Chapter Eighteen: Promotion to Noble Consort Sheng

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Only then did Xiao Ceyun recall Wei Yanqiao, who was still at Nanan Temple. The Wei family was currently riding high; Wei Changlong had earned great merit by aiding the common people and was deeply loved by them, while Wei Hongbo had bravely fought on the frontier, repeatedly winning victories and becoming a celebrated hero of the court. To let Wei Yanqiao continue to suffer in that austere temple seemed cruel and unreasonable.

Given this, he resolved to have Wei Yanqiao return. The last envoy sent to observe her had reported that she had changed completely, from head to toe. Now, he wanted to see for himself what kind of person she had become.

“Minister Wei, your words are indeed wise. When Consort Wei earnestly petitioned me to leave the palace to pray devoutly at Nanan Temple, I was moved by her sincere heart and earnest prayers, and thus I consented. Counting the days, it has been over three months since she left the palace, and indeed it is time for her to return. Minister Wei, rest assured—I will issue an immediate imperial decree summoning Consort Wei back. Moreover, since she is not only your cherished daughter but also the general’s own sister, I have decided to elevate her to the rank of Noble Consort and bestow upon her the title ‘Sheng’.”

“‘Sheng’ symbolizes prosperity and flourishing, representing national peace and the well-being of the people. To have such a devout and benevolent Noble Consort is truly the greatest blessing for our Great Yao Dynasty!”

At these words, all the court officials were dumbfounded, faces filled with astonishment. Xiao Ceyun had granted Wei Yanqiao such a distinguished and illustrious title; the meaning behind ‘Sheng’ was almost comparable to that held by the Empress, the model of the realm.

Wei Changlong could hardly contain his joy. He hastily knelt and bowed, thanking the emperor: “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great kindness! Long live the Emperor, a thousand years and beyond!”

Nearby, Song Hanlin heard the news, and a surge of furious resentment and grievance roared within him like tempestuous seas.

This entire situation was like him laboring tirelessly to sew a wedding dress for the Wei family. His efforts had backfired completely; not only had he failed to achieve his goal, but his enemies had reaped all the benefits. It was truly a case of losing both bride and dowry.

“The matter of Noble Consort Sheng’s return to the palace shall be entrusted to Grand Tutor Song to arrange. Does Grand Tutor Song have any objections?”

Song Hanlin’s face was filled with disbelief. He could not believe what he had just heard.

Not only would he receive no reward, but he was now expected to welcome the daughter of his rival and send her back to the palace in glory. If he did a poor job, others would accuse him of narrow-mindedness; yet if he did too well, his heart would still burn with bitterness.

Though burning with anger, Song Hanlin knew the emperor’s orders could not be defied. Gritting his teeth, he forced out a few words through clenched teeth: “I… obey the imperial command!”

Wei Changlong lowered his eyelids. The last letter from Wei Yanqiao had been sent from Long’an County. He wondered if she had already returned to Nanan Temple. If she had left without the imperial decree, and was not in the temple, that would be a serious problem.

He glanced toward Ping Berui from Long’an County; after the court session, he intended to question him.

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Seeing that no one else had matters to report, Xiao Ceyun asked, “Ministers, is there anything further to present?”

The ministers in the hall looked at one another, then gently shook their heads, indicating no further business.

Xiao Ceyun slowly rose to his feet and announced, “Court is adjourned!”

With that proclamation, the officials bowed in unison and then orderly exited the grand hall.

This tense and nerve-wracking court session had finally come to an end.

The six officials from the provinces sighed with relief, exhaling deeply as they wiped the sweat steadily pouring from their brows. After just a short while of court debate, their undergarments were soaked through with sweat, clinging uncomfortably to their bodies.

Wei Changlong slowly approached them.

Seeing him come near, the six officials hurriedly bowed and saluted in unison: “Greetings, Chancellor Wei!”

Wei Changlong smiled and waved his hand, signaling them to rise.

Ji Yuntao said, “Thanks to Chancellor Wei’s generous aid, the disaster-stricken people were able to overcome the immediate difficulties so swiftly.”

Qiu Yangshu echoed, “Indeed, Chancellor Wei has a heart for the suffering masses, always mindful of their hardships. He is truly a rare and upright official!”

Wei Changlong responded with a humble smile, “You flatter me. As court officials, it is our duty to serve. However, you have all traveled far and endured hardship to come to the capital. If you do not mind my humble home, please rest there for a few days to recover before returning. Though my house is bare, I can still offer simple meals to satisfy your hunger.”

Ping Berui quickly clasped his hands in thanks, “Chancellor, you are too kind. But given the urgent situation, it would be best if we returned swiftly. After all, only Mr. Wei is watching over matters there now, and both General Xian and I are genuinely worried.”

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Wei Changlong frowned slightly, asking, “Mr. Wei?”

Xian Yuzhou hastened to explain, “Mr. Wei is your personally appointed disciple, is he not? He holds a document personally granted by Chancellor Wei. According to Mr. Wei, his aid in disaster relief was entirely carried out under Chancellor Wei’s orders.”

Upon hearing this, Ping Berui’s face showed admiration as he sincerely praised, “Mr. Wei truly has the people's interests at heart! Were it not for his tireless efforts, I doubt the two counties under General Xian and my jurisdiction would have reached their current prosperity and stability.”

Wei Changlong smiled faintly, speaking with some pride, “Ha ha, I sent him precisely because I recognized his exceptional talent and great ambition. I wanted to give him an opportunity to test his mettle.”

He realized he must write Wei Yanqiao at once, urging her to return quickly—the emperor was dispatching someone to escort her back to the palace.

When Wei Tianze received Chancellor Wei’s letter and read it, he conveyed the message silently to Wei Yanqiao: “Mistress, Father’s letter says the emperor is summoning you back to the palace and has bestowed upon you the title of Noble Consort Sheng.”

Wei Yanqiao, who had been intently striking the wooden fish, suddenly stopped. She lifted her head slightly, a faint, enigmatic smile curling at the corners of her lips.

She had endured bitter hardship in this dilapidated temple for three long months. Now, at last, she would return to the palace in full glory.

Wei Tianze asked, “Mistress, what shall I do next?”

“Remain outside and continue to seek out talented and wise men. Make sure to recruit them under my banner. As for me, I shall return to the palace in grand style.”