Do you know: I have a different surname: Wang, uncle Minglan.

Chapter 348 Minglan's Wedding
In mid-April of the third year of Kaiwu, Wei Yuan, after some operations, transferred Changger to Yanbian to serve as a county magistrate.

Originally Wei Yuan thought that Wei Ruyi would come to him to ask about the situation because of this matter.

After all, it would be unacceptable for a runner-up in the imperial examination to become a county magistrate, and in a remote area at that, no matter what dynasty it was.

However, from beginning to end, Wei Ruyi had been staying in the Sheng family to take care of Wei Shuyi, and had no intention of looking for Wei Yuan.

Moreover, after hearing that it was Wei Yuan who made the arrangement, Wei Ruyi specifically instructed Chang Ge'er to work hard and not to embarrass Wei Yuan.

After Wei Yuan knew about it, he was deeply touched. After all, they were siblings, and the word "trust" was there, so there was no need to say anything more.

Around April, Minglan's wedding entered the stage of urgent preparations.

Originally, this matter required the Sheng family to step in and had little to do with Wei Yuan.

But Wei Yuan always treated Minglan as his own daughter.

Therefore, Wei Yuan directly took over the Sheng family's responsibility to prepare for Minglan's wedding.

Not only that, he also wrote a special note asking the official Zhao Xi to order the Ministry of Rites to handle this matter.

In short, Minglan's marriage was the ceiling except for the marriages of royal children, and it was even grander than Xu Changzhi's wedding.

This was probably around mid-May, and there was still more than half a month before the wedding. During this period, Wei Yuan and Zhang Guifen would come to the Sheng family whenever they had nothing to do.

In Twilight Cangzhai.

Wei Yuan, Wei Shuyi and Wei Ruyi, three siblings, were sitting around a stone table chatting.

In front of them, people from the Ministry of Rites or the Marquis' Mansion would occasionally come and carry some supplies needed for the wedding.

Seeing this, Wei Shuyi sighed: "This is too extravagant. Isn't it too much for you to disturb the emperor for Ming girl's marriage?"

Wei Yuan shook his head and said, "It's not too much. The Ningyuan Marquis' Mansion is still a marquis' mansion after all. If we don't marry Ming girl off in a grand manner, I'm afraid others will think that we are marrying above our station."

If it weren't for Wei Yuan, wouldn't Minglan marrying Gu Tingye be marrying above her station?

"I also informed Gu Tingye that on the wedding day, Ming girl will be the one to marry. After they are married, I will ask Guifen to take Ming girl to the palace to pay respect to the Queen Mother and ask for an imperial decree for Ming girl."

As Wei Yuan finished speaking, Ming Lan, who was standing behind them, suddenly widened her eyes and said in disbelief:
"Me? Imperial decree?"

Even Wei Shuyi thought it was unacceptable, "How old is Ming girl? How can she get an imperial decree? It's not appropriate. Let's talk about this matter two years later."

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "It's just an imperial decree, it's okay."

After a pause, he looked at Minglan again, "Your cousin Chang Ge'er has just taken up his post, so I'm afraid he won't be able to attend your wedding."

When it comes to this matter, Wei Ruyi won't say anything, but as the eldest sister, Wei Shuyi always asks about it.

"Chang'er is at least a runner-up, so he should go to the Hanlin Academy to edit books. When Changbai became a Jinshi, he went to the Hanlin Academy."

Wei Yuan said: "Sister, please don't ask about this. Anyway, Chang Ge'er is my nephew. How can I harm him?"

At this time, Wei Ruyi asked, "Since Chang Ge'er became the runner-up, many families in the capital have come to propose marriage. Do you think we should choose a marriage for Chang Ge'er in the capital?"

Wei Yuan said: "There is no rush for this matter. Let's discuss it after Chang Ge'er has made some achievements in the local government and is transferred to the capital."

Later, Sheng Hong invited Wei Yuan to the main hall and asked him about inviting those people to the banquet when his daughter got married. Wei Yuan knew what he meant.

Sheng Hong was a civil servant and had a group of colleagues in the court.

By then, he didn't know who Wei Yuan would invite, so he needed to consider it carefully.

Wei Yuan said: "You don't need to ask me about this. The people I invited will all go to the Ningyuan Marquis' Mansion for the banquet."

Hearing this, Sheng Hong breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a little disappointed in his heart.

Most of the people Wei Yuan knew were the sons of the new nobles of Daizhou, rising stars in the court. Many of them were unmarried, and the Sheng family still had two unmarried daughters.
If they all married the sons of the new rich, how could the Sheng family be weak?
-
The Military Academy was opened as early as after the Spring Examination.

Xu Changzhi and Yang Huairen served as the first deans.

He was a student in the first class of Daizhou Military Academy and the backbone of Wei Yuan's forces.

Among them were thirteen generals including Jiang Xun, Jiang Suiyun, Feng Xing, Xiang Yunchu, Zhao Xiongzhou, Han Guang, Zhong Yi, and Zhong Zhen.

These thirteen generals were also called the "Thirteen Military Academy Generals" by later generations. After all, they were the first batch of students of the Military Academy and represented the inside of the Military Academy.

And these thirteen people are all closely related to Wei Yuan.

He was originally scheduled to graduate in September, after which he would be transferred to the Yanmen area, and would follow Wei Yuan in the Northern Expedition the following year.

When they graduate, Wei Yuan will personally present them with graduation medals.

This medal was an idea conceived by Wei Yuan. After being improved by the Secretariat, a set of medal system was finally created.

All the military officers who participated in the Northern Expedition were awarded the "Medal of Defending the Country".

Zhao Xi also designed a medal specifically for Wei Yuan, called the 'Pillar Medal'.

The improvement of the medal system represents the court's emphasis on military generals who sacrificed their lives.

Once this medal system was introduced, it caused quite a stir among the military commanders.

Some military generals would be embarrassed to tell others that they had followed Tutor Wei to participate in the Northern Expedition unless they had two medals on their bodies.

Having said that, as Minglan's wedding was approaching, Wei Yuan suspended the classes at the Military Academy and invited Xu Changzhi and Yang Huairen to attend Minglan's wedding.

In addition, even Chen Daniu and others were invited.

Almost all the new members are included.

With this move, Wei Yuan wanted to tell the world clearly that Minglan's marriage to Gu Tingye and moving to Ningyuan Marquis' Mansion was by no means marrying up, but marrying down.

It is also necessary to let the people in Ningyuan Marquis’ Mansion know who is standing behind Minglan.

Wei Yuan transferred all his love for his two sisters to Minglan and Changger.

He gave Changger a bright future, a chance to enter the central government, become a prime minister, and enjoy the honor of being enshrined in the imperial temple.

He gave Minglan a grand wedding, and with this marriage, Minglan could live her life comfortably.

One day, Wei Yuan received a letter from Xu Changzhi, the director of military strategy at the Military Academy, saying that Chen Daniu had scored full marks in almost all the courses related to archery and martial arts in the Military Academy.

But the only thing he couldn't get past was the art of war.

It’s not that Chen Daniu doesn’t know how to lead troops in battle, but that he simply can’t recite a complete passage of military tactics.

Wei Yuan held Zhixing in his arms. After reading the entire letter, he couldn't help but joked to Zhang Guifen:

"I'm afraid this Chen Daniu won't be able to graduate."

The latter laughed and said, "Brother Daniu is a meritorious official in the Northern Expedition after all, and he has just been awarded the two medals of Defending the Country and Pioneer by the court. He is a meritorious official. Do you really want to prevent him from completing his course?"

In the medal system, the best one is the Pillar Medal, and currently only Wei Yuan has received it.

Next are the Medals of Merit and the Medals of First Place, which represent significant contributions to the country or playing a key role in determining the outcome of a battle.

Next are the Medals of Victory and Loyalty, which are mainly awarded to the best soldiers.

As for the so-called Patriotic Medal, that is, the Northern Expedition Medal, it is actually a commemorative medal, but no matter what, it is also a kind of honor.

Wei Yuan said, "Chang Zhi wrote to me saying that Chen Daniu couldn't remember the Art of War. He has been marching and fighting with me for many years. If he says he can't fight, no one would believe him. But Daniu's way of leading troops is all unconventional, and unconventional methods don't work well in school."

Zhang Guifen raised her eyebrows, "What should we do then?"

Wei Yuan said helplessly: "What else can I do? I can only make an exception for him this time."

Zhang Guifen smiled and said, "Is Daniu getting used to the Military Academy? Jianjia asked me this indirectly more than once. After all, he is the Tiger Marquis and now the Commander-in-Chief of the Suppressing Enemy Army. He has 70,000 to 80,000 people under his command. He is a general in our dynasty. Now he is a student. I'm afraid he must feel uncomfortable, right?"

Wei Yuan said, "It's not a bad thing for him to have some experience in the Military Academy. Besides, in the Northern Expedition next year, those with excellent grades in the Military Academy can be the vanguard. I believe that Daniu will fight hard for the position of vanguard." Zhang Guifen said, "Daniu just got married, and now Jianjia is pregnant. Can't someone else be appointed as the vanguard?"

During marches and battles, the senior generals who are most likely to be killed are actually the vanguards.

But the generals who are most likely to gain military merit are also the vanguards.

Wei Yuan said: "Da Niu is the Tiger Marquis of our Great Zhou. If the Tiger Marquis doesn't take the lead, who else can take the lead?"
-
The third year of Kaiwu, June 12th.

Wei Yuan and Zhang Guifen took the imperial chariot to the Sheng family.

Today is Minglan's wedding day.

A red carpet was laid out from the front door of the Sheng family all the way to the outside of the street. Not to mention ten miles, there must be a red carpet even for twenty miles.

The dowry that the Sheng family prepared for Minglan was not too generous, but the Guanjun Marquis's Mansion took out a total of sixty large boxes of lavish gifts.

It's dazzling to see.

Those who knew thought that the daughter of the Sheng family was getting married, while those who didn’t think that it was Wei Yuan’s daughter getting married.

Almost all the dignitaries in the court who had any connection with Wei Yuan came to show their support.

The entire Sheng family was extremely lively.

All the important figures from the Secretariat, Menxia, ​​Privy Council and the Six Ministries came.

In comparison, some of the guests invited by Sheng Hong were somewhat unsightly compared to those powerful figures who had connections to all the places.

To be honest, even Wei Yuan didn't expect so many people to come today.

And those people all came for Wei Yuan's reputation.

Now, it seems that the prime ministers in the court are Wang Anshi and Fan Chunren.

In fact, all matters, whether internal or external, now had to be reviewed by Wei Yuan. Only after the three of them had discussed and finalized them could some things be done.

If it is just foreign affairs, even Wang and Fan do not have the power to make direct decisions. Everything must be decided by Wei Yuan.

In other words, nowadays, the real prime minister of the entire dynasty is actually the Grand Tutor Wei Yuan.

Over at Mu Cang Zhai.

Wei Shuyi, with a slightly pale face, was dressing Minglan and talking about something at the same time.
"I've seen the dowry list your uncle prepared for you. It's more than the dowry your second sister-in-law brought when she came home. There are so many things that you can't use them all even if you spend your whole life."

"I didn't want it at first, but your uncle insisted on letting you get married. You don't have to worry about mother and your father, but you must be filial to your uncle."

Minglan's eyes were full of love, tears welled up in her eyes, looking like they were about to fall.
"Mother, I know."

Wei Shuyi added: "Back then, the old Marquis Gu Yankai had taught your uncle. From your uncle on, from now on, the Marquis of Guanjun and the Marquis of Ningyuan will be old friends."

"After you go there, even if you are wronged, don't tell your uncle and aunt. You should bear it by yourself and don't cause trouble for your uncle and aunt."

Minglan was about to respond.

Suddenly, Zhang Guifen came over and said, "My dear sister, what are you talking about with Minglan? We are all family, why should we talk about troubles or not."

To be honest, the gift list prepared by the Guanjun Marquis' Mansion for Minglan's wedding was actually instigated by Zhang Guifen, and Wei Yuan didn't pay any attention to it at all.

Because he knew that Zhang Guifen would take care of everything.

Minglan saw Zhang Guifen and said with a smile, "Aunt."

The latter also smiled at her, "Minglan, you are very beautiful today."

Minglan said playfully, "When am I not beautiful?"

Wei Shuyi glanced at Zhang Guifen and said, "Sister-in-law, please help Minglan put on the hairpin."

The latter quickly shook his head and said, "How can this be possible?"

Minglan said, "Aunt, mother has already done my makeup, can you put on the hairpin? This hairpin was given to me by my uncle, so you should be the one to put it on."

When Zhang Guifen saw it, she was slightly surprised and asked, "You still keep this hairpin?"

Minglan smiled.

It was around noon.

Gu Tingye comes to pick up Minglan.

Logically speaking, the groom coming to pick up the bride is definitely the most eye-catching highlight.

However, following closely behind Gu Tingye were the Eight Tigers of Daizhou.

Today, among the Eight Tigers of Daizhou, except Guo Hao who has not yet been granted a title, all the others already have a title.

It is a well-deserved upstart.

"Today my eldest brother is marrying his daughter, all of us brothers must not return home until we are drunk!"

"Chen Yuanzhi, you are talking nonsense again. Ming girl is our eldest brother's niece!"

"Hahaha, no matter if she's a nephew or not, in my heart, Ming girl is my eldest brother's daughter!"

"That's right. It's a rare occasion for us brothers to get together, so we must get drunk!"

"."

They followed Gu Tingye to pick up the bride, seemingly to show off for Gu Tingye, but in fact, they were here to support Ming girl.

Just as Chen Daniu said, in the minds of Guo Hao, Xu Changzhi and others, Minglan was regarded as Wei Yuan's daughter.

Otherwise, the new nobles of Daizhou would not be polite when meeting Minglan.

Take one thing for example.

Once, a few soldiers from Daizhou went out to drink during their day off. When they got drunk, they wanted to drink some tea to sober themselves up.

I went to Miss Zhao's place by accident.

Seeing that several women in Zhao Xiaoniang's teahouse were very good-looking, he wanted to strike up a conversation with them.

Miss Zhao wanted to drive them out, and everyone had a disagreement.

One of them even had to use a knife.

It happened that day that Minglan, her two sisters and sister-in-law were drinking tea there.

After seeing this, Minglan felt indignant and wanted to argue with him.

Those people were about to tell Minglan not to meddle in other people's business, but one of them recognized Minglan and bowed immediately.

"I didn't know if Miss Minglan saw this, I hope Miss Minglan will forgive me!"

After saying this, he was about to lead his two brothers away.

One of them was too drunk and asked, "Who is Minglan?"

Another person responded, "She's the Grand Tutor's niece!"

After hearing this, the guy seemed to sober up completely and staggered out of the tea shop in a hurry.

Afterwards, Chen Daniu also punished those Daizhou soldiers.

From this we can see that in the Daizhou Group, Minglan is regarded as important as Wei Yuan's daughter.

(End of this chapter)