"What! Song Jinzhao was bestowed the title of Lady Linghui?" Li Tianchong stood up from his chair in disbelief, accidentally pulling out two hairs from his beard, making him grimace in pain.
The news came too suddenly. Why would they bestow an official title upon a commoner girl out of nowhere?
Unlike a regular reward, this was an official mandate with a rank.
Li Zien nodded vigorously, "It's spread all over the city now. The ones who came to read the decree are an official from the Ministry of Rites and a palace eunuch. They are staying at the post house."
Li Tianchong paced back and forth in the hall, full of doubts. "Why the title? What is the reason? It must be for a great merit, otherwise the Emperor would not issue such a decree."
Li Zien shook his head, "I don't know. The Song family's shop didn't open today, and even their medical clinic is closed."
Inside the post house, Peng Mu, Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites, was sitting and drinking with the Prefect of Anyang.
Meng Hechuan picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and asked curiously, "Lord Peng, how did the Emperor come to think of bestowing Song Jinzhao with a title? For a commoner woman, this is a rare favor."
He knew that once his memorial was submitted, the Emperor would definitely reward Song Jinzhao.
He had assumed it would be some gold and silver jewelry, silks, decorative items, or perhaps another plaque to bring honor to her family. He never expected an official title.
This meant that Song Jinzhao's status would be completely different from now on.
Peng Mu jokingly raised his cup and flattered him, "Lord Meng, why must you speak such pleasantries in front of me?"
"With the help of Lord Fei and the Duke of Qing, it would be hard for the Emperor not to agree. Once Lord Ye is restored to his former post in the future, you will surely be promoted!"
"Ah?" Meng Hechuan uttered in astonishment.
He was completely baffled. What was all this about? Why couldn't he understand a word of it?
"Lord Peng, why do you say this? What does this have to do with Lord Fei and the Duke of Qing?"
Peng Mu's hand paused while holding the cup, "Wasn't this something you and Lord Ye had already discussed and agreed upon?"
Meng Hechuan frowned, even more confused. "Agreed upon what?"
Seeing that Meng Hechuan seemed genuinely unaware, Peng Mu set down his cup and spoke seriously, "As soon as you submitted the memorial requesting a reward for Song Jinzhao, Lord Fei of the Hanlin Academy proposed to the Emperor that she be granted a title, and even the Duke of Qing spoke up in her favor."
"Fei Yanzhang and Ye Liangyu are sworn brothers, and Song Jinzhao is the elder sister of Lord Ye's beloved disciple. Was all of this not planned by you all in advance?"
Meng Hechuan sat frozen on his stool. Thinking back to how Song Jinzhao had specifically had her servant hand the letter to him, he blinked, and the chaotic thoughts in his mind began to sort themselves out one by one.
They were just missing a spark, waiting for him to submit the memorial.
Noticing his strange expression, Peng Mu asked softly, "Was this really not your intention?"
Meng Hechuan felt a complex mix of emotions. He had unknowingly become a link in someone else's scheme, and he had jumped in willingly.
His mouth twitched. He awkwardly picked up his chopsticks to grab some food while forcing a fake smile.
"I am but a mere prefect; how could I have such great ability? Song Jinzhao has repeatedly achieved extraordinary merits. She deserves this title, and I suppose Lord Fei and the Duke of Qing thought the same."
Ye Liangyu had a terrible relationship with the two princes in the court, and he didn't know which side this Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites stood on, so it was best to distance himself from the matter.
Peng Mu suddenly realized that this matter actually had nothing to do with Meng Hechuan.
His expression softened. He raised his wine cup and praised, "Over the years, Lord Meng has achieved remarkable political success in Anyang Prefecture. Even without relying on Lord Ye, I'm sure you are not far from a promotion. Allow me to offer you a toast in advance."
Knowing that Song Jinzhao had been granted the title of Lady Linghui, Song Gaoli, who had finally gotten a day off, came over that afternoon carrying pastries bought from the Sweet Snow Pavilion to congratulate her.
Looking at the imperial decree enshrined on the incense altar, Song Gaoli shook his head in admiration, his eyes shining brightly.
"You haven't even become an official yet, and Sister Jinzhao already has an official rank. It's simply unimaginable!"
Song Qiming looked up at the bright yellow imperial decree resting in its casket.
"That's why my sister is amazing. No matter what it is, as long as she wants to do it, she will definitely achieve it."
Song Gaoli turned his head and asked in confusion, "So why did the Emperor grant Sister Jinzhao a title this time? Wasn't she already rewarded for the waterwheel matter last time?"
After so much time had passed, they surely wouldn't reward her again for the same thing.
Song Qiming withdrew his gaze, the smile in his eyes fading a little. "My sister presented the method of off-season planting to the imperial court."
"Ah? Then won't you lose a way to make money in the future?"
Song Gaoli knew how good the business at the Song family's vegetable shop had been these past few days. The expensive vegetable prices definitely brought in a lot of money.
Song Qiming turned around and sat on a stool. "My sister said that no matter how much money we make, it cannot compare to power. The estate is just outside the city; no matter how strictly we guard it, we wouldn't be able to keep it a secret for long. It's better to just present it to the court to benefit the country and the people."
Song Gaoli thought about it and felt it made sense. He plopped down and said, "If you ask me, Sister Jinzhao is the one with foresight. Otherwise, where would this title of Lady Linghui come from?"
"Anyway, your family isn't short of money now. It's good to present it for merit, saving yourselves from being targeted by others. If someone else found out and presented it to the court first, this immense credit would be gone."
During dinner that evening, not only did Ye Liangyu come, but even Academy Director Mu Hongyue brought gifts to offer his congratulations.
Brought over by their father to offer congratulations, Liu Renyi and Liu Renzong secretly nudged Liu Xuanqing's arm.
"Father, acknowledging this grandmaster was definitely the right choice."
