A County Princess Title?

Despite Guo Jitong's major mistake, Zhao Ruxi managed to calculate the border's grain supplies in just half a day, thus achieving a great merit. Although Xiao Ge rewarded her with some gold, silver, and silk, everyone knew that this reward was far from enough compared to the great achievement she had made.

Now that the border war has ended, not only should the border soldiers and ministers like Zhang Changshen be rewarded for their merits, but Zhao Ruxi's contributions should also be recognized again.

The next afternoon, Kang Shilin sent someone to tell Zhao Ruxi to come to his house.

Zhao Ruxi guessed what it was about and hurried to the Kang Residence.

"Zhiwei, you made a great contribution before the New Year. Today, after court, the Emperor summoned me and asked me what I wanted. He wants to bestow upon you the title of County Princess. What do you think?" Kang Shilin asked.

This is exactly what Xiao Lingyan and Zhao Ruxi guessed last night.

Zhao Ruxi waved her hand and said, "I only did a small favor for the court, what merit do I have? I dare not accept the position of county princess."

Kang Shilin laughed.

People have this mentality: I can give it to you, but you can't ask for it. If you ask for it, it means you're blinded by greed and that you're too goal-oriented. Such people are often not well-liked.

Kang Shilin was a man of genuine feelings, but he understood the emperor's psychology very well. He knew that the emperor would certainly like to hear Zhao Ruxi's answer.

"His Majesty is a wise ruler who always rewards merit. Everyone else who does good deeds is rewarded, but my apprentice wants nothing. This won't do. His Majesty summoned me specifically because he values both of us. If it's yours, don't refuse. Think about it quickly: do you want the title of county princess, or something else?"

Zhao Ruxi then lowered her eyes, appearing to be deep in thought.

While titles like County Princess, Prefecture Princess, and Princess were generally reserved for royal women, the court could also bestow these titles upon women from the common people who made significant contributions to the court. If such a woman married, she would be titled "Lady So-and-so."

This was an honor bestowed upon women, and also a guarantee of their livelihood. With these titles, after marriage, their husband's family would not dare to mistreat them, otherwise it would be a sign of contempt for the imperial family.

Zhao Ruxi had always wanted to establish her own powerful family, so she had always hoped to obtain a title. However, she did not want a title that had feminine characteristics; instead, she wanted a title like Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, or Baron, which were usually given to men.

As a modern, independent woman, she was entrusted with high hopes by Grand Princess Shangde and Madam Cui after arriving in ancient times. She was capable and wanted to fight for equal treatment for women as men. Therefore, even without Zhao Yuanxun's help and the future title of Consort of the Prince of Qi, she was unwilling to accept the title of County Princess.

She raised her eyes. "Master, I want to pass the imperial examination and become an official through my own abilities. If I obtain the title of county princess before taking office, people will think that my official position and status are all due to the emperor's favor. They will cooperate with me and work with me not because I have the ability, but because of the emperor's influence. This is not what I want."

"Therefore, I appreciate Your Majesty's kindness and goodwill."

Kang Shilin frowned upon hearing this.

He himself was a person without any ambition or self-interest; otherwise, he would not have refused when the late emperor bestowed a title upon him.

Zhao Ruxi didn't want the title of county princess, and he didn't care. He believed that as long as a person had ability, even without a title, people would still respect them wherever they went.

How many impoverished people in the capital hold titles but are actually powerless?

Seeing his predicament, Zhao Ruxi quickly added, "If the Emperor bestows rewards upon others but not upon me, and I feel this is inappropriate, then I will boldly make a request to you, Master. If you think it's acceptable, please speak to the Emperor on my behalf. If not, then pretend I said nothing."

Kang Shilin's brows relaxed, and he nodded, saying, "Just tell me what you want."

"My father has always been ambitious and capable. It's just that he's physically weak and mistakenly chose the path of a military officer, which delayed his development. His Majesty and Lord Zhang are well aware of how he's been performing at the Court of Judicial Review over the past six months. If you believe he's capable and can handle things independently, I would like to implore His Majesty to allow him to serve in a local post for two years, thus fulfilling his lifelong ambition. Of course, if you feel he lacks the ability, then forget it. After all, we must consider the local people and not risk local public office for personal gain."

"Sigh, you're such a filial child," Kang Shilin, looking at his young apprentice with deep emotion.

He felt that although his young apprentice had the reasons she mentioned, her refusal of the title of county princess was probably more for the sake of her father.

With a daughter like this, Zhao Yuanxun must have done something incredibly lucky in his past life. And Kang Shilin is truly blessed. If Zhao Ruxi treats her father this way, she certainly won't treat him, her master, any worse.

"Alright, I'll mention it to the Emperor," Kang Shilin said.

He didn't think it was a big deal.

Emperor Xiao Ge was a good emperor. If Zhao Yuanxun was not competent for the position of local official, he certainly would not have sent Zhao Yuanxun to take up the post. If Zhao Yuanxun was capable, even if Zhao Ruxi did not mention it, he would be willing to grant Zhao Yuanxun's request if Zhao Yuanxun himself was willing.

As for Zhao Ruxi, despite her young age, she is a very sensible and discreet person. If Zhao Yuanxun didn't have the ability, she wouldn't have said it even if Zhao Yuanxun had begged her. The fact that she brought it up means she understands her father's abilities and believes he is capable of handling the task.

Once the two sides discussed it, there was no way the matter could not be accomplished.

"Do you, or your father, have any places you'd like to go?" he asked again.

Since this is a favor to Zhao Ruxi, Zhao Yuanxun's official position should naturally be promoted, and he should be sent to a place that both he and his daughter would like. He certainly wouldn't be sent to a poor and remote place.

"I've always thought Jiangnan is a wonderful place, with a flourishing literary tradition. It would be good if my younger brother could go and experience it for his father when he takes up his post," Zhao Ruxi said somewhat shyly.

After saying that, she quickly added, "But that place is too good; no matter what official position it is, it's a lucrative post. If there's a vacancy and a suitable place, that's fine; if not, they'll be sent anywhere. My father is getting old and his health isn't good. Sending him out to work for two or three years is just to fulfill his wish and prevent him from having any regrets."

Kang Shilin nodded. "Alright. I will convey your message to the Emperor."

That evening, Kang Shilin went to the palace and told Xiao Ge about Zhao Ruxi's intentions.

He was able to gain the trust and favor of two emperors, which shows he was very good at speaking. He not only brought up Zhao Ruxi's request, but also made Xiao Ge feel that Zhao Ruxi was particularly humble and sensible, and that it was her duty to serve the court without making any demands. Even if she made a small request, it was all out of filial piety.