Chapter 19: Yay! The old emperor rewarded me with 300,000 coins! (1 / 2)
“Wanshou, what are you doing in your mother’s palace?”
In front of the nanmu screen in the Jiaofang Hall, the old emperor sat on a black lacquered chair, as if nothing had happened.
Wanshou is her title, and her personal name is Hua Chun. Elders usually call her by her title in public and by her personal name privately, but the old emperor has always been indifferent toward children not born of the empress, so he seldom refers to Princess Wanshou by her name.
Princess Wanshou didn’t mind this. She raised the official seal in her hands and, seeing that her father seemed to be in a good mood, quickly took the opportunity to speak: “The matter with the Prince Consort has been dealt with. As for this official seal… I humbly ask my father to take it back. I know my abilities are shallow, and I am unworthy of such a heavy responsibility. If I were to force myself into this position, I fear it would tarnish the royal family’s reputation.”
The old emperor gave her a sideways glance, furrowing his brows in annoyance. He said, “I gave it to you, so keep it. What shallow abilities, what nonsense! Your mother used to praise how quickly and accurately you calculated the accounts. You’ve also been sharp when reviewing the ledgers. The Ministry of Revenue is short-staffed recently. Instead of thinking about how to relieve your father’s worries, you’re going to all lengths to avoid it?”
Her mother is the empress. Although she was not born of the empress, she still calls her “mother.” As for her biological mother, she can only call her “aunt.”
Princess Wanshou didn’t know how to respond at that moment, standing there, unsure of what to say.
She could indeed calculate accounts and review ledgers, but those were the skills of a housekeeper, not something to be used in government affairs!
The old emperor waved his hand dismissively: “Enough, take the official seal and go. Tomorrow, attend court as usual. Don’t disturb me and your mother’s peace.”