The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 258
Translated by Pure
Chapter 258 The Emperor's Bestowed Reward (2)
Wen Yantong had actually anticipated that she would be rewarded.
It was no exaggeration to say that her trip to Yibei played an extremely critical role this time. If it weren't for her prescription, the highly contagious plague would have spread from Yibei to all parts of Shao Jing Nation.
In addition, she facilitated the survival of Fu Zixian and Mu Yang, and also expedited the end of the war.
Chi Jingxi would definitely assist her in petitioning the Emperor for a reward, but Wen Yantong had only anticipated another decree bestowing her with some rare treasures. She never expected to be granted the prestigious title of Commandery Princess.
This reward was far more significant than she had imagined.
Wen Yantong remained kneeling on the ground for a while, her mind unable to process the magnitude of the honor bestowed upon her. Consequently, her servants and guards also remained in a kneeling position.
Eventually, the young imperial bodyguard who had read the imperial edict couldn't bear the prolonged silence and gently reminded her, "Commandery Princess, please accept the edict."
It was only then that Wen Yantong snapped out of her daze. She bowed deeply in gratitude, saying, "This commoner accepts the imperial decree. May His Majesty endure an everlasting longevity!"
One of her servants assisted Wen Yantong in rising from the ground, brushing off the debris from her knees. The young imperial bodyguard then handed the imperial edict to Wen Yantong with a warm smile, saying, "Commandery Princess, it's time to embrace your new title. There's no need to refer to yourself as a commoner anymore."
Wen Yantong nodded dumbly, still processing the overwhelming reality of her newfound status.
The young imperial bodyguard clapped his hands and motioned for the servants to bring forward the plaque, which was wrapped in red cloth. He then asked, "Commandery Princess, this plaque was personally bestowed by His Majesty. Should it be hung here or at the Commandery Princess Mansion?"
Overwhelmed by the situation, Wen Yantong blurted out, "Have an offering altar set up for it."
"This..." Surprised, the young imperial bodyguard glanced at the servants behind her, noting their unperturbed demeanor. He immediately ordered, "Qu—Quickly, set up an offering altar."
So the plaque was placed directly on an offering altar without removing the red cloth. With the young imperial bodyguard finished reading out the imperial edict, he accepted the silver Wen Yantong had prepared as a token of gratitude, then left happily after repeatedly congratulating her.
Wen Yantong had a tough time digesting this news and remained seated for a long time.
In fact, it wasn't just Wen Yantong; the entire Shao Jing Nation was abuzz with this bestowment.
In all of Shao Jing's history, never had a commoner been granted a royal title before. The only exception was Mu Yuan, who rose through the ranks without participating in the imperial examinations. However, Mu Yuan's promotions were gradual, unlike this individual who seemingly appeared out of nowhere and was directly bestowed the title of Commandery Princess by the Emperor's imperial decree.
The most remarkable aspect is that there had never been a Commandery Princess in this dynasty before, making this individual the first to hold such a title.
Speculation ran wild regarding the origins and true identity of the girl named Wen Tongtong.
That afternoon, Mu Yang and Fu Zixian arrived at her residence.
In the past, Mu Yang could easily barge in, and the household servants couldn't stop him. However, now that Wen Yantong's status had changed, imperial guards appointed by the emperor stood watch at her door, preventing Mu Yang and Fu Zixian from entering.
The servants passed the news one by one, and by the time Wen Yantong was informed and prepared to greet them, Mu Yang was already so anxious that he seemed ready to jump up and down.
As soon as she entered the main hall, Mu Yang rushed up to her. "Could you be any slower? I've been waiting forever!"
Wen Yantong looked at him with a puzzled expression, adjusting the heavy hairpins on her head, and asked, "Why are you in such a hurry?"
Fu Zixian stepped forward, preparing to salute formally, but was interrupted by Wen Yantong waving her hand. "Don't bother with the meaningless ceremonies, or I won't let you in next time."
Mu Yang quickly pulled Fu Zixian back and motioned for him to stand behind. "You go stand at the back."
Fu Zixian raised his eyebrows and stepped back, feeling slightly aggrieved. Now that he held an official position, he possessed his own jade badge, and his attire was no longer as casual as before; he appeared much more well-dressed and affluent.
Mu Yang scanned her from head to toe. "You seem different now that you're a Commandery Princess!"
Wen Yantong glanced at her attire and inquired with a smile, "How so?"
"Fatter," Mu Yang quipped.
Wen Yantong shot him a glare.
Mu Yang chuckled, "We're here this time to congratulate you on being bestowed the title of Commandery Princess. It's the first in Shao Jing's history."
Understanding their purpose, Wen Yantong replied, "Let's sit down and discuss it."
The three of them settled into their seats, and Mu Yang spoke with evident delight, "I brought you a blood coral pearl bracelet that someone gifted to the Mu Mansion a few days back. They say these pearls come from the South China Sea and are quite valuable. My father was likely going to give it to one of his concubines, but I snatched it away to give to you."
Wen Yantong was taken aback, "Won’t General Mu be upset?"
"It's nothing," Mu Yang dismissed with a wave of his hand. "Also, I noticed you’ve gotten a lot tanner since our time in Yibei, so I specially brought some face ointment for you. I heard that one of my father’s concubines applies this stuff every day, and her face looks as white as powder."
So basically, he just pilfered his father’s mistresses’ belongings to give to her...
Wen Yantong didn't voice her thoughts but smiled graciously and replied, "Thank you, you are quite thoughtful."
"We've all been swamped lately and couldn't find the time to hang out with you. Once we wrap up our tasks, we'll have more leisure time," Mu Yang explained. "Brother Xi mentioned he has a surprise for you, but I'm clueless about what it might be. Have you got any idea?"
"How would I know?" Wen Yantong grumbled. "I haven't laid eyes on him for days, and I've no clue what's keeping him so occupied."
It was then, Fu Zixian finally said, "The Little Marquis is swamped with compiling reports on the Yibei campaign, managing pensions for fallen soldiers, and assessing merits and demerits. He's tied up with all these duties."
Wen Yantong sighed knowingly. "With the New Year approaching, I wonder if I'll get to see him before then."
Mu Yang chimed in, "Definitely! Brother Xi mentioned we'd swing by Wen Residence on New Year's Eve to pay you a visit."
"What do you mean? Celebrating the New Year at my place?" Wen Yantong paused, "Aren't you all supposed to be celebrating the New Year in the palace?"
"We’ll leave early," Mu Yang said. "It's not going to be like last year, with Brother Xi's birthday and coming of age, so we won't stay that long."
"Great," Wen Yantong said happily, "I will personally cook our meal then, and you all have to come."
"You are now a Commandery Princess, how can you still personally cook?" Mu Yang asked, genuine confusion in his tone.
"On such a festive day as the New Year, I naturally want to cook the meal to celebrate," Wen Yantong asserted, her determination clear in her voice. "Besides, the position of the Commandery Princess came out of nowhere, and I am still a little uncomfortable with it."
"The Marquis requested it for you," Fu Zixian interjected suddenly.
Mu Yang and Wen Yantong turned their attention to him simultaneously. Fu Zixian continued, his tone measured, "The Marquis came to Chaoge to celebrate the new year. It is said that when the reward was still being considered a few days ago, the emperor wanted to bestow you with the title of County Princess, but the Marquis personally wrote the memorial and asked for the title of Commandery Princess for you."
"The Marquis?" Wen Yantong's surprise was evident as she thought of Chi Jingxi's father. "Why does he want to ask for this reward on my behalf?"
Fu Zixian remained silent and didn’t answer as a smile graced his features while Mu Yang pondered for a moment before speaking, "Uncle Chi is a good man."
Wen Yantong glanced at him, then turned her attention to the practical matters at hand. "Have you eaten? I'll have someone prepare some food."
"I've eaten," Mu Yang replied with a grin, "but I can always eat a bit more."
Wen Yantong sighed in exasperation. "Can't you just cut off the first part then and just say you’re hungry?"
As she rose from her seat to instruct the servants to prepare a meal, her mind buzzed with thoughts about the reward the Marquis had sought for her. There had to be a reason behind his actions. Most likely, it was at the behest of Chi Jingxi. In other words, the title of Commandery Princess was likely Chi Jingxi's wish for her.
With this realization, Wen Yantong began to piece together the puzzle.
