Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 1002 - 1000_1

Chapter 1002: Chapter 1000_1

Everyone was halfway through their meal, still immersed in their previous emotions when suddenly, a servant rushed in, "Master, the imperial edict is coming! Quick, get ready to receive it! The aged eunuch next to the emperor just came to the mansion to deliver the edict, but all the masters of the house are here at the Four Seasons Restaurant! The eunuch is on his way here with the imperial edict now!"

An Imperial edict? At this time? It’s so sudden!

Xiao’er shot Shangguan Xuanyi a glance: is this the decree you requested?

Shangguan Xuanyi shook his head. He didn’t know about the decree; evidently the emperor hadn’t mentioned it to him.

However, he suspected what it might be. As it was not bad news, he decided not to voice his suspicions.

"There’s not an adequate place to receive the edict here!" Shen Chengyao glanced at the main hall of the restaurant, full of round tables. It would be impossible to clear space now! Time was not on their side! They couldn’t keep the emperor’s decree waiting!

There was also insufficient space on the stage for all the required kneeling.

What could they do?

"Quick! Prepare an altar for the ceremony! Everyone, let’s receive the edict outside at the entrance!" Xiao’er decided promptly.

She probably had already guessed the contents of the edict. It was likely a reward for Jingrui’s achievements in Nanyue County. Jingrui hadn’t received anything since his return, and the emperor was probably waiting for today, his wedding day, to bestow upon him a special honor - a wonderful surprise!

This place is the Four Seasons Restaurant. In front of the main entrance, there is a flat, open space originally intended for guests to dismount from their carriages.

Receiving the edict there now, the passers-by could see, which would serve as free advertisement for the restaurant!

Moreover, the restaurant was hosting its first wedding banquet and received the supreme honor of an imperial edict! Such a great omen, who would worry about not having any weddings to host in the future?

The restaurant’s owner understood the benefits of receiving the edict outside the restaurant and excitedly commanded his staff to prepare the altar and clean the area.

The restaurant’s waiters were all exceedingly honoured upon hearing the news. An imperial edict! Neither their fathers, grandfathers, nor great-grandfathers had ever seen one, let alone attend a ceremony to receive one. However, they now had the opportunity! How could they not be excited?

They hurriedly made the preparations.

The altar was quickly set up, and the open space outside the restaurant was cleaned to perfection.

The eunuch from the emperor’s side arrived just in time, his calculated slowness providing ample time for the Marquis Mansion’s preparations.

"The imperial edict has arrived! The eldest son of Marquis Shengping, come and receive it!"

As the shout "The imperial edict has arrived!" echoed, everyone present knelt down in unison, including the bystanders on the street.

"Blessed by Heaven and Earth, the Emperor decrees, the eldest son of Marquis Shengping, since being appointed as Magistrate of Nanyue Prefecture, has put his heart into serving the populace, diligently fulfilling his duties.... showing sagacious insight, successfully enabled millions of citizens to survive the massive earthquake at Wanli Shitang, discovered the high-yielding crop, sand gourd, establish workshops and created the mulberry fishpond...his exemplary governance. He is particularly entitled as the Crown Prince of the Marquis Shengping Mansion, promoted to the post of Deputy Governor of the Ministry of Rites in the East Guangbu province, concurrently serving as Magistrate of Nanyue, ...and his wife is granted the title of Crown Princess with a consultative status of the third rank, enjoying double allowances. Moreover, a special reward of 100 taels of gold and a hundred rolls of brocade is bestowed. His Majesty, The Crown Prince of the Shengping Marquessate, please accept the edict."

The eunuch respectfully closed the edict and offered it to him with both hands.

Jingrui thanked the blessings by a deep kowtow and took the imperial edict from him, raising his hands and said: "I, your humble servant, thank the Emperor for his great grace, Long live the Emperor, may he live for eternity!"

Zhu Yan also kowtowed and showed gratitude: "This servant thanks the Emperor for his great grace. May the Emperor enjoy longevity and live for innumerable ages!"

The guests at the site were stunned. The Shengping Marquisate had received yet another imperial edict! And another promotion! To the third rank!

A promotion from fourth-rank to third-rank, many officials have spent years, even a decade, sometimes several, to achieve. But he has managed to achieve it in less than a year!

Officials are aware that this Emperor is known for bold personnel appointments! But they never imagined him to be so bold.

A young man, holding multiple, high-ranking positions; was there still any justice left in the world?

The Emperor was willing to appoint newcomers but was indifferent to these old ministers of ours. They have been longing to be promoted by half-rank for half their lives, but have never managed to do so.

Why do all the good things always land with the Marquis Shengping?

The declining noble families couldn’t help but feel envy.

Originally, the title of Marquis Shengping was the same as theirs, could only be inherited for three generations, and was reduced by rank with each successive generation.

However, the son of his household was so capable!

He was a young Magistrate and had made significant achievements in less than a year on the job!

Now, he not only got promoted but also preserved the title of Marquis, without having to downgrade to an earl.

The current dynasty’s regulations stated that, at minimum, a marquess has the right to appoint a crown prince. The crown prince would inherit the title of Marquis, while the princes would inherit the title of Earl.

So, if the Shengping Marquisate did not make substantial contributions to the court before Shen Chengyao’s death, after his passing, the marquisate would automatically be downgraded to the earl’s mansion.

But now, Jingrui has been appointed as the crown prince, meaning he will inherit the title of Marquis.

The Emperor always favored talented people, and it seemed possible for this crown prince to rise even further in the future.

Oh! Truly, envy kills! Uncle Zhongyi’s heart was filled with jealousy.

While some were joyful, others were sorrowful. Master Zhu’s heart was also filled with happiness and excitement!

His daughter just got married and has already been conferred by the emperor! It’s a great honor! Among all the women conferred in the audience, how many of them ever received such an honor?

The Zhu family’s companions, especially his business partners, cast envious glances.

Master Zhu must be very lucky! Astonishingly, they managed to form in-law relation with the Shangguan’s family, who are currently favored by the emperor!

In future, it’s absolutely necessary to never offend him and to maintain a good relationship with him.

After receiving the edict, Jingrui said to the emperor’s eunuch, "Eunuch, if you don’t mind, please come in and have some wine."

Several princes were present, and the eunuch didn’t dare to disobey. He smiled and declined, "Thank you for the Crown Prince’s invitation, but I must return to report to the Emperor."

"Then I can’t delay you any longer. It’s quite a hassle for you to come over. Since you won’t join the banquet, take this small token of appreciation as a gesture of goodwill on my wedding day. You can use it to buy some wedding cakes and candies." Jingrui handed a purse to the eunuch.

The eunuch received it with a smile. He didn’t dare to weigh the purse, but he didn’t need to; he knew it would be generous. He respectfully bowed to the few powerful people in front of him and departed.

Jingrui called everyone back to their seats to continue the feast.

Everyone sent their blessings to him and Shen Chengyao:

"Marquis, Crown Prince, congratulations! Congratulations! This really is double happiness!"

"This imperial edict is the icing on the cake! The Marquis has raised his children well, both his son and daughter are capable. You’ll have to teach me how to educate my children in the future! My unfilial son just breaks my heart!" Some officials could not help but ask Shen Chengyao for advice.

In their minds, they felt a bit defeated when comparing their children to his. They felt their sons were merely tarnishing their reputations.

"Yes, how did the Marquis raised his children to be so outstan

ding?"

...

Everyone was asking the Marquis of Shengping for his secret to raising children.