FBC – Chapter 206 The Bestowal of Honors

The commoners and officials watching had been whispering and even voicing unpleasant remarks. But when they saw the black-armored guards, grim and murderous in bearing, escorting the black coffin in unison through the city gates, the surroundings instantly fell silent.

Whether they mourned sincerely or harbored hidden thoughts, no one dared to make a sound.

Gu Hua walked in front of the coffin, her heart a tangle of emotions.

The Mu family army had fought and bled to win the peace and joy of the capital’s people and officials—but how many truly felt gratitude in their hearts?

The Grand Madam of the Mu family stood with the household at the gates of the Duke Yong’s residence, waiting.

The old woman’s eyes were rimmed red as she fixed her gaze firmly on the approaching coffin.

Seeing her pale face, Gu Hua’s heart ached. She guessed that the old lady did not know of Mu Junyan’s secret plan.

And yet, she still held herself straight and did not weep aloud—truly a woman of iron will.

Gu Hua stepped forward and bowed gently. “Mother.”

The Grand Madam clutched her hand, her voice choked. “Good child, you’ve suffered on the way.”

Gu Hua’s eyes instantly turned red. She gripped her hand tightly and whispered, “Mother, please don’t grieve too much. You must take care of your health.”

The old lady nodded. “Don’t worry. I too am the wife of a general. My husband and both my sons died before me. I’ve seen much of death—I will not let sorrow overwhelm me.”

She looked at Gu Hua with deep tenderness. “Now that Ziyuan is gone, I must stand strong all the more, to protect my daughter-in-law and grandson. With you and the child, the Mu family still has hope.”

Gu Hua’s chest tightened with grief and guilt.

She only hoped Mu Junyan could return soon to relieve the Grand Madam’s sorrow.

She lifted her gaze to the gates of the Duke Yong’s residence. The entire entrance was draped in white, with eight great white lanterns hanging solemnly.

The Grand Madam and Gu Hua entered slowly together. In a low voice, the old lady said, “His Majesty sent the Ministry of Rites to arrange everything personally.”

Gu Hua’s heart settled a little.

The Emperor must have received the military report transmitted through the Ministry of War, and thus knew of Mu Junyan’s great achievements.

But she could not know what Jiang Duo would say once he entered the palace, nor what schemes the Jiang and Yuan families might contrive.

Inside the Duke’s residence, silence reigned.

A vast white canopy covered the main courtyard. A white carpet stretched all the way to the main hall. Dozens of ever-burning lamps lined both sides, illuminating the path brightly.

The mourning hall was set up in the main hall. Chi Yu and Chi Yan commanded the black-armored guards to carry the black coffin inside and place it at the center.

Officials of the Ministry of Rites stepped forward, respectfully saluting and lighting incense.

The Grand Madam’s eyes were filled with desolation as she gazed at the coffin.

Her hoarse voice broke as she choked, “Good son, go in peace.”

All present were moved to the core. Even the officials of the Ministry of Rites had reddened eyes, some wiping away tears.

What in this world could be sadder than a parent with white hair sending off their child with black hair?

Moreover, the Grand Madam had already buried her husband, two sons, and other direct kin. Now she had to face the coffin of her last remaining son.

The thought alone was heartbreaking.

Gu Hua felt the old lady trembling slightly and called out softly, “Mother.”

The Grand Madam turned, her reddened eyes curving into a faint smile. “It’s all right. Soon we must enter the palace to face His Majesty. Hurry and wash up, change your clothes. We’ll eat something together before we go.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Gu Hua was indeed exhausted. To hasten their journey, she had not bathed for two days, and the sticky discomfort clung to her.

At dusk, the palace sent a carriage to fetch them.

Gu Hua and the Grand Madam entered the palace together, but to their surprise, the Emperor and Empress had arranged a private banquet.

At the table were only the Empress, her second prince, sixth prince, and sixth princess.

When the imperial couple and children saw them enter, they all stood at once.

The Empress personally went forward to help the Grand Madam, preventing her from bowing.

“Madam, no need for such formality.”

The Grand Madam’s face was heavy with grief. Her voice trembled. “This old one thanks the Empress.”

Gu Hua bent down to salute, but the Empress caught her as well.

“Gu Hua, you needn’t bow either.”

Her eyes were red too, though she dared not mention Mu Junyan, and instead helped the old lady to her seat with care.

“Please, sit, Madam. Gu Hua, come here as well.”

The Grand Madam sat close beside the Empress.

Gu Hua felt uneasy. Though she had seen the Emperor once, it was her first meeting with the Empress and the second prince.

Zhao Luoxuan could not hold back any longer. She ran over, grasped Gu Hua’s arm, and chirped, “Sister Hua, no need for courtesy. You are my lifesaver!”

Gu Hua blushed and tried to pull free, still bowing respectfully to the Emperor and Empress. “This humble wife greets Your Majesty and Your Highness the Empress.”

The Empress smiled and shook her head. “Xuan’er, help your Sister Hua up.”

Gu Hua froze slightly, raising her eyes. Why was the Empress echoing Zhao Luoxuan in calling her “sister”? How could she dare accept such a title from a trueborn princess?

She tried again to bow. “I dare not.”

But Zhao Luoxuan tugged her firmly upright. “Didn’t we say no more bowing? Father said this is a family banquet, held especially to thank you for saving me.”

“That was only my duty.”

The Emperor smiled kindly. “Come sit down, Gu Hua. Otherwise we can’t begin the meal.”

Blushing, Gu Hua followed Zhao Luoxuan to the table. Seeing the princes, she was about to salute again, but Zhao Luoxuan held her back.

“Sister Hua, you’ll have rank now. No need to salute everyone you meet.”

Gu Hua was baffled.

The Emperor and Empress exchanged a smile.

The Empress laughed. “We had meant to wait until after the meal to announce this, but Xuan’er’s quick tongue can’t wait.”

Zhao Luoxuan pouted. “Good news should be shared first! Otherwise Sister Hua will keep thinking herself lowly and won’t even eat properly.”

The Empress teased, “Very well, very well. We’ll announce it now, so that your Sister Hua can eat with ease.”

The Emperor smiled. “I’ll give you my decree verbally first. The formal edict will arrive at your residence, and the investiture ceremony will follow.”

Gu Hua was stunned.

An investiture?

The Emperor said, “Ziyuan rendered great military service. I had already intended to reward him richly upon his return. But he gave his life for the nation instead. I grieve deeply. I have heard you carry his posthumous child—his only heir. That child must be born into honor. The Grand Madam has also told me that before leaving, Mu Junyan left a written testament to raise you to principal wife. I shall fulfill his last wish.”

“Gu Hua, I hereby grant you the title of Third-Rank Lady of Grace, and elevate you as the principal wife of the Duke Yong. Furthermore, for your own meritorious deeds, I have ordered the Ministry of Rites to prepare your rewards according to custom.”

Before Gu Hua could react, the Grand Madam pulled her to her knees.

Together they said, “Your subjects thank Your Majesty for this immense grace.”

“Rise. This is a family banquet—no need for such formality.”

They kowtowed again to express gratitude.

Palace maids helped the old lady back to her seat.

Gu Hua was still dazed.

Never had she imagined she would one day be formally enfeoffed, nor that the Emperor himself would decree her elevation as principal wife.

Zhao Luoxuan, seeing her in a daze, clung to her arm and turned to the Empress, acting spoiled. “Mother.”

The Empress glared at her with affection. “Impudent girl. If not for Gu Hua’s protection, you would have lost your life long ago.”

“That’s true!” Zhao Luoxuan laughed playfully.

The Empress came over, took Gu Hua’s hand, and slipped a jade bracelet onto her wrist. “This bracelet was part of my dowry. It was a pair. One I gave to Xuan’er, and the other I now give to you.”

Startled, Gu Hua tried to kneel again, but Zhao Luoxuan held her firmly. She could only thank the Empress quickly.

The Empress said gently, “I wish to take you as my goddaughter. Would you be willing?”

Gu Hua’s eyes widened. “Your Majesty, this… is not proper. I truly do not dare…”

Zhao Luoxuan exclaimed, “What’s improper about it? Without you, I wouldn’t be here!”

“She’s right,” the Empress said softly. “When Xuan’er went to Juzhou, my heart was torn with fear. I never imagined she would come back alive. I owe you so much.”

Her eyes reddened as she held Gu Hua’s hand. “I truly thank you.”

Gu Hua was flustered. “Your Majesty…”

Prince Zhao Yuwen leaned his head forward and joked, “Mother, Sister Xuan, Lady Mu—we can talk after eating. Father and we are all hungry.”

The Empress laughed. “Yes, yes, let’s not starve the Grand Madam and the child in Hua’s belly.”