Mistakenly recognized as a cousin, thousands of pampered

Shen Zhiyi didn't leave until it was almost time for court, looking back every few steps and leaving reluctantly.

Tao Jiuxi thought she would be locked up for quite some time. She stayed quietly in the room, secretly pondering how to deal with the situation next.

The next day, the courtyard gate was opened and the maid hurried over, urging Tao Jiuxi to go to the front yard to receive the order.

Tao Jiuxi had seen the scene of the imperial edict being announced before. That was when Xie Jinghuan became the top scorer in the imperial examination. The excitement and sense of glory at that time were still clearly imprinted in her mind.

When she heard that an imperial edict had arrived in the yard today, she instantly fell into a trance.

Her heartbeat suddenly quickened, and countless speculations and anxieties surged in her mind.

I just told Shen Zhiyi yesterday not to ask the emperor for permission to marry, and the imperial decree came down today?

What exactly is this matter about?

She kept muttering in her mind, but her steps never stopped for a moment.

She knew very well that this matter was of great importance and was afraid that her father Tao Hongyuan would refute her on the spot. In that case, not only would she offend the emperor, but the situation would also become even more deadlocked.

Various bad consequences kept appearing in her mind, and her brows were furrowed.

When she arrived at the front yard, Tao Hongyuan had already returned home from court and was kneeling in the yard with a serious expression. Tao Qingwan was also kneeling quietly beside him.

Seeing Tao Jiuxi arrive, Tao Hongyuan said respectfully: "Eunuch, everyone is here."

The eunuch announcing the decree solemnly opened the imperial edict, cleared his throat, and said loudly:

"By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Jiuxi, daughter of the Tao family, possesses exceptional intelligence and compassion. When Jiangning Prefecture was devastated by the disaster, she actively offered suggestions. Her practical and effective rescue methods have greatly alleviated the suffering of the people in the affected areas and made significant contributions to post-disaster reconstruction. These charitable deeds demonstrate her combined talent and virtue, making her a model for women in the boudoir. I hereby confer the title of Princess of Anping. I hope you will continue your efforts, uphold your kindness, and contribute more to the court, the country, and the people. This is my decree!"

Everyone was surprised when they heard this.

For a moment, the yard was so quiet that one could hear everyone's rapid heartbeats, and everyone's eyes were filled with shock.

After the imperial edict was read, the eunuch smiled broadly and said to Tao Jiuxi earnestly, "Princess Anping, are you still not accepting the edict?"

Tao Jiuxi kowtowed heavily on the ground as if waking from a dream, saying, "Thank you, Lord, for your grace."

Her voice trembled slightly, with a hint of excitement and fear.

After saying this, he slowly reached out to take the imperial edict.

She never expected that Shen Zhiyi would report the matter to the emperor and successfully secure the title of county lord for her.

It turned out that Shen Zhiyi had always been silently considering her and paying attention to her situation. She knew that with the noble status of a county lady, she would no longer have to worry about being bullied by others.

This unexpected surprise brought a warm feeling to her heart, and her gratitude towards Shen Zhiyi grew even deeper.

She understood that Shen Zhiyi's care and love for her had long been deeply rooted in every unintentional action.

The eunuch said with a smile, "Your Majesty also said that the young ladies are intelligent and kind-hearted, and have been well-educated by Lord Tao. Tomorrow, please bring the two young ladies to the palace to express your gratitude."

Tao Hongyuan hurriedly nodded in agreement, respectfully accepting the county lady's special uniform with both hands. He then quickly pulled out a heavy bag of silver from his sleeve and handed it to the eunuch who announced the decree with both hands. With a flattering smile on his face, he said, "Eunuch, you have worked hard. This is a small gift from me. I hope you will accept it."

The eunuch who announced the imperial decree took the silver with a smile on his face and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Master Tao, you are too polite. I will take my leave now."

After saying this, he left with satisfaction with the attendants behind him, leaving the Tao family still immersed in this sudden surprise and confusion.

"Jiuxi, that's great!"

Tao Qingwan's face was full of excitement. She immediately took two steps forward and held Tao Jiuxi's hand tightly. Her hand was trembling slightly with excitement.

"Sister, am I dreaming?"

"It's true, Jiuxi, you have always been kind and clever. You deserve the position of county lord." Tao Qingwan said sincerely, with relief flashing in her eyes, and she looked at Tao Jiuxi with admiration.

"This... this is too sudden..."

Tao Jiuxi murmured to herself, her heart beating so hard that it seemed like it was about to jump out of her throat.

In his joy, Tao Jiuxi inadvertently caught a glimpse of Tao Hongyuan's slightly pensive expression. His heart tightened, and he immediately stepped forward and said, "Father, let me first tell you about this trip south."

As she spoke, she affectionately took Tao Hongyuan's arm and led her father into the hall.

When they got to the hall, Tao Jiuxi excitedly began to narrate, "Father, I will tell you about the lotus pond in Sucheng, which was privately enclosed and painted into a mess by the nobles, and the flood in Jiangning Prefecture."

As she spoke, she gestured with her hands, trying to make her father understand the situation more clearly that she did not get the title of county lady for nothing.

As Tao Jiuxi continued his narration, Tao Hongyuan's brows gradually relaxed and a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.

However, he soon fell into deep thought again.

"Xier, how did you know this?"

Tao Hongyuan stared at Tao Jiuxi, his eyes full of confusion.

Tao Jiuxi looked at his father's puzzled eyes, his heart trembling slightly, and immediately said: "Before going to Jiangnan, Shen Zhiyi found a lot of books for me, and I also looked them up."

There was a hint of determination in her eyes, as if she was trying to prove to her father that what she said was true.

Seeing her father's suspicion, Tao Qingwan immediately stepped forward and said, "Father, Jiuxi has been investigating for dozens of days. He put a lot of thought into collecting this information. He told me about it before he went south. Now that Jiuxi has grown up, he can calm down and read."

"In the past, when I asked you to read, you complained about a headache and couldn't continue. But now, for Duke Shen, you can actually read for dozens of days?"

There was a strong taste of jealousy in Tao Hongyuan's words. He frowned slightly, and a hint of loss flashed in his eyes.

My own daughter actually likes Duke Shen so much?

For him, I am willing to do things I don't like.

Tao Jiuxi smiled awkwardly when she heard this: "Father, I'm doing this to learn more knowledge and be prepared for any eventuality."

After hearing this, Tao Hongyuan's attitude softened a little.

As soon as he entered the palace, he heard the eunuch coming to announce the imperial decree. His heart sank suddenly, thinking that it was Shen Zhiyi who went to ask the emperor for a marriage, and he immediately became very angry.

But who would dare to express dissatisfaction in front of the eunuch who announced the imperial decree?

He could only suppress his anger and kneel on the ground silently waiting for the imperial decree, thinking that if the emperor forced the marriage, according to the laws of the time, his daughter was already engaged, and he would have to make it clear to the emperor, even if it meant offending the emperor.

He didn't expect it to be this imperial edict. His anger immediately subsided like a tide.

"We have to go to the palace to express our gratitude tomorrow. Wan'er, please teach Xi'er the rules." Tao Hongyuan ordered.

The two sisters left happily and returned to Tao Jiuxi's courtyard. Tao Qingwan immediately taught them many standard etiquettes in a serious manner.

But she had never been to the palace, so she could only teach Tao Jiuxi according to what she knew.

Tao Jiuxi studied very seriously, trying hard to imitate every movement, for fear of missing any details.

However, Tao Qingwan's brows were tightly furrowed.

"What's wrong? Sister, my movements are not standard?"

After Tao Qingwan sent the servant away, she lowered her voice and said slowly, "Jiuxi, father has some doubts about you."