To say that Sheng Hong was not a member of the Four Secretaries for nothing, according to Ming Lan, he was very politically sensitive. On the third day after the Northern Expedition army returned to the court, he keenly felt that he was about to be busy. [Ye *】【*】
The military power of the Great Zhou Dynasty was originally concentrated in the Governor's Office of the Five Armies, plus the left-behind departments in the capital and various garrison posts. There were also some 50% military and horse departments. Then after the new emperor came to the throne, he successively experienced the "Jingtan Rebellion" and the Northern Expedition to Jingnu. It was a big war, and most of the elite troops who were good at fighting were concentrated in the hands of Shen and Gu.
As usual, after the army returns to the court, the leading general must return the military talisman and seal letter, but it has been half a month. The officials sent several letters and reminded him a little, but there was no movement from the emperor. Finally, Qiu, the great scholar of Wuyingdian, Shu publicly presented the memorial at the court meeting, but the emperor severely reprimanded him, calling it "transgression."
Sheng Hong felt that something was wrong, and he always trusted the old lady. One day after leaving the office, he said a few words when he came to Shou'an Hall to pay his respects, and then went to discuss it in detail with Changbai.
"Don't let anything happen again." Mrs. Sheng clasped her hands together and recited a few words of Buddha silently, "The people will suffer in the end due to the chaos and war. Years ago, many fertile fields on both sides of the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers suffered from poor harvests. Only the farmers were pitied. I have to sell my son and daughter." The old lady has been worshiping Buddha for many years and has a good nature. Since years ago, she has reduced or reduced the rent of many tenants.
Minglan picked up an embroidery needle and carefully poked an embroidery bandage. Hearing this, he raised his head and said with a blank expression: "No, there are not many emperors who like to fight throughout the ages."
After all, Mrs. Sheng had some experience, so she pondered: "Could it be that the Emperor... wants to do something?"
Minglan listened and nodded her head: "Grandma is right. The apprentice caught the butcher's knife to force him to molest. The thief caught the mace because he wanted to be a robber. The emperor held the military power and refused to let it go. He was afraid that There is going to be some movement."
Emperor Renzong treated nobles and nobles very leniently. Therefore, in the past 20 to 30 years, military power was mostly controlled by noble families. These families had been married for generations, their power was intertwined, and military discipline was loose. After the new emperor ascended the throne, a major change of blood was required.
The old lady pinched Ming Lan's smooth little face. Seeing her naughty look, she was happy that she had regained her playful spirit. She laughed and scolded: "Damn girl, you are talking nonsense! You are also talking about the government affairs! Can't you see? Hit you in the mouth!"
Minglan covered her face, tried her best to twist away the old lady's clutches, and shouted softly: "It's not government affairs! It's a matter of great importance to our family."
"What's the big deal?" the old lady asked curiously.
Minglan put down her hand, leaned over and said with a serious face: "Hurry up and tell your wife not to rush to find a home for the fifth sister. It will be more reliable to go after this settlement is over!"
After all, he accepted a gold necklace as hush money, which helped a little bit; someone who can have a positive influence on Ru Lan can't be too bad. It's not easy to fall in love sincerely these days. Minglan hopes Ru Lan can be happy.
In fact, Minglan was overly worried. The emperor moved faster than Wang. Before Wang could choose a son-in-law, the first impeachment began.
Those who vassalized and deposed the four princes during the "Shenchen Incident", those who were associated with the two rebellious kings during the "Jingtan Rebellion", and those who were incompetent in military affairs during the Northern Expedition to Jienu, will all be subject to the supervision of the imperial censors by the emperor. Shi Ling worked hard to investigate, and then joined forces with Dali Temple to conduct a rigorous trial. (·~)
According to the basic military principle that war should not be fought on both sides, the emperor focused his firepower on the powerful families this time, expropriating several royal families at once and denigrating more than a dozen families. The Yongchang Marquis Mansion also suffered a serious blow due to the unfavorable military assistant. As a result, the Marquis was fined a year's salary, and the Marquis's mansion was deprived of two royal estates.
The civil service group was safe for the time being, so they spared no effort to provide suggestions and help to the emperor. As the junior leader of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Sheng Hong was particularly busy. He was half-awaited for many days in a row, and sometimes he had to sleep in the ministry.
On this day, Hua Lan came to visit the pregnant Hei Shi with a large bag and a small bag. By the way, he brought his son and daughter to his grandfather's house to play. Brother Quan and Brother Shi were not many days apart. At this time, Children are the most playful, they love to move and make noises, but they can't do big tricks, they can't walk or move far, and the most powerful technique is still to open their mouths and cry loudly.
Not long ago, Minglan designed a row of wooden fences more than a foot high for Brother Shi, wrapped the corners with brocade cotton, and surrounded the Kang like building blocks, creating a small square place. , everything inside is soft, so it doesn’t matter if the child climbs up or falls.
This idea was very much appreciated by Haishi. Since she became pregnant, she has not been able to get close to her son anymore. She often sits aside with a smile, watching Minglan playing with small toys to play with brother Quan in the fence. Her chubby little Sometimes he fell onto his back, and sometimes he moved a few steps awkwardly while holding on to the fence, often making the adults watching burst into laughter.
Hua Lan looked at it and found it interesting, so he simply put Brother Quan in and let the two boys be naughty on their own. The two generally fair and chubby children twisted together, sometimes helping each other, trying hard to help each other stand up, and sometimes They fought over the toys and twisted them into twists and turns. Sister Zhuang clapped her hands and cheered. Everyone laughed and laughed. Even the maid next to her couldn't help but laugh.
Finally, exhausted from the fuss, the two brothers cried a few times and fell asleep together, with their heads next to each other, their short fat calves stacked on top of each other, snoring softly, snoring loudly, and drooling.
Sister Zhuang was also tired of being stubborn. She held the Doraemon doll that Minglan had just given her in one hand and rubbed her eyes twice with the other hand. Mrs. Wang quickly put her to sleep in the greenhouse next door and asked the maid to watch her. Heidi rubbed her lower back and felt tired, so the old lady asked her to go back and rest.
"Sigh... it's better here. Look at how strong and strong my brother is. Not to mention his good temper, he's also generous and doesn't care about others." Hualan smoothed out the wrinkles in her clothes that had been caused by playing around just now, and looked at the man sleeping on the kang in the back room from a distance. The son sighed slightly, "Unlike Brother Quan, who is dull and weak."
Ru Lan was playing with a rattle, raised her head and said to Hua Lan: "Sister-in-law often carries brother Shi while walking in the garden, and doesn't let him jump around. It's because my eldest sister is too tight on brother Quan!"
Hua Lan's face darkened, as if she was displeased. Seeing that her two daughters were quarreling again, Mrs. Wang quickly said, "What do you know? How come your eldest sister's family is so neat and tidy compared to ours? It has a large population and you can't tell what your thoughts are. How can I rest assured if my eldest sister doesn’t stick close to my brother Quan!"
Hua Lan's face softened a little, and she said in a bitter tone: "None of those in your son-in-law's house are worried, so how could I dare to be distracted for a moment! My siblings are lucky, and the family is all real people. I, hey..."
Mrs. Sheng felt very sorry for her eldest granddaughter. She pulled Hua Lan to her side and hugged her gently: "Girl Hua, there are many unsatisfactory things in life. After all, my uncle treats you well. ~"
Hualan looked at the old lady's loving and caring eyes, and her heart warmed up. She felt that she had a family she could rely on, so she smiled and said, "Brother Shi, his father treats his granddaughter very well. He just clicks on the flowers and plants in the house." After that, I spent most of the day with my granddaughter, and when I got married, I coaxed my brothers and sisters to play! My mother-in-law sometimes used words to tease me, but he didn’t dare to contradict her in person, so he turned around and reported it to his father-in-law, who then became stern. Come scold the mother-in-law - "You are living too comfortably?! The happiness of your daughter-in-law and your daughter-in-law is the blessing of the family. Don't make trouble for nothing. What's the matter with a mother-in-law mingling in the children's room all day long?! What a fuss." If the family is not at peace, go to the temple and copy scriptures, and then your mother-in-law will be honest for a while."
Hua Lan spoke in a rough voice and imitated Uncle Zhongqin's tone so vividly that Rulan couldn't hold it in for a breath and fell into Minglan's arms laughing; Mrs. Zhongqin's house was also a famous fool in the capital and often annoyed me.
Even her eldest aunt, Mrs. Shoushanbo, looked down upon her. Many relatives and friends knew this.
Mrs. Wang then breathed a sigh of relief, wiped her eyes, and said repeatedly: "That's good, that's good! Your father finally didn't make a mistake, my uncle is a good person!"
The old lady took Hua Lan's hand, patted it gently, and said with emotion: "Girl Hua, you are very good like this. You should keep your figure low, understand the principles, and don't be too afraid of her. Your father-in-law and husband-in-law are both
A person who understands will not let your mother-in-law do whatever she wants!"
After hearing this, Rulan knew that Hualan's life was not easy, and she felt embarrassed, so she slowly stood up, apologizing for her fault, and said: "Sister, you don't have to worry about me, brother-in-law is capable."
If you are well-trained, your little nephew will definitely be average, and he may become a mighty little general in the future!"
Hua Lan wiped her eyes and deliberately joked: "But, they say that I am like my mother, but I can't get the benefits of your eldest brother-in-law!"
Rulan lacked any clues and immediately got stuck. She pinched Minglan. Minglan had put out fires for her more than once or twice. She sighed in her stomach and immediately added: "...That's my nephew, Uncle Xiao."
, If Brother Shi is like a big brother, hey..."
"So what?" Hua Lan asked with a smile.
Minglan deliberately let out a long sigh, spread out her two chubby hands, and looked confused: "Even if you don't want to study well and fail the exam, it will be extremely difficult!" Rulan clapped her hands and laughed.
: "This is great, either a little general or a little champion!"
Everyone in the room was very happy. Mrs. Wang felt very happy when she heard this. Hua Lan walked to Ming Lan and twisted her several times. Ru Lan came to help. The three sisters slapped and twisted her, giggling.
Seeing that her daughter was doing well, Mrs. Wang thought of the other married woman and couldn't help but ask: "Hua'er, have you... heard anything about the Yongchang Hou Mansion recently? Is it important?"
Mrs. Sheng glanced at her displeasedly. Wang's tone was much more gloating than concerned, and she was too upset.
Hua Lan shook his head and sighed: "Oh! The Liang family is too tactful. The fight between the third prince and the fourth prince was really scary. If King Jing succeeds in the end, won't those who helped fight against the enemy suffer? This
He had always been perfunctory in the army, but now that he has fallen into the hands of the Holy Emperor, he has nothing to say. The Liang family's concubine went north with the army. Although he had some work, he was promoted by General Gan; but
General Gan... was promoted to Minister of the Ministry of War to free up vacancies in the army, and the emperor would put his own men there instead?!"
The emperor's life was not good before he came to the throne. Not to mention that the powerful families in the vassal area did not give him much respect. Every time he came back to the capital, he often saw those powerful families fawning over the three princes and the fourth prince. He must have been unhappy for a long time.
Already.
Wang was fascinated by what she heard, and combined with the gossip she had heard recently, she quickly said: "The most prosperous family in Beijing now is probably the Shen family. Not only did they have a queen, but they also have an uncle who can fight; tsk tsk, the Shen family.
Good luck!" He said this with a hint of envy, quite envious of the Shen family's vision in choosing a son-in-law.
Why didn't Hua Lan know what her mother meant? She hid her sleeves and sneered, saying mischievously: "My mother-in-law is regretting it now. My sister-in-law Wen Ying officially got married half a year ago. Who knows, what will happen a month later?"
Uncle Shen's first wife is gone, and now anyone who proposes marriage to the Shen family may have crossed the threshold!" Hualan only felt funny when thinking of her mother-in-law's annoyed look, beating her chest and stamping her feet.
Old Mrs. Sheng shook her head gently and sighed: "The fire is cooking the oil, the flowers are decorated with brocade, and you may not have an easy life after entering such a high-level family. I see that your husband's aunt is a very down-to-earth person, and she loves her niece, Shoushan Bofu."
The population is not large, so a girl from my in-laws is really lucky to be able to marry into it!"
Hualan always admired the old lady's knowledge, and nodded repeatedly: "Grandma said it! Just look at the Yuan family. Because the family has been neglected, it has nothing to do with it now. This time the emperor is trying to clean up the Yuan family.
On the contrary, nothing happened."
Minglan's heart skipped a beat and she interrupted: "Eldest sister, you just said that the emperor is afraid that he will replace his own men in the army. People like the eldest brother-in-law who have no family or sect may still be reused."
Yuan Wenshao had already thought of this, but Hua Lan was too embarrassed to boast in her parents' home. Seeing Minglan point it out for him, he felt happy, proudly pursed his lips, and said humbly: "Not necessarily, it depends on what your Majesty wants."
The old lady was very happy and said: "With your uncle's help, your life in the Yuan family will be better!" Wang simply said bluntly: "When can we separate the family, you can really live a better life without your mother-in-law!"
The old lady sighed inwardly. She didn't even have the energy to be angry with Mrs. Wang this time. This was indeed the unanimous voice of the Sheng family, but could she say this in front of her mother-in-law?
Hua Lan was so smart. One look at the old lady's expression and she knew that Wang was speaking inappropriately. She quickly changed the subject: "Grandma, mother, two sisters, do you know what is the most interesting thing in Beijing right now?"
Everyone looked confused, Hua Lan chuckled and continued, "Does everyone know about Gu Tingye who went on the Northern Expedition with Uncle Shen Guo?"
Minglan was startled, but she immediately calmed down and sat down honestly.
Wang laughed when he heard this: "Why didn't you know? The prodigal son of the Ningyuan Marquis Mansion has now become a prosperous man! He is also involved with the four princes, Jinxiang Marquis, Ling Guogong, and three or four other families who have all lost their titles and ruined their lives.
They searched the house and put them on trial, but the Marquis of Ningyuan only removed the imperial plaque. They all said that the emperor looked at Gu Erlang. What happened to him?"
Hua Lan took the tea bowl, took a sip of tea, and said slowly: "A few years ago, Ningyuan Hou's Mansion told Gu Tingye about a marriage. It was the Peng family, a distant relative of Fu'an Hou. At that time, Gu Tingye was alone outside and did not know about it.
When he found out, the Ningyuan Hou Mansion had already arranged for a matchmaker. Unexpectedly, the Peng family saw that Gu Tingye was in trouble and refused to agree to the marriage, so they just let it go and asked a concubine from the clan to take his place. Gu Erlang was so angry that he was half dead.
, so I found a few brothers in the army to accompany me, and went directly to Peng’s house to refuse the matter!"
Mrs. Wang's eyes were filled with joy when she heard this, and she said with surprise: "That's it! I only knew half of this matter originally. The Peng family has a blind eye for gold and jade, and now I feel regretful!"
"Isn't it?!" Hua Lan smiled at the old lady and said, "Now that Gu Tingye is no longer what he used to be, the Peng family actually wants to get married again. They invited the matchmaker who went to Ningyuan Marquis Mansion to propose marriage and shouted everywhere, saying
What 'already engaged'!"
Wang said disdainfully: "This Peng family is so shameless!"
Mrs. Sheng also shook her head repeatedly after hearing this, and said in a deep voice: "Even so, it is not easy to make the matter a deadlock. After all, Marquis Fu'an is still connected to the other end."
Hua Lan Runbai's finger gently touched his lips, and he couldn't hide his smile: "Then Gu Erlang, how can he be willing to suffer a loss?! He asked someone to send a painting to the Peng family. The Peng family was very happy, and the lunch box
Opened in front of many people, the painting showed a barren field, and a farmer on the side dragged his plow away."
When Minglan heard this, she almost sprayed tea with joy. Wang and Rulan looked at each other, but the old lady seemed to be aware of it and smiled slightly. Rulan didn't dare to ask anyone else, so she grabbed Minglan's arm and asked in a low voice: "What's the meaning!"
Minglan swallowed the tea in her mouth first, then regained her breath and said: "...No one is plowing the thin fields, but there are people fighting to cultivate them!"
Ru Lan understood, she laughed and clapped her hands, Wang said with sarcasm, "Well said! Now the Peng family will be embarrassed!"
Hua Lan smiled and said: "Gu Tingye used this painting to point out that the Peng family was in trouble. The Peng family couldn't pretend to be stupid, so they found a step and went down. I think Gu Tingye seemed to have gone too far. Unexpectedly, your son-in-law said that Gu Erlang is much more restrained now. If he had the same temper as before, he might scold him right at his door!"
Minglan thought of Yanran's incident and the water thieves brothers who were shot into hedgehogs, and nodded secretly, this guy really has a bad temper.
Hua Lan wiped away the tears from laughter and said again: "The Peng family's behavior is just to make people laugh. Even the Fu'an Hou Mansion is not willing to help. Nowadays, there are many people who want to recruit Gu Tingye as their son-in-law. Gu Tingye Zhen has been busy at the Governor's Mansion, and has never even returned to the General's Mansion. The matchmakers rushed to the Ningyuan Marquis Mansion in droves, who still remembers the Peng family!"
Minglan drank tea in silence without saying a word; she only thought to herself that the Peng family could not be entirely blamed for this matter. How could a wandering prodigal and a newly wealthy man with a holy family have the same treatment? Now they are better. , they all talk about their relatives, my second uncle will definitely be able to find a legitimate daughter that he likes, who is gentle, virtuous, gentle and considerate, so good!
The author has something to say:
I haven't been able to reply recently for fear of being photographed, but occasionally I continue to send points, and I read everyone's comments carefully, really.