The court had been quarreling for more than half a month over Xixia's request for peace and land, which was only slightly less powerful than allowing the official family to adopt the clan's son and establish an heir.
Zhou Chen's fifth uncle is also a military commander, and he is also on guard duty in the palace. According to what he said, there were not only quarrels in the court, but also fights. Several officials were beaten to death and their heads were bleeding. He was always very merciful.
The official broke out on the spot and beat several people before calming down their anger.
Zhou Chen was also speechless about this. Such a trivial matter had been discussed for almost a month without any result. This group of ministers was really difficult to manage, but the most fundamental reason still lies with the officials themselves.
The official does not want to return the land he conquered, but he is also reluctant to give up peace on the border. He is so entangled that it is naturally impossible for the people below him to unite.
The current prime minister of the imperial court is Han Zhang, Grand Prime Minister of Han. Even he personally died, but he did not take any advantage.
Because it was the British commander-in-chief who conquered the land of the two states in the first place. How could the British princes and other nobles agree to return the land of the two states?
Although the civil servants in the court have higher status and more power, it does not mean that the nobles are really powerless to fight back.
The official family needs civilian officials to help him govern the world, and he also needs military generals to help him stabilize the world. The ancestral precepts are to let him check and balance the military generals, and not to allow the military generals to have a higher power status. But if the military power is in his own hands, of course he will
Nor will we really let the civil servants completely crush the noble generals to death.
The military generals headed by the British Duke showed their power, and even the civil servants headed by Han Zhang were unable to overwhelm them for a while. No one from the two camps would give way, and they would fight each other every time they went to court.
However, as time slowly passed, the civil officials became more and more vocal, and the voices for peace in the court became more and more powerful, and those who opposed it gradually became unable to bear it any longer.
The reason why this happened was naturally due to the influence of the officials and the queen. These two most noble people in the world mostly wanted peace and no more war.
Another month later, the Song Dynasty and Xixia finally held final negotiations.
When Zhou Chen learned the final result, he couldn't help but cursed "trash". The Song Dynasty has really become a coward, and the emperors of the Zhao family are really trash. Since Taizong Zhao Guangyi usurped the throne, each generation has become more cowardly.
, the bloody nature of the fart is gone.
The final result was that the Song Dynasty returned a piece of land in Shizhou, Xixia paid tribute with 400 good horses and some treasures, and at the same time opened a series of conditions such as border trade, and the two sides signed a peace treaty.
Zhou Chen was really angry. If he couldn't help him, he couldn't help him. Such a court was really hopeless. Forget it, everyone was messing around, so he might as well.
After experiencing so many worlds, he has looked away and has no energy to overthrow the Song Dynasty again. Damn, we can't let him do this in every ancient world. It's very tiring to rebel and become an emperor. How can you lie down?
Flat and comfortable.
To be honest, if the current official really wanted to lie down, it would be really easy.
As for the first-grade official residence in the system mission, he already has a plan in mind, but he is not in a hurry. It is not time to implement the plan yet. Anyway, he has enough lifespan to take his time.
Many people think that life in ancient times was very comfortable, but in fact if you are powerless, it is really difficult to live a life without worries. At least compared to the harmonious society of the future, such a feudal society is too uncertain.
The provincial examination was held as scheduled, and both sons of the Sheng family participated. Fortunately, Sheng Changbai passed the provincial examination and became a candidate for examination, but it was a pity that Sheng Changfeng failed the examination.
I heard that Madam Wang almost set off firecrackers to celebrate because of this incident, not only to celebrate her son's success in passing the Juren Examination, but also to celebrate that Lin Sushuang's son Sheng Changfeng failed to pass the Juren Examination.
You can't blame Mrs. Wang for her lack of style. She is such a simple and lovely person. She expresses everything she wants and doesn't pretend to be pretentious with you.
Although Sheng Changbai passed the exam, he made it clear that he did not plan to take part in the next spring exam, but was preparing to apply for the next exam.
Naturally, the Sheng family would not object to this. After all, Sheng Changbai was only a teenager. After all, there were only a few people who passed the Jinshi exam in one examination. Many people would prepare for several years before taking the exam, so Sheng Changbai's decision was not surprising at all.
Someone from the Zhongjing Marquis Mansion also took part in the provincial examination, and he was Zhou Chen's fourth brother. Perhaps Zhou Yexiong's teaching and whipping in the previous years had an effect, and he also passed the examination this time.
Inside the house, Zhou Chen and Hua Lan were eating together.
"My lord, the eldest lady of the Earl of Yongchang's Palace sent me a greeting card, saying that she held a polo match in Jinmingchi and invited me to attend."
Jinmyeongchi is a royal garden, but a large piece of land in this garden has not been used. It was just vacant at the beginning, but over time it was used by nobles. A large part of it was built into a polo field.
There are also other recreational sports on the polo field.
There are often some nobles holding polo matches here, and Mrs. Wu from the Earl's Palace of Yongchang is a generous and straightforward person with a very high level of polo. She often takes the lead in holding polo matches in Jinmingchi and invites ladies from various mansions.
join.
In addition to the polo match, it also gives everyone a chance to get to know each other, and it also gives each family a chance to see each other. It can be regarded as a unique blind date.
The Earl of Yongchang's Palace is a famous noble in Tokyo, and the head of the house, Madam Wu, is an expert at making connections.
Although Uncle Yongchang is not outstanding, the Earl of Yongchang is very rich, and there is also a bastard who is relatively promising in the court. Therefore, the status of the Earl of Yongchang is not inferior to that of some declining marquises and dukes.
"This Madam Wu is a well-known figure in the city of Tokyo. Women are not inferior to men. The success of the Earl of Yongchang's Mansion has a lot to do with her."
As an earl's wife, she was able to support the concubine's success and help the concubine achieve a high official status, which is enough to show that Mrs. Wu's vision is better than that of many noble ladies.
"If you're okay, you can go and have a look. You are the mistress of the Marquis' Mansion, so you must stand up."
Hualan understood what Zhou Chen meant: "I know, then I'll go and have a look the next day."
"Um."
At night, Hua Lan leaned against Zhou Chen with a tired look on her face, looked at Zhou Chen who was just breathing slightly, and said softly: "Official, do you still remember what I told you last time? Cui Chan is already ready.
I can't always let the official hold it in, you can go next door, Cuichan is waiting."
Zhou Chen said softly: "Have you really thought about it? In fact, it doesn't matter to me. I'm not the kind of person who is so lustful."
Hua Lan said: "Of course I know what kind of person Guanren is. Guanren has always doted on me. I know it in my heart. But Guanren treats me well and I can't always think about myself. What's more, Cuichan is me.
I have the most trustworthy maid around me to serve the officials, I feel relieved, and taking good care of the officials can also reduce my stress."
"Silly lady."
Zhou Chen gave Hua Lan a gentle kiss on his forehead.
"Go to sleep, wait until you fall asleep."
A smile appeared on Hualan's lips, and she leaned in Zhou Chen's arms. She was tired and fell asleep quickly.
Zhou Chen held her in his arms and waited for her to sleep peacefully before he gently put her down, covered her with a quilt, and then walked out of the room.
He is not the kind of gentleman who is both responsible and upright. Since the two parties involved, Hua Lan and Cui Chan, have made decisions, how can he pretend to be aloof?
To be honest, he did feel sorry for Hua Lan. When the two of them were together, he was more restrained, otherwise with his current physical condition, Hua Lan would never be able to bear it.
Maybe Hualan would wait until she was thirty and have enough experience and endurance to satisfy him, but now, Hualan, who is only twenty years old, is still too young.
But if it’s two people, that’s a different story.
We came to the room next door, which is where Cuichan lives. In order to facilitate the service, she has always lived next to the main house.
She was still asleep at this time, sitting by the bed, and when she heard the door being pushed open, she stood up nervously.
"Hou, Lord Hou."
She lowered her head, not daring to look directly at Zhou Chen. Although she was prepared, she was still nervous when this time came.
She has been at the side of Hua Lan and Zhou Chen for more than two years since she came to the Hou Mansion. She sees Zhou Chen every day. How could she not be moved by such an outstanding man.
It's just that she has self-awareness and can control herself. She will not be as stupid as Caihan. She understands that only by relying on the girl can she gain a foothold in the Hou Mansion.
What she said to Hualan before was not intentional to please, but sincere. She did not want to marry outside, she just wanted to stay with the girl.
As she said before, marrying someone else is also serving someone. The key is that you can't marry into a good family. Instead of going to someone else's family and suffering, why not stay with the girl? As long as you stay with the girl, your life will not be bad.
Of course, the reason why she thinks this way is because she knows that her girl is a kind-hearted master. If she were replaced by one of those harsh and mean masters, she would definitely not be like this.
Zhou Chen walked up to Cui Chan: "Raise your head."
Cuichan was shy and timid. She raised her head nervously, her eyes trembling slightly, and she looked very flustered.
Zhou Chen looked at Cuichan carefully. He had to say that the old lady had a good taste and the female envoys she trained were also first-rate.
Cuichan has a very good figure and beautiful appearance, giving people the impression of Xiaojiabiyu. But after getting along with her for more than two years, Zhou Chen knew that she was also tougher and smarter than ordinary people. Although she was a maid, she was still a little girl.
Among the people in the household, she definitely has the temperament of a young lady.
"My wife has told me, are you really willing?"
Cuichan replied in a voice as loud as a mosquito: "I, I am willing."
"You have to think clearly. Once tonight is over, you can only be mine from now on, and you can never leave or betray the Hou Mansion."
"I won't." Cuichan replied firmly.
Zhou Chen reached out and lifted Cuichan's chin, and said softly: "You are a smart person, and I like smart people. If you are willing, then I can promise you that you will serve me and my wife all your life."
Cui Chan's face was filled with joy: "Thank you, Mr. Hou, I am willing. Cui Chan is willing to serve Mr. Hou and the girl all her life and will never leave."
Zhou Chen suddenly smiled evilly: "Then you must be prepared, I am not an ordinary man."
Before Cuichan understood what Zhou Chen meant, her body was suddenly picked up by Zhou Chen. The next moment, she was already in Zhou Chen's arms.
The curtain beside the bed was lowered, and Cui Chan soon understood the meaning of Zhou Chen's words just now.
The next day.
Cui Chan opened her heavy eyelids and saw her girl sitting beside her bed. She eagerly wanted to get up, but found that her whole body was weak and she couldn't get up at all.
"Okay, don't move and have a good rest."
Hua Lan held Cui Chan down, looked at Cui Chan's tired and weak look, and complained: "Officials are the same. I know you have never experienced this kind of thing, but you don't know how to control it."
Thinking of what happened between Zhou Chen and herself last night, Cui Chan's body trembled slightly and her face turned red.
"Girl, it's none of Mr. Hou's business. It's me. I'm so useless."
In the past, she had never seen her daughter being tortured by the Marquis, and she had already understood in her heart how powerful her Marquis was. But when she actually went into battle herself, she realized that she was still too naive. The girl was right, and the Marquis really followed her.
Like a cow, completely unaware of fatigue.
If the Marquis hadn't taken pity on her last night, she wouldn't be able to get out of bed now, but she would be disabled.
Obviously, I was trying to help the girl bear the pressure, but as a result, I couldn't get up and serve the girl. It was so embarrassing and useless.
Hua Lan was still a little unhappy at first, but when she saw Cuichan's pitiful appearance, the only unhappiness in her heart disappeared.
She finally understood now that the Marquis had really restrained himself a lot when he was with her. The Marquis was an invincible general, and he could still care for her with such delicate thoughts. What else could she be dissatisfied with.
With Cuichan as the person around her to help her share the pressure and serve the officials, she can feel much more relaxed.
Her biggest worry now is that her officials are so strong that even one Cuichan might not be enough...
"Cui Chan, you should have a good rest these two days."
"How can this be done? I still have to serve the girl. If I am not there, there will be no one around the girl."
Hua Lan smiled and said: "It doesn't matter. There are several maids in the courtyard, all sent by my mother. Just let them take care of me first."
"Can……"
"Don't worry, you should have a good rest first. There will be many opportunities to serve me and the Marquis in the future."
Cuichan's face suddenly turned red because she couldn't help but think of what happened last night. She had just become a woman, and even though her body was very tired, she could not forget that wonderful feeling.
It turns out that becoming the Marquis's woman is such a joy.
After this night, there seemed to be no difference. Cui Chan was still waiting for Hua Lan and was still the most capable female envoy. When her master was inconvenient, she would take his place and serve Zhou Chen.
But she was very measured and never overstepped in the slightest. She still did her job conscientiously and kept her position right.
Her behavior made Hua Lan more valued and satisfied.
Time flies and another year has passed.
Zhou Chen's filial piety period has not yet expired, but officials have issued an order for him to report on his duties and have adjusted his duties.
Zhou Chen was originally the Marquis of Yu, the capital of the Ma Army, but after his reinstatement, he was promoted to the commander of the Ma Army, the fifth rank, which can be said to be a high promotion.
After all, before he was just the Marquis of Du Yu, the third-in-command of Ma Junsi, but now he has become the commander-in-chief of Ma Junsi, that is, the first-in-command of Ma Junsi.
The capital commander, one of the three yamen, can also be called Ma Shuai. Among the three yamen, although his rank is not as good as that of the capital commander and deputy capital commander in front of the palace, it is just a different status. In fact, Ma Junsi is also in charge.
With great power, the Palace Front Division had no control over Ma Junsi, who directly took orders from the officials.
Therefore, although the rank of the commander of the horse army was not high, he actually controlled part of the imperial army and was considered one of the most powerful military positions in the Song Dynasty.
In fact, Zhou Chen was also surprised that the official family would give him such a position. This is a personal army directly under the official family. Only the most trusted people are qualified to hold the position. Does the official family regard him as their confidant?
But no matter what, this is a good thing. Now he is the Zhongjing Marquis and represents the Zhongjing Marquis Mansion. His favor will be of great benefit to the Marquis Mansion.
In addition to the commander-in-chief of the Ma Army, he also obtained the position of an official of the fourth rank, Zhengfeng Dafu.
Now, as a marquis, he can already wear purple robes and go to court.
…………
"clang!"
An arrow was thrown into the pot, and then there was a loud cheer.
"I hit it, I hit it."
In the courtyard, a little girl of about eight or nine years old jumped up excitedly, with a face full of excitement. She was happy that she had won the pot, and turned to face a very attractive man in rich clothes sitting in the pavilion.
"Third uncle, third uncle, I'm hit."
Zhou Chen waved to the little girl, and the little girl immediately ran over.
Rubbing the little girl's hair with his hand, Zhou Chen smiled and praised: "Our sister Fu is so good. Eight of the ten arrows hit her. That's amazing."
The youngest daughter is Zhou Fu, the only daughter of Zhou Chen's brother Zhou Tong. Over the past few years, she has grown up a lot and become much more cheerful.
She would come to Chaoyun Pavilion every day, sometimes to learn reading from Hua Lan, and sometimes to play with her younger brother Zhou Ji. She often went back at night.
Perhaps because of the lack of father's love since childhood, she and Zhou Chen are the closest, and she especially likes to stick to Zhou Chen's side. Her mother Cui said many times to no avail, relying on Zhou Chen's favor, she is not afraid of herself at all.
's mother.
Pushing the cakes on the stone table to Zhou Fu, Zhou Fu immediately narrowed her eyes and hugged her.
"I'll take it and eat it with my brother."
With that said, he ran into the house, where Hua Lan was staring at Zhou Ji and learning the rules.
Zhou Ji is four years old this year, but he is just a skinny monkey. He was always spoiled by his grandmother and could not sit still at all. Hua Lan happened to have some free time recently, so he started teaching Zhou Ji the rules, starting with sitting at the very beginning.
Just last year, Hua Lan gave birth to her second child, who was still a young son. So Zhou Chen now has two legitimate sons. The younger son just held a first-year-old banquet not long ago. This first-year-old banquet was also held by Zhongjing Hou Mansion in recent years.
The biggest happy event I have ever done.
At this time, Zhou Chen's youngest son, Zhou Xuzheng, was being held by Cui Chan. Ever since she became Zhou Chen's first wife, Cui Chan had become more mature and beautiful, but she would never show off her beauty. She would always be by Hua Lan's side, working hard and without complaint.
of service.
Of course, as the first-class female envoy in the mansion and the most powerful person around Hua Lan, although she is a maid, her status in the mansion is very high.
She has always fulfilled her promise. Although she is with Zhou Chen, she has never thought about having children, so Hua Lan has great trust in her and has always entrusted her with important responsibilities.
Compared with a few years ago, Hua Lan has also undergone a lot of changes. Not only has she become mature and elegant, her whole person has revealed a kind of nobility from the inside out, and she has become more beautiful and charming.
But there are a lot of things that haven't changed, such as her kind and gentle heart and her inherent naivety.
Sister Fu was holding the snacks, and when she saw Hua Lan scolding her brother with a stern look on her face, her body tensed up and she didn't dare to go in.
Hua Lan glanced around, saw Sister Fu, and then showed her face.
"Sister Fu, come on, come in."
"Aunt."
When Sister Fu saw Hua Lan smiling, she felt relieved, shouted happily, and walked in.
Aunt Hua Lan was very kind to her, and she had never been afraid before, but since her aunt began to teach her brother the rules, she suddenly found that her aunt was quite scary when she was fierce.
"elder sister."
As soon as Zhou Ji saw Zhou Fu, he jumped up with excitement, ran over, took a snack from the plate in Zhou Fu's hand and started eating.
Hua Lan let out a long sigh. She really couldn't teach this skinny monkey. If she continued to teach him, he would be pissed to death.