11 Conferred
◎This servant's love for her fiancée will never change◎
That day, Yan Qi left in anger. He was sincere, but she was being unreasonable!
See what she said?
Never stand by my side, never take a concubine!
She is a legitimate daughter of a doctor in the Taizhong family, yet she actually said such a ridiculous thing. Where did she learn any knowledge and etiquette?
In the past, I only saw her outward appearance, showing no trace of the dignified and virtuous lady from a wealthy family. I never imagined that her inner self was definitely not that good either!
Even though these words were tinged with resentment and were not entirely what she truly thought, with her petty nature, it would be difficult to ensure peace in the family even if she married him!
Yan Qi was feeling annoyed, so he just ignored her.
On the contrary, it was just as she said, she was the one who loved him to death, so why was he in such a hurry?
Thinking of this, Yan Qizhen never went to Wei Mansion again.
A good marriage was about to fall apart. Mrs. Wei really didn't understand why her daughter was so stubborn. When Mr. Wei heard about it after returning home, he also shook his head.
Since ancient times, men have married wives and concubines, and women who monopolize their husbands will only be criticized as "jealous women."
According to Qiu Luo, the young lady was too infatuated with Master Yan, so she couldn't bear to share a husband with someone else.
In short, they all tried to persuade her, but as soon as Yan Qizheng left, Wei Ziyan began to feel unwell again. She lay listlessly on the bed, and no one could say anything.
However, the story of Wei Ziyan sacrificing herself to save her husband spread widely in the court, and many were moved by her sincerity and courage. Even Wei Tingshuang, who hated her willful and unreasonable behavior, was moved upon hearing this.
Just imagine the situation at that time. If it were her, a weak woman like her would probably not have the courage to rush forward.
Therefore, while Wei Ziyan was recuperating at home, she received many gifts of condolence. From His Majesty the Emperor and the Crown Princess to the civil and military officials, even the Wei brothers and sisters received one.
Wei Ziyan was already unworthy of these things, and within two days, news came from the palace that the emperor wanted to confer the title of "Country Lord" on her, and she would have to go to the palace to receive the title after she recovered from her injuries.
Everyone in the Wei Mansion was happy, except her.
A lie told a thousand times has become true. Now there is no way to change it. I can only take it one step at a time...
Wei Ziyan was gloomy and recuperating at home. Ten days passed in a flash. The wound on her arm had completely healed, but the hole in her heart only grew wider.
That day, Liu Yuer came to visit her, which finally made her feel a little better.
Wei Ziyan had previously considered giving the gifts to Liu Yu'er, believing she was truly courageous, so she sent someone to invite her. However, the servant she had sent back reported that Miss Liu was ill and unable to meet guests. Wei Ziyan then selected some high-quality supplements and sent them to Liu's residence.
"Is Miss Liu's illness completely healed?"
"Okay." Liu Yu'er's smile was the same as usual, "Thank you Miss Wei for the supplements."
The two of them sat around the stove in the courtyard, brewing tea, admiring the flowers, drinking tea and chatting.
The smoke curls up and the fragrance of tea fills the air.
The chestnuts and peanuts roasting by the stove crackled.
"That's nothing." Wei Ziyan picked up the teapot and added water to Liu Yu'er's cup. "I have a lot of good things left for you. I'll send them home later."
"What good stuff?" Liu Yuer was curious.
Wei Ziyan then explained the whole story of the greetings and said awkwardly, "I don't deserve these things. Miss Liu is the one who truly deserves them."
"Why are you unworthy?" Liu Yu'er smiled slightly. "I didn't force you to go up. You could have chosen not to, but you saw that Young Master Yan was in danger, and even though you were afraid, you still rushed forward. If that's not courage, what is it?"
Wei Ziyan couldn't help but be stunned.
"Fear is human nature, but isn't it also precious to be fearful yet courageous?"
"……Yeah?"
"Yes! Perhaps you don't even realize it yourself. If you were such a coward, why did you chase me up the mountain? You could have just run down the mountain by yourself!"
After being comforted by Liu Yuer, Wei Ziyan felt much more at ease.
But then again, it was Miss Liu who could be said to be courageous, for she bravely moved forward even though she knew there were assassins on the mountain.
"Me?" Liu Yu'er burst into laughter. "How do you think I got up there? I was so scared that I didn't go back, but ran up instead."
Wei Ziyan: "..."
Did she really guess it right?
But no matter what, Liu Yuer later brought Wang Xing and others back to save the situation!
Butler Wang praised her highly.
"Anyway, Sister Liu remained calm and resourceful in the face of danger. Zi Yan was completely impressed. If Sister Liu hadn't brought people to drive away the assassin in time, Zi Yan would have been hit by more than just one blow."
Liu Yu'er had just finished her tea and put down the cup. She said with a smile, "I just happened to meet you. Why did you call me sister?"
Wei Ziyan pursed her lips, raised her eyebrows, and said to herself, "Didn't we become sworn sisters that day?"
“…”
Her eyes were clear and bright, which made Liu Yuer silent for a moment.
"Well," Liu Yu'er raised the corners of her lips again, "Since you don't mind, I will accept you as my sister."
"Very good!"
Wei Ziyan had no siblings, so she was overjoyed to have a sister who matched her perfectly. She called Qiuluo over and asked her to have the small kitchen prepare a few unique side dishes for her to eat with Sister Liu that evening.
Liu Yuer smiled gently and shook her head, but did not refuse her kindness.
After Qiu Luo finished delivering the message, he came back and added two pieces of coke into the stove, and put the roasted chestnuts and peanuts on a plate.
The two young ladies picked it up with their fingertips, blew on it, peeled it, ate it and chatted.
"I heard that there are reward notices everywhere. After so many days, I wonder if the government has found out anything?" Liu Yu'er casually turned the topic to the assassin.
Wei Ziyan, who hadn't left the hospital, didn't understand and shook her head. Qiu Luo had heard the servants say that the murderer had been found and the case closed.
Liu Yu'er said "Oh" and asked Wei Ziyan: "Didn't Master Yan tell you?"
"Young Master Yan has never been here!" Qiu Luo interrupted angrily.
Liu Yu'er looked surprised: "He didn't come to see you?"
Qiu Luo wanted to say more, but Wei Ziyan glared at him and he shut up tactfully.
"He's been here once... The assassination of the Crown Prince was a major event, and that was enough to keep him busy."
That day, Yan Qizhen was irritated and left, so Wei Ziyan felt guilty when she mentioned him. She gave a few evasive explanations and changed the subject.
"I will go to the palace to receive my reward in a few days. Sister, can you come with me? After all, you played an indispensable role in saving the prince that day."
"I save the prince?" Liu Yu'er chuckled, with a hint of mockery in her expression.
With a "crackling" sound, the crispy peanut shells in her hand were crushed, and she stared at her hands in a daze.
"Sister Liu?"
Liu Yu'er raised her head and smiled at her, "Just go, sister."
"The palace is surrounded by high walls. I really want to go in and take a look, but I'm just a commoner. If I go... I'm afraid it will bring bad luck."
The Hu Zhou Dynasty maintained peace and stability for over a hundred years. After five generations of emperors worked hard to govern the country, the country is now peaceful and prosperous.
The current emperor, Emperor Jingren, is trying to implement benevolent policies and is best at using clear rewards and punishments to win over the hearts of the people and uphold justice.
To put it bluntly, it was to make the subjects understand that loyalty to the royal family would bring benefits. That is why he treated a low-ranking Taizhong doctor differently and favored his daughter for sixteen years.
His father had helped him to seize the throne, and now his daughter has made great contributions in rescuing the prince. Such a loyal minister is a perfect example and should be rewarded greatly for everyone to see.
Therefore, Emperor Jingren not only gave rewards at the beginning, but also later conferred the title of "County Lord" on the daughter of the Wei family.
This is a great honor! Even the families of the six ministers have never received this honor!
On the day of being conferred the title, Wei Ziyan got up early in the morning, bathed, and dressed neatly, then went to the palace with her father in a carriage.
Liangjing was the ancient capital of three dynasties, and the imperial palace was renovated year after year, becoming increasingly magnificent. When she was eight years old, she witnessed the grandeur of the palace, with countless palaces. Without someone to guide her, she would definitely get lost.
Wei Ziyan wasn't like she was when she was little, always looking around curiously. She followed her father politely, her chin slightly lowered, staring straight ahead at the road.
When they arrived at the Golden Palace, Eunuch Xu came out to greet them and asked them to wait here while His Majesty was meeting with the King of Liao's subordinates.
This Liao King was Li Youxi, the fourth son of Emperor Jingren. He had volunteered to go to the northern border a few years earlier, away from the disputes in the court. He fought in the military camp and guarded the border between Hu and Zhou.
"Eunuch Xu, has the King of Liao won another victory, or is he short of food?" Wei Jizhi asked in a low voice.
"Of course we won the battle." Eunuch Xu smiled broadly. "As soon as the messenger arrived, His Majesty couldn't wait to receive him. I'm sure he'll reward him handsomely soon."
A big reward?
Wei Ziyan thought, what else can I reward? I've already been given the title of King of Liao, is there a higher title?
Unlike her "village master", there are "county master" and "prince master" above her...
Emperor Jingren was probably too happy, and he asked many questions to the Liao King's subordinates in detail. Wei Ziyan stood outside the hall for about two incense sticks of time before entering the hall with her father.
Pay homage to His Majesty, kowtow to receive the reward, and kowtow again to express gratitude.
"I haven't seen you for more than half a year. The girl from the Wei family has become even more beautiful."
Emperor Jingren was about the same age as his father, with a kind face, and the joy of victory was still written on his face.
"The Yan family kid is really blind. Wei Taizhong, why don't you consider my son?"
Wei Jizhi had just stood up after bowing, but upon hearing this, he knelt back down again: "Your Majesty, please excuse me. I am a little girl with a naughty character. How can I be worthy of you princes?"
Although she knew that the emperor was most likely joking, Wei Ziyan still shuddered in her heart and quickly knelt down with her father.
"My fourth prince is brave and skilled in battle, and he is also handsome and dignified, no less so than Young Master Qilin!"
Wei Jizhi hurriedly said, "The Fourth Prince is incredibly talented and unparalleled, but my daughter has long had a special liking for the eldest son of the Yan family..."
"Wait..." Emperor Jingren interrupted Wei Taizhong, "Wei family girl, speak for yourself."
"Your Majesty," Wei Ziyan lowered her head, "My father's words are true. This subject...this subject's love for my fiancée will last a lifetime."
"Hahahahaha..." Emperor Jingren laughed out loud. "Look at how nervous you all are. I was just joking. Please stand up."
The laughter coming from above made the father and daughter feel relieved. They stood up again and lowered their heads to listen to Emperor Jingren's words of praise and how Taizhong Wei taught her daughter well.
After a brief process, Eunuch Xu escorted them out of the Golden Palace.
Wei Ziyan grabbed the edge of her skirt with both hands, her palms wet with sweat.
Once you enter the palace, it's like entering a deep sea. Her parents had never thought of sending her to the palace, and she herself was even less willing to do so.
When the Crown Prince was selecting a concubine some years ago, many officials in the court sent portraits of their daughters to the palace. Her father refused to do so, and someone seized the opportunity to impeach Wei Taizhong, accusing him of disregarding the Emperor's favor and showing disrespect to the Emperor. Fortunately, she was already engaged, and her fiancé was the Crown Prince's tutor, so the Emperor dismissed the accusation as a joke.
But the emperor's mind is hard to predict. The Fourth Prince has made great contributions now. What if the emperor's test just now was not a "joke"?
Wei Jizhi was also still feeling apprehensive, and whispered to his daughter, "To avoid further complications, it would be best if you and Qi Zheng get married as soon as possible."
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