Chapter 23 Imperial Edict

The autumn hunt has temporarily subsided, but the atmosphere in the Gu family camp is far from relaxed.

Lin held Ling Wei tightly, tears streaming down her face, her fingers carefully avoiding the wound on Ling Wei's arm, only daring to gently stroke her uneven short hair, her voice choked with emotion: "My dear child...does it hurt? This hair...what are we going to do..."

The thought of her daughter's most cherished black hair being reduced to this state made her heart ache.

Gu Qingyu stood close to Ling Wei on the other side, sighing countless times: "Can you not be so reckless next time? You can't just block a sword like that!!"

Although the person she was saving was a princess, and although the idea was a bit outrageous, she thought... it wouldn't be a big deal if the princess wasn't saved.

Qin Wan's face also turned serious: "That's right! Sister Weiwei, you scared us to death! But..."

Her eyes lit up: "Everyone outside says you are incredibly brave and work perfectly with Sister Shen to kill that assassin on the spot!"

That's absolutely outrageous.

When Qin Wan interviewed her on the spot, Ling Wei just wanted to stay quiet.

Fortunately, Lin noticed her exhaustion and politely sent Qin Wan and the others who wanted to inquire away away, leaving Lin to watch over her alone.

Ling Wei was suffering from blood loss and fatigue. Her tension suddenly turned into relaxation, and a strong drowsiness overwhelmed her.

In a daze, someone said, "Yan-ge'er, Zhuo-ge'er, Weiwei is still sleeping, don't disturb her."

Then consciousness was completely plunged into darkness.

Ling Wei had no recollection of how the autumn hunt ended or what the journey back took.

According to Gu Qingyu later, she slept so soundly that she couldn't be woken up no matter how hard they tried, which terrified everyone.

The highly skilled physician, Wang, was summoned again in a great hurry. Under the scrutiny of countless questioning eyes, he carefully examined the patient and finally stroked his beard to conclude: There was nothing wrong with him; he was simply sleeping soundly.

She slept for a full day and night.

Upon waking up, Minister Gu mentioned Ling Wei's actions in protecting the prince to the reclusive Gu family elders. The old lady Gu then personally led a group of female relatives to visit her.

Apart from the two elders of the Gu family, no one else knew about it and assumed that they were visiting someone who was injured.

His Majesty has not yet spoken, and no decision has been made in the Golden Hall. No one dares to cross the line, much less utter the words "rescue the Emperor."

Liu Yiyi, who was still "temporarily staying" at the Gu family's house, lingered on Ling Wei's uneven short hair and exclaimed in surprise, "Sister Ling, your hair..."

Ling Wei was momentarily dazed before she remembered his existence.

Second Madam Liu also scrutinized Ling Wei, clicking her tongue in disapproval: "Oh dear, those who know say she went on an autumn hunt, how did she end up like this?"

I thought she was some young nun who hadn't completed her vows at a nunnery and had run away. Tsk tsk, really..."

Madam Lin turned pale with anger and was about to speak when the matriarch, Old Madam Gu, who was leading the group, rebuked her with a stern face: "Enough! Wei'er has worked hard accompanying the Emperor. How dare you make such irresponsible remarks about her appearance? Disperse!"

A few days later, news of the autumn hunt quietly spread throughout the manor.

As Liu listened to her maid's account in her room, she exchanged a glance with Liu Yiyi, who was sitting next to her.

She chuckled sourly, clutching her handkerchief: "Hmph, so what if you saved the princess? A young lady like you, making yourself look neither male nor female, with your hair so short, what kind of decorum is that? It's utterly heretical. Even if you have a great achievement, with that awful hair, what respectable family would want you in the future? It's an eyesore!"

Just as Liu Shi finished her sarcastic remark, the Gu family's courtyard suddenly resounded with that signature high-pitched announcement:

"Imperial decree has arrived! Miss Ling Wei, receive the decree!"

The entire household was alarmed once again; an incense table was set up, and everyone knelt down.

The imperial eunuch unfurled the bright yellow scroll, his voice booming:

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"

Ling Wei, the niece of the Gu family, is gentle and kind by nature, yet brave and resolute! During the autumn hunt, a horrific incident occurred, and wicked villains committed heinous acts. In the face of danger, she fearlessly protected the princess and prince from their clutches, her loyalty and courage undeniable! Furthermore, her composure in the face of peril, coupled with her wisdom and bravery, ultimately helped the prince escape danger! Her actions are a model for women of the household, and her virtue is worthy of eternal praise for her loyalty and righteousness! Therefore, she is hereby granted—”

"First, a golden plaque inscribed with the words 'Courage and Perseverance' by the Emperor himself was hung at the entrance to honor his virtue and inspire the world!"

II. By special imperial decree: Ling Wei's cutting her hair is clear evidence of her loyalty and courage in protecting her lord, and is certainly not an act of filial impiety or disrespect. From this day forward, she is specially permitted to appear before others as a woman until her new hair fully grows back. Those who see her are forbidden from making unwarranted comments or mocking her; any violation will be considered a disregard for imperial grace!

"Thirdly, the following are bestowed: one hundred taels of pure gold, ten bolts of palace satin, one bushel of pearls from the South China Sea, and one jade ruyi! So be it!"

The system lamented that Du Qianqian from the original timeline had excelled in the assassination attempt, and with the added blessing of her own luck, she was ultimately granted the title of county princess for her meritorious service in saving the emperor.

When it came to Ling Wei, it was just a combination of material rewards and honors.

Is it possible that Ling Wei's overall luck is inferior to Du Qianqian's?

Ling Wei, however, did not think so. As a noblewoman, the county princess needed to maintain a certain degree of scarcity. She and Shen Qinglan had both made contributions this time, and such a reward was already very good.

Moreover, what she needed most on her path to becoming a female official was not noble status, but the most difficult thing to accumulate—prestige.

The prestigious "Courage and Perseverance" plaque, coupled with the privilege of sporting short hair, will undoubtedly pave the way for her success.

This award isn't the most lavish, but it's the most suitable for her at the moment.

"Your subject, Ling Wei, kowtows to express her gratitude to Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!" Ling Wei's voice was clear and melodious as she kowtowed to express her thanks, her posture composed.

Countless gazes swept over like a woven net—some probing, some scrutinizing, and some, those long accustomed to high positions, subtly weighing the situation.

Ling Wei simply kept her eyes down, remaining calm and composed.

A gentle breeze was blowing on a summer afternoon.

A long-lost friend of Gu Qingyan came to the capital on business and visited the Gu residence to see Gu Qingyan.

Gu Qingyan strolled with her friends along the boardwalk by the lotus pond in the Gu family mansion. The pond was filled with lush green leaves and elegant pink lotuses, swaying gracefully in the breeze and sending forth a refreshing fragrance that was truly delightful.

The boardwalk winds its way deep into the flowers and leaves, ending at a small waterside pavilion.

They originally intended to go to the waterside pavilion to enjoy tea and discuss philosophy, but their friend Guo Huai suddenly became interested and pointed to a small boat hidden among the lotus flowers not far away: "Brother Qingyan, on such a fine day and in such a beautiful setting, why not take a boat ride on the pond? It would surely be a unique experience."

Gu Qingyan readily agreed: "Very good."

The two then headed towards where the boat had been moored.

The small boat was loosely tied to a wooden stake on the shore with a rope, half-hidden among the dense lotus leaves and flowers.

Gu Qingyan bent down to untie the rope.

"Brother!" Gu Qingyu's voice came from behind.

Gu Qingyan turned around and saw his younger sister walking towards him with Qin Wan.

"Have you seen Ling Wei?" Gu Qingyu asked.

"No." Gu Qingyan shook his head.

Gu Qingyu frowned and muttered, "Where did this person go..." Qin Wan also looked around curiously.

The two women exchanged greetings with Gu Qingyan's friend and then hurriedly left. Their conversation could be faintly heard in the wind: "...The gatekeeper said she didn't go out..." "...Go check the library again..."

Guo Huai watched their backs with great interest: "It's been so many years since I last saw Qingyu. She's grown up so much. Back then, she always liked to be alone and would follow me and Chengzhi around with her head down."

Back then, when we advised her to make more friends, she stubbornly insisted, "I don't want to play with other people!"

Chengzhi is Gu Qingyan's courtesy name. His gaze fell on the two figures walking hand in hand, and he sighed softly, "Now you've made a close female friend too."

"Who are they looking for?" Guo Huai suddenly recalled the rumors in the capital. "Could it be the young lady in your household who received His Majesty's 'Courage and Perseverance' award?"

His eyes gleamed with gossip. "I've heard this young lady is quite remarkable! During the autumn hunt, she was kidnapped by thugs while trying to save the Fourth Prince. Despite the danger, she remained calm and even cut off her hair with her sword to show her resolve. Tsk tsk, such decisiveness and courage are rare even among men! She's truly an extraordinary woman! I even want to see her in person."

Gu Qingyan was facing away from Guo Huai, bending down and pulling hard on the small boat that seemed to be somewhat stranded. Suddenly, his movements froze, and he remained motionless for a while.

"Brother Qingyan? What's wrong? Is the boat stuck?" Guo Huai asked, leaning forward curiously to help.

Gu Qingyan straightened up abruptly, almost instantly shifting to the side to precisely block his friend's view. His voice carried a barely perceptible tension: "...It's nothing. It seems the bottom of the boat is a bit clogged, making it difficult to move for a while. The sun is getting stronger; why don't we rest in the pavilion for a bit?"

His tone left no room for argument, and he subtly led his bewildered friend away from the shore towards the nearby waterside pavilion.

My friend, being led away, couldn't help but glance back. The small boat was still half-hidden among the lotus blossoms, and the bow seemed to... have moved slightly?