The Prime Minister’s Darling - Chapter 1263

Chapter 1263: 616 Princess of Hu Guo County (second update)_2 Chapter 1263: 616 Princess of Hu Guo County (second update)_2 The Emperor bestowed upon her the title of Princess Protector of the Nation.

Both the Marquis of Xuanping and Princess Xinyang were also meritorious defenders of Zhan Country. The Emperor’s intent was to either elevate the Marquis of Xuanping to the King of Xuanping or to promote Princess Xinyang to the rank of Princess Chang of Dingguo.

But one could not have both honors.

The choice was thus left to the couple.

Additionally, Prime Minister Yuan submitted a petition to the Emperor, requesting the establishment of a junior advisor position within the cabinet.

“Oh?” Inside the Imperial Study Room, the Emperor looked at Prime Minister Yuan in surprise, “Yuan Aiqing, after so many years in the cabinet, you’ve never had the idea to set up a junior advisor position. Why the sudden inspiration now?”

Prime Minister Yuan clasped his hands together and replied, “This old servant is getting on in years, and I find myself lacking the energy for many tasks. Furthermore, the affair of the Grand Tutor Zhuang has had a profound impact on the cabinet, causing instability and significantly weakening our authority and credibility. I hope to find someone who can revitalize the cabinet and better serve Your Majesty and the court of Zhan Country.”

These words struck a chord with the Emperor. That old rogue Zhuang Tai Fu had caused trouble for half the cabinet, and both deputy ministers were his men. Although they hadn’t done anything egregiously out of line, the Emperor was also not entirely comfortable entrusting the cabinet to these two.

The Emperor inquired, “Yuan Aiqing, who do you have in mind for the junior advisor?”

Prime Minister Yuan smiled and said, “Reader-in-waiting of the Hanlin Academy, the registrar of the Ministry of Justice… Xiao Liulang.”

But the key issue was that he was Xiao Hen. How could His Majesty revert his identity back?

After all, he cannot spend his entire life under the guise of Xiao Liulang.

The Emperor pondered for a moment, “Allow me some time to consider it.”

“Yes,” responded Yuan, agreeing that a careful consideration was necessary given the importance of the matter.

“By the way,” the Emperor called out just as Prime Minister Yuan was about to withdraw, “I’ve heard that the Yuan Family is planning a marriage alliance with the Marquis Residence of Ning An. Is there truth to this?”

Prime Minister Yuan replied, “Indeed, there is such a matter, between Gu Changqing and my granddaughter, Yuan Baolin.”

The Emperor was quite surprised but upon reflection found it suitable, “Changqing and Baolin… indeed seem like a match made in heaven.”

Upon mentioning this, Prime Minister Yuan smiled wryly, “Actually, it was the two young ones who consented on their own.”

The misunderstanding about Yuan Baolin’s pregnancy had been cleared up long ago. To be honest, Prime Minister Yuan didn’t think there was much chance for the two, as they didn’t seem to have much passion for each other. He had thought that if either of them was unwilling, he would not have forced the marriage. However, to his surprise, they both suddenly agreed on the same day.

As if they had coordinated the decision, which made it hard for Prime Minister Yuan to refuse.

…

The auspicious day determined by the Imperial Astronomical Observatory was the ninth day of the third lunar month.

Upon receiving the news, Marquis Gu got up before dawn, tidied himself thoroughly, and, dressed in neat official robes, waited at the entrance of the new Residence.

He was very excited.

Because he was about to meet the Empress Dowager.

Given his rank, he seldom attended court sessions, let alone meet with the powerful Empress Dowager who held sway over the court and the country.

Little did he know that he had not only met her before but also ridiculed her coldly and heatedly.

The second reason for his excitement was that he was finally going to meet the mysterious owner of this Residence.

The Residence was built to the specifications of a Princess Residence. At first, he thought it was constructed for Zhuang Yuexi, then later deemed it was for Princess Ning An returning from the borderlands.

But the Zhuang family members were exiled, and Princess Ning An was an impostor, so who exactly was the owner of this Residence?

Surely it wasn’t that insignificant remnant, Huangfu Xian, right?

No, that couldn’t be. There had been no news of Huangfu Xian returning to the capital at the beginning of the construction.

“Who exactly is it?” Marquis Gu’s curiosity felt as though a cat was clawing at his insides.

“Marquis! Marquis!” Huang Zhong hurried over, “The Empress Dowager’s retinue has arrived!”

“Prepare to welcome her!” Marquis Gu straightened his black gauze hat and dusted off his wide sleeves before joining the officials and attendants to respectfully bow down in greeting.

The majestic retinue of the Empress Dowager came to a halt in front of the grand and splendid Residence.

Marquis Gu announced loudly, “Welcome to the Empress Dowager! May the Empress Dowager live for thousands and thousands and thousands of years!”

Everyone followed in the greeting, “Welcome to the Empress Dowager! May the Empress Dowager live for thousands and thousands and thousands of years!”

Eunuch Qin dismounted from the carriage first, lifting the curtain for the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager stepped down from the carriage, accompanied by a young girl dressed in blue.

Marquis Gu’s eyes fell upon the girl’s blue skirt hem and white embroidered shoes, wondering to himself if this was the owner of the Residence.

Indeed, her demeanor was nothing short of extraordinary, her stroll carried an air more regal and noble than ordinary women.

“Come and see your Princess Residence,” the Empress Dowager said.

“Alright,” the girl agreed.

A frown creased Marquis Gu’s brow.

Why does that voice sound somewhat familiar?

Emboldened, Marquis Gu lifted his head to glance at the girl, only to be stunned, frozen on the spot!

Why was it this wretched girl!