Phi-Fic Chapter 141 Long-term Stability and Security
Chapter 141 Long-term Stability and Security
They couldn't even take a carriage on the way to the palace. She couldn't understand why the Empress always liked to meet them in the pavilion in the back garden, right after they had just taken a bath!
"If Mother asks about Xiao Rong later, then I'll have to trouble you, eldest sister."
"Who is Wu Chengji? Who cares whoever wants him, okay?" she teased, tilting her head and feigning ignorance.
"Big sister~"
"You, you!"
The eunuch leading the way maintained an air of indifference to the world around him. When they reached the corner of the pavilion, he stopped there and said, "Your Highnesses, please."
These servants knew their limits; after all, the more they heard, the faster they would die, since they couldn't hear or see anything.
The Empress remained as enigmatic as ever, propping her head up with her hand and leaning against the railing. Chu Qiu wanted to accompany Wu Ziyan closer, but was stopped outside the corridor; he was not yet qualified.
Hearing footsteps, the Queen lazily raised her eyes: "They're here."
The two knelt down in unison to pay their respects, but the Empress did not tell them to rise. Finally, she changed her posture and gave them a look, saying, "Get up."
"Thank you, Mother."
"I've heard about what happened to Xiao Rong. Can any of you explain it to me?"
The two sisters looked at each other, and finally it all came down to Wu Chengji. He recounted the whole story, including what Wu Ziyan had told him, to the Empress.
The Empress was only focused on Wu Ziyan. She knew all about Wu Ziyan's little schemes. She had truly succeeded in keeping a low profile.
Logically speaking, establishing diplomatic relations between Shangdao and Xiaorong would be a tremendous achievement, but Wu Ziyan refused to accept a single one. A tall tree catches the wind, and its fall is just a matter of a thought from those people; her strength is not yet sufficient.
But as long as the Empress understands that these credits are actually hers, that's enough.
"I won't ask about the rest. It just so happens that Xiao Rong and I are establishing diplomatic relations. They should be attending the Chrysanthemum Appreciation State Banquet at that time. Firstly, the vassal states on the border should all send people. You two can make the arrangements together."
Wu Ziyan didn't hear anything else; he was just wondering what this "Chrysanthemum Appreciation State Banquet" was all about. Why would appreciating chrysanthemums turn into a state banquet?
I don't have this in my mind, I've never thought about it before?
They hurriedly kowtowed and accepted the decree. When they stood up to express their gratitude, the Empress asked them to sit down again.
"You two have done such a great service this time, what reward do you want?"
[Is my beloved NPC mother finally going to give me some perks?] But she really couldn't think of what benefits she wanted for the time being. Wu Chengji spoke first: "I want the fine wine that has been treasured in the Empress Dowager's palace for 26 years."
"You, you drunkard, I'll let you have a jar, but what about you, Ziyan?"
Her older sister only asked for such a small reward, which put her in a difficult position. If she asked for more, she would be accused of being unreasonable. If she asked for less, he would feel it was not worth it, since she had risked her life for this!
Hmm... After thinking it over, I think I should take away her title of Marquis of Leisure first. If you want the people to travel by boat, you need to have a good reputation first.
"Mother, I think, how about giving me the title of Marquis of Leisure? After all, I'm not leisurely anymore."
The two burst into laughter upon hearing this. It turned out that the name "Qingxian Marquis's Residence" was actually written by her herself, and there was no marquisate at all. If she wanted to change it to "Princess's Residence," she could just change it to "Princess's Residence." Why did she have to come and inform them?
I was careless... I was careless. Yes, how could a princess be a marquis? That's too low a rank... But since I've already said it, I should at least try to get some benefits out of it.
"Since you're not free now, Ziyan, how about I give you a nickname? Jiu'an, what do you say?"
This... how could she possibly say no? But she had no idea how significant the words "Jiu'an" truly were!
"Thank you, Queen Mother!"
It’s a loss, a huge loss!
As they left the pavilion, their faces remained expressionless, but when the Empress could no longer see their faces, Wu Ziyan's expression immediately fell.
"Fourth Sister, why are you so downcast?"
"All that hard work for nothing, and all you get in return are two words?"
Do you know the meaning of the two characters "久安" (jiǔ ān)?
She shook her head. She wanted some tangible reward. Wu Chengji didn't know if his fourth sister was really stupid or pretending. How many princesses had been bestowed titles by the Empress? At least there weren't any in the Wu Dynasty right now!
Once outside, Chu Qiu noticed that he was sullen and silent, unlike the Wu Ziyan of the past: "Your Highness, why are you so unhappy?"
"The princess only gave me a title; can that feed me? Can it be used as money?"
But she could clearly see shock on Chu Qiu's face. This account was really powerful. She didn't understand, and the game didn't explain it either.
Do you know what His Majesty's nickname was when he was still a prince?
"Ah, my mother has an account number!" She really didn't know that.
“Changzhi!” Wu Chengji replied, tapping her forehead. His fourth sister was somewhat clever, but now she seemed a bit silly.
Wu Ziyan silently chanted "Changzhi? Changzhi? May Changzhi enjoy lasting peace and stability!" Wow, if that's the case, then this account must have some significance!
Sure enough, before she even stepped out of the palace gates, a plaque personally inscribed by the Empress, along with mountains of treasures, gold, and bolts of cloth, began to be transported to her residence in carts.
On the way back, sitting in the carriage, she looked at the large procession of carriages that had brought him so much stuff and was still wondering, "Where are we going to send all this stuff?"
Chu Qiu shook his head. It still had to be her!
She arrived at the mansion almost simultaneously with the gifts and plaques. As soon as she got out of the carriage, she had to kneel to receive the imperial decree. Sima Lingchuan also returned at this time, approaching her with a gentle smile in his eyes, and also smiling slightly at Chu Qiu.
Then, everyone knelt down in a group. After receiving the decree, they didn't hear how long the blessing was read. All they knew was that with the title "Jiu'an," she could walk around the capital with impunity.
The news spread like wildfire, reaching the ears of various factions: her good second sister was the top leader.
Upon hearing the news, she sighed repeatedly, and Huang Ziliang handed her a cup of tea.
"Even with this title, she has to be able to hold onto it securely. Presumably, His Majesty has entrusted the state banquet to her and the Crown Prince this time. If something goes wrong at the banquet, how can she possibly remain in a position of peace?"
"Ziliang's words resonate with me. I wonder how Qi Zexuan's preparations are going?"
"No one has come to report yet."
"Ziliang, Ziliang, you are truly a good man. If you were..."
“Your Highness Chengye, once you have a certain status, it is no longer the same. Ziliang is willing to be a retainer and continue to assist Your Highness Chengye.”
Wu Chengye smiled slightly and nodded. She didn't want to force Huang Ziliang. After all, she couldn't find another person with such a clever mind, and he was not subject to any interference from any force, only loyal to her.
Just then, there were footsteps outside the door, followed by a polite knock. Sima Lingyu walked in, and Wu Chengye found him much more agreeable. Ever since Huang Ziliang arrived, he had learned to behave properly.
"what happened?"
"Your Highness, I would like to return to the Sima residence."
"Why are you returning to the Prime Minister's residence for no reason!"
Seeing this, Huang Ziliang patted Wu Chengye's hand and placed a note in front of her: "It just so happens that Master Lingyu is going back, so please give this letter to your mother."