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Chapter 413: Momentum (II)

Amid everyone's eager anticipation, the imperial envoys finally arrived in Nanyang County on the 22nd day of the twelfth lunar month.

On this day, Princess Nanyang personally led her officials and county magistrates out of the city to welcome the imperial envoy.

The person who came to convey the imperial edict was Dong Shilang of the Ministry of Rites.

Minister Dong is 45 years old this year, a man in his prime. He was a second-place winner in the imperial examination, very knowledgeable, and had been working in the Ministry of Rites. In just over a decade, he became Minister of Rites, a high-ranking official of the third rank.

There was another important reason why Minister Dong accepted the task of delivering the imperial edict. Minister Dong had been in contact with the Nanyang Palace more than ten years ago. In the past few years, the Nanyang King passed away, and Chen Changshi and Minister Dong had been exchanging letters, and the annual gifts were also particularly heavy.

It can be said that Minister Dong is one of the most important connections of the Nanyang Palace in the court.

"I greet Princess Nanyang."

Minister Dong, who had an elegant appearance and outstanding demeanor, smiled and bowed.

Jiang Shaohua said with a smile: "Minister Dong is here on behalf of the emperor to convey the imperial edict. No need to be polite. Please stand up quickly."

The two chief secretaries, Chen and Feng, immediately stepped forward and exchanged greetings with Minister Dong.

The civil servants gathered together to discuss the order of their advancement through the imperial examinations, and then their official positions. In terms of official positions, Chen Changshi and Feng Changshi were only fifth-rank officials, certainly not as good as Dong Shilang. In terms of the imperial examinations, Chen Changshi and Feng Changshi were two subjects earlier than Dong Shilang, and were serious predecessors.

It was no secret in the capital that Minister Dong was on good terms with the Nanyang Palace. After all, he often spoke for the Nanyang County Lord in the court. Emperor Taihe specially sent Minister Dong here, apparently because he felt a little ashamed for not being able to meet his cousin's request.

Minister Dong exchanged pleasantries with everyone and his eyes quickly fell on Cui Du: "Is this the Earl of Changning?"

Cui Du immediately responded and stepped forward to greet Minister Dong.

He was actually quite casual on weekdays, but the princess was very tolerant of him, and everyone didn't restrict him. After Cui Ping came these days, he repeatedly taught him etiquette. In the past few days, in order to receive the imperial edict, he was specially trained in the etiquette of sitting, lying down and walking.

It's understandable that he can't be compared with Zheng Chen and Wang Jin, who were born noblemen with elegant manners.

Minister Dong hurriedly smiled and helped Cui Du up: "No, no, the Lord Changning has grown new crops, which is a great contribution to the country and the people. How can this humble official deserve this gift from the Lord Changning?"

In front of everyone, he praised Cui Du a lot, saying things like "a young talent", "a man of excellent character and appearance", "one in a million" and so on.

It is no exaggeration to say that the civil servants are eloquent.

Cui Du was flattered by the praise and couldn't help but look at the princess.

Jiang Shaohua laughed and winked at Cui Du.

If this is the case, just ignore it and don't take it seriously.

After Dong Shilang and his party entered the city gate, they were warmly cheered by the people. Hearing the noise coming from outside the carriage, Dong Shilang couldn't help but look out, and saw a little girl of about 11 or 12 years old, shouting "Long live the princess", her face flushed.

Minister Dong smiled, thinking that this was only possible in Nanyang County. In other places, girls of this age would be confined at home, and would never have the chance to go out and join in the fun.

Nanyang County is prosperous, peaceful and full of vitality. The happiness and well-being of the people are written on their faces. It is indeed a good place!

The carriage moved forward slowly and arrived at the Nanyang Palace after an hour and a half.

The palace was well prepared, with the main gate open and the incense table set up.

After Minister Dong got off the carriage, he solemnly announced the start of the award ceremony. Today's protagonist is of course Changning Earl Cui Du, and even Jiang Shaohua, the Princess of Nanyang, has to step aside today.

The complicated awarding ceremony lasted for half a day.

As expected, Minister Dong has worked in the Ministry of Rites for many years. He is very familiar with all the procedures and speaks eloquently and fluently.

Chen Changshi and Feng Changshi were both successful candidates in the imperial examinations, and most of the county magistrates were also successful candidates in the imperial examinations. People who knew what was good could see the difference and they had great respect for Minister Dong.

Changning Earl Cui Du, who didn't know what was going on, listened to a long and difficult speech and thought, is this human language? He clearly didn't understand, but he had to pretend to understand, always showing gratitude to the emperor on his face, and kowtowing respectfully and loudly.

Cui Du endured silently for two hours and finally waited until the reward ceremony was over.

Under the envious gazes of the crowd, Cui Du took the imperial edict delivered by Minister Dong, and then, accompanied by Cui Ping and Lu Cong, went to the inner room to change into the earl's dress.

People need clothes, Buddha needs gold ornaments. This is absolutely true.

When Cui Du came out wearing the earl's formal dress, even Jiang Shaohua was stunned.

The boy next door, who looked a little immature and usually dressed simply and casually, suddenly looked more noble and majestic against the backdrop of the court's formal dress. His handsome face, which was tanned by the sun, also glowed.

Cui Du's heart was pounding when he saw the princess's gaze. He asked inappropriately, "Princess, do I look good in this outfit?"

Everyone laughed.

Amidst the laughter, Jiang Shaohua praised seriously: "It looks good."

Everyone laughed even harder, and the air was filled with ease and joy.

Cui Du's handsome face turned a little red, and his pair of black eyes became brighter.

……

That evening, the Prince of Nanyang held a banquet to celebrate the Earl of Changning.

The princess, who disliked extravagance, made an exception this time and not only prepared a banquet of the highest standards, but also had fireworks prepared.

As the banquet came to an end, magnificent fireworks bloomed in the sky above the palace.

The people of the entire Nanyang County came to watch the excitement.

"Fireworks can only be seen during the Lantern Festival every year. I never thought that there would be fireworks tonight as well."

"Master Cui has been conferred the title of Earl of Changning. This honor also belongs to our Nanyang County. If the princess is happy, it's not surprising to set off fireworks!"

"Will Lord Changning marry into the royal family and become the husband of our princess?"

"I think this can be accomplished."

"Bah, what's the point of looking at it? You have to be favored by the princess."

The officials and county magistrates who were watching the fireworks in the palace gathered in groups of three or four to chat and laugh. From time to time, everyone's eyes drifted towards the princess and the newly promoted Earl of Changning.

Jiang Shaohua was so generous in his actions. In front of everyone, he did not hide anything and just stood side by side with Cui Du.

Cui Du's joy was so great that it almost overflowed from his mouth. He suddenly took a step back quietly.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and turned around: "Why are you stepping back?"

Cui Du replied as a matter of course: "Whether I am a little mute or Master Cui, even if I am the Earl of Changning, I have to stand back in front of the princess."

After a pause, he lowered his voice so that only they could hear each other: "I look forward to catching up with you. I am willing to follow behind the princess and follow her."

No matter when or where, you will always be my princess.

Jiang Shaohua looked at Cui Du deeply.

The sky is filled with brilliant fireworks, leaving an imprint in each other's eyes.