Chapter 331: Bestowing the t.i.tle “Marquis of Wanning”
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Han Qiao knew how sincere the madams were in their words.
Everyone was a decent person, so they only spoke good things about everybody.
Ha… Do you know? The one beside the Emperor…
Han Qiao listened to the wives’ discussion.
She thought of the woman who sat beside Emperor Zhao Qian earlier. She was beautiful and graceful.
There was an air of fragility that made her look as if a gust of wind could blow her away.
Han Qiao exchanged a glance with her before looking away.
After all, she was Emperor Zhao Qian’s woman. When she returned to the palace, he would probably give her a new status.
Han Qiao couldn’t say that she was a concubine…
Everyone had their own choices and had their own circ.u.mstances.
Han Qiao found a place to sit and rest.
Lishu slowly approached her.
Greetings, Madam.” Han Qiao stood up and bowed.
There’s no need to be so polite. You are?” Lishu looked at Han Qiao.
Ever since she was young, she could tell that the way this Madam looked at her was different from how those people looked at her. That was why she decided to approach her and to get to know her.
If she was lucky, she might be able to rise to the top in the future.
She also wished that she could meet a friend she could talk to.
My husband’s surname is Heng, and my surname is Han.
Lishu thought for a moment, “I see that you’re older than me. Can I call you Sister Ah-Qiao?”
Han Qiao observed Lishu.
To be honest, Lishu looked to be around Li Mi’s age.
However, Li Mi grew up in a small golden nest. As for Lishu, she guessed that someone had specially nurtured her and offered her to Emperor Zhao Qian.
As long as you don’t mind.
Lishu heaved a sigh of relief, “Why would I? Let’s sit and talk for a while.
She pulled Han Qiao to sit down.
Han Qiao thought that Lishu’s hands were soft, white, tender, slender, and beautiful.
In order to raise such a pair of hands, she must have never carried anything too heavy, nor exposed herself to the sun, or washed her own clothes.
My name is Lishu… Sister All-Qiao can call me by that name.
Lishu was not very good at talking.
Fortunately, Han Qiao was willing to chat with her and told her some interesting stories that she had heard outside. Lishu listened with great interest.
There was even a yearning look on her face.
I never knew that the world outside could be so nice.
Nice?
Han Qiao did not think so.
It was difficult to defeat a hero with a penny, and it was difficult to move an inch without money.
She couldn’t judge and said that Lishu had a good life. She may have practiced day after day, year after year.
It was not an easy life either.
Defu approached them with a smile, “Madam Heng, My Lady, the banquet is about to begin. Please.”
Lishu stood up and turned to Han Qiao, “Thank you for talking with me.
Han Qiao’s humor and gentleness were enough for her to remember for a long time.
Perhaps she could have a child in the future…
Thinking of the child, Lishu glanced at Han Qiao’s belly before she left.
The banquet had just begun. Emperor Zhao Qian said a few words of encouragement and then gave the Xuan paper to his servant to read.
He praised Heng Yi a lot.
Han Qiao and Heng Yi only understood a few words within the paper, “Marquis of Wanning, with ten thousand soldiers, pa.s.sed down for three generations.”
Marquis?
Pa no ov the
Al off
Han Qiao was stunned.
This jump was a little too fast.
Even Heng Congshan was surprised.
He guessed that he would at most be conferred the t.i.tle of Earl, Duke, or General, but he jumped several t.i.tles in one go.
The whole family became the Marquis of Wanning.
Marquis…
Heng Yi, what are you waiting for? Accept the decree.
Heng Yi thought about it and said, “Your Majesty, I’m not worthy of this t.i.tle yet. You can take it back.”
Emperor Zhao Qian was surprised.
Which of the influential officials and wealthy families in Chenzhou City wasn’t envious? He also thought that Heng Yi didn’t know what was good for him.
Child, I knew that you would refuse. Since I’ve rewarded you, just accept it.
Heng Yi also knew that it was fine to reject once, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to reject again.
The Emperor’s dignity would not tolerate being rejected again.
Thankyou, Your Highness.” Heng Yi knelt down to receive the edict.
After receiving the decree, Emperor Zhao Qian signaled Heng Yi to stand up.
He then turned to Han Qiao, “It is said that the husband is the most important and the wife is the most honorable. As the wife of Marquis of Wanning, you have contributed greatly to his achievements today. Since you are the Marquis’s wife, you should be a first-rank Marchioness.”
Bestowing the t.i.tle to Heng Yi’s wife, Madam Han. She will be bestowed the t.i.tle of first rank Marchioness.”
Han Qiao stepped forward and kneeled beside Heng Yi, “Thankyou for your kindness. Long live the Emperor.”
Compared to Heng Yi, Han Qiao was much more eloquent in her words.
Rise, I owe you the imperial clothing first.
First, he bestowed it to Heng Yi.
Those who have made contributions to the suppression of bandits are rewarded one by one.
Especially Zhang Zhao, Qin Song, Wen Yu, Gu Jiu, and the others who followed Heng Yi. They all received official positions.
Emperor Zhao Qian was implying that these people would be following Heng Yi.
After all, Heng Yi had personally trained them himself.
If one of these people were to betray him, they would be ostracized and there would be no chance for any of them to stand out.
Zhang Zhao, Qin Song, and the others were also unwilling to side with anyone else.
When Heng Yi recruited more soldiers, they would immediately become leaders, and they wouldn’t have to worry about being suppressed by the higher-ups or disobedient soldiers.
After rewarding these people, Emperor Zhao Qian said to the magistrate of Chenzhou, “All of you must cooperate with Marquis of Wanning’s conscription. You cannot use any reason to stop him. If anyone violates this rule, I will not let them off easily.”
Yes.” The magistrate respectfully agreed.
Now, n.o.body would dare to offend Heng Yi.
Not to mention Heng Yi’s t.i.tle, just Emperor Zhao Qian’s att.i.tude towards him alone made them wary of going out of line.
Many people did not dare to act rashly.
Alright, alright, today is a good day. This is a rare occasion for me to come to
Chenzhou, so let’s have fun together. There’s no need to be formal.”
Emperor Zhao Qian’s polite words made the atmosphere livelier.
Many people came forward to congratulate Emperor Zhao Qian for getting a good general, and Heng Yi as well for his new position t.i.tle.
The men were very friendly, and Heng Yi’s face was dark with embarra.s.sment.
Han Qiao’s wives were extremely polite and respectful. Han Qiao was no different from before, still smiling gently.
Congratulations, Ah-Qiao!” The Gong Prince’s consort held Han Qiao’s hand.
Now who would be brave to say that her daughter had married a lowly husband?
People would only say that she had good taste and found such a good husband for her daughter.
If Heng Yi…
The Gong Prince’s consort pursed her lips.
Han Chi wasn’t Heng Yi’s biological son… But Heng Yi doesn’t seem to be the man to prioritize such things.
Even if he did, it was fine. Han Chi, that kid, was a promising talent. He would soar in the future.
Moreover, he didn’t have to be very successful. It was good enough for her if he could take care of Mi’er for the rest of his life.
Han Qiao held the Gong Prince’s consort’s hand, “Let’s have a good chat another day,”
They still needed to talk about the betrothal gifts.
The Gong Prince’s consort thought about giving Han Chi a sum of silver because the things she bought in a hurry were not good enough. And it was useless to buy more.
It was better to give Li Mi a sum of silver and put it in her pocket. She could buy whatever she wanted in the future.
However, what should be had, had to be prepared.
Too many people came over to toast Han Qiao and congratulate her on becoming the Marchioness.
Han Qiao drank a few more gla.s.ses.
By the time Heng Yi arrived, her face was flushed and Han Qiao giggled at him.
Heng Yi’s heart softened, but he also felt sorry for her for getting a headache when she got drunk.
He pulled her into his arms.
Heng Yi.
Yes?
Heng Yi…
Han Qiao called out sweetly.
Heng Yi replied calmly.
He carried Han Qiao and b.u.mped into the slightly drunk Heng Congshan, “I’ll be going back first. Please help me inform the Emperor, Lord Heng.”
Heng Congshan watched Heng Yi leave with Han Qiao.
He couldn’t even pull him back.
Heng Congshan immediately went to inform Emperor Zhao Qian, who laughed.
He asked Heng Congshan, “Why are people called ‘people’? It is because he has seven emotions and six desires. If he can be indifferent even when his wife is drunk, I won’t dare to use him.”
Only when one had thoughts would one hesitate.
People like Heng Yi were capable and smart, but not slick and sly enough.