Free Web NovelChapter 386: Chapter 151: The Holy Decree’s Rewards
Amidst the wisping incense smoke rising from the table and the fragrance of the pastries and fruit platters laid out as offerings, the official from the Ministry of Rites began to read the Holy Decree in a stern, formal manner.
That’s right, a Holy Decree. His Majesty the Emperor was delighted that the Queen’s Seal had been returned, and he had specially issued this decree to lavish praise upon Zhao Jing, Chen Wanqing, and Chen De’an.
The decree’s elegant and refined wording clearly conveyed the favor and high esteem in which the three were held.
Although there were no direct appointments to official posts, nor were any noble titles conferred, the Emperor and Empress had bestowed upon them priceless treasures, worthy of being passed down as family heirlooms.
The brocade boxes, large and small, filled an entire carriage. Though shut tight, a fine, subtle fragrance still drifted from them, making it impossible not to wonder what lay inside.
Once the Holy Decree was read, the official from the Ministry of Rites looked down at the group. "You three, receive the decree."
Zhao Jing and Chen De’an both nudged Chen Wanqing forward. Steeling herself, she took the Holy Decree from the official’s hands.
In that moment, her heartbeat was deafening. Her legs felt so weak she could barely stand. Her voice was hoarse with emotion, and every word she uttered seemed to tremble.
"We humbly receive the decree."
The three of them stepped before the official from the Ministry of Rites. As the man tasked with delivering a Holy Decree, he was, of course, a trusted confidant of the Emperor.
However, as an official, it was improper for him to converse at length with a woman. He therefore maintained a stern expression, giving Chen Wanqing only a slight nod. When he turned to Zhao Jing and Chen De’an, his features softened, and he invited them to the flower hall for tea.
Mr. Cheng and Chen Song faded into the background. In the presence of officials from the capital, they were utterly insignificant. All they could do was trail closely behind and serve attentively.
While the men went to the flower hall for tea, Chen Wanqing, still in a daze, was led away by the County Magistrate’s wife to clear her head.
The County Magistrate’s wife eyed the brocade box in Chen Wanqing’s hands, which contained the bright yellow Holy Decree.
She longed to reach out and touch it, but, fearing it would be disrespectful, she quickly pulled her hand back.
Her tone, however, was thick with envy. "A Holy Decree... This is likely the only time I’ll ever see one in my life. Ah, Wanqing, with this decree, and with the scholarly talents of Zhao Jing and De’an, your family’s best days are surely ahead of you."
Chen Wanqing, still not fully processing everything, replied on pure instinct. "You flatter me, madam. This is all thanks to the Lord County Magistrate’s support. If his lordship hadn’t brought this matter to the Emperor’s attention, how could we have received such a generous reward? The Lord County Magistrate is our family’s benefactor, a kindness we will never forget."
The County Magistrate’s wife was inwardly pleased. Before she’d even had a chance to drop a hint, Chen Wanqing had tactfully said all the right things.
She had Chen Wanqing stay for a cup of tea, then took out several bolts of fine fabric from one of her personal chests—items she clearly treasured.
Chen Wanqing naturally refused, but the County Magistrate’s wife feigned displeasure. "I took an instant liking to you; I feel we were fated to meet. If you have time in the future, Wanqing, you must come and visit me more. By refusing this fabric, are you saying you find it old-fashioned? Or perhaps you simply have no intention of visiting me again?"
Chen Wanqing quickly apologized and offered a flurry of pleasantries before finally, with some embarrassment, accepting the fabric.
As the County Magistrate’s wife walked her out, Chen Wanqing glanced toward the flower hall.
Seeing her look, the County Magistrate’s wife smiled. "The official from the Ministry of Rites is likely testing the knowledge of Zhao Jing and De’an. I expect they will be staying for a meal today. If you weren’t so eager to get home and share the wonderful news with your mother and mother-in-law, I would have insisted you stay for a meal as well."
"There will be plenty of opportunities later. I’m not shy, so now that you’ve extended the invitation, I’ll be sure to take advantage of it. I’ll visit you often, so I only hope you don’t find me too bothersome when I do."
"Never! You’re as lovely as a flower and have such a pleasant way of speaking—it’s a joy just to have you around. You must come often. If you don’t, I’ll send someone to fetch you!"
The County Magistrate’s wife escorted Chen Wanqing all the way to the main gate herself.
This gate was rarely opened. Today, the central doors had been thrown wide to welcome the imperial envoy. Even when open, however, very few people were ever permitted to pass through it; most used the smaller side gates.
But today, Chen Wanqing walked right through that main gate, openly and with her head held high.
The sun was especially scorching, hanging high in the sky like a ball of fire, its heat baking the skin on one’s face.
Chen Wanqing had run all the way from the apothecary and was drenched in sweat. Yet right now, she didn’t feel the sweltering heat in the slightest. To her, the sky was bright, the air was crisp, and she doubted there could be a more pleasant day in all of summer.
