Chapter 436 - 227: Enfeoffed as a King

Chapter 436: Chapter 227: Enfeoffed as a King

Two days ago, Jiang Gaoyi, who was already the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, had been unexpectedly granted the title of Viscount. An imperial messenger arrived at his residence to proclaim the Holy Decree. According to the principle that "titles are granted for merit," the promotion came without rhyme or reason, but the decree stated plainly that the reward was for his "diligence and conscientiousness."

The Imperial City’s Top Divine Hunter, Guo Zifei, was granted a plaque by the Holy Emperor inscribed with "World’s Top Divine Hunter," to be hung in the Six Gates.

Yan Jiji was granted a gold medal by the Holy Emperor, inscribed with "Celestial Artisan."

At the Great Emperor’s behest, Xi’er of Zheng’s Cloth Shop tailored an exquisite brocade robe. Afterward, the Great Emperor was so delighted that he personally took up his brush and bestowed upon her the title "World’s Number One Tailor," even stamping it with his imperial seal.

The man once known as Dou Xie was suddenly promoted to fill the vacancy for the "Lower Six" of Ye Weiyang. He was now "Lower Six Mo Kuang."

Fragrant Pavilion hung up a sign with "Abundant Wealth," personally inscribed by the Holy Emperor. Heaven on Earth hung up "Human World Fairyland." As the Great Emperor made more and more such moves, unprecedented honors rained down on the Zheng Family as if they cost nothing. A growing number of people, even those not directly involved in the court’s affairs, began to sense that something was amiss.

Many high-ranking Court officials even had a bold thought they dared not speak aloud: ’The Monarch of Daqian, who stands above all, is shamelessly sucking up to the Zheng Family!’

The world was about to change!

「In the Imperial Palace.」

The Eldest Prince sat in a courtyard, watching the flowers bloom and fall. A chessboard was set before him, but the seat opposite was empty. Since Zhou Ji’s death, there was no one left to play chess with him.

"Father, what in the world are you planning?"

The Eldest Prince murmured to himself.

Ever since the third day of the third month, the Third Prince had reverted to his former carefree, cynical self. He spent his days disguised as a commoner, loitering around the city. He would carry a bird cage, amusing himself by teasing the bird, or seek out blind bone-readers for guidance, his face a mask of childlike innocence.

The Second Prince hid in his own palace, terrified and on edge day after day. When he heard of the strange events of late, his face twisted into a savage expression. He first went on a rampage, smashing the furnishings in his room, before collapsing to the floor. He let out a cold laugh. "The Crown Prince... Heh. The Crown Prince. Since you, my father, are unwilling to retire and become the lofty Supreme Emperor, then don’t blame your son for what comes next."

Let the undercurrents surge as they might; the crashing waves will eventually reach the shore.

「In the blink of an eye, it was the sixth month.」

「One morning.」

A squad of fully armed soldiers from the Divine Martial Army marched in neat formation through the streets, arriving with great fanfare before the Zheng Mansion.

"We humbly request the presence of Marquis Zhonglie at the Imperial Palace for an audience with the Holy Emperor!"

The one escorted by the Divine Martial Army was none other than Jiang Gaoyi, a man who seemed to have won at life, steadily climbing the ranks and gaining titles. He first knocked on the door knocker, then recited the summons in a loud, clear voice, unable to hide the look of pleasant surprise on his face.

「Inside the mansion.」

Qing Shisan dropped from the top of the wall, wreathed in smoke. He looked at Master Zheng, who was teasing an orange cat with a roasted sausage, making it hiss and dart about. "Master," he said in a low voice, "the Holy Emperor has sent Lord Jiang to summon you to the palace for an audience!"

At these words, Zheng Xiu paused. In that instant, the orange cat snatched the warm sausage from his hand. Zheng Xiu gave a calm nod and went inside to bathe, burn incense, and change his clothes. A short while later, he reemerged wearing an exquisite brocade robe, a pure white mink cloak draped over his shoulders, and a jade pendant at his waist.

Yin Qingqing emerged from a corner, bowed respectfully, and said to Zheng Xiu, "The Holy Emperor said that the Marquis already understands the situation."

"I do. I’m not blind," Zheng Xiu replied. "You two will accompany me to the palace. There’s no need for a large entourage."

Qing Shisan and Yin Qingqing immediately agreed.

Before opening the door, Zheng Xiu recalled something. Without turning his head, he asked, "By the way, Shisan, about that day... when I asked you to pay our respects to the brothers in the Secret Ministry..."

Qing Shisan replied with a grin, "Per your orders, Master. I snuck in and delivered a basket of fresh fruit."

"And were they happy to receive it?"

Qing Shisan thought for a moment. "I’d say they were overwhelmed by the favor," he answered.

Yin Qingqing’s lip twitched. ’Overwhelmed by the favor, perhaps not,’ she thought. ’But certainly overwhelmed. Sneaking into the Imperial Palace without a trace... was that a demonstration of power or just you showing off your skills?’

When they pushed the door open, Lord Jiang was already waiting respectfully outside.

The leading military general was, surprisingly, the very man who had once pulled the Great Emperor’s carriage.

Jiang Gaoyi leaned in and whispered, "That is the General of the North."

"If you please, Marquis!"

The burly man laughed heartily. "Return to the palace!"

The procession returned to the palace in grand style. They ascended the thousand-step Celestial Ascension Ladder and entered the main hall.

The civil and military officials were arrayed on both sides.

The Great Emperor sat high upon the Dragon Throne.

The three Princes were seated in places of honor below him.

As Zheng Xiu calmly strode past the ranks of civil and military officials, walking through a sea of complicated gazes, the hall of morning court fell deathly silent. Everyone held their breath, staring intently at the Richest Person in the kingdom, Zheng Xiu, a man who should not have been present at a court session.

Although Marquis Zhonglie held the rank of Marquis, he held no official post and thus had no right to attend court!

But there he was!

"Marquis Zhonglie, Zheng Xiu, pays his respects to the Holy Emperor!"

Zheng Xiu clasped his hands in a salute; he did not need to kneel.

The Great Emperor, whose expression had been stern all morning while listening to reports of unrest throughout the land and floods in the south, finally broke into a smile. "You’ve come!"

The Great Emperor waved his long sleeve. "Proclaim the decree!"

A green-robed civil servant was already prepared. The moment the Great Emperor spoke, the official emerged from a side door. Behind him, a line of palace maids carried a tray, upon which a black, ornate robe, an official’s hat, a seal, a belt, and a jade pendant were all neatly arranged.

The recitation of a long, eloquent decree echoed throughout the hall. For a moment, all the officials could hear was a buzzing in their ears.

It was the sound of their own minds reeling.

Finally, the Great Emperor stepped forward and personally placed the hat upon Zheng Xiu’s head. A small, exquisitely carved golden tiger was coiled on it.

"Today, I hereby ennoble Zheng Xiu as a Commandery Prince, with the fiefdom of Shuzhou under his command!"

"From this day forward, you are no longer Marquis Zhonglie!"

"I name you..."

"The Red King!"

The Great Emperor had bestowed the title of King!

From this day on, Zheng Xiu was no longer Marquis Zhonglie.

He was... Red King Zheng, Prince Zheng!

He was also, now, the very first Prince in the current court of Daqian!