Guo Shao then realized a problem. He didn't even understand the official system of the Zhou Dynasty, and didn't know what the people in the government offices did. This emperor was really ridiculous. He was a complete novice.
He just realized the need to clarify these functions because he was thinking about something: promoting Zuo You and others.
How to cultivate and promote some people had to be arranged by Guo Shao himself, because no court official would recommend Zuo You and Huang Binglian, and they themselves would not recommend themselves for the sake of face.
Zuo You had the merit of supporting Emperor Zhongzong, so it was somewhat reasonable for him to be promoted to prime minister immediately; but it would be surprising if Huang Binglian was transferred directly from the magistrate of Kaifeng Prefecture to the Council of State to be the prime minister. Huang Binglian was the official who helped Guo Shao in handling the rape and murder case of Zhao Sanlang. During their contact, Guo Shao felt that this person was not bad, and he had promised to promote him at that time.
Guo Shao thought that if they were transferred to the Political Affairs Hall for a period of time, they could accumulate experience and their promotion process would be smoother after they had some experience. However, Prime Minister Guo Shao was not sure what official positions could be used to participate in the daily affairs of the Political Affairs Hall.
At the gate of the inner garden of Guo's mansion, an eunuch lifted the curtain and said, "Madam, please get in the carriage."
Yulian turned her head and took another look at the curved arch-like gatehouse, then bent down and walked into a carriage. There were two more carriages behind, and soon she heard the coachman shouting and they set off.
There was another girl in Yu Lian's car, Dong Sanmei.
Dong Sanmei looked a little nervous and asked: Sister Yulian, are we going to the palace
Yu Lian nodded and advised kindly: Don't be afraid, just follow me, and don't speak easily in front of others.
Dong Sanmei said: I know.
Yulian sat up straight nervously, and then quietly observed if there was anything missing from her body. Anyway, she always felt that something was wrong. Maybe she was not used to wearing such clothes. The open-collared dress had purple and blue patterns, and a floral silk shawl; the bra inside the open-collared dress was made of gold silk material that Guo Shao gave her a few years ago. She also wore a few pieces of jewelry. Yulian was not used to dressing like this, and always felt that others would think it was weird.
She endured this anxiety for a long time and didn't know how she entered the palace.
When she heard the words "Madam," "We've arrived," Yulian finally came to her senses. She clenched her hands into fists in her sleeves, then mustered up her courage and asked Dong Sanmei to get out of the car with her.
Yulian was so nervous that her head felt dizzy. She only saw a small courtyard around her and didn't care about anything else. She felt as embarrassed as if she was walking on the street without clothes. The main reason was that she was not used to this kind of dress. But the weaving shop staff said that it was suitable to wear it like this. In fact, she herself felt that she must not be too plain in the palace.
A group of women and eunuchs stood nearby and bowed in unison, saying: “Your servants and others are here to greet Madam Dong.”
Yulian wanted to say something, but her face was red and she couldn't say a word. She saw a door in front of her and walked in. People around her followed her with their backs bent. Yulian wanted them not to follow her, but her tongue was tied and she couldn't say a word with her face red.
At this time, an eunuch came in and bowed, saying, "Madam Dong, please sit down. My name is Yang Shiliang, I am not on duty here, I am here to pick you up by imperial order. I have good news to tell you first, the emperor wants you to have dinner and sleep with him in the evening."
Although the group of people below lowered their heads, they quietly observed Yu Lian after listening. Eunuch Yang Shiliang pointed to a woman and said, "Her name is Yang Zhishi. She has been in the palace for several years. She is a little older and more sensible. I specially selected her for you. You should take a rest first. In the afternoon, Yang Zhishi will take you to bathe and change clothes, and then go to the Wansui Palace to see the emperor."
Yu Lian hummed and finally spoke.
Yang Shiliang said: "Twenty palace maids and four eunuchs are temporarily arranged here. You are in charge of them. If they make mistakes or make you unhappy, as long as no one is killed, you can make the decision. You are also in charge of their monthly expenses. Madam is new here and may not be familiar with this place. Yang Zhi will help you take care of it in advance. You can make your own arrangements after you are familiar with it. Their duty is to make Madam live comfortably."
By the way, this place is called Ninghui Hall. Going west is the Zide Hall in the middle. It is not far from Wansui Hall and Zide Hall. It’s a great place.
Deacon Yang knelt slightly and bowed: Greetings, Madam.
Yang Shiliang waited for a while, then said: "I have finished my business, so I will take my leave first." He stood up, turned to Deacon Yang and said: "You go out first, let the lady be quiet, I will call you if there is anything."
Everyone said: Yes.
After everyone left, Yulian finally breathed a sigh of relief and looked at each other with Dong Sanmei. The two sat for a while and walked around the house. The rooms in the horizontal row were connected by doors. After a while, they became familiar with the place and looked at the decorations around curiously. But they still didn't dare to go out. Yulian was still a little embarrassed and nervous. Although she had been Guo Shao's concubine for a long time, she rarely went out.
In the afternoon, she was taken to a special bathhouse, which was also a bit awkward because there were many people serving her. Moreover, those people served her very carefully, and even used various unknown things to wash her several times.
After much difficulty, she was sent to the Wansui Palace, a very large house on a platform. Finally, she saw Guo Shao in a luxurious house. Yu Lian was relieved and almost cried when she saw Guo Shao.
Guo Shao just glanced at her and waved his hand to signal the people around him to move away.
Yulian walked up to him and looked at him and said: Ah Lang
Guo Shao glanced at her and said: I just came here yesterday and I saw that you were quite nervous.
Yu Lian said: I don’t know anyone here, and I don’t understand what’s going on here.
Guo Shao laughed and said: "Why do you care about them? You are really funny. You are not afraid of the emperor, but you are afraid of the eunuchs and palace maids. I have conquered the country, and everything belongs to us. Everyone here depends on me for rewards. They must be afraid of you and rely on you. Think about it, is that the case?"
Yulian looked at him and felt more at ease. She nodded and said, "Also, I am not used to wearing this outfit. But it is too plain and I am afraid of losing Ah Lang's face."
Guo Shao said kindly: It doesn't matter what you wear, you have to be confident. Come on, straighten your back and raise your head. You are so beautiful, and now you have status, what can't you compare with others? Remember to be confident, even if there are any omissions, act naturally and generously, it won't be a problem; no one dares to blame you.
Ah Lang, you are so nice. You haven't changed even after becoming an emperor. Yu Lian was moved and said, "You still care about me in such a small matter."
Guo Shao smiled but said nothing.
Yu Lian whispered again: Sister Yue'e also came with me, but she was not in the same place as me.
Guo Shao pondered and said: You have tried to sleep with her, you will feel uncomfortable
Yu Lian changed her previous reserved attitude and whispered: Of course it won't be good. If you don't pay attention and there is a slight difference between the two of them, one of them will feel that she is not as pretty as the other and not as good as the other, and will be jealous and sad. If they are not together, then out of sight, out of mind.