HCB Chapter 916: Several More Imperial Decrees
Chapter 916: Several More Imperial Decrees
"Grandfather, grandmother, uncle, aunt, father, mother, Xier is late."
Jing Chunxi trotted through several corridors, her skirt fluttering with her steps, just like her rapid heartbeat.
When she arrived at the front yard, she saw a large group of people already standing in order. The solemn yet faintly joyful atmosphere made her heart shudder. She quickly restrained her expression, walked quickly forward, and bowed politely.
Her eyes quickly swept over the crowd, and when she saw her uncle, Prince Hong, dressed in the royal uniform of the county and with a dignified demeanor, her mind suddenly became clear. That night, the palace was in turmoil, and almost all the men in the mansion came out to protect the emperor. Today's reward was actually the glory of the three mansions.
"Not late, not late, just right. Eunuch Park's procession hasn't arrived yet." The old prince Xu Dingbang stroked his gray beard, with an unconcealable smile of relief on his face, and spoke in a loud voice.
There have been many happy events in the mansion in the past two years. The depression between his brows has long been swept away. His face is flushed, he is in good spirits, and even his back is much straighter than before.
The old princess standing next to them extended her hand lovingly and pulled Jing Chunxi in front of her, letting her stand side by side with her own granddaughter Ling'er. Her position was actually ahead of all the uncles and elders. This special favor was self-evident.
"Sister, sister!" Ling'er excitedly pulled Jing Chunxi's sleeve, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling, and her low voice full of joy.
"Just now I heard my grandfather, grandmother and father say that my father and third uncle have made great contributions this time, and they will definitely be promoted again! His Majesty's reward will definitely include you!" As she spoke, she shook Jing Chunxi's hand vigorously. The brand new crimson brocade jacket embroidered with a butterfly flower pattern in gold thread rippled with warm waves as she moved, and even the edge of the thick cotton trousers slightly exposed under the hem of her skirt exuded a sense of joy.
Jing Chunxi felt the warmth from her palm and looked at her innocent appearance. He couldn't help but smile. He leaned close to her ear and whispered softly, "If Your Majesty gives you some more gold and white things, I will divide them all among you sisters for your decorations and fun, okay?"
She pondered that while her contribution was significant, she was still a woman of the boudoir, and her rewards would likely be limited to gold, silver, and jade. A title or nobility was out of the question. As for fiefdoms, that was out of the question. If this precedent were set again, the Imperial Censorate's desk would be piled high with memorials.
"Ah! Sister, are you serious? You can't go back on your word!" Ling'er was so surprised that she almost jumped up. She quickly covered her mouth with her free hand, fearing that she would be impolite. However, her round eyes were already full of longing. "Then when I go back, I must ask Mother to buy me a bigger box inlaid with mother-of-pearl and various treasures. Otherwise, I'm afraid it won't be able to hold all the things!"
She gestured seriously, and the heavy winter clothes could not restrain her lively energy. The hem of her skirt swayed gently with her movements, like a happy bird.
As they were chatting and laughing, a clear and rhythmic sound of cloud boards came from outside the mansion gate, followed by a loud voice announcing: "The angel has arrived - Eunuch Park announces the decree!"
The front yard, previously buzzing with conversation, suddenly fell silent. Led by the old prince and princess, everyone, their expressions solemn, straightened their clothes, and knelt according to their rank and generation to receive the emperor's order.
A middle-aged eunuch wearing a crimson-purple official uniform with a Qilin patch, with a fair face and sharp eyes, walked in steadily with a bright yellow scroll in his hand, surrounded by a group of eunuchs and guards. He was none other than Eunuch Pu, the emperor's capable chief eunuch.
Eunuch Park stood still and smiled at Prince Jing. His eyes swept gently across the room, pausing briefly on Jing Chunxi. Then he slowly unfolded the first imperial edict and read it aloud in his unique, clear voice, which carried a hint of the authority of an inner court official.
The imperial edict first commended Prince Hong Xu Dingzhi for his loyalty and bravery. He commanded the city during the rebellion of Crown Prince Fei, quickly suppressing the bandits and rioters that had been stirring within and outside the capital due to the unrest, thus ensuring the peace of the capital. He also granted him a thousand acres of high-quality farmland. While the title of Prince Hong's mansion remained unchanged, he was granted an annual salary and other benefits equivalent to those of Prince Jing's mansion as a mark of special honor.
The imperial edict then commended Xu Dingchun for his courage in the face of danger, his meritorious service in protecting the emperor, and his personal arrest of the former deposed crown prince, the ringleader of the rebellion. He was also awarded a thousand acres of fertile farmland and promoted from a third-rank commander to a second-rank deputy governor, effectively giving him partial control of the Beijing garrison.
The third imperial edict was specifically addressed to Jing Chunxi. It praised him for his "virtuous character and exceptional intelligence." He had discerned the potential for rebellion before it even began, using subtle clues and promptly reporting them to the court. This enabled the court to calmly maneuver and thwart the conspiracy, effectively turning the tide and achieving immense merit. Finally, as Jing Chunxi had anticipated, he was rewarded with a thousand taels of gold, along with numerous silks, satins, and jewelry.
After the three imperial edicts were read out, Xu Dingzhi, Xu Dingchun and Jing Chunxi stepped forward in turn and kowtowed to receive the edicts.
Everyone in the palace kowtowed in unison, their voices resonant and full of genuine excitement and honor. Seeing the decree complete, Prince Jing and Prince Hong carefully supported the old princess to her feet, one on each side, and everyone else prepared to rise as well.
At this moment, Eunuch Park smiled slightly and said in a loud voice: "Your Highness, Princess, please wait a moment. Everyone else, please be patient. There is still an imperial decree to be announced."
The atmosphere, which had just relaxed somewhat, instantly tensed up again. Those who had already half stood up quickly knelt down again, their hearts filled with confusion, wondering what the purpose might be.
Eunuch Park was in no hurry to read it out. Instead, he took two steps forward and personally helped Prince Jing up. "Your Highness is old and virtuous. His Majesty has specifically instructed that you and the old princess may stand up and listen to his orders." As he spoke, he gestured to Prince Hong and Princess Hong, who were looking up at him, to help the old princess steadily stand up.
After the two old men stood still, he also signaled to Prince Hong and his wife that they did not need to kneel anymore.
Then he calmly took out a more exquisite bright yellow brocade scroll from the brocade box held by the eunuch behind him.
The scroll slowly unfurled, making a subtle rustling sound. Eunuch Park's gaze once again fell on Jing Chunxi, who was still kneeling respectfully in front of the crowd. This time, his gaze seemed to contain a deeper smile and inquiry.
He cleared his throat and began to read out this fourth imperial decree, which was beyond everyone's expectations, in a more solemn and high-pitched tone than before.