bayedsolid Chapter 42 The imperial edict arrives
Chapter 42 The imperial edict arrives
Sunlight streamed onto the vermilion gates of the Prime Minister's residence, making them gleam. The stone lions at the entrance sat majestically, as if awaiting something important.
A high-pitched cry of "Imperial decree has arrived!" shattered the tranquility of the Prime Minister's residence. Upon hearing this, everyone in the residence hurriedly gathered in the main hall and knelt to receive the decree.
Prime Minister Lin straightened his court robes, his expression solemn yet unable to hide his excitement. His hands trembled slightly, and his eyes were full of anticipation.
Aunt Liu and Lin Yueyue stood to the side. Lin Yueyue's lips curled down slightly, her eyes filled with disdain. She muttered under her breath, "She's just good with words, what's so great about that?" Aunt Liu gently tugged at her sleeve, signaling her not to say anything more, but the jealousy on her own face was like a dark cloud.
The eunuch unfurled the imperial edict and read it aloud in a shrill voice: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Lin Qianqian, the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister, is intelligent, quick-witted, decisive, and has made outstanding contributions to the court's great cause of pacification. Therefore, she is hereby granted the title of Princess Huiying, and bestowed with a thousand taels of gold, a hundred bolts of silk, and a considerable amount of jewels. Furthermore, I observe that she and Prince Murong Yi are deeply in love, a perfect match made in heaven. The wedding date is moved up to next week. The Prime Minister's residence is hereby ordered to expedite preparations for the grand wedding. This is the imperial decree!"
Prime Minister Lin shouted, "Your Majesty, I accept the decree and thank you for your great favor!" His voice was slightly high-pitched with excitement. When he stood up, the wrinkles on his face were full of smiles. He hurriedly said to the eunuch, "You've worked hard, please take a seat and have some tea!" Prime Minister Lin was overjoyed, thinking that his family's glory would be even greater and that he would be even more illustrious in the court in the future.
Lin Qianqian, dressed in a plain silk dress, gracefully bowed to receive the imperial decree. When she stood up, she only gave a slight curtsy. Her expression was calm, but deep in her eyes was a hint of absent-mindedness that was hard for others to detect.
Xiaodie watched her mistress from the side, her eyes sparkling with joy, and said softly, "Miss, this is a joyous occasion! You've finally overcome all your hardships and are about to become a princess and marry a prince."
Lin Qianqian simply nodded, gazing at the distant sky, her thoughts drifting. She was filled with worry; the happiness that seemed so close was shrouded in a mist, making it difficult for her to truly grasp it.
Lin Zhenxuan, beaming with joy, excitedly said to Lin Qianqian, "Qianqian, this is a momentous occasion! You have been bestowed the title of Princess Huiying and will soon marry the Prince. This is truly an honor for our Lin family. Our Lin family has been loyal to the emperor and the country for generations. Now that you have received this honor, I am overjoyed and don't know what to do."
Lin Qianqian lowered her head slightly, smiling without saying a word.
Lin Yueyue chimed in sarcastically, "Oh, sister, you're so lucky! In the blink of an eye, you've become a princess and are about to marry into the royal family in grand style. Unlike me, I can only watch you rise to power from here in the Prime Minister's mansion. But this good fortune came so suddenly, I wonder what others will think. Sister, you'd better be careful not to be blinded by this wealth and glory and lose your sense of propriety."
As she spoke, she gently covered the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief, her eyes filled with jealousy and resentment. Her words seemed to be laced with vinegar, their sourness permeating the air.
Prime Minister Lin frowned immediately, his face darkening, and he quickly glanced at Lin Yueyue. His gaze was like a sharp, cold light, carrying a clear warning and rebuke, "Stop talking nonsense, lest you ruin things at this moment."
Lin Yueyue immediately pouted her luscious little mouth, curled her lips in utter disdain, and turned away angrily to the other side, filled with resentment.
Seeing this, Aunt Liu put on a seemingly kind smile and subtly tugged at her clothes, as if to gently comfort her.
Then, Aunt Liu turned to Lin Qianqian, curtsied, and put on a fake smile, saying, "Congratulations, Your Highness. Such an honor is truly unmatched by others. I hope that Your Highness will continue to favor the Prime Minister's residence in the future and not forget our past friendship." Although her words seemed to be congratulatory, they could not hide the insincerity and hidden jealousy in her tone.
Lin Qianqian ignored Aunt Liu's feigned concern. She moved gracefully and looked directly at Lin Zhenxuan. She parted her lips slightly and said softly, "Father, my mind is filled with many thoughts. I would like to go out for a walk to sort out my feelings and think about the future. After I have calmed down, I will discuss the many matters of this wedding with you."
Lin Zhenxuan nodded slightly, smiling indulgently as he said, "Okay~ Go ahead! Don't stay out too late!"
"Your daughter understands!" Lin Qianqian curtsied respectfully, then slowly turned and left, with Xiaodie following closely behind.