Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty

Chapter 550: Chapter 541 Countess of Huitao Chapter 550: Chapter 541 Countess of Huitao At this moment, a chamberlain from Cining Palace entered to report, saying that the Empress Dowager had invited Madam Chu and Ms. Chu to Cining Palace to entertain her. Ms. Chu was gentle and kind-hearted, and the Empress Dowager liked her very much. She would keep Ms. Chu in Cining Palace for a few days to recite Buddhist scriptures for her.

The Empress Dowager also said that she was really fond of Ms. Chu and would petition on her behalf for a grace from the Emperor, asking the Emperor to award Ms. Chu with a tangible gift.

Surprised by the Empress Dowager’s intervention and stopping her Buddhist activities, the Emperor knew that it must be Prince He who had complained. He laughed and said, “Indeed, Ms. Chu has won the Empress Dowager’s favor, to garner such a request from her. Alright, I will grant Ms. Chu a gift.” He postured in thought and continued, “This is her first petition to me for a gift. As it can’t be too modest, I will ennoble Ms. Chu as Countess of Huitao, and grant her two boxes of Dongzhu beads.”

In their dynasty, not many non-royal ladies had been ennobled to the rank of a countess. The title not only signified the Emperor and the Empress Dowager’s favour towards Chu Hanyan, but also made it less likely that other noble ladies would dare to offend her lightly. Chu Guangche and Chu Lingxuan were overjoyed, immediately kneeling and bowing, loudly expressing their “Thanks for the Emperor’s benevolence.”

The other ministers in the main hall also knelt and bowed, loudly saying, “Your Majesty is kind and benevolent.” After standing up, they congratulated the father and son of the Chus.

The good news of the Emperor granting Chu Hanyan the title of Countess spread to Cining Palace, which delighted both Chen Afu and Shiyi.