The next day, Bai Xilie brought Bai Zhi'er to court.
When the civil and military officials, as well as the imperial family members, saw the adorable little figure in the Emperor's arms, they were momentarily stunned.
Some ministers, having heard rumors the previous night, knew the Emperor had found his beloved daughter.
However, at this moment, they couldn't help but show a hint of surprise.
Not for any other reason than the unprecedented act of the Emperor bringing his daughter to court!
Bai Xilie, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe and crowned with a jade headdress, stood tall and muscular, his eyes solemn.
One large hand of his could comfortably enclose his daughter's small body in his embrace.
Bai Zhi'er sat obediently on her father's knee.
The civil and military officials had long since knelt to the ground, as Bai Xilie said, "My dear ministers, rise."
They shouted "Long live the Emperor," and once they stood up, they couldn't help but glance at Bai Zhi'er's face.
The little one was probably just over three years old, with a tender, round face, as smooth and white as if water would come out at a pinch.
Her bright and clear eyes seemed to speak, round and dark like pearls or grapes.
With curling and long eyelashes, the little one's eyes reflected a hint of curiosity.
Seeing the ministers looking at her, she raised her small hand and waved: "Hello, uncles~"
The officials were momentarily surprised, quickly bowed, and intoned in unison, "Peace to Your Highness, Princess."
Bai Xilie let out a hearty laugh.
Respect for the Princess also brought him joy.
He said in a deep voice, "My daughter has been lost for nearly three years, and now found, truly blessed by the heavens. To show gratitude to heaven, I have decided to amnesty the world in the name of the Princess."
"Anyone with minor offenses shall be permitted to return home. Furthermore, I proclaim to the world that Princess Cuicuo, Bai Zhi'er, is my only child, and the sole princess of the imperial family."
The ministers were taken aback.
Princess Cuicuo, the Emperor had even prepared a title!
She is indeed the only child, but among the imperial family, there are several princes!
The Emperor has several brothers, all of whom have been enfeoffed as princes.
However, calculating carefully, these princes do not have daughters, only sons.
In this light, Princess Cuicuo truly is the only daughter of the Bai Family!
Under the lead of Bai Xilie's confidant, Master Wen knelt, giving thanks to the Princess on behalf of the people, and the other officials immediately followed, bowing in respect.
It was inevitable that everyone would wonder.
Now that the Princess has returned, what about the beloved consort the Emperor has always yearned for?
Bai Xilie looked down, his voice joyful as he asked, "Zhi'er, Cuicuo, means grand and unrivaled in the world. Do you like the title your father chose for you?"
Bai Zhi'er nodded her little head, her eyes bright like sparkling stars: "I like it, thank you, father!"
Bai Xilie turned his gaze back to the civil and military officials, instructing them to rise.
Court affairs then resumed normally, just today, there was an additional little princess "auditing."
Bai Zhi'er held a piece of sugar cake, eating it slowly, and when thirsty, she hugged her father's dragon-head teacup and took a sip.
Her face was rosy and smooth, and she looked earnest.
She listened attentively.
The reports from the courtier were numerous and each was enough to cause a headache.
Previously, there had been battles on all sides, and now that the Emperor had ascended the throne for two years, many commanderies in the Chu Kingdom still awaited reconstruction and required extensive silver.
But the national treasury was not abundant, and in this vast land, everything awaited revival.
At this time, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, responsible for diplomacy, stepped forth.
He bowed and said, "Emperor, the small neighboring states of Rouran and Quanrong continue to harass without end, should we send envoys to negotiate?"
Hardly had the Minister of Rites finished speaking when a rugged-looking man voiced a loud opposition.
"What a joke! Our Great Chu is a vast country, how can we lower ourselves to negotiate with such trivial states!"