Around noon, the Li family officially began their banquet. This time, not only did the chef from Yuelaiju come to help, but even the chefs from the Li family's buffet restaurant came to assist.
Amidst the clinking of glasses and the exchange of toasts, everyone inevitably indulged in a round of boasting.
Just as everyone was enjoying their meal, the gatekeeper suddenly rushed in and said to Yan Qingqing in a panic, "Madam, the imperial decree has arrived."
Upon hearing that the imperial edict had arrived, everyone was too frightened to speak, unsure whether its arrival was a good or bad thing.
Moreover, apart from Magistrate Ling, no one else present had actually received the imperial edict.
Yan Qingqing was initially confused, but she quickly realized that it shouldn't be a bad thing.
So he methodically instructed Li Xiangping, "Boss, set up an incense table and respectfully welcome the imperial edict."
The imperial edict had already arrived, and there was no time to bathe and change clothes. Upon hearing this, Li Xiangping quickly nodded and went to prepare.
None of the guests left; they also wanted to see the people from the palace and what the imperial edict looked like, so they would have something to brag about later.
Li Xiangping quickly prepared an incense table, and Yan Qingqing had someone invite the palace servant who was supposed to deliver the imperial decree to come in.
Soon a pale-faced, beardless palace servant entered, holding a whisk and carrying the imperial edict.
This palace servant was much younger than Eunuch Xiang, who had come to deliver the imperial decree last time.
Behind him followed a squad of armed guards, each exuding a powerful aura, clearly royal guards.
Yan Qingqing quickly led Li Xiangping forward and said, "Angel, you must be tired from your journey. Please take a seat. May I ask how to address you, angel?"
Seeing that Yan Qingqing was speaking so politely, the eunuch replied with a smile, "Mingzhao, you are too kind. My surname is Yue, and my given name is Yuanzi. You can call me Xiao Yuanzi. I am the eldest apprentice of Steward Xiang."
My master spoke highly of Mingzhao, and seeing him today, I can confirm he truly is extraordinary.
Upon hearing this, Yan Qingqing immediately understood. It turned out that this young eunuch was Eunuch Xiang's apprentice, but she wasn't arrogant enough to call him "Little Yuanzi."
So he still exchanged a few polite words with his father-in-law.
Seeing that it was getting late and that the imperial edict clearly indicated that the family was celebrating a happy occasion, Eunuch Yue said, "Let's read out the imperial edict first, so as not to miss the auspicious time."
Yan Qingqing was naturally willing, after all, there were a large number of guests waiting in the courtyard.
Upon seeing this, Eunuch Yue unfolded the imperial edict with both hands and shouted, "Mingzhao, order someone to receive the edict!"
Not only Yan Qingqing, but also all the guests present quickly knelt down, creating a rather spectacular scene.
Immediately afterwards, Eunuch Yue's sharp voice rang out: "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..."
I have been entrusted with the imperial mandate to continue this grand plan. I am greatly pleased to have such a wise and capable minister who possesses both virtue and talent.
The emperor clearly ordered the cultivation of high-yield crops to relieve the people from their suffering.
Later, they discovered cotton, a gift from the wise and skillful, which relieved the soldiers on the frontier from the bitter cold, a contribution that will last for generations.
He is hereby specially promoted to the rank of Mingzhao Shuoren, with the additional title of Third Rank. So be it!
Yan Qingqing was stunned. Had she been promoted again? She was now a fourth-rank official, Mingzhao Shuoren. No, it should be a third-rank official. The emperor had given her a third-rank title.
This emperor is truly generous! This woman was clearly a fourth-rank official, but the emperor actually gave her a third-rank title.
This means that even if she meets a high-ranking official of the third rank in the future, she will no longer need to kneel and bow.
After announcing the imperial decree of promotion, Eunuch Yue said with a smile, "Your Excellency Mingzhao, please accept the decree and express your gratitude."
After receiving the imperial edict with both hands, Yan Qingqing shouted, "Long live the Emperor!"
Li Xiangping, who was standing nearby, quickly helped Yan Qingqing up.
Eunuch Yue smiled and said to Yan Qingqing, "Congratulations to Mingzhao Shuoren! His Majesty has high hopes for Shuoren."
We hope that Shuo Ren will continue to serve our Great Yan and achieve even greater feats.
Holding the imperial edict, Yan Qingqing replied with a smile, "Please rest assured, Eunuch Yue, I am honored to receive your bounty and share your burdens."
I will certainly live up to His Majesty's expectations.
Upon hearing this, Eunuch Yue smiled even more kindly, and then took out a gift list from his sleeve and said, "This is the Emperor's reward for Lady Mingzhao. Please take a look."
Yan Qingqing was even happier when she heard that there was something substantial to it.
He then opened the gift list and saw that it was full of gifts, including fine silks, gold and silver jewelry, and even a mansion. However, the mansion was far away in the capital, so she couldn't live there for the time being.
However, owning a large house in the capital, where land is incredibly expensive, is no easy feat. Even if she doesn't need it now, she'll need it sooner or later.
With Grandpa Yue and the others still there, Yan Qingqing did not bask in her joy. Instead, she put away the gift list and smiled at Grandpa Yue, saying, "Today is my grandson's one-month celebration. If you don't mind, Grandpa Yue and everyone else, please have a drink."
Upon hearing this, Eunuch Yue laughed and said, "My lord Mingzhao, it's not that I don't want to give you face, but I still have to go to the prefectural city to deliver an imperial decree, and I can't afford to be late."
With Mingzhao's intelligence and achievements, surely we'll have the chance to meet again.
Upon hearing this, Yan Qingqing had no choice but to give up. Instead, she instructed Ruyi, who was standing nearby, to take the freshly made beef jerky from the kitchen to her father-in-law and the others as provisions.
Soon, Ruyi filled the box to the brim. Eunuch Yue opened it, glanced at it, and said with a beaming smile, "Mingzhao Shuo is very thoughtful. I'll take my leave now."
Yan Qingqing personally escorted Eunuch Yue and the others to the gate.
After seeing Eunuch Yue off, Yan Qingqing glanced at Ruyi, who nodded and gave her an affirmative look before holding up two fingers.
Yan Qingqing knew that Ruyi was capable of handling things. She couldn't give her father-in-law a purse in public, so she could only pretend to give him beef jerky and put two thousand taels of silver notes in the box.
Yan Qingqing is not short of money right now. Besides, they came all the way from the capital, so it is only right to show her some appreciation.
After Eunuch Yue and the others left, Yan instructed Ruyi to take Ada and the others to the backyard to count the emperor's rewards.
He then dealt with the congratulatory guests.
Magistrate Ling cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Congratulations to Lord Mingzhao! Today is a double celebration!"
Yan Qingqing smiled and replied to Magistrate Ling's words, "I am very grateful to Magistrate Ling this time."
Yan Qingqing was telling the truth. She really couldn't report the discovery and use of cotton herself, otherwise even if the emperor rewarded her, he wouldn't have given her such a generous reward.
However, the effect of Magistrate Ling's memorial was different.
Upon hearing this, Magistrate Ling snorted coldly and said, "I'm not doing this entirely for your sake. After all, this is a major event that benefits the country and its people, and it will be a significant achievement in my political career."
Ling Ziyuan's words were true, so the two of them stopped being modest.
Yan Qingqing then turned to dealing with the other people who came to offer their congratulations.
The Li family's banquet was a lively affair that lasted all day before finally coming to an end.
After seeing off the guests, the family finally had time to gather together to congratulate Yan Qingqing.
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