The Princess Wei Yang

56.

3An Ping Xianzhu -a position bestowed only to women during the feudal era; it is different from gongzhu (princess, daughter of Emperor) and junzhu (princess, nieces of the Emperor), the rank xianzhu is below both gongzhu and junzhu --- An Ping is the characters bestowed as a title based on one’s character and achievements

4 Titles bestowed to wives of officials who have contributed major achievements towards the country

Vocabulary

Chen nu - what female subjects refer to themselves as when speaking to the Emperor

Dimu - legal mother of concubines’ children

Nuhai - a girl, young child

Shichen - lit. long hours, the day is broken up into 12 two-hour periods

Shu ren - referring to a gentle and righteous person

The eunuch rolled up the list of the treasures presented and placed it on the tray brimming with gifts. His voice was sharp and clear as he addressed Li Wei Yang: “Why have you not accepted the edict and expressed your gratitude?”[1]

Li Wei Yang respectfully kowtowed and said: “Chen nu is grateful for Bixia’s grace. However, every time chen nu thinks of the suffering of people in turmoil, chen nu cannot bear to accept this. If Bixia permits, chen nu will use every treasure here to help the people in the affected areas as well as those displaced from their homes and are seeking refuge.”

The Emperor was taken aback. It was difficult to see what he was thinking in the bottomless depths of his cold eyes. In truth, a bit of fear had surfaced in him. A young lady with such intellect who was also not after wealth and fame was rare.

The Empress Dowager[2] smiled softly and nodded. She looked to Li Wei Yang with well intentions and said: “Gentle young one, you are worthy to accept these treasures. You should not turn them down. Moreover, you have good intentions. It would only be right to further reward you. Bixia, what do you think?”

The Emperor pondered over it for a bit before nodding: “Imperial Mother, you are right. Compared to the gold and silver you have been awarded, you should accept it. The Empress Dowager has said to further reward you, so I will award you the title Anping Xianzhu, your mother —— ” [3]

Having said one part, Li Wei Yang softly spoke up: “Bixia, chen nu’s dimu is already a furen of the first rank of nobility.”[4]

Li Xiao Ran was the Prime Minister. Lao Furen was of the first rank of nobility and likewise Da Furen. However, the imperial edict could be issued many times. Da Furen was already of the first rank of nobility, if the Emperor were to bestow the title of first rank once more, it would not be an issue. Why would Li Wei Yang abruptly speak up in this manner?

This was clearly directed at the Emperor: you bestowed Da Furen the title of first rank, yet I still have my birth mother!

The Empress Dowager nearly laughed out loud. This young yatou was truly unwilling to be at the slightest disadvantage. She reminded them, “Bixia has already bestowed the rank for dimu. It is only right that this child’s birth mother should receive the same honor.”

The Emperor was also aware of the complication. In his mind, he only needed to know that Li Wei Yang’s father was Li Xiao Ran, not who her mother was. However, since she had taken the initiative and brought it up, he could not pretend he did not understand: “Very well. It shall be extended to your mother, as it should be.” Having said this, he did not want to prolong the ordeal any further. He swept his sleeve and left to seek his court officials to discuss matters.