Chapter 413 Momentum (2)
With everyone's eager anticipation, the imperial envoys finally arrived in Nanyang County on the 22nd of the twelfth lunar month.
On this day, Princess Nanyang personally led her subordinate officials and county magistrates out of the city to meet the imperial envoy.
The person who came to convey the imperial edict was Dong Shilang of the Ministry of Rites.
Dong Shilang is forty-five years old this year, which is in his prime. Dong Shilang was born in the second place in the rankings and was very knowledgeable. He had been serving in the Ministry of Rites. In just ten years, he became the Minister of Rites, a high-ranking official in the court.
There is another important reason why Dong Shilang took the mission of delivering the order. Dong Shilang had contacts with the Nanyang Palace as early as more than ten years ago. In the past few years, King Nanyang passed away due to illness. Chen Changshi and Dong Shilang have been exchanging letters, and the annual rituals are also particularly generous.
It can be said that Dong Shilang is one of the most important connections in the Nanyang Palace in the court.
“I have met Princess Nanyang.”
Shilang Dong, who has an elegant appearance and outstanding demeanor, smiled and bowed his hands.
Jiang Shaohua said with a smile: "Shilang Dong is here to convey the imperial edict on behalf of the emperor. No need to be polite, please get up quickly."
Chen and Feng, the two chief ministers, immediately stepped forward to chat with Dong Shilang.
The civil servants got together to discuss first the order of admission to the imperial examination, and then the official position. In terms of official positions, Chen Changshi and Feng Changshi were only fifth-rank officials, certainly not as good as Dong Shilang. In terms of imperial examinations, Chen Changshi and Feng Changshi were two subjects ahead of Dong Shilang, so they were serious seniors.
The good relationship between Dong Shilang and the Prince of Nanyang is not a secret in the capital. After all, he often speaks for the head of Nanyang County in court. Emperor Taihe specially sent Dong Shilang here, apparently because he was a little ashamed of not being able to satisfy his cousin's request.
Dong Shilang exchanged greetings with everyone, and his eyes quickly fell on Cui Du: "Is this Uncle Chang Ning?"
Cui Du immediately stepped forward to greet Dong Shilang.
He is actually quite undisciplined on weekdays. The princess has always been very tolerant to him and everyone does not restrain him. These days, after Cui Ping came, he repeatedly taught him some etiquette. In the past few days, in order to receive the order, he was specially trained in the etiquette of sitting, lying and walking.
It makes sense that it is incomparable with Zheng Chen and Wang Jin who were born as noble sons and have elegant manners.
Shilang Dong smiled hurriedly and helped Cui Du up: "I can't help it, but Uncle Chang Ning has grown new grains, which has made great contributions to the country and the people. How can a lower official deserve this gift from Uncle Chang Ning."< br>
In front of everyone, he praised Cui Du very much, such as "a handsome young man", "exquisite appearance", "unparalleled in a thousand miles" and so on.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the mouth of a civil servant is like a lotus flower.
Cui Du was so complimented that he couldn't help but look at the princess.
Jiang Shaohua laughed and winked at Cui Du.
If this is the case, just ignore it and just listen to it. Don’t take it seriously.
After Dong Shilang and his party entered the city gate, they were warmly cheered by the people. Listening to the noise coming from outside the carriage, Dong Shilang couldn't help but look out, and happened to see a little girl of eleven or twelve years old, shouting loudly that the princess was a thousand years old, her little face turned red.
Shilang Dong smiled and thought that this was in Nanyang County. In any other place, young girls of this age would be kept at home, with no chance to go out and join in the fun.
Nanyang County is prosperous, safe and full of vitality. The happiness and well-being of the people are written on their faces. It is indeed a good place!
The carriage moved forward slowly and arrived at Nanyang Prince's Mansion in an hour and a half.
The palace has been prepared for a long time. The main door is open and the incense table has been placed.
After Dong Shilang got off the carriage, Su Rong announced the start of the award ceremony. Today's protagonist is of course Changning Bo Cui Du, and even Jiang Shaohua, the Nanyang Princess, has to step aside today.
The complicated award ceremony lasted for half a day.
As expected, Dong Shilang has been in the Ministry of Rites for many years and is very familiar with the corresponding procedures.
Both Chen Changshi and Feng Changshi were born in the second rank of Jinshi, and most of the county magistrates were also born in the imperial examination. Those who know what is good know the way, and they admire Dong Shilang in their hearts.
The ignorant Chang Ning Bo Cui Du listened to a long speech that was difficult to pronounce, and thought to himself, is this human speech? Even if you clearly don’t understand, you still have to pretend to understand. Your face should always show gratitude to the emperor, and you should be respectful and loud when you kowtow.
Cui Du stayed silently for two hours, and finally made it to the end of the award ceremony.
Under the envious eyes of everyone, Cui Du held up the imperial edict delivered by Dong Shilang, and then, accompanied by Cui Ping and Lu Cong, went to the inner room to change into the earl's attire.
People want clothes, Buddha wants gold. This is absolutely true.
The moment Cui Du came out wearing an earl's dress, even Jiang Shaohua was startled.
The slightly green boy next door, who usually wears simple and casual clothes, suddenly looks more noble and majestic under the background of the formal court dress. The handsome face that had been tanned wheat-colored by the sun also shone brightly.
Cui Du's heart was pounding at the sight of the princess, and he asked inappropriately: "Princess, do I look good dressed like this?"
Everyone laughed.
Amidst the laughter, Jiang Shaohua praised seriously: "It looks good."
Everyone laughed even harder, and the air was filled with relaxation and joy.
Cui Du's handsome face was a little red, and his black eyes became brighter.
……
In the evening of this day, Nanyang Prince's Mansion held a banquet to celebrate Uncle Chang Ning.
The princess, who dislikes extravagance and extravagance, made an exception this time. Not only did she prepare a banquet of the highest standard, but she also had fireworks prepared.
At the end of the banquet, gorgeous and grand fireworks bloomed over the palace.
The entire Nanyang County people followed to watch the excitement.
“Fireworks can only be seen during the Lantern Festival every year. I never thought that there would be fireworks tonight too.”
"Master Cui was granted the title of Uncle Ning. This honor also belongs to our Nanyang County. If the princess is happy, it is not unusual to set off some fireworks!"
"Will Uncle Chang Ning join the royal family in the future and become our princess?" Husband?”
“I think this can be done.”
“Bah, you see what’s the use, it’ll only work if the princess likes it.”
The subordinate officer watching the fireworks in the palace The county magistrates gathered together in twos and threes to joke. From time to time, everyone's eyes drifted towards the princess and the newly promoted Uncle Chang Ning.
Jiang Shaohua was so generous in his actions. He didn't shy away from anything in front of everyone, and just stood side by side with Cui Du.
The joy in Cui Du's heart almost overflowed from the corners of his mouth. He suddenly took a step back quietly.
Jiang Shaohua smiled and turned around: "What are you doing when you step back?"
Cui Du replied matter-of-factly: "It doesn't matter whether I am a little mute or Mr. Cui, I just do He became the commander-in-chief, Ning Bo, in front of the princess. , you have to stand back."
After a pause, his voice was lowered so that only the other party could hear: "I hope to follow your footsteps. I am willing to follow the princess. Follow the princess.”
No matter when or where you are, you will always be my princess.
Jiang Shaohua took a deep look at Cui Du.
The sky is filled with gorgeous fireworks, imprinted in each other’s eyes.