Chapter 179 Rewards
When it came to anything related to Emperor Jingping, the Earl of Yongqing became extremely sensitive. He even put aside the fact that he had just fought with the old lady and rushed to Qiansong Hall to ask, "Did Heng'er say anything to you?"
The old lady was also feeling uneasy, but she didn't show it at all in front of the Earl of Yongqing: "I didn't say that."
"Why would His Majesty summon her to the palace?" The Earl of Yongqing paced back and forth, anxious and uneasy.
How would I know?
The Earl of Yongqing's face darkened: "This is a trip to meet the Emperor! Aren't you afraid that if Heng'er makes a mistake, the Emperor will blame you?"
The old lady glanced at him: "Heng'er went on the autumn hunt for so long without making a mistake, and even received praise from the Emperor and a bunch of thank-you gifts from the Prince of Fu's mansion. Isn't she more discreet than you?"
"Are you still fixated on the Fang family matter?" Uncle Yongqing felt a tightness in his chest.
The downfall of the Prime Minister's residence makes it seem like he made a foolish move, which has given this old woman a reason to tremble. It's infuriating!
Can the title be passed down if we just loaf around and wait to die?
What a short-sighted and foolish woman!
Amidst the various speculations and unease within the Earl's household, Qiu Heng met with Emperor Jingping.
Compared to when he went on the autumn hunt, Emperor Jingping had gained a little weight and wore a kind smile.
"Your subject, Qiu Heng, the sixth daughter of the Yongqing Marquis's Mansion, greets Your Majesty." Qiu Heng bowed, glancing furtively out of the corner of her eye.
Xue Han was also there; it seems it was about the treacherous minister.
"No need for formalities." Emperor Jingping's tone was amiable, revealing that he was in a good mood. "I was busy before, so I only had time to summon you to the palace today. I heard from Xue Han that you sneaked into Fang Yuanzhi's study back then?"
"Yes, I was at the Prime Minister's residence at the time. Lord Xue met with me under the pretext of paying respects to the Third Young Master Fang. He said that Fang Yuanzhi was in contact with spies from Northern Qi and asked me to keep a close eye on him. When I heard that the Prime Minister was colluding with the Qi people, I knew that if I didn't expose his crimes, I would be in big trouble. So I secretly sneaked into his study to see if there was any evidence. I never expected to see him open the secret room with my own eyes..."
Emperor Jingping listened intently and couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you afraid, you're just a young girl?"
Qiu Heng smiled gently: "At the time, I was only focused on finding evidence of Fang Yuanzhi's treason, and I forgot to be afraid, just like when I lured away the black bear during the autumn hunt, I forgot to be afraid. It was only afterward that I became more and more afraid..."
Emperor Jingping was moved by what he heard, and turned to Xue Quan, who was standing to the side, and said with a smile, "This young woman is so selfless, she is a hundred times better than those parasites who harm the country!"
Xue Quan smiled and said, "Your Majesty is right."
"Those who have made contributions should be rewarded, and those who have made mistakes should be punished. Qiu Heng, your contribution in exposing Fang Yuanzhi's crimes is no less than Xue Han's, and I will reward you well."
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I have nothing to lack at the moment, and exposing traitors is what I should do as a citizen of Great Xia."
"That's true, but how many people would actually do that without regard for their own safety? If I don't reward you, wouldn't that discourage those who are loyal to the emperor and love their country?" Emperor Jingping shook his head in disapproval.
Qiu Heng lowered her head slightly, looking obedient.
Emperor Jingping couldn't help but laugh.
The little girl was shy and embarrassed to ask for a reward.
After a moment's thought, Emperor Jingping stroked his beard: "I remember that during the autumn hunt, you lured away the black bear and saved Princess Rongning, but you didn't ask for a reward. Instead, I just noted it down. Now you have the merit of exposing Fang Yuanzhi's collusion with the Qi people, so let's combine the two merits... How about this, shall the title of Earl of Yongqing end with your grandfather's generation?"
The two achievements combined are not enough to exchange for a family title that can be passed down for another generation, but the Fang family's confiscation of their property has brought far too much to the national treasury and their private coffers.
As the ruler of a country, it wouldn't hurt for him to be generous to such a brave and resourceful young girl, and it would also allow his subjects to see the goodness of loyalty to the emperor and the country.
Emperor Jingping was quite satisfied with the reward he gave.
Qiu Heng frowned.
To allow the shameless and self-serving Earl of Yongqing to suddenly realize his long-cherished wish and inherit the title?
This isn't a reward for her; it's just making things difficult for her.
"What, you don't like this reward?" Emperor Jingping was taken aback by Qiu Heng's reaction.
Xue Quan, who was standing to the side, was also very curious.
Inheriting the title is something the Yongqing Earl's family dreams of, so why does this girl have that expression?
Qiu Heng hesitated, "I grew up in the countryside and don't know much about these things. Does Your Majesty mean to reward the Yongqing Earl's family with the title of Yongqing Earl for passing it down to the next generation, so that my uncle will inherit the title and become the Yongqing Earl?"
"That's how it is..." Emperor Jingping nodded, though there was nothing wrong with what he said, he suddenly felt something was off.
"I see." Qiu Heng suddenly realized. "Then my uncle will be overjoyed to hear this good news."
Emperor Jingping's heart skipped a beat; he knew something was amiss.
The sixth daughter of Qiu was not the eldest son of the Earl of Yongqing, so the reward of inheriting the title was not very practical for her.
After figuring it out, Emperor Jingping had mixed feelings.
This girl is completely different from those women who prioritize their families; she even dares to show this in front of him, the ruler of a nation.
They're bold enough and have a wild heart.
Emperor Jingping initially thought he disliked such a person, but upon seeing the young woman standing gracefully below with an open and honest expression, he suddenly found her quite interesting.
"It seems that Miss Qiu Liu does not like this reward."
"This humble woman dares not."
"What's there to be afraid of? Tell me what you think."
Qiu Heng lowered her eyes: "I told you, but I was afraid Your Majesty would be angry."
Emperor Jingping chuckled: "Am I such a petty person? Just say it."
"Your Majesty is extremely grateful for your affirmation. Your Majesty wishes to bestow a reward... May I receive one?"
"A reward for you?" Emperor Jingping didn't react for a moment. "Isn't that exactly what I'm going to do, reward you?"
Xue Quan immediately understood Qiu Heng's meaning, and his gaze towards her changed instantly.
This Qiu Liu girl is truly unexpected.
The young woman slightly raised her eyes, her gaze bright and clear, and said firmly, "This reward is for my daughter and has nothing to do with anyone else."
She doesn't care about rewards. But if she absolutely has to give one, wouldn't it be ridiculous if someone she looks down on got the reward for her merits?
Emperor Jingping then understood, and was immediately taken aback.
Unexpectedly, he really didn't expect it.
Yes, he can reward Qiu Heng himself!
Rather than letting the title of Earl of Yongqing be passed down for another generation, which would only encourage other families in similar circumstances to become ambitious, why not directly bestow the title upon Qiuheng?
There was no hereditary title for women who were granted titles; they simply received a stipend and some fertile land, which involved far fewer troubles.
"Hahaha, it was my oversight." Emperor Jingping laughed loudly, his gaze towards Qiu Heng full of admiration.
She's willing to fight for herself and reduce his troubles; such a girl is truly rare. No wonder Xue Han—Emperor Jingping silently added in his heart: And that Lin Chengfeng, oh, and that Cui family brat, they all like her.
After finishing his reply, Emperor Jingping remained calm and composed: "You have rendered two great services and are also the adopted daughter of Prince Kang. I hereby bestow upon you the title of Qiuheng. You said you grew up in the southern countryside. Which county is it?"
"This humble woman comes from Suiyun County."
"Very well, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Princess of Suiyun, and award you one hundred taels of gold and a pair of jade ruyi scepters..."
"Your humble servant Qiuheng kowtows to express her gratitude for Your Majesty's grace."
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