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CHAPTER 9 - RECEIVING THE IMPERIAL EDICT
"Today's events were unexpected, but the proper greeting is indispensable. Later, I will have someone deliver it to Xitang Courtyard. I hope you, as a couple, will live safely and happily together, growing old together," Shang Guogong said with a gentle smile, reminiscent of Du Jingyi's father.
In response, she returned the sentiment with a graceful smile, saying, "Thank you, Father."
On the other side, Lady Wei had already composed herself, awaiting the next cup of mother-in-law's tea. Unfortunately, Du Jingyi stood up and positioned herself half a step behind Shang Ji.
She portrayed a respectful and obedient demeanor. Lady Wei's smile froze as Shang Ji emotionlessly uttered, "My mother passed away many years ago. Let Du Shi offer this cup of mother-in-law's tea in front of her memorial tablet. Later, I will take her to the ancestral hall."
With these words, the expressions of everyone present changed in an instant. Three Old Madams, who had benefited greatly from Madame Wei on regular occasions, were no longer afraid to offend Shang Ji.
Being straightforward, one of them said, "Why not honor Madame Wei? In any case, she is the rightful lady of this Marquisate."
As these words were spoken, Shang Guogong's expression also became complicated. Frowning at his resolute son, he seemed to feel the impropriety. Yet, observing Shang Ji's subtly pursed lips and disdainful attitude, he hesitated.
Duke Shang couldn't help but sigh at the end, compromising and saying, "Alright, remember to offer incense to your mother and elder brother. Let them know under the Nine Springs that you are now a married person with a family. They can share in your joy."
"Yes."
With that said, Madame Wei, however displeased, had to retract her objection. Then, putting on a virtuous facade, she smiled and said, "Yes, Sister has been waiting for this cup of mother-in-law's tea for many years. In the past, the ones who drank... Let's not talk about them; they were all lowly individuals. You, on the other hand, come from a prosperous family."
After these words, she took off a well-polished jade bracelet from her wrist and handed it to the nearby Jiao Mama.
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"Although this meeting gift is a bit late, it's still a token of my goodwill. Please accept it," she said.
Jiao Mama held the jade bracelet and approached Du Jingyi with respect, handing it over.
If Shang Ji despised her, she would retaliate against Du Jingyi. Though she expressed pity in her words, she subtly conveyed to Du Jingyi that despite her elevated status, she was just another concubine. Du Jingyi sneered inwardly but maintained a composed and dignified appearance.
Just as she was about to reach for the bracelet, hurried footsteps echoed from outside. Steward He entered with an excited expression, announcing loudly, "Master, there's a messenger from the palace, proclaiming an imperial edict."
The entire hall buzzed with excitement upon hearing this news. Without thinking, everyone knew it was the imperial gift for Shang Ji. In previous years, when the late Duke Shang was still alive, Shang Ji had received several imperial commendations for his military achievements, bringing great honor to the entire Marquisate.
Although most of the money still went into the public account, the pockets of the third and fifth branches fattened considerably.
Unfortunately, after Shang Yukuan inherited the title of Duke, such favorable circumstances ceased. He was more inclined toward scholarly pursuits, holding a nominal position at the court. If not for the protective shield of his inherited ducal title, he might have faded into obscurity in Sui'an City.
Now, the situation had changed.
With Shang Ji's rising influence, the entire Marquisate was poised to become prominent again in the imperial court. Naturally, they were overjoyed and couldn't contain their excitement.
The Duke, Shang Yukuan, stood up first, adjusting his attire. With a somewhat excited expression, he looked at Shang Ji and said contentedly, "Let's go receive the imperial edict."
"Sure."
Following behind him was Lady Wei.
She had been troubled by financial concerns, and this windfall would alleviate many urgent issues. Therefore, she was genuinely happy.
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In the main hall, the members of the third and fifth branches also rallied their spirits. It seemed as if the imperial edict was for them, and they eagerly rushed out of the door.
Especially the Third Elder Lady, supporting the Third Elder Lord, moved faster than anyone else.
If one was not familiar with the details, they might not realize that these two elderly men, who usually lamented about their inconvenient legs and need to be suspended with precious medicinal herbs, were both over eighty years old.
In contrast, Du Jingyi and the children born to Lady Gu were a step behind.
An elder sister-in-law, a nephew, and an unmarried younger sister-in-law formed this group. Many of them shared the joy for Shang Ji, but at the same time, there were concerns.
Such unprecedented wealth and prosperity undoubtedly meant there would be some disturbances.
Du Jingyi didn't have much interaction with them before. However, living in the same East Court made it hard to avoid each other. So, she stepped forward and said, "Sister-in-law, please."
Liu, who had been a widow for ten years, seemed as if she had traveled through time when she heard this. After a slight moment of hesitation, she spoke, "Younger sister, you're too polite."
After that, she brought her son beside her and glanced at her younger sister-in-law before leaving the room with Du Jingyi.
When they arrived in the main courtyard, it was already crowded with people.
At the forefront were, of course, the Duke of the Marquisate and Shang Ji. Beside them was Lady Wei. Following her were the blood descendants she bore.
As for the four "old bones" from the third and fifth branches, they knelt neatly behind Duke Shang and Shang Ji.
It seemed the legitimate bloodline of the Marquisate: Du Jingyi and the children born to Madame Gu, had a somewhat disadvantaged position.
When Shang Ji turned around, he saw his wife, widowed sister-in-law, young nephew, and biological sister. Then, he glanced at the annoying people behind him and immediately said to Luo Yuan, "Let's begin."
"Go, bring Madame and the elder sister-in-law up."
"Yes."
They walked up gracefully.
The three elder madams and the five elder madams naturally had to make way. Though extremely reluctant, under the scrutiny of the palace representatives, they didn't dare to defy. They could only stand up and move to the back, appearing like a cumbersome tail.
Once they all knelt neatly on the bluestone slabs at the top of the steps, Liu Gonggong, responsible for the proclamation, settled his mind.
He had heard a bit about the connection between the third and fifth branches of the Shang family and Duke Shang's residence. Initially, he thought it was a joke, but witnessing it today, he was somewhat surprised.
While there were many impoverished relatives in the court due to the recent establishment of the new dynasty, such cases of relatives unwilling to leave even after decades were rare.
Suddenly remembering the imperial decree in his hands, Liu Gonggong spoke, "Duke Shang, General, this old servant is ready to announce the decree."
"Please, Liu Gonggong."
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