Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 413: Show of Power (Part 2)

In the eagerly awaited expectation of the crowd, the imperial envoys from the court finally arrived at Nanyang County on the twenty-second day of the twelfth month.

On this day, the Nanyang County Princess personally led her officials and county magistrates out of the city to welcome the envoys.

The one who came to deliver the imperial decree was Vice Minister Dong from the Ministry of Rites.

Vice Minister Dong was forty-five this year, the prime of a man’s life. He was once ranked second in the imperial examination, scholarly and erudite, and had been serving in the Ministry of Rites, rising to the position of Assistant Minister in just a few decades, a Standard Third Rank high official at court.

The reason Vice Minister Dong took on the task of delivering the decree is another key factor. More than ten years ago, he had longstanding connections with the Nanyang Prince Mansion. In recent years, as Prince Nanyang passed away, Chief Historian Chen and Vice Minister Dong maintained correspondence, and yearly gifts exchanged were exceedingly generous.

It could be said that Vice Minister Dong was one of the most important connections for the Nanyang Prince Mansion within the Imperial Court.

"Minister pays respects to Nanyang County Princess."

With a gentlemanly and distinguished appearance, Vice Minister Dong smiled, cupping his hands and making a bow.

Jiang Shaohua smilingly said, "Vice Minister Dong came in place of the Emperor to deliver the imperial decree, no need for so many courtesies, please rise quickly."

Chen and Feng, the two Chief Historians, immediately stepped forward to exchange pleasantries with Vice Minister Dong.

The civil servants gathered together, first discussing the advancement through the imperial examination, then about their official ranks. By rank, Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng were only fifth-rank officials, naturally not as high as Vice Minister Dong. By the imperial examination, Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng took it two years earlier than Vice Minister Dong, making them his predecessors in genuine terms.

Vice Minister Dong had good relations with the Nanyang Prince Mansion, not a secret in the Capital City. After all, he often spoke in support for the Nanyang County Princess at court. Emperor Taihe specifically sent Vice Minister Dong, obviously due to some remorse for not being able to meet his cousin’s request.

After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, Vice Minister Dong’s gaze quickly fell on Cui Du: "Is this Elder Changning?"

Cui Du immediately responded, stepping forward to greet Vice Minister Dong.

In his daily life, he was quite carefree, and the Commandery Princess had always been tolerant towards him, and the others did not restrict him. Since Cui Ping’s arrival, he had been repeatedly instructed on etiquette. In these few days, he was specially trained for the etiquette of receiving the decree.

Compared to Zijin such as Prince Zhengchen and Prince Jin, naturally graceful from birth, he seemed passable.

Vice Minister Dong hurriedly smiled and helped Cui Du to his feet: "No, no, Elder Changning has made a great contribution to the country and the people by cultivating new grain. How can I, a mere lower official, accept such a courtesy from Elder Changning?"

In front of everyone, he lavishly praised Cui Du, with words like "young talent," "outstanding both in looks and talent," and "one in a million," flowing continuously.

The eloquence of a civil servant’s mouth, speaking persuasively like scattering flowers, was no exaggeration at all.

Cui Du, floating with praise, couldn’t help but glance at the Commandery Princess.

With a chuckle, Jiang Shaohua signaled Cui Du with a look.

Words like these should be taken lightly, heard but not taken to heart.

After Vice Minister Dong and his entourage entered the city gates, they were warmly welcomed by the citizens. Listening to the waves of sounds outside the carriage, Vice Minister Dong couldn’t help but look out and saw a little girl around eleven or twelve years old, shouting loudly for the Commandery Princess’s longevity, her little face flushed red.

Vice Minister Dong smiled gently, thinking that only in Nanyang County could this happen. In other places, girls of this age would be confined at home, rarely able to go out and join the festivities.

Nanyang County is prosperous and peaceful, vibrant and bustling, with the happiness of the people written on their faces; truly a good place!

The carriage moved slowly forward, arriving at Nanyang Prince Mansion after one and a half hours.

The mansion was already prepared, with the main doors open, and an incense table already set up.

Vice Minister Dong got off the carriage and solemnly announced the commencement of the title bestowal ceremony. The main character today, of course, was Elder Changning Cui Du, even Jiang Shaohua, the Nanyang County Princess, had to step aside today.

The intricate title bestowal ceremony lasted half a day.

Vice Minister Dong, having spent many years in the Ministry of Rites, was not only familiar with the procedures but also eloquently versed in the formal language.

Both Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng were Advanced Scholars, and most of the county magistrates were also of the Imperial Examination background, those knowledgeable in the field recognized the expertise and held Vice Minister Dong in high regard.

The uninitiated Elder Changning Cui Du, after listening to a long convoluted speech, wondered if such a language could even be understood by people?

Even though he didn’t understand, he had to pretend he did, displaying gratitude towards the Emperor from time to time, bowing respectfully and loudly.

Cui Du silently endured for two hours, finally awaiting the conclusion of the title bestowal ceremony.

Under the envious gazes of the crowd, Cui Du received the imperial decree handed over by Vice Minister Dong, then went to the inner room accompanied by Cui Ping and Lu Cong to change into his earldom attire.

The saying "people rely on clothes, just as Buddha relies on gold" is really true.

When Cui Du came out in his earldom attire, even Jiang Shaohua was slightly taken aback.

The youth, usually dressed simply and casually, instantly possessed an aura of nobility and dignity when clad in the formal attire of a court official. His sun-tanned, handsome face shone radiantly.

Under the Commandery Princess’s gaze, Cui Du’s heart pounded, he inappropriately asked, "Commandery Princess, do I look good dressed like this?"

Everyone laughed unanimously.

Amidst the laughter, Jiang Shaohua earnestly praised, "You look good."

The laugh grew louder, and the air was filled with lightness and joy.

Cui Du’s fair face blushed a little, and his dark eyes became even brighter.

...

That evening, the Nanyang Prince Mansion held a banquet to celebrate Elder Changning.

The Commandery Princess, who usually disliked extravagance, made an exception this time, not only preparing a banquet of the highest standards but also arranging for fireworks.

As the banquet was drawing to a close, a grand display of fireworks blossomed in the sky above the mansion.

The entire population of Nanyang County joined in the festivities.

"Fireworks are usually seen only during the Lantern Festival, who would have thought there’d be fireworks tonight as well."

"Mr. Cui being conferred as Elder Changning is an honor for us in Nanyang County too. The Commandery Princess is happy, so it’s no surprise that there’s a fireworks display!"

"Will Elder Changning join the Prince Mansion in marriage, becoming the husband of our Commandery Princess?"

"I think it’s possible."

"Nonsense, what you think means nothing, it’s up to the Commandery Princess to decide."

Officials and county magistrates watching the fireworks in the Prince Mansion gathered in small groups, joking and chatting, frequently glancing towards the Commandery Princess and the newly conferred Elder Changning.

Jiang Shaohua was as open as always, not shying away from anything, standing side by side with Cui Du.

Cui Du’s heart was almost overflowing with joy, and he suddenly took a step back quietly.

Jiang Shaohua laughed and turned her head, "Why are you stepping back?"

Cui Du replied matter-of-factly, "Whether I’m the Little Mute or Mr. Cui, even as Elder Changning, in front of the Commandery Princess, I must stand back a little."

Pausing, with a voice lowered so that only the two could hear: "I hope to keep up with your pace. I am willing to stand behind the Commandery Princess, to follow the Commandery Princess."

No matter where or when, you will always be my Commandery Princess.

Jiang Shaohua deeply looked at Cui Du.

The brilliant fireworks filled the sky, imprinting in each other’s eyes.