Chapter 288: Bestowing the Title of Commandery Princess

The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but take the matter more seriously. She frowned and said, “Didn’t Marquis Dingyuan pass away? His adopted daughter married the Crown Prince—so who is his legitimate daughter, Su Wan, marrying?”

The Empress lowered her gaze. How could she not understand that the Empress Dowager was deliberately asking this to lay the groundwork for rejecting her proposal?

“Su Wan married a juren and has now relocated to the capital. She is highly skilled in medicine and is known as a divine doctor.” The Empress did not bother to engage in verbal sparring with the Empress Dowager and spoke directly. “Both Marquis Dingyuan and his wife have passed away. Su Wan has rendered great merit to Great Zhou. After discussing with the Grand Secretaries, I intend to confer upon her the title of Commandery Princess of Suiyang.^[1]“Suiyang” here is simply the name of a commandery or region associated with Su Wan’s new noble title. It does not necessarily mean she will rule Suiyang, but rather that the title is … Continue reading”

The Empress Dowager’s gaze turned cold, and she let out a chilling laugh. “The Empress has already made a decision with the ministers—are you here merely to inform me?”

The Empress smiled. “If Mother has no objections, I will have the Grand Academician draft the decree.”

“What if I believe this matter requires further discussion?” the Empress Dowager countered.

How could the Empress Dowager not know about Su Wan?

She remembered Qi Min vividly.

That woman was the one who caused Ji Xuan to sever ties with her.

After Qi Min’s death, Su Wan frequently entered the palace, seeking favor at the Empress’s side and becoming betrothed to the Crown Prince. If not for Ji Xuan’s interference, Su Wan would have long since married into the Eastern Palace and been living a life of prosperity.

Being abruptly arranged to marry a mere farmer’s son—how satisfying that must have been. It felt as if all the humiliation she had suffered at Qi Min’s hands had finally been avenged in this moment.

Ji Xuan had been willing to disown his own mother for Qi Min, yet because he resented Qi Min, he refused to let her daughter have an easy life.

This was the best news the Empress Dowager had heard during her time at the temple.

But now, the news the Empress brought felt like swallowing a fly—utterly nauseating.

“This is a matter of great importance. After tomorrow’s court session, have the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Grand Secretaries remain to discuss the conferment of Su Wan as a Commandery Princess once more.”

The Empress Dowager, feeling weary, leaned back against the large embroidered pillow and issued a dismissal. “I am tired. If there is anything else, we shall speak of it tomorrow.”

The Empress did not press further. She simply took her leave with her attendants.

After leaving Cian Palace, the Empress stood under the sunlight. She lifted her gaze to the red walls and green tiles, unable to stop her thoughts from drifting to the secret letter Ji Xuan had given her.

Within it, Su Wan’s true origins were revealed—she was the daughter of a prince and had always been a Commandery Princess by birth.

However, this identity could never be made public. The only option was to use Xiliang as a pretext to grant Su Wan the title of Commandery Princess. While the title carried little real power, it would at least ensure that her status was not so low that anyone—any stray cat or dog—could trample on her.

Seeing the Empress standing still, lost in thought, the female official grew even more anxious. “Your Majesty, what if the Empress Dowager refuses to approve it?”

“She will have to agree, whether she wants to or not.” The Empress was resolute.

Yet, after a brief moment, she let out a sigh.

Ji Xuan had also mentioned in his letter that the envoys sent to Xiliang were all his trusted subordinates, ensuring that no word of what had transpired there would be leaked.

The Empress of Xiliang was Qi Min. Previously, she had planned to confer the title of Crown Princess upon Su Wan, making Su Wan’s identity known throughout the entire nation.

Anyone with a discerning mind could deduce from this that the Empress of Xiliang was none other than Qi Min herself. It wouldn’t be long before news of Qi Min still being alive—along with her identity as Xiliang’s ruler—spread to Great Zhou.

The Empress couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on. In their understanding, Qi Min was known as the daughter of a Xiliang female general, yet no one had realized that she was actually the daughter of the Empress Dowager of Xiliang.

Time was of the essence. Before this news reached Great Zhou, Su Wan’s title had to be officially conferred.

——

In the blink of an eye, Old Madam Zhao’s birthday had arrived.

That morning, as usual, Gu Huaizhi rose early to attend the imperial court session.

Su Wan personally helped him dress. As she gazed at his refined and handsome features, she couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Do you leave home first and then change into your court attire at the Regent’s residence before heading to court?”

Gu Huaizhi gave a low “Mm” in response, his fingers gently pinching the skin at the back of her neck. “If I were to leave the Gu residence as Tingyuan, that would attract too much attention.”

Su Wan instinctively shrank back from his touch, pulling away slightly. “That tickles, don’t—mmph…”

Before she could finish, his hand pressed against the back of her neck, drawing her forward. Her soft lips met his, and he kissed her deeply.

Su Wan instinctively reached out to wrap her arms around his neck, but Gu Huaizhi released her. “I have to attend court today—don’t tempt me.”

His fingers lightly brushed against her lips, his gaze dark and deep. “I’ll see you later at the Zhao residence.”

Su Wan pouted. As if he didn’t tempt her enough already. When had he ever truly followed through?

“Hurry and go, don’t be late!” Su Wan tugged his belt tightly.

Gu Huaizhi chuckled, adjusted his belt, and left.

After dressing up and having breakfast, Su Wan waited until the appropriate hour. While carrying a prepared gift, she took Baozhu along and headed to the Defender Duke’s residence.