Do You Know?: Rule the World

"I'm just worried about Hua'er. It's getting late. Go back and rest. You'll have to go to court in a few hours."

Seeing the old lady like this, Sheng Hong had no choice but to stand up and take his leave.

-

Before dawn, the front of Chuigong Hall was already filled with civil and military officials.

The court officials who used to whisper to each other from time to time at this time were unusually quiet today, even covering their mouths when coughing.

Last night, the figures of the imperial guards were seen moving through the streets and alleys, causing dogs in the city to bark non-stop.

No one was left alive in Prince Yan's mansion, and Prince Yong's family was detained by the Imperial City Administration overnight.

There were also a few familiar faces missing among the officials who came to court today.

When Sheng Hong and a group of officials saw Zhao Han, they were greatly surprised. Shouldn't he be in the northwest?

Why did you come back suddenly?

Han Zhang and others in the front row, dressed in purple robes and jade belts, straightened their backs, looked calm, and waited quietly for Zhao Zhen's arrival.

"The official has arrived—"

Following the eunuchs' sharp shouts, Zhao Zhen came slowly in bright yellow formal attire, and all the officials bowed respectfully.

Zhao Zhen stepped steadily onto the imperial steps and sat down on the dragon throne. His sharp eyes slowly swept over the court officials.

"The princes are at peace."

Without waiting for the ministers to take their places, Zhao Zhen spoke, "Yesterday, Prince Yan rebelled. I believe you have all heard about it."

"I have instructed the Imperial City Department to deal with the rebels who deserve punishment one by one."

These words hit the ministers' hearts like a heavy hammer.

Several ministers who had had dealings with Prince Yan turned pale instantly, and their hands holding the tablets trembled slightly.

"Prince Yong has been in the capital for many years, hiding many things from me. He has formed a clique, and three years ago, under the pretext of repairing the river, he embezzled disaster relief funds and allowed his servants to seize thousands of acres of farmland."

"Those farmers who lost their land went to the government office crying and complaining, but they didn't even have the chance to file a complaint."

"Every one of these cases is too numerous to list. Once they are thoroughly investigated, they will be dealt with according to the law, with no leniency."

Han Zhang spoke first, his voice as loud as a bell, "The emperor is wise!"

The court officials behind him came to their senses and shouted in unison, "The emperor is wise!"

After the hall returned to silence, Zhao Zhen clenched his fist and said in a deep voice, "What is the main business of the Great Sect?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yunrang immediately stepped out and said, "I'm here!"

This man was born into the lineage of Emperor Taizong, and was the official's cousin in terms of seniority. He had been in charge of the Da Zong Zheng Si for many years and was known for his dignity.

"Chengyuan, you are not here yet."

Zhao Han looked up when he heard the voice and met Zhao Zhen's eyes which were filled with excitement.

He took a deep breath and walked forward steadily under the astonished gazes of all the civil and military officials in the court.

"This...what is going on?"

Sheng Hong couldn't help but tug at the sleeve of his colleague beside him, fearing that he had missed some news.

The colleague beside him calmly pulled his sleeve back from his hand and whispered, "How could we know what's going on in the Heavenly Family?"

"Besides, isn't this Mr. Zhao your son-in-law?"

Sheng Hong opened his eyes wide, just when he was confused.

Zhao Zhen suddenly stood up from the dragon throne and said loudly: "Thanks to the mercy of heaven and the protection of our ancestors, my eldest son, Zhao Han, has finally returned to his ancestral home after many setbacks!"

"Zhao Qing, the matter of recognizing one's ancestry and returning to one's ancestral home will be left to you."

As soon as these words were spoken, all the civil and military officials in the court were struck by lightning, and the hall fell into silence.

According to ancestral laws, the prince's recognition of his ancestral roots should have gone through numerous examinations, and the Grand Clan Affairs Office had to convene the three offices for a joint trial.

After verifying the birth date, wet nurse's testimony, and fetal hair token, if everything is correct, the Zongzheng Temple will be responsible for the subsequent registration.

However, with Zhao Zhen's words, the Da Zong Zheng Si only needed to go through the motions.

Zhao Yunrang knew this truth very well.

"pat-"

A crisp sound broke the stagnant atmosphere in the hall.

Shocked, Sheng Hong lost his grip on the tablet and dropped it to the ground.

He hurriedly bent down to pick it up, but found that his hands were out of control. When the court officials heard the noise, they all turned to look at him.

"Sheng Qing, what are you doing..."

The voice coming from the throne made Sheng Hong stiffen all over.

He knelt on the ground with a thud and said in a trembling voice, "I have been disrespectful in front of the emperor. I am guilty..."

Zhao Zhen chuckled, his eyes swept over the entire court, and he asked gently, "What crime has Lord Sheng committed?"

"I see that Lord Sheng is simply overjoyed. I have my own flesh and blood back today, shouldn't you all be happy too?"

Upon hearing this, Han Zhanghaining and several other veteran officials couldn't wait to step out and bow, saying, "We congratulate Your Majesty!"

"I congratulate Your Majesty!"

"..."

For a while, the hall was filled with endless congratulations, and no one dared to raise any objections.

Everyone also understood that Prince Yan's sudden rebellion was probably related to the existence of this prince.

The way the court officials looked at Sheng Hong also changed a little.

Zhao Han is the only prince of the emperor's family. Once he is included in the list of royal family members, the next step will be to appoint him as the crown prince.

This Mr. Sheng, who holds only the fifth rank, will be the future father-in-law of the emperor!

As the congratulations died down, Han Zhang led the ministers in following protocol, bowing and saying, "Your Highness, we pay our respects to you!"

Zhao Han stood on the altar, his eyes slowly sweeping over the ministers bowing before him.

"My Lords, please stand up."

The voice was not loud, but it carried the same majesty as that of an official.

Chapter 95: My Huaer is going to be the Queen

When Zhao Zhen saw this, a smile of relief appeared in the corners of his eyes and eyebrows.

He said in a loud voice: "My son is the bravest among the three armies. Here is a piece of news of victory that I have not yet told you."

He paused, and his voice suddenly rose.

"Mo Zang Epang has been killed by my son's arrow! Xixia will send envoys to negotiate peace soon!"

"Mei Zang Epang is dead?!" General Gan exclaimed and looked at Zhao Han with a rather complicated look.

Mo Zang Epang was actually the most treacherous minister of Western Xia in decades.

He was appointed prime minister when Li Yuanhao was in power. He first instigated the crown prince Li Ning to order his brother to kill his father.

After Li Yuanhao was executed, he executed Li Ningling's brother for regicide, and then supported Li Liangzuo, who was only one year old, to ascend the throne.

This series of operations made it easy to take control of the Xixia government.

This person is even more covetous towards the Great Zhou, and his wolfish ambitions are obvious.

At that time, he personally led tens of thousands of cavalry to station on the banks of the Quye River, intending to forcibly occupy the land in Hexi that was prohibited from farming.

They plundered the oxen and farm tools north of Linzhou like a swarm of locusts, causing hundreds of miles of fertile farmland to become barren and the people to be displaced.

In the border areas of Fuyan, he allowed his subordinates to wantonly cultivate our land, burn villages, abduct women, and kill the elderly and the weak.

All these crimes made the people in the border areas wish they could eat their flesh and sleep on their skin!

"It seems that the matter of our dynasty's annual gift can be put to an end now!"

"It's more than just a yearly gift. We should take advantage of this opportunity to reclaim all of Hengshan!"

"It's so refreshing, it's really refreshing! We should cut off this man's head and hang it on the city wall so that those Xixia villains can have a good look!"

"..."

There was a bustling atmosphere in the Chuigong Hall.

The ministers spoke one after another, expressing the grievances that had been accumulating in their hearts over the years.

At the same time, their recognition and respect for Zhao Han continued to grow.

It is a blessing for the country to have such a crown prince who is both wise and brave, and who handles affairs with composure and moderation!

Sheng Hong gradually calmed down and quietly reached out to pick up the tablet when no one was paying attention.

By the way, he looked up at Zhao Han, who was standing on the steps with an imposing manner, and his heart was filled with mixed feelings.

I wish I could rush back home right now and burn three sticks of incense for my ancestors!

After Zhao Zhen announced the adjournment of the court, he went to the white marble steps outside the Chuigong Hall.

Zhao Han deliberately slowed down his pace.

When Sheng Hong approached, he bowed solemnly and said in a gentle voice, "Father-in-law, it's been a while since we last met. I hope you are well."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Hong was so frightened that he almost missed a step. He waved his hands repeatedly, "Oh my God, Your Highness, you can't do this, you can't do this!"

Seeing this, a smile flashed in Zhao Han's eyes.

"Why are you being so distant now, father-in-law? I will never forget the care you showed me."

"Your Highness, please be careful with your words!" Sheng Hong was so anxious that his voice changed.

After looking around and making sure no one was paying attention, he lowered his voice and said, "Things are different now. Your Highness is now a prince and the future crown prince."

"I am only a lowly fifth-rank official. This... is simply not my responsibility!"

"By the way, does Hua'er know about this?"