Prince Chen ground the ink a few more times, then turned to see Emperor Longfeng standing still. "Father, a gentleman's word is as good as his bond. If you write the imperial edict today, I can take it to the Ministry of Rites tomorrow to have it copied and archived. That way, the matter will be settled."
Emperor Longfeng motioned to Liu Zhongbao with a slight nod of his chin.
Liu Zhongbao retrieved a brocade box from the bookshelf and placed it on the imperial desk with a smile. "Your Highness, would you like to see what's inside?"
Prince Chen set down the inkstick, and a palace attendant helped him wash his hands. After drying them, he opened the brocade box. Inside was an imperial edict. Prince Chen glanced at Emperor Longfeng.
"Duqing, open the edict and take a look," Emperor Longfeng said as he sat down on the dragon-carved wooden chair. "It contains what you desire."
"Your Highness, please open it quickly," Liu Zhongbao also urged with a smile.
Prince Chen took out the edict and unrolled it. It was a decree conferring the title of County Princess upon the daughter of Vice Minister Ming, though it lacked the imperial seal.
"That day, I wrote two edicts," Emperor Longfeng explained. "One promoted Ming Jingzhou to the rank of earl, and the other conferred the title of County Princess upon the Ming family's daughter." He picked up the imperial seal and stamped the edict with a bright red mark. "If you behave and go to the Ministry of Rites, I'll grant this honor to your future father-in-law. If you refuse, this honor will go to your future wife instead."
The future husband had been spoiled by his father, so it was only fair to offer some compensation.
"Ming Jingzhou is a clear-headed and sensible man. Having such a father-in-law will be good for you," Emperor Longfeng said, handing the sealed edict back to his son. "Alright, take this to the Ministry of Rites tomorrow to have it recorded in the official registry. Then, have Li Shang personally deliver the decree."
"Father," Prince Chen said, holding the edict, "so you had already prepared this edict?"
All that effort he had just put in—what was it for?
"What, do you not want this edict?" Emperor Longfeng reached out as if to take it back. "Actually, it might be better not to confer a title on the Ming family's daughter. There are bound to be objections in the court, and this way, we can avoid unnecessary disputes."
In truth, if Prince Chen hadn't brought it up, he wouldn't have planned to issue this decree at all.
"It's just the title of a County Princess, not a princess or a duchess. What disputes could there possibly be?" Prince Chen tucked the edict into his robe, afraid that Emperor Longfeng might change his mind. He bowed respectfully. "Father, the palace gates will soon be locked. I shall take my leave."
"It's fine. You can stay in the side chamber," Emperor Longfeng said, glancing at the ink splattered outside the inkstone. This wasn't helping to grind ink—it was pure destruction.
"Thank you for your kindness, Father, but I'd rather return to my residence. I don't want the civil officials gossiping again," Prince Chen said, patting the edict in his robe. "I bid you farewell."
Watching his son hurry away with the edict, Emperor Longfeng dipped his brush into the ink and wrote a few characters on a piece of paper. "Liu Zhongbao, how many days are left until Prince Qi's wedding to the Sun family's daughter?"
"Your Majesty, there are six days left," Liu Zhongbao replied.
Emperor Longfeng finished writing a page, examined it for a moment, then set down his brush. "It was a good thing we didn't arrange a betrothal between my son and the Sun family's daughter."
"The wedding auspicious time remains unchanged," he added after a moment's thought. "Send two bolts of tribute silk to the Lanxu Palace."
"Your Majesty is so biased!" Consort Ning pushed the two bolts of tribute silk to the ground, her eyes red with anger.
With Consort Yang's recent passing, she had worried that it might bring bad luck to Yanze's wedding. However, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau insisted that the auspicious time had already been set, and all preparations for the wedding were complete, so it couldn't be changed.
What did sending these two bolts of silk mean? Was she being treated like a stray cat or dog?
"Your Ladyship," Bai Shao bent down to pick up the tribute silk. "Please don't let anger harm your health."
Consort Ning ignored her. Since Bai Shao's recent failure, she had lost favor in Consort Ning's eyes.
"Your Ladyship," a eunuch hurried in. "Today, the Ministry of Rites delivered an imperial edict to Vice Minister Ming's residence."
"What was the decree?"
"It conferred the title of County Princess upon Vice Minister Ming's daughter."
"Didn't His Majesty just grant Ming Jingzhou the title of earl?" Consort Ning pressed. "Are you sure this news is accurate?"
"It's already spreading everywhere," the eunuch said cautiously, seeing Consort Ning's displeasure. "People are saying that Vice Minister Ming is highly favored by His Majesty and has a... bright future ahead."
"The Ming family has three brothers, all holding important positions in the court. How much brighter can their future be?" Consort Ning sneered. "His Majesty is clearly showing favor to Prince Chen."
The Ming family had three sons, so why were all the benefits going to Ming Jingzhou's family?
It was simply because they had a daughter about to marry into Prince Chen's household. That was why His Majesty kept showering Ming Jingzhou's family with honors.
The Ming family was merely connected to Prince Chen, yet they received such blatant favor from His Majesty. Meanwhile, her Yanze, about to marry the Sun family's daughter, hadn't received a single honor.
In terms of nobility, family background, and reputation, what did the Sun family lack compared to the Ming family?
In the end, it was all about favoritism.
She gritted her teeth and sneered, "Ming Jingzhou's daughter is just like that Su woman—a scheming, venomous little wretch who clings to power."
Bai Shao, standing with her head bowed, glanced up slightly.
"Hong Mei," Consort Ning called for another trusted maid. "The Ming family has raised such a fine daughter, bringing them endless favor from His Majesty. There must be some rumors circulating outside, right?"
"Your Ladyship is absolutely right," Hong Mei said, pleased to have gained Consort Ning's favor. She shot a smug look at Bai Shao before responding, "People must be saying that raising a daughter is better than raising a son. Who wouldn't envy the Ming family for such an honor?"
Consort Ning nodded in satisfaction. "Let's see how the noble Ming family reacts to all this envy—whether they'll be grateful to Prince Chen or keep their distance."
Ming Jiuzhu herself wasn't important. What mattered were the three Ming brothers.
She would never allow the three Ming brothers to become Prince Chen's allies. How could a bastard born to a merchant woman compare to her Yanze?
Ming Jiuzhu had returned to the capital less than half a year ago, and the Ming family had already received three imperial edicts. If it weren't for her brother mentioning that edicts weren't issued lightly, she might have thought they were handed out like candy.
She looked at the edict conferring her the title of County Princess, feeling somewhat bewildered.
When had she ever copied sutras for the late Empress Dowager or worked hard for Consort Su?
Was this all fabricated?
"What did His Majesty and Consort Su say to you when you offered incense for Consort Yang?" Even Lady Shen felt that His Majesty had been overly generous to their family.
It was well known that His Majesty was stingy when it came to granting titles, yet within a month or two, he had bestowed two titles upon their family.
"Nothing particularly special," Ming Jiuzhu shook her head. "His Majesty and Consort Su were very kind to me, but they never mentioned anything about titles."
"Yesterday, when Prince Chen escorted you back, why did he bring out money?" Ming Jingzhou asked. "The edict conferring Jiuzhu's title was brought by Prince Chen early this morning."
According to a minor official from the Ministry of Rites, Prince Chen had arrived with the edict as soon as the ministry's gates opened. He had urged the officials to record it in the registry, and once the seals of the ministry and the relevant officials were affixed, he had pressed Li Shang to bring the ceremonial procession to the Ming residence to announce the decree.
Ming Jiuzhu thought of the popular "overbearing prince" stories circulating in the capital and guiltily lowered her head. "Was the money issue my fault?"
Ming Jingzhou and Lady Shen looked at Jiuzhu in surprise. Their daughter was well-behaved and adorable, and she didn’t spend money recklessly. How could she possibly be involved in any financial troubles?
"Father, Mother, have you ever heard the story of the domineering prince?"
Ming Jingzhou frowned. What kind of story was this about a domineering prince?
In the entire court, the only prince known for his domineering behavior was Prince Chen. No one else came close.
"I’ve heard a little about it," Lady Shen nodded. "They’re just stories made up by storytellers. Because of people’s wild speculations, many have mistakenly assumed that the prince in those stories is Prince Chen."
"What kind of story is it?" Ming Jingzhou, having been an official for many years, was highly sensitive to such manipulative tactics. "Does the domineering prince in the story kill people or set fires?"
"Not at all," Lady Shen shook her head with a smile. "The story is quite absurd and fantastical, but it’s all about good deeds. Because of these stories, Prince Chen’s image has improved significantly among the ladies."
Ming Jingzhou was astonished. When had Consort Su and Prince Chen started using such subtle methods?
"This matter has something to do with our daughter," Jiuzhu lowered her head and explained the whole situation.
After hearing his daughter’s words, Ming Jingzhou was at a loss for words for a long time.
By sheer coincidence, Jiuzhu had helped Prince Chen thwart a conspiracy against him, which was a good thing. However, because of these stories, Prince Chen had become a popular topic of conversation during people’s leisure time. Given Prince Chen’s temperament, he probably wouldn’t tolerate storytellers fabricating tales about him like this.
"Did Prince Chen really not get angry with you over this?" Lady Shen had once witnessed Prince Chen, at the age of seventeen, publicly humiliate Princess Roude, who was already married, during a palace banquet, leaving her with no dignity.
After being publicly embarrassed by Prince Chen, Princess Roude had avoided public appearances for a long time. From then on, she would steer clear of any event where Prince Chen was present.
If he could treat his own sister like that, how much tolerance could he possibly have for their daughter?
"His Highness was gentle and considerate. He didn’t get angry over this matter," Jiuzhu shook her head. "Not only that, when he heard that I had spent all my money on listening to storytellers, he even offered to give me some silver."
Ming Jingzhou raised an eyebrow slightly. Was it just those stingy twenty or thirty taels of silver?
"It was a thick stack of banknotes," Jiuzhu gestured to show the thickness, her face full of astonishment. "And they were all five-hundred-tael denominations. I didn’t dare carry them around."
Realizing that he had misunderstood Prince Chen, Ming Jingzhou snorted inwardly. So, he was trying to win over his daughter with money. No wonder Lady Shen always said that men were no good.
Prince Chen was a man, so naturally, he wasn’t any good either.
No father-in-law could ever look at his son-in-law favorably, even if he was a high-ranking prince.
Just as he was about to bring up Prince Chen’s past extravagant behavior, his gaze fell on the imperial decree in Jiuzhu’s hands.
Since the decree had been taken to the Ministry of Rites by Prince Chen, it was possible that Prince Chen had requested it himself.
If Jiuzhu didn’t want Prince Chen’s money, he went to the Emperor to secure a noble title for her? According to the Great Cheng Dynasty Rites, although a noble title didn’t come with a fief, it did grant a fixed monthly stipend, silk, and provisions like rice and oil.
Could it be… that Prince Chen was finding another way to give Jiuzhu money to spend?
Which prince would go through such lengths just to give his fiancée spending money? Only the eccentric Prince Chen would do something like this. And yet, the Emperor had granted his request. What kind of favor was this?
Any prince with a bit of sense would never go out of his way to seek benefits for his in-laws. Not only would it invite gossip, but it could also arouse the Emperor’s suspicion.
"Prince Chen’s actions are truly…" Ming Jingzhou wanted to say "reckless," but when he looked up and saw his daughter’s eager eyes fixed on him, he sighed and said, "free-spirited."
Prince Chen was the one putting in the effort, while the Ming family reaped the benefits. What could he say?
"Since Prince Chen went out of his way to secure this imperial favor for you, I’ll go and thank him tomorrow."
"Father, is this decree really something His Highness specifically requested for me?" Jiuzhu hugged the decree, her face filled with joy.
Ming Jingzhou nodded slowly. "Since Prince Chen personally took this decree to the Ministry of Rites without involving anyone else, it’s safe to assume that he requested it."
"That’s good, that’s good," Lady Shen murmured as she gently patted her daughter’s head. "Prince Chen’s intentions are kind. Just keep them in your heart. Jiuzhu, if you hear any unpleasant rumors outside, don’t take them to heart, and don’t let them affect your feelings for others."
Jiuzhu nodded blankly, feeling a bit confused. Unpleasant rumors?
Seeing her daughter’s innocent expression, Lady Shen smiled. "Just remember, don’t let the words of unimportant people hurt the feelings of those who truly care for you."
"Mm," Jiuzhu nodded, her eyes bright. "I won’t pay attention to what others say."
Her teachers often said that those who cultivate the Dao should not let external things destroy their inner peace. Cultivating one’s body, mind, and virtue was the true path of cultivation.
"Good," Lady Shen smiled. "Being burdened by external things will only make you unhappy. It’s good that you’re like this."
"My teachers also say that I have a good temperament," Jiuzhu tightly clutched the decree, her smile full of contentment and joy.
"Miss, the food boxes and carriage are ready. Shall we head to the Ministry of Rites now?"
"Let’s go now," Jiuzhu picked up two large food boxes, one in each hand. "It’s cold outside, and even with the charcoal to keep the food warm, it’ll cool down quickly."
Chunfen followed behind her, helping her fasten her cloak. "Miss, please walk slowly."
Recently, officials at the Ministry of Rites had rarely had their families send food boxes. Ever since Prince Chen had started working there, the meals in the official canteen had improved significantly. Besides, if even the usually extravagant Prince Chen was eating in the canteen, how could they be more fastidious than him?
At noon, it was time for everyone to take a break and have lunch. Prince Chen tossed aside his brush and lazily leaned back in his chair.
Some officials dared to peek through the window and were surprised to see Prince Chen copying the imperial decree archives. These archives were usually stored in the Hanlin Academy, but Vice Minister Ming had borrowed them a few days ago. They hadn’t understood his intentions at the time, but now it seemed clear.
From memorizing the list of top scholars and their essays to copying tax records from the Ministry of Revenue, and now copying imperial decree archives—none of these tasks were useful or meaningful. Who would have thought that Vice Minister Ming, who usually seemed gentle and easygoing, could be so subtly torturous? On the surface, he was teaching Prince Chen, but in reality, he wasn’t teaching him anything at all.
"Your Highness," a eunuch attendant stepped forward to massage Prince Chen’s shoulders. "Your appetite has been a bit poor these past few days. Shall I go to a restaurant and buy some delicacies for you?"
"No need," Prince Chen stood up weakly. "I’ll have lunch with Vice Minister Ming in the canteen."
He had told Jiuzhu that the Ministry of Rites couldn’t function without him, so he couldn’t let Ming Jingzhou undermine his words.
"Your Highness," another eunuch attendant hurried into the room. "Miss Ming is waiting for you outside the office."
Prince Chen stood up, grabbed his cloak, and draped it over his shoulders, chuckling softly. "At least the little girl has some conscience."
He had gone all out to secure that imperial favor for her, even resorting to flattery and ingratiating himself with the Emperor. If she didn’t come to see him, it would be downright ungrateful.
"Your Highness!" Jiuzhu exclaimed as soon as she saw Prince Chen emerge, rushing over to him.
"What does Your Highness need?" Prince Chen asked, his hands clasped behind his back, deliberately avoiding any mention of the County Princess title he had secured for Ming Jiuzhu.
A true man never boasts about the small favors he does for a woman.
"I’ve come to bring Your Highness some food," Ming Jiuzhu said, holding out a food box to Prince Chen. "You’ve been working so hard for the Ministry of Rites. You must take care of yourself and eat well."
The officials who had just stepped out of the Ministry of Rites: "..."
"It’s my duty to work hard. A little exhaustion is nothing," Prince Chen replied, taking the food box. "As a prince, I should bear more hardships and responsibilities than others. Only then can I live up to the expectations of His Majesty, Emperor Longfeng, and the people."
The officials who overheard everything: "..."
When a man lies to a woman, he can be shameless.
"Though your duties are important, Your Highness’s health is even more so," Ming Jiuzhu said, looking at Prince Chen with admiration. "Please take care of yourself."
Your Highness is truly a good prince who serves the nation and the people, and honors the Emperor!
Seeing the girl’s adoring gaze, Prince Chen coughed lightly. "Don’t worry, I know."
"There’s one more thing," Ming Jiuzhu said, smiling at Prince Chen. "The County Princess title I received—it was Your Highness who requested it for me, wasn’t it?"
"It was just a small matter..."
"Thank you, Your Highness," she said, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him, as if her heart and soul were filled with nothing but him. Her trust in him was so complete it seemed to overflow. "Your Highness is the kindest person I’ve ever met."
Prince Chen turned his head away, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
How many people has this girl even met, to call him the best?
"Your Highness, please go back and eat before the food gets cold," Ming Jiuzhu said, handing him another food box. "Could you also give this one to my father? I’ll come again tomorrow at noon."
Carrying two heavy food boxes, Prince Chen watched as the girl bent down and climbed into her carriage. He raised an eyebrow and muttered to himself, "I’m the best?"
