Free Web NovelChapter 189: Chapter 189: A Grand Conferment Exclusively for Her
Shen Ningning’s eyes welled with tears as she looked toward Consort Rong. After hearing what was just said, she felt an extraordinary sense of warmth and familiarity toward the consort.
Mo Lingwei took her little hand. "Don’t be anxious. I heard from my father, the Emperor, that Chancellor Xie is also rushing back to the Capital City today. You’ll probably be able to see him at the banquet later."
"Besides, it seems his trip to Shu State was also to search for his daughter. I only just learned this from my father myself. Years ago, Chancellor Xie’s youngest daughter was stolen shortly after her birth, and her whereabouts have been unknown ever since."
"The incident took a great toll on his health, which is why he hasn’t been very involved in the affairs of the Imperial Court these past years. My father understands and knows that he has never given up searching for his biological daughter."
With a choked sob, Shen Ningning threw herself into Mo Lingwei’s arms, her small hands clutching his sleeves tightly.
"Thank you, brother. You helped me find my family. I won’t be a little orphan anymore."
Her action drew the attention of those nearby, and the tips of Mo Lingwei’s ears turned slightly red.
He reached out and gently stroked Shen Ningning’s little head, whispering, "There are a lot of people watching. Let’s hug later when we’re somewhere more private."
With that, he crouched down and wiped away the little girl’s tears.
"There’s one more thing I need to tell you. If you want to cry after hearing it, you can come to my arms."
Seeing the solemn look in Mo Lingwei’s sharp eyes, Shen Ningning quickly wiped her tears with her sleeve.
She looked up with her red, swollen eyes and asked, "Brother, are you going to tell me about my mother?"
The little girl was very smart. Mo Lingwei had said so much, mentioning her father and brothers.
But he hadn’t said a single word about the current whereabouts of her mother, Shen Siyi.
Mo Lingwei didn’t intend to hide it from her. After Shen Ningning was reunited with her family, she would find out sooner or later.
He said in a heavy voice, "Your mother, Madam Xie of the Shen family... has already passed away."
Shen Ningning’s small body swayed, and she nearly lost her footing, but Mo Lingwei caught her just in time.
Fat teardrops rolled down her pale, rosy cheeks. Her dark eyes were filled with sorrow.
"Mother..." ’We never even got to meet, and she’s already gone.’
Mo Lingwei sighed. "My men found out that after you were lost, she suffered a great shock. One night, she fell into a lake and drowned."
A whimper escaped Shen Ningning, and she immediately threw herself decisively into Mo Lingwei’s embrace.
He gently patted her back, comforting the little one with his clear, pleasant voice.
"Go on and cry. I know the pain of losing a mother. But you still have a father and brothers. Given the character of the Xie family, they will surely dote on you endlessly once you’re returned to them."
Buried in his chest, Shen Ningning’s sobs grew even more muffled and grief-stricken.
’So that memory I dreamt of—my mother holding me so gently—that was the last brief moment we ever shared.’
The little girl cried for a long while. By the time Mo Lingwei led her back to Grandma Qin’s side, her eyes were swollen like walnuts.
"AWOO!" The Black Wolf King was the first to notice, leaping anxiously to Shen Ningning’s side.
Then, its fierce, unfriendly gaze shot toward Mo Lingwei, who stood beside her.
’Did that brat bully his precious Xiao Ningning?’
Grandma Qin also hurried over, her heart aching as she asked, "Ningning, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?"
Shen Ningning wiped the tear stains from the corners of her eyes with her small hands and forced a sweet smile.
"Grandma, I think brother helped me find my family. I’m going to have a father soon!" she whispered, leaning closer.
Grandma Qin was overjoyed. "Really? That’s wonderful! Grandma is so happy for you!"
Mo Lingwei nodded, his voice steady. "Once the investiture ceremony is over, I will ask my father, the Emperor, to preside over their reunion."
Only the Black Wolf King, propping its front paws on the table to stand up, licked the tear stains clean from Shen Ningning’s face.
Of course, it was happy for Shen Ningning too, but it was more concerned about whether the little girl was heartbroken.
Just then, a palace maid from Consort Rong’s retinue came forward and presented Shen Ningning with a collection of poems from the consort, titled *Flower Dream*.
"Commandery Princess, Her Highness says this poetry collection contains blessings and beautiful hopes for life from the ancients. Her Highness wishes to express her blessings to you through this book."
"There are two copies here. One is the sole surviving original manuscript, and the other is a copy that Her Highness transcribed by hand and even offered incense for before a statue of the Buddha."
Grandma Qin couldn’t help but say, "Her Highness Consort Rong is so thoughtful. This old woman thanks Her Highness on the child’s behalf for her grace."
She was about to rise and bow but was stopped by the palace maid.
"Mrs. Qin Sr., there’s no need for such formalities. Her Highness said that the moment she saw the Commandery Princess, she felt an extraordinary fondness, an inexplicable sense of closeness. Perhaps it’s fate?"
Thinking that Consort Rong was her aunt, Shen Ningning’s smile became sweet and lovely, her dimples showing faintly.
"Thank Her Highness for me. I love this gift very much and will be sure to treasure it."
After the little girl spoke, the palace maid took her leave and departed.
Before long, the banquet began.
When the auspicious hour arrived, Shen Ningning, attended by palace maids, put on the Guangxian Smoke Luo Eight Auspicious Skirt, which had been specially crafted for her in a rush by thirty embroideresses from the Palace Affairs Department.
A green Simurgh was embroidered on the hem of the skirt—an exceptionally high honor for the rank of a Commandery Princess.
After all, only the robes of an Empress or a princess of the blood could be embroidered with a phoenix. The green Simurgh was a close relative of the Phoenix Clan and could not be worn by just anyone.
The green Simurgh on Shen Ningning’s skirt was embellished with real emerald feathers, creating distinctly layered plumage. The exquisite embroidery outlining its form made the bird, poised to take flight, seem utterly lifelike.
The entire ensemble was vividly colored. Under the sunlight, tiny flecks of gold glittered within the sapphire blue fabric, exuding an overwhelming air of nobility!
The tasseled headdress on her head was inlaid with twelve pearls of the finest quality.
As Shen Ningning walked gently, the luster of her dress and hair ornaments shimmered in unison, making for a dazzling sight.
She was already born with fair skin and delicate, bright eyes. So, when Shen Ningning appeared, supported by a palace maid, everyone stared, dumbfounded.
She looked noble—impossibly so!
The aqua-blue of her skirt was like flowing seawater, clear and icy blue.
It was as if she weren’t a Commandery Princess, but a princess from the Dragon Palace.
Shen Ningning was invited to sit beside the Emperor and Mo Lingwei.
The little girl carried herself with a noble air, a perfect smile on her rosy cheeks. She looked just like a member of the Imperial Family.
Shen Ningning felt Mo Lingwei’s constant gaze and turned her head to look at him.
The young Crown Prince’s face broke into a gentle smile. "Beautiful," he said.
The Emperor was also very pleased and ordered a eunuch to read the imperial edict of investiture.
"County Lord Funing, who extends auspiciousness to the imperial palace, whose countenance is gentle and compliant, has received the blessed portents of Heaven... Today, she is hereby granted the title of Commandery Princess Funing."
"She shall enjoy the service of over one hundred Palace Attendants, comprising: fifty coarse palace maids and eunuchs, thirty court guards, ten Second-class Palace Maids of Incense and Record, five first-class palace maids, three drivers, two accountants, and two housekeepers."
"Six redwood carriages with canopies; nine fine horses; two mansions in the Capital; a monthly salary of 200 taels of silver, and a food estate of two hundred shi."
"From the Emperor: eighty rolls of various brocades and silks, one hundred South Sea Pearls. From the Crown Prince: a complete set of He Tian Jade Porcelain consisting of three hundred pieces, twenty sets of gold and silver bowls and plates, nine treasure light coral money trees..."
As the long list was read out, everyone present was left speechless.
’Is this still a Commandery Princess? Her status is practically on par with a princess of the blood!’
Just as the Chief Eunuch finished reading, a tall figure appeared at the garden entrance.
"May the Emperor forgive my transgression. Your subject was delayed on the road and has arrived somewhat late."
All the dazzling pearls and treasures just now had failed to move Shen Ningning.
But the moment she saw Xie Suzhi, the little girl immediately sat up straight. Her watery eyes stared at him, and even her blinks seemed to slow.
’The uncle she liked the most, the one she felt the closest to, is actually her father!’
