. When the emperor personally led an expedition, civil officials would inevitably step forward to offer advice; it was an unavoidable formality.

"I know what my beloved ministers are worried about, and I understand the principles concerning the foundation of the country. However, as long as Yan and Yun are not recovered, the Great Zhou will not be at peace."

"My decision to personally lead the expedition is not to display imperial power, nor is it out of a desire for grand achievements."

"The Great Zhou's current situation is far beyond what it used to be. Minister Gu has already made proper arrangements on the border, and the food and military supplies are already sufficient. It is the perfect opportunity to wipe away the previous humiliation."

After saying this, he appointed several ministers, including Zhang Fu, Fan Chunren, and Sheng Changbai, to accompany him.

He also appointed Prince Zhao Jing of Jin to oversee the state affairs, with Shen Shiqi, Wang Anshi, Hai Yanping, Lü Huiqing and others assisting him in governing.

Gu Qianfan and Xu Pingyuan, who has inherited the title of Marquis of Yongyi, work together to protect the safety of the capital.

After announcing the end of the court session, he gave some confidential instructions to several key officials who remained in the capital in the Wenhua Hall.

It was almost noon in the blink of an eye.

Zhao Han put down his vermilion brush, ordered the imperial kitchen to serve the meal, and at the same time sent a eunuch to invite Hua Lan and Zhang Guifen over.

Before long, the two beauties appeared inside the Wenhua Hall.

Zhang Guifen stood beside Hua Lan, dressed in a lotus-root-colored brocade dress. With her beautiful eyebrows and delicate eyes, she was dignified and elegant, and her figure remained unchanged, still as well as her usual well-proportioned and healthy.

Hua Lan frowned slightly, gave a graceful bow, and spoke first: "I have heard that His Majesty intends to personally lead the expedition this time, and I am deeply worried. Why must Your Majesty do this..."

Before she could finish speaking, Zhao Han stepped forward and gently placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Don't worry, I have made full preparations long ago, and your second brother Changbai will also be traveling with you."

Hua Lan sighed softly, "He was a civil official who buried himself in books since childhood."

"I can't carry heavy loads or lift heavy objects. I can only help with some government affairs, and I can't protect His Majesty's safety."

Zhang Guifen, being a military officer by birth, had grown up seeing her father and brothers leading troops into battle. Although she had some worries, she was not as overtly concerned as Hua Lan.

She blinked and asked solemnly, "How confident is His Majesty in this northern expedition?"

With firearms and the Divine Machine Battalion and the Valiant Cavalry Battalion in hand, the long-standing problems within the Imperial Guards have been eliminated.

In recent years, Yelü Hongji has become increasingly incompetent, and the country's strength has gradually weakened. The Jurchens are also waiting for an opportunity to observe the movements of the Great Zhou.

With each side gaining and losing, there is no reason not to win. However, we cannot speak too slowly. As the art of war says: "A general should consider defeat before victory, and thus he will never be defeated in a hundred battles."

After a moment's thought, Zhao Han said softly, "About 70 or 80 percent. I will do my best and live up to the trust placed in me by the people."

Zhang Guifen nodded gently, then smiled brightly, "Then Your Majesty and I will wait in Bianjing for His Majesty's good news!"

"Alright, let's have lunch together," Zhao Han said, reaching out to pull the two of them to sit down on the soft stools.

Hua Lan held silver chopsticks, her eyelids slightly lowered, her mind repeatedly thinking about the northern expedition, fearing that something might go wrong, looking very worried.

Zhao Han picked up a piece of rouge-colored goose breast and placed it in her bowl. Hua Lan came back to her senses, smiled, and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"After I led my army away from Bianjing, the Prince of Jin will oversee the government. I have already made proper arrangements for the affairs of the previous dynasty."

"In the inner palace, the two of you must work together to take care of all matters, restrain the words and deeds of each palace, and maintain order."

"Supervise the princes to study and practice martial arts diligently, and take good care of the two princesses, ensuring that there are no mistakes."

"In case of major events or turmoil in the previous dynasty, you may order the Imperial City Guard to send a message to me. This guard is directly under my command and acts in a secretive and swift manner, ensuring that the message is not obstructed."

"The Empress Dowager is also being well taken care of by the imperial physicians."

Upon hearing this, Hua Lan and Zhang Guifen exchanged a glance and then nodded solemnly, saying, "Your Majesty, rest assured, your concubines will certainly guard the inner palace well, so that Your Majesty will have no worries."

"Your Majesty, I will do my best to assist you."

Zhao Han looked at the two of them and gently exhaled a breath of stale air.

Hua Lan has always been prudent and thorough in her actions. If one had to point out a flaw, it would be that she is kind-hearted and her methods are soft.

Zhang Guifen was decisive and efficient, never dragging things out. The two of them, one gentle and the other firm, were just right to govern the inner palace, with Minglan mediating between them.

After lunch, the two returned to their respective palaces to rest.

Zhao Han then summoned several concubines, including Rong Feiyan, Gao Taotao, and Wei Yunshao, and spoke to them with a mixture of kindness and severity, admonishment and concern.

-

As night fell, the Shou'an Hall of the Duke of Wei's mansion was brightly lit, filled with the aroma of tea.

Sheng Hong, Wang Ruofu, and Sheng Changbai were all having dinner with the old lady here. Hai Chaoyun brought Hui'er along to visit her mother, who had caught a cold.

The dishes on the table were still steaming, but Wang Ruofu had little appetite.

She held her chopsticks, her brows furrowed slightly. "Bai'er, once you leave, it might be a year or two before you return. The border is far away, and the battlefield is dangerous... you..."

Before she could finish speaking, she couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

Sheng Hong glanced at her sideways, then slowly picked up a piece of sea bass with his chopsticks. "Changbai is a civil official and doesn't need to go to the battlefield. Why are you sighing and complaining here?"

"I...I was just concerned about Bai'er." Wang Ruofu's mouth was slightly open, and there was a hint of resentment in her eyes.

Sheng Hong put the fish into his mouth, chewed it carefully, and continued, "Being able to accompany the emperor on the northern expedition is a sign of His Majesty's high regard for us."

"Serving as an advisor on military affairs and assisting with documents in front of the emperor is the path to advancement for civil officials. Many people would love to have such an opportunity but cannot obtain it."

"The recapture of Yan and Yun is a momentous national event that our dynasty has been looking forward to for a hundred years. Now that we finally have the opportunity, it is a blessing for Changbai to witness this event in person."

"The most important thing during this period is to prepare more warm clothes and medicines to protect Changbai from the wind and cold."

Wang Ruofu snorted lightly, "How could I not know? There's no need for you to trouble yourself with such trivial matters, sir."

The old lady looked at them and chuckled twice.

"It's only natural for a mother to care about Changbai. You don't need to be so serious and make him feel uncomfortable for no reason."

“It’s just…” Wang Ruofu muttered softly. The old lady continued, “His Majesty left Prince Jin to oversee the country and manage the affairs of state. Although you only hold a sinecure and have no real power.”

"But as the emperor's father-in-law, his status is what it is, so he cannot act arbitrarily."

"If someone tells you that you shouldn't get involved in matters of the court, you have to keep quiet and not say a word, let alone take the initiative to ask questions."

"Just stay home and wait for the Emperor's triumphant return. If some colleagues come and gossip about things in court, trying to persuade you to do something outrageous."

"You should just get sick, shut yourself in, and refuse to see anyone."

Sheng Hong put down his chopsticks and said solemnly, "Mother is right, I will keep it in mind."

"Fortunately, Changbai left the capital with the emperor, so my son was able to be more at ease in the court. During this time, my son spent more time discussing scholarship with the upright officials and less time discussing politics."

The old lady looked satisfied.

Sheng Changbai's eyes flickered slightly. He stood up and bowed respectfully. "Grandmother, Father, and Mother, you can rest assured. I will do my best on this trip and live up to Your Majesty's grace."

"Good boy, sit down quickly." Wang Ruofu smiled, looking at him with eyes full of relief and her tone full of tenderness.

After a few casual words, everyone...

The old lady suddenly remembered something and asked, "Judging by the days, Changfeng and the others should have arrived in Yangzhou by now. Have they sent a letter home to let us know they are safe?"

Sheng Changfeng had already traveled south with Liu Shi a month ago to take up his post in Yangzhou.

Sheng Hong frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. He shook his head and said, "Not yet. Perhaps this good-for-nothing has misled him."

"Mother, rest assured, your son has already asked several old acquaintances in Yangzhou to take good care of him, and there will be no problems."

"If there is still no news after a few days, my son will write to inquire and also give him a warning to behave himself."

The old lady nodded. With Madam Liu by her side, she didn't think Sheng Changfeng could cause any trouble. She was afraid he wouldn't even have the chance to go out for drinks and music.

Sitting to the side, listening to Sheng Hong's words, Wang Ruofu felt a pang of discomfort and couldn't help but purse her lips.

About half an incense stick's time later, the old lady slowly put down her bowl and chopsticks, and the maid standing to the side hurriedly stepped forward.

The old lady took the handkerchief from her hand, slowly wiped her mouth, and looked up at everyone, saying, "You've almost finished eating, you should all go back and rest early."

"Okay, Mother, please take your time."

Sheng Hong stood up and watched as Fang Mama helped the old lady leave before he and Wang Ruofu and the others left Shou'an Hall.

On the way to Wei Rui Xuan.

Wang Ruofu snorted coldly and couldn't help but say, "Back when Bai'er was serving in the Northwest, life was ten times harder than in Yangzhou, but you didn't seem to care much about it, sir."

"How come when it comes to Changfeng, he asks old friends for help and writes letters to subtly remind him, considering every single thing so thoroughly."

Upon hearing this, Liu's mother quickly considered the situation and then comforted him, saying, "I don't think the master is being biased."

"My second brother has been decisive since childhood, and he is meticulous in his work. He can stand on his own no matter where he is."

"No matter how much Third Brother restrains himself, he cannot be compared to Second Brother. I think the lord is just worried that he will cause trouble in Yangzhou."

“When Seventh Brother first took office as the patrol inspector of Ruzhou a few years ago, wasn’t the lord the same way, constantly writing letters and giving instructions on everything, for fear that something might go wrong?”

After passing the martial arts examination, Sheng Changliu was appointed as the patrol inspector of Ruzhou in the southwest of the capital.

In martial arts, all those who successfully pass the assessment...

One can serve as a low-ranking officer under the Palace Guard, the Cavalry Guard, and the Infantry Guard. Although the starting point is low, there are more opportunities under the rule of the emperor.

Secondly, they could go to local prefectures and counties to serve as patrol inspectors or patrol officers, responsible for arresting thieves and maintaining local security.

Thirdly, they served as squad leaders or captains in local imperial guards, commanding anywhere from dozens to hundreds of men.

He was sent to the border regions of the Northwest and Southwest to serve as a guard officer in fortresses and passes, and gradually rose through the ranks based on his military achievements in defending the border.

Given Sheng Changliu's background, it would be easy for him to stay in the capital and enter the Three Departments.

However, he took the initiative to request a transfer to another region, intending to gain experience and accumulate real skills before seeking other opportunities in three to five years.

In the military, relying solely on family connections for promotion is not a sustainable path.

Wang Ruofu turned to look at her, and said indignantly, "So our Bai'er is so easy to take care of, yet we don't get any pity from her?"

“Madam!” Liu Mama said silently, “Why do you always fuss over these trivial matters and make yourself upset?”

"Do you really think that Second Brother is also someone who causes trouble in every way and has no sense of proportion when things happen? Many officials' wives are envious of you."

"Besides, he is the eldest son in the family, so why should he argue with the third brother and the others?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Ruofu paused slightly, blinked, and whispered, "There's some truth to that. It seems I've misunderstood."

"Sigh, if I have some free time in a few days, I should go back to the Wang family and see my mother."

Old Mrs. Wang still kept mentioning wanting to save Wang Ruoyu. Wang Shiping and his aunt both knew that this was not an option, as breaking into the inner prison would be considered treason.

Out of consideration for Old Mrs. Wang's health and reputation, they initially had to find various excuses to delay the process.

As time went on, they had exhausted all the excuses they could come up with, and the two had no choice but to bite the bullet and directly refuse.

Grandma Wang wouldn't let it go, pounding her chest and stamping her feet as she berated them for being unfilial.

Aunt Wang was furious and could no longer tolerate it, so she bluntly said that Wang Ruoyu was a menace.

If she hadn't been so blind to right and wrong and hadn't indulged Wang Ruoyu, the Wang family would never have fallen into such a state.

Seeing her daughter-in-law talking back to her like this, while her son remained silent, Old Mrs. Wang was so angry that she trembled all over and her vision blurred.

In addition, every time he spent money to smooth things over and visit Wang Ruoyu in the inner prison, Wang Ruoyu would always act like a madman, with a ferocious expression and rude words.

He even turned around and accused himself of being ruthless, of not caring for her at all, of watching her suffer in prison, and of feeling that the entire Wang family owed her something.

Under the combined pressure, Old Mrs. Wang fell seriously ill and never recovered.

Kang Yuan'er did cause trouble a few times, but now the Kang family is in decline, Wang Ruoyu is in prison, and Old Madam Wang can't manage things.

The concubine whom Wang You married a few years ago has already given birth to a child.

Aunt Wang naturally no longer cared about her and confined her to the backyard on the grounds that she was disrespectful to her mother-in-law.

They had already planned to persuade Wang Shiping and Wang You to divorce Kang Yuan'er after Old Madam Wang passed away.

As for Wang Ruofu, Sheng Hong repeatedly warned her not to interfere in the affairs of the Wang family.

She could only visit Old Mrs. Wang when she had free time, bringing her some ginseng, bird's nest, and other nourishing items.

After the official announcement of the personal expedition, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Works were the first to be mobilized, with everyone working non-stop and the lights burning all night.

Liang Hui, the Earl of Yongchang, who worked in the Ministry of Works, took a hands-on approach and dared not make the slightest mistake.

He knew this was the best opportunity for him to be promoted, and he couldn't afford to mess it up. There were quite a few people in Bianjing who wanted to see him make a fool of himself.

Especially his own useless brothers.

(End of this chapter)