"Since I became the crown prince, countless people, both openly and secretly, have tried to bring me down. I have also experienced several life-or-death crises. Even if there are still enemies, what is there to fear?"

At this moment, Yuan Shen displayed strong self-confidence.

The next morning at court, Yuan Shen used this incident as an opportunity to decisively declare that Zhao Xinya was unsuitable to be empress.

This move naturally brought joy to some and sorrow to others.

Those who were worried were the Zhao family and their ilk, while those who were happy were the ministers who were eyeing the position of Empress in the harem.

Immediately, some people eagerly proposed a new successor, and it looked like a quarrel was about to break out, but unexpectedly, Yuan Shen began to reward the meritorious officials.

This sudden imperial edict disrupted everyone's plans, and many were struggling to keep up with the new emperor's train of thought.

They're clearly talking about the Empress's position!

Before everyone could react, the new emperor flicked his sleeve and left the court.

Officials filed out, and some shameless officials approached Grand Secretary Song and Grand Secretary Zhou, tentatively asking questions.

"Congratulations to both of you! His Majesty truly trusts you both greatly! Among all the civil officials, you two have received the highest honors. From now on, we will have to rely on you both the most."

Grand Secretary Song smiled but did not respond.

Grand Secretary Zhou's expression was cold and stern. He glanced at everyone and immediately rebuked them.

"To receive the emperor's bounty and share his burdens is the duty of a subject. To be too scheming and lose one's integrity is how one can fulfill one's duties. If Lord Wang does not leave soon, do not blame me for impeaching you tomorrow!"

A few words were enough to frighten Lord Wang into fleeing in panic.

…………

Civil officials were usually granted the title of Grand Secretary or one of the Three Dukes.

Song Ge Lao already held the title of Grand Secretary, so this time he was promoted to Grand Tutor.

Grand Secretary Zhou, having just joined the cabinet, was only granted the title of Grand Secretary of the Wenlan Pavilion.

The rest were minor promotions, not worth mentioning at the grand court assembly. Therefore, the two who attracted the most attention this time were Song and Zhou.

That's why Lord Wang said that.

However, he clearly forgot that Grand Secretary Zhou hated flattery and bootlicking the most.

As for the military officers, there were no major changes, and Chen Si received the greatest credit.

The process of rewarding meritorious service cannot be completed in a single day. After the morning court session, Yuan Shen summoned several Grand Secretaries to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to discuss the follow-up matters.

Song Xibai didn't inquire about the previous dynasty, but people kept coming to her to tell her about it.

She received the news before the imperial edict was even issued.

Her father actually received a title!

When Yuan Shen raised the issue, several officials objected. After all, Song Siyuan was only a royal physician with a low official rank, and even with the favored concubine Song Xibai, he was not qualified to be granted a noble title.

Many adults wondered: Could this be the Emperor testing us, or does he intend to make Lady Song his empress?

Unexpectedly, Yuan Shen didn't mention Song Xibai at all, and directly produced "evidence".

Song Siyuan risked his life to obtain the fake emperor's blood, and after verifying it with several princes, he confirmed that the fake emperor was not the previous emperor.

Such merit deserves a noble title, doesn't it?

The ministers who had objected were immediately speechless.

Thus, Song Siyuan, who was idle at home, became "Marquis of Sheng'en" in a daze.

The title was personally chosen by Yuan Shen.

The title of Marquis of Holy Grace is just like that of Marquis of Mu Grace and Marquis of Cheng Grace, and they openly and blatantly make no attempt to conceal it.

Even the Marquis's mansion was readily available; the mansion of a certain Marquis that had been confiscated earlier was directly bestowed upon the Song family.

Thus, people discovered that there were two "Song Mansions" in the capital.

The Song family, the Marquis of Sheng'en, has risen to prominence like a rising star, becoming the hottest topic in the capital.

Song Xibai did not see his father until three days later.

Song Siyuan, dressed in a bright red, wide-sleeved court robe, was led into Changqing Palace.

Song Xibai was overjoyed and dragged his father to see the child.

Song Siyuan, who was initially a little awkward, immediately forgot all his worries and tension when he saw his two grandsons.

"When are you going to have the baby's one-month celebration? Speaking of which, when you were born, everything was in chaos. Your older brother absolutely refused to tell me where you lived, and I didn't even go to the baby's third-day celebration..."

Song Siyuan began to ramble on and on.

Song Xibai covered her mouth and laughed, "Big brother is only doing this for Father's own good, Father, please don't be angry with him."

"Hmph! The brat's all grown up now, he has his own ideas and doesn't respect his father anymore."

Song Siyuan snorted twice, clearly dissatisfied with his son, but when he turned to look at Song Xibai, he smiled broadly.

"Daughters are the best. It's a pity you're married. It's hard for your father to even see you now."

Seeing Song Siyuan's sentimental expression, Song Xibai felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

"Isn't there still Qianqian?"

But it would have been better if he hadn't mentioned it; once his granddaughter was brought up, Song Siyuan had even more complaints.

“Your older brother said it’s time for Qianqian to start her formal education, and he’s planning to find her some tutors after the New Year. I said, why don’t I just teach her myself? Didn’t I teach you all when you were little? But your older brother disagreed. He insisted that our family is different now, and Qianqian’s status is different too. He wanted her to learn poetry, songs, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting! It really made me so angry.”

Song Siyuan flicked his sleeves, looking very annoyed.

Song Xibai poured him a cup of tea: "Big brother has his reasons, Father, please understand! However, Qianqian is still young, so poetry and songs are not necessary. She can learn the zither, chess, calligraphy and painting, but she doesn't need to be an expert. Having a hobby is enough."

Song Siyuan was very worried: "Won't our family's medical skills have no successor?"

Song Xibai suddenly realized that this was what her father was worried about.

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