Chapter 646 - Chapter 646: The Might of the Tian Family
Chapter 646: The Might of the Tian Family
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
When Eunuch Zhu heard this, his smile deepened and he stood up. “In that case, I’ll return to the palace first to report to the emperor and the Empress
Dowager.”
Old Madam Yu quickly sent someone to hand over the generous gift prepared by the Yu Residence.
Eunuch Zhu accepted it with a smile.
Not everyone could get information from him.
The eunuch following in front of Eunuch Zhu cleverly picked it up and weighed it in his hand. It was not light, and it should be a rare item. Yu Zongzheng quickly stood up and said politely, “I’ll send you off.”
Yu Zongshen also said, “Thank you for your hard work, Eunuch.”
The two of them politely sent Eunuch Zhu off.
In the front hall, after dealing with Eunuch Zhu, Old Madam Yu felt as if she had just finished a tough battle. Even her back was drenched in sweat, and she leaned against a chair with a tired expression.
Yu Youyao handed her a cup of tea.
Old Madam Yu took a sip and regained some strength. She looked at her granddaughters, who were still standing in the front hall, and waved her hand. “You’ve been busy all morning. I think you’re tired. Go back and rest!”
It had been many years since she had seen such a big scene. The most recent time was when Second Brother had gotten into the rankings.
This was the first time her granddaughter had done this.
Yu Jianjia took a look at the bright yellow imperial edict on the table.
Just now, when Eunuch Zhu was reading the imperial edict, she had lowered her head, not even daring to move her eyes. Eunuch Zhu’s sharp and feminine voice pierced into her ears like a thin needle, making her dizzy and short of breath. For a moment, she even thought that her old illness had relapsed after three years of meticulous recuperation.
Yu Youyao had been conferred the t.i.tle of County Head of Shaoyi.
The imperial edict was folded and placed in a gilded gold tray. It was unknown if the nine dragon patterns on it were woven, embroidered, or drawn. Even the dragon whiskers were visible. No matter which corner she looked at, she would always be stared at by a pair of dignified and divine dragon eyes. It was as if these two dragon eyes could move according to her gaze and were alive, making her legs go weak for no reason. The prestige of the imperial family.
All of this belonged to Yu Youyao.
Previously, at the Flower Festival in the Duke Rongs Residence, she had seen
Xu Linlang from the Duke Xu’s Residence and Yin Jinrou from the Duke Rongs Residence. She had even sighed with emotion. They were the “real n.o.ble ladies” compared to Yu Youyao who was a “fake n.o.ble lady.”
How many days had it been?
The court seized the t.i.tle and removed the plate of the Duke Rongs Residence, Third Miss Yin became a commoner.
Consort Xu was imprisoned, and Xu Linlangs reputation as a n.o.ble lady was greatly reduced.
On the other hand, Yu Youyao had been conferred the t.i.tle of county lord and had become a true n.o.ble lady.
Even Second Miss Xu, who was a relative of the emperor, had to bow respectfully and say, “Greetings, County Head Shaoyi!’
Was there anything more ironic in the world?
How could an eldest daughter with no mother have such glory?!
She did not know what material the bright yellow imperial edict on the table was made of, but the golden light was so dazzling that her eyes hurt.
Unknowingly, her eyes welled up with tears and she felt a lump in her throat.
Yu Jianjia slowly lowered her eyes, her eyelashes trembling slightly. After a while, when she looked up again, her eyes were already moist and gentle.
She smiled and stepped forward, saying gently to Yu Youyao,
“Congratulations, Big Sister, for being conferred the t.i.tle of County Head of Shaoyi by the emperor.”
She tightened her grip on the handkerchief in her hand, and her fair fingers trembled slightly, but a sincere smile appeared on her face, as if she was sincerely happy for Yu Youyao.
“Thank you, Third Sister.” Yu Youyao did not think that there was anything to congratulate her for after being schemed against by the palace.
However, no matter what, this was a great honor.
The lightning and rain were all bestowed by the emperor!
It was not easy for women to be conferred t.i.tles. Most of them gained t.i.tles after they were married. A woman relied on her husband’s status. Her husband had a high status and his respected wife was conferred a t.i.tle for the family. Only after the Imperial Court’s examination would they be conferred t.i.tles.
As the original wife, her mother was only a sixth-grade peacekeeper. This was also because the emperor noted that her father contributed greatly to helping the Imperial Court open the sea ban with the Xie Residence.
As the second wife, Yang Shuwan did not even get a seventh-grade t.i.tle. She only got the lowest ninth-grade t.i.tle.
When Yu Zongzheng entered the Ministry of Official Personnel Affairs, logically speaking, Yang Shuwan’s rank would increase. However, Yang Shuwan’s reputation was not very good after the Flower Festival in the Marquis of Changxings Residence. Even if Yu Zongzheng wanted to apply for a conferment for her, he could not, let alone the fact that he hated Yang Shuwan. Naturally, he could not trouble himself to apply for a conferment for her.
As an unmarried girl, it was rare for her to obtain the position of county lord in the entire history of the Great Zhou Dynasty. It was because the emperor and the Empress Dowager doted on her.
Therefore, even if she was schemed against by the emperor, it was still her honor.
Even if she had to “buy” this county lord position with a large sum of money, she still had to appear happy.
Yu Jianjia’s congratulations made Yu Qingning react. She gritted her teeth hatefully and lowered her head reluctantly. “Big Sister, congratulations.”
Her mother, who was doted on in the past, become a concubine that was sent to a secluded manor. It was unknown if she was dead or alive. Her father, who had doted on her in the past, now felt annoyed even to look at her.
She had lost all her backing and was locked up in the courtyard by Matriarch Jin. She had been tortured by Nanny Jin from the Education Department for three years.
All of this was enough for Yu Qingning to recognize reality.
No matter how stupid she was, she did not dare to go against Yu Youyao openly anymore.
However, even so, when she thought about how the stupid Yu Youyao had actually become a county lord, she still felt indignant and resentful.
Yu Youyao nodded. “Thank you, Fourth Sister.”
Yu Jianjia and Yu Qingning stepped forward and bowed before leaving the front hall one after another.
Although Yu Shansi was young. he could tell that the atmosphere in the front hall was a little heavy. His grandmother was not happy that Eldest Miss had been conferred the t.i.tle of county head.
On the other hand, Big Sister did not feel honored.
He hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. “Big Sister has become the county head. In the future, no one will harm her when she goes out.”
No matter what, this was a good thing.
Yu Youyao could also hear the concern and worry in it. She smiled. “Brother Si is right. This is a relief after a long time. You should also go back and rest early!
After Yu Shansi left, Nanny Liu dismissed the servants. Qing Xiu and Bai Kui stood guard outside. Everyone knew that the palace had just given Eldest Miss an imperial edict and reward, so they did not dare to approach the front hall.
Old Madam Yu sighed slightly. “I’m afraid it’s inevitable!”
Yu Youyao held her hand. “As long as it’s a problem that money can solve, it’s not a problem. The rare thing is how to fill the palace’s appet.i.te to satisfy the higher-ups.”
Old Madam Yu turned to look at Zhou Linghuai. “What do you think?”
Zhou Linghuai said calmly, “The Empress Dowager has mobilized a donation drive aimed at cousin, the Xie Residence in Quanzhou, and even all the merchants in the Great Zhou Dynasty!’
There was a limit to what officials could donate. Businessmen were the ones who were really rich..