Chapter 457 - 454: Proposing Marriage_1
Dong Tingzhen, Dong Tingyu, and Dong Tingfang knew that Bai Qingyan was going to depart for Shuoyang the next day. They talked with Mrs. Song and came to visit the Princess of Zhen’s mansion. As the sun was about to set, the three reluctantly got up to leave.
Bai Qingyan personally escorted the three Dong sisters to the door. Before they left, Eunuch Gao Demao, who served by the Emperor’s side, came with attendants to deliver an imperial decree.
The three Dong sisters hurriedly kneeled behind Bai Qingyan, listening to the decree together. They saw that the Emperor had ennobled Bai Qingyan as Princess and Bai Jinzhi as Commandery Princess. Then, an endless stream of rewards was carried into the mansion of the Princess of Zhen, which made the two illegitimate daughters of the Dong family green with envy.
Bai Jinzhi was quite happy. Listening to the eunuch announce the rewards, she couldn’t stop winking at Bai Qingyan, indicating that she had worked hard to win this for them, and her elder sister should praise her.
After receiving the decree, Bai Qingyan said, "Your Majesty’s grace is boundless. Bai Qingyan and my fourth sister are deeply grateful. All the rewards bestowed by Your Majesty will be used for the extermination of bandits in Shuoyang. Not a single coin will be kept privately, as a repayment for Your Majesty’s grace!"
Mrs. Liu hastily had her personal maid distribute red envelopes to the attendants who had come to deliver the decree and gave Eunuch Gao an extra purse filled with silver notes.
"Eunuch Gao, thank you for your hard work!"
"Mrs. Liu, there’s no need for this. The Princess of Zhen and Commandery Princess Gaoyi earned their titles and rewards through their meritorious service in the Northern Frontier. I am merely a messenger!" Gao Demao said courteously, clasping his hands as he took his leave.
"Cousin, the Emperor has gifted so many good things. Are you really going to use them all for the extermination of bandits?" Dong Tingfang looked at the glittering, precious jade and treasures with envy.
With just a glance, she saw the invaluable golden box in the shape of Haitang flowers adorned with embedded jewels, and the complete set of ruby headpieces with fine gold branches. The rubies were as large as pigeon eggs, luxurious and dazzling.