allonlinenovel Chapter 774 Bai Wanwan is promoted to prefect
Chapter 774 Bai Wanwan is promoted to prefect
It was raining heavily again tonight. Bai Wanwan had just woken up when she heard a voice outside: "Eunuch Sun, why are you here in person? The young lady is sleeping, I'll wake her up now."
Sun Quan quickly waved his hands and said:
"What do you want her to do? I'll wait for her. This girl is really amazing. She does great things quietly.
She has actually caused Qingshui County to become like this. The Emperor has issued an imperial decree this time, saying that we should wait until she wakes up before we deal with it.”
Bai Wanwan put on her clothes, washed up, and walked out. She smiled and said, "Grandpa Sun..."
Sun Quan looked at her and said, "Oh! Good, good, you've grown taller, but a little darker. If you don't go back, your grandparents will miss you terribly."
Bai Wanwan chuckled and said, "I just want to gain some experience outside. It's more comfortable here than in Bianjing."
Sun Quan's tone was somewhat friendly:
"Your grandparents and mother are currently forbidden from leaving the capital, so they are unable to come and visit you in person.
But I have brought you a lot of things this time, and I will have them delivered to you later."
After saying this, he restrained his smile, his expression turned solemn, and he cleared his throat and said, "Accept the order!"
Bai Wanwan immediately straightened her robes, knelt on her knees, lowered her head and held her breath, waiting for the holy words.
Sun Quan said loudly:
"By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor declares that during the time Princess Bai Wanwan was stationed in Qingshui County, she diligently governed the country and cared for the people, achieving remarkable political achievements.
I am very pleased that you have made many achievements in local governance and benefited the people.
In order to commend his achievements, Bai Wanwan is promoted from magistrate of Qingshui County to prefect.
In charge of the government affairs of several surrounding counties, I hope he will perform his duties conscientiously and make persistent efforts to ensure the people's livelihood and strengthen the foundation of the country. This is my order."
After reading the imperial edict, Sun Quan smiled again and raised his hand to signal Bai Wanwan to stand up: "Princess, please accept the edict!"
Bai Wanwan kowtowed in gratitude: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace. I will do my best to fulfill my duties and live up to your expectations."
Sun Quan waved his hand, and the eunuch waiting outside the door led several palace maids in one after another. The two in the lead were carrying a large vermilion lacquered and gold-decorated box.
The palace maids following closely behind him either held brocade boxes or trays, presenting the rewards to the hall one by one.
"Your Majesty, mindful of the princess's hard work, has specially prepared some rewards."
Sun Quan pointed at the objects and said with a smile:
"Those two large boxes contained various jewels, including red gold, pearls, jadeite, etc., all carefully selected from the inner storehouse.
These boxes contain head ornaments inlaid with kingfisher feathers and precious stones, including phoenix hairpins, step-shake ornaments, headbands, and earrings inlaid with filigree and pearls. They are all the most fashionable styles nowadays and are perfect for a princess."
His eyes fell on a set of official uniforms folded on a brocade cushion:
"This is the official uniform of the new prefect, a stone-blue silk round-necked robe with a cloud-and-goose patch embroidered on the chest, symbolizing rank.
There are also matching silver belt buckles, dark brown court boots, and a black gauze hat for office workers, all prepared according to the princess' stature."
The palace maid gently unfolded the official uniform. The stone-blue fabric shone with a delicate luster under the light, and the cloud-goose patches were embroidered exquisitely. Compared with Bai Wanwan's previous official uniform as the county magistrate, it was more elegant.
Sun Quan waved his hand and said, "All of you go down! I have something to say to the princess."
After these people left, Sun Quancai said, "His Majesty has specifically instructed that you stay here for a few more years with peace of mind. Once you have made outstanding achievements, you will be transferred back to the capital to take up an important position."
Bai Wanwan said hesitantly:
“Isn’t this…this inappropriate?
I am still young, and if I become an official now, I will not be able to win the support of the people.
If I were really transferred back to the capital, people would probably gossip about your majesty being partial!"
Sun Quan snorted coldly and said:
"Who would dare to think otherwise? You've earned this fame and honor, so you deserve it!
Looking at the entire court, who else besides you can manage this chaotic place in an orderly manner?
Furthermore, the Eighteenth and Sixth Princes were both transferred back to the capital to wait for orders, but His Majesty left you the only one who had a chance. This shows how much he values you!"
"Ah? The Eighteenth Prince and the Sixth Prince are both returning to the capital?"
Sun Quan sighed and said:
"Your Majesty is well aware of the situation here. The Eighteenth Prince has encountered several assassination attempts in just a few days. It is of no use for him to stay here.
The Sixth Prince is even more outrageous, and the Emperor has ordered him to return to the capital to be punished!"
When Bai Wanwan heard this, her eyes lit up immediately and she clapped her hands, saying, "Right, right, right! That guy deserves to be punished. It's outrageous!"
Sun Quan looked at her like this, couldn't help but laugh, and said:
“Actually, this is also an opportunity for you.
Now that you're out, work hard and make achievements so you can return to the capital and become an official. You're the youngest person to become an official in history."
Bai Wanwan asked quietly, "If I really go back to the capital, will anyone gossip about me?"
Sun Quan sneered:
"Who dares to say that to you? The Emperor has already made it clear in the court that if there is someone more capable than you, he should be made prefect.
Also, the former prefect here was corrupt and committed abuse of power. The Eighteenth Prince handed over the evidence, and the court has sent people to arrest him.
Don't worry, this prefect will definitely be replaced."
Bai Wanwan then nodded gently, her tone adding a bit of warmth: "Grandpa Sun, I asked someone to prepare some food. Let's go warm up first."
Sun Quan nodded in agreement, and his eyes swept over the furnishings in the room, praising:
"It seems like you're living a peaceful life here. I heard earlier that there are frequent epidemics here, and the people are almost starving.
I didn't expect that at your young age, you could clean up this mess so well. It's truly remarkable."
Bai Wanwan smiled faintly and said:
"I am just doing my best to make the people live a good life.
Come on, Grandpa Sun, let’s go eat.”
Soon, the table in the dining room was filled with dishes.
Bai Wanwan pointed at the dishes and introduced them one by one, her eyes curved:
"Grandpa Sun, look, this is braised bullfrog, this is steamed fish, and this is straw fish, which is a local dish.
In addition, these lobsters and eels are all raised by us, and they are fresh dishes at the moment, please try them."
Sun Quan didn't hesitate to say anything. He picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of the straw fish. After chewing it carefully, he nodded and praised: "It tastes really authentic. Not bad."
Zhiwei's voice came from outside the door: "Miss, there are people outside who want to see you. It's the current prefect and his concubine."
Bai Wanwan paused as she picked up some food and snorted, "Why did they come to see me?"
The prefect Wei Mingli knelt upright on the bluestone slab, his hair disheveled. Seeing Bai Wanwan coming out, he cried out:
"Wanwan! You are also a girl from the Bai family. Please, for the sake of our past friendship, help me ask His Majesty for a favor!
I made a mistake in a moment of confusion, and I didn't mean to deceive my superiors or subordinates!"
Bai Wanwan looked at him and said, "Prefect Wei, you've been corrupt and abused your power, oppressing the people. What have you done to me? Why should I help you?"
Wei Mingli kowtowed repeatedly in a panic, and blood soon seeped from his forehead:
"I know I was wrong! I'm sorry to Wanru.
But if I really fall, she will lose her position as the prefect's wife. How will she live in the future?
I do all this for her!"
Bai Wanru, dressed in plain clothes, looked at him and said:
"During the years you've been the prefect, when have I ever had a comfortable life? You only care about yourself in everything. Don't use me as a cover.
I am fine now, I don't need your fake kindness."