MTLNOVEL Chapter 1672: Reward (4)
The first county lord of the Great Xuan Dynasty was the eldest daughter of Emperor Gaozong's youngest cousin, Qi Tai. When the girl was born, she was bestowed the title of Princess of Anning County by Emperor Gaozong and granted a fiefdom. Now, old Commandery Prince Qi Tai is still alive, and the old county lord is already over fifty, blessed with many descendants and living a rather comfortable life.
Later, when the current Emperor ascended the throne, two more county lords were appointed.
Emperor Gaozong actually had two empresses. However, the first Empress passed away early, leaving no children behind. Later, he married a second Empress, who is now the Empress Dowager Dexian.
Empress Dowager Dexian gave birth to three sons, with the current Emperor Xuanjing, Qi Wei, being the second.
The succession was supposed to prioritize the eldest legitimate son. However, the Crown Prince at the time was frail and uninterested in the throne. From the beginning, he wholeheartedly supported his second brother as the Crown Prince and eventually died young, leaving behind only a daughter, Qi Rong.
After Qi Wei ascended the throne, he granted Qi Rong the title of Commandery Princess. Later, this Commandery Princess Rong married Jiang Yifan, a very outstanding man from a branch of the Empress Dowager's family. Although Jiang Yifan was talented, he only received a minor official post because he married the Commandery Princess. Nonetheless, the couple was very much in love, and their eldest daughter, Jiang Fangfei, was appointed Princess of Pingning County by special decree of the Emperor, and was granted a fiefdom.
Another is Qi Wei's younger brother, Prince Qi Zheng's eldest granddaughter. After his second brother ascended the throne, Qi Zheng voluntarily relinquished his military command and went to his fiefdom. Therefore, when his eldest son, Qi Jinglan, was born, the Emperor immediately conferred the title of Princely Heir upon him. His eldest granddaughter, Qi Zizi, was also appointed as Princess of Caiyun County, but the little girl was only eight years old and thus had not yet received a fiefdom.
But now, the Emperor wants to confer the title of county lord upon a village girl?
Even if Yang Ruxin made contributions, isn't this reward a bit excessive?
"Father Emperor, considering the merit achieved this time, any reward would not be overmuch." The Crown Prince smiled slightly, "Father Emperor is wise."
"Your Majesty," Gu Sheng interjected hastily, "This might not be appropriate, no?" It would be a joke if Yang Ruxin truly became a county lord, as she would then be considered a member of the Imperial Family. I, as an external minister, would have to perform courtier's etiquette in her presence, how could I be willing?
A touch of imperceptible sharpness flashed in the Crown Prince's eyes, but he said nothing more.
"What is inappropriate?" The Emperor raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze falling on Gu Sheng.
Gu Sheng regretted his words after speaking; he shouldn't have said that. He glanced sideways at the Crown Prince beside him, suspecting that he too didn't want Yang Ruxin to be ennobled. After all, the higher one stands, the colder it gets. However, since the Crown Prince did not oppose it, he had to step forward, taking the fall, but it was not a good time to retract his words now. He swallowed and said, "Although Gu Qingheng and Yang Ruxin did render service, if such a high reward is given all at once, what about the other soldiers? Therefore..." Taking a deep breath, "It would be more suitable to reward them with more wealth instead."
"What does Chenchen think?"
"Master Gu has his point." The Crown Prince quickly nodded.
Gu Sheng cursed in his heart; he had been played by the young Crown Prince.
"Very well then." The Emperor thought for a while before finally making a decision, "Then she will not be conferred the title of Commandery Princess. As for wealth... the border is at war, and the south is unstable, so the treasury's silver must be reserved for the soldiers. Therefore..." He looked at his imperial desk, then at his thumb, which had an emerald thumb ring, and took it off, "Let this thumb ring be her reward."