The Iron Certificate, it was an ancient document granted by emperors to meritorious officials, allowing them and their descendants to enjoy special privileges or immunity. When granted, it was an extraordinary honor, akin to a life-saving charm.
However, once given, as time passed, the imperial throne wished to reclaim it. Who knew if someone might use it to rebel? Failing a rebellion, it served as a life-saver by granting immunity. But what if the rebellion succeeded?
Therefore, over time, emperors would eventually rack their brains to reclaim the Iron Certificate. Otherwise, it would be like a fishbone stuck in the throat, an irritating concern hard to swallow.
Even if the current emperor didn’t want to take it back, what about future generations? There would always be someone who wanted it.
Thus, Nanny believed Song Ci’s ambition was truly grand.
"In the current court, only two individuals have the Iron Certificate," Nanny said.
Song Ci was curious, "Who are they?" New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novèlfire.net
"The Duke Dingguo Mansion and the Prince Xin," Nanny replied.
The Duke Dingguo was an old established founding lord. The former Duke Dingguo passed away two years ago and was posthumously honored. The current Duke Dingguo is his only son, but he is more prolific than his father, having three sons and three daughters, all legitimate offspring.
"No wonder the people from the Duke Dingguo Mansion are rarely seen outside; they’re still in mourning," Song Ci suddenly understood.
"They’ll be out of mourning next year," Nanny said, "And then there’s Prince Xin, the only surviving prince from the former dynasty. He was the one who opened the city gates with the last remaining members of the royal clan, welcoming the late emperor into the city and personally presented the Jade Seal, pleading for the late emperor to ascend the throne and establish a new dynasty."
Song Ci was even more surprised than when hearing about the Duke Dingguo, saying, "Wasn’t Prince Xin crushed by his own clan?"
Prince Xin’s actions were tantamount to treason, generally despised by others. Moreover, the Great Qing was originally the Xia family’s domain, but was handed over voluntarily.
"The remaining clan members consisted of only eight young boys, none older than twelve," Nanny said, "Even now, they are merely titled as Commandery Princes or feudal lords without actual authority."
Song Ci paused for a moment and said, "Surviving in disgrace is still better than the bloodline being cut off, right? Prince Xin is quite a character, ruthless in his decisions."
"Yes, the late emperor, seeing Prince Xin’s awareness and tact, granted him the Iron Certificate. But do you believe the current Emperor doesn’t want to take it back?" Nanny spoke in a very low voice.
Song Ci thought, if it were her, she would want to reclaim such a life-saving charm too.
It’s important to know that Prince Xin was a former prince of the royal family, holding such a life-saving charm. If he were to command troops for a revolt and succeeded, it would be justified; restoring Xia over Qing. If he failed, well, with the Iron Certificate in hand, he could save his life, at worst becoming a commoner.
Some people always gamble, hoping to turn a bicycle into a motorbike, and if they succeed, it could become a yacht or a plane.
By this point, Song Ci realized that acquiring such a life-saving charm required immense effort, even needing to plead shamelessly at times.
For a moment, Song Ci’s thoughts were inexplicable.
"Does the Dowager wish to seek this Iron Certificate?" Nanny asked softly.
"Yes," Song Ci sighed, "The Song Family is rising, and as the eldest’s power grows, they are watched more closely. If they make a wrong move or take the wrong path, having the Iron Certificate could save a life, wouldn’t it?"
"In matters apart from life and death, nothing is as significant. As long as life remains, even if one becomes a mere commoner, it’s just returning to the original state," Song Ci said faintly.
This Iron Certificate, she must plot to acquire.
Nanny was silent for a moment, "Is it because of the nightmares you’ve had?"
What kind of nightmares could provoke such thoughts?
Yet, Song Ci did not respond. Nanny looked over and saw she had already fallen into a deep sleep.
Nanny smiled faintly, tucked her in, and quietly left.