readsfreenovel Chapter 1054 The eldest daughter is as bright as spring flowers (176)
Chapter 1054 The eldest daughter is as bright as spring flowers (176)
Chapter 1054: The eldest daughter is as bright as spring flowers (One Hundred and Seventy-six)
The emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping across the crowd before finally settling on Wei Ying. Wei Ying stood tall and straight, his silver armor removed, yet his dignity remained. He bowed his head slightly, awaiting his orders.
The emperor raised his hand slightly, and the chief steward He Shi beside him held up the imperial edict and slowly unfolded it.
He Shi Dazongguan cleared his throat and said loudly:
"It is God's destiny, the emperor decreed:
Wei Ying, Marquis of Annan, led his army on an eastern expedition, quelling the Fuchen Rebellion and calming the coastal and border threats. Countless treasures and artifacts were seized, enriching the national treasury and benefiting the people. Your achievements are legendary, and you are truly a pillar of state and a bulwark for the ancestral temple.
I hereby raise you to the rank of "Duke of Anguo," and grant you a thousand taels of gold, a hundred acres of fertile land, and a mansion. I hope you will continue to work hard, forge ahead, serve your country, and ensure the stability of our dynasty and the prosperity of our country. I decree this!"
Wei Ying took the imperial edict with both hands and said in a steady and firm voice, "I thank Your Majesty for your grace! I will do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's expectations!"
Qingli had anticipated this, fully aware of the heavy strain that years of war had placed on the national treasury. The war with the Mongols had only just ended two years before, and this year, fighting was underway on both the eastern and northern fronts. The losses in food, supplies, and armor for the 200,000-man army were astronomical.
This time, Wei Ying not only eliminated the threat from the Fuchen Kingdom and the pirates, but also seized all the treasures and weapons accumulated by the pirates for hundreds of years, enriching the national treasury. It was like a blessing in disguise, and accurately solved Emperor Zhao's urgent needs.
Conferring a title of king on a person with a different surname would be too high-profile for the princes to control, so it is very likely that he would be conferred the title of Duke.
The emperor smiled slightly, his tone filled with a hint of relief: "My dear, you have fought so many battles, it is time to rest up. You are getting married soon, so you must prepare well for the wedding. After you get married, spend more time with Miss Song." Wei Ying subconsciously glanced at Qingli, then quickly retracted his gaze. Holding the tiger talisman in both hands, he bowed formally to the emperor on the dragon throne and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, I know that months of fighting have exhausted me both physically and mentally, especially since I've been wounded on the battlefield and need to rest and recuperate. I'm afraid I can't take on such heavy responsibilities again. This tiger talisman is related to the dispatch of military power. Now that I've returned to the court, it would be against etiquette for me to hold it privately. I hope Your Majesty will take it back to restore order so I can rest and recuperate."
The emperor's smile froze for a moment, and he said, "My dear minister, you have just returned. It will be fine if you stay here for a while. You have been traveling so long, and it is time for you to rest. As for recuperation, the imperial physicians in the palace are always available. Don't worry, but we cannot delay your wedding."
Wei Ying held the tiger talisman in his hands, his expression growing more serious. He said solemnly, "I thank Your Majesty for your consideration. But Your Majesty, military power is a national treasure and cannot be held privately for even a moment. Now that I have returned to the court, retaining the tiger talisman is against etiquette and violates the rules. I beg Your Majesty to take it back."
For a moment, the temperature in the hall seemed to drop a few degrees, the emperor's smile became fainter, the noise around him stopped abruptly, and it became extremely quiet, with only the faint breathing sounds of the crowd rising and falling.
After a long pause, the emperor sighed softly, shook his head in frustration, and said, "Wei Chenxiu, ah Wei Chenxiu, you are exactly like your father, the Marquis of Annan. Your loyalty is evident to all. It is a blessing for me and Dazhao to have such a loyal minister like you. My Lords, do you have any objections?"
The hall was silent for a moment, then an overwhelming roar of praise rang out, shaking the palace walls slightly: "Congratulations, Duke Wei! Congratulations to Your Majesty on having such a worthy minister!"
The emperor laughed heartily and waved his hand, saying, "Today is a palace banquet. I want to get drunk with you all!"
The sounds of stringed instruments in the hall became more and more melodious, and the lively atmosphere of the palace banquet was pushed to its climax.
However, the emperor's gaze inadvertently swept over Wei Ying, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes.
Qingli understood the emperor's thoughts and guessed that the emperor regretted granting the marriage between the Wei and Song families, but the imperial decree had already been issued and it was too late to regret.
At this time, a palace maid came to her and said that the Queen Mother wanted to see her.