Chapter 179: The Imperial Grandson - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 179: The Imperial Grandson

"Congratulations, Empress. Congratulations to Prince Ke and the Princess. It’s a little imperial grandson!"

"An imperial grandson! He’s truly my grandson!"

The Empress, overjoyed, lifted the silk quilt to confirm, then sighed with relief. She turned to the Crown Prince, "Son, go tell your father that the eldest grandson of the Great Jin has finally been born."

After nearly ten years of anticipation, they had finally welcomed this precious heir.

Approaching the exhausted Princess Ke, the Empress took her hand and said, "On behalf of His Majesty and my son, thank you. Please take care of yourself now. I will handle everything from here."

"Thank you, Mother Empress." With no strength even to smile, the Crown Princess asked the midwife, "Please bring the baby to me."

Following the order, the midwife happily carried the child over. The newborn prince looked quite robust, with a rosy face that resembled Emperor Qi.

"This child really has grown well. He looks even more like His Majesty than the Crown Prince."

It seemed to hint at something. The Crown Prince’s wife, who had safely delivered her child after ten months, was too weak to hold him, but she was very fond of him.

"Alright, let the wet nurse feed the baby first. You should rest and regain your strength. You can hold him later when you feel better." the Empress advised.

The Crown Princess nodded. She was indeed exhausted. After the baby was taken away, she quickly fell asleep, resting until morning.

The next morning, Emperor Qi's first task after court was to visit Chang Le Palace and see his eldest grandson.

They say children grow quickly. Even though the baby was only born the previous night, he already seemed much bigger.

Emperor Qi was deeply affectionate toward his newborn grandson. The Empress took this opportunity to suggest, "Your Majesty, the grandson still needs a name. Why don’t you bestow one? It would be a great blessing for the child."

"Yes, Empress, you’re right. This is our first grandson, so it should be given proper consideration." Emperor Qi pondered for a moment before saying, "Name him Yong Cong."

"Xiao Yong Cong, may the Xiao family’s legacy prosper forever." The Empress whispered the name with satisfaction, then beamed at Emperor Qi, "Thank you for the name, Your Majesty. Yong Cong will surely be a fine son of the Great Jin."

Emperor Qi laughed heartily, momentarily forgetting the border unrest.

After visiting the grandson, Emperor Qi returned to the Jiao Tai Hall, where the Ninth Prince, Duke Wei, Lord Kang, Xiao Mu Qian, and General Su were already waiting to discuss the situation in the northwest.

"Your Majesty, please allow me to lead the troops to assist General Xiao Ji."

Xiao Mu Qian, who grew up in Liangzhou and was the nephew of General Xiao Ji, had been anxious about the war in the northwest. Now that he had the chance to speak with the Emperor, he was determined not to delay.

"Indeed, a descendant of the Xiao family faces danger without retreating. Like my Ninth, they are both pillars of the Great Jin!"

Emperor Qi liked his nephew, noting that he was not the heir to the Prince Kang’s mansion, posing less threat to the imperial family. Xiao Mu Qian had always behaved properly while stationed in Liangzhou, making him a promising candidate.

To the Ninth Prince, he said, "Since Mu Qian has this intention, he shall be appointed as the Left Vanguard and Pingyuan General. This campaign must make the Northern Di see that daring to covet our Great Jin will only lead to their own downfall!"

"Yes, I accept the command!"

"Yes, I obey the decree!"

Both were young men in their early twenties. Observing them, General Su felt a sense of the new generation succeeding the old.

"As for General Su, he shall be appointed as the Right Vanguard and An Ding General. Work together with the Ninth Prince and Mu Qian. Be cautious and avoid impulsive actions. General Su, with your years of experience, do not overreach. Understood?"

"Your Majesty, I will certainly respect General Su as my mentor and will not act recklessly."

The sincerity in their promises reassured Emperor Qi. He wanted to ensure that the young and impulsive officers did not fall into traps. Thus, he arranged for General Su to accompany them, allowing him to wait for their victorious return with peace of mind.

"Lord Duke."

"Here, Your Majesty."

"Have you thought it over overnight? Are you still opposed to my plans?" Emperor Qi had already given Duke Wei a chance to retreat. With the Ninth Prince heading to the front lines, someone needed to handle the logistics and supplies. Traditionally, this was Duke Wei’s responsibility, and he hoped it would be no different this time.

Duke Wei, not foolish, took the hint and replied, "I was momentarily foolish and went against Your Majesty. It is a grave mistake. If Your Majesty is willing to forgive me, I am indeed fortunate. I would not dare repeat my mistakes. I will follow Your Majesty's orders."

The respectful attitude pleased Emperor Qi. He said, "As ruler and minister, we must put aside trivial matters in the face of great danger. With the Ninth and others heading out, logistics and supplies are crucial. You should focus on these matters. I trust you to handle them."

"Thank you for Your Majesty’s trust. I will ensure everything is prepared within three days."

"Very well. Prepare your own arrangements as well. Three days later, I will see the troops off at the west city gate!"

"Your Majesty’s orders are clear!"

After finalizing the border arrangements, Prince Kang, who had been silent, finally spoke.

"Your Majesty, I have a petition to make."

"What does Prince Kang wish to discuss? Speak freely, and I will make a decision."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am now in my old age and unable to manage many family matters. I request that the heir be formally declared as Prince Kang and that my grandson be promoted to heir. This way, I can enjoy my remaining years in peace."

Emperor Qi had already considered this suggestion, but he had been waiting for the right moment. Since the heir was modest and compliant, he saw no harm in agreeing. He said, "I neglected to consider Prince Kang’s age. Very well, after the spring examinations, the heir will be officially appointed as Prince Kang, and the grandson will be promoted to heir. As for Mu Qian, if he returns victorious, I will grant him a princely title, which can be hereditary. How does that sound?"

Overjoyed, Prince Kang and Xiao Mu Qian both knelt and thanked the Emperor profusely.

After leaving the Jiao Tai Hall, Duke Wei congratulated Prince Kang, "Your decision to retire and pass on the title is truly admirable. It’s great news that our family will gain another prince. Congratulations indeed."

"I am old and no longer as energetic as Duke Wei. Let the younger generation take charge. As for congratulations, I must be the first to congratulate Duke Wei on his granddaughter’s upcoming marriage. I look forward to celebrating with you."

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