Chapter 8

Chapter 8: How Could It Be Junior Fifth Rank?

Yet, the matter mentioned on that slip of paper had to be handled regardless.

At that moment, another message arrived from outside. After listening, Grand Attendant Su quietly approached the imperial desk and whispered softly, “Your Majesty, Princess Qing Ning has returned.”

Emperor Chong Sheng raised an eyebrow. “And Empress Dowager, any news?”

“She ate half a bowl of sweet rice dumplings personally made by Princess Qing Ning and has since fallen asleep.”

Emperor Chong Sheng was stunned for a brief moment. “That Qing Ning is finally acting sensibly. Here I thought she would come begging me to seek justice for her.”

“Your Majesty,” Grand Attendant Su respectfully lowered his gaze, “but Maidservant fears this may not be entirely good news.”

“Why not?” Emperor Chong Sheng frowned.

Grand Attendant Su continued cautiously, “Rumors outside say Princess Qing Ning angered you and the Empress Dowager by insisting on marrying below her rank. Now that Heir Apparent Qi has taken a concubine, people think it’s because you both no longer favor her. Yet, naturally, you still love Princess Qing Ning.”

“Heir Apparent Qi knows this clearly yet still brought that woman back. Perhaps—”

“Perhaps what?” Emperor Chong Sheng’s voice rose with anger.

Grand Attendant Su immediately knelt, trembling, “Perhaps…perhaps it is arrogance from his recent victories!”

Emperor Chong Sheng’s face instantly darkened.

Indeed, he was short of talented young generals, but if Qi Shu Xian believed himself indispensable because of this—

An emperor’s heart was always difficult to fathom. After a moment, he shot a sharp glance at Grand Attendant Su. “Who taught you to say this?”

Grand Attendant Su’s body shook. Terrified, he repeatedly knocked his head on the floor. “Your Majesty, please see clearly! Maidservant has watched Princess Qing Ning grow up. Seeing her suffering now, Maidservant cannot bear it. Back then, Heir Apparent Qi clearly promised he would never take concubines in this lifetime.”

The sound of his forehead striking the ground continued until blood appeared.

Seeing this, Emperor Chong Sheng’s suspicions faded. He waved impatiently, “Enough, rise now. Who asked you to knock your head so harshly? You’re not young anymore; aren’t you afraid of knocking yourself to death?”

“With Your Majesty’s protection, Maidservant’s life is sturdy!” Grand Attendant Su laughed softly.

Emperor Chong Sheng snorted coldly, then glanced thoughtfully at the imperial edict on his desk, still wet with ink. “Never mind. Qi Shu Xian is young and full of pride. Granting him the Fourth Rank General of Pingyan might indeed have been too generous.”

At this, Grand Attendant Su finally relaxed inside. “Your Majesty is wise!”

Thus, that one should now be satisfied.

Yet he could not help but wonder—since he began working for that person, he had received only three commands. The first two could shake the empire, but this one seemed tinged with personal grudges?

…

Outside Purple Radiance Hall.

Qi Shu Xian politely exchanged words with a few officials who had come over to flatter him.

Duke Qi advised him quietly, “When His Majesty bestows the honors today, do not show arrogance. If you keep striving, our family might produce two Dukes someday. Then we will truly shine.”

Despite his words of caution, pride filled his expression.

Qi Shu Xian nodded slightly.

In the morning sunlight, his handsome features shone brilliantly—straight brows, bright eyes, and a well-defined nose. With his Mastery of Pen and Sword, martial strength blended elegantly with scholarly grace, making him exceptionally distinguished.

Soon, as announcements echoed through the hall, Qi Shu Xian stood amidst admiring and envious gazes.

Emperor Chong Sheng studied him carefully.

Initially intending lavish praise, the Emperor reconsidered Grand Attendant Su’s words. Thus, his commendation became brief: “Young and capable, brave in battle.” He then ordered the edict announcing the awards for the Cangnan campaign to be read.

Indeed, Qi Shu Xian had earned great merit, though he was not the commanding marshal in Cangnan.

There were three edicts of commendation, read from highest to lowest.

Given Qi Shu Xian’s critical role in the final, decisive victory, he should naturally have been foremost.

Yet strangely, the first edict read was not his.

Confusion briefly flickered through Qi Shu Xian’s eyes, but he steadied himself, thinking perhaps His Majesty had saved him for last.

He silently reviewed the acceptance speech he’d prepared, fully ready to kneel and thank His Majesty. Yet, hearing suddenly, “Awarded Junior Fifth Rank, General Xuanwei,” he froze entirely, not even noticing when the reading concluded.

Junior Fifth Rank?

How could it be Junior Fifth Rank?

“General Xuanwei, hurry and accept your decree!” Grand Attendant Su gently reminded him.

Only then did Qi Shu Xian mask his shock, kneel, and bow respectfully. As for the gazes of others around him, he pretended not to see them.

Once the ceremony concluded, Duke Qi intercepted Grand Attendant Su with a grim expression.

“Eunuch Su, yesterday His Majesty clearly intended Fourth Rank General of Pingyan for my son. How could it suddenly become Junior Fifth Rank?”

The gap between these ranks was vast!

“Duke Qi and the Heir Apparent are questioning His Majesty?” Grand Attendant Su asked, smiling faintly.

“I wouldn’t dare,” Duke Qi hurriedly replied, suppressing his anger.

Watching the attendant leave, those who had previously wished to curry favor due to Qi Shu Xian’s military accomplishments quickly lost their enthusiasm. The Emperor’s mood was unpredictable; who could risk getting too close?

Duke Qi wanted to investigate further.

Qi Shu Xian, taking a deep breath, gently pulled his father’s sleeve. “Father, let’s go back first. Perhaps this is a test from His Majesty. I’m still young; Fourth Rank indeed would have been excessive.”