Chapter 1037: Full-level Boss Dressed As a Peasant Girl
Chapter 1037: The Empty Title of Zhang County Princess
Xiang Weinan nodded in agreement, "You, as the village lord, have earned your position through genuine achievements, gaining recognition from the court and receiving a stipend. As for her, she's just an empty title without any substance."
Curious, Shu Yu asked, "Why do you say that?"
"Well," Xiang Weinan began, "this Zhang County Princess used to come from a family involved in some small businesses, about seven years ago, if I recall correctly. The Zhang family brought her to the capital to seek refuge with relatives. Coincidentally, the Empress Dowager decided to leave the palace incognito for a private visit. However, she encountered an assassin's attack, and by some twist of fate, this Zhang County Princess saved the Empress Dowager and even took a stab for her during the chaos."
Such incidents were not uncommon throughout history, with countless people risking their lives to protect the Emperor or Empress Dowager.
Initially, no one suggested granting her the title of a county princess, although she would undoubtedly receive generous rewards for her actions.
But after taking that stab for the Empress Dowager, she suffered severe injuries and was on the verge of death. Fortunately, the imperial physicians managed to save her, and she eventually woke up after a few days of unconsciousness.
The Empress Dowager was deeply moved by the courage of this young girl who risked her life to protect her. She asked what rewards she desired, but the County Princess declined any material gifts, stating that saving the Empress Dowager was her honor, and the scar from the stab wound was her badge of merit.
The Empress Dowager was even more touched by her words and assured her that she would be well taken care of.
County Princess Zhang was treated and recuperated in the imperial medical hall. The Empress Dowager occasionally visited her, and over time, they developed a close relationship. The Empress Dowager grew very fond of her.
Xiang Weinan continued, "In truth, the Empress Dowager had developed a sort of attachment to her. Many years ago, the Empress Dowager had a young daughter who passed away when she was around twelve or thirteen due to illness. The Empress Dowager mourned her for many years, and I suppose there's something about this County Princess Zhang that reminds her of her late daughter. Anyway, the Empress Dowager convinced the Emperor to grant her the title of a county princess."
Initially, the Emperor disagreed, thinking that the generous rewards were enough, and there was no need to bestow a county princess title, which was a substantial privilege.
However, the Empress Dowager insisted, criticizing the Emperor for being ungrateful to a girl who had saved his mother, accusing him of filial impiety.
The Emperor was at a loss, but in the end, he agreed to the Empress Dowager's request. Nonetheless, the title of county princess was merely symbolic, as she received no stipend or land, leaving her with only a name.
County Princess Zhang stayed in the capital for two years.
During those two years, she experienced the warmth and coldness of human relationships. The capital was a place where the powerful and wealthy gathered. Besides her, there were numerous other county princesses, not to mention the daughters of high-ranking officials. Without the occasional care from the Empress Dowager, County Princess Zhang was nothing and meant nothing.
She tried hard to integrate herself into this society, but it was evident that others didn't accept her, and she was the subject of ridicule behind her back.
Feeling depressed, she realized she couldn't make a name for herself in the capital. So, what if she returned to her hometown? There was no county princess in Dong'an Prefecture.
Coincidentally, the Empress Dowager passed away after two years.
With her greatest and only supporter gone, the Emperor didn't even remember there was such a county princess. Even the daughters of fifth or sixth-grade officials in the capital looked down on her. So, why should she continue to stay in the capital?
County Princess Zhang then returned gracefully to Dong'an Prefecture, where she felt much freer. Here, most ladies and wives treated her as an honored guest, trying to please her in various ways.
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