Without anyone's reminder, Xuan Ge'er realized something on his own and had a vague guess in his mind.
He no longer went out, but stayed by his royal grandfather's side every day, reading books and newspapers for him and telling him interesting things happening outside.
Liu Zhao took the opportunity to advise him, "If you meet someone with talent and virtue, you should win them over as soon as possible. As you grow older, you should learn to build your own team."
"Thank you, Grandfather Emperor, for your advice!"
Liu Zhao added, "Don't worry about your father. I will explain everything to him."
"Grandfather, there's no need to ask Father to treat me specially for my sake. I can earn Father's attention with my own abilities."
"Good boy, you are indeed ambitious. Don't worry, your father is a man of principle. If you don't have the ability, even if I come forward, your father will not specially use you."
Xuan Ge'er said confidently, "I will make my father and the court officials look upon my grandson with new eyes."
Liu Zhao was very happy.
Privately, he murmured with Gu Jiu, "Xuan Ge'er is such an ambitious child. We should help him more."
"He's so young, he needs more experience. It wouldn't be good for him if we intervened too soon. He needs to go through this necessary process on his own, hit a few walls, suffer some setbacks, and learn to navigate the complex world of the imperial court. Only then can he truly grow."
"I'm afraid I won't be able to wait until then."
Gu Jiu was silent for a moment before saying, "I'll watch over him for you."
Liu Zhao said solemnly, "You must keep an eye on Xuan Ge'er for me. I can't bear to see him suffer even a little setback. But I also know that a life that's too smooth isn't a good thing. Only through setbacks can one temper one's character. You must keep an eye on the eldest brother and don't let him mistreat Xuan Ge'er."
"If your children hear what you said, they'll complain that you're partial and that you have no sons when you have grandsons."
Liu Zhao was very proud, "How can they compare with Brother Xuan?"
Gu Jiu rolled his eyes at him.
…
After the New Year, when the ice and snow melted and the river was navigable, Gu Jiu and Liu Zhao set out to return to Beijing.
In accordance with Liu Zhao's wishes, the couple moved into Chang'an Palace.
Impatient to be disturbed, Gu Jiu excused the Queen and the other imperial grandchildren from paying their respects.
Xuan Ge'er officially entered Shanhe Academy to study, and at the same time began to get involved in some court affairs.
Occasionally, when Liu Zhao missed Xuan Ge'er, Gu Jiu would arrange for someone to take Xuan Ge'er to Chang'an Palace for a simple meal.
Emperor Qian Ming, Liu Yu, often went to the Chang'an Palace to eat for free.
The chefs of Chang'an Palace have traveled extensively with the Empress Dowager over the years, and their skills have improved significantly.
You can cook delicacies from all over the world and create new ones.
His cooking skills are much better than those of the chefs in the imperial kitchen.
Emperor Qian Ming Liu Yu fell in love with the delicious food in Chang'an Palace, and in order to fulfill his filial piety to his parents, he often came there under the pretext of eating for free.
On several occasions, Xuan Ge'er met his father Emperor Gan Ming in Chang'an Palace and was inevitably taught a lesson.
Liu Zhao was very dissatisfied.
Gu Jiu laughed at him, "You were the same as before. Every time you saw the children, you would find an excuse to teach them a lesson. You just refused to talk to them properly."
"Nonsense, I am a reasonable person."
What a bullshit.
Gu Jiu scolded him repeatedly, bringing up all the old stories.
After being reprimanded, Liu Zhao began to reflect on himself.
"Was I really that bad back then?"
"You're not doing well now. When the boss came over yesterday, you scolded him."
Yes!
Yesterday, Liu Yu went to Chang'an Palace to eat for free. Liu Zhao was unhappy with him and scolded him.
Liu Yu rolled his eyes secretly. He had long been used to it and was completely invulnerable to swords and guns.
Thinking of what he had done, Liu Zhao smiled awkwardly.
Then he said: "The emperor is like me, worthy of being the child I raised."
He really knows how to flatter himself.
Gu Jiu rolled his eyes at him.
As the weather got warmer, the health of Emperor Retired Emperor Liu Zhao seemed to be improving. Emperor Qian Ming Liu Yu was quite happy and was unusually cheerful during the morning court session.
However, Gu Jiu knew that Liu Zhao's body was at the end of its strength and he didn't have much time left.
She silently instructed the Shaofu to prepare for her funeral so as to avoid chaos at that time.
At the same time, keep an eye on what's happening at the Polytechnic Institute.
She hoped that Liu Zhao could take a look at what the steam engine looked like before leaving.
September of the seventh year of Qianming.
Gu Jiu took Liu Zhao and took a double-track carriage into the mountains.
There is a new railway track in the valley near the horse farm.
Liu Zhao was curious, "What on earth did you bring me here to see?"
Gu Jiu smiled mysteriously, "You'll know soon."
It’s really fast!
A large lump of iron stood at the end of the railway track. Behind the lump was a coal-burning stove, and behind that were several carriages.
Liu Zhao was stunned. "Is this the steam engine you mentioned?"
"Yes! This is the steam engine, the first prototype. We will be the first people in this era to experience the steam engine."
"Can such a big lump of iron really pull a carriage?"
“It’s powered by burning coal.”
"Then I really want to experience it. It shouldn't be dangerous, right?"
"The track is less than ten miles long, so there's no danger whatsoever."
The eunuch helped Liu Zhao into the carriage.
The carriage is spacious and luxurious.
Through the car window, you can clearly see the scenery outside.
A long, shrill roar!
Liu Zhao grabbed Gu Jiu's hand.
Gu Jiu held him with his backhand, "Start."
Shopping and eating...
The carriage moved forward slowly, making a rhythmic sound.
Liu Zhao was so curious that he couldn't help but stick his head out. "Is there really no horse pulling the carriage up ahead?"
"Of course not."
"There's so much smoke from the chimney, are they really burning coal?"
"How can this be false?"
Liu Zhao was like a curious baby, with a hundred thousand questions in his mind.
King Liu Xun of Lu stayed with his parents, answering their questions one after another.
The railway track, which was only ten miles long, soon reached the end.
Emperor Qian Ming Liu Yu and Xuan Ge'er were waiting outside the carriage.
Xuan Ge'er personally helped Liu Zhao out of the carriage.
Liu Zhao looked everywhere but couldn't find the horse.
"I didn't expect you guys to actually invent a steam engine. That's incredible!"
"After spending countless manpower and resources, we finally got results." At this moment, Gu Jiu felt a little distressed about the huge amount of money he invested.
Fortunately, after investing countless amounts of money, there was finally a return.
Back at the palace, Liu Zhao kept nagging Liu Yu and Xuan Ge'er, "The steam engine is a great thing! With a steam engine and railroad tracks, we can travel anywhere. The time it takes to transport materials and people will be greatly shortened. We must develop this thing, regardless of the cost."
Liu Yu nodded in agreement.
Xuan Ge'er said, "With the steam engine, we can develop not only rail transportation, but also maritime transportation. Mr. Ren said that steam engines can also be used on ships, burning coal to propel the ships forward. In this way, ships can go to sea in any season, regardless of weather or wind direction."
"It's truly a good thing. The Queen Mother spends millions of dollars and grain every year, and has spent more than ten years on this work. To have achieved what we have today is truly remarkable!"
Perhaps stimulated by the steam engine, Liu Zhao was so excited that he didn't fall asleep until midnight.
The next morning, he got up early and took Gu Jiu to mark the railway line.
With the capital as the center, small red lines start from the capital and extend to all corners of the world.
Finally, he solemnly handed over the railway plan to Emperor Qian Ming Liu Yu.
It seems that the last wish has been fulfilled.
One night in early October, Liu Zhao passed away in his sleep with a smile on his face.
Less than a quarter of an hour after he left, Gu Jiu suddenly woke up from his sleep, panic-stricken!
Before I knew it, my clothes were wet with tears.
This day finally came.
She stayed by Liu Zhao's side until dawn, when she announced the death of the retired emperor.
In a blink of an eye, the palace was filled with crying.
Emperor Qian Ming Liu Yu announced with red eyes that he would suspend court for seven days.
Gu Jiu was in a daze for several days before he came back to his senses from the grief of Liu Zhao's death.
She did not attend the funeral because she was afraid to see that scene.
Unexpectedly, there are things in this world that scare her.
She invited a painter to draw Liu Zhao's appearance according to her memory.
She went to the palace to see him off for the last time.
Standing in front of the imperial mausoleum, she sighed.
Prince Duan Liu Yi came to her side and said, "My royal brother is gone. Please accept my condolences, Queen Mother!"
“We’re all old!”
Gu Jiu left the imperial mausoleum, but Liu Yi stayed in front of it for a long time and refused to leave.
After returning to Beijing from the imperial mausoleum, Liu Yi fell ill and no medicine could cure him.
Less than two months after Liu Zhao passed away, his half-brother Liu Yi followed in his footsteps.
In one winter, first the retired emperor died, and then a prince died. This winter was not peaceful.
As the Empress Dowager, Gu Jiu lived in Xiaozhu and rarely went down the mountain.
She likes to go to Shanhe Academy to feel the youthful atmosphere.
Occasionally, the children would be called to Xiaozhu for meals.
Emperor Gan Ming Liu Yu would always go to Xiaozhu to pay his respects whenever he had time.
King Liu Xun of Lu also often went to Xiaozhu to eat and drink.
Without Liu Zhao, Gu Jiu's life was lively but also lonely.
…
At the beginning of the year, the imperial court officially issued an order to establish vassal states overseas.
Prince Rong Liu Heng suddenly became a vassal king.
Princess Ruyang also transformed herself into the first female prince in history.
The two newly appointed princes came to Beijing last year and finally accomplished the important task of establishing a vassal state this year.
This also set a precedent for the Zhou Dynasty.
As long as the royal family has the ability to go overseas to enclose land and become king, they have the opportunity to be granted the title of prince.
Prince Rong Liu Heng and Princess Ruyang Liu Xiang, brother and sister, went to Xiaozhu to resign.
They are about to leave Beijing and go overseas to run their own vassal states.
I don’t know when I will be able to return to Beijing next time.
Princess Ruyang lay beside Gu Jiu and cried, but she was reluctant to leave.
Gu Jiu gently stroked her head. "When you clamored to go to sea, I knew I couldn't keep you. The princess mansion I built for you will never be able to wait for its owner."
Ruyang sobbed, "My daughter feels so uncomfortable. I can't tell whether I regret it or not."
Gu Jiu comforted her: "You have your own business and vassal states, so you can legitimately set up a small court to manage your territory. Throughout the dynasties, the princes and grandchildren of the emperor could only hope for this opportunity. Now that you have it, you must cherish it and manage it well!"
Ruyang nodded heavily, "Will the Queen Mother go overseas again?"
Gu Jiu shook her head. "I can't walk any more. Your father is gone, and I have no interest in going out. If you're interested, come back and visit me in three to five years."
Ruyang nodded heavily, feeling very uncomfortable.
Gu Jiu added, "While you and your sister are here, I should make some arrangements."
"Mother..."
Gu Jiu waved his hand.
He sent people to call Emperor Gan Ming Liu Yu and Prince Lu Liu Xun.
The family had a family dinner.
After the family dinner, Gu Jiu said solemnly: "The property under my name will not be split up and will not be distributed to anyone."
The brothers and sisters looked at each other, waiting for what would happen next.
"I have established a royal foundation, similar to the Disabled Veterans Foundation. All of my descendants will receive a sum of money from the foundation each year. You are to decide how to use this money. The foundation's funds come from my properties, and a certain percentage of profits will be injected into the foundation each year. You four siblings will each own between 5% and 10% of the foundation's shares. The specific rules and regulations are written in it, so you can read them for yourself."
A thick volume of Royal Foundation rules and regulations was distributed to everyone.
Without waiting for the children to ask, Gu Jiu continued, "The foundation will centrally manage all of this palace's properties. The Royal Foundation has several sub-projects. The Education Foundation will continue to invest in major academies, invest in new schools, establish academies across the country, and discover talent. The Natural Science Foundation will primarily invest in all projects at the Medical School and the Institute of Technology. The specific procedures are all outlined in the regulations."
The four of you hold the largest combined stake in the Royal Foundation, and together you will have decision-making power. Your shares are also irreconcilable and can only be passed on to your children or descendants. Your relatives are prohibited from engaging in any of your shares. If you pass your Foundation shares on to anyone other than your descendants, you will be disqualified from membership and your shares will be revoked. This rule will continue indefinitely. Furthermore, respecting your father's opinion, I will set aside an additional 5% of my shares for Xuan Ge'er. Any objections?"
The four siblings all shook their heads and had no objection.
As everyone knows, His Royal Highness the Emperor's eldest grandson was raised by the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager.
It was only natural that the emperor's eldest grandson would receive an extra share of the foundation.
Gu Jiu said, "I'm glad you don't have any objections! Even if you do, I will ignore them. I will set up a team to manage the foundation and recruit talent for it. The foundation will have deeper cooperation with the Ministry of Finance. In addition, according to your father's wishes, the Ministry of Finance will also set up a royal family foundation. In the future, royal family members will receive money and food for their living needs from the royal family foundation. The specific amount and operation method will be arranged separately."
"Mother..."
Gu Jiu raised her hand to stop them. "Listen to me. Each of you can recommend three people to work on the foundation's management team. The Audit Department is responsible for auditing the foundation's accounts. Even if someone leaves the foundation, they cannot work in the Audit Department. Similarly, people who have worked in the Audit Department cannot work in the foundation. This is an iron rule, and no one can change it."
There's another rule you should remember: relatives within three generations of the same clan may not work in both the Foundation and the Audit Department. Anyone who joins the Foundation or the Audit Department will be investigated three generations up and two generations down. So, before you decide to recommend someone for a job at the Foundation, think carefully.
I know there are many loopholes that can be exploited, so I have established many rules and regulations to plug these loopholes. For the next hundred years, anyone who dares to change these rules will be expelled from the Foundation and will not receive a penny from the Foundation from now on. The Foundation's instructions in your hands will answer all your questions. Please read them carefully and remember the key points.
The four siblings all had a bad feeling, and always felt that their mother was making arrangements for her funeral.
They were very worried.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "I like quietness! From now on, except for Xuan Ge'er, no one else can come to Xiaozhu and disturb my rest without my permission."
"Isn't it too lonely living here with no one to talk to, Queen Mother? How about having the children do their homework at Xiaozhu after school? It would be a way to bring some popularity to Xiaozhu."
"Need not!"
Gu Jiu decisively refused.
After explaining everything, Gu Jiu sent his four children away.
She lived alone in Xiaozhu to recuperate, with palace servants serving her. Xuan'er would go to Xiaozhu whenever he had time.
Gu Jiu likes to read books. Wearing a pair of glasses, he can see even the smallest words clearly.
The glass factory managed by Rong Xin finally developed glasses, solving the big problems of countless old scholars and nerds and gaining the favor of scholars.
Savior!
Huang Qubing brought the first volume of "Biographies of Famous People", which has been talked about for a long time but was only published recently.
Gu Jiu opened the "Biographies of Famous People" and there was no doubt that the first person was the deceased Emperor Xingzong Jingming Liu Zhao.
Pei Ren, Marquis of Lu, Pei Meng, King of Anxi, Mr. Dou, Li Bingming, Chen Zhuangshi, Yang Ji, Gu Ting, Master Wuwang, Eunuch Qianfu...
Familiar names appear on the paper.
They all had the merit of expanding the territory and had made great contributions to the Great Zhou Dynasty.
History books will not forget them, and the people should not forget them either.
All their contributions are recorded in this book "Biographies of Famous People".
The old but strong grandfather Qian Fuqian cried like a three-year-old child.
After crying, he wiped away his tears and said he was going to guard the imperial tomb.
Gu Jiu scolded him, "I'm not dead yet, why are you guarding the imperial mausoleum? Wait until I'm dead before you say this."
"May your Majesty live a hundred years..."
"That's all bullshit! No one can live to be a hundred years old."
Qian Fu felt wronged. "Old slave, I was just too excited. I never thought I would have a place in the Celebrity Biography..."
Before he could finish, Qian Fu burst into tears again, sobbing and wailing, it was really not a good sight.
Gu Jiu dismissed him, "Just wait for people to envy, hate, and hate you."
"Even if everyone in the world points at my nose and curses me, saying that I don't deserve to be in this Celebrity Biography, my life is worth it."
Qian Fu's life is complete.
However, Gu Jiu felt that something was missing in his life.
After thinking about it, she finally remembered that she had never done a piece of needlework for Liu Zhao in all these years since she married him.
"My needlework is a little unsightly, and I wonder if he would find it objectionable."
"The late emperor was so happy that he couldn't wait to feel disgusted."
For the first time, Gu Jiu took the initiative to pick up the needle and thread and made a set of shoes and socks for Liu Zhao.
My needlework is really not that good.
It took nearly a year to finish the needlework. Gu Jiu felt that his life was complete and he had no regrets.
One day she called Emperor Qian Ming Liu Yu to her side.
She solemnly instructed, "This is the needlework I made for your father. Remember to put it in the underground palace. Although the needlework is not very good, your father will not dare to dislike it. After I leave, remember to seal the underground palace. Neither I nor your father likes to be disturbed.
Xuan'er is a very good person. Your father should have told you that he could be considered as the crown prince. This is also my opinion, so please consider it. Also, when finding marriages for the children, the woman's family background is important, as is her character. Most importantly, the children must be willing.
Just as before, your father and I have always respected your opinions regarding your marriage and have not allowed blind marriages. You must set a rule for future generations: you cannot make a child born to a maid, an illegitimate child, or a prostitute the heir apparent. This will corrupt the royal family's morals, making each generation worse and more foolish. It will also reignite the bloody struggle for the throne within the royal family."
"I will remember my mother's instructions! I will establish a rule that anyone who dares to make a child born to a maid, an illegitimate child, or a prostitute an heir will be expelled from the family."
"That's excellent! This is how it should be within the imperial clan! I've witnessed the imperial clan's ups and downs over the past few decades, and the many disputes and conflicts they've faced are mostly the result of the head of the household misbehaving, with maids giving birth to children, and illegitimate children forcing themselves to seize property. When these kinds of things happen more often, the atmosphere within the imperial clan deteriorates. It's a mess, truly despicable. Not everyone can benefit from the imperial clan fund."
Gu Jiu also brought up the issue of education for the princes and grandchildren.
"After the children have reached enlightenment, they should be sent to academy to study with their peers. When they are older, they should be sent to the military for training to strengthen their bodies. As the emperor, you must also pay attention to the balance between work and rest and avoid excessive overwork. The Medical School and the Polytechnic Institute are the result of years of hard work by me. I must support them..."
Gu Jiu spoke for a long time and said a lot.
Emperor Qian Ming Liu Yu remembered them all in his mind, but his heart sank little by little.
He didn't dare to think deeply about it, but he had to think deeply about it.
"When your father was around, I was annoyed with him. Now that he's gone, I miss him again."
Gu Jiu laughed at himself.
In the autumn of the following year, she suddenly decided to return to the palace and lived in Chang'an Palace.
The fifth day of October is the anniversary of Liu Zhao's death.
Late that night, the Empress Dowager passed away.
Five years apart, the late emperor and the empress dowager passed away on the same day, at almost the same hour. This shocked everyone.
Emperor Qian Ming, Liu Yu, suspended his court for fourteen days and fell ill due to excessive grief.
The empress dowager was buried in the underground palace of the imperial mausoleum, accompanying Emperor Xingzong Jingming Liu Zhao.
In strict compliance with the Empress Dowager's order, Emperor Qian Ming Liu Yu personally supervised the sealing of the underground palace.
From then on, the couple stayed together through life and death, leaving behind one legend after another.
The whole book is finished!
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－－
Finally finished writing!
New book launch tomorrow!
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