Some rare types of paper truly did sell for high prices these days—but only compared to other kinds of paper.
And Yun Shu had brought only a few sheets in total.
No matter how expensive it might be, how valuable could a handful of paper really be?
The Empress's expression stiffened for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. With a soft laugh that seemed indulgent, she said,
"So it was this palace mistake. This palace didn't even notice there were a few more sheets hidden beneath. Fifth Daughter must have gone to great lengths to acquire such... unusual paper."
She deliberately paused before uttering the words "unusual paper."
As expected, her tone drew the attention of many around her. Courtiers craned their necks, curious to see just how special this paper could be—was it really worthy of being offered as a birthday tribute to the Emperor?
"Replying to Empress Mother, yes, it did take some effort."
Yun Shu pretended not to notice the veiled mockery in the Empress's voice. She held up the sheets of paper so Emperor Xuanwu, seated at the upper end of the hall, could get a clearer look.
Her face wore a barely concealed look of smug satisfaction.
"Father Emperor, your daughter has fulfilled her promise to deliver low-cost paper. I have not failed Your expectations!"
"You actually succeeded?!"
Even when Emperor Xuanwu first saw the paper, he had suspected it might be the very low-cost paper Yun Shu had previously been raving about.
But even so, he had only dared to hope for a rough prototype.
Yet the way Yun Shu spoke now—she made it sound like the matter was fully resolved, with no further refinements needed.
His hands instinctively gripped the edge of the dragon-carved desk, breath catching in his throat.
"And have you calculated how much this paper would need to sell for in the marketplace to avoid a loss?"
"Replying to Father Emperor, Grand Preceptor Ye has already assisted your daughter with the calculations," Yun Shu said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"The price of one stack of the low-cost paper should be about five copper coins."
In the Tian Sheng Dynasty, one stack meant twenty-five sheets.
Even the worst quality paper in the past had cost no less than fifty coins per stack.
But the quality of Yun Shu's paper was noticeably better—and yet her price was ten times cheaper.
Emperor Xuanwu suddenly rose from his seat. In an uncharacteristically eager gesture, he walked straight to Yun Shu, seizing the papers from her as though they were precious treasures.
First, he rubbed the surface between his fingertips to feel the texture and thickness.
Then, without a moment's hesitation, he turned and ordered Li Dehai,
"Quickly, bring Us a brush!"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Li Dehai cast Yun Shu a grateful glance.
No wonder the Fifth Princess had told him the other day that it might be wise to prepare brush and ink ahead of time for the Wanshou Festival—she must have already anticipated this moment.
The brush and ink were fetched at top speed. Emperor Xuanwu gave Li Dehai a look of approval, then picked up the brush without delay. With swift, forceful strokes, he wrote two large characters upon the paper:
Shèng Ān (圣安)
The Empress's eyelid twitched slightly. As if sensing something, she opened her mouth to speak—
But Emperor Xuanwu had already set the brush aside and laughed heartily, his voice echoing through the hall.
"Our fifth daughter, Yun Shu, is naturally gifted and of virtuous mind. She possesses wisdom and discernment, brings benefit to the people, and shoulders the burdens of the realm. Truly, she is a heaven-sent Qilin maiden!
Today, We bestow upon her the fiefdom of Jiangzhu County, and confer upon her the title of Princess Sheng An!"
"Your daughter thanks Father Emperor for his boundless grace!"
Even Yun Shu herself had not expected that the title and fief that had once been stripped from her by Great General Wei Yuan would now return so suddenly—without warning, like a gift fallen from the sky.
Jiangzhu County lay not far from the southern regions. It was well located, with a strong economy, and the annual taxes alone would amount to a considerable sum.
With this, Yun Shu had secured yet another steady stream of income. Naturally, her joy was barely contained.
As for the others present—especially the Empress—they were all furious enough to grind their teeth to dust.
Yet since Emperor Xuanwu had declared it openly before the entire court, without consulting any of them beforehand, there was no room to contest it now.
No matter how unwilling they felt, all they could do was suppress their thoughts and raise their voices in unison:
"Long live His Majesty!"
"Enough. Let the banquet continue."
Emperor Xuanwu waved his hand, clearly in high spirits.
Yun Chuhuan was slightly disappointed. He already knew there was no way he could outshine Yun Shu this time.
Still, he had a good temperament. He figured that as long as he surpassed the Crown Prince, that would still count as a win. Cheerfully, he gave the order for his own birthday tribute to be brought forth.
Unlike the Crown Prince and the First Prince—whose tiny offerings had required two attendants to carry them for show—Yun Chuhuan's gift was the real deal. A large red sandalwood chest that truly required two men to haul it in using shoulder poles.
Though Emperor Xuanwu doubted anything this boy brought could surpass Yun Shu's offering, he still looked over with anticipation.
Not for any sentimental reason—
But because the Liu family was wealthy.
And as a result, the sixth son's birthday tributes each year were always extravagantly valuable.
For example, that half-human-sized golden Buddha statue in his private treasury? That had come from Yun Chuhuan.
Who knew what lay within that large chest this year?
Especially now that Emperor Xuanwu had just sunk several hundred thousand taels into investing in Yun Shu's restaurant venture. He was a little strapped for cash...
"Father Emperor, please take a look!"
As Yun Chuhuan spoke, the red sandalwood box was opened.
Emperor Xuanwu's smile froze on his face. Silence fell over the grand hall.
Even Yun Shu, lazily chewing on a pastry a moment ago, was now staring wide-eyed in disbelief.
What on earth was that idiot thinking?
Had his brain been kicked by a donkey?
Everyone turned toward Yun Chuhuan in stunned confusion. And the fool in question? He was still beaming with pride. He reached into the chest and pulled out... a papier-mâché mask.
"Father Emperor, look! Doesn't this mask resemble your son?"
Emperor Xuanwu: "…?"
He was so utterly shocked that he didn't even know how to respond.
In silence, he turned his head to glance at Noble Consort Liu, seated one tier below him. With a questioning look, he seemed to ask:
Has your son seen the imperial physician lately?
Noble Consort Liu: "…"
Even she had no idea what had gotten into her son.
In previous years, she had always helped him prepare his tributes—or simply arranged the whole thing herself.
But this year, the boy had insisted on handling everything personally, swearing up and down that he had prepared a gift Imperial Father would love most of all.
She had even been moved, thinking her little boy was finally maturing and wanted to surprise his Imperial Father.
Who could have guessed he would pull something like this?
How could His Majesty possibly like such a ridiculous birthday tribute?
After a long moment of silence, Noble Consort Liu steeled herself and tried to salvage the situation.
"Please forgive him, Your Majesty. I only told Chuhuan that his birthday tribute must be the very best. But I forgot—he is still a child. In his heart, perhaps these little trinkets are what he considers the best..."
===
About her title: 圣安 (Shèng Ān)
圣 (Shèng)
Literal Meaning: holy, sacred, sage-like, saintly
Connotations:
Associated with the divine, moral perfection, supreme wisdom
In Confucianism: implies moral and intellectual perfection
In Buddhism or Daoism: implies spiritual enlightenment or transcendence
安 (Ān)
Literal Meaning: peace, safety, tranquility, calm
Connotations:
Often found in titles of concubines, posthumous names, and temple names, conveying hope for stability or harmony
May imply someone who brings peace to the household, realm, or a troubled heart
In context: "安" softens the formality of "圣," making the title feel nurturing or protective. It could imply that she is a pillar of peace or moral calm within the realm
Put together, 圣安 suggests a title of divine tranquility, sacred peace, or even the holy one who brings calm. It's a name that radiates moral virtue, spiritual grace, and imperial influence..
If we link that with the Dynasty Name 天盛 (Tiān Shèng).
天 (Tiān) — Heaven, the divine will, the cosmos
盛 (Shèng) — Flourishing, prosperous, grand, glorious
Tian Sheng implies a dynasty that sees itself as divinely ordained and in a period of flourishing grandeur.
Both use 盛/圣 (shèng), though with different characters. There's a subtle phonetic echo here, reinforcing symmetry.
Sheng An under Tian Sheng creates a harmonious layering of meanings:
A flourishing era (Tian Sheng) governed by heavenly will
A woman of peace and sacred virtue (Sheng An) who aligns with or supports that mandate of heaven
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A Kirin (or Qilin) is a mythical creature from East Asian mythology, often described as a chimeric beast with dragon-like scales, a deer-like body, ox tail, and sometimes hooves. It is known for its gentle temperament and divine presence—only appearing in peaceful times or under the rule of a wise and benevolent leader.
Symbolism of the Kirin
Auspicious Omen: Its appearance signals the coming of a great age, the birth of a sage, or the rise of a virtuous ruler. It's associated with heavenly will and divine mandate.
Gentle Power: Though mighty, it does not harm the innocent—it steps lightly to avoid crushing grass or insects. This reflects benevolence paired with power.
Rarity and Prestige: Seeing a Kirin is considered extraordinarily rare and a sign of great fortune or destiny.
The Emperor call Yun Shu with the Qilin Maiden implies that she:
Is a rare and precious person, like a celestial being walking among mortals.
Is destined to bring peace, prosperity, or greatness to the one who "finds" or recognizes her.
May be a muse, a guide, or a lucky star, influencing the nation's fate profoundly