Chapter 182 The Key Factors that Promoted the Northern Expedition of the Song Dynasty (Please Vote for Me!!!)

It was a great blessing that Marquis Ningyuan had an heir. The whole Chengyuan was decorated with lights and colorful decorations, and beggars from Bianjing City also came to hear the news. Saying a few auspicious words can get them a day's rations.

The smile on Gu Tingye's face has not stopped these days. He is kind to everyone he meets. The fourth and fifth rooms of Ningyuan Marquis Mansion also sent people to send congratulatory gifts. Looking back, Tingye actually accepted them in a rare event.

When Xiao Qin heard the news, she hated the fourth and fifth families together.

It's funny to say that ever since Minglan gave birth to her baby, Sister Lan has often invited Sister Zhuang to visit her, acting like a big sister visiting her little brother, which makes people secretly laugh.

As time went by, Yu Yanran and Qingmei's due date of delivery approached. This time it was Qin Hao's turn to be nervous. The doctor and Wen Po were invited to their home early.

Just two days before New Year's Day, Yu Yanran and Qing Mei had symptoms of giving birth at the same time. Qin Hao quickly had them sent to the delivery room at the same time.

Yu Yanran weakly said to Qin Hao: "Send Sister Lan and Brother Ming to Chengyuan."

Qin Hao knew that he was afraid of causing a shadow to the children, so he asked Buqi to send the two little guys to Chengyuan. The two little guys were a little overwhelmed. They just saw their mother's face pale, and then they were sent to a separate room. .

"Dad, what's wrong with mother? Are you sick?" Brother Ming asked doubtfully.

Qin Hao pinched his son's chubby little face and forced a smile: "It's okay, your mother is going to give you a little brother and a little sister. You guys will go to Aunt Minglan's house to play for a while."

Sister Lan burst into tears when she heard Yu Yanran's screams: "Dad, I don't want my little brother or sister anymore. Can you not let my mother suffer?"

Qin Hao picked up his daughter, wiped away the golden beans she kept falling, and patted her back gently: "Silly girl, don't worry. Daddy is here. It's okay. You will see your little brother when you come back soon. Little sister."

The two little guys were sent to Chengyuan. Minglan quickly said to Gu Tingye: "Go to Jinghaihou Mansion to see if there is anything we can do to help."

Gu Tingye hurried over on horseback.

Minglan kept trying to comfort the two little guys.

Sister Lan asked curiously: "Aunt Minglan, was this the same when you gave birth to your little brother?"

Minglan nodded.

Sister Lan asked again: "Then it was the same when my mother gave birth to me?"

Minglan smiled and rubbed Sister Lan's head: "Yes."

Sister Lan suddenly burst into tears: "Aunt Minglan, I will never make my mother angry again."

Minglan held the little girl in her arms and comforted her softly for a while before Sister Lan's mood stabilized.

In Jinghaihou Mansion, Yu Yanran only struggled for about an hour after entering the delivery room. Fortunately, there was only one second child, and based on the experience last time, Yu Yanran's delivery went smoothly this time, and she gave birth to a baby soon. Boy, this also made Qin Hao breathe a sigh of relief.

But Qingmei was not so lucky. The baby was in an abnormal fetal position and it took almost two and a half hours to give birth. Not to mention her, even Wen Po was exhausted during the delivery.

Fortunately, although the process was difficult, the child was relatively healthy and was a girl. Qingmei was a little disappointed and aggrieved, and she didn't even go to hold the child.

When Qin Hao saw this, he carried his daughter to her bedside: "Look at how cute our daughter is."

After all, she was her biological daughter, so Qingmei held the little one in her arms with tears in her eyes, unbuttoned her clothes and breastfed her.

After comforting Qingmei, Qin Hao returned to Yu Yanran's delivery room after she fell asleep. Yu Yanran's mental state was much better. Seeing Qin Hao come back, he asked softly: "How is sister Qingmei doing?"

Qin Hao looked at the little one on her bedside and whispered: "She has given birth. She is a daughter. She is very cute. Sister Lan has a companion this time."

Yu Yanran nodded when she heard the words. At this time, the little guy started crying. Qin Hao was about to call the wet nurse. Yu Yanran stopped him and unbuttoned his clothes: "Let me feed him. It's a little painful because of the swelling."

Turning around, Qin Hao went to Chengyuan to pick up the two children. As soon as they came back, the two little guys went straight to the bed.

"Mother."

"Mother!"

Yu Yanran held her youngest son in her arms and made a silencing gesture to the two little guys.

Brother Ming was fine, so he cautiously came closer to look at his younger brother, who had never been masked before. Sister Lan took one look and turned her head in disgust: "My little brother is so ugly, like a little old man."

Yu Yanran said angrily: "You were not much better when you were just born."

Sister Lan still wanted to refute, but she thought that Aunt Minglan's little brother was getting better and better as he got older, so she stopped talking.

She stretched out her little hand and touched her brother's face. Perhaps her hand was a little cold, but the little guy, who was still sleeping soundly, didn't show any dignity at all and started to cry loudly.

Sister Lan was a little disgusted: "My brother is so noisy."

Yu Yanran was so angry that she glared at her daughter, and quickly began to coax her youngest son, and by the way, she drove the two little guys out.

Sister Lan secretly said to Brother Ming, "Mother seems to like my younger brother more."

Brother Ming also nodded in agreement: "I feel it too."

Qin Hao was amused when he saw the two of them acting like little adults. He rubbed their little heads and said, "What nonsense are you talking about? It's just that the little brother is still too young and needs careful care to grow up like you. You are the same now." Now that you are an older child, you have to take good care of your younger brother and mother in the future, you know?"

Brother Ming nodded solemnly: "Yes."

Sister Lan tilted her head and said, "But if my brother continues to be like today and a crybaby, can I stop playing with him?"

Qin Hao was happy and pinched his daughter's cheek: "You also liked to cry when you were young. It will be better when you grow up."

Sister Lan nodded: "Okay, as long as he is not a crybaby, I will play with him."

Marquis Jinghai has another legitimate son and a concubine. Those who couldn't find a reason to give gifts before have seized the opportunity, especially those nobles and nobles. All kinds of rare treasures seem to be free of charge. , sent to Jinghaihou Mansion.

The road in front of the Hou Mansion was blocked by carriages, and the stewards were too busy just counting the gifts.

The happiest thing was the Qin Liu family. There was another legitimate son in the family, and there was an heir to both titles. This was the best thing. He kept praising Yu Yanran for her success.

Master Yu and Mrs. Yu also came. They hugged their great-grandson and couldn't let go. Master Yu and Mrs. Yu had false smiles on their faces, which made it difficult for them.

Miss Yu Er married Liang Liulang of the Earl of Yongchang. The unruly Miss Yu Er got into a fight with Liang Liulang as soon as she entered the house. She asked Liang Liulang to dismiss his former concubine. Naturally, Liang Liulang refused, and the two sides started to quarrel. stand up.

One of the concubines, Chun Ke, was very clever and caused a sharp deterioration in the relationship between Liang Liulang and Miss Yu Er. Some time ago, Miss Yu Er was pregnant with a miscarriage, and it is estimated that it will be difficult for her to have another child in the future.

People from the Sheng family also came, not only Sheng Changbai, but also Hualan and Ru Lan. After all, Qin Hao first recommended Sheng Changbai to be the chief officer of the Maritime Yamen, which made Sheng Changbai fall into the eyes of the official family. From then on, his official career went smoothly. Yuan Wenshao was promoted again. He had never found a good opportunity before, so naturally he had to prepare a generous gift this time.

Ru Lan said with some envy: "Sister Yanran, your life is really good. Not only did you marry such a good husband as the Marquis, but you also gave birth to two legitimate sons in succession."

This is not a compliment, Ru Lan is really envious. Is there any daughter-in-law in Bianjing who can make Yu Yanran so comfortable?

Yu Yanran said softly to Ru Lan: "Actually, my brother-in-law is not bad. The new academic degree has a bright future, which is also very good for you. For us women, the most important thing in life is to marry a good man, just like Sister Hua Lan, although My life was a little rough before, but as long as my husband is of the same mind as me, life will always get better."

Hua Lan also advised Ru Lan: "Yes, you, don't always be petty at home, and don't go against your mother-in-law. In the end, it's you who will suffer."

"Oh, it's so difficult to be a daughter-in-law. It would be great if I could just be a mother-in-law." Ru Lan said depressedly.

"Haha~~~" Yu Yanran and Hua Lan were amused and laughed.

"Where can a mother-in-law come from without a daughter-in-law? You are worse than scolding a monk after reciting sutras."

After seeing off the Sheng family and the others, Qin Hao stopped letting others disturb Yu Yanran's recuperation. After all, she had just given birth and needed more rest.

As soon as the guests were sent away, Sister Lan and Brother Ming found Qin Hao.

"Dad, is there a little sister at home? We haven't met her yet."

The two little guys don't quite understand the difference between legitimate concubines and concubines, and they don't have any prejudices. Qin Hao will naturally not instill these concepts in them.

Qin Hao took them to Qingmei's yard. At this time, Qingmei was coaxing her daughter to sleep. The little one's eyes hadn't even opened yet. Only a pair of delicate little hands twitched a few times from time to time, and her mouth moved. It was probably I dreamed that dinner was ready.

"Miss, little Marquis." As a concubine, Qingmei Jian had to bow when she saw Sister Lan and Brother Ming.

Sister Lan couldn't wait to get closer, and soon she confirmed one thing. Children seem really ugly when they are born, with wrinkled skin, like a little old man.

Brother Ming said to Qingmei very maturely: "Miss Qingmei, there is no need to be polite, let's see my sister."

After watching for a while, Brother Ming suddenly said: "My sister is prettier than my brother."

"Haha." Qin Hao couldn't help but laugh out loud. He was most afraid that such a serious person would tell a joke. It was too sudden. Qin Hao didn't expect that his son, who usually looked very mature, could say such childish words.

Qingmei was also happy, and pressed her finger on her daughter's face: "Did you hear that, the young Marquis praised you for being beautiful?"

Due to the cold winter and confinement, Minglan and Yu Yanran never met each other. It was not until the Lantern Festival that Minglan finally recovered a little and couldn't wait to follow Gu Tingye to Jinghaihou Mansion.

Now the house is completely lively. Sister Lan made an appointment with Sister Zhuang to watch the lanterns together in the evening. Hua Lan and Yuan Wenshao also brought Brother Shi with them.

Several children got together and quickly started chasing each other, causing the servants to stare at their little master nervously, fearing that they would bump into each other and be punished.

Minglan put her son and Yu Yanran's youngest son in the same cradle. They looked at the two little guys sleeping soundly and smiled at each other.

In the evening, Qin Hao, Gu Tingye, and Yuan Wenshao took their children to watch the Lantern Festival Lantern Festival, while Minglan and Yu Yanran stayed at home to take care of their children and exchange personal words.

Along the way, Sister Lan excitedly pulled Sister Zhuang to look at the lanterns of various styles and colors in the street shops. This was also the first time that Sister Zhuang participated in the Lantern Festival Lantern Festival, and she, who was originally peaceful, became lively.

"Dad, I want that rabbit palace lantern, can you help me guess the riddle?" Sister Lan pulled Qin Hao to a restaurant.

This is also a retained program of the Lantern Festival Lantern Festival. The store hangs lanterns with lantern riddles at the door. If you guess correctly, you can get them for free.

This restaurant is relatively famous in Bianjing City, and many people gathered at the door to guess. However, the riddle was not easy to solve, and only a few people guessed it correctly.

"Master Marquis, since the eldest lady likes it, I will give this lantern to the eldest lady." The waiter saw that it was Qin Hao and hurriedly flattered him.

Qin Hao waved his hand: "There are no rules. Since it is stipulated that you have to guess the lantern riddle correctly before you can get the lantern, let me try it."

Someone onlookers laughed and said: "Second brother, don't underestimate me. Mr. Hou was the number one scholar who won three yuan in a row back then. It's just a lantern riddle. Why do you need to do so much?"

Only then did the waiter realize that the flattery had been slapped on the horse's hoof, and he made a huge blush.

Qin Hao ignored it and looked up to see the lantern riddle of the Rabbit Palace Lantern: Look south to the lone star and the rising moon.

It's no wonder that no one has solved this puzzle. It is indeed somewhat difficult.

"The answer is Zhuang." After Qin Hao finished speaking, all the onlookers were confused.

After reading the correct answer, the waiter said loudly: "Yes, the answer is Zhuang. This rabbit palace lantern belongs to you, Lord Marquis."

Sister Lan took the palace lantern and pulled Qin Hao to ask: "Dad, why is it Zhuang?"

Sister Zhuang also looked at Yuan Wenshao in confusion. Yuan Wenshao was a little embarrassed. His cultural level was not high and he really didn't know.

Qin Hao explained with a smile: "Up north and down south, left to west and right to east. Look south and look at the lower part of the character '王'. The lone star points to a point, and the eyebrow moon refers to the moon at the beginning of the month, like a stroke. The stroke is added to ' On the left side of the character "王", point on top of the character "王", and the combination of the three parts becomes the character "Zhuang".

Everyone looked like: So that’s it.

Sister Lan hugged Qin Hao, kissed him, and said sweetly: "Daddy is so awesome."

This girl's mouth was so sweet that Qin Hao's heart almost melted.

Sister Zhuang turned her eyes to Yuan Wenshao, and Yuan Wenshao couldn't help but smile bitterly. He really couldn't come.

When Qin Hao saw this, he said to Sister Zhuang, "Which lamp does Sister Zhuang like? Uncle will help you guess."

Sister Zhuang hesitated for a moment, then pointed to a lotus lantern.

After Qin Hao killed everyone and helped several children get their favorite lanterns, he was about to go have some midnight snacks when he suddenly saw a commotion in front of him and the stalls on the street were knocked to pieces.

The guards suddenly became alert and surrounded everyone. Cui Zhi pulled out the sword in his hand and blocked it in front of Qin Hao.

"Master Marquis, the group behind seems to be from the Imperial City Division. I have met the leader." Yuan Wenshao was very familiar with people in Bianjing City.

Qin Hao nodded and said to Cui Zhi: "Take it!"

Cui Zhi led several guards to directly block the way of the person escaping in front.

This group of people were also desperadoes. When they saw this, they didn't hesitate for a moment and just raised their swords to kill.

Cui Zhi laughed evilly, held the opponent's blade, and kicked the leader down with one kick. The other guards followed the same example and entangled the opponent. Soon the people from the Imperial City Division caught up, and with the combined efforts of everyone, Next, this group of people was quickly subdued.

"Zheng Dan, the superintendent of the Imperial City Division, would like to thank you Lord Marquis for your help." The leader of the Imperial City Division saluted Qin Hao.

Qin Hao waved his hand: "We are all doing things for the officials, so there is no need to be polite."

"What did these people commit?" Qin Hao asked casually.

Zheng Dan stepped forward and whispered: "Master Hou, these are the remnants of Manichaeism. As for their purpose of entering the capital, they need to be interrogated before they can be determined."

Through these years of settlement, many branches of Manichaeism in various places have been destroyed. Liu Jinzhong has done nothing else in these years. He is determined to drive out Manichaeism. Only in this way can he regain Zhao Zongquan's trust.

Originally, Qin Hao didn't take this matter seriously, but after the first court meeting after the Lantern Festival, he was left behind by Zhao Zongquan.

"Qin Aiqing, does he know what the remnants of the Manichaean cult that he helped the Imperial City Secretary capture yesterday want to do?"

As soon as Qin Hao heard this, he knew that it was definitely not a trivial matter for Zhao Zongquan to know.

Sure enough, Zhao Zongquan slammed the table and said angrily: "These rats actually colluded with Xixia to target Lei Huoban!"

Qin Hao asked hurriedly: "What's the formula?"

Zhao Zongquan waved his hand: "They just tried to steal part of the inventory of thunder and fire bombs, and did not come into contact with the formula."

Manichaeism's idea is that as long as they get the actual thunder and fire bomb, they can analyze the specific formula from the materials inside. However, Manichaeism doesn't know that Qin Hao's formula is carefully processed, combining saltpeter, sulfur, charcoal and mud. , pound into mud cakes, dry in the sun, and then roll the gunpowder cakes into mud balls.

It is basically impossible to deduce the actual material formula of thunder and fire bombs from the actual objects.

Qin Hao bowed and said solemnly: "Guardian, this Manichaeism does not hesitate to collude with foreign races in order to subvert the Song Dynasty. It is really crazy. Please order a strict investigation."

Zhao Zongquan said in a gloomy tone: "Qin Aiqing, don't worry, I have given Liu Jinzhong a death order regarding this matter. If the Manichaeism cannot be eradicated within a year, I will ask him to come to see you. I have also given him the maximum authority to do anything that involves it." When you get to Manichaeism, you can kill it first and tell it later!"

In fact, Mr. Han and others were strongly opposed to it at the beginning, which undoubtedly gave the Imperial City Division the right to transcend the Ministry of Punishment.

But after Zhao Zongquan revealed everything about Manichaeism colluding with Xixia and stealing thunder and fire bombs, the ministers said nothing more. They knew very well that if Xixia and Liao got hold of such a powerful weapon as thunder and fire bombs, they would not say anything. With the Northern Expedition, the Song Dynasty might also perish.

The Xixia and Liao Kingdoms were far stronger than the Song Dynasty in field battles, but they were not good at attacking cities. The Song Dynasty army could rely on city defense to consume their effective strength. But if the thunder and fire bombs were obtained by the Xixia and Liao Kingdoms, could the Song Dynasty still hold on?

To a certain extent, the emergence of thunder and fire bombs promoted the Northern Expedition of the Song Dynasty, because only by changing the military strength comparison between the Song Dynasty, Xixia, and Liao, could the risk of leaks of thunder and fire bombs be minimized.