inspire-indiana Chapter 224 The Grand Finale 6 (The End)
Chapter 224 The Grand Finale 6 (The End)
The Emperor Emeritus couldn't help but chuckle, and quickly said to the Empress, "Hurry up and help Yulin up. How can she look so comical?" This girl, she keeps shouting "Long live the Emperor!" He finds it all very amusing.
The Empress Dowager then said, "I suggest that we bestow some more treasures upon Yulin."
The Emperor Emeritus waved his hand: "Very well, permission granted!"
Thus, when Zisu left the palace, she took with her a large amount of gold, silver and jewels as a reward, as well as tribute items such as cloth and fruit.
As a result, people held the Prince Duan's mansion in even higher regard, and no one dared to take advantage of it anymore. Those who were unwilling to accept the Prince Duan's mansion's vegetables and fruits could only look on with reluctance and then hesitated to approach.
In the past, Prince Duan relinquished his title of Regent and resigned from his position as Commander of the Imperial Guards. Even Shangguan Mufeng resigned from his post as Minister of War. Therefore, everyone assumed that the Prince Duan family had been disliked by the Emperor and was declining. Otherwise, how could the people of Prince Rongxi and Prince Su's families dare to act so presumptuously at Prince Duan's residence?
However, the fact that the Emperor and the Emperor Emeritus are giving such great respect to the Prince Duan's Mansion and the Protector General's Mansion shows what? It shows that Prince Duan has been completely misled!
How old are Shangguan Mufeng's two sons? They're not even three years old yet, and they've already been appointed as sixth-rank military officers! This is an immense favor! In the history of the Western Liang Kingdom, it's not to say it's unprecedented, but it's certainly extremely rare!
Ms. Yu couldn't help but burst into tears.
She desperately wanted the title of a first-rank imperial lady! You see, after her husband resigned, she was met with a lot of cold treatment when she went to the flower fair! Now that she had the title of a first-rank imperial lady, among the female relatives, apart from the eldest princess, there were very few with a higher rank than her.
Those who had previously shunned her, mocked her, and despised her would all have to bow down to her and pay their respects! From now on, wherever she goes, she can hold her head high and never have to bow to anyone again!
She and the Eldest Princess are now of the same rank, and she is even older than the Eldest Princess. When they meet, they only need to show each other the courtesy due to equals. In fact, in the past, she didn't need to show any grand courtesy when she met the Eldest Princess at all. Because she and the Eldest Princess were friends, very good friends.
Similarly, more and more people began to curry favor with Shangguan Mufeng.
The only ones unaffected were Yu Han and Shangguan Yi from Wuliping Academy. This was because the main owner of Wuliping Academy was Zisu, and the other owners were all family members. Therefore, the teachers and students at the academy dared not act disrespectfully towards Shangguan Yi and Yu Han.
Nowadays, the old patriarch goes to the academy every day to check if anyone is bullying the two children. Moreover, the three Xie children have all become good friends with Shangguan Yi and Yu Han. The Xie family is the Empress's maternal family; anyone who dares to bully the Empress's family is either a fool or a madman.
With so many people protecting them, Shangguan Yi and Yu Han were like fish in water at Wuliping Academy, living a very carefree and comfortable life.
At the academy, the two made many like-minded friends. Among them, the three sons of the Xie family were their closest friends. Every five days during their short break, the five of them would go hunting in the mountains to test their martial arts skills. They would also pick some wild fruits and ask someone to take them back to the capital to their eldest sister.
My eldest sister, Zisu, especially loves to eat wild fruits from the mountains.
Every time they caught prey, Shangguan Yi and Yu Han would give some to the old clan chief, the headmaster of the academy, and their own teachers. Over time, the old clan chief, the headmaster, and their teachers all grew fond of these two intelligent and sensible children.
The teacher often gave the two boys extra tutoring, helping them with their studies. As a result, their academic performance improved significantly, and they found learning much easier. Consequently, their interest in learning increased greatly, and they no longer viewed studying as a chore.
The old clan chief doted on Shangguan Yi and Yu Han, always sending some of their homemade delicacies to Xiaoshitan through Xiaoshan. During festivals, Shangguan Yi and Yu Han sampled all sorts of glutinous rice cakes made by the villagers. They lived a truly wonderful life.
With the care of several elders, the two of them were not as homesick as before, and felt that going home every two weeks was not so difficult to endure.
Time flies, and before we knew it, it was time for Yu Zhe and Princess Jiahe to get married.
Princess Jiahe's dowry was truly a magnificent procession of ten miles of red bridal procession.
In addition to the dowry she received when she married Shen Jian, Prince Duan and Zisu added a considerable amount to her dowry. Furthermore, the Emperor Emeritus, Empress Dowager, Emperor, and Empress all bestowed upon her precious treasures.
This dowry, carried in four baskets, was a gift from several important figures.
There were quite a few ladies and young women who helped her with her dowry.
Over the past few months, she had attended many flower shows and banquets with Zisu, making a few close friends. She also had many more casual acquaintances. These people, along with families who were on good terms with Prince Duan and Zisu, all sent dowry gifts.
In this way, Princess Jiahe's dowry was almost as large as that of Zisu.
Zisu's dowry was large because Prince Duan's betrothal gifts were substantial. And all the betrothal gifts, except for the impatience with food, were included in Yu's dowry.
Princess Jiahe was getting married, and Yu Zhe was getting married; both the Prince Duan's residence and the Yu residence were filled with joy. Distinguished guests came in an endless stream to offer their congratulations. Zisu and her uncle decided to book the Good Days Restaurant near both the Prince Duan's residence and the Yu residence.
This time, Prince Duan paid a hefty price, setting the standard for a meal at one hundred taels of silver. There were twenty tables at the Prince's residence and ten at the Yu residence. Regardless of the guests' status or wealth, everyone received the same food and drink.
Gifts should not be expensive; only gifts under ten taels of silver are acceptable. Furthermore, Zisu had someone spread the word that cash is preferred, even if it's only one or two taels, as long as the sentiment is there.
This time, the Yu family received about one thousand taels of silver, and the Wang family received about two thousand taels. Each guest received a ten-tael red envelope, the maximum allowed.
Madam Yu couldn't help but sigh, "Receiving cash is a good thing. Otherwise, we would receive so many impractical gifts that we wouldn't get a good price for, and they would just be wasted."
Madam Yu smiled and nodded, "That's right, isn't that great! Zisu's idea is really good! Actually, all those gifts we received in the past were just passed around and had almost no practical value!"
Madam Yu burst into laughter: "Our Zisu is truly an unparalleled woman! Only she could come up with such a wonderful idea! From now on, countless families will benefit from this. This is a great thing that benefits the world!"
Madam Yu smiled proudly: "Yes, I am very happy to have such a woman! Such a woman is worth ten sons! I bet that even if I hadn't given birth to Yi'er and his two brothers, Zisu's father would still be satisfied and wouldn't take a concubine just because I didn't give birth to a son!"
"That's right. Our Shangguan family has such a fine daughter, who is worth more than a thousand sons! If we are not satisfied with such a good daughter and want to take a concubine, I, as the clan leader, will not agree!"
The old clan chief's voice rang out at the doorway.
Madam Yu and Madam Yu quickly stood up from their seats. Madam Yu said warmly, "Oh, it's the old clan leader! Please come in quickly!"
The old patriarch stepped into the main room, sat down in a chair with a smile, and continued to praise, "Zisu is the pride of our Shangguan family, and also our great lucky star! Now, the Shangguan family of Wuliping has produced two Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), five Xiucai (successful candidates in the county-level imperial examinations), and thirteen Tongsheng (successful candidates in the county-level imperial examinations)! This is unprecedented in the entire Western Liang Kingdom!"
Such a talented person has emerged from just one village, especially considering that Wuliping never even had a single student who passed the imperial examinations before. This is all thanks to Zisu; the headmaster and teachers she hired for the academy were absolutely superb. Those teachers were not only knowledgeable but also skilled at guiding students, and incredibly patient—truly exemplary teachers in both virtue and talent!
Otherwise, how could Wuliping have produced so many children who achieved academic success? Moreover, Zisu personally paid for the tuition of those from very poor families. In addition, she established a girls' academy, and now the girls of Wuliping are highly sought after. Not only are young men from the surrounding villages vying to marry girls from Wuliping, but even wealthy young men are eager to marry them!
All of this is thanks to Zisu! This child is a great benefactor and a lucky star to the Shangguan family! With such a wonderful daughter, I can face my ancestors in peace even after I pass away!
Mrs. Yu was overjoyed.
Anyone whose daughter would be so flattered by such praise from the highly respected patriarch would be overjoyed; it was an extremely high compliment. This showed that in the hearts of the patriarch and the Shangguan family, Zisu held an extremely important position, perhaps even destined for lasting fame and a place in history.
Just thinking about this made Yu feel very happy.
Grandma Yu was also very happy. She was genuinely proud of her granddaughter Zisu. Having such a capable and kind granddaughter made her feel that her life had been very valuable!
Indeed, without her, there would be no Zisu's mother. And without Zisu's mother, where would such a capable and kind-hearted Zisu come from?
Hey!
Madam Yu was secretly delighted.
Yu Zhe married Princess Jiahe, and their life together was incredibly harmonious. They loved each other dearly, their love as sweet as honey. Princess Jiahe was gentle, beautiful, kind, and generous, treating Zhen'er and Yu Han as her own children, which greatly pleased Yu Zhe. Yu Zhe's attentive care for Princess Jiahe brought her unprecedented happiness and joy, making her willingly treat Yu Han, Zhen'er, and her mother-in-law well.
On the day of his sister's return visit three days after her wedding, Prince Duan saw that his younger sister was beaming with happiness, a shy and blissful smile playing on her lips. Yun'er was also all smiles, looking delighted. The heavy weight in Prince Duan's heart was finally lifted.
He has a virtuous and kind wife, and intelligent and lovely children. His only worry, his younger sister, is now living a happy and fulfilling life, so he is at ease. As long as his sister and Yun'er are doing well and get along well with the Yu family, he has nothing to worry about.
Zisu was also overjoyed.
Over the course of three days, she made a point of inquiring and found that Princess Jiahe got along very well with Zhen'er and Yu Han. Yun'er also got along well with Zhen'er and Yu Han. With that, she was relieved! Her uncle's important life event was settled, and Yu Han's worries were gone, so she had nothing to worry about.
The tourist park and academy are thriving, bringing Zisu an annual income of 20,000 taels of silver, all pure profit. Not only has she become wealthy, but the old clan chief and the villagers of Wuliping have also become rich.
Zisu gave the academy's shares to Shangguan Yi, keeping the sightseeing garden for herself. However, starting this year, she has been depositing one hundred taels of silver each quarter into the names of Shangguan Yi, Shangguan Rui, Shangguan Zhi, and Yu Han. She plans to use the savings to purchase farmland and forests for them once she has accumulated three thousand taels.
In her heart, Yu Han was just like her own younger brother.
Shangguan Mufeng, Madam Yu, and Yu Zhe were all deeply grateful for her actions. Yu Zhe, in particular, was moved to tears. With Zisu's strong support, he would no longer have any worries and could wholeheartedly serve as a good official.
Now that he has married Princess Jiahe and received her generous dowry, he no longer needs to worry about the family's livelihood. His only concern is for Yu Han. Zisu now treats Yu Han like her own younger brother, saving money for him and planning to acquire property for him. In the future, as long as Yu Han studies hard, he will have nothing to worry about for the rest of his life.
Perilla, oh Perilla, your uncle owes you so much in this life, a debt he can never repay. But he'll surely try his best to make it up in the next. You're such a good person; the Bodhisattva will surely bless you with a long and healthy life!
Shangguan Mufeng and Madam Yu were also deeply moved.
Zisu is so good to Yu Han; she'll surely be even better to her younger brothers in the future. With Zisu looking after them, their three sons can rest easy!
That year, Shangguan Rui and Shangguan Zhi both turned five, and Shangguan Mufeng sent them to Wuliping Academy. Then, on a bright and sunny day, he took Madam Yu on a trip.
Zisu was very envious, and Prince Duan said, "When the children turn five, we will send them to Wuliping Academy, and then I will take you to travel all over the country!"
Zisu was speechless. What kind of promise was this? Now, it seemed she was pregnant again.
The doctor came to examine her, and it turned out she was indeed pregnant again!
Prince Duan was as happy as a three-year-old child, smiling from ear to ear all day long.
After ten months of pregnancy, she gave birth to twins, one boy and one girl.
Prince Duan couldn't help but cheer with joy, wishing he could announce to the whole world that he had another son and a daughter!
That year, Hua'er and Jin'er had just turned three years old.
Three-year-old Jin'er is talkative, intelligent, and adorable. Her every gesture exudes the grace of an older sister. Hua'er, the older brother, seems more like the younger one.
Three-year-old Jin'er is a very loving older sister. Every day, she stays by her younger siblings' cradles, talking to them, singing to them, and telling them stories.
By the way, Jin'er's younger brother and sister are named Xiao Yu and Xiao Rong. Their names mean "Jin Yu" and "Rong Hua" respectively. Xiao Yu is the younger sister, and Xiao Rong is the younger brother.
Zisu and Prince Duan hoped that their sons would live a life of wealth and honor, and that their daughters would live a life of harmony and happiness.
The Emperor Emeritus's health indeed improved, and he could easily live another ten or eight years. On the day of Yu'er and Rong'er's full moon celebration, he personally issued an imperial decree, bestowing upon Yu'er the title of Princess Yongping and upon Rong'er and Hui the title of Prince.
That year, the Empress also gave birth to a prince, three months older than Yu'er and Rong'er. The prince was made Crown Prince at three months old. Only after the Crown Prince turned one year old did the Emperor begin selecting consorts.
The first selection of imperial concubines resulted in the appointment of several beauties, several ladies-in-waiting, and several ladies-in-waiting, as well as one consort and one noblewoman. There were no major appointments in the harem, demonstrating great restraint.
Zisu once said that too many women talking would shorten one's lifespan. The young emperor took this to heart, and he trusted both Zisu and Prince Duan implicitly. He was willing to listen to some of their suggestions.
The Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager were completely uninvolved in worldly affairs, either staying peacefully in the palace or vacationing together at the Summer Palace or hot spring resort, living a carefree life. Of course, they weren't completely uninvolved; he would still intervene in matters concerning the Prince Duan's residence.
The Empress and Zisu had a very good relationship, like close friends. In addition, neither Prince Duan nor Zisu had any ambition for power or status, and even the Empress's family had a harmonious relationship with Prince Duan and Zisu.
For a time, Zisu and Prince Duan lived an extremely comfortable life.
Who says the imperial family is heartless? Neither Zisu nor Prince Duan thought so.
At least, the four important figures in the palace were genuinely loyal to the Prince Duan's household, harboring no suspicion or resentment. A rare harmony and mutual reliance were evident between the emperor and his subjects.
Zisu was favored by the Empress Dowager and the Empress, and she was also very capable, giving birth to two sons and two daughters not long after her marriage. Consort Qin felt ashamed of herself and stopped clamoring to arrange for Prince Duan to take concubines.
In truth, she was self-aware enough to know that even if she refused to accept it and insisted on arranging for Prince Duan to take a concubine, in the end, she would be the only one who suffered. Over time, she realized that she couldn't defeat Zisu, much less her own son.
Having thought it through, understood it clearly, and come to terms with it, she stopped causing trouble and took the initiative to repair her relationship with Zisu. The relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law finally thawed and became harmonious.
For a time, Zisu became the model of a good daughter-in-law.
With a good relationship with her mother-in-law, intelligent and sensible children, and a husband who loves her deeply, Zisu firmly believes that her life has been worthwhile and that she has not lived in vain.
She and Prince Duan lived a harmonious and happy life together until their hair turned white.
The story has come to a perfect end, and the main text is now complete. However, the story is far from over. Next, I will be writing side stories for several characters. Please leave a comment if you'd like to see side stories for any of them. Thank you all for your continued support and unwavering loyalty. I am extremely grateful! Wishing you all happiness, joy, and all your dreams come true!
There will be two updates tonight.