Only after the rebellion succeeded did they realize that this place was...

Inside Linxi Pavilion.

The incense burner beside the brocade couch had burned out, and the lingering smoke could not warm the somber atmosphere inside the hall.

Lin Qinshuang leaned against the soft pillow, her fingers twisting the embroidered handkerchief tightly. She looked at Mo Lan, who was beside her, weeping and looking aggrieved, and coldly shouted, "Look at you! Even Ming'er has surpassed you now. That eldest young lady is of the highest caliber, and this sixth young lady is also of the highest caliber. Mo'er, have you really fallen to the point where you're on par with Ru Lan?"

Mo Lan sobbed, her shoulders trembling slightly, and she choked out, "Mother, Ming Lan is just lucky. At most, she has some cleverness, but she's not good enough for anything."

Her tea-brewing skills were just barely adequate; she only managed to get a top-grade tea because she remembered what Granny Kong had said in class about His Majesty's preferences.

If we're only talking about tea-brewing skills, she's barely passable; how can she be compared to my daughter?

"Wrong, all wrong."

Lin Qinshuang sat up abruptly, her tone full of anger at her lack of ambition. She reached out and tapped Mo Lan's forehead, teaching her about the ways of the world, "After you enter the palace and become a concubine, do you really think that refined pursuits like brewing tea, arranging flowers, and lighting incense will be enough for you to establish yourself?"

"Mo'er, how come you're not even as good as that Ming girl? Learning the rules of the palace is just icing on the cake, but you've picked up the sesame seeds and lost the watermelon, forgetting the most important thing completely."

The most important thing is not the items themselves, but His Majesty's preferences. If something matches His Majesty's preferences, even if it's just the right amount of talent like Ming'er's, if His Majesty is pleased, that's a tremendous blessing. That one tenth of the talent can become tenth.

This is the real reason why your sister Ming received the highest grade from Granny Kong.

After Lin Qinshuang's explanation, Mo Lan stood there stunned for a long time before a look of realization appeared on her face, and she murmured to herself, "So that's how it is... So that's how it is."

Sheng Changfeng, who was drinking at the table nearby, put down his wine cup upon hearing this, smiled slightly, and interjected, "It's common for men and women to be attracted to each other."

"But judging from your current methods, it seems unlikely that you can win His Majesty's heart."

Mo Lan was provoked by him, and the grievance in her eyes instantly turned into resentment. She clenched her handkerchief tightly and secretly began to compete with him.

"Minglan..."

"Next time, I'll definitely beat you!"

……

Inside Mu Cang Zhai, however, the scene was quite different.

Minglan walked all the way from the school back to the courtyard on the east side of Shou'an Hall, her eyes downcast and sullen. Xiao Tao and Danju, who were beside her, did not dare to speak to their young lady when they saw her like this, and just followed silently behind her.

Only after entering the study and seeing Aunt Wei leaning against the veranda did Minglan manage a faint smile appear on her face. She quickly stepped forward and asked, "Aunt, what are you doing here?"

This Aunt Wei is the older sister of Minglan's birth mother, Wei Xiaoniang. Although she came from a peasant background, the Wei family was once a scholarly family, and both sisters were literate.

Aunt Wei was a worldly-wise and insightful person.

Seeing the worry in Minglan's eyes, she immediately understood and took her hand, leading her into the house: "Minglan, what's wrong? Did someone in the Sheng family bully you? Your aunt will stand up for you."

Minglan pursed her lips and sighed softly. Before she could speak, Xiaotao beside her couldn't help but recount everything that had happened in the classroom earlier, from Granny Kong's comments to the arguments of the older sisters. She even added at the end, "Now that you've achieved a high rank, Miss, you're feeling uneasy about entering the palace for the imperial concubine selection."

"Entering the palace for the imperial concubine selection?"

Aunt Wei looked astonished and tightened her grip on Minglan's hand. "Minglan, is this true?"

Minglan's expression was not good, but she nodded slightly.

Aunt Wei suddenly smiled, pulled Minglan into her arms, and led her to sit on the edge of the bed. She said softly, "You silly child, this is such a great opportunity. If you enter the palace and are chosen by His Majesty, you will enjoy endless wealth and honor in the future. The entire Sheng family will no longer dare to bully you so easily."

"Aunt, the palace is not so easy to enter, and once you enter the palace gates, it's like entering a deep sea."

Minglan spoke softly, shaking her head repeatedly, her eyes full of worry.

However, Aunt Wei had an exceptionally good impression of Liu Hong, the new emperor of the Han Dynasty. She patted Minglan's hand and said, "Silly Ming'er, would your aunt harm you?"

You've been in Bianliang for too long, but you don't know that the current emperor has an excellent reputation in Yangzhou.

He treated the people like his own children, and was kind and lenient. Yangzhou is now prosperous and wealthy under his rule, no less so than Bianliang.

Even your uncle, who used to be so unambitious, has now found an official position in Yangzhou. He kept it a secret until the court was established in Yangzhou and the country was initially at peace before he dared to tell me.”

Speaking of this, Aunt Wei's tone carried a hint of regret, but also a hint of joy: "It's a pity that he's just a minor official and can't be transferred to Bianliang right now, otherwise he could come to see you more often."

"Your uncle got a government job?"

Minglan's eyes lit up, and a genuine smile appeared on her face. She was truly happy for Aunt Wei. "This is really rare. Aunt Wei is now an official's wife and the head lady of the household. No wonder she came here with two maids. Aunt Wei looks radiant and younger than ever."

"It's because he has an air of nobility about him."

Minglan's sweet words made Aunt Wei beam with joy.

Aunt Wei rolled her eyes at her, but couldn't stop smiling. Finally, she sighed softly, "It's a pity he can't be transferred to Bianliang for the time being, otherwise I could protect you more."

Amidst the laughter, Aunt Wei's smile faded, and her expression gradually became serious as she revealed the true reason for her long journey to the Sheng family.

"Minglan, your aunt is here this time because of your mother."

"We found your mother's maid, Xiaodie, in Yangzhou. The two of us searched for many days, and although we were really powerless with our limited abilities, we did find some clues."

"All these clues point to the inner quarters of the Sheng family. Your mother's death is definitely related to the Sheng family."

"Mother……"

Minglan's heart sank, her fingertips instantly turned icy cold, and a suspect quietly surfaced in her mind.

However, it was only a short time, and I dared not be sure.

Seeing her solemn expression, Aunt Wei gently patted the back of her hand: "Ming'er, if you can enter the palace, it will be easier to investigate this matter."

"The Imperial City Guards in the palace are all sharp-eyed and quick-witted; they'll definitely do you a favor. Besides, His Majesty is a wise man who can distinguish right from wrong. He hated these underhanded and sordid things most when he was in Yangzhou."

When Aunt Wei spoke of Liu Hong, she was full of praise, and every word she said was based on fact and was not just empty talk.

Minglan couldn't refuse Aunt Wei's earnest advice, and could only nod with a wry smile: "Aunt, I know about this, and I will try my best."

"That's right, our Minglan can definitely do it."

When Aunt Wei saw that she had agreed, she was finally relieved and a smile returned to her face.

……

Inside the palace walls, the sweltering heat of midsummer has long passed, and winter is approaching. In the Imperial Garden next to the Funing Hall, several red plum trees are already budding, their bright red blossoms contrasting beautifully against the blue bricks and gray tiles, creating a unique scene.

But the chill in the air, carried by the north wind, had already spread throughout the entire imperial city.

Everyone in the palace received cotton items bestowed by the emperor. Although not everyone in the various halls had a fire under their feet, no one was allowed to freeze.

Liu Hong, dressed in a dark blue brocade robe, strolled along the stone path in the Imperial Garden, his feet crunching over scattered fallen leaves.

A thoughtful expression flickered across his face as he secretly plotted something.

"At the latest, the Chengxing Ceremony and the ceremony for bestowing titles upon vassals should be finalized after the end of the year."

Since the new Han dynasty entered Tokyo and moved into the imperial city.

Liu Hong has been firmly established in the old Song dynasty for nearly two months now.

His officials also gradually arrived in Bianliang from Jinling.

Previously in Jinling, the country was still unsettled. Although he had nominally bestowed titles and important positions upon his officials, it was ultimately just a temporary measure.

Although the rebellions of the Prince of Yan and the Prince of Yong are still not quelled, and there are still unrecovered territories in various states, the patience of his brothers who have fought alongside him through thick and thin, as well as the noble families and officials who have surrendered from various places, who have followed him all the way to this day, is probably being worn down day by day.

Both morally and logically, Liu Hong should give his ministers a real explanation.

Previously, the reason for delaying the conferment of titles could be that "all ministers need to do their utmost to assist in stabilizing Bianliang." Now that the situation has been stabilized, this reasoning can no longer be used.

"Inform all the ministers about the enfeoffment, as well as the new Han Xun Gui in Jinling, so that they can also enjoy a good time in peace."

Liu Hong's words were law; once spoken, they could not be changed.

Although a formal imperial decree is required to confer an official title, the information leaked from the palace is always final and will not easily change.

really.

Less than half a day later, the Left Chancellor of the court, Gongsun Bai, hurriedly stepped into the Wende Hall.

"You, Grand Chancellor Gongsun, are in a great hurry. I don't know if it's just you being impatient, or if all the officials are burning with anxiety."

Liu Hong leaned against the dragon throne, laughing and scolding, "Do you think I could change my mind or alter the course of a letter I specially sent out?"

Gongsun Bai bowed and sat down, cupping his hands in a wry smile: "Your Majesty's compassion for his subjects is deeply appreciated. However, all we ministers have followed Your Majesty through thick and thin are hoping for a recognition of your favor and honor; ultimately, we just want to feel more secure."

At present, Geng Jie is leading troops to quell the rebellion at the front line. Han Zhang has no connection with the matter of being granted a title and has not come to avoid suspicion. Today, only Gongsun Bai enters the palace to report.

"Are you relieved now?"

Liu Hong joked.

Gongsun Bai's expression turned solemn, and he said sternly, "Your Majesty's word is as good as gold, and I have never had the slightest doubt about it."

"Then why aren't you going down?"

Liu Hong raised an eyebrow, his tone slightly mischievous, before adding a serious remark, "Could it be that the nobles and high-ranking officials from Jinling, upon arriving in Bianliang, are being bullied or deliberately suppressed by some of the former dynasty's civil and military officials?"

This statement was not unfounded; there have been quite a few similar memorials submitted recently, but Liu Hong has been deliberately suppressing them.

One emperor and one courtier.

As the new emperor of the Han dynasty, he naturally favored the old officials who had followed him from the beginning in Jinling. As for the court officials left over from the old Song dynasty, he could only ask them to endure the injustice for the time being, and he thought they should understand this court etiquette.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Gongsun Bai acknowledged the order and quickly turned to leave.

He was naturally aware of the minor conflicts between the old and new officials in Bianliang City, and his thoughts and stance were consistent with Liu Hong's, so he turned a blind eye to this matter.

We can't really help outsiders and bully our own brothers who have risked their lives for us.

They are all people who value relationships. Principles are meant for outsiders, while affection is reserved for family. Even the principles of a sage cannot compare to the brotherhood in times of trouble.

Moreover, sages love to talk nonsense!

As Gongsun Bai's figure disappeared outside the hall, the eunuch slowly walked in from under the corridor, his hesitant expression almost written all over his face.

"Since Grand Chancellor Gongsun has nothing to say, it seems that today, I, the Director of the Imperial City Guard, have something to say."

Liu Hong glanced at him and made a light joke.

The chief eunuch didn't hesitate and readily agreed. His gaze shifted from surprise to astonishment as he nodded emphatically to Liu Hong, then strode to the dragon throne: "Your Majesty's foresight is truly admirable. Your Majesty, please take a look."

"This is the detailed information about Minglan, the sixth daughter of the Sheng family, which His Majesty personally ordered to be investigated."

As he spoke, the chief eunuch took out a thin book from his sleeve and gently opened it in front of Liu Hong.

The homepage features a portrait of Minglan, painted by a court painter. The technique is exquisite, emphasizing both spirit and form. The girl in the painting has gentle eyes and a graceful figure, making her lifelike and indistinguishable from the real person.

Scroll down to find the fine, dense handwriting:

Name: Sheng Minglan.

Temperament: Introverted and quiet, wise in appearance but unassuming, with a favorite color of light blue flowers.

His birth mother, Wei Xiaoniang, died prematurely during childbirth in Yangzhou.

His maids, Xiaotao and Danju, are currently single.

He enjoys playing polo and pitch-pot in his spare time, and is especially skilled in cooking, able to make dishes such as water shield and perch soup, quail stewed with bamboo shoots, roasted mutton, and steamed eight-treasure duck.

The only drawback is that, although he was well-versed in poetry, his handwriting was rather poor and was often described as "chicken claw characters".

……

Further down, Liu Hong's gaze paused, noticing that even the measurements of the bust, waist, and hips were recorded.

He subconsciously looked up at the chief eunuch.

The head eunuch chuckled, seemingly anticipating his reaction, and quickly bowed, explaining, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this measurement was taken cleverly by a palace maid under the guise of teaching etiquette; it was certainly not obtained by anyone from the Imperial City Guard. In the future, how could outsiders be allowed to casually observe Your Majesty's concubines?"

"This servant will do her job thoroughly."

As he spoke, a hint of reminiscence flashed in the eunuch's eyes, and his tone softened: "This servant still remembers that when His Majesty first met Miss Hualan, he was young and infatuated with her. A beautiful and graceful lady is the object of a gentleman's affections, and this caused quite a few minor mishaps."

"His Majesty was worried that if he only married Miss Hualan, it would be of no benefit to the court; he also thought that if he married several more, it would chill Miss Hualan's heart."

He changed the subject, his voice becoming even more earnest: "In truth, Your Majesty need not do this."

"Your Majesty is the supreme ruler, so what is wrong with the affairs of Ehuang and Nüying? The three thousand beauties in the harem, as well as the female officials and maids in the palace, are all Your Majesty's people. No one in the inner court dares to touch them in the slightest."

"If Your Majesty wishes to bring the four daughters of the Sheng family into the inner palace, I believe the ministers in the court would all agree."

"Heh~"

"Since when did it become your place to be my master?"

Liu Hong suddenly spoke in a deep voice, his tone carrying a hint of authority.

The head eunuch hurriedly bowed and kowtowed, but there was no fear on his face. He only pretended to be terrified and said, "This servant deserves to die ten thousand times. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

But deep down, I also understand—

His Majesty was not truly angry; he was merely giving him a warning!

Although he meant well, his words just now really broke the rules of the palace.

That's exactly right!

Seeing his expression, Liu Hong couldn't help but chuckle. He coughed lightly a few times, the imperial aura that had been emanating from him dissipating, replaced by a hint of embarrassment on his face. He said in a low voice, "The matter of the imperial concubine selection will be handled properly by the ladies in charge of the palace and the female officials in various departments. Why do you need to interfere? However... if these young ladies from the Sheng family can truly be selected, what harm is there in me having to put in a little extra effort?"

"It's all for the sake of the nation and its people."

"Your Majesty is wise."

Upon hearing this, the chief eunuch, who was lying on the ground, shouted it out without thinking, his eyes revealing an undisguised smile.

They had talked about their personal relationships and domestic matters to the fullest extent.

The chief eunuch, now standing solemnly beside Liu Hong, finally assumed his duty as the head of the Imperial City Guard and spoke of the important matter Liu Hong had previously instructed him to attend to: "As Your Majesty has said, the Shunming Marquis's residence has indeed been acting strangely lately."

……

at that time.

Inside the residence of the Marquis of Shunming, the first snow of the third year of the Xihe era of the new Han Dynasty was falling.

Snowflakes fell softly, covering the front, middle, and inner courtyards of the Marquis's mansion. They fell from the eaves and paved the stone slabs, creating a beautiful, silvery landscape that added a touch of elegance to the mansion's luxurious grandeur.

However, none of the people in the mansion had the slightest interest in appreciating the snow.

Marquis Zhao Zhen, the former emperor of the Song Dynasty, now has a full head of silver hair, a slightly hunched back, and looks very old, exuding a sense of gloom.

Especially recently, Tokyo has been hit by a sudden cold wave.

His youngest son, born late in life, was already frail. A sudden cold struck him so fiercely that he almost followed in the footsteps of his two older sons.

Over the past few days.

His heart was in his throat, and he had been waiting in vain for so long.

Fortunately, after examining the child's pulse today, the physician said that the child was out of danger and had finally pulled through.

Zhao Zhen held the hand of the imperial physician who had come to examine his pulse, tears streaming down his face, his voice choked with emotion: "Physician He, thank you so much this time. If you hadn't come in time, my child would probably have followed his two older brothers."

"Another elderly person with white hair is sending off their young child..."