The titles of nobility in the Heaven Dou Empire are divided into four types: Duke, Marquis, Earl, and Viscount. Below the Emperor, the Duke is the highest, and the kings of the various duchies are, in effect, dukes.
Of these four ranks, those of Earl and above could have their own fiefdoms and enjoy immense power. In this era of decentralized power, a local lord was practically equivalent to a local king, wielding the power of life and death.
Qi Ling won first place in the competition. Xue Ye not only rewarded him with the title of Earl, but also granted him a fiefdom. Although Qi Ling had experienced many things, this was the first time he had become a lord, so he found it quite novel.
Led by Ning Rongrong, they walked through the streets of Heaven Dou City and arrived at the palace. As the daughter of the sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the guards in the palace were naturally very familiar with her. After all, Ning Fengzhi was the most important ally of the Heaven Dou Empire, and his status was beyond imagination.
"Oh? Brother Qi Ling, Rongrong?" They hadn't walked far in the palace when they unexpectedly ran into Crown Qi Ling Xue Qinghe. Upon seeing the two of them, Xue Qinghe immediately greeted them warmly.
"Your Highness, greetings." Ning Rongrong didn't dare to be too presumptuous when she saw Xue Qinghe, after all, he was the Crown Prince and represented the dignity of the country.
"Haha, Rongrong, why are you still so reserved? Didn't I tell you, your father is my teacher, so just call me Brother Xue?" Xue Qinghe laughed.
Ning Rongrong lowered her head slightly and said, "How can that be? Precisely because my father is His Highness the Crown Prince's teacher, the etiquette between ruler and subject cannot be disregarded, otherwise wouldn't that invite gossip?"
"You, you..." Xue Qinghe shook his head helplessly, then said to Qi Ling, "Brother Qi Ling, I've been waiting for you for a long time, waiting for you to come and collect your reward. You've finally arrived!"
Then, led by Xue Qinghe, the two walked deeper into the palace.
Although Xue Qinghe had always been polite, refined, and easygoing, Qi Ling always felt a strong sense of unease when she saw him, yet she couldn't find a reason.
This feeling came out of nowhere and had no basis whatsoever, so Qi Ling could only attribute it to her sixth sense, which also showed that she didn't actually trust the Crown Prince.
After the three met Xue Ye, Ning Fengzhi also happened to be present, clearly having been waiting for Qi Ling there on purpose.
Upon seeing Qi Ling, Xue Ye was overjoyed. After praising him, he announced the rewards for Qi Ling. In addition to the previous agreements, Xue Ye specially promoted Qi Ling's rank by one level, making him a Marquis. He is now the youngest Marquis in the history of the Heaven Dou Empire.
"Furthermore, given your excellent teaching abilities, Qi Ling, I have specially appointed you as Princess Xue Ke's tutor. Are you willing?" Xue Ye asked.
Qi Ling was actually reluctant about this, because in the past six months he had come to realize how hard it was to be a teacher, and it was completely unsuitable for his free and easy personality.
However, Qi Ling couldn't directly refuse the emperor's request, so she said tactfully, "Your Majesty, I am of limited talent and knowledge, far inferior to the members of the Education Committee, so I'm afraid I might delay the princess's studies. Therefore, I would prefer to appoint her as her tutor..."
"Haha, Qi Ling, that's excellent. The people who recommended you to me are the three Education Commissioners. They assured me with absolute certainty that Xue Ke will definitely learn a great deal in your hands. So don't refuse." Xue Ye said with a smile.
Qi Ling felt incredibly frustrated. Although these three old men were probably thinking of her best interests when they recommended her to Xue Ye, she didn't want to do this job.
"However, Your Majesty, my teaching experience is still limited, and I am afraid I am unable to tailor my teaching to each student's individual needs. I wonder if I can nurture Princess Xue Ke into a capable individual..."
"Haha, no need to worry, Qi Ling, I have confidence in you! Besides, Xue Ke is a princess, as long as she grows up to be knowledgeable and reasonable, that's enough, so you don't need to feel any pressure," Xue Ye continued.
At this point, Qi Ling finally understood. Since the crown prince had already been established, Xue Ye didn't care at all about how well Princess Xue Ke could learn. He even had a feeling that a woman's virtue lay in her lack of talent.
The reason for appointing Qi Ling Xue Ke's teacher was ultimately to win him over. In fact, if Qi Ling could be made a prince consort, Xue Ye would likely be very happy to accept.
Since Xue Ye has gone this far, if Qi Ling doesn't agree, it would be awkward for everyone. After all, to be honest, Xue Ye has treated her quite well, trying his best to win her over, which can be considered as showing respect and humility.
So, Qi Ling had no choice but to agree to become Princess Xue Ke's teacher. Fortunately, teaching one student was better than teaching a group of students.
"Haha, very good!" Xue Ye laughed. " Rongrong, I remember you and Xue Ke seem to have a good relationship, right? In that case, take this opportunity to take Qi Ling to see Xue Ke. Your father and I have some things to discuss."
Ning Rongrong agreed and led Qi Ling out, then they walked together towards the back garden of the palace.
According to Ning Rongrong, Princess Xue Ke usually paints in the back garden at this time, which is one of her hobbies.
Upon arriving at the back garden, they soon saw Princess Xue Ke, surrounded by a group of servants, diligently painting in front of a peach tree.
"Sigh, I'm so tired of drawing these flowers and trees every day!" Princess Xue Ke sighed and complained. "Isn't there anything perfect in this world that can move my heart? If I could find such a thing, my drawing skills would definitely improve very quickly."
" Xue Ke, are you drawing here again?" Ning Rongrong said to Xue Ke as she walked towards her, while Qi Ling stayed where she was out of courtesy.
"Sister Rongrong! You're here!" Upon hearing Ning Rongrong's voice, Xue Ke immediately put down her paintbrush and ran towards Ning Rongrong happily. "Why haven't you come to play with me for so long! I've been so lonely!"
In terms of age, Xue Ke, who is thirteen years old this year, should naturally call Ning Rongrong" older sister". The two have been like sisters since childhood and can talk about anything.
"I'm sorry, Xue Ke, I've been busy, that's why I haven't been able to come see you," Ning Rongrong said, taking Xue Ke's hand and smiling at her.
Xue Ke was delighted to hear Ning Rongrong's words when she suddenly saw Qi Ling standing behind her. Her beautiful eyes widened, and she stood there stunned, a blush spreading across her face.
"Sister Rongrong, Sister Rongrong, who is he?" Xue Ke hurriedly asked Ning Rongrong in a low voice, occasionally stealing glances at Qi Ling.
Seeing Xue Ke's reaction, Ning Rongrong felt helpless. Although she had expected this situation before coming, Qi Ling's charm was simply too irresistible.