Chapter 930: Brother Wang

Cheng Ru'an, puzzled, asked, "Prince, what do you intend to do?"

"Don't worry," Xiao Yuanhang smiled, "As for Xiao Er's marriage, this Prince will definitely secure it for him!"

After speaking, Xiao Yuanhang lifted his leg and walked out of the room.

"Prince, where are you going?"

"To Tingyu Pavilion."

Cheng Ru'an muttered in a daze, "Prince, are you going to see... mother?"

Two days later, the ancestral hall was opened wide; the whole family arrived, and an extra person appeared—a newly dressed Xiao Er.

Old Madam Xia nodded, and the servants streamed in, arranging the three sacrificial animals and the five fruits and six vegetarian dishes neatly on the table.

Xiao Yuanhang stepped forward, burned incense, knelt and performed the rites, while the others knelt in order behind him.

Prince Ning's expression was solemn, his voice resonant: "Ancestral spirits above, I, the unworthy descendant Xiao Yuanhang, now lead the whole clan to present this offering."

"We look up to the ancestors' virtue, which protects our household; now we have our family general Xiao Er, who has fought on the battlefield, repeatedly earning great merits. Over the years, his bond has been as close as kin, his loyalty unwavering."

"Yuanhang, moved by his sincerity and respecting his bravery, now wishes to bind us as brothers, inscribe his name in the clan register at the end of the genealogy. From now on, we shall share honor and disgrace, joys and sorrows together."

"We humbly hope the ancestors will look favorably, accept this loyal and righteous man, and bless our clan to prosper forever!"

Having spoken, Xiao Yuanhang performed three kneelings and nine kowtows, burning incense and offering wine.

Old Madam Xia respectfully retrieved the locked jade family register from the shrine and placed it on the table.

Xiao Yuanhang himself took the brush and neatly wrote Xiao Er's name on it.

After the ceremony, everyone rose to their feet.

Cheng Ru'an instructed, "All the household, grant six months' stipend!"

"Thank you, Princess Consort!" The servants, already familiar with Xiao Er, were delighted for him and rejoiced even more at the words.

Xiao Yuanhang looked at Xiao Er standing at the back and said, "Xiao Er."

Xiao Er hurried forward, his Adam's apple bobbing, his eyes slightly reddened: "Your servant is here!"

Xiao Yuanhang smiled, "From today, you are my sworn brother; you should address me as Brother Wang. If that feels awkward, you may call me elder brother."

Xiao Er's eyes flickered, his throat seemed choked, and he could not speak for a long while.

Tuan Tuan walked to his side: "Uncle Er, Father says you can call him whatever you like!"

Xiao Yuanhang walked over, bent down and lifted his daughter: "From now on, you also must change how you address him; call him Uncle Er, not Uncle Er Er."

Tuan Tuan pouted, "But I like calling him Uncle Er!"

Xiao Er hurriedly said, "I'll listen to the miss; call him however the miss likes."

Cheng Ru'an said, "She is your junior; from now on call her Tuan Tuan, not miss."

She glanced at her three sons, and the three brothers saluted Xiao Er, saying, "Uncle Er!"

Xiao Er was at a loss, trying to wave his hand but quickly retracting it, then hurriedly raised his hand again to salute, his ears flushed bright red.

Cheng Ru'an whispered, "First pay respects to Old Madam."

Xiao Er, as if waking from a dream, hurried to Old Madam, lifted his robe and knelt, bowing his head to Old Madam Xia: "Xiao Er, I have seen you, Old Madam."

Old Madam Xia shakily extended her hand, gently patting his shoulder: "Good child, stand up. From now on, we are family."

Xiao Er rose, turned to Xiao Yuanhang and Cheng Ru'an, and knelt, kowtowing.

Prince Ning hurriedly placed Tuan Tuan on the ground, receiving his salute.

Xiao Er straightened up and finally shouted, "Brother Wang! Princess Consort!"

Cheng Ru'an's eyes reddened, and he gently pressed the corner of his eye with a handkerchief.

Tuan Tuan pulled Xiao Er up from the ground.

The Ning Prince's Mansion held a grand banquet at Suijin Pavilion for three days; soon, the entire Jingcheng learned that Prince Ning had gained a sworn brother.

Three days later, Prince Ning entered the palace, personally reported to the Emperor, and petitioned for a title for Xiao Er.

Xiao Jieyun was rather surprised.

Xiao Yuanhang spoke earnestly, "His Majesty, Xiao Er has followed me into battle for many years, his merits outstanding. I have already taken him as my sworn brother and recorded it in the genealogy."

"This petition for a title hopes that a loyal and brave man may receive official recognition from the Imperial Court."

"As the saying goes, heroes are not judged by birth; I ask Your Majesty to consider his merits and grant him a title, to show the Emperor's great grace and inspire the three armies."

The Emperor, after listening, looked at Xiao Ze: "Crown Prince, what do you think?"

Xiao Ze smiled faintly, "Well deserved."

Xiao Jieyun nodded, "Approved."

Xiao Yuanhang kowtowed, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great favor!"

The imperial edict arrived at the Ning Prince's Mansion the next day.

The whole family set up a fragrant altar, knelt, and received the edict.

Eunuch Cheng unfolded the edict and read aloud, "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: General Huaihua Xiao Er, brave above the three armies, his merits benefit the state, his loyalty and diligence commendable."

"Hence we confer the title Count Zhongyi, with a fief of a thousand households, granting a residence in the capital, to be a lasting hereditary estate. May you further strengthen your resolve and not disappoint my expectations."

"Respectfully."

After reading, Eunuch Cheng closed the edict, held it with both hands before Xiao Er, and said with a smile, "Count Zhongyi, give your thanks."

Xiao Er took the edict with both hands and said, "I receive the decree and give thanks!"

Tuan Tuan ran over, tugging Eunuch Cheng's sleeve, and asked, "Grandpa! What kind of thing is this Count Zhongyi?"

Eunuch Cheng hurriedly said, "Ah, miss, this is not a 'thing'; it's a great blessing!"

"This 'Count' is a title bestowed by His Majesty, far higher than a general!"

"From now on, when meeting civil and military officials, they need not kneel; others must salute him first!"

Tuan Tuan clapped her little hands and cheered, "Wow! Imperial Uncle is so good!"

She turned her head and again grabbed Xiao Er's big hand: "Uncle Er, are you happy?"

Xiao Er's big face turned red: "Happy."

The next day, Prince Ning prepared generous gifts, together with his wife and Xiao Er, bringing Tuan Tuan along, arrived at the Song Residence.