Pan Jinhua never expected that these noblewomen of the third rank or above would actually take a liking to her family.
For a time, it seemed to be in high demand.
But in the blink of an eye, she came to a realization. These people might not actually be interested in Li Qingzhi; they were only interested because of the "arranged marriage" gimmick.
If there is still no suitable candidate for Empress, offering up a child who is not valued by the family can be considered a way to relieve the Empress's worries.
Before Pan Jinhua could think further, the empress at the head of the table smiled gently.
"Look, a family with a daughter is sought after by a hundred families. However, I have already made up my mind about who to choose."
Sheng Jiaming, seventeen years old, is of upright character and a perfect match for Li Qingzhi. Today, I intend to bestow marriage upon them. I wonder if Old Madam Sheng and Old Madam Pan have any objections?
Upon hearing the Empress's words, the person who had spoken earlier felt a slight disappointment, but since it was a matter of taking a chance and it wasn't her turn, she let it go. This feeling quickly vanished.
Pan Jinhua and Madam Sheng exchanged a glance, then rose and went to the hall to kowtow. Li Qingzhi and Madam Sheng's eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Sun, followed closely behind.
"Your Majesty's words are golden, this marriage is sure to be a perfect match. Furthermore, Madam Pan is a woman of great righteousness who has served the country and its people. The woman she raised must be of high quality. My Sheng family has no objection."
“The Li family has no objection. The Grand Minister of Agriculture is a pillar of the nation, and his descendants will all serve the country. The Li family has benefited from this marriage. We thank Your Majesty for your grace.”
The Empress had already informed the Sheng family. The Grand Minister of Agriculture had a very good impression of the Li family, and Li Xuhai from the Li family was still working under the Ministry of Agriculture.
Thanks to the various breeding and planting techniques offered by the Li family, as well as the regenerated rice, the Agricultural Division has accomplished a great deal and made many contributions in recent years.
Upon hearing the Empress announce that the betrothal was to the Li family, the Grand Minister of Agriculture immediately agreed. Sun, the mother of Sheng Mingxing and the matriarch of the Sheng family, was initially reluctant and uncomfortable upon hearing the news. However, after inquiring about the Li family, her displeasure dissipated.
Firstly, the marriage was bestowed by the Empress, so she had no say in it; secondly, the Li family was not the kind of people who fawned over others.
The Li family has been honest and law-abiding for the past few years since they moved to Beijing. Recently, they have suddenly become popular, but I haven't seen any of them boasting about the Li family's reputation outside.
Li Er handled things quickly. Although he knew that Li Er was on friendly terms with Wen Ruyu and had arranged marriages for their children, he just thought that Li Er was a bit foolish.
Li Er was detained in his residence, and those outside, unaware of the specifics, assumed he was truly ill.
In short, Madam Sun no longer harbored any ill will towards Li Qingzhi.
Today, the Li family showed up, so she carefully observed the Li family girl.
Throughout the banquet, the young woman kept a close eye on her grandmother, demonstrating excellent manners and poise, which pleased Madam Sun greatly.
The Sheng and Li families expressed their gratitude in court, and the other ladies also offered their congratulations.
That night, the Li family was dazzling. First, the emperor bestowed food upon them, then the empress granted them a marriage; it was impossible not to notice the Li family.
After much commotion, the banquet finally ended, and Pan Jinhua, along with Li Qingzhi, bid farewell to Madam Sheng and Madam Sun.
Sun gave the jade bracelet she had prepared to Li Qingzhi, and Madam Sheng also made an agreement with Pan Jinhua that the Sheng family would come to propose marriage after the third day of the new year.
They left the palace and headed out, where they met up with Li Qingjun. The boy's eyes twitched when he saw Li Qingzhi, clearly indicating that news of the arranged marriage had reached them as well.
After leaving the palace, the group boarded their own carriages and headed to the Pan residence, where their families were waiting for them to keep watch together!
"The palace is magnificent, but it's too big and makes my legs tired."
"His Majesty was surprisingly kind and approachable. He even asked me a few questions, and His Highness the Crown Prince shared a cup of wine with me!"
Once home, Li Qingjun could no longer contain himself and began to recount his experiences in the palace. Pan Jinhua sat at the head of the table, her eyes smiling.
It's so much more comfortable at home. After going to the palace, I feel like I've gained a lot of weight.
Mo Qiaoniang, Yan Min, and the others also gathered around to listen, and the children exclaimed in surprise frequently, cooperating very well.
After Li Qingjun told everyone about the arranged marriage, they all congratulated Li Qingzhi and made a ruckus, which made Li Qingzhi so embarrassed that she hid behind Mo Qiaoniang.
This is undoubtedly a high-status marriage, bestowed by the Empress. The only concern is the Sheng family's attitude. But from our brief interaction, I know the Sheng family doesn't seem to mind.
"The old lady of the Sheng family said that she would come to propose marriage after the third day of the new year. Our family also needs to make preparations. We will have to trouble you these days."
"What are you saying, Mother? Qingzhi is my daughter-in-law's niece, and my sister-in-law is not here, so of course I have to take care of her."
Good news keeps coming to the family. The date for the imperial examination has been set. Sister-in-law Yan, you're busy with Qingyao's affairs. He's about to pass the imperial examination, so you'll have to keep busy.
Qingduan and Qingyi have asked for leave, and Qingjing has also come to help. We must get this done well.
"Me too, I can help!"
Li Qingjun couldn't possibly be left behind.
"Okay, okay, let's laugh together."
"Since you've made all the arrangements, I won't insist. I hope your words will bring good fortune and success to your son-in-law's end as well."
Yan Min laughed heartily. Mo Qiaoniang meant that Li Qingyao must have passed the imperial examinations and become a Jinshi, which was why she was so busy.
The imperial examination was on the ninth day of the second month, which was just around the corner, which is why Mo Qiaoniang said these words.
Pan Jinhua also took this matter very seriously. Although she had now received an imperial decree, the Li family's wealth and status were still an illusion. Without a single member of the family holding a prominent position in the court, who would truly take the Li family seriously?
Her abilities are her own, not the Li family's. Others might give her some face because of her noble title, but they might not treat the Li family the same way.
The more powerful the Li family becomes, the more effective her title of imperial consort will be.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Pan Jinhua gave all the servants in the mansion a month's allowance as New Year's red envelopes. Mo Qiaoniang and the children also gave gifts to those who served them.
After the family exchanged New Year's greetings, Li Xuhai soon came to visit with his four children.
Li Xushi was also released. After all, it was the New Year, and it wouldn't do for the family to go out to pay New Year's visits without a man to lead the way. Pan Jinhua had already written to Li Xuming, asking him to hand over the workshop to Li Qingzhang, and that he and Liu Yun would come to the capital.
In a few years, the children will all be married, and they will have to handle the social obligations themselves.
Besides visiting the Ouyang family to offer New Year's greetings, the Li family also had engagements with several other families, including the Wen, Wang, and Fu families, as well as some business partners. For those families, there was no need to visit them in person.
Because the Sheng family had previously agreed to discuss things after the third day of the Lunar New Year, they didn't make any contact and decided to leave it for later.
Li Qingyao's maternal grandparents had previously sent someone to inform Yan Min that they would return on the second day of the Lunar New Year to pay their respects, but Yan Min turned them away.
At this critical juncture, Yan Min was afraid of affecting Li Qingyao, so Wang Jiao acted decisively and directly had someone spread rumors about the Yan family, and the family dared not get involved again.
Wang Jiao tested medicine for the Crown Prince, and the Emperor, with a wave of his hand, promoted Wang Jiao to commoner status. Now he is working hard for the imperial examination. Without the restrictions of his status, the gloom on his body has dissipated a lot.
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