Chapter 14: Imperial favor

The news of Silla's bravery spread quickly, reaching every corner of the kingdom, especially after her heroic actions during the royal hunt. Saving the Crown Prince Wei Cheng had not only proven her courage but solidified her status in the eyes of the court. It was only a matter of time before the emperor would recognize her for her extraordinary feat.

Three days after her return to the Lee estate, an imperial decree arrived, bringing with it a whirlwind of excitement and awe.

The Imperial Summons

The golden carriage of the emperor arrived at the Lee estate’s gates, heralding a new chapter in Silla’s life. General Lee, now fully informed of the emperor’s intentions, stood proudly by Silla’s side. The imperial envoys, draped in fine robes and bearing the emperor’s seal, entered the courtyard, bringing with them a decree.

The chief envoy unrolled the imperial scroll, his voice booming through the estate.

“By the grace of His Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Yue Kingdom:

Lady Silla of the Lee family is hereby granted the honorary title of Mei Yongqi, as well as the esteemed title of Princess, for her bravery, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty in saving His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Wei Cheng, during the royal hunt.

As a token of His Majesty's profound gratitude, Lady Silla is granted the following:

The title Princess and all the rights and privileges that accompany it.

A mansion within the noble district, fully furnished and staffed, befitting her new station as Princess.

Ten thousand taels of gold to aid her personal ventures and for the support of her family.

A banner inscribed by His Majesty’s own hand, declaring her shop the Imperial Beauty Shop, to honor her contributions to the empire’s prosperity.

It is the Emperor’s will that Lady Silla shall be elevated to the highest rank, standing proudly among the nobility of the land. Her actions serve as an example of both loyalty and courage to the empire.”

The decree was met with hushed whispers of awe and admiration from those gathered. Silla, ever composed, remained stoic as the words echoed through the courtyard. While the title of Princess was undoubtedly a monumental honor, she knew that it was more than just a title—it was a tool. A tool to secure her place and protect her family.

The Ceremony of Gratitude

The very next day, Silla was escorted to the imperial palace to formally receive her new title. The grandeur of the palace, with its towering walls and ornate halls, almost overwhelmed her, but she stood tall, proud to represent not only her family but also the empire’s future.

In the imperial throne room, the emperor himself sat upon the golden throne, regal and commanding. Beside him stood the Crown Prince, still recovering from his injuries, his gaze steady as he watched Silla approach. The emperor’s voice rang out, filled with both warmth and authority.

“Rise, Lady Silla, now known as Princess Mei Yongqi.”

Silla rose from her kneeling position, meeting the emperor’s gaze with unwavering confidence. She had been granted the highest honor, and she would not falter now.

“Your courage in saving my son is something I will never forget. It is rare to find one so young, yet so steadfast and wise. For this, I bestow upon you the title of Princess, with all the privileges and responsibilities that come with it,” the emperor said, his voice rich with admiration.

The Crown Prince, his bandages still visible, added with a respectful nod, “Princess Mei Yongqi, your bravery saved my life. I will forever be in your debt.”

A servant stepped forward and presented her with a golden plaque bearing her new title, as well as a scroll with the emperor’s personal decree. Silla accepted it with a deep bow, grateful but ever mindful of the path that lay ahead.

The Mansion

Upon returning to the Lee estate, Silla’s newfound wealth and status were made clear. The imperial decree had granted her a mansion in the heart of the noble district, a place that would serve as both a sanctuary and a base for her growing influence.

The mansion was magnificent—an expansive estate with intricate carvings, sprawling gardens, and luxurious furnishings. It was a far cry from the modest home she had grown up in. A team of servants stood ready to attend to her every need, and the wealth that accompanied her title was staggering.

But for Silla, the mansion was not just a symbol of her success—it was a tool. A platform upon which she would continue to build her empire, ensuring her family’s future and her own place in history.

The Imperial Beauty Shop

Her shop, now known as the Imperial Beauty Shop, was elevated to an entirely new level of prestige. The emperor’s personal banner, inscribed with his own hand, was displayed proudly above the entrance, and customers—from nobles to commoners—flocked to see the products that had captured the empire's attention.

Inside, the shelves were stocked with a variety of cosmetics, skin creams, and perfumes, all crafted with Silla’s signature touch. But it wasn’t just the products that drew customers—it was the symbol of imperial favor that had now been bestowed upon her.

Pei Tian, Silla’s loyal cousin and bodyguard, stood outside the shop, ensuring that order was maintained amidst the growing crowd of admirers. “This is just the beginning,” he said, watching the masses with a calculating eye.

Silla smiled, but her thoughts were already elsewhere. “Indeed, Pei Tian. But we must be careful. We’ve made powerful enemies, and not everyone will be pleased with our rise.”

Pei Tian gave a small chuckle, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “Let them try. The Crown Prince has made his interest known. Anyone who dares to harm you will have to answer to him as well.”

Silla glanced at the banner again, her mind whirling with the possibilities that had just opened before her. “We will be careful. But we will not falter.”

A Letter from the Crown Prince

Later that evening, as Silla reviewed the day’s accounts, a servant brought her a letter sealed with the Crown Prince’s personal insignia.

She opened it slowly, her eyes scanning the elegantly written words:

*"Princess Mei Yongqi,

Your bravery and grace continue to inspire me. I would be honored to visit your shop soon, as I am eager to see the finest beauty products the empire has to offer.

With gratitude and admiration,

Wei Cheng"*

Silla set the letter aside, her expression unreadable. The Crown Prince’s admiration was evident, but she could not allow herself to be distracted by it. Her mission was clear: secure her place, grow her business, and protect her family. The rest could wait.

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