"Hehe~ Madam Yuan is too modest. How easy is it to manage such a large family as the Yuan family? As women, we cannot interfere in the court, but how many people know the hardships we endure to ensure their stability at home? The Yuan family's success today is inseparable from your contributions."

"Your Majesty is right, I understand!"

Although Cui was sharp-tongued and mean, she was not stupid. She naturally understood the unspoken meaning of Empress Dowager Dou's words: go back and tell your husband that the Yuan family's success today is due to the emperor's favor. You should remind him from time to time and not confuse the important with the trivial.

"Um!"

Dou Miao turned to the female official beside her and said, "Xiao Hong, convey my imperial decree: Cui is virtuous and capable in managing the household and raising her children well. She is hereby granted the title of Lady Duankang!"

"promise!"

"This humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your divine grace!"

Just as Cui was about to get up, Dou Miao stopped her, laughing and saying, "There's no need for that. I am the Empress Dowager, and you are the Lady of the Minister of Works. We should set an example for all women in the world and let everyone see that we women can also share the burdens of the Han Dynasty and His Majesty, can't we?"

"Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered!"

Dou Miao smiled and nodded, "That's excellent!"

Just as the two were talking, the female official came to report that Zhang Rang was requesting an audience.

"This servant, Zhang Rang, greets the Empress Dowager! May the Empress Dowager be well!"

Dou Miao nodded slightly and asked softly, "Hmm! What brings you here?"

Zhang Rang respectfully said, "Your Majesty, this year's harvest is bountiful, and His Majesty is overjoyed. He has ordered a grand banquet for all his officials and has specially sent me to inform Your Majesty that he would like to invite you to the banquet tonight!"

"Yes! This is good news. Go back and report to the Emperor. I will definitely go."

"This servant takes her leave!"

After Zhang Rang left, Dou Miao looked at Cui Shi beside her and said, "The emperor is holding a grand banquet for his officials, and women will inevitably attend. You should come with me tonight!"

"promise!"

Lady Cui was overjoyed, for she was the first person to receive such an honor as being invited to the banquet by the Empress Dowager.

Because the emperor advocated frugality, the banquet was not lavish. Liu Hong's table had only three more dishes than usual, but the meaning behind it was self-evident.

Now that the country is doing well, not only the emperor but also the other people can finally improve their meals. Otherwise, eating only millet and vegetables every day would be too austere.

Liu Hong naturally understood the thoughts of his ministers. He was not such a demanding person. The country was in trouble, so everyone should be frugal. Now that things had improved, they could relax a bit.

Otherwise, like Emperor Chongzhen, if the court officials dressed like beggars, everyone would only be superficial and it would backfire.

When Empress Dowager Dou led Lady Cui to the banquet, the officials couldn't help but cast envious glances at Yuan Feng. It seemed that the Yuan family was destined for great things, having gained such favor from the Emperor and Empress Dowager.