Chapter 414

The next morning, Gao Yang finished breakfast under Xiang Lan's service, after feeding her daughter until she was full, she called for Chen Yan, and the couple gathered around the sleeping daughter to discuss a name.

"How about naming her Chuyang?" Gao Yang proposed, "This name not only means the early morning sun, but also subtly matches my title; it's a good choice."

"Come on, that's a bit not like a girl's name, and why must it secretly match your title?" Chen Yan retorted, "Matching the title is worse than a name; just give her the name Tang."

"That works!" Gao Yang's eyes lit up instantly.

"No way, it's not okay!" Chen Yan immediately rebutted, "Would a daughter like you be useless? You know your own situation, don't you?"

He got hard!

Gao Yang's fist hardened.

If she weren't still weak right now, she would definitely give Chen Yan a hard punch!

What does it mean to be useless like her?

Is she really that incompetent?

Gao Yang wanted to retort, but thinking of her own temperament, she ultimately stayed silent, fuming.

Though she should speak up, she still has self-awareness and doesn't want her daughter to be like her.

"Then what do you think we should call her?"

"Aren't I thinking about it?" Chen Yan rubbed his chin, "Give me a moment, don't rush."

Gao Yang complained, "You've been thinking about the daughter for so long; I was pregnant for ten months, how come you didn't think then? Now that the daughter is born, you start thinking?"

She pondered, "How about Lingyi? Taken from the Book of Poems, 'lingyi lingse'; lingyi refers to beautiful appearance and demeanor, implying she will have fine conduct and dignified bearing. What do you think?"

Chen Yan still shook his head, "I don't want my daughter to be constrained by her name; when she grows up, people will keep telling her what her parents hoped for by giving her this name."

The meaning is good, but it's unnecessary.

I only wish for her to grow up happy and safe, just as my parents gave me the courtesy name 'Zi'an'.

It's simple and straightforward, with no special meaning; they just wished me safety.

Gao Yang stared, unusually not retorting or saying anything unpleasant, but said, "Hurry up and think; the Empress Dowager earlier said she'd be told when the child was born, but we still haven't picked a name—I don't even know what to say."

Chen Yan gazed at his sleeping daughter, recalling his own words just spoken and remembering what Cheng Yaojin and the others had told him about the meaning of 'Zi'an', and he drifted for a moment.

Just call her......

How about 'Sui'an'?

"Sui'an?" Gao Yang murmured, already understanding the meaning of the name, and she smiled: "All right, as you say, from now on she will be called Sui'an."

Mm, you've worked hard. Chen Yan looked at Gao Yang's face, which had just regained a hint of color, and felt a pang of sympathy.

Gao Yang glanced at him, "Not hardworking, just fate is hard!"

Chen Yan: "......"

That morning, a letter was sent from the county magistrate's office straight to the imperial palace.

After court, Li Shimin received the letter, hearing that Gao Yang had given birth to a daughter and both mother and child were safe, he was instantly delighted.

He brought the letter to Lizheng Hall and showed it to Empress Changsun as well.

She sighed, "Sui'an... Sui'an!"

This name is exactly the same as the hopes Zi'an's parents had for him.

Who would say otherwise? Li Shimin sighed, "The Chen family truly follows the same line; their expectations for their children are always this simple and unadorned, yet deeply moving."

Your Majesty! Empress Changsun said, "After waiting this long, I think it's time; even if Zi'an doesn't care, we can't just do nothing."

Besides, Gao Yang once told me that Zi'an wanted a daughter; now that wish is fulfilled, he must be delighted—let's give him an extra joy.

If you're worried about the future, then give it to Sui'an.

No need! Li Shimin waved his hand, "Attendant!"

Your Majesty! Wushe approached, bowing his body carefully.

Draft the edict!

Another day passed; Chen Yan had originally planned to go to the county office, since Gao Yang had safely given birth to her daughter, it was time to make a trip.

He would return in the afternoon to be close with his daughter.

Unexpectedly, before he could even leave, he was stopped by the anxious Xiao Shunzi.

"Lord Bo!" Xiao Shunzi hurriedly said, "Many people from the palace have come outside—palace maids and eunuchs lined up in several rows, heading our way."

I even saw the Crown Prince inside.

"Chengqian brother?" Chen Yan's heart stirred, as if he had guessed something; he quickly said, "Hurry and call the Prince of Yue and his consort, and have Lizhi bring Sui'an out."

"Yes!" Xiao Shunzi replied, turned and ran off without another word.

Soon after, Li Tai and the Prince of Yue's family arrived, along with Li Lizhi holding Sui'an.

Coincidentally, Chengqian and Wushe led a large group of people inside.

Unlike before, Chengqian and Wushe now had solemn expressions, lacking the relaxed ease they had when they previously met him.

Chengqian secretly gave Chen Yan a glance; the latter understood, not drifting off or stepping forward.

"Marquis of Weinan, Chen Yan, receive the edict!"

Wushe produced an imperial decree; Chen Yan and the others bowed.

The decree reads!

I have heard that rewarding virtue and merit is a great state ceremony; honoring filial piety and showcasing virtue are the family's grand principles. Now there is Marquis of Weinan Chen Yan, whose merit marks the state and whose virtue nourishes the people. He possesses extraordinary talent and harbors a benevolent heart to aid all things. With superb medical skill, he has prolonged the Empress Dowager's holy lifespan. His loyalty and diligence are as firm as metal and stone, his achievements recorded in the banners.

Formerly, for minor merit, I granted you the title of Marquis of Weinan; now, having examined your great achievements, you should be promoted to a higher rank. Thus I specially appoint you as 'Duke of Wei', with a fief of three thousand households. May you remain respectful, loyal, and steadfast, forever continuing your good counsel—I command you!

Furthermore, I decree that the daughter of Duke of Wei Chen Yan, Chen Sui'an, outstanding of a noble lineage, endowed with spiritual grace. As her father's merit endures through the ages, she shall enjoy this special honor. I celebrate her family's joy and remember their upbringing; therefore I specially appoint her as 'Princess of Yongning', bestowing upon her the phoenix-patterned jade tablet and allowing her the rites of the sacrificial fountain.

Such is the imperial command!

Chen Yan blankly lifted his head; his daughter had been ennobled, something he had already guessed earlier.

After all, the daughter had just been born, yet Li Chengqian and Wushe brought so many people from the palace—how could that be such a coincidence?

He had rendered too much merit, yet received no equal reward; Li Shimin always felt guilty in his heart, so compensating through his daughter is quite natural.

What Chen Yan didn't expect was that he himself had actually been ennobled as a duke.

Although 'Wei' is not an ancient state, this is the Wei River, once called the Mother River, exalted in status; moreover, he was formerly the Marquis of Weinan, and now directly becomes the Duke of Wei—its implication is not simple.

Your Grace the Duke, please receive the edict.

Wushe walked over smiling, handing the imperial edict to him.

Chen Yan then came to his senses, and after expressing his thanks, he solemnly received the edict.

Li Chengqian then relaxed considerably, laughing loudly as he walked to Li Lizhi's side, "Come, let me see my little niece; from now on you will be Princess Yongning."

"......"