Reborn Spoiled Girl Tames the Regent

Chapter 84 A Plea for a Marriage to the Crown Prince's Consort

Xiao Hengzhi lowered his head and slowly opened his lips: "...Xiao Shizong."

Ning Zhi was slightly taken aback that he could answer, but then smiled as usual and said, "That's it. Would you like to use this name again, cousin?"

The Empress Dowager interrupted him first, jokingly saying, "That's not appropriate. No wonder Shizong disappeared when he was young. If the official who named him Tianguan were still alive, I would definitely punish him. So, let's call him Hengzhi, it's a good omen."

Ning Zhi smiled faintly and said, "Grandmother is right."

Xiao Hengzhi watched their exchange with a faint smile on his lips.

Ning Zhi tightened his fist. Seeing that the emperor was about to issue the decree of bestowing the title of prince, he became slightly anxious and asked again:

"Do you remember when I was a child, I climbed a tree at the Prince's Mansion and fell. If you hadn't caught me, my leg would probably be ruined."

"Your Highness is mistaken. I was frail and sickly as a child, weak and feeble. How could it have been me who caught Your Highness?"

He remained calm and composed, speaking with a faint smile on his face.

Ning Zhi could only manage a stiff smile and echoed the words.

He didn't know how Xiao Hengzhi knew these things, but his answer was indeed flawless, and even his father didn't suspect anything, leaving him at a loss as to how to probe further.

"After so many years, I never expected my cousin to remember it so clearly."

He lowered his eyes and glanced at Duan Zhi'an sitting opposite him.

Having lived in the palace for decades, the Empress Dowager saw through Ning Zhi's probing intent at a glance.

But before she could say anything, Duan Zhi'an had already asked before her: "I heard that His Majesty once had a small jade portrait inlaid in a gold and jade talisman. This item is extremely precious, which makes me curious. How can a small portrait be carved from jade?"

He spoke very casually, as if he were chatting about everyday things.

But as the emperor watched the conversation between the group, he quickly discerned the underlying meaning in Duan Zhi'an's words.

He had thought that since the Empress Dowager was already quite old, and it was a rare privilege to have a grandson, whether real or not, it was just to make her happy. He figured he could ask her about it after she passed away.

But now that someone has raised a question, he wants to confirm it again.

Duan Zhian's words were just right for him to follow up.

The emperor smiled slightly, his gaze darkening, before speaking calmly, "Mother, why not open that golden jade talisman and let the people below see for themselves?"

The Empress Dowager's expression was already somewhat displeased, and her voice turned colder: "Is the Emperor suspecting something? Does he think that I am old and blind and cannot even recognize my own grandson?"

"Your Majesty, please calm down. I just thought that today would be a good opportunity for all the ministers to witness this, so that there would be no doubt about it."

The Empress Dowager fiddled with her prayer beads, her eyes slightly closed, which was considered tacit approval.

Xiao Heng was taken aback, his expression changing slightly. After a moment's hesitation, he respectfully said, "This jade talisman has been sealed for a long time; I wonder if the contents inside are still the same as before."

"It's alright, present it to me yourself. I have my own plan."

Xiao Hengzhi had no choice but to take out the gold and jade talisman.

Eunuch Yuan carefully took it and presented it to the emperor with both hands.

Everyone held their breath and watched.

The patterns on the gold-threaded jade talisman are exquisite, and the gold threads are even more dazzling.

The emperor slowly opened the box, revealing the portrait, and squinted as he examined it closely—

There was a piece of colorful jade about the size of a thumb, exquisitely carved into a human figure, which was well preserved despite its age.

When held up to the light, a red dot can be clearly seen between the eyebrows of the small statue. This was a dot specially selected by the emperor, who said that this round red dot, like that of a Bodhisattva, signifies good fortune.

These marks cannot be faked, and a smile slowly rose on the emperor's face.

Looking at the emperor's expression, Duan Zhi'an knew that there was no hope of questioning him; the token in Xiao Hengzhi's hand was genuine.

He chuckled and said, "It is indeed a rare item. I have truly broadened my horizons today."

The Emperor and Empress Dowager exchanged a glance, their expressions seemingly relieved, and slowly said, "This jade is indeed a royal token, and today it has been confirmed without a doubt."

The Empress Dowager's expression improved slightly. She felt that her grandson had been mistreated by being scrutinized by everyone in the main hall.

"Now that it's confirmed, will the emperor still make him stand?"

The emperor raised his hand, and Eunuch Yuan carefully returned the gold and jade talisman to Xiao Hengzhi.

Then a powerful voice came from the hall: "In the past, the Prince of Beiqin was known for his loyalty and bravery. He and my sister were happily married and deeply in love. However, their lives were cut short by fate, and they passed away young. When I heard the sad news, I was overwhelmed with grief and have never forgotten it. Now, his eldest son, Xiao Hengzhi, has returned to the court after many twists and turns, which is truly a blessing for our royal family."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's gaze fell upon Xiao Hengzhi, and she suddenly recalled the past. Tears welled up in her eyes, a mixture of relief and excitement.

The emperor paused for a moment, then continued, "Today you have inherited your father's will and the title of king. You should uphold loyalty and righteousness, serve the country, and not fail the great favor of the royal family."

After speaking, the emperor raised his hand to signal, and the eunuch presented the gold seal and jade belt, which were then carried to Xiao Hengzhi by two officials of etiquette.

Inside the hall, bells and chimes rang out in unison, and melodious music filled the air as the assembled officials shouted in unison, "Congratulations to the King of Beiqin!"

With a solemn expression, Xiao Hengzhi bowed deeply to the emperor and declared in a loud voice, "Your subject will never fail the emperor's grace or the legacy of my ancestors. I swear to defend our land and remain loyal to the end."

The ceremony ended, and the music in the hall gradually ceased.

Amidst the congratulations of the officials, the Emperor and Empress Dowager rose and departed. Ning Zhi strolled slowly out of the hall, his expression impassive, but inwardly displeased.

Seeing that he was lost in thought, Duan Zhi'an smoothed out his robe and said in a low voice, "Today is just the conferment of a royal title, and the outcome is not yet certain. There is plenty of time in the future, so Your Highness may wish to observe the situation calmly."

"I just don't understand why he wants to take the position of the Empress Dowager's grandson? What is his purpose in entering the palace? How did a mere slave like him obtain that gold and jade talisman?"

Duan Zhi'an shook his head: "I also have no clue about this matter at the moment. But Your Highness's most urgent task is to figure out what he will do next?"

Ning Zhi was taken aback upon hearing this, and a thought suddenly flashed through his mind—Xiao Hengzhi had already been granted the title of king, and his next step would inevitably be to propose marriage to the Jiang family.

If Xiao Hengzhi were to ask his father for an imperial decree, the Empress Dowager would surely lend a hand. Even if Jiang Mian was unwilling, she would have no choice but to comply with the decree of marriage bestowed upon her.

He felt uneasy, his brows furrowed, and a mix of complex emotions swirled in his mind.

He immediately turned back to find the emperor, but Eunuch Yuan said he had already returned to the palace to rest and only asked him to deliver a memorial.

Ning Zhi had no choice but to wait until the next day to attend court.

The next morning, before dawn, all the officials gathered to discuss the matter of sending generals from Fengyuguan to lead an expedition.

Since Jiang Xun was withdrawn, no one has been chosen to lead the expedition. General Zhao, who was originally on the front lines, was barely able to manage.

However, as winter approached, much of the military supplies and provisions were lost, and very little was transported to the camp. The soldiers were suffering greatly and were retreating in defeat.

If we retreat any further, the border will truly fall.

Duan Zhi'an requested that Wen lead the troops, firstly because Wen had won many battles and suffered few casualties, thus saving manpower; secondly, Wen had previous experience at the Fengyu Pass front and was more familiar with the enemy's tactics.

But Duke Wen was not happy. There were so many capable officials in the court, why did it have to be his Wen family?

It's obvious that he's targeting Wen Qian in court because Wen Qian suffered a loss at home last time.

Duke Wen argued, "Although the Wen family has won many battles, they all led troops alongside generals and cannot be credited with merit. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."

"Your words are strange, Duke. If the Wen family has no merit, why should they occupy the position of general? Why not give it up to someone else who is more capable?"

"I had no such intention. Grand Tutor, you are exaggerating."

"So, does that mean the Wen family is unwilling to serve the Emperor?"

"this......"

His words were forceful yet reasonable, leaving Duke Wen speechless.

The emperor issued an edict on the spot, and Duke Wen had no choice but to accept it.

After the court session ended, Eunuch Yuan announced in a drawn-out voice, "Court adjourned!" and the court officials slowly withdrew from the main hall.

Duke Wen hurriedly went to stop Duan Zhi'an.

"Grand Tutor, please wait!"

"Is there anything else, Duke?"

"Your Majesty, I wish to ask if you are still troubled by the matter of my daughter...the Crown Princess's dance performance last time? If so, please tell me frankly, Your Majesty, how I can make amends?"

The words "Princess Consort" caused Duan Zhi'an's lips to slowly fall into a smile.

"Today we are simply discussing the matter at hand. Besides, I have heard that Qianqian has severed ties with the Wen family. Your Excellency can rest assured that I can distinguish between public and private matters and I am not so petty."

He finished speaking, bowed, and took his leave, giving him no more time to say anything more.

As the crowd outside the main hall gradually dispersed, Ning Zhi remained motionless, his gaze fixed intently on the person on the dragon throne.

He frowned in thought, and finally, as if unable to contain himself any longer, he stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Father, I have a request to make."

"What's the matter?"

He slowly said, "Jiang Mian, the second young lady of the Jiang family, is of upright character and magnanimous virtue. I have long admired her and humbly request Your Majesty's permission to marry her as my Crown Princess."