bestowed marriage

As soon as Zhou Miaosi finished speaking, the entire garden erupted in a frenzy, as if boiling water had come out.

It was common knowledge in the capital that alcohol could reduce fever, but now, suddenly someone said that the person who invented alcohol was right in front of them, and that she was a woman. How could they not be surprised?

The ladies' eyes darted back and forth over Fu Zhi Qiao, their faces filled with disbelief.

The atmosphere suddenly fell silent. Fu Zhi Qiao looked up and found that everyone's eyes were on her. She was a little confused. "W-what's wrong?"

Zhou Miaosi smiled and continued, "We were talking about how you, Zhi Qiao, developed the alcohol!"

Qin Xiyu also widened her eyes and turned to look at Fu Zhiqiao: "Sister Fu, is what my sister-in-law said true?"

Fu Zhiqiao was surprised that Zhou Miaosi would suddenly bring up her research on alcohol, so she could only nod in agreement.

Qin Xiyu immediately became anxious and complained, "Sister Fu, how could you not tell me about something so important!"

Many of the ladies present were already married and acted with composure, but some unmarried girls couldn't contain their curiosity and surrounded Fu Zhi Qiao, asking her all sorts of questions.

The questions kept coming at her, and Fu Zhi Qiao was having trouble answering them all.

Seeing this, Song Fangfei interrupted the noble ladies' questions, shook her fan, and said, "I never expected that Sister Fu would have such talent. I was blind before."

To be able to develop alcohol that can reduce high fever and even win His Majesty's favor is something that not every woman can do!

Song Fangfei took the lead in showing goodwill to Fu Zhiqiao. The ladies around her were all shrewd and, after hearing Song Fangfei call Fu Zhiqiao "Sister Fu," they all began to echo her, calling her "Sister Fu" or "Sister Fu."

Soon, the news that the alcohol that could reduce fever came from Fu Zhiqiao spread throughout Haitangyuan.

After hearing the cause and effect, Tang Yuying was so surprised that she couldn't say a word. In the short time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Fu Zhiqiao not only went from a merchant to a county magistrate, but also developed an alcohol that could reduce high fever.

Her mind couldn't process it.

Seeing Fu Zhi Qiao surrounded by everyone, Zhou Miao Si felt a little emotional, realizing that she had a really good eye for making friends!

Back in Qingzhou, she had already taken a liking to Fu Zhiqiao. At that time, Fu Zhiqiao was not yet the Lady of Ming'an County, but just an ordinary merchant. She was attracted by Fu Zhiqiao's temperament.

Zhou Miaosi knew in her heart that all the ladies and young women present, including herself, were only able to sit here because of their family background. When others introduced them, they would only say that they were so-and-so's wife, so-and-so's daughter, so-and-so's daughter-in-law...

Fu Zhi Qiao is the only one whose identity she earned herself.

*

After the birthday banquet ended, the very night they returned home, ladies and young women began inquiring about Fu Zhi Qiao.

Song Fangfei was no exception. She approached her husband and asked, "Does my husband know about the Lady of Ming'an County?"

Liu Xingzhi was completely bewildered. His official position was Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, a post responsible for examining official conduct and settling legal disputes. Therefore, he was neither familiar with nor interested in the several county lords and ladies-in-waiting in the capital.

Zhou Miaosi wouldn't fabricate an identity for Fu Zhi to deceive them, so Song Fangfei continued to ask, "Have you heard of the title 'Ming'an County Lady' bestowed by His Majesty?"

Liu Xingzhi thought for a few seconds, and when he heard about the Emperor's personal appointment, he seemed to vaguely remember it.

"Could it be the Magistrate of Ming'an County who invented alcohol and donated money and grain during the floods in Jiangnan?"

Song Fangfei was delighted to hear this. She had indeed asked the right person. It was much faster to ask her husband directly than to send someone out to inquire.

The women in the inner palace are not allowed to interfere in politics, so news from the inner palace is naturally more restricted than from the outer palace. Just because she doesn't know something doesn't mean her husband doesn't know it. Song Fangfei nodded repeatedly: "It's her. How much does my husband know about this county lady? Could you tell me about her?"

Liu Xingzhi and Fu Zhiqiao didn't know much about it, but they had heard about the recent widespread discussion about alcohol reducing fever.

He then recounted how Fu Zhiqiao had donated grain to save lives and how he had developed alcohol to reduce fever and inhibit the spread of plague, for which he had been rewarded by His Majesty.

"This alcohol is truly a wonderful thing. I heard it was tested for a long time in the military camp, and only after the imperial physicians confirmed its effectiveness was it used on the common people. Your Majesty is truly a benevolent ruler!" Liu Xingzhi cupped his hands towards the direction of the palace and exclaimed with emotion.

Song Fangfei didn't heed Liu Xingzhi's flattering words to His Majesty the Emperor; her attention was completely drawn to Fu Zhiqiao's deeds.

This Lady Fu, no, this Lady Ming'an, is truly an extraordinary woman!

Song Fangfei was thinking to herself that she should visit Fuyun Pavilion more often in the future and make sure to get along well with Fu Zhiqiao.

Meanwhile, at the Prince Duan's residence.

After reviewing the documents in his hand, Xie Heshan asked, "Huaiyan, are you sure you want to marry her?"

Xie Zhuo nodded emphatically. The information he showed Xie Heshan was something he had prepared long ago. He first briefly explained the court's plan to use alcohol on the people, and then mentioned that he wanted to marry Fu Zhiqiao.

"Alcohol really does reduce fever; it's truly a beneficial thing for the country and its people." Xie Heshan nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, but still asked when he heard Fu Zhiqiao's name, "Was this alcohol really invented by her?"

"Absolutely true!"

To dispel Xie Heshan's doubts, Xie Zhuo continued to explain: "This alcohol is made from Taibai wine as a base, using a secret method. The Taibai wine that my grandson brought back from Qingzhou last time was made by her."

Upon hearing this, Xie Heshan glanced at Xie Zhuo again. He hadn't said he didn't believe the woman had developed the alcohol; he had only asked a question out of curiosity. Yet, his grandson couldn't wait to explain it to his sweetheart.

It's often said that daughters are like birds that can't stay at home once they're grown up, but now it seems that not only daughters are like birds that can't stay at home once they're grown up, but sons are too!

During the conversation, Xie Heshan had already finished reading Fu Zhiqiao's information and asked, "Wasn't this the same young lady who helped our Prince's Mansion out of a predicament last time?"

“It’s her!” Xie Zhuo nodded, knowing that his grandfather was referring to the incident when Fu Zhi Qiao helped him quell the negative public opinion about the Prince’s Mansion during the war in the northern frontier.

Seeing Xie Zhuo's proud expression, Xie Heshan couldn't help but chuckle.

At such a young age, she possesses such a brilliant mind, opening wineries and restaurants, donating money and grain to disaster victims, and even developing such a valuable product as alcohol... These achievements alone are already remarkable. She also understands the principle that "a common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime," and voluntarily offered to refine alcohol for the imperial court free of charge. A girl in her teens is so thoughtful in her actions...

This woman is truly extraordinary!

Xie Heshan made up his mind, then glanced at his grandson standing to the side. He saw that Xie Zhuo was no longer the composed man he usually was, and was looking at him with a mixture of expectation and trepidation in his eyes.

Xie Heshan found it somewhat amusing to see his grandson looking like this.

Talented, beautiful, loyal, and impeccable in every way, where can you find a woman like this?

Because he was sent out to gain experience at a young age, Xie Heshan felt a little guilty towards Xie Zhuo. In addition, Xie Zhuo had never asked anything of him before, and this was the first time his grandson had asked him for anything.

It's only natural for a gentleman to pursue a beautiful lady. So what if she comes from a humble background? Since ancient times, heroes have never cared about their origins. Xie Heshan made the decision: "In that case, your grandfather will make the decision for you!"

Xie Zhuo was overjoyed and immediately knelt down to express his gratitude: "Thank you, Grandfather!"

Xie Heshan changed his clothes and entered the palace. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Emperor Chengde, he got to the point: "Your Majesty, this old minister has come to the palace today to ask for Your Majesty's favor."

"Uncle, you flatter me! Please speak frankly if you have something to say!"

"Zhuo'er has reached the age of twenty, but his marriage has been quite difficult. Today, this old minister would like to ask His Majesty for a marriage proposal for him."

Xie Zhuo's previous marriage proposal fell through, causing some rumors. Emperor Chengde in the palace had also heard about it and asked, "Oh? Which family's daughter has the Imperial Uncle taken a fancy to?"

Xie Heshan looked up at Emperor Chengde, then lowered his head and said, "It is Lady Fu Zhiqiao of Ming'an County."

"Oh?" Upon hearing the name Fu Zhi Qiao, Emperor Chengde's eyes flashed with surprise. He had a deep impression of Fu Zhi Qiao's name; she was the woman who invented alcohol.

Since the court announced that alcohol could reduce fever and that it was available to ordinary people, he gained great prestige among the populace. No emperor is indifferent to his reputation, and upon hearing the news presented by his secret guards that the people were praising him, Emperor Chengde was extremely satisfied.

However, these two are completely unrelated, so why would Xie Zhuo want to marry Fu Zhi Qiao?

Could it be that Xie Zhuo and Xie Zhuo met when I sent him to provide disaster relief? Yes, that must be it! In that case, I could be considered their matchmaker.

Moreover, Fu Zhi Qiao is a commoner with no family power to rely on. Even if she marries into the Prince's Mansion, he doesn't need to worry about increasing the Prince's Mansion's power... Thinking of this, Emperor Chengde had already agreed to the marriage in his heart.

However, there is a proper way for rulers and their subjects to get along.

Seeing Emperor Chengde frown slightly, Xie Heshan immediately explained, "Your Majesty, as you know, Zhuo'er's body still has residual poison, which is why his marriage is not going smoothly..."

Xie Heshan hesitated to speak, but Emperor Chengde noticed his expression.

It was no secret in the capital that Xie Zhuo was poisoned by a rare toxin, and it was understandable that some officials were unwilling to marry their precious daughters to men who might have difficulty conceiving...

Emperor Chengde coughed lightly: "The Lady of Ming'an County is a meritorious official of our Great Wei..."

Before he could finish speaking, Emperor Chengde paused.

Xie Heshan, ever the astute one, chimed in, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this old minister can guarantee with his life that everyone in the Prince Duan's residence will treat Lady Ming'an with the utmost respect and will not neglect her!"

When Fu Zhi Qiao was granted the title of County Lady, she was merely a meritorious official in disaster relief. Now that Fu Zhi Qiao is willing to work for the court and even provides alcohol for free, Emperor Chengde felt that bestowing a marriage upon her and making her the heir apparent of Prince Duan's mansion would be a good reward.

As for the issue of her and Xie Zhuo not having children, Xie Zhuo is still young, and the imperial physician said he can still be cured... Besides, the old prince's face still needs to be given. Emperor Chengde rubbed his fingers and said, "Someone, bring me pen and ink!"

When Xie Heshan went to the palace to request an imperial decree, the people Zuo Murui had sent out to investigate Fu Zhiqiao's background also returned.

This time, Zuo Murui did not take it lightly. Instead, she sent a guard to Qingzhou to investigate Fu Zhiqiao's background.

Fu Zhiqiao's reputation in Qingzhou was naturally well-known. The guards did not have much trouble investigating Fu Zhiqiao's background thoroughly, and then quickly returned to the capital with the news.

Zuo Murui's secret actions naturally did not escape Xie Zhuo's notice. However, he not only did not hinder her, but also took the opportunity to clear all obstacles for the guard, allowing him to easily find out Fu Zhiqiao's background.

Of course, Xie Zhuo also played tricks; he erased the news that Fu Zhiqiao and Zhao Jun had gotten engaged and then broken off the engagement.

He was sickly from childhood, and after his father passed away, his family property was seized by his uncle. He took his mother and left their hometown to do business in Qingzhou. From a small wine shop in Qingzhou, they have now opened a large restaurant in Beijing...

As Zuo Murui looked at the lines written on the letter, her heart was filled with turbulent emotions.

When her hometown was flooded, she stepped forward and donated hundreds of thousands of kilograms of grain for disaster relief. She also developed alcohol to stop the spread of the plague. In particular, when she saw that the alcohol was developed for Xie Zhuo, Zuo Murui felt a tightness in her heart.

It turned out that Zhuo'er contracted the plague while he was providing disaster relief. He had a persistent high fever, and Fu Zhiqiao eventually saved his life by bringing him alcohol.

Zuo Murui was greatly shocked and couldn't speak for a long time.

Granny Zhang didn't know what was written in the letter. Seeing Zuo Murui's distraught appearance, she was very worried and softly called out, "Your Highness?"

Zuo Murui snapped out of her daze and mumbled, "Granny, am I being blinded by my own limited perspective?"

Zuo Murui felt a mix of emotions. She herself came from a noble family and wanted to find a woman of equal social standing for her son, according to the standards of high-class families. Was she wrong?

Before she could even process the news, the imperial edict from the palace had already arrived at the gates of the Prince's residence.