Chapter 173: Audience with the Emperor - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 173: Audience with the Emperor
He blamed it all on being drunk, and if Yue Jian hadn't been right there, he would have pinned all the blame on her. Hearing this, Yue Jian gave a bitter smile, knowing this was her own choice, and she had to see it through.
She bowed low before Wei Lanxuan, having nothing more to say.
Yue Jian had served her for many years without major faults. Though Wei Lanxuan was angry, she didn't intend to take her life.
"Since you've lost your chastity, you can't accompany me to the Liang family. When I return home, I'll arrange for you to marry Ali. Whether you continue working in the mansion or move to my dowry estate is up to you."
"Miss..." Yue Jian, with tears in her eyes, looked at her with a mix of guilt and gratitude. Despite her shameful actions, her Miss was still giving her a way out. She kowtowed repeatedly, "Miss, even in death, I want to stay with you. I'll go to your estate."
Wei Lanxuan looked at her with a complex expression. Yue Juan's firm resolve evoked some sympathy.
"Have you thought this through? Though the estate is near the city, life as a farmer is very different from life in the mansion."
"I have thought it through. Your estate needs someone to manage it, and I am willing."
Ali, who initially thought he could use Yue Jian to get into the Liang household and rise quickly, was now disheartened. He had hoped for a better future but now saw it crumble. He dared not say a word for fear of incurring Wei Lanxuan's wrath, so he bowed his head and thanked her for her mercy.
Wei Lanxuan had a maid help Yue Jian up and addressed Ali with displeasure, "You can leave now. Have your father come formally propose tomorrow. The wedding will be delayed until March, and then you both can move to the estate. The people there are honest and won't gossip. Yue Jian can rest and prepare for childbirth."
Wei Lanxuan's words hinted at the possibility of a future return if the child was born, something Yue Jian understood but Ali did not. She sighed with relief and cried before Wei Lanxuan.
"Alright, go pack up. Have someone bring me my soup later. Rest for the next few days. Beitang and Nanhu can attend to me."
"Yes!"
Beitang and Nanhu were also maids of Wei Lanxuan, though not as close as Yue Jian. Now, with Yue Juan's situation, it seemed they would accompany her to her new home.
While the Wei family's affairs continued, the Junhua Palace was filled with solemnity and grandeur.
Emperor Qi sat high on the dragon throne, exuding an imposing presence that made many visiting envoys from small countries marvel at the strength of this great nation. The officials, led by Duke Wei, exuded vigor, determined to show the visitors the might of the Jin dynasty.
With Bai Xiang ill, the veteran ministers were led by Duke Wei, with Prince Kang and Duke Zheng standing by.
Among the princes, the Crown Prince was impeccably dressed, displaying his noble bearing. The Sixth Prince remained gentle and unobtrusive, while the Ninth Prince, preoccupied, had an inscrutable expression.
"The envoy from Xuegu, Budelaisi, greets the Emperor of Jin. May the friendship between our nations endure forever. Long live the Emperor." The envoy bowed without kneeling, his eyes filled with sincerity.
"Envoy Budelaisi's words please me greatly. Xuegu and Jin have always coexisted peacefully, and may it continue so."
Budelaisi presented a qilin statue carved from ice jade, catching Emperor Qi's eye.
"Recently, a rare ice jade was discovered in the ice fields, unbreakable. My emperor ordered it carved into Jin's auspicious beast, the qilin, knowing it is the Emperor's favorite. We present it to you as a symbol of our friendship."
"Good, good. A qilin made of ice jade, adding a touch of ethereal beauty. Exquisite craftsmanship! Reward them!"
Emperor Qi, sitting high was very pleased with the distant gift.
The splendid gift from Xuegu made other envoys feel competitive. The Third Prince of Jiaoren, not to be outdone, stepped forward, "The gift from Xuegu is splendid. If Jiaoren had famous jade mines, we would certainly present an even more lifelike qilin to the Emperor."
"Haha, Third Prince, such big words. What have you brought to present to my father?" The Crown Prince, having bonded with the Third Prince over drinks at the guest house, spoke warmly, alerting Duke Wei.
Jiaoren, though not as powerful as Jin, was still strong. If the Crown Prince gained their support, it could be problematic for Duke Wei's faction. Preoccupied with the northwest war, they had overlooked this.
The Third Prince, smiling at the Crown Prince, said, "My father knows the Emperor's interest in naval matters and has sent a blueprint for a warship with forty-eight cannons and three thousand small cannons. If built, it will dominate the seas."
He presented a gilded scroll, delighting Emperor Qi, "Bring it up for me to see!"
The Crown Prince, grabbing the scroll, respectfully handed it to the Emperor, flattering, "With this treasure, the Emperor will surely bring peace to the seas!"
His words were tactful, clearly aimed at the seafaring Qinglei people, who had long been a thorn in Jin's side. Though weakened by a tsunami, they once posed a great threat to Jin's coastal regions.
All eyes turned to the Qinglei envoy, expecting a reaction, but the goddess remained composed, not even flinching, disappointing those hoping for drama.
"Haha, Third Prince, this gift is wonderful. I'm very pleased. We'll have a good drink at the banquet later."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Third Prince looked at the unflinching Qinglei's goddess, smirking, "What gift has the goddess brought? I hear your queen excels at embroidery. Could it be one of her masterpieces?"
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