good season

The next day, upon returning to the Ministry of Revenue, Xiao Mo learned that someone had indeed come to report the fire at Yang Shengqiu's house. The messenger was a young man, and the yamen runners who had seen the young man believed it without a doubt, because the young man looked disheveled and covered in soot, clearly having come from a fire scene.

Wherever there are people, there will be gossip, even in the Six Ministries where many scholars have passed the imperial examinations.

The six ministries were located on the same street, which was called Six Ministries Street.

For some reason, the story got out, and by the time it reached Yang Shengqiu's ears again, it had become that Yang Shengqiu wanted to ask for leave but was worried that the Vice Minister would not allow it, so he asked his neighbor to send a false message.

How can we be sure it's fake?

Because it was the day of the full moon celebration for the eldest grandson of the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, people from all the six ministries and government offices went to drink the full moon wine. Old Chen from the Ministry of War happened to be at the same table as Master Yan San. Master Yan San was the commander of the West City Division. He personally confirmed that the fire brigade of the West City Division had not moved for ten days and was very idle.

This means that the entire western part of the city has been free of flooding for ten consecutive days.

Yang Shengqiu's home is in Xicheng. Did his home catch fire in his dream?

Old Chen was a military officer by birth, known for his loud voice and big mouth. Before the banquet was even over, everyone in the other six ministries knew about it.

There were also people from the Ministry of Revenue present, and the news reached the ears of the Vice Minister of Revenue the next day.

Without saying a word, the Vice Minister gave Yang Shengqiu a thorough dressing-down.

The Vice Minister was a top scholar in the imperial examination and had served as an imperial censor. He was sharp in his words and writings, and more importantly, whether he was a Vice Minister or a Minister, he was a lone official.

The Ministry of Revenue was the purse strings of the Yongzheng Emperor. The two people Emperor Yongjia specially chose had the same characteristic: they did not take sides. Unless they were retired emperors or emperors, no one could make them bow down.

Yang Shengqiu was backed by Feng Ke, but the Vice Minister was not afraid. Feng Ke had been eyeing the position of Vice Minister of Revenue for several years, trying to arrange for his own person to be transferred there, but he had never succeeded. This Vice Minister, who was a top scholar in the imperial examination, seemed to be stuck in the position, and Feng Ke could do nothing about it.

Just like now, Yang Shengqiu is having a hard time in the Ministry of Revenue. How could Feng Ke not know that?
he knows.

But he didn't make a move.

why?
He was observing the situation. If Yang Shengqiu couldn't even handle this small matter, then he was hardly capable of being of any use and didn't deserve his help at all.

After failing to meet Feng Ke on two separate occasions, Yang Shengqiu understood what was going on.

He wants to be valued and promoted, but first and foremost, you have to be able to stand up for yourself; if you can't, you're just a piece of trash.

Anyone who can enter officialdom is the hope of their family, a dragon among men.

But how many people can rise to prominence and achieve great success?
Once Yang Shengqiu understood all this, he calmed down and buried himself in dealing with the mountain of documents.

When Xiuxiu returned to Tianjing Hutong that day, Xia Dachuan had not yet returned.

Xiuxiu had no idea that Xia Dachuan had secretly followed her out. She didn't care, and neither did anyone else. What could possibly happen to a strong, healthy young man with martial arts skills?

It wasn't until late at night that Xia Dachuan returned, dejected.

It snowed during the night, and the ground turned white in no time.

Old Yu opened the door and saw Xia Dachuan, dressed in snow-white with a blank stare.

"Xia, where have you been? Why are you so late? Come in quickly."

Old Fish was a pirate his whole life. He never married and had no children. He liked Xia Dachuan very much because Xia Dachuan was dark-skinned and looked a lot like the people on the ship.

He pulled Xia Dachuan into the gatehouse to warm himself by the fire. There were roasted peanuts and chestnuts on the stove. Old Yu put the leftover sesame cakes from the daytime on the fire to roast and said to Xia Dachuan, "These are Wang Ji's sesame cakes. Xiuxiu brought them back. You have to queue to buy Wang Ji's sesame cakes. I wanted to save these two for tomorrow morning. You're in luck, kid."

Xia Dachuan had been standing there in a daze, but when he heard Lao Yu's words, his eyes widened: "Master Yu, who brought this sesame seed cake back?"

Old Fish: "Miss Xiuxiu."

Xia Dachuan: "What day did she bring it back?"

Old Yu didn't understand why Xia Dachuan was taking this so seriously, so he said, "Today, this afternoon, she gave me three. I ate one tonight, and there are two left."

Xia Dachuan suddenly came to his senses: "Miss Xiuxiu is back? She didn't let the flower photographers take the flowers away?"

Old Yu gave him a whack on the head: "You brat, can't you say something nice? Xiuxiu was perfectly fine, why did she have to be taken away by that flower-picking guy?"

Xia Dachuan grinned, looking like a silly goose.

Old Yu's heart skipped a beat, and he glanced at him sideways: "You little rascal, don't get any funny ideas. Xiuxiu isn't a maid; she's the Second Miss's best friend. Besides, even though her parents are both dead, she still has her maternal family. She's not an orphan with no one to rely on. Moreover, the Second Miss is there to back her up. If the Second Miss finds out that you're eyeing her best friend, see how the old master deals with you."

Xia Dachuan quickly shook his head: "No, no, I wouldn't dare, I really wouldn't dare."

Xiuxiu was beautiful and intelligent, skillful and clever. She was far beyond the reach of a poor guard like him. He would be content as long as Xiuxiu was safe and sound.

The next day, Xiuxiu took Zhang Ye to the Ministry of Revenue to ask for money. Ten taels of silver was no small amount, and she had already figured out how to spend it.

Just as they arrived at the entrance of the Ministry of Revenue, before they could even ask the guards, Xiao Mo came to greet them.

He had been waiting for a long time.

Yang Shengqiu said that when Xiuxiu arrives, he should give her the silver, but Xiuxiu should not speak to the yamen runners, and no one should know that Xiuxiu came to see him.

Xiuxiu had met Xiao Mo before and knew that he was Yang Shengqiu's attendant. She took the ten taels of silver from Xiao Mo and left happily with Zhang Ye.

Watching the two figures, one big and one small, disappear into the distance, Xiao Mo silently felt sorry for her young master. This time, her young master had really tried to steal a chicken but lost the rice instead, and actually let this village girl swindle him out of ten taels of silver.

Although ten taels of silver is not much, it is a considerable sum for Yang Shengqiu, who has no family background and lives solely on his salary.

When Xiuxiu returned that day, she told Zhao Shiqing everything about her meeting with Yang Shengqiu.

A few days later, Zhao Shiqing learned from Xiao Zhen that Yang Shengqiu had arranged for a false fire report. She was astonished that Xiuxiu's shady dealings would have such consequences, and then burst into laughter. After the first month of the lunar calendar, and past the second day of the second month, it was time for Zhao Tingxuan to leave the capital.

Zhao Shiqing saw him off a day in advance. The brother and sister both knew that this parting might be the last time they would see each other.

Zhao Tingxuan's eyes were red from crying. He said to Zhao Shiqing, "Little sister, Mother Consort is not a bad person. Don't hold a grudge against her."

Zhao Shiqing nodded: "I don't hold grudges. I'll settle any scores with you face to face."

Zhao Tingxuan.
He had no choice but to change the subject: "When your eldest sister gets married, will you go back to Liang to see her off?"

Zhao Shiqing felt that her second brother was just making conversation for no reason: "I won't see her off, I'll pick her up."

Zhao Tingxuan wanted to say a few more words, but he didn't know what to say. It seemed that his younger sister gave him more advice than he gave her.

Zhao Shiqing: "When we return to the Prince's Mansion, the old Princess will definitely nag and try to sow discord between you and your elder brother. She wants you to replace your elder brother. Although your elder brother is also her biological son, he came to the capital when he was young and is not close to her. Besides, even if you listen to her, your elder brother will not listen to her."

Zhao Tingxuan was skeptical. In the past, he would never have believed it, but after Zhao Yunnuan was forced to marry far away, his trust in the Nie family was greatly diminished.

But he still subconsciously defended Nie: "Even if my elder brother was not raised by my mother's side, he is still her own flesh and blood, born after ten months of pregnancy. Besides, there are no parents who are not parents. Even if my mother is angry for a moment, she would not really want to sow discord between my elder brother and me."

Zhao Shiqing rolled her eyes: "Believe it or not, when you meet her, she'll definitely tell you that your eldest brother is easily swayed and only listens to his sister-in-law and elder sister. She'll say that his sister-in-law is a vixen and that marrying her is a misfortune for the family. As for your elder sister, she'll definitely say that she's ambitious and wants to sideline your eldest brother. She'll say that the reason she arranged for your elder sister to marry into the capital was all for your eldest brother's good, and that your elder sister got a good marriage—a win-win situation. She'll also tell you that she suffered all kinds of mistreatment and torment in the Prince's mansion, and that all of this was caused by your lack of resistance. If you have even a shred of filial piety, you can't just sit idly by."

Seeing that Zhao Tingxuan remained silent, Zhao Shiqing warned him, "You'd better be careful, or you'll be used as a tool. You won't win if you try to outdo your elder brother."

In terms of seniority, the eldest brother is the legitimate heir. With the father gone, the eldest brother is the father. If you argue with him, you are disrespectful and unfilial. Who will respect you?

In terms of support, the older sister handed over the command of the personal guard to the eldest brother. What's more, he has his sister-in-law, a virtuous and capable wife. What do you have? A bunch of spoiled brats who only know how to indulge in romance and a mother who only knows how to hold you back?

In terms of popular support, after taking over the government, my elder brother did many practical things for the people, and they love and respect him. As for you, the news that you were punished by the emperor in the capital to copy the Classic of Filial Piety has probably already reached Liang.

So, what awaits you if you try to win against something you can't? Others may not know, but you were born into royalty, so how could you not know?

It was poison, it was imprisonment, it was being demoted to a commoner!
"As long as you don't compete or fight, your elder brother will guarantee you a lifetime of wealth and honor. You can compose poems and essays as you please, indulge in revelry as you please, and buy as many antiques and paintings as you want. Isn't this the kind of life you want?"

Zhao Tingxuan was so moved he almost cried; his little sister understood him!
All he wanted was a life filled with poetry, painting, endless delicious food and wine, and beautiful women.

Zhao Shiqing rolled her eyes at him again: "Also, if I hear that you use Five Stone Powder, I will have my elder brother imprison you, so that you won't jump off a building naked and die, and then disgrace Father King even in death."

Zhao Tingxuan was startled and quickly assured him that he wouldn't. He knew that Wushi Powder was not a good thing and he wouldn't touch it.

Zhao Shiqing sighed inwardly, hoping he really wouldn't touch it. In Xiao Zhen's dream, her second brother became addicted to Five-Stone Powder and ultimately jumped off the Star Gazing Tower.
Zhao Tingxuan was grateful for his younger sister's kindness, but he still didn't believe that Nie Shi would encourage him to compete with his elder brother for the throne.

If he fails to seize the throne, he will either face death or imprisonment, or at best, be demoted to a commoner.

If even a teenage girl can understand this, how could our mother, who has been married into the royal family for so many years, not understand it?

His mother loved him so much, she would never stand by and watch him end up like this.

Zhao Shiqing observed his expression and knew from it that he didn't believe her.

Zhao Shiqing didn't try to persuade him further. Reality would teach him a lesson, and then he would know how much his good mother loved and cared for him.

On the third day of the second lunar month, Zhao Tingxuan went to the palace to bid farewell to the emperor, but unexpectedly, the emperor bestowed upon him a marriage.

Princess Wei Ya'er of Changling County.

Zhao Tingxuan was taken aback. Princess Changling? Who is that? He had lived in the capital for over a year and had never heard of such a princess.

However, he soon found out.

Wei Ya'er was born into the Wei family. Her great-aunt was the old lady of the Baoqing Marquis's mansion, and her cousin was the Empress Dowager Li.

Wei Ya'er's grandfather was the younger brother of Old Madam Wei, and they were the direct descendants of the Wei family. Consort Li, on the other hand, came from a collateral branch of the Wei family. Later, when Consort Li gave birth to a prince, the Wei family adopted her maternal branch into the main branch. As a result, Consort Li and Old Madam Wei became cousins, and Wei Ya'er became Consort Li's grand-niece.

Zhao Tingxuan's mind went blank. The grandniece of Consort Li was actually going to marry into Liang.
Although he was the second son of the Liang Prince's Mansion, he was not granted the title of Prince of the County except for members of the royal family. Being granted the title of Prince of the County meant having a fiefdom, and the fiefdoms of the Eighth Prince were already quite large, so large that they made the Emperor uneasy. Therefore, going back three generations, none of the second sons of the Prince's Mansion were granted the title of Prince. At most, they were granted the title of General of the State after coming of age. General of the State did not have a fiefdom. His eldest son was granted the title of General of the Auxiliary State, and his eldest grandson was granted the title of Duke of the Auxiliary State. After that, his descendants had nothing and were just ordinary members of the royal family.

Zhao Tingxuan was not yet of legal age, so he was not even a General Who Guards the State. Wei Ya'er had already been granted the title of County Princess, so marrying him would not be considered a marriage of privilege.

Although this marriage was clearly arranged without the consent of the eldest brother Zhao Tinghan, it was preordained by the emperor, and the bride was the grandniece of Consort Li, so there was no room for refusal.

The imperial envoy accompanied Zhao Tingxuan to Liang, along with officials from the Imperial Clan Court and the Ministry of Rites, as well as the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Imperial Guard.

That evening, Wei Ya'er's portrait was presented to Zhao Tingxuan. Zhao Tingxuan looked at it but couldn't make out anything. The woman in the portrait looked like a typical lady in a painting, with delicate eyebrows, small eyes, and cherry lips.

On the fourth day of the second month, Zhao Tingxuan and his party left the capital and returned to Liang.

Zhao Shiqing only learned of the arranged marriage after Zhao Tingxuan left the capital.

She knew the emperor would tacitly allow Nie, this troublemaker, to cause all sorts of trouble, but she never expected the emperor to be so blatant.

Zhao Tinghan, the Prince of Liang, married only the granddaughter of a retired scholar, while Zhao Tingxuan was to marry a county princess, who was from the Wei family!

Even before they were married, Wei Ya'er had already surpassed Princess Liang.

Zhao Shiqing had reason to believe that when Wei Ya'er got married, the emperor would likely bestow upon her the title of Princess, allowing her to marry into Liang in great splendor.

If the mother and son in the palace were even more shameless, it's possible they would send Zhao Tinghan a few beauties.

The household is in turmoil, brothers are fighting amongst themselves, killing each other, haha. (End of Chapter)