The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

The next morning, after Ouyang Han went to court, the Emperor indeed read out imperial edicts in front of the court officials. One edict conferred the title of County Princess upon Chen Mengyao, meaning that she was granted this title for her meritorious service in presenting high-yield grain seeds, and she was also rewarded with many gifts. The other edict was to bestow marriage upon Prince Jing, Ouyang Han, and County Princess Chen Mengyao.

The imperial decree bestowing this marriage upon the emperor immediately caused a great uproar in the court, sparking heated discussions among the officials. Some ministers, their brows furrowed and faces full of suspicion, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the background of this so-called county princess is truly unclear and unconvincing! How can such an important title be so easily bestowed?" Others shook their heads, saying, "Regardless of her origins, her lowly status and position are worlds apart from our esteemed Prince Jing, Ouyang Han. She is simply not worthy of him!" Still others, harboring ulterior motives, suggested sending their own daughters to the Prince's residence to become his concubines. In an instant, various voices rose and fell, and the entire court was in chaos.

However, faced with these conflicting opinions and suggestions, Prince Jing, Ouyang Han, remained calm and composed. He narrowed his eyes slightly, a barely perceptible sneer playing on his lips, and then slowly spoke in his deep, magnetic voice: "Gentlemen, you are mistaken. My understanding of this county princess far surpasses yours. Though of humble origins, she possesses noble character and exceptional talent, truly a rare woman. Moreover, she has always considered the well-being of the Dongling Kingdom, offering high-yield grain seeds. Just wait and see how astonishing the harvest will be; when the people are no longer hungry, you will understand how great her deeds are. As for those who attempt to abuse their power for personal gain and curry favor with the powerful, they should abandon such thoughts as soon as possible." These few words struck the hearts of everyone like a heavy hammer, instantly silencing the previously noisy court. Those ministers who had wanted to continue arguing now exchanged glances, not daring to utter another word.

After court, Ouyang Han returned to the Prince's residence and brought Chen Mengyao out to wait for the imperial edict. They had barely stepped out of the main hall when Eunuch Zhang arrived with the edict and rewards. The eunuch loudly proclaimed, "Please, Miss Chen Mengyao, receive the edict!" Chen Mengyao stood before Eunuch Zhang, curtsied, and listened to the decree, as the Emperor had previously exempted her from the kneeling ceremony. Eunuch Zhang first unfolded the edict and read aloud: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: There is a commoner, Chen Mengyao, virtuous and righteous. She has presented me with high-yield seeds. If these seeds are widely planted throughout the land, granaries will be full, and the people will be well-fed. This is truly a great achievement. I am greatly pleased and hereby bestow upon Chen Mengyao the title of County Princess, the honorary title 'Huifeng,' and reward her with one thousand taels of gold, one hundred bolts of silk and satin, one box of precious jewels, and one box of precious medicinal herbs. I hope you will uphold your original aspirations and continue to serve Dongling. This is the imperial decree."

Chen Mengyao respectfully accepted the imperial edict and exclaimed, "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!" Next, Eunuch Zhang read out another imperial edict bestowing marriage upon them: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Prince Jing, Ouyang Han, is both talented and virtuous, loyal to the Emperor and patriotic. Princess Chen Mengyao is intelligent and kind, and her contributions to the nation are invaluable. The two are a match made in heaven. I hereby bestow this marriage upon you both, wishing you harmonious union, to jointly assist my empire and protect the people of Dongling. From this day forward, choose an auspicious day for the wedding, and there shall be no delay. So be it."

Chen Mengyao thanked the emperor again and accepted the imperial edict. Then a large group of guards carried in boxes, a total of five large boxes.

After reading the announcement, Eunuch Zhang said to her, "Congratulations to the County Princess and His Highness Prince Jing. I'll be returning to the palace to report now." Ouyang Han took out a money pouch from her bosom and gave it to Eunuch Zhang, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch." Eunuch Zhang accepted it with a beaming smile and left with his guards.

After Eunuch Zhang returned to the palace to report, Ouyang Han smiled and said to Chen Mengyao, "Yaoyao, now that you are a county princess, things will be much easier for you. However, this also means you will have to shoulder more responsibility." Chen Mengyao nodded firmly, "Yichen, rest assured, Mengyao will not let Father down and will do her utmost to promote superior breeds and benefit the people." Ouyang Han said, "I will definitely help you." The two smiled at each other, as if they could see the prosperous future of Dongling Kingdom.

After the palace staff left, the embroiderer arranged by Ouyang Han came to take Chen Mengyao's measurements. Chen Mengyao cooperated very well with the embroiderer. After the measurements were taken, Ouyang Han asked the embroiderer to complete the work within seven days. The embroiderer nodded to indicate that she understood and then left.

After having her servants deliver the gifts to her courtyard and send them back, Chen Mengyao went into her spatial dimension and took out a lot of delicious snacks, pastries, fruits, and toys. She also took out some paper, pens, and notebooks to give to Prince Wen, a beautiful diamond necklace and skincare products to the Princess, and shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and towels to everyone else. It was a must to bring gifts on a first visit; last time she went to Prince Duan's residence, she was so focused on bringing the document that she forgot to bring a gift. She would bring these daily necessities next time.

After preparing everything, they set off for the Prince Wen's residence with Ouyang Han. Passing by the neighboring courtyard, they stopped to check on the progress. Ouyang Han had instructed Mu Qingfeng to find more craftsmen yesterday; they wondered if they had arrived by today. When they entered, they found that there were indeed many more craftsmen, and the progress was much faster. Ouyang Han asked Mu Qingfeng, "Can this courtyard be finished in a week?" Mu Qingfeng replied, "Your Highness, yes." "That's good. After it's finished, I'll treat you to a meal to thank you properly. I'll also instruct the Imperial Household Department to increase your and the craftsmen's salaries this month." Ouyang Han nodded in satisfaction. The craftsmen present were very happy and quickly said, "Thank you, Your Highness. We will definitely work hard and won't let you down." Seeing how sincere these people were, Chen Mengyao thought she should reward them. So she went back to the carriage, took out many delicious pastries, drinks, and fruits from her spatial storage, and then asked the guards to help unload the carriage.

Chen Mengyao had the guards help carry the food inside to the craftsmen, explaining to them how to eat it. The craftsmen were very moved and quickly said, "Thank you, Your Highness. We will definitely make your house beautiful and comfortable for you." Chen Mengyao nodded and then left with Ouyang Han and the others towards the Prince Wen's residence.