stonecrandall Chapter 131 Lin Xiaoniang's Little Thoughts
Chapter 131 Lin Xiaoniang's Little Thoughts
Chapter 131 Lin Xiaoniang's Little Thoughts
There was something Wang You didn't say, regardless of whether it was the Liao Dynasty or the Western Xia Dynasty.
Neither country promoted education as extensively as the Song Dynasty.
Therefore, knowledge was still in a semi-monopolistic state among the Han people of the Liao and Western Xia dynasties.
Why is it described as a semi-monopoly?
Because books from the Song Dynasty would flow into the Liao and Western Xia, but the Liao and Western Xia had their own writing systems.
Educational institutions in both countries cannot teach Chinese characters.
The literate Han Chinese community has an unspoken agreement not to teach their characters to outsiders.
This led to a return to the situation of early aristocratic families, where knowledge was passed down through family traditions.
In other words, in the Liao and Western Xia dynasties, literate Han Chinese groups, much like the aristocratic families of the past, monopolized knowledge.
However, they did not hold a high position, could not influence imperial power, and could not monopolize officialdom.
Although both countries imitated the Han people and implemented the imperial examination system to select Han officials.
However, due to the monopoly of knowledge, the Han Chinese in both countries faced very little competitive pressure.
They were living very comfortably in the Liao and Western Xia kingdoms, so how could they possibly betray them and defect to the Song Dynasty?
Both countries simply don't want to give important positions to Han Chinese officials. Even if they did, those officials would remain loyal to both countries.
There's absolutely no need to worry.
Therefore, even if the Western Xia heavily relied on Han Chinese officials, it would not benefit the Song Dynasty in any way.
On the contrary, the drawbacks are enormous.
During the Warring States period, it was very common for ministers to switch allegiance to other states.
Back then, as long as one did not defect to another country while in office, but resigned normally, or even went to other countries to develop because they were not valued, they would not suffer discrimination.
Later, after the country was unified, loyalty and filial piety were highly valued, which led to the saying that a loyal minister does not serve two masters.
Before that, the sayings such as "the ruler chooses his ministers, and the ministers choose their rulers" and "a good bird chooses its tree to perch on" were very popular.
There were very few Song Dynasty literati who switched allegiance to the Liao and Western Xia dynasties, partly because they feared being branded as disloyal and unjust.
On the other hand, neither country gave important positions to Han Chinese officials.
Secondly, it's unlikely they'll gain trust in the short term if they switch allegiance, and there are also factors like family and relatives involved.
However, once the Western Xia began to appoint Han Chinese officials, many scholars who felt they were not in a position of power would inevitably flock to them.
These people may not be particularly capable, but they understand the Song Dynasty and are adept at turning against it.
Take Zhang Yuan, who single-handedly changed the rules of the imperial examination system in the Song Dynasty, for example.
He failed the imperial examinations several times, finally passing the provincial examination, only to be eliminated again in the palace examination.
In a fit of anger, he switched allegiance to the Western Xia.
Not long after, the Song-Xia War broke out. Zhang Yuan helped the Liao state defeat the Song army, causing heavy losses to the Song Dynasty.
While there might be some shady dealings in the provincial examinations, the palace examination was personally overseen by the emperor.
Wang You does not deny that the examinations under the exam-oriented education system do have certain drawbacks and defects.
If one were truly capable, one wouldn't have failed the imperial examinations repeatedly.
Of course, Zhang Yuan certainly had ability, but it's not necessarily true that the Song Dynasty suffered defeats under his leadership entirely due to his efforts.
He was able to defeat the Song Dynasty because he had a good understanding of it, and also because the Song Dynasty had many problems during the Song-Xia War.
Before establishing itself as independent, the Western Xia had been preparing for a long time, and had thoroughly investigated the situation on the border.
However, the Song Dynasty only hastily responded to the attack.
It can only be said that Zhang Yuan has the ability, but not that strong.
But throughout history, many people have judged heroes by their success or failure.
Zhang Yuan decisively defeated the Song Dynasty, demonstrating his capabilities.
Because of this, the Song Dynasty even revised the imperial examination system and abolished the elimination process of the palace examination.
All scholars in the world should thank him.
At the same time, Zhang Yuan also served as a role model, inspiring many scholars who repeatedly failed the imperial examinations to believe that they were simply unappreciated because of their talents, rather than because of their lack of ability.
Fortunately, Zhang Yuan's fate was not good; otherwise, many Han Chinese would probably have defected to Liao and Xia over the years.
However, in any case, once the Western Xia began to appoint Han Chinese officials, it would inevitably attract some scholars to defect to the Western Xia.
"Ziqian is right."
Gu Tingye nodded solemnly and said, "Strictly speaking, the Han people of Liao and Western Xia can no longer be considered Han people."
Before Sheng Changfeng could say anything more, Mo Lan walked in, curtsied to the group, and smiled, "I heard arguing coming from inside the school just now. What were you talking about, brothers and cousins?"
Sheng Changfeng briefly explained the situation and asked, "Sister, what's your opinion on this?"
"How could I, a woman, understand these things? But as the sages say, one should fulfill one's duties in one's position."
"Now that the imperial examination is approaching, we should focus on preparing for it. Only after passing the exam will we be qualified to participate in these things in the future," Mo Lan said with a smile.
She was overjoyed to learn that Minglan and Wang You were engaged.
Although Qi Heng did not pester Minglan as much as in the original drama because of Wang You's presence.
But since Mo Lan often focuses her gaze on Qi Heng, how could she not see that Qi Heng frequently casts his gaze at Ming Lan?
Now that Minglan is engaged, she is no longer a threat to her.
As for Rulan, she never paid her any attention.
Although recently, Rulan seems to have suddenly changed her personality.
Unlike before, she wouldn't be easily angered by a single word, but she still wouldn't take Rulan seriously.
"Fourth Miss is right, and the scholar will be here soon, so let's not argue anymore," Gu Tingye said.
Mo Lan smiled and bowed to express her gratitude after being praised by Gu Tingye, then went to sit down in her seat.
She hadn't been sitting down long when Rulan arrived.
A short while later, the sound of a wooden clapper rang out outside.
"Now that Sixth Sister's marriage is arranged, it's really not suitable for her to continue studying at the school," Mo Lan muttered softly.
Although she spoke very softly, everyone in the quiet classroom could hear her clearly.
Qi Heng, who was looking down at a book, paused and looked up at Wang You in front of him.
Although Mo Lan didn't say who Lan was engaged to, he knew it was Wang You as soon as he heard it.
Even though he had already decided to give up, Qi Heng was still very upset upon hearing the news.
He quickly lowered his head, afraid that others would notice his unusual behavior.
Rulan smiled and pretended to talk to herself, saying, "That's right, Grandmother is going to invite a palace matron to teach Sixth Sister manners."
She wasn't interested in learning etiquette from the palace maids, but she knew Mo Lan cared about these things, so she said it on purpose to annoy her.
Sure enough, when Mo Lan heard that Old Madam Sheng wanted to invite palace maids to teach Ming Lan manners, the smile on her face immediately froze.
Just as she was about to turn around and ask, Zhuang Xuejiu walked in, so she had to give up.
During the first class, Mo Lan was distracted the entire time. When class finally ended, as soon as Zhuang Xuejiu left, she hurriedly walked out without even saying goodbye.
"Ziqian, that's not right of you."
Gu Tingye laughed and said, "You got engaged to the Sixth Miss without even telling us."
"This matter was only decided yesterday, and since my sixth cousin is not yet of marriageable age, the family has instructed us not to announce it to the public for the time being," Wang You said.
"We're classmates, not outsiders. No matter what, it's such a joyous occasion, you have to treat us," Gu Tingye said with a smile.
"Alright, I'll treat you all to wine at Fanlou during the next ten-day break," Wang You said.
"That's a deal then." Gu Tingye laughed heartily.
Lin Xiaoniang of Linxi Pavilion put down the account book, sighed and said, "These shops are alright, the rent increases a little every year, but this estate is basically the same every year."
Normally, concubines don't have much private property; they can only save money by living frugally and earning a monthly allowance.
However, Sheng Hong doted on Lin Xiaoniang and felt that he owed her something by making her a concubine. In addition, Lin Xiaoniang kept pestering him, so he bought her some shops and estates.
This money was deducted from the funds that Shengji used to bribe the eldest son's family.
After all, Madam Wang was the head of the household, and she managed all the family accounts.
Madam Wang might not question the small amount of money she spends, but buying a farm or shop is a considerable expense, and she would definitely ask about it.
It has to be said that Sheng Hong truly loved Lin Xiaoniang, saving a portion of the money he spent on bribes to help her acquire property for her future.
But Lin Xiaoniang was not satisfied with this. This amount of money was not enough to prepare more dowry for Molan, let alone the fact that she had a son.
"I heard that the eldest mistress seems to be in cahoots with the Kang family to lend money at exorbitant interest rates," Xue Niang whispered from the side.
"What?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Xiaoniang was overjoyed and asked, "Are you telling the truth?"
"This servant is not sure either. The Kang family came by a couple of days ago. A maid overheard the maids at Wei Rui Xuan talking about seeing a maid from Lin Xi Ge passing by, and she immediately stopped."
Xue Niang said, "I had someone inquire at home, and the eldest mistress did not use the accountant's money, so I cannot confirm whether it is true or not."
Lin Xiaoniang sneered, "Wang Ruofu isn't stupid enough to use the family's money to lend money at exorbitant interest rates; he must have used her dowry."
"Ha, I've finally caught you red-handed. It's a pity we're in Bianjing, otherwise I could use this to seize control of the household."
She had tasted the sweetness of success when she was in charge of the household in Yangzhou.
Although the Sheng family was not a wealthy family, they still had some assets.
When you're in charge of a household, you can easily make a lot of money by using any means necessary.
Unfortunately, over the years, whenever Madam Wang made mistakes, she repeatedly asked Sheng to take charge of the household, but Sheng refused.
It is said that this is Bianjing, the capital of the Qing Dynasty, where there are too many officials who speak out against the emperor.
If the censors find out and impeach him in court, that would be a huge problem.
Scholars all value self-cultivation, family harmony, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world.
Managing one's family is ranked before governing the country and bringing peace to the world.
The logic is simple: if you can't even govern your own family, how can you govern a region?
Therefore, officials in charge of criticism will impeach you regardless of whether it is a family matter or a national matter.
Moreover, allowing a concubine to manage the household, even when there is a principal wife, is a violation of etiquette.
Sheng Hong dared not let Lin Xiaoniang manage the household.
Since she couldn't get the power to manage the household, she didn't plan to expose the matter; she would save it for a crucial moment.
"But if Madam uses her own dowry, what can the Lord say? There are quite a few powerful people in Bianjing who lend money at exorbitant interest rates," Xue Niang asked doubtfully.
"idiot!"
Lin Xiaoniang sneered, "Master cares most about his reputation. If nothing goes wrong with the leniency, then it's fine. But if someone dies, then that's a big deal."
"How could I not have thought of that?" Xue Niang patted her head in self-reproach.
"Tell your husband to find out if Kang Wangshi is lending money at exorbitant interest rates," Lin Xiaoniang instructed.
Whether this matter is true or false is not important. As long as Lady Kang is doing it, Sheng Hong will definitely believe it once I say it.
"Yes!" Xue Niang replied quickly.
Just as Lin Xiaoniang was about to say something, Mo Lan stormed in.
"Why are you so angry?" Lin Xiaoniang asked in surprise.
Mo Lan angrily sat down next to Lin Xiao Niang and said, "Mother, do you know that Grandmother invited a palace matron to our home to teach Ming Lan manners?"
"Is that so?"
Lin Xiaoniang frowned and said, "That old woman did work in the palace in her younger days, but that was many years ago. I haven't heard of her having any connection with the palace."
"What Rulan said is probably true."
Mo Lan said, "Mother, please think of a way. I also want to learn manners from the nanny, so that the Qi family will look up to me in the future."
Lin Xiaoniang waved her hand at Xue Niang, who understood and immediately bowed and left.
"Didn't I tell you? The Qi family is of high social standing. Unless the young master is interested in you and asks Princess Pingning for his consent, you won't have a chance," Lin Xiaoniang sighed.
Her daughter wanted to marry into the Qi family, and she was naturally happy to oblige.
But the Qi family was not only a Duke's mansion, but Princess Pingning had also grown up in the palace.
Although she had a high opinion of herself, she was still somewhat self-aware.
They knew that it would be extremely difficult for Mo Lan to marry into the Qi family.
"Brother Yuanruo really likes my poems and has even praised me."
Mo Lan said, "I think there's a chance, Mother, please help me."
You'd better think this through.
Lin Xiaoniang said seriously, "That old hag invited her back. She's always disliked us. If you go, she'll have people deliberately torment you, and you'll just have to put up with it."
"I know, but only in this way can I gain the respect of the Qi family and have a chance to marry into the Qi family." Mo Lan nodded.
"I see."
Lin Xiaoniang said, "Go back to school quickly. I'll talk to your father about this when he comes back later."
"Yes, thank you, Mother!"
Mo Lan thanked them happily and left.
Lin Xiaoniang shook her head as she watched Mo Lan's departing figure.
Mo Lan was able to marry into the Qi family, which would give her something to rely on, but this was too difficult.
Her idea was to have Mo Lan try to get to know Gu Tingye.
In comparison, the Gu family's social standing was considerably lower than that of the Qi family.
Even for the Sheng family, it was still beyond their reach.
However, Gu Tingye had a bad reputation before, and his studies in other places over the years had delayed him.
He's already in his twenties and still not married.
Although her age is not a big deal, given Gu Tingye's reputation, families of similar social standing are unwilling to marry their daughter to him.
It's more reliable than marrying into the Qi family.
Moreover, although Gu Tingye was the second son of the legitimate wife, his elder brother had no children and was frail and sickly, not destined for a long life.
In the future, the title will most likely still fall into Gu Tingye's hands.
However, it also has its advantages to let Mo Lan learn etiquette from the palace maids. After Mo Lan gives up, marrying into the Gu family will be a plus.
When Sheng returned home that evening, the people sent by Lin Xiaoniang invited him to Linxi Pavilion as soon as he entered the mansion.
When Lin Xiaoniang asked Sheng Ke if he knew that Old Madam Sheng was going to invite palace maids to the house to teach manners, Sheng Hong did not hide it from her.
"My mother met her in the palace years ago. Now that she's old, she's left the palace. My mother invited her to stay at our house for a few days to catch up and teach Ming'er manners. It's all just a side thing."
"Master, those are palace maids. If they teach the young ladies manners, who wouldn't look up to them when it comes to marriage proposals?"
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