Chapter 104 The Protector of the Nation
Autumn in Beijing has never been as lively as it has been this year.
In previous years, people would be worried about food supplies for the winter at this time, and if the harvest was bad, they would have to tighten their belts. But this year, instead of sighs, the streets and alleys are filled with the irresistible sweet aroma of roasted sweet potatoes and the tempting smell of fried French fries.
"Sweet potatoes! Hot, roasted sweet potatoes! Two coins each! All you can eat!"
"A potato feast! Stewed beef with potatoes! Delicious and inexpensive!"
The bumper harvest in Huangzhuang acted as a reassurance, completely stabilizing the morale of the people who were eager to work hard.
As the creator of all this, Jiang Mianmian was sitting in the carriage on her way to the palace. Instead of being excited, she looked... conflicted.
[Going to the palace again?]
[Shen Jin said he's going to give me an award today? A certificate?]
【Ugh, couldn't you just send it to my door? Why do I have to dress up like this? This phoenix crown must weigh at least ten pounds; it's making my neck feel like it's going to break!】
She adjusted the nine-phoenix crown on her head, which was inlaid with pearls and rubies, and felt her neck protesting as if it could no longer bear the weight.
Shen Jin sat beside her, his purple-gold python robe accentuating his handsome and noble appearance. He reached out and gently massaged the back of her neck, his tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable air of authority:
"Today is different from the past."
“When you entered the palace before, you were the Regent’s wife, and a member of my family.”
"But after today..."
Shen Jin looked at her, his eyes gleaming with pride. "You are a hero of the great cause. Every bow you receive is well-deserved."
Jiang Mianmian blinked.
[A meritorious official?]
That sounds impressive. So... is there a bonus?
If they just give me an empty title, I'll make a scene!
...
The atmosphere in the Hall of Supreme Harmony was exceptionally solemn today.
The civil and military officials were already lined up, but this time, their faces no longer showed the usual disdain or perfunctoriness; instead, they displayed a deep-seated reverence.
The yield is 4,000 jin per mu.
This number is enough to ensure that Jiang Mianmian's name is recorded in history, enough to make her a living legend.
"Summon—Regent's Consort Jiang to the palace!"
As the eunuch's high-pitched and melodious voice rang out, Jiang Mianmian took a deep breath, adopted her well-practiced "dignified" demeanor, and, holding Chen Jin's hand, walked step by step into the main hall.
A red carpet was laid out, attracting the attention of all officials.
Every step she took seemed to resonate in everyone's hearts.
The young emperor, Shen Xingchen, sat on the dragon throne, dressed exceptionally formally today. He watched his imperial aunt slowly approach, his face flushed with excitement. If it weren't for the need to maintain imperial dignity, he would have rushed down to greet her.
Once the two had stopped,
Shen Xingchen suddenly stood up, holding a bright yellow imperial edict in her hands. Her voice was clear and resonant, echoing throughout the hall:
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"
"The Regent's wife, Lady Jiang, is virtuous, prudent, diligent, and gentle... well, I won't read those platitudes."
Shen Xingchen suddenly paused for a moment, deciding to skip the formalities and get straight to the point:
"The princess has found the divine seed, relieving our great famine and saving the people from suffering. Her merit is great for the country and will benefit future generations!"
"I am deeply pleased and hereby bestow upon Lady Jiang the title of—Lady Protector of the Nation!"
"He is bestowed with a golden book and seal! His rank is equal to that of a prince! He is three ranks higher than other officials! He does not have to bow when entering the court, he is not required to be named when praising and paying homage, and he can wear a sword and shoes in the palace!"
"Furthermore, I will reward you with ten thousand taels of gold, a thousand acres of fertile land, and a 'golden certificate of immunity from death'!"
So be it!
As the last word fell, the entire hall seemed to be muted, followed by a collective gasp of shock.
Lady Protector of the Nation!
His rank was comparable to that of a prince!
This is an unprecedented honor since the founding of the nation! It is not just a title of Lady of Imperial Decree; it is a real noble title and power!
Entering the court without bowing, being praised without being named... this is basically the same treatment as the Regent Shen Jin!
Not to mention that "iron certificate"!
Jiang Mianmian stood in the center of the main hall, feeling a little dizzy from the series of rewards bestowed upon her.
[The Lady Protector of the Nation?]
[Sounds so powerful! Like a female general!]
[And... a fortune in gold? Thousands of acres of fertile land? A get-out-of-jail-free card?]
Wow! I'm rich! I'm really rich this time! And with that get-out-of-jail-free card, does that mean I can walk around the capital like a madman from now on?
[The little emperor is so generous! This bonus is exactly what I wanted!]
She struggled to suppress the urge to burst into laughter, maintaining her composure as she gracefully bowed.
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness! Long live the Emperor!"
"Imperial Aunt, get up! Get up!"
Shen Xingchen quickly offered a helping hand, smiling broadly.
Shen Jin stood to the side, watching her head bowed but her shoulders trembling slightly, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up.
He turned around, his gaze sweeping across the room, his voice cold and authoritative:
"My lords, does anyone have any objections?"
Of all the officials present, who dared to raise an objection?
The mountains of sweet potatoes and potatoes are still piled up in the imperial estate! That's a real achievement! Anyone who dares to say a word against it will be drowned in the spittle of the entire nation.
"We have no objection!"
"Congratulations, Lady Protector of the Nation! Congratulations, Lady Protector of the Nation!"
All the officials knelt down in unison, offering their most sincere respect to the woman they had once regarded as a "good-for-nothing" and a "sickly woman."
This time, what they knelt for was not only their achievements, but also the will of the people.
Standing below the high platform, looking at the dense crowd kneeling down, Jiang Mianmian suddenly felt a strange sensation.
Is this... the taste of power?
[It seems...not bad?]
However, more than these empty titles, I'd like to hurry back and count just how heavy those ten thousand taels of gold really are!
...
After the court session ended, on the palace road.
Jiang Mianmian held the box containing the "Iron Certificate" and the golden seal tightly in her hands, walking with a brisk pace, not even feeling the weight of the ten-pound phoenix crown.
"Your Highness!"
She turned to look at Shen Jin, her eyes sparkling, "That get-out-of-jail-free card, can it really get you out of the dead? No matter what crime you've committed?"
Shen Jin raised an eyebrow: "What? Are you planning to commit murder and arson?"
No, that's not it.
Jiang Mianmian chuckled, "I was just thinking... if I ever anger you, or set your house on fire, could I use this as payment for my life?"
Chen Jin stopped in his tracks.
He looked at her, suddenly reached out and straightened the phoenix crown on her head, then casually pinched her cheek.
"fool."
His voice was deep and gentle, “With me, you don’t need a get-out-of-jail-free card.”
"Because... I will never kill you, and I will never let anyone kill you."
"This sign is for you to use... to smash people."
Jiang Mianmian was stunned: "Smashing someone?"
"right."
A hint of arrogance flashed in Shen Jin's eyes. "From now on, in the capital, if anyone dares to give you a hard time or bully you, just smash this sign in their face."
"If it's broken, I, the king, will pay for it."
"If anyone dares to resist..."
He sneered, "That's disobeying the imperial decree, and I have a good reason to confiscate his property."
Jiang Mianmian: [...]
Holy crap! This is way too Versailles!
Using a get-out-of-jail-free card to smash people? This thought process... typical of you!
But... I like it!
"Okay!"
Jiang Mianmian hugged the box even tighter. "From now on, this is my 'Brick 2.0' version! I'll smash anyone who disagrees!"
The two chatted and laughed as they left the palace.
The sunlight shone on them, making their two side-by-side figures appear exceptionally long.
Starting today.
Jiang Mianmian is no longer just an appendage of the Regent, no longer the little woman who needs to hide under his wings.
She was the wife of the protector of the nation.
She held a get-out-of-jail-free card, possessed immense wealth, and had the support of the entire Daqian people—
Top-tier elites.
All of this she earned through her own abilities.
[Calm and cautious.]
Jiang Mianmian silently recited in her heart.
Although I now have money and power.
But... I think I still like that identity the most—
Your wife.
Shen Jin seemed to sense something, turned his head, looked at her deeply, and held her hand tightly.
"go home."
"Yes, I'm going home. I want a victory celebration feast! I want a full-course meal!"
"...As you wish."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com