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That was why Hualan was so shocked. After all, Shulan was the eldest daughter of the Sheng family. Even if she had been divorced, she was still a lady from a noble family. How could she be willing to be someone's concubine?

"Alas, it's all injustice."

The old lady sighed, her expression very complicated: "Shulan was rescued from the thieves by Sanlang when she was in Youyang. I saw some problems at that time, but I didn't take it too seriously. As you said, no woman is willing to be a concubine for others. I thought that as time goes by, it will be over."

"But who would have thought that when your uncle came to Tokyo this time, he told me that he and his wife had found several marriages for Shulan, but Shulan didn't want to see any of them. She was forced to express her love for Sanlang, and your uncle and aunt were so angry that they wanted to beat her to death."

"But as parents, who really has the heart to watch their children suffer? After trying to persuade them many times to no avail, they could only bring Shulan to Bianjing and tell an old woman like me about this."

"Ah, I'm in a dilemma too. To be honest, I naturally don't want Shulan to be Sanlang's concubine. Just like you said, a concubine is still a concubine no matter what. But I don't know what that girl is thinking. She actually doesn't mind being Sanlang's concubine. Alas..."

After all, the first and second branches of the Sheng family have a close relationship. Although she and Sheng Shulan do not have much affection, they are relatives of the same clan after all. Naturally, she does not want to see Shulan become a concubine.

But from another perspective, if Hualan must take a concubine for Zhou Chen, Shulan is indeed a good choice. However, she and Hualan are cousins ​​after all, and it would not look good to be subservient to Hualan.

"Shulan is a gentle and submissive girl. I'm not worried about her at all, but it all depends on your opinion."

Hualan had a strange look on her face, for she had never thought that her husband, while out suppressing a rebellion, would actually get involved in an affair.

No, it's not a romantic affair at all. It should be Shulan's wishful thinking. I'm afraid the master doesn't even know about it now.

She really wanted to take a concubine for Zhou Chen, but if she took Shulan into the Marquis's Mansion, she would feel something was wrong psychologically.

Throughout history, there have been many sisters sharing the same husband, but when it comes to me, the concept is naturally different.

But what my grandmother said in the last sentence was correct. Shulan had a gentle temperament and was submissive. If she became a concubine, there would be no need to worry about her causing trouble. Besides, they were cousins, so she would not be harsh on Shulan, and Shulan naturally had no reason to be jealous of her.

The reason why she had not chosen a concubine yet was that she was a little worried. Since she had lived in a family that favored concubines over wives since she was a child, she had a particularly bad impression of concubines, so she was afraid of choosing a vixen concubine for Zhou Chen.

Rather than looking for a strange woman whose temperament he didn't know, Shulan, who knew him well, would be a good choice if she was really willing to be his concubine.

And you have such a strong body. If there is one more person to share the burden, then...

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Hua Lan's mind.

"Grandmother, Sister Shulan, is she really willing to be your concubine?"

"I've talked to her, and judging from her attitude, she seems willing. In fact, she used to be the eldest lady in her husband's family, but she was actually not as good as a concubine."

Thinking of Shulan's life in the past three years, the old lady couldn't help but shake her head and sigh. That scholar Sun was really rare. He was incompetent and had a bad temper. He married a prostitute and favored his concubine over his wife. This was even more exaggerated than the two old masters of the Sheng family.

Hua Lan pondered for a moment, and finally said: "I still have to ask the master. If the master agrees, and my uncle and sister Shulan are also willing, then I will naturally agree."

She has always known that it is an excessive luxury to want Zhou Chen to love only her. Even her father married a concubine when he was down and out. Zhou Chen has a much higher status than her father and has been loving her for many years. She has understood Zhou Chen's feelings for her, so she is willing to make changes for Zhou Chen.

Taking a concubine is for the sake of the husband as well as for herself.

After having dinner at Sheng Mansion, Zhou Chen and Hua Lan returned home.

In the evening, after some tenderness, Hua Lan leaned on Zhou Chen's chest with a rosy face and a tired look on her face.

"Sir, I told you before about taking a concubine, and there is already a plan."

"Ah, you're still thinking about this."

Zhou Chen was very surprised. Although Hualan had told him about this more than once, Hualan had not taken any action. He didn't care and had stopped thinking about it a long time ago.

Hua Lan's expression became serious: "Of course, otherwise do you think I was really joking with you? What do you think of my uncle's sister Shu Lan?"

"Ok?"

Zhou Chen's expression changed, and he asked in astonishment: "You don't mean to take her in, do you?"

"Yes, if you are willing, I will go and help you speak tomorrow."

"Madam, have you heard something? Otherwise, you would never bring this up for no reason. Although Shulan has been married, she is now divorced. If she wants to marry, it is absolutely fine. Why would she be willing to be my concubine?"

Hua Lan rolled her eyes and said, "You are so charming. You saved her before and she fell in love with you at first sight. She was willing to be your concubine."

"what?"

Zhou Chen really had no idea about this. He and Sheng Shulan had only met four times, including today. Was his charm really that great?

"It seems that the master doesn't object. That's fine. I will go home and talk to him tomorrow. Sister Shulan has this idea. Since uncle brought Sister Shulan here, he must have tacitly agreed to it. So as long as we are willing, there should be no problem."

Zhou Chen thought for a moment and said, "If you have no objection, then I have no objection."

He wouldn't pretend to say no. He had met Sheng Shulan several times, and to be honest, she was indeed a good girl, with excellent looks and figure. You could tell at first glance that she was a good person. Although she had been married once, that was not a big deal at all.

Young girls and young women each have their own merits, there is no need to compare them.

Hua Lan rolled her eyes again and said coquettishly, "All men are really the same. I thought you would refuse."

Zhou Chen hugged her and said with a smile: "We have been married for many years and understand each other. If I were pretending, would you not be able to see it? Moreover, it is just a concubine. In my heart, even if there are a hundred concubines or a thousand concubines, they are not as good as a hair of your wife."

"You just want to coax me. But there are only a thousand concubines or a hundred concubines. My lord, don't even think about it."

Despite saying this, Hualan still had a smile on her face.

Zhou Chen didn't expect Hua Lan to be so fast. When he came back from work the next day, she was already waiting for him at home.

"Sir, my uncle and sister Shulan have both agreed to enter the Marquis' Mansion. They don't need any betrothal gifts. They just hope that we can help Changwu find a job in Bianjing City."

"I understand what my uncle means. In the future, my brother Changsong will be able to inherit the family business, but my brother Changwu will not. Even if my uncle can give him some of the family business, he still needs to work hard on his own. But Youyang is too small after all, so he is thinking about the future of his brother Changwu."

Hua Lan looked at Zhou Chen's expression and saw that Zhou Chen did not react, so she continued, "I don't think this request is excessive. After all, Sister Shulan came in as a concubine, which was wronged for her. Brother Changwu is our cousin, so we can arrange a job for him. Sir, what do you think?"

"Did your uncle make any requests regarding the arrangement of the errand?"

"No, Changwu is not good at studying, and you happen to be a military commander, so your uncle wants to arrange a job for him in the army. I think city defense and other things are fine."

Zhou Chen nodded and said, "Okay, since your aunt doesn't like the ninth-rank official position I mentioned last time, let's give it to Chang Wu."

"A grade?"

Hua Lan was very surprised. Although he was only a ninth-rank official, it was still a rank and an official. He had directly escaped from the class of commoners.

Zhou Chen said: "Didn't you say that Shulan felt wronged to enter the Marquis' Mansion? Just consider it as a betrothal gift to her."

Hualan immediately showed her joy. Her uncle didn't dare to mention the rank. If she went back and told him about it, he would definitely agree and she would also feel proud.

"Yes, sir, I will tell my uncle tomorrow. He will surely be very happy."

The next day, Hua Lan couldn't wait to go to Sheng Mansion again and told Sheng Wei's family about Zhou Chen's decision.

When Sheng Wei learned that Zhou Chen was actually willing to arrange a ninth-rank job for his youngest son, he was overjoyed.

Although the rank of a ninth-rank officer is not high, he is just a businessman. Even if he is rich, his status is far lower than that of an official with a rank and salary, even if he is of the ninth rank.

The position of a ninth-rank military officer certainly made him happy, but what made him even happier was that Sheng Changwu was under the command of his brother-in-law Zhou Chen. As long as he did not make any mistakes, he would definitely have great room for promotion in the future, and he might have the opportunity to wear the scarlet robe in the future.

So his originally uncomfortable mood because his eldest daughter was going to become a concubine suddenly became good.

It’s not that he doesn’t love his daughters. On the contrary, he treats both of his daughters very well. But daughters are ultimately someone else’s, and sons are more important.

What's more, Zhou Chen is a marquis and an important official in the court. It is not a grievance for Shulan to enter the marquis's mansion, not to mention that after entering the mansion, the mistress of the house is also her cousin. Given Hualan's character, she will definitely not treat Shulan unfairly, so he is not worried about his daughter's future life.

She was uncomfortable before only because her daughter was going to be someone else's concubine. But if one loves his daughter, who would be willing to let his daughter be a concubine unless it is absolutely necessary?

After the two sides reached an agreement, they prepared to start discussing the date of entry, and Hualan, the mistress of the house, could decide these matters.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 1150 The Crown Prince's Discussion, Chaos is Coming

Wei Ruixuan.

Wang Ruofu glared at Hua Lan with dissatisfaction: "I asked you to find a suitable noble son for your sister, but you didn't take it seriously. Instead, you were so concerned about your master's concubine. Hua'er, what are you thinking? Are you crazy about marrying your master to your great uncle's sister?"

Hualan looked helpless and sighed, "Mother, it's not like I didn't show my sister a good match, but you all don't like her. What can I do? As for Sister Shulan entering the Marquis's mansion as a concubine, it's not a bad thing. You don't have to worry about it."

"You are my daughter, if I don't take care of you, who will? Although Shulan looks quite honest, who knows what she will become after entering the Marquis' Mansion and seeing the prosperous city of Bianjing? You know best what kind of life your mother has lived these years. Do you still want to follow my path?"

Wang Ruofu was very disappointed with Hualan. She thought Hualan should keep Zhou Chen. She had been living well in the past few years without taking a concubine. If that didn't work out, she could just give her two maids to sleep with.

Hualan knew her mother, so she didn't want to say much. She made a few excuses and then left.

Under Hualan's arrangement, Shulan entered the Mansion of Marquis Zhongjing on an auspicious day half a month later.

There was no grand wedding reception, just a simple sedan chair was sent into the marquis's mansion through the side door.

Although they are relatives, Shulan is still Hualan's cousin, but rules are rules, especially in a marquis's mansion like this.

After all, Shulan was just a concubine, and the daughter of a merchant, which was considered good in a small place like Youyang, but in Bianjing, she was really the lowest level among the ladies.

In fact, if Hua Lan really wanted to find a concubine with a higher status for Zhou Chen, it would be very easy, but after all, outsiders are not as trustworthy as family members.

Zhou Chen came to the yard prepared for Shulan that night.

Shulan was wearing a pink wedding dress, which was bright and charming. In fact, she was just a woman who had just turned 100. If it were a thousand years later, it would only be the beginning of her life, but in ancient times, a woman over 100 was no longer considered young.

"Master Hou!"

Shulan was nervous and worried. Although she agreed to be Zhou Chen's concubine, she was still very worried that Zhou Chen would not take her seriously and would really treat her like a slave.

Little did people know that Zhou Chen's education was completely different from that of people of this era. Although he respected the etiquette and laws of this era, he would not really treat his concubines as slaves. Moreover, they were his own concubines. Even if they were not as good as his wife, he would give them relative respect.

"Shu'er, from now on, you are mine. Don't worry, I won't let anyone bully you."

Zhou Chen comforted her softly, and when he saw Shulan nod shyly, he hugged her and kissed her.

This night is destined to be a sleepless night.

The next day, Zhou Chen walked out of the room in high spirits, while Shulan was still in a coma.

…………

On this day, Rulan and Minglan came to visit the Marquis' Mansion, and Minglan found an opportunity to meet Zhou Chen.

"Brother-in-law, I heard that Young Master Qi left Bianjing City and went to study in another place. Was it you who gave him the idea?"

Zhou Chen looked at Minglan and asked, "Are you questioning me or asking for advice?"

Minglan whispered, "Of course I'm asking for advice. How dare I question my brother-in-law?"

"Haha, your tricks can only fool ordinary people, but you are far from fooling me. As for the matter of Young Master Qi leaving Bianjing, you don't have to ask me. You can ask him yourself later."

Zhou Chen was well-informed and naturally knew that Qi Heng had left Bian Jing a long time ago. With his reminder, Qi Heng did make changes.

Not only did he save Buwei, the servant boy beside him, he also persuaded his parents to let him leave Bian Jing. However, the process of persuasion was probably not that simple.

He was also quite looking forward to how Qi Heng would contact Zhao Zongquan and whether he could gain Zhao Zongquan's trust.

When watching the TV series, you will know that Zhao Zongquan's ability to become the new emperor was largely due to luck. It can be said that he got the position of emperor by chance, and his luck was amazing.

Minglan was very disappointed when she didn't get the answer she wanted from Zhou Chen, but this result was not a bad thing for her.

At least Qi Heng had left, and Prince Yong and the Rong family had no way to force him. Moreover, Qi Heng wrote her a letter before leaving, asking her to wait for him and that he would come back and marry her with three letters and six ceremonies in a sedan chair carried by eight people.

Although she didn't show anything on the surface, she was very happy in her heart because she saw the changes in Qi Heng. She could also guess that it must be her brother-in-law who did something to cause such a big change in Qi Heng.

Two months later, the emperor's condition recovered and he finally appeared in the morning court. Perhaps it was the first day of his return to court, and all the officials gave the emperor face and did not mention the issue of appointing a crown prince. Instead, they brought up the major events of recent times at the morning court and let the emperor make the decision.

After the morning court session ended, Zhou Chen was about to leave the imperial city when suddenly Li, the eunuch beside the emperor, came to find him.

"Lord Zhou, the emperor summons Lord Zhou, please follow me."

Zhou Chen followed Li Neiguan to the inner hall and met the emperor.

When the emperor saw Zhou Chen, he smiled happily and said, "Mr. Zhou, please wait for a moment and have dinner with me later."

"I thank your Majesty."

After saying this, he stood aside respectfully.

He was really surprised that the emperor asked him to have dinner with him. He thought the emperor wanted to tell him something.

After waiting for an hour, the official finally finished the matter at hand. Looking at Zhou Chen who was still standing upright, he showed a satisfied smile.

"Eunuch Li, please serve the meal. I will dine with Lord Zhou today."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Zhou Chen followed the emperor to the back hall where they had their meals, knelt down below the emperor, and glanced at his expression calmly.

It can be seen that Guan Jia has recovered a little in recent times, but he can still see that Guan Jia's spirit is not very good. This is the condition of old age, lack of energy, and insufficient blood.

The imperial kitchen quickly delivered the meal. The emperor pointed at Zhou Chen and said, "Eat now. You don't have to be so reserved here. If my son were still alive, he would be the same age as you. I have never had a meal like this with my son."

Zhou Chen's expression tightened: "Your Majesty."

"Okay, don't be nervous. I told you to relax, just like when you performed for me in front of the palace. I will never forget you at that time."

Zhou Chen smiled humbly: "I was young and ignorant back then and got into trouble. Thanks to your majesty's generosity, you didn't blame me. I will never forget your kindness."

The emperor smiled and said, "You are a good boy. I was right about you. You conquered two states for me and made great contributions. It's a pity that you can only keep one state in the end. I know that you have the courage of the champion marquis of Han Dynasty. It's a pity that I am old and have no ambition, so your courage is useless."