In Moli Country, one had to burn incense when receiving an Imperial Edict, to show respect to The Emperor.

Xuexue waved her hand for Zi Xia to go prepare, and very soon, everything was ready.

Everyone at the main gate knelt on the ground to listen to the decree.

Only Eunuch Li stood alone, holding the Imperial Edict in his hands. He glanced down at them from on high with great self-importance before proudly unfolding the edict to read it aloud...

"By the Mandate of Heaven, The Emperor decrees: Madam Situ is quick-witted and clever, dignified and virtuous, naturally intelligent, and never oversteps the rites. Moreover, as she cured the Empress Dowager’s illness yesterday, We are greatly gratified. After careful consideration, We hereby confer upon her the title of Princess Consort of War Prince. Thus is Our will!"

Eunuch Li’s sharp voice slowly rang out. At this, everyone felt happy on Madam Situ’s behalf; the Prince and madam were so in love, and now she was finally sitting in the rightful seat.

Although madam was also a Main Wife, she was after all still one rank lower than a Princess Consort.

Eunuch Li’s shrill voice rang out again: "Princess Consort of War Prince, receive the decree."

In the past, The Emperor had never wished for Situtu Xueer to become the Princess Consort of War Prince. This time, for some unknown reason, the moment the Empress Dowager brought it up, he agreed at once, even drafting the Imperial Edict himself and sending Eunuch Li with Gold to the War Prince’s Mansion to proclaim it.

Xuexue did not react at all and continued to kneel on the ground.

Eunuch Li called out again: "Princess Consort of War Prince."

Kneeling beside Xuexue, Zi Xia saw that the young lady made no response, and hurriedly reminded her: "My lady, he’s calling you. Hurry and receive the decree!"

Xuexue had been wondering in confusion why no one was answering. So it was Eunuch Li calling for her. She still wasn’t used to this title of Princess Consort of War Prince. She hastily raised both hands to receive the Imperial Edict and loudly cried, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for Your boundless grace!"

Only then was Eunuch Li satisfied, and he led the guards back to the palace to report the completion of his task.

Before he left, Xuexue had the steward give him a big red envelope. Eunuch Li weighed it in his hand; it felt heavy. Without even looking, he knew there must be good things inside. Naturally he grinned from ear to ear. He had known it: proclaiming an Imperial Edict was a cushy job. When people saw he was a favored attendant by The Emperor’s side, they were all the more generous with their rewards, not stingy in the least.

In the main hall, Long Rui looked at Xuexue with a half-smile and said, "My wife, what’s wrong? Are you not happy to be the Princess Consort of War Prince?"

Xuexue said lightly, "What’s there to be happy about? ’Princess Consort’ is just an empty title anyway. Besides, I was also brought in through a proper arranged marriage with full rites. I’m a legitimate madam as well. I’m not rare and precious enough to be fussing over some Princess Consort title. As long as Your Highness truly loves me with all your heart, that’s enough."

In her previous life, she had even been the Crown Princess Consort!

Yet she had never been able to keep the Fourth Prince’s heart. When a man no longer loves you, what use is an empty title?

Long Rui reached out a forefinger and lightly scraped the tip of her nose, saying gently, "What a little fool. Is it so bad to be your husband’s Princess Consort?"

Thinking of those past dust-laden memories, Xuexue felt a bit low. Her voice was muffled as she said, "It’s good."

Long Rui’s voice took on a dangerous edge. "But from the way you look, your husband thinks you don’t seem very happy."

Hearing this, Xuexue immediately straightened up, her whole spirit snapping to attention, and a smile miraculously bloomed across her face. "Your Highness, you misunderstand, you misunderstand. This Princess Consort of War Prince is very happy."

What a joke—if she said she didn’t want to be Princess Consort, tonight Long Rui would definitely punish her again. Just thinking of his inexhaustible stamina made Xuexue shiver.

Long Rui looked at her in amusement. "My wife, are you sure?"

Xuexue nodded vigorously. "Yes, yes, absolutely sure."

Long Rui was satisfied. "Mm, not bad. Truly, the child is teachable."

When Xuexue heard this, she felt miserable again and couldn’t help saying, "Your Highness, I’m your wife, not your student."

Long Rui praised her, "My wife is getting smarter and smarter."