Chapter 63
Proofreader : Mim
The Emperor’s gaze swept across the crowd and landed on the tall, upright figure of Xie Lanxu.
With a benevolent smile, the Emperor said warmly, “Come closer, let me take a good look at you.”
Xie Lanxu stepped forward three paces with a respectful demeanor.
“Closer still, come stand before me.”
After a brief hesitation, Xie Lanxu moved to stand directly before the Emperor.
From his seat on the long couch, the Emperor raised his head and gazed deeply at the young man before him.
“So alike… too alike.”
Everyone present understood that the Emperor was speaking of the deposed Crown Prince but wisely kept silent.
“You resemble your father greatly,” the Emperor said with a faint smile. “But your ways are not the same. The eldest was upright, but he lacked flexibility. If he were here to handle this war… never mind. There’s no point in discussing such things now. Old age… I am getting old indeed.”
“You’re a good child. It was your cleverness and adaptability that spared the people of the Mingyue Tower region from the suffering of war. You’ve done well!” The Emperor smiled, reaching out to pat Xie Lanxu on the shoulder.
“You have all done well,” the Emperor said, addressing the crowd. “For this, I will reward you all generously.”
The Emperor’s expression turned serious, signaling that he was about to issue an official decree.
“Xie Lanxu, the Prince of Langya, anticipated the enemy’s movements with divine precision and was instrumental in quelling the rebellion. He is awarded 100 gold ingots, 400 silver ingots, ten measures of golden pearls, a princely residence, two carts of gold and silver utensils, and 100 bolts of silk. His coronation ceremony will take place in two days at the Luan Pavilion.”
Just as everyone thought the rewards for Xie Lanxu were complete, the Emperor smiled again and added, “Additionally, he is appointed Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review (Dali Temple Shaoqing), to assist the Minister in resolving the unsolved cases of the capital.”
At this, both Prince Jing (Xie Jingtan) and Xie Fengshao were visibly stunned, with Xie Jingtan reacting the most strongly.
“Father—”
Before he could finish speaking, the Emperor continued on his own.
“The three Moqi brothers, for their bravery in turning against their kin and fighting valiantly, are appointed to the Imperial Guard to defend the capital. Moqi’s daughter is awarded 30 gold ingots, 100 silver ingots, three measures of golden pearls, a residence, and 100 bolts of silk.”
“The children of the disgraced Li family, Li Xiangsheng and Li Cien, for their courage in defending the weak and standing up to the strong, are rewarded thus: the elder brother is appointed as a lieutenant in the Imperial Army, and the younger sister is awarded 30 gold ingots and 100 silver ingots.”
“As for Li Zhi—”
The Emperor’s gaze fell on Li Zhi, who stood with her head bowed and silent.
“She showed no fear in the face of danger and acted with composure under pressure. Risking her life, she infiltrated enemy lines and contributed greatly to the Prince of Langya’s success by capturing the enemy leader. She is awarded 30 gold ingots, 100 silver ingots, ten measures of golden pearls, a residence… and is appointed to the position of Female Official (Sizheng). She will take office in three days.”
The hall erupted in silent shock. The Emperor’s reward for Li Zhi startled everyone.
It was unprecedented in the past hundred years for a woman to receive an official title based on merit.
“Your Majesty… the Li family still has an elderly, paralyzed matron,” the chief eunuch whispered quietly by the Emperor’s side.
This eunuch, if silent, looked more like a pale, lifeless statue than a person.
From the moment she had entered the hall, Li Zhi had taken note of him. He was extraordinarily tall but gaunt, his bone-thin frame wrapped in skin so pale it seemed ghostly, as though he were a coffin poorly pieced together.
Li Xiangsheng had been appointed to the Imperial Army, and Li Cien was still under thirteen. If Li Zhi were to be summoned to the palace, there would be no one left to care for their Mansion.
The Emperor did not press the matter and smiled as he said, “Ah, I nearly forgot. The old matron of the Li family has already been sent to the residence I’ve granted you. While I still appoint you as Sizheng, I will allow you to tend to her. You may come and go between the palace and your home, spending the night outside the palace as needed, provided you attend your daily duties in the palace.”
When the Emperor’s voice fell, the hall was utterly silent.
Under the varied gazes of the court, Li Zhi remained calm as she bowed to express her gratitude.
Among the women who had contributed to this battle, Moqi Danliao and Li Cien received only gold, silver, and silk. Only Li Zhi, like the men, was awarded an official position.
The Emperor’s intentions were impossible not to ponder.
Only Li Zhi knew the true reason, but she kept her lips sealed. Beneath her calm expression, her fingers dug deeply into her palms.
After the rewards were issued, the Emperor asked a few casual questions about the customs and scenery of Mingyue Tower before dismissing everyone.
Outside the palace, Xie Lanxu was intercepted by Prince Jing, who seemed intent on roping him into an alliance.
Meanwhile, one of the servants who had been present in the throne room approached Li Zhi and said respectfully, “Miss, your residence is in the Hulu Alley, second house on the street. All the rewards granted by His Majesty have been delivered, and the old matron is already waiting for you there.”
“Thank you, Eunuch,” Li Zhi replied.
“Those two servants over there will escort you to Hulu Alley,” the eunuch said, nodding toward two lower-ranking palace attendants approaching them. Then, with a slight bow, he added, “Tomorrow, I will address you as Sizheng. Since we’ll both be working in the palace, I hope you’ll guide me in the future.”
“It will be my honor to receive your advice, Eunuch,” Li Zhi replied.
Without time to bid farewell to the others, Li Zhi was ushered into a carriage that would take her out of the palace. Inside, Li Cien and Li Xiangsheng sat on one side, while a young servant took the remaining seat.
During the journey, Li Xiangsheng glanced at Li Zhi several times, clearly wanting to speak but hesitating.
—-
Notes and Context:
- “Sizheng” (司正): This is an administrative rank typically not granted to women. The Emperor’s decision to appoint Li Zhi to such a role is unprecedented and highly symbolic, reflecting her extraordinary contributions.
