When Zhou Chen learned the final result, he couldn't help but curse "waste". The Song Dynasty had really become a coward, and the emperors of the Zhao family were really wastes. Ever since Emperor Taizong Zhao Guangyi usurped the throne, each generation was more cowardly than the previous one, and they had no blood at all.

The final result was that the Song Dynasty returned a piece of land in Shizhou, the Western Xia paid tribute of 400 fine horses and a certain amount of treasures, and at the same time opened up border trade and a series of other conditions, and the two sides signed a peace treaty.

Zhou Chen was so angry that he laughed. If it can't be helped, it can't be helped. Such a court is really hopeless. Forget it, since everyone is doing it, he might as well do it too.

After experiencing so many worlds, he has become more open-minded and does not have the energy to overthrow the Song Dynasty again. Damn, we can't let him do this in every ancient world. Rebelling and becoming an emperor is very tiring. It's not as comfortable as lying down.

To be honest, for the current official, if he really wants to just get by and lie down, it is actually very easy.

As for the system task of becoming a first-rank official, he already has a plan in mind, but there is no rush, as it is not the time to implement the plan. Anyway, he has enough life left, so he can take it slow.

Many people think that life in ancient times was very comfortable, but in fact, if you have no power and influence, it is really difficult to live a worry-free life. At least compared with the harmonious society of the future, such a feudal society has too much uncertainty.

The provincial examination was held as scheduled, and both sons of the Sheng family participated. Fortunately, Sheng Changbai passed the examination and became a juren, but unfortunately, Sheng Changfeng failed the examination.

I heard that because of this matter, Madam Wang almost set off firecrackers to celebrate, both to celebrate her son's success in passing the imperial examination and to celebrate that Lin Qinshuang's son Sheng Changfeng did not pass the imperial examination.

You can't blame Mrs. Wang for being narrow-minded. She is such a simple and lovely person. She expresses everything she has and doesn't pretend with you.

Although Sheng Changbai passed the imperial examination, he made it clear that he would not take part in the next spring imperial examination, but would apply for the next imperial examination.

The Sheng family naturally had no objection to this. After all, Sheng Changbai was only in his teens, and only a few people could pass the imperial examination in one go. Many people would prepare for several years before taking the exam, so Sheng Changbai's decision was not surprising at all.

Someone from the Mansion of Marquis Zhongjing also took part in the provincial examination. He was Zhou Chen’s fourth brother. Perhaps the teaching and discipline of Zhou Yexiong in previous years had an effect, and he also passed the examination and became a Juren this time.

Inside the house, Zhou Chen and Hua Lan were eating together.

"Sir, the lady from the Earl of Yongchang sent me a visiting card, saying that she is hosting a polo match at Jinming Lake and invites me to attend."

Jinmingchi is a royal garden, but there is a large piece of land in this garden that has not been used. At the beginning, it was just vacant, but over time it was used by nobles, and a large part of it was built into a polo field. In addition to the polo field, there are also other recreational sports.

Some nobles would often hold polo clubs here, and Madam Wu from the Earl of Yongchang's Mansion was a generous and forthright person with a very high level of polo skills. She would often take the lead in holding polo clubs at Jinming Lake and invite ladies from various mansions to participate.

In addition to the polo match, it also provides everyone with an opportunity to get to know each other, and it also gives people from different families a chance to see each other, which can be regarded as a unique blind date event.

The Earl of Yongchang's Mansion is a famous noble family in Tokyo City, and the head of the family, Madam Wu, is an expert at building personal connections.

Although the Earl of Yongchang is not outstanding, the Earl's Mansion of Yongchang is very wealthy, and it also has a concubine's son who is relatively prominent and promising in the court. Therefore, the status of the Earl's Mansion of Yongchang is not inferior to that of some declining marquis' and duke's mansions.

"This Madam Wu is a well-known figure in Tokyo City. She is as capable as any man. The current prosperity of the Earl of Yongchang's Mansion has a lot to do with her."

As the wife of an earl, she was able to support her illegitimate son in his pursuit of success and even helped him obtain a high official position. This was enough to show that Madam Wu's vision was broader than that of many other noble ladies.

"If you have nothing to do, you can go and take a look. You are the mistress of the Marquis's Mansion, so you have to stand up for yourself."

Hua Lan understood what Zhou Chen meant: "I see. I'll go and have a look the day after tomorrow."

"Ah."

At night, Hua Lan leaned on Zhou Chen with a tired face. Looking at Zhou Chen who was just panting slightly, she said softly: "My dear, do you remember what I told you last time? Cui Chan is ready. I can't always let you hold it in. Go to the next room. Cui Chan is waiting."

Zhou Chen said softly: "Have you really thought it through? Actually, it doesn't matter to me. I'm not the kind of person who is 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. The most trusted maid around me, I feel relieved to have her serve the officials, and taking good care of the officials can also reduce my stress."

"Silly lady."

Zhou Chen kissed Hualan lightly on the forehead.

"Go to sleep, wait till you fall asleep."

Hua Lan smiled and leaned in Zhou Chen's arms. She was exhausted and soon fell asleep.

Zhou Chen held her in his arms, and waited until she fell asleep soundly 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 upright and self-righteous. Since Hualan and Cuichan, both parties involved, have made their decisions, why would he pretend to be noble?

To be honest, he did feel sorry for Hualan. When the two were together, he was more restrained. Otherwise, with his current physical condition, Hualan would definitely not be able to bear it.

Perhaps when Hualan is thirty years old and has enough experience and endurance, she can barely satisfy him, but now, Hualan, who is only twenty years old, is still too young.

But if there are two people, that’s a different story.

We came to the next room, which was where Cuichan lived. In order to make it easier to serve her, she had always lived next to the main house.

She was still awake at this time, sitting on the edge of the bed. When she heard the door being pushed open, she stood up nervously.

"My Lord, my Lord."

She lowered her head, not daring to look directly at Zhou Chen. Although she was prepared, she was still nervous when the time came.

She has been serving Hualan and Zhou Chen since she came to the Marquis' Mansion for more than two years. She sees Zhou Chen every day. How could she not be moved by such an outstanding man?

But she is self-aware and can control herself. She will not be as stupid as Cai Zan. She knows that only by relying on the girl can she gain a foothold in the Marquis' Mansion.

What she said to Hualan before was not meant to please her, but was sincere. She did not want to marry away and just wanted to stay with the girl.

Just like she said before, marrying someone means serving him, and the key is that you can't marry into a good family. Instead of suffering in someone else's home, why not stay with the girl? As long as you stay with the girl, you won't have a bad life.

Of course, the reason why she thought so was because she knew that her own girl was a kind-hearted master. If it were those mean and sarcastic masters, she would definitely not do this.

Zhou Chen walked up to Cui Chan and said, "Raise your head."

Cui Chan raised her head shyly and nervously, her eyes trembling slightly, and she seemed very flustered.

Zhou Chen looked at Cui Chan carefully. He had to say that the old lady had a good eye and the maids she trained were also top-notch.

Cuichan has an outstanding figure and beautiful appearance, giving people the feeling of a beautiful girl from a small family. But after more than two years of getting along with her, Zhou Chen knows that she also has more tenacity and intelligence than ordinary people. Although she is a maid, she definitely has the temperament of a young lady in a small family.

"My wife has told me everything. Are you really willing?"

Cuichan replied in a mosquito-like voice: "I, I do."

"You have to think it through. After tonight, you will only be mine. You can never leave or betray the Marquis' Mansion."

"I won't." Cui Chan replied firmly.

Zhou Chen reached out and lifted Cui Chan's chin, and said softly: "You are a smart person, I like smart people. Since you are willing, then I can promise you that I will let you serve me and my wife for the rest of your life."

Cui Chan showed a happy expression: "Thank you, my Lord. I am willing to serve you and the young lady for the rest of my life and will never leave."

Zhou Chen suddenly smiled wickedly: "Then you better be prepared, I am not an ordinary man."

Before Cui Chan understood what Zhou Chen meant by his words, she was suddenly picked up by Zhou Chen, and 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.

The next day.

Cui Chan opened her heavy eyelids and saw her own girl sitting beside her bed. She wanted to get up anxiously, but found that she was too weak all over and couldn't get up at all.

"Okay, don't move, and have a good rest."

Hua Lan held Cui Chan down, looked at her exhausted appearance, and complained: "My husband is the same, knowing that you have never experienced such a thing, and you don't know how to control yourself."

Thinking about what happened between Zhou Chen and herself last night, Cui Chan's body trembled slightly and her face turned red.

"Girl, it's not the Marquis' fault. It's me. I'm so useless."

She had seen her daughter being tormented by the Marquis many times before, and she had long understood in her heart how powerful her own Marquis was. But when she really went into battle herself, she realized that she was too naive. What her daughter said was right. The Marquis was really like an ox and had no idea of ​​fatigue.

If the Marquis hadn't taken pity on her last night, she wouldn't be unable to get out of bed now, but she would be disabled.

I was clearly trying to help the girl bear the pressure, but I ended up being unable to get up and serve the girl. It was so embarrassing and useless.

Hualan was originally feeling a little jealous, but when she saw Cuichan's pitiful appearance, the only unhappiness in her heart disappeared.

Now she finally understood that the Marquis was really much more restrained when he was with her. The Marquis was an invincible general, but he could still be so delicate and caring towards her. What else could she be dissatisfied with?

With Cuichan by her side to help her share the pressure and serve her husband, she can feel much more relaxed.

Her biggest worry now is that her husband is so strong that even a cicada might not be enough...

"Cui Chan, you should have a good rest these two days."

"How can this be possible? I still have to serve the girl. If I'm not here, there will be no one around the girl."

Hua Lan smiled and said, "It's okay. There are several maids in the courtyard, all sent by my mother. Just let them serve you first."

"Can……"

"Don't worry, you should have a good rest first. You will have 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 she was physically tired, she could not forget that wonderful feeling.

It turns out that being the Marquis’s woman is such a joy.

After this night, nothing seemed to be different. Cuichan was still serving Hualan and was still the most capable maid. When her master was not convenient, she would take her place to serve Zhou Chen.

But she was very sensible and never overstepped the mark. She continued to do her job conscientiously and kept herself in the right position.

This made Hualan value her more and feel satisfied with her.

Time flies, and another year has passed.

Zhou Chen's mourning period had not yet been completed, but the emperor had already ordered him to report on his work and had made adjustments to his position.

Originally Zhou Chen was the commander of the Cavalry Division, but after being reinstated this time, he was promoted to the commander of the Cavalry Division, a fifth-rank official, which can be said to be a high promotion.

After all, he was only the Du Yu Hou of the Ma Jun Division, the third in command, but now he has become the Du Zhihuishi, the top leader of the Ma Jun Division.

The commander-in-chief of one of the three yamen can also be called the cavalry commander. Among the three yamen, although his rank is not as high as the commander-in-chief and deputy commander-in-chief of the Palace Front Department, it is only a difference in status. In fact, the Cavalry Department also holds great power, and the Palace Front Department has no control over the Cavalry Department, which directly obeys the government.

Therefore, although the rank of the Commander-in-Chief of the Cavalry was not high, he actually controlled part of the imperial guards and was considered one of the most powerful military positions in the Song Dynasty.

In fact, Zhou Chen was also surprised that the emperor would give him such a position. This was the emperor's personal army, and only the most trusted people were qualified to hold this position. Did the emperor treat him as his confidant?

But no matter how you look at it, this is a good thing. Now he is the Marquis of Zhongjing and represents the Marquis of Zhongjing’s Mansion. His favor will be of great benefit to the Marquisate’s Mansion.

In addition to being the commander-in-chief of the cavalry, he also obtained a civil official position of the fourth rank.

Now, as a marquis, he can wear purple robes and go to court.

…………

"clang!"

An arrow was thrown into the pot, followed by a cheer of joy.

"I hit it, I hit it."

In the courtyard, a little girl about eight or nine years old jumped up excitedly, her face full of excitement, happy that she won the game of tossing the pot. She turned to face a very charming man in gorgeous clothes sitting in the pavilion.

"Uncle San, Uncle San, I got it."

Zhou Chen waved at the little girl, and the little girl immediately ran over.

Ruffling the little girl's hair with his hands, Zhou Chen smiled and praised: "Our Sister Fu is really great. She hit eight out of ten arrows. That's amazing."

The youngest daughter is Zhou Fu, the only daughter of Zhou Chen’s brother Zhou Tong. After a few years, she has grown up a lot and become much more cheerful.

She would come to Chaoyun Pavilion every day, sometimes to learn from Hualan, sometimes to play with her younger brother Zhou Ji, and she would often not go back until the evening.

Maybe it was because she lacked fatherly love since childhood, she was actually closest to Zhou Chen and especially liked to stick to Zhou Chen. Her mother Cui had said it many times but it was useless. She relied on Zhou Chen's favor and was not afraid of her mother at all.

He pushed the pastries on the stone table to Zhou Fu, who immediately narrowed her eyes and hugged him.

"I'll take it and eat it with my brother."

As she said that, she ran into the house. Zhou Ji in the house was being watched by Hua Lan, learning the rules.

Zhou Ji is four years old this year, but he is a naughty boy. He was always spoiled by his grandmother and can't sit still. Recently, Hua Lan happened to have some free time, so she started to teach Zhou Ji the rules, starting from how to sit.

Just last year, Hualan gave birth to her second child, still a little boy, so Zhou Chen now has two legitimate sons. The youngest son just held his first birthday banquet not long ago. This first birthday banquet was also the biggest happy event held in the Zhongjing Marquis' Mansion in recent years.

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 never showed off her beauty and was always by Hua Lan's side, working hard and without complaint. of service.

Of course, as the first-class maid in the mansion and the most capable person around Hualan, although she is a maid, her status in the mansion is very high.

She has always kept her promise. Although she is with Zhou Chen, she has never thought about having children. Therefore, Hualan trusts her very much and always entrusts her with important tasks.

Compared with a few years ago, Hualan has undergone significant changes. Not only has she become mature and elegant, but her whole body exudes a kind of nobility from the inside out, making her even more beautiful and attractive.

But there are also many things that have not changed, such as her kind and gentle heart, and the naivety in her bones.

Sister Fu was holding some snacks. When she saw Hualan scolding her brother sternly, she tensed up and didn't dare to go in.

Hualan glanced around and saw Sister Fu, then her face smiled.

"Sister Fu, come in."

"Auntie."

When Sister Fu saw Hualan smile, she felt relieved, shouted happily, and walked in.

Aunt Hualan was always very kind to her and she had never been afraid of her before. But ever since her aunt started teaching her brother rules, she suddenly discovered that her aunt could be quite scary when she got angry.

"elder sister."

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