Chapter 39: The Spendthrift Emperor

The clear, azure sky was filled with leisurely drifting clouds, and a gentle, refreshing breeze brushed against the face. Such beautiful weather made one feel joyful, as if the entire Jingcheng were enveloped in a sense of tranquility and harmony.

Xiang Junzheng felt a complex mix of emotions; the one who had achieved success was not his only son, nor his eldest daughter whom he had always held in the palm of his hand, but his second daughter, whom he had never liked and had sent away to a manor since she was young. However, regardless of which daughter was granted the title of County Princess, it was a tremendous honor for the entire Xiang family—not to mention that this was not just an empty title, but a real County Princess with an actual fief.

Xiang Junzheng returned to the Wang Fu with a light, floating step and notified everyone in the household to prepare to receive the imperial decree. The First Lady was startled; the household had not received an imperial decree in all these years, yet they had received two in just one month. Last time, that lowly girl was bestowed with so many fine things, and she wondered what kind of decree this was. The First Lady wanted to ask for more details.

Xiang Junzheng only said it was a joyous occasion, and before long, the Eunuch delivering the decree arrived.

When Lady Li received the notification, she was lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She had been thoroughly frightened by Quan Aoyu today; the Crown Prince held the second girl in such high regard, and she feared she had offended her deeply today. She had cursed the Wu woman many times in her heart. Still unable to recover her strength, she simply went to lie on the bed.

Lady Li hurried to the front hall where everyone was already gathered, and the members of the household knelt to receive the decree.

The Eunuch slowly unfolded the imperial decree, his voice loud and clear: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The second daughter of the Xiang family, Xiang Zijin, possesses noble virtue, a heart as pure as an orchid, and has contributed to the nation; she is truly a model for all women. She is hereby granted the title of County Princess of Qingping, bestowed with the fief of Qingping County, one mansion, one carriage, 100,000 taels of silver, 10,000 taels of gold, six carts of silk, and a pot of Eastern pearls. Her status is equal to that of a Commandery Princess. Respect this!"

Xiang Zijin was stunned. She had only been here for a month and had already landed the title of County Princess? With a fief? And this spendthrift Emperor had waved his hand and given her so much money again?

She did not quite understand whether a County Princess had administrative authority, but she knew it was quite a big deal. The expressions of those kneeling on the ground gave her a rough idea. The First Lady’s face was twisted with jealous rage, her body trembling slightly; Lady Li’s face was ashen; Xiang Yiyi looked deathly pale, biting her lip hard; Xiang Zhidie’s eyes were wide open; Xiang Shuyan looked at her with admiration, winking at her; and Concubine Zhou was full of excitement and relief. Seeing Xiang Zijin dazed, she hurriedly said, "Second Young Lady, why don't you hurry and receive the decree to thank His Majesty!"

This was a County Princess with a fief—an honor no one in Tianqi outside of the imperial family had ever received. What a tremendous honor it was for the Xiang family!

Xiang Zijin was also full of surprise, but she did not show the slightest abnormality on her face. She walked forward gracefully, her movements calm and composed. Lowering her head slightly, she carefully received the decree that symbolized supreme honor. Immediately after, she knelt on both knees, held the decree high above her head with both hands, and said respectfully:

"Your subject's daughter thanks Your Majesty for your great grace."

The Eunuch who delivered the decree smiled and said:

"Congratulations, County Princess. His Majesty also said that he must see such a remarkable woman as yourself at the banquet in the palace the day after tomorrow!"

After announcing the decree and receiving his tip, the Eunuch left, feeling quite pleased.

The First Lady’s fingers dug deep into her palms, and she did not relax even after the Eunuch had left. After a long while, she pulled Xiang Yiyi, who was still standing there in a daze, back to the Cuiyu Courtyard.

As soon as they returned to the courtyard, Xiang Yiyi began to cry loudly: "Mother, what are we to do? That lowly woman has now turned things around and been named a County Princess. What will happen to me?"

The First Lady was somewhat irritated by Xiang Yiyi’s crying and scolded her impatiently:

"What are you crying for!"

The First Lady had never treated Xiang Yiyi with such an attitude before. Xiang Yiyi was stunned and felt even more aggrieved, sobbing as she said:

"Mother, I used to be the most favored one, but now that she has been named a County Princess, she will surely take revenge on us."

The First Lady took a deep breath and gradually calmed down, a flash of ruthlessness appearing in her eyes:

"What is there to fear? She is just a newly emerged County Princess."

Xiang Yiyi stopped sobbing, her eyes brightening:

"Mother, do you already have a plan?"

The First Lady patted Xiang Yiyi’s back and sneered: "At the palace banquet the day after tomorrow, we shall do this..."

After speaking, the First Lady handed Xiang Yiyi a package. Only then did Xiang Yiyi break into a smile through her tears.

The second branch was not peaceful either. Lady Li remained silent all the way back to her courtyard; it was rare for her mouth to be shut, and she hadn't said a single word from the moment the Eunuch finished reading the decree until now. But Xiang Zhidie was not so quiet. As soon as they returned to the courtyard, she began to clamor impatiently:

"Mother, that helpless Xiang Zijin has now become a County Princess, and I am not even as good as her. Does this mean I will have to rely on her to get by in the future? I am not reconciled to this!"

Lady Li plopped down into a chair and only spoke after a long while:

"Child, let us give up the idea of bringing her down. She is a County Princess with a fief, and her status is equal to that of a Commandery Princess. We cannot afford to provoke her!"

Xiang Zhidie curled her lip:

"Mother, are you afraid? But we have already offended her. The first branch certainly won't let it go either."

Lady Li pondered:

"At the palace banquet the day after tomorrow, we shall act according to the situation."