nycdaug Chapter 236: The Princess of Zhenbian
Chapter 236: The Princess of Zhenbian
The good news from the border was like a ray of dawn, dispelling the gloom that had been lingering in the court for days.
Yan Wanwan led his army to a great victory over the enemy, not only recovering the lost territory, but also defeating the main force of the enemy in one fell swoop. The people at the border were all excited and delighted.
When the news reached the capital, the whole government was shocked, and ministers submitted memorials praising Yan Wanwan's achievements.
In the court, the Prince of Dongping, dressed in the regent's finery, stood solemnly before the emperor. His voice was loud and firm: "Your Majesty, County Princess Yan has made great military achievements this time. Not only has she maintained peace on our border, but she has also enhanced our national prestige. I believe that she should be generously rewarded to honor her achievements. I earnestly request that Your Majesty confer the title of Princess Yan on her as a princess and expand her fiefdom as a token of your great grace."
As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the court.
Several old ministers looked at each other. Although it was a good thing that Yan Wanwan was able to repel the Northern Di, the princess and the fiefdom were too much!
Someone immediately stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable! Throughout the dynasties, there has never been a precedent for a woman from another family to be named a princess. Although Princess Yan has made outstanding contributions, making her a princess may violate ancestral rules. Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
Another minister echoed, "Yes, Your Majesty, the matter of conferring a princess is of great importance. If this precedent is set, I am afraid it will cause chaos in the court in the future. I believe that conferring the title of Princess Yan as a princess is already a great favor. Granting her a rich fiefdom will fully demonstrate Your Majesty's great love."
The little emperor looked at this and that, not knowing what to do. His innocent big eyes stared straight at the Prince of Dongping, as if asking: How should I answer?
The Prince of Dongping frowned slightly, his gaze sternly sweeping over the dissenting ministers, his tone tinged with displeasure. "My Lords, County Princess Yan fought for her country, risking her life. Is she unworthy of even the title of a princess? While ancestral rules are certainly important, they must also be adapted to the times. Today, the border is stable, and the people live in peace. This is all thanks to County Princess Yan. Do you, my Lords, want to cling to the past and discourage the heroes who have made such a contribution?"
The court was in a stalemate for a while, with all the ministers arguing endlessly and holding different opinions.
Finally, someone suggested, "How about letting County Lady Yan speak for herself?"
Seeing the Prince of Dongping nod secretly, the young emperor immediately shouted, "Announce!"
Soon, Yan Wanwan came to the court. After paying her respects to the emperor, she stood there waiting, staring at the little emperor.
The Prince of Dongping said, "Everyone, County Master Yan is here. If you have anything to say, please speak directly."
The ministers looked at each other. They never expected that the Prince of Dongping would be so inhumane as to let them speak for themselves. How could they open their mouths in front of the parties involved?
Later, Yan Wanwan finally understood from the conversation that these old guys thought they deserved rewards, but they didn't want too much of a reward. They just wanted to give themselves a little benefit as a token of their appreciation.
Some people even suggested finding her a caring husband, even if it meant marrying into her family's family. To this, she only had one response: Haha!
She had no desire for the empty title of princess, but she had to get the real benefits of a fiefdom.
"Your Majesty!" She knelt in the middle of the hall and said righteously, "The ancestral system cannot be violated, and I, a humble servant, am unworthy of the title of princess. I beg Your Majesty to revoke your order."
Her words suited the ministers' taste and they all praised her for her sensible thinking.
The Prince of Dongping's gaze was as cold as ice as he swept over the crowd. He then turned to the little emperor and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, you can promote County Lady Yan to the rank of Princess Yan and grant her the most prosperous land in Jiangnan as a fiefdom as a token of your appreciation."
The ministers couldn't help but gasp, but before they could open their mouths to refute, Yan Wanwan made a decision that no one expected.
After she knelt to receive the imperial edict, she was not as happy as everyone expected. Instead, she said calmly, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace, but I have a request that you will grant."
The eunuch delivering the imperial edict was taken aback and quickly asked, "What is your request, my lady? Please feel free to speak."
Yan Wanwan raised her head, her eyes firm and clear. "I do not wish to accept the fiefdom of Jiangnan. I beg Your Majesty to grant me the uninhabited area at the border."
As soon as this statement came out, everyone was shocked.
The uninhabited area at the border was desolate and barren, plagued by years of war, and almost no one was willing to set foot there. Yet, Yan Wanwan's initiative to claim that piece of land was truly puzzling.
The eunuch who delivered the decree hesitated and said, "Princess, that land is barren and desolate, and is often invaded by enemies. Why do you..."
Yan Wanwan smiled faintly, her tone calm but firm: "Although the border is difficult, it is the place where this minister will fight this time. I am willing to use this as my fiefdom to continue to guard the border and ensure the peace of our dynasty. As for the rich lands of Jiangnan, I am not lucky enough to enjoy them. I beg Your Majesty to grant me this."
Those ministers who originally opposed the reward could not help but shake their heads and sigh. They instantly lost the idea of refuting her identity as a princess, and instead asked for permission on her behalf.
The Prince of Dongping nodded again to the young emperor, who summoned the eunuch who was to announce the decree. He loudly declared, "By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Yan Wanwan has served the country with loyalty and courage, and has made outstanding contributions. She is hereby granted the title of 'Princess Guarding the Border' and granted the uninhabited area of the border as her fiefdom. She is allowed to govern the land herself to honor her achievements and ensure peace on our frontier. I decree this!"
Yan Wanwan knelt and glanced at everyone in the court. She smiled calmly and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace. I will do my best to protect the border and live up to your trust."
She took the imperial edict, the corners of her mouth rose slightly, and a hint of deep meaning flashed in her eyes.
The Prince of Dongping looked at her deeply. Others didn't know what she was thinking, but he knew better than anyone that the closer a place is to the border, the richer the underground resources are. Moreover, her special ability only requires land, and no matter how barren the land is, it can be turned into an oasis.
What is a person? She is the greatest wealth.
After the news that Yan Wanwan was canonized as the Princess of Zhenbian spread, there was jubilation in the Prince of Zhennan's Mansion.
Her adoptive mother, Princess Wang Yuhua of Zhennan, held her hand, her eyes filled with joy. "Wan'er, you're a princess now. I'm so happy for you. But the weather at the border is bitterly cold, and I'm worried about you, a woman."
Yan Wanwan smiled slightly and soothed her, "Mother, don't worry. Life at the border isn't that hard. Nanping Prefecture's industries are already moving to the border."
Hearing this, Wang Yuhua gradually breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't know about other businesses in Nanping Prefecture, but there was an abundance of grain and other products, so her daughter would definitely not starve.
At this time, the two brothers also gathered around. The eldest brother Yan Jingxuan frowned and said, "Little sister, the border is no joke. You don't have to be so wronged. If someone forces you, I will stand up for you!"
The second brother, Yan Jingyu, also agreed, "Yes, little sister. If you don't want to go, we can find a way to give up this fiefdom. At worst, our family can leave the capital and live a carefree life somewhere else."
Yan Wanwan was touched, but still shook his head: "Brother, brother, when I get to the border, I will show you a prosperous border. Don't worry."
Just as the family was enjoying themselves, the housekeeper hurried over, holding a gilded invitation in his hand: "Princess, the Prince of Dongping has sent an invitation, inviting you to a gathering at Zuixian Tower at noon tomorrow."