Chapter 1583: Chapter 1521: County Magistrate Ruifu
With a single proclamation from Emperor of Nanyue, Wufu inexplicably became County Magistrate Ruifu. Although there was no fief awarded, the title and rank were established, and she was also granted one hundred taels of gold, ten bolts of silk, and other rewards.
As she muddled out of the Imperial Tent, Changping jestingly curtsied to Wufu, "Congratulations to County Magistrate Ruifu. From now on, no one would dare call you a commoner."
Wufu asked, "What is the rank of a County Lord?"
"Second-rank official."
Upon hearing this, Wufu grinned, "In that case, you still outrank me."
Changping pulled her aside a few steps, lowered her voice, and sighed, "If it werenât for my fatherâs military achievements, how could a commandery princeâs daughter like me be titled as Princess Changping? At best, I would be a county lord, and even that would depend on His Majestyâs favor. Some commandery princeâs daughters donât even get to be county lords."
Wufu raised an eyebrow, "It seems my heroic act of rescuing the princess really was a great boon!"
Changping adjusted her cloak and said, "You speak as if you care greatly about glory, but in truth, youâre indifferent to it. Isnât it true that nothing compares to life?"
"Indeed, no matter the glory, it doesnât compare to being alive." Wufu smiled warmly, "However, this title and rankâyouâd be a fool not to accept it; sometimes status can be very useful."
Thatâs quite true.
"Greetings, Princess Changping and County Magistrate Ruifu." An unfamiliar palace attendant approached the pair and smiled at Wufu, "My lady wishes to speak with the county magistrate."
Wufu considered for a moment. This county lord title might have been requested by Yonghe, so she decided to meet her.
"Iâll return to tidy up." Changping decided not to accompany Wufu further.
Wufu then followed the palace attendant to Yongheâs tent, where a strong medicinal scent greeted her upon entry. Yonghe was reclining against a large golden peony-embroidered welcoming pillow, her face pallid.
"Greetings, Your Highness." Wufu curtsied.
Seeing her, Yonghe forced a faint smile, "I will soon return to the palace with my father the Emperor and mother the Empress. Once there, Iâm not sure if Iâll have the chance to leave the palace again, so I asked you to come for a word."
Wufu sat on the embroidered stool by her bedside and noticed Yongheâs sickly appearance. She said, "Youâre still unwell; whatâs so urgent that you must discuss? Itâs better to recover first."
"No wonder you and Changping get along, you have such a... temperament," Yonghe said before closing her mouth.
"Impertinent?" Wufu picked up the sentence, eyebrow raised with a light chuckle.
Yonghe pouted, "Youâre a county lord too now. Claiming to be a princessâI cannot achieve that, nor can I become a commandery princess; I can only ask for this."
"I was merely joking, and you took it seriously. Your Highness, you are indeed easy to trick!" Wufu feigned laughter, "Even just a reward of some gold and silver jewelry makes me quite happy."
"You..." Yonghe glared, then softened, "Fine, I wonât quarrel with you. As for jewelry, I will certainly provide for you. But with this title, you wonât be easily bullied in the future. It was beyond my capabilities to secure a fief for you."
"Thank you. A county lord title was more than I expected. As you say, those who wish to bully me must now consider my status." Although, when others bullied her, she usually retaliated with her fists.
Seeing her speak sincerely, Yonghe couldnât help but feel happy, saying, "I should be the one thanking you, for saving my life and not abandoning me."
In such circumstances, Wufu had many opportunities to leave her behind, yet never did so; even when feeling unwell, she still led Yonghe to safety, proving the goodness of her heart.
Therefore, it was she who deserved gratitude.