Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 411: The Bestowal of Honors
Cui Du has been in Nanyang County for nearly four years, gradually getting used to bowing and saluting. Moreover, he willingly does so without any reluctance.
In the eyes of the people, Cui Du’s bow has a different meaning.
Chief Historian Chen exchanged a glance with Chief Historian Feng.
Chief Historian Feng’s lips curved into a smile.
Joy and excitement flashed in Cui Ping’s eyes as he looked at his son, Cui Wang. Cui Wang understood the meaning behind his father’s look. He had already intended to stay in Nanyang County, and now that the court has bestowed the title of Earl upon Cui Du, what is there to hesitate about? He must stay!
Jiang Shaohua approached with a smile, helping Cui Du up: "Quickly rise."
"In a few days, when the imperial envoy arrives to announce the decree, you’ll be the Elder Changning."
An earl recognized for farming achievements is different from a noble military general awarded for battle merits. The name Changning implies a long-lasting peace and tranquility for the people.
Recently, Cui Du often heard Lu Cong and Cui Ping discussing the Da Liang noble ranks and privileges, gaining some understanding of being an earl, and laughed heartily: "Then in Nanyang County, aside from the Commandery Princess, isn’t my rank the highest?"
Jiang Shaohua laughed: "Titles are different from official positions. You haven’t reached adulthood yet, so the court hasn’t bestowed an official position upon you; you only hold a title. You still need to salute Chief Historians Chen and Feng when you see them."
Before Cui Du could nod, Chief Historian Chen immediately laughed: "That must not happen. We, Chief Historians Feng and I, are merely fifth-rank historians; how can we deserve a salute from Elder Changning?"
Chief Historian Feng echoed with a laugh: "Actually, we should be saluting Elder Changning instead."
Cui Du laughed: "In my heart, both Chief Historians are the most endearing and respectable elders. In the future, regardless of positions, we shall regard each other according to seniority."
See, when necessary, Mr. Cui also shows high emotional intelligence.
Song Yuan smiled understandingly.
As for Lu Junma beside him, his smile was somewhat forced.
He suddenly recalled the scene when he married into the family years ago.
Jiang Yan loved him and treated him very well. Prince Nanyang’s attitude toward him as a son-in-law, however, was less than satisfactory, showing politeness but with scrutiny. He had to speak and act cautiously. After spending several years living in the Prince Mansion and spending a lot of silver and effort, he only managed to connect with Yang Shi and Qiu Dianshan.
As a result, Qiu Dianshan resigned and left, and Yang Shi, a fence-sitter, was suppressed by Jiang Shaohua and now became a well-known sycophant. His cousin Lu Cong who came to seek refuge, spoke highly of him with great promises, yet none of them were fulfilled...
He was over thirty years old, yet in the eyes of others, he was still a freeloading son-in-law. No one in the mansion truly respected him.
And now, this Cui Du received the court’s commendation.
Elder Changning!
This title not only can be inherited but also holds assets with a stipend. Following the court’s custom, the land won’t actually be given to Cui Du, but the taxes within the fief belong entirely to him.
In other words, Cui Du will have his own property and stipend in the future, and even if he marries into the Nanyang Prince Mansion, it has nothing to do with freeloading!
Thinking of this, Lu Junma felt envious and resentful.
Others didn’t notice, but Lu Cong glanced over, giving a reminder with his eyes. Lu Junma then withdrew his gaze, pretending to be calm.
Everyone surrounded the Commandery Princess and Cui Du as they entered the main hall of the Prince Mansion to discuss the matter of receiving the imperial envoy in detail.
"Isn’t this troublesome!" Cui Du’s mouth twitched upon hearing this: "Isn’t it enough just to kneel and receive the decree?"
Everyone laughed.
"It’s never that simple," Chief Historian Chen laughed and said: "The bestowment of the title by the court is a great honor, and the ceremony mustn’t be lacking."
"Cui Du has been in Nanyang County for nearly four years," Chief Historian Feng continued with laughter: "Always focusing on farming and working diligently without drawing attention. This time, we must hold the conferment ceremony grandly."
"Firstly, to highlight the court’s benevolence, and secondly, to show the Prince Mansion’s appreciation for Mr. Cui."
Most importantly, it displays the Commandery Princess’s regard for Mr. Cui.
Cui Du understood the undertone of Chief Historian Feng’s words and was overjoyed, grinning widely: "Both Chief Historians are right; I shall heed your advice."
Jiang Shaohua pursed her lips into a smile: "Also, convey my command to invite the County Magistrates of the Fourteen Counties to attend the ceremony."
Now, with the Eagle’s communication, the correspondence between the Prince Mansion and the Fourteen Counties is much faster than before. The Commandery Princess’s command should reach the ears of all the County Magistrates within half a day at most.
Chief Historian Chen accepted the order with a smile.
Cui Ping, who had been silent, finally had the chance to speak: "Cui Du owes his current achievements to the Commandery Princess’s love and recognition. I represent the Boling Cui Family to express gratitude to the Commandery Princess."
Since Cui Du is a member of the Boling County Cui Family, the honor of the Changning Marquis title doesn’t belong to him alone but also to the Boling Cui Family.
The Boling Cui Family has seen a decline in talent over the past few decades and had waned among the major aristocratic families. Now, a Changning Marquis suddenly emerges, enough to revive the prestige of the Boling Cui Family.
At this moment, Cui Ping’s gratitude towards the Nanyang County Princess was especially sincere.
Jiang Shaohua smiled and said: "I never begrudge those who are capable. Cui Du’s success today is his own achievement."
Cui Du unhesitatingly replied: "Without the Commandery Princess, I wouldn’t have survived today. Everything I have, was given by the Commandery Princess. The glory of today also belongs to the Commandery Princess."
Cui Ping thought that Cui Du should talk more to win the Commandery Princess’s favor early, marry into the Nanyang Prince Mansion, thus connecting the Boling Cui Family with the Nanyang Prince Mansion, making future interactions easier.
Even Chief Historian Chen couldn’t help but silently praise him in his heart.
Who would have thought that the mute child picked up from the road would become a critical member of the Nanyang Prince Mansion, becoming the Commandery Princess’s right-hand man and assistant.
Jiang Shaohua smiled and said: "Such a joyous occasion doesn’t need to wait for the imperial envoy; let’s celebrate tonight with a banquet."
Cui Ping thought that Cui Du should talk more to win the Commandery Princess’s favor early, marry into the Nanyang Prince Mansion, thus connecting the Boling Cui Family with the Nanyang Prince Mansion, making future interactions easier.
...
The banquet that evening was unbelievably lively.
Jiang Shaohua, who seldom drank, also made an exception by having a few cups. As the alcohol took its effect, her face, white and as smooth as fine jade, turned a faint blush, her dark eyes gleamed, and the smile on her lips was heartwarming.
Cui Du sat next to the Commandery Princess, watching her while drinking, unknowingly drinking too much. Eventually, he foolishly laughed several times and collapsed onto the table.
Jiang Shaohua chuckled, instructing Meng Sanbao to take Cui Du back.
Meng Sanbao, tall and strong, effortlessly helped Cui Du up.
After taking a few steps, Cui Du suddenly vomited, most of it onto Meng Sanbao’s clothes.
Meng Sanbao: "..."
This scene reminded everyone of the day Cui Du first entered the Prince Mansion, and they couldn’t help but laugh: "When Mr. Cui first came to the Prince Mansion, he also vomited on Meng Sanbao."
"Indeed? It’s almost been four years in the blink of an eye." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎
Only Meng Sanbao couldn’t crack a smile, looking sullen.
