Chapter 111: Not Afraid At All
Besides the rewards from the Emperor and Empress, the Li Clan’s gift of gratitude from the Grand Master of Deliberation also arrived.
However, what was sent was not gold, jade, or jewelry, but two ancient books.
The one who came to the door was not the Li Clan’s family head Madam, just a servant.
“Many thanks to Miss Yang for saving our Li Clan’s reputation.” The servant briefly conveyed these words and left.
It seemed somewhat perfunctory, but Duke Ding’an looked at the ancient books with an expression more complex than if he had seen gold, jade, or jewelry.
The Li Clan was also among the imperial relatives, but compared to a previous dynasty powerful clan like the Chai Clan, they appeared thin and impoverished.
However, they were not from a small family; the Li Clan’s great-grandfather established the Lushan Academy. Although few Li Clan descendants held office, the academy’s disciples were spread throughout the land.
So although by the end of the previous dynasty the Li Clan had few descendants left, in the capital city they were still a refined and noble family with considerable reputation.
However, the Li Clan had always kept aloof from court ministers and imperial relatives, acting low-key.
Duke Ding’an had never dealt with them.
Or rather, Duke Ding’an had never been taken seriously by the Li Clan.
Now, the Li Clan could be said to owe their Yang Family a favor.
Imperial Consort Li also had a son. Duke Ding’an suddenly had a thought, which he quickly dismissed.
What was he thinking.
So what if Imperial Consort Li had a son?
Chai Empress’s Prince of Donghai was His Majesty’s firstborn son, the future emperor.
Hmm, however, since the Li Clan had sent gifts, by rights, Marquis Yichun should also send a gift of gratitude.
Forget it, Duke Ding’an snorted coldly in his heart, Marquis Yichun wouldn’t care.
As his thoughts turned his gaze to the hall, he immediately felt annoyed again.
The Emperor and Empress’s rewards wrapped in yellow satin were still there, but Yang Luo had taken away an entire box of jewelry…
And the Li Family had given two invaluable ancient books.
This dead girl was truly rude and greedy! She took everything that was given to her!
Mo Zheng not only took all the rewards and gifts of gratitude, but the next day at school, she wore a lot of them on her body.
Although Princess Pingcheng had nearly been assassinated yesterday, today’s classes proceeded as usual.
Last night, the Emperor and Empress had sent comforting gifts, and the elders at home had to send the young ladies to the National Academy on time no matter what, otherwise it would seem like dissatisfaction with the Emperor and Empress.
But after yesterday’s incident, the young ladies hadn’t slept well, appearing listless and uneasy, with a gloom hanging over the classroom until Mo Zheng stepped in.
Three gemstone skirt-weights dangled from her waist, and three strands of gold and pearl chains adorned her chest, dazzling and sparkling, drawing countless gazes, along with Liu Chan’s excited shouts.
“Oh my, Miss A Luo, you look so beautiful!”
“Nice, right? These are all rewards from His Majesty and the Empress, for my heroic deeds yesterday.”
The quality of these jewels was indeed fit for royalty; the companion reader young ladies couldn’t help but admire them, temporarily forgetting their unease.
Mo Zheng walked up to Princess Pingcheng and bowed solemnly: “Many thanks, Princess.”
Princess Pingcheng smiled as she looked her over: “Not bad, I saw that your features are clear and lovely, perfect for luxurious jewelry, so I specially picked these.”
Mo Zheng was surprised, then even happier, bowing again: “So the Princess picked them herself.”
The companion reader young ladies gathered around came to their senses and chimed in with praise: “The Princess picked them herself?” “I knew they looked great” “They really suit Miss Yang”
In an instant, the lively chatter dispelled the gloom, making the classroom atmosphere even more vibrant than before.
…….
……
“No one is afraid; they’re even thinking of protecting me in the future to get rewards from Father Emperor and Mother Empress.”
After school, Princess Pingcheng sat in the Empress’s Palace recounting the classroom events.
Besides the Empress and Emperor, her brother Prince of Donghai was also there.
They all laughed at this.
“These children are really naughty,” the Emperor said. “Don’t curse my son.”
Princess Pingcheng smiled: “Father Emperor, children speak without restraint. What matters is that the young ladies were all brave, not only accompanying me in reading but also protecting me.”
The Emperor laughed heartily.
The nineteen-year-old Prince of Donghai asked curiously: “Yang Luo is that distant relative Miss Yang from the Yang Family?”
The Emperor’s laughter paused.
The Empress looked at Prince of Donghai with a half-smile: “Curious about another family’s young lady? What, wanting to propose marriage?”
The Emperor hoped his eldest son would focus on studies first, so he hadn’t married yet.
Prince of Donghai wasn’t thinking of marriage either; though he was at the age to be interested in women, not every woman caught his eye. Mother Empress’s sudden words left him baffled.
“Mother Empress, don’t overthink it. I just mentioned her following little sister’s lead,” he waved his hands hurriedly. “I won’t ask anymore.”
Good that he won’t ask, the Empress lowered her eyes and sipped tea, lest asking too much disgust the Yang Family’s young lady.
Princess Pingcheng knew her mother disliked the Yang Family young ladies, though she was grateful to Miss Yang for saving her, and today in the classroom she had cleverly livened up the mood and soothed the young ladies, which relieved her.
But the rewards given were sufficient.
Better not to mention her in front of Mother Empress.
“Today the Libationer came in person to lecture us on benevolence and righteousness,” she quickly changed the subject.
The Emperor nodded approvingly, knowing it was because of yesterday’s incident; the Libationer was worried about these young ladies being afraid and came personally to comfort them.
“The Libationer also allowed us to go to the Library to read in the future,” Princess Pingcheng said happily.
The Empress didn’t think much of it; that was already available to princesses.
“Mother Empress, this means the Libationer treats us as real National Academy students,” Princess Pingcheng said, leaning against the Empress with a smile. “That’s different.”
The Empress didn’t refute her daughter, smiling: “Yes, different.”
The Emperor nodded with a smile: “Now it’s easier for you to read; no need to always come to my study to rummage.”
Prince of Donghai reminded: “Little sister, don’t be greedy; follow the instructor first.”
Princess Pingcheng smiled playfully: “I know. I’m focused on one thing now: I’ll rank first in the end-of-month exam.”
Her eyes sparkled as she spoke.
“I’ll definitely become the Libationer’s seventh personal disciple.”
“Pingcheng, it should be the eighth,” the Emperor said. “Wei Jiao is actually his disciple too.”
Wei Jiao, Princess Pingcheng smiled without speaking, while Prince of Donghai frowned unhappily.
“Father Emperor, what kind of Libationer disciple is he!” he said with disgust. “He has madness.”
He then looked at Princess Pingcheng.
“Stay away from him. I hear he keeps pestering you.”
Princess Pingcheng hurriedly said: “He’s not pestering me; we often encounter each other at Father Emperor’s place because of his duties.”
The Emperor frowned: “He came to the capital city to study; one day as master is master for life.”
Otherwise, say he came as a hostage? How unpleasant!
This brother was not as good with words as his sister.
“Enough, it’s just that old trivial matter, dragging on forever,” he scolded. “Where’s a prince’s magnanimity?!”
Prince of Donghai called out aggrievedly: “Father Emperor, I’m not holding a grudge. Wei Jiao’s reputation and conduct are truly unseemly. Father Emperor doesn’t know, but there are so many complaints privately…”
The Emperor’s face darkened as he looked at his son.
So many private complaints?
At the founding of the nation, new merits and old nobility were intertwined; to secure the rivers and mountains, bold measures were necessary.
This was clearing thorns for him, the next emperor!
This foolish son!
“Why bring up others?” Princess Pingcheng smiled, interrupting the father-son talk. “Didn’t Father Emperor call brother to care about me?”
Indeed so; though not truly injured, it was her first encounter with such a scheme. Per the Empress, classes at the National Academy should pause for a few days.
But Princess Pingcheng insisted on continuing school.
The Empress and Emperor were very worried, calling back Prince of Donghai too, gathering the family after school today to comfort their daughter.
Prince of Donghai hurriedly looked at Princess Pingcheng: “Little sister, don’t be afraid. I’m helping investigate Wu Nu Shi’s family too; we’ll punish the villains who hurt you!”
Princess Pingcheng nodded with a smile: “Many thanks, brother.”
The Emperor said no more, looking at his daughter with relief.
Though the son was a bit foolish, the daughter was just like him: facing an attack without fear, with resolute mind, brave and wise.
He laughed heartily and raised his wine cup: “Come, drink with me to calm your nerves.”
