boyutpedia Chapter 137 Entering the Palace and Rewarding Oneself
Chapter 137 Entering the Palace and Rewarding Oneself
Lian Qiao was the most cautious and good at hiding her feelings, but even so, when she came in to serve tea, she couldn't help but glance at Gu Chang'an a few times before preparing to leave.
"Don't go yet." Gu Chang'an called out to her, but asked Shen Li, "Do you want something to eat? There's something you like simmering on the stove."
His Ah Li had finally gained some weight, but now she's as thin as a cat, which looks very pitiful. It's likely that her strength has been affected.
I need to make up for it properly when I get home.
"I want to eat. I only had a few bites at the Empress's." Shen Li took his hand. "Would you like to join me, husband?"
"Okay." With her holding him, Gu Chang'an couldn't think of any other answer.
After dinner, Gu Chang'an couldn't stay any longer; he was busy with official duties and could only try to return as soon as possible.
"I'll wait for you." Although Shen Li was reluctant to part, she didn't show it, otherwise it would only make Gu Chang'an feel more guilty.
However, despite her plan, she fell asleep as soon as she lay down in bed after washing up that night. She hadn't touched her own bed for three months, and the long-lost comfort made her drift off to sleep.
Seeing that she was asleep, Gu Chang'an did not disturb her, but asked a maid to inquire how much Shen Li had eaten for dinner.
He was relieved after hearing Lian Qiao say that they had eaten at two tables. After washing up, he lay down next to her, turned to look at her, and couldn't bear to close his eyes.
His Ah Li not only lost weight, but also seemed to have grown taller. Her cheeks were less chubby, but she was still so cute.
"Um……"
Shen Li seemed to sense the gaze on her face, and turned to snuggle into Gu Chang'an's arms, murmuring softly, "Husband..."
Gu Chang'an did not agree, but gently patted her, worried about waking her up.
Because she was to be granted a title, Shen Li was forced to get up early the next day to dress up and put on her official robes, which were also red with a hair crown, matching Gu Chang'an's court attire very well.
When the two arrived at the palace gate, it was still dark. After that, they were searched and inspected. She and Lin Wan'er stood separately from the court officials.
This was clearly the first time a woman had attended a court assembly, drawing the attention of the court officials.
This was clearly against the usual rules, and some officials even frowned, but ultimately they couldn't say anything, since the people standing here had won it on the battlefield.
When the appointed time arrived, the palace gates opened wide, and the officials entered in turn, waiting for the emperor's carriage to arrive before bowing and kowtowing three times.
Emperor Cheng was refreshed and ordered the imperial edict to be read aloud.
Shen Li stood amidst the officials, her demeanor dignified beyond compare, her face as calm as a still lake, as if she had been immersed in officialdom for many years.
In reality, she just felt very sleepy and wanted to go home.
After enduring wind and rain for so long, she felt she needed a while to recover her strength.
Even though he was deep in thought and weary, he still listened to the contents of the imperial edict.
Li Rui was granted the title of Prince Rui, and was to take up his fiefdom after his coming-of-age ceremony.
He was granted the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince and was granted the title of Duke of Zhenguo.
Lin Xiao, the Earl of Loyalty and Courage, was promoted to Marquis of Loyalty and Courage.
Xiao Qi was appointed as the General of Anyuan, a third-rank official.
Lin Ao was a third-rank general who quelled bandits.
Shen Li was granted fifty acres of fertile land and the ceremonial regalia of a second-rank lady.
The following were people Shen Li was not very familiar with, and after reading them for a long time, she did not mention Lin Wan'er's reward.
After Shen Li and the others expressed their gratitude, Emperor Cheng turned to Lin Wan'er and said, "Miss Lin, you have made great contributions this time. Without your victory in capturing the enemy's flag, there would have been no such great triumph. I did not reward you because I wanted to ask you in court what you wanted."
"I dare not claim credit, nor can I refuse Your Majesty's reward. I have no other wish but to guard the border and serve the country loyally, just like my father and brothers." Lin Wan'er's voice was firm and powerful.
Her words caused a stir in the court. The ministers were astonished, as there had never been a female general in the dynasty before. Her idea was quite audacious.
Crown Prince Li Heng's expression darkened slightly. If things were as she wished, she would be even less likely to marry a prince or a civil official, and would most likely marry a military general who was also stationed on the border.
Emperor Cheng originally intended to grant Lin Wan'er any request she made, as he thought it was nothing more than asking for rewards for his father and brothers or not asking for rewards at all. He never expected that she would have such thoughts.
He hesitated, but his hesitation stemmed from his attraction to Lin Wan'er. She possessed both pioneering and commanding talents, making her a rare and invaluable asset on the border.
The last battle also showed that the Great Zhao was lacking in military talent, but Lin Wan'er is only seventeen years old. If she is properly trained, she may become a useful person in the future.
His concern was whether the entire Lin family would gradually become uncontrollable if they were all in the Northern Territory. Lin Wan'er was no boor; if she colluded with the local authorities, wouldn't that be like raising a tiger to cause trouble?
"Our Great Zhao has never had a precedent of women serving in the army," Emperor Cheng said after a moment's thought, turning to his ministers. "What do you all think?"
The King of Yi's eyes flickered, but he did not make any move. However, he did not want Lin Wan'er to go to the border. He had done Lin Wan'er a great favor by giving her the firearms, and he was thinking of finding an opportunity to get it back.
He wanted to see what the Crown Prince thought first.
The crown prince didn't say anything, but simply shook his sleeves and stood up straight.
Immediately, members of the Crown Prince's faction stepped forward, cupped their hands, and said, "Although Miss Lin is brave, she is still a young woman and has reached the age of marriage. Moreover, the Great Liang has suffered heavy losses this time and is unlikely to be able to fight again for ten years. Why delay your marriage because of this?"
“Yes, with the Lin family father and son in the North, there will be no worries for several years.” Another person stepped forward, pointing straight to the heart of the matter.
This serves as another reminder to Emperor Cheng that not all members of the Lin family can leave the capital.
Emperor Cheng had an idea in mind.
"Your Majesty, I only wish to dedicate myself to serving the country and have no interest in marriage. I beg Your Majesty to grant my request." Lin Wan'er kowtowed to the ground.
Shen Li frowned. Although this was an expected outcome, she still made a mental note of Li Heng's actions. The emperor might not know that he was the crown prince's man, but surely she, a former member of the crown prince's faction, knew?
Zhou Zhen was also displeased, it seemed the Crown Prince was determined to keep Lin Wan'er.
"Wan'er, I know you are loyal, but now that the crisis in the north has been overcome, there is no need for you to go." Emperor Cheng said, "How about I bestow upon you the title of County Princess?"
Emperor Cheng believed she would not refuse, after all, this was a title that only the daughter of a prince could have. Although it did not have real power or status, it was far superior to that of ordinary noble ladies. For a woman, the title of county princess was already an honor.
"I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's favor, but I dare not accept such an honor. I beg Your Majesty to allow me to join the army and fight for the country in the future, so that our neighbors will not dare to invade our borders." Lin Wan'er never raised her head from beginning to end.
Although Shen Li had advised her many times, she still wanted to give it a try, so that she wouldn't have any regrets in the future even if it didn't work out.
Shen Li watched Zhou Zhen from behind, and she didn't believe that Zhou Zhen could remain unmoved.
“Miss Lin has great ambition.” Shen Zizai stepped forward first and said, “Your Majesty, it is often said that even a common man’s ambition should not be taken away, let alone Miss Lin’s righteousness. She should be a role model for the women of our dynasty.”
Emperor Cheng stared intently at him. This old fellow was contradicting him again. He wondered what had gotten into him.
"I don't know when it started, but everyone says that women should support their husbands and raise their children, and follow the three obediences and four virtues. I don't agree with that."
As Shen Zizai spoke, he turned to the first official who had just offered his advice and asked, "Lord Chu, you keep talking about how women should behave. May I ask you, as a man, can you kill generals and capture flags on the battlefield? Can you command effectively on the city wall and help our army achieve a great victory?"
"This..." Lord Chu was speechless.
"I'm afraid Lord Chu can't even lift a spear. If it weren't for your daughter clearing out the enemy at the front, where would you have the opportunity to spout nonsense and bully others here?" Shen Zizai asked again.
"Lord Shen, I have no reliance on anything; I am merely stating the facts." Lord Chu defended himself while also clearing the Crown Prince's name.
While he was anxious, he also wanted to pry open Shen Zizai's head to see what was going on. Weren't they all the Crown Prince's men? Why was Shen Zizai attacking him?
"You're just relying on the fact that you were born a man," Shen Zizai retorted before turning to Emperor Cheng.
"Your Majesty, I believe that Miss Lin's request should be granted, so that the world can see that Your Majesty appoints people based on their merits, regardless of their status or gender, and opens up avenues for the virtuous, thus proving yourself to be an enlightened ruler."
Emperor Cheng pondered for a moment. If he could employ Lin Wan'er, he could indeed gain a reputation for virtue. Moreover, Lin Wan'er was indeed a talented general, and perhaps she would be useful in the future.
But if he were sent to the northern border, he probably wouldn't be able to sleep peacefully at night.
Li Heng's expression changed. What was Shen Zizai doing? Was he going against him? And his father couldn't refuse this reason even if he wanted to.
Shen Li didn't expect that it was her father who spoke up, not the prime minister. But then she thought that this was something her father would do.
I don't care if I become a scapegoat; I only care about the principles in my heart. I must do my part when I see injustice.
“Father, I have a humble opinion, but I don’t know whether I should say it or not,” said Prince Yi, stepping forward.
"Speak freely." Emperor Cheng was at a loss for what to do at the moment and wanted to hear what his subordinates had to say.
“In my opinion, Lord Shen’s words make sense, but it is also true that the northern border is not short of generals. Why not select a military position for Miss Lin in the capital?” Prince Yi looked at the Crown Prince and continued, “This way, we can not only make good use of talent, but also spare Miss Lin from suffering in the cold.”
Lin Wan'er sighed deeply upon hearing this. Just as Shen Li had said, it had come to pass.
His Majesty would not allow her to leave the capital; if she insists, a compromise will be reached.
Emperor Cheng's eyes lit up, and he found Prince Yi even more pleasing to the eye. He turned to Zhou Zhen and asked, "Minister Zhou, what do you think?"
Important matters of the court still need to be discussed with the Grand Secretary; otherwise, if the Grand Secretary tries to sabotage things behind the scenes, even the emperor will not be able to tolerate it.
Li Heng felt hopeful again and looked at Zhou Zhen with hopeful eyes.
"I believe that what Your Highness Prince Yi said is feasible, and this will fulfill Miss Lin's wishes," Zhou Zhen said without hesitation.
If we don't teach him a lesson, he'll really think the Zhou family has no one left.
Li Heng almost fainted from anger on the spot. What's wrong with these two?!
You have to understand that Zhou Zhen and Shen Zizai are practically the leaders of the entire civil official group. If they turn against him to his face, where will they put him, the crown prince?
"Good." Emperor Cheng immediately clapped his hands and said, "Wan'er is quite knowledgeable about firearms. From today onwards, she is appointed as the deputy general of the Divine Machine Battalion, and will lead the training of the Divine Machine Battalion for me. Are you satisfied?"