Lin Songyan stood there, watching Ouyang Yi leave, his eyes filled with icy coldness.
With him watching over Qiao Zhizhi and being on guard himself, Ouyang Yi would certainly not give up if he failed to get close to Qiao Zhizhi by asking questions.
Having said all that, it was tantamount to turning against each other, and the two could no longer be friends. He couldn't understand why the Ouyang family insisted on taking this step, and what their purpose was.
The fact that he's suddenly becoming so attentive to a girl he previously ignored, as if she's indispensable to him, especially considering the lack of prior interaction between the two families, suggests there might be some ulterior motive.
Lin Songyan pursed his lips. He would never allow anyone, by any means, to harm Qiao Zhizhi or jeopardize the interests of the Qiao family.
On the Lantern Festival, a grand banquet was held in the palace. Those who were qualified to attend the Lantern Festival banquet were all high-ranking officials of the second rank and their families, as well as some young faces, all of whom were promising and talented young men.
Pei Zhujin, Mu Xinghe, and Lin Songyan are all here.
Music filled the hall, sleeves fluttered in the breeze, and the aroma of wine wafted through the air, presenting a magnificent scene where elegance and prosperity intertwined.
"Today, on this auspicious day, I have some good news to announce."
“Last year, Liuzhou suffered a severe drought. The situation was so serious that local officials were helpless, which put a lot of pressure on the national treasury and led to unrest among the displaced people. The situation was escalating, and if it was not controlled in time, the consequences would be unimaginable.”
"It was Princess Feiluan's strategy that helped Liuzhou overcome the difficulties, ensuring that the local people had enough to eat, calming the people's hearts, and averting a potential large-scale uprising. Princess Feiluan's innovative move has stabilized the country and protected the people. I have decided to bestow upon Princess Feiluan the title of Princess Zhenguo."
Everyone in the hall gasped. Princess Zhenguo—what a prestigious title! It meant she wielded considerable power and could participate in domestic policy discussions and decisions.
This is the first time in over a hundred years since the founding of Daze Kingdom that a woman has achieved such a prominent status.
She was also the first woman from outside the royal family to be able to get involved in domestic affairs and wield power.
Moreover, Qiao Lian'er commands a force of tens of thousands of elite cavalry and made decisive contributions a few years ago. Compared to her, she is far more intimidating and powerful.
She can be considered the first woman to achieve this since the founding of Daze Kingdom.
Qiao Lian'er left her seat and knelt before the emperor.
"I am terrified. My strength is meager, and I fear I am not up to the task."
“You are worthy,” the emperor said.
His tone was filled with praise and approval, decisive and without a trace of hesitation.
Some people in the hall tried to guess whether the emperor had ulterior motives, but they couldn't hear any hidden meaning in his words.
The emperor simply thought Qiao Lian'er was capable and qualified.
Undeniable, without room for doubt.
The emperor then said, "Tianhe Prefecture, a hundred miles outside the capital, will henceforth be the fiefdom of the Princess Zhenguo. The Princess Zhenguo will take over the tax revenue, the 20,000 troops stationed there, as well as all economic, military, and other affairs."
Tianhe Prefecture was a large prefecture, one of the eight prefectures guarding the capital. The emperor bestowed it directly upon Qiao Lian'er. If they hadn't heard it clearly, everyone present would have thought they had misheard.
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