Chapter 167 The Lady of Wu County, please receive the imperial decree...

Chapter 167 The Lady of Wu County, please receive the imperial decree...

The female saint was still savoring the look in Meng Qing's eyes when he parted the beaded curtain. She was momentarily stunned until the curtain was parted again, at which point she came back to her senses.

"The princess has left?"

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the lady-in-waiting replied. “I escorted her out of the Daming Palace and arranged for a sedan chair to take her out of the palace.”

Did she say anything?

The female official shook her head. "Your Majesty, is something amiss?"

The female saint did not answer. She saw excitement and joy, but also sorrow, in Meng Qing's eyes. Ironically, for a moment, she suspected that Meng Qing recognized her, or that the two were even old friends.

"As the princess left, she kept looking back, and after exiting the Daming Palace, she bowed again towards the palace gate," the official said. "Your Majesty, the princess greatly admires you."

"I can see that." The female saint couldn't help but laugh. "Add another fifty bolts of silk and one hundred bushels of millet to the reward... She still has to leave the capital, and millet is not easy to carry, so let's change it to a pair of jade ruyi scepters."

The female official should be.

A palace maid entered and asked, "Your Majesty, would you like a meal to be served?"

The female saint nodded, "Alright."

After the palace maid left, the female emperor instructed, "Go and investigate Meng Qing's interpersonal relationships."

"What does the sage doubt?" the female official asked.

"I can't quite explain it." The female saint thought for a moment and felt that Meng Qing's behavior was somewhat strange. "Send someone to investigate."

"Yes," the female official replied. "Should the imperial decree for the bestowal of titles still be issued?"

“Of course.” The female saint glanced at her. “Go down.”

The female official slowly withdrew from behind the beaded curtain.

*

On the other side, just before the palace gates were locked, Meng Qing's sedan chair left the palace.

Outside the imperial city, Meng Chun stood on the side of Zhuque Avenue, craning his neck to look into the city. He watched as fewer and fewer officials left the palace after their shifts, until there was almost no one in sight at the end of the road. He was so anxious that he kept stamping his feet and pacing back and forth.

"What are you doing? Curfew is coming, get out of here!" A patrol of soldiers passed by, and the leader shouted.

Meng Chun shuddered in fright. He glanced into the imperial city again, but still couldn't see anyone. He dared not stay any longer and hurriedly ran towards Yongchang Ward.

Half an incense stick later, a sedan chair emerged from the imperial city, and at the same time, the curfew drum sounded.

Meng Qing lifted the sedan curtain and looked out. There was no one on Zhuque Street. She breathed a sigh of relief, fearing that Meng Chun was stubborn and was still waiting for her outside the palace.

Half an incense stick later, the sedan chair landed outside the Minister's residence. Meng Qing got out of the sedan chair. She didn't have a single coin on her, nor did she have any valuable items to give as a reward. She could only thank the eunuchs who carried the sedan chair repeatedly.

“Your Highness, please don’t stand on ceremony. Please come in. We’ll be on our way.” A eunuch said, “Start the sedan chair procession.”

Meng Qing watched the sedan chair leave. She climbed the steps and was about to knock on the door when it opened from the inside.

"Madam Meng, you're back? If you hadn't come back, your brother would have been crying with worry." Minister Zheng looked outside. "Who brought you back?"

"Sister, you're finally back! You scared me to death!" Meng Chun jumped out. "I waited on Zhuque Street until curfew was almost here and you still hadn't come out, so I rushed back to ask Minister Zheng for help. Minister Zheng was just about to go out to find out what was going on when the gatekeeper told him that you were back."

"I'm sorry to have troubled you, Minister." Meng Qing smiled apologetically. "Sir, shall we go inside and talk?"

"Please." Minister Zheng raised his hand.

Upon arriving at the reception hall in the second courtyard, Meng Qing, without waiting for Minister Zheng to inquire, exclaimed with delight, "My lord, I have been bestowed the title of Lady of Wu County by the Empress Dowager. What rank is a Lady of Wu County?"

"...A fourth-rank official." Minister Zheng was shocked. "The Emperor bestowed upon you the title of Lady of the County? Is that true?"

“Of course I wouldn’t dare lie.” Meng Qing laughed. “I can wear red, but not purple, right? It’s fine if I can’t wear it, it’s just that I can’t wear purple, I don’t really like that color anyway.”

"Sister, how did you get made a county princess after just one trip to the palace? My goodness! Heavens above!" Meng Chun felt like he was dreaming, and he burst out laughing. "Our Meng family has produced a county princess! Hahaha, our Meng family's ancestral graves are emitting auspicious smoke. I'm going back to my hometown to worship our ancestors, I'm going to throw a huge banquet, even bigger than when Du Laosan was granted his official position and returned home. Oh my! I have a sister who is a county princess, hahaha."

Meng Qing was infected by his emotions, and she laughed too.

Minister Zheng watched silently as the brother and sister, who were almost delirious with joy, ordered his servants to summon Madam Cui.

Half an incense stick later, Madam Cui strode into the reception room and said happily, "I heard from the servants that Lady Meng was bestowed the title of Lady of Wu County by the Emperor? Is that true?"

"Yes, but the imperial edict has not yet been issued," Meng Qing replied.

"If the Emperor wanted to bestow upon you the title of Lady of the County, he could have simply issued a decree. Why did he need to invite you to the palace?" Minister Zheng seized the opportunity to probe for information. "What did you discuss?"

"The Empress was shocked that the charitable schools in the twenty-three states could make a profit of 620,000 strings of cash in a year. She invited me to the palace to learn about the situation of the charitable schools." Meng Qing did not intend to hide anything. Minister Zheng had put in so much effort in this matter, and even made such a large sum of money, just to let people know how much he had contributed.

"What do you say?" Minister Zheng asked.

“I said I estimated that the annual profit would be at most 250,000 guan, but once the free schools in various places have developed and matured, it is not a problem for a free school in a state to make a profit of 50,000 guan a year,” Meng Qing replied.

Minister Zheng smiled with satisfaction.

"Is that all?" Madam Cui asked.

Minister Zheng waved his hand, indicating that there was no need to ask any more questions. He was satisfied that Meng Qing's answer was in his favor.

“I am still in the Ministry of Rites. The final decision on the investiture will be made by the Ministry of Rites. I will let you know if there is any news,” he said.

Meng Qing stood up and thanked him.

"Since you have no residence in Chang'an, how about we hold the imperial edict at the Ministry of Personnel's residence?" Minister Zheng offered his suggestion.

“Let’s buy a house ourselves,” Meng Chun said eagerly. “We’ll get a house first, so my nephew will have a place to stay when he goes to the capital for the imperial examinations.”

"How many days passed between the drafting of the imperial edict and its promulgation?" Meng Qing asked.

"It will take three to five days at the fastest, and half a month at the slowest," Minister Zheng replied. "If the Secretariat has no objection to this imperial edict, it can be promulgated in three to five days."

“We’ll find a house first. If we haven’t settled on a house before the imperial decree is issued, we’ll have to borrow land from the Minister’s residence,” Meng Qing said.

“Alright.” Minister Zheng nodded.

"I'll arrange a banquet to celebrate the Lady's arrival tonight." Times have changed, and Madam Cui no longer dared to look down on this merchant's daughter.

“Madam, please don’t trouble yourself. The imperial decree has not yet been issued, and the title of Princess has not yet been bestowed. It is not the time to celebrate.” Meng Qing refused. “On the day the decree is announced, if I have prepared a house, I will invite you to my residence for a feast.”

"Go and make preparations," Minister Zheng said. He told Meng Qing, "Since the Empress has spoken, there won't be any mistakes with this imperial edict. Let's celebrate quietly for now."

Upon hearing this, Meng Qing no longer refused.

*

The next day, Meng Qing and Meng Chun went to see Prefect Yin. Oh, he was now Vice Minister Yin. He had a residence allocated by the court in Chang'an, also in Yongchang Ward.

Upon hearing the good news from Meng Qing, Minister Yin's immediate reaction was regret. "The Empress has already bestowed upon you the title of Lady of the County? Does that mean I have no use for my talents? How can I repay you?"

“My eldest son is studious. If he ever enters officialdom, I hope you will look after him for my sake,” Meng Qing said.

“Alright,” Minister Yin agreed. “However, I’m worried I won’t be of any use, since he has an uncle. How about this, you leave the house purchase to me, and I’ll take care of it for you.”

Meng Qing sought him out with this very thought in mind.

Five days later, Vice Minister Yin borrowed 800 strings of cash from his colleagues and bought a two-courtyard house in Anxingfang, north of Xingqing Palace.

Meng Qing borrowed a few servants from Madam Cui to clean the place, and that very night, she and Meng Chun moved in.

*

On February 28th, the Vice Minister of Rites served as the chief envoy, and the Director of Rites served as the deputy envoy. The two led the ceremonial guard to Anxingfang to announce the imperial decree.

"They're here, they're here." The night before, Minister Zheng had sent someone to inform the Ministry of Rites that they would be coming to deliver an imperial edict today, and Meng Chun was waiting outside the ward early in the morning.

"Sister, the messenger has arrived!" Meng Chun shouted excitedly as she ran in.

Meng Qing was both excited and nervous. She took a few deep breaths and went out to greet them.

"My Lady, we meet again." The chief and deputy envoys who delivered the imperial decree were old acquaintances. Three years ago, the two of them had attended Du Min's banquet and given gifts.

"Thank you all for your trouble." Meng Qing raised his arm. "Please."

“Please, Your Highness,” said the official in charge of the Ministry of Rites.

Meng Qing went first. The incense table was already set up. She, along with Meng Chun and the four newly purchased servants, stood behind the incense table and knelt down facing south.

The Vice Minister of Rites unfurled the imperial edict and proclaimed: "I have heard that praising merit and repaying virtue is a grand ceremony of the sages; glorifying one's parents and bringing honor to one's name is the deepest affection of a son. The foundation of royal governance begins in the women's quarters; the essence of social customs lies in virtuous women. You, Meng Qing, have brought paper offerings and funerary objects to pay homage to Heaven and Earth and to the spirits; you have advocated for policies and broken old customs; you have established free schools and promoted education. You have been dedicated to public service day and night, loyal and diligent without slackening, and your achievements are evident in the marketplace and renowned in the court."

You were born into humble circumstances, a poor family in Wu County, a respectable household. You possess neither wealth nor status, yet you have the integrity of pine and cypress. Your community praises you as virtuous, and your neighborhood admires your righteousness. You deserve to be honored and recognized for your exemplary conduct.

Therefore, an envoy was dispatched with imperial credentials to appoint you as the Lord of Wu Commandery.

By extending grace to parents, merchants could also wear silk and ride in carriages and horses.

Alas, Wu Commandery, a renowned ancient commandery, a place of esteemed honor. This auspicious name is bestowed upon you, to glorify your conduct. You shall gladly accept this great favor, and forever uphold your virtuous reputation. Diligently strive to fulfill your initial aspirations, and with humility and prudence never falter in your moral character. Follow the proper etiquette without fail, and respectfully obey without negligence.

"Lord of Wu County, please receive the imperial decree," the deputy envoy said.

"Your Majesty, I accept the decree." Meng Qing raised her two trembling hands and accepted the bright yellow imperial decree.

"Congratulations, Your Highness," said the Vice Minister of Rites. "Please rise, Your Highness. The Empress has also bestowed fifty bolts of silk and a pair of jade ruyi scepters upon you, which I have delivered."

Meng Qing thanked him, saying, "We have prepared tea at home. Please come in and have some tea to soothe your throats."

"No need to trouble yourself. The imperial edict has been delivered, and I should return to the palace to report back," said the Vice Minister of Rites.

Upon hearing this, Meng Chun immediately took out five money pouches and handed them over.

The Vice Minister of Rites shook his head, pushed the gifts away, and said to Meng Qing, "Please don't be so polite, Princess. We cannot accept these things."

"You've all made this trip, why don't you come inside for some tea? Go relax with a drink after your shift ends," Meng Qing said.

The Vice Minister of Rites waved his hand, "This is what we should do, especially since the Ministry of Rites has already received your favor. We're leaving now, please wait."

Meng Qing and Meng Chun saw the honor guard off at the door. Once outside, she stopped, while Meng Chun escorted the honor guard all the way out of Anxingfang.

Meng Qing entered the room, unfolded the imperial edict and looked at it again and again before finally looking at the rewards bestowed by the emperor.

"Sister, I'm back." Meng Chun rushed in. "Let me touch the imperial edict."

"It's on the table, take it yourself." Meng Qing put down the jade ruyi, opened the wooden box on the ground, and saw a flower hairpin crown. She exclaimed and picked up the flower hairpin crown to put on her head.

"Beautiful! So beautiful!" Meng Chun circled around her, then suddenly covered his face and burst into tears. "Sister, that's great! You finally got what you wanted, all thanks to your own abilities."

Meng Qing waved for the servants to leave, then removed Meng Chun's hand and said, "Sister wants to apologize to you. Father and Mother both received rewards of wearing silk and riding in carriages because of me, but you..."

“Sister, don’t say that. You don’t owe me anything.” Meng Chun shook her head. “I don’t blame you. I’m happy for you and our parents. My sister is the Lady of Wu County. I’m so proud. It’s more prestigious than if I changed my own household registration.”

"Really?" Meng Qing asked with a smile.

Meng Chun nodded, and he swore to the heavens, "If I am lying, may I be struck by lightning."

Meng Qing slapped him, "Nonsense."

Meng Chun smiled and picked up a robe embroidered with five-colored pheasants from the box, handing it to her. "Go quickly and have the maid help you put it on. Wear the whole set. I want to be the first person to kowtow to the Lady."

Meng Qing laughed, "Don't rush, I have something serious to tell you. The waterways of Huai Prefecture are very difficult to manage. If a major disaster occurs in any year, we will have to abandon the land to save the lives of the people. I mentioned the relocation of the northern people to the south to the Empress Dowager, and she did not object. This plan may be feasible. I want you to return to Wu County. Take the money back to Wu County to buy dyeing workshops, paper mills, and bamboo workshops, and then build paper horse shops on a large scale in Suzhou. Make a fortune by making funerary objects from colored paper. When the day comes for the relocation of the northern people to the south, donate the money to buy land in Wu County to build houses and buy fields to distribute to the disaster victims. At that time, you will have a good reputation, and Du Min will ask the court for an official title for you."

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Author's Note: There will be another update at 12 o'clock.