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The Zhao Family mansion is like a small city, surrounded by a magnificent blue brick wall. A pair of huge bronze lions hang on the golden lacquered gate.
Inside the mansion, stone-paved paths wind through gardens, studies, music rooms, and various parlors. At this moment, the spring breeze blows, and the courtyard is filled with blooming cherry blossoms, their petals dancing in the wind like pink chiffon.
The Zhao family, a prestigious and influential clan, has stood firm throughout the changes of the Southern Dynasties era. The influence of the Zhao family is like the blooming peonies in the garden, beautiful and eye-catching.
Looking at the family history of the Zhao family, many refined scholars and brave generals have emerged from here. They have not only honored the country, but also brought countless honors to the family.
The family tree of the Zhao family has almost become a microcosm of the gentry class of the Southern Qi. Chao Qinglan's father, Zhao Zhangyuan, is the current patriarch of this family, with a lofty status and prominent position.
In such an environment, Chao Qinglan was kept in the women's quarters before the age of ten, secluded and focused on studying, writing, playing musical instruments, and painting.
But no matter how low-key she is, these rumors never cease. At the young age of ten, her fame has already blossomed.
"It is said that the daughter of the Zhao family is exceptionally intelligent and stunningly beautiful since childhood," the servants in the mansion whispered. "Her calligraphy is exquisite, she recites history like poetry, and she is proficient in the four arts of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, even her embroidery skills are impeccable." People talked excitedly.
Chao Qinglan sat in front of the Sandalwood desk, a gust of fresh wind blowing through, flipping the window curtains. On the table were placed "Zuo Zhuan", "The Art of War", and an unfinished embroidered fan. Since his soul had become Zhang Yi, he hadn't touched any female embroidery work. But in order not to be found out, he started learning it with gritted teeth.
"Miss Qinglan, you are the number one beauty of the Southern Dynasties, why are you so reclusive?" A girl in a light green dress walked in, and Beyue said with a smile.
"Cough, how could it be? I just want to understand more about other new things in this world. As for whether it's beautiful or not, it's just idle gossip from people." Chao Qinglan paused, took out a scroll of painting from the desk drawer, and continued to draw.
Chao Qinglan was accustomed to such discussions, but this reputation also brought her some unexpected troubles.
For example, there was a time when she almost spewed out the Cuiyunxia tea in her mouth, that was when the 14-year-old Emperor Liu Yu of the Southern Song Dynasty sent someone to propose marriage to the Zhao family, wanting Chao Qinglan to be his empress.
"What? Say that again? Emperor Liu Yu of the Southern Song?" Chao Qinglan seemed as if struck by lightning, her gem-like eyes instantly widening. She stood in the spacious reception hall of the family, gripping the armrest of the mahogany chair as if needing this physical support to calm the stormy waves in her heart.
"Wouldn't Liu Yu be abolished later?" A lightning-fast thought and memory flashed through her mind. The alarm bells in her heart rang loudly, as if thousands of troops were galloping in her heart, and the weapon clashed, with smoke and dust filling the air. This name sparked a chaotic war in her mind.
At the other end of the redwood long table sat Chao Qinglan's father, Zhao Zhangyuan. He was dressed in a white robe and wore a jade crown. Although he appeared gentle and refined, he contained extraordinary courage within. At this moment, a layer of undeniable confusion also appeared on his face.
After seeing Qinglan's reaction, he stroked his long beard and said Xiao Zhan ly, "Even I, as the father, find this marriage proposal inappropriate. Emperor Liu Yu's behavior is almost cruel, and he has no intention of governing the country. The future looks worrying."
Wang Cuiyun, the mother of Chao Qinglan, wore a golden embroidered jacket and held a white jade ruyi scepter, with a magnificent pearl necklace around her neck. She smiled at her daughter, but her eyes revealed concern.
"Since Lan'er, you have such concerns, we will reject this marriage proposal."
With this decision made, the Zhao family then sent a tactful message to decline the proposal. And so, this seemingly promising but perilous marriage proposal was gracefully turned down.
Before long, as expected by Chao Qinglan, Emperor Liu Yu of the Southern Song Dynasty was indeed deposed and replaced by Emperor Shun of Han, Liu Zhun, who ultimately met a tragic fate of assassination. The entire court was shaken, and the people were shocked and dismayed.
In the end, the powerful minister Xiao Daocheng forced Emperor Shun of Han to abdicate in the third month of the year Xīn Mǎo, and proclaimed himself as the new emperor, establishing the Qi dynasty and adopting the reign title of Jianyuan.
After ascending the throne, he killed all the descendants of Liu Song, including Emperor Shun of Han and Emperor Ming, leaving almost none alive.
With the fall of the Southern Song, the Southern Dynasties entered the era of Southern Qi.
In the first year of the Jianyuan era of Southern Qi, Emperor Gao of Southern Qi, Xiao Daocheng, ascended the throne.
"Incredible, simply incredible," Zhao Zhangyuan shook his head, wearing an expression of disbelief. Taking a sip of tea, he said thoughtfully, "Just as Lan'er predicted." He felt fortunate that he hadn't agreed to the marriage proposal.
Wang Cuiyun set down her tea cup, feeling a sudden palpitation in her heart. "Indeed, our Qinglan is not only intelligent, but her ability to foresee things is astonishing. But I still can't understand, how could she have insight into all of this?" Holding the tea cup in her hand, she looked out through the window at the courtyard filled with blooming flowers, as if seeking an answer from them. "In less than a year, Qinglan's speculations have actually come true!"
Zhao Zhangyuan closed a thick book and looked out at the sky. He smiled, filled with admiration for his daughter Chao Qinglan: "Cuiyun, our daughter is truly exceptional. Her ability to observe and judge people and events is even beyond the reach of the talented individuals in the court."
Just as he finished speaking, a servant hurried in and placed the latest information and official documents on the table one by one. Zhao Zhangyuan quickly flipped through a few pages, his face showing even more obvious delight.
"Wang Cuiyun, look, just as Qinglan predicted, Liu Yu of the Southern Song has been deposed and even assassinated. Now, Xiao Daocheng has seized the throne and proclaimed himself Emperor Gao of Southern Qi. The descendants of Liu Yu have been nearly exterminated, the Southern Song has been destroyed, and the Southern Dynasties have entered the era of the Southern Qi dynasty."
Wang Cuiyun set down her teacup, feeling a sudden palpitation in her heart. "Indeed, Qinglan's judgment was so accurate."
Zhao Zhangyuan stood up and walked to the window, looking at the blooming peonies in the courtyard, as if he saw a symbol of his daughter's intelligence and talent in them. "It's not just her wisdom, I dare say, in some aspects she is even more visionary than us. She possesses an extraordinary intuition that allows her to perceive the current situation and foresee the future."
Wang Cuiyun also stood up and walked to her husband's side. "I always feel that this daughter is different from others, as if she came with a certain mission. Even in an era when women do not study, her love for knowledge and The Art of War remains undiminished. I believe she will change the future of our family."
Zhao Zhangyuan sighed and nodded, "That is not just the future, but even the present. Look, because of her words, our family has avoided a potential disaster from the court turmoil."
On the other side, in Chao Qinglan's boudoir. Beyue's eyes slightly narrowed, and after placing the letter on the table, she said, "Miss is truly clever. Emperor Gao of Southern Qi, Xiao Daocheng has already declared himself emperor, and..."
Chao Qinglan interrupted her, "He has also exterminated the descendants of the Liu, hasn't he?"
Beyue nodded in agreement, "Exactly. The entire court is shocked by this, and the political situation of the Southern Dynasties is in turmoil."
Chao Qinglan picked up the letter, untied the ribbon, read the words inside, and then gently placed it back on the table, taking a deep breath, "This is the struggle for power in the court, and the ones who fail will ultimately end up as prisoners."
Beyue Standing quietly on the side, suddenly feeling a sense of inexplicable oppression.
Chao Qinglan Stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the flowers and trees in the courtyard, revealing an unfathomable expression.
"Southern Qi What is the current situation and how does it affect our the Zhao family?" she suddenly asked.
Beyue came to his senses and quickly replied, "The new policies of Xiao Daocheng have just been implemented, and the attitude towards the aristocracy is not yet clear, but the Zhao family has a deep foundation after all, so there shouldn't be too much risk."
"Even with the powerful backing of our family, we cannot afford to be complacent. The current political situation in the Southern Dynasties is unpredictable, who can foresee how the future will change?" Chao Qinglan's voice slowly articulated, seemingly interpreting the impermanence and changes of the world.
Beyue nodded, deeply feeling the reason in his master's words, "Yes, Miss is absolutely right. In this situation, we should indeed be more cautious."
"In this world, only by controlling one's own destiny can one avoid becoming a pawn on someone else's political chessboard." Chao Qinglan withdrew her gaze and sat back at her desk. She smiled faintly, thinking that it seemed this status brought not only glory and wealth, but also lurking dangers.
In this era of constant warfare and frequent dynastic changes, one must be even more cautious and skillfully use the knowledge and experience accumulated in the modern world in order to go further.
However, deep inside, Chao Qinglan also had a sneer. This Liu Yu had been recorded in many historical books. He was nothing more than a reckless ruler and eventually met a deserved fate. Getting involved with such a person would not only be detrimental to oneself, but could also potentially drag down the entire the Zhao family.
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