"Your Majesty," Marquis Wu'an stepped forward and bowed, voice clear and resolute. "This humble official believes that the horseshoe, by swiftly increasing the number of mounted troops in our Tian Sheng army, represents an unparalleled contribution—especially at such a crucial moment. Her Highness the Fifth Princess should be granted a noble title and fiefdom as reward."
In Tian Sheng, a princess receiving a noble title and her own land was tantamount to a prince being enfeoffed as a royal duke. Not only would it elevate her status, it would also entitle her to the tax revenues from her domain.
As soon as the proposal left Marquis Wu'an's lips, the neutral officials in court remained relatively calm.
But among the princes' factions—particularly those aligned with the First Prince—waves of unease rippled instantly.
General Wei Yuan, the stalwart pillar of the Northern Frontier Army, stepped forth and objected without hesitation.
"Your Majesty, this must not be allowed."
"Oh?"
Emperor Xuanwu glanced up, his expression unreadable.
"And why must it not?"
General Wei Yuan gave a respectful salute before answering.
"Your Majesty, the envoy from Bei Xiang has not yet arrived in the capital, nor have the ten thousand retired warhorses they are meant to deliver. If news of Her Highness's grand reward spreads prematurely, unforeseen consequences may arise. We risk complicating what should be a straightforward matter."
Though a military man, General Wei Yuan was no stranger to the workings of court. He understood well that His Majesty loathed factional maneuvering and personal agendas.
And he was also painfully aware that the First Prince had recently fallen out of imperial favor.
If he had dared argue that the First Prince and his peers had yet to be granted noble titles, and that the Fifth Princess claiming one first would shame them—it would not only fail to persuade the Emperor, it might deepen his disdain toward the First Prince's faction.
So instead, Wei Yuan had wisely chosen a more tactful excuse: delay.
After all, the Emperor's birthday celebration and New Year's Eve were approaching fast.
Though the First Prince had been exiled to Longhua Temple for repentance, even he would be granted temporary reprieve during such important festivities.
If he could seize this opportunity and ease the Emperor's displeasure, there might still be hope.
With these thoughts in mind, General Wei Yuan stood straighter, as if every word he had spoken was for the good of the realm and not in the slightest tainted by self-interest.
Emperor Xuanwu remained silent for a moment. Though he saw through the reasoning with ease, he could not deny it held some logic.
At last, he gave a small nod.
"Very well. Then We shall postpone rewards for now and bestow them in due time."
"Your Majesty is wise."
Having achieved his aim, General Wei Yuan returned to his place with an air of composure.
Marquis Wu'an and Tang Yuanlin said nothing further.
The Emperor had merely delayed, not denied. The Fifth Princess's accomplishment was undeniable. When the time came, they could always raise the matter again.
With no objections lingering, the young eunuch arrived to report that the horses fitted with the new horseshoes had been brought to the palace gates.
With a wave of his hand, Emperor Xuanwu led the court out of the Xuanzheng Hall.
Among them, Tang Yuanlin was the only one who had personally seen the horseshoe fitted. He stepped forward briskly and directed the nearby eunuchs to lift one of the horse's hooves for all to see.
"Your Majesty, please observe. These two steeds were prematurely retired due to severely worn and cracked hooves. Before attaching the horseshoes, their hooves had to be trimmed and leveled. Only then could the iron be nailed in place."
"Let me see! Let me see!"
General Wei Yuan had been among the first to charge forward. But whether by coincidence or cunning, the horse had been led to stand directly between him and the view.
He craned his neck to no avail, then hurried to another angle, elbowing his way through the crowd in frustration.
"Wait—is it nailed straight into the flesh?"
"The nail goes into the hoof wall," Tang Yuanlin replied lightly. "And Her Highness specifically instructed that it be driven in at a slant, to prevent accidental dislodging."
"Your Majesty, please see—these horseshoes were affixed exactly as the Princess described. Firmly secured, and without causing any injury."
"Let me try it!"
General Wei Yuan finally made his way to the front. As Tang Yuanlin spoke, he reached out and tugged at one of the shoes.
He used no small amount of strength, yet the iron did not budge.
"A remarkable invention indeed."
Having tested it with his own hands, the general's enthusiasm surged.
He ran his palm over the iron plate again and again, reluctant to part with it. After a long moment, he turned to Emperor Xuanwu and blurted out—
"Your Majesty, this subject humbly requests an audience with Her Highness the Fifth Princess!"
"The horseshoes are here before you. Why must you see her in person?"
Emperor Xuanwu's tone was cool, but the meaning beneath it was sharp. He never forgot a slight. Even if General Wei Yuan hadn't spoken against him directly, the one targeted had been his own daughter.
And as her father—yes, Imperial Father—he took that affront personally.
"If Xiao Wu learns that she might have received a title today, but lost it because of your objections... what do you think she would do if she saw you?"
"...This subject... acted only for the greater good."
Everyone present knew the truth. There was no need to pretend.
Even so, General Wei Yuan flushed with embarrassment.
But truth be told, no matter his political allegiance, he was first and foremost a general.
And a princess who could invent horseshoes held tremendous value to him.
For that reason, he swallowed his pride and even mastered the ancient art of flattery and enticement.
"Your Majesty, think of it—Her Highness conceived of the horseshoe simply upon learning that hoof damage was leading to early equine retirement. If I could share with her more of the army's challenges... who knows what other wonders she might create?"
Emperor Xuanwu faltered slightly.
He was tempted.
But his face remained stern, his voice solemn.
"And yet, Xiao Wu is still young and sensitive. She achieved a great merit today, yet was denied any reward... and now must endure disturbance from an outside official. Even We feel somewhat ashamed."
General Wei Yuan: "..."
So... was His Majesty subtly requesting a gift for his daughter?
Hiss—
"First Prince, oh First Prince, your loyal subject has suffered dearly for your sake this time."
With a face twisted in resignation, General Wei Yuan—usually known for being frugal to the bone—was forced to grit his teeth and offer a bribe.
"Your Majesty need not worry. In this subject's household, there are still a few fine treasures suited to a young lady's taste. Surely they will lift Her Highness's spirits."
"Then that is ideal."
Emperor Xuanwu clapped him on the shoulder with satisfaction, not giving him any chance to wiggle out of it.
"Xiao Wu will have a one-hour rest period after the noon meal. You would do well to return home now and bring those treasures back before then."
"...Understood. This subject thanks Your Majesty for the reminder."