The day before yesterday, An Sheng had brought back to the manor the imperial edict conferring upon A Mei the title of a third-rank noble lady.
A Mei didn't know much about this noble title. After the previous emperor's passing, where noble ladies were required to go and wail in mourning, she felt that having this title brought no real benefits. Thus, lacking any interest in the matter, she casually tossed the conferring edict into a cabinet.
She never expected that officials from the Ministry of Rites would arrive at their manor early this morning.
An Sheng led A Mei to kneel and listen to the congratulatory words, and to accept the official seal and ceremonial treasures specially issued by the Ministry of Rites, along with the noble lady's attire and a pheasant crown.
If one were to ask why An Sheng didn't attend the morning court today, the reason was quite intriguing. After An Sheng caused quite a scene at yesterday's morning court, the emperor sent someone to the An manor in the afternoon to deliver a secret letter and read out an oral decree. In short, the underlying message was clear: Beloved Subject An has injuries on his face, which are truly unseemly to look upon. Therefore, he is specially granted two days of leave to rest well at home, and incidentally take the opportunity to enhance his marital affections...
Once the people from the Ministry of Rites left, A Mei picked up the items they had delivered, examining them left and right out of curiosity.
Husband, so this is called a pheasant crown.
Oh, Husband, look, this material is made of fine silk, but why are these clothes so loose? The patterns aren't very clear either.
Husband, what exactly does a noble lady do?
Suddenly, A Mei's small face fell into a miserable expression. Don't tell me we have to go wail in mourning every time someone in the palace dies?
An Sheng chuckled softly and couldn't help but reach out to gently poke A Mei's forehead. He said helplessly, Do you really think wailing in mourning is a bitter chore? You are only summoned to mourn when the Emperor or the Empress passes away. Do you know how many lower officials and aristocratic families rack their brains and exhaust the efforts of several generations, yet still fail to attain the qualifications to go and mourn? Oh, you. I really don't know what to say to you. But I suppose I am to blame as well. I am usually so busy with official duties that I haven't taken the time to explain these things clearly to you.
Saying this, An Sheng patiently began to explain to A Mei in detail the origins, ranks, qualifications for conferment, and the responsibilities that came after being conferred the title of a noble lady.
A Mei listened earnestly. The more she listened, the more she thought about how amazing her husband was. Her bright eyes gazed at An Sheng, full of adoration, and a small sense of pride couldn't help but swell in her heart.
However, when she heard that a noble lady also needed to attend grand state ceremonies, such as court congratulations, sacrifices, palace banquets, and other important rituals, her brows immediately furrowed tightly, and she couldn't help but mutter softly.
Oh my, I still have to attend so many ceremonies. I don't know anyone else, and I worry the most about socializing with others. I don't want to go. I just want to stay by my husband's side.
Hearing these words, An Sheng felt a mix of emotions in his heart. On one hand, he was naturally delighted that A Mei only had eyes for him, but on the other hand, this was something he couldn't agree with.
With a helpless tone that carried a hint of frustration over her lack of ambition, An Sheng said, Look at you, so unpromising. As the rightful wife of a high-ranking court official, you cannot focus all your attention solely on me. The court has already issued the clear edict of conferment today. I currently hold a third-rank official position, but the actual power in my hands is something that even those second-rank officials in the court wouldn't dare to underestimate. As my wife, now that you have received this noble title, there will naturally be many more visiting cards delivered to our door in the future. Some you can ignore, but if their rank is higher than the second rank, there are some events you will still need to attend or at least send gifts to.
A Mei listened carefully and was secretly alarmed. Looking as if she had a headache, her small mouth immediately pouted.
It sounds so troublesome. I have always been this unpromising. If I don't do a good job, will I embarrass you, Husband?
An Sheng let out a soft chuckle, his eyes full of doting and helplessness. You ah. I gave up expecting you to win face for me a long time ago. I can win it myself.
Speaking up to here, An Sheng looked at A Mei's expression that seemed to say, I'm so useless, how embarrassing. He sighed, pulled A Mei into his arms with one hand, and gently comforted her, I only have this much ability at present. This officialdom is like a battlefield, and the socializing in the inner courtyards is also considered a small officialdom. Therefore, there are still many occasions where you need to make an appearance. You don't need to be afraid, nor do you need to worry, and you certainly don't need to compare yourself with the wives of those aristocratic families. Just be yourself. Whatever you don't understand, I will slowly teach you. With me here, there is currently no one who dares to laugh at you or look down on you.
Now that I serve as the Commander of the Inner Depot, what I exercise is overwhelming power, arrogance, and throwing my weight around. As my wife, you can just do as you please. Do you understand what I mean, A Mei?
A Mei nodded heavily. I understand. Rest assured, Husband. I have you and the Inner Depot as my backing. As long as others don't offend me, I won't offend them. But if others offend me...
An Sheng raised an eyebrow.
He then heard A Mei give an angry huff, baring her teeth as she said, I will come back and complain to my husband, and let my husband go deal with them!
An Sheng: ...
The veins on An Sheng's forehead twitched slightly. After a good while, he let out a deep breath and said slowly:
Good, my wife has finally grown some skills.
Her husband was praising her! A Mei's heart leaped with a little joy; she was incredibly happy.
Looking at A Mei's delighted little expression, An Sheng didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Forget it. His, An Sheng's, wife didn't need to be slick in handling affairs, perfect in every aspect, nor did she need to be virtuous, gentle, dignified, and generous like the principal wives of those aristocratic families. As long as he had enough ability, no one would be able to look down upon or slight his wife.
However, she still needed to know some of the most basic things.
Thinking of this, An Sheng pulled A Mei to the study to review the household accounts for this month.
A Mei was not worried about calculating accounts. Although she sometimes struggled with memorizing texts for her studies, she was still quite clever when it came to arithmetic.
An Sheng sat at the desk, with A Mei standing behind him like a student. After An Sheng carefully flipped through the accounts that A Mei had tallied, he finally nodded in gratification. Not bad. I didn't expect that there wouldn't be a single mistake.
This was the second time today that she had been praised by her husband. A Mei rejoiced inwardly, but before she could be happy for long, she belatedly realized that something wasn't quite right. She immediately shot An Sheng a charming glare, pouted her small mouth, and put her hands on her hips. Wait, that's not right. What do you mean you didn't expect there wouldn't be a single mistake? So in my husband's eyes, am I really such a foolish person who can't even calculate these simple accounts correctly?
There was no other reason for this, simply because the manor's accounts for this month were truly too simple.
An Sheng immediately put on a straight face and answered very seriously, How could that be? I have always known that A Mei is smart and clever. I have never said you were foolish.
Really? A Mei tilted her head and looked at An Sheng, feeling somewhat uncertain.
An Sheng said as a matter of course, Of course. When have I ever told a lie?
Only then did A Mei break into a smile again. She directly plopped herself down on An Sheng's lap, reached out to wrap her arms around his neck, and asked softly, Then did I do a good job?
An Sheng steadily wrapped his arms around A Mei's waist, his eyes full of indulgence. Yes, you did.
