Ling Ziyuan looked at A-Da and just wanted to curse. Who the hell wanted to be Yan Qingqing's son?
However, Ling Ziyuan managed to hold back, after all, in A-Da's heart, he regarded Yan Qingqing as his own mother.
If he were to curse at Ah Da, wouldn't that be the same as cursing Yan Qingqing? He really didn't have the guts to do that.
So when Ling Ziyuan got angry, he pushed A-Da, who was even more confused when he saw this.
Is Lord Ling suffering from some serious illness, or has he just drunk too much and messed up his head? I was trying to help him up, but he actually pushed me away.
He wouldn't have bothered with this if his wife hadn't ordered him to.
When Yan Qingqing returned home, her family already knew that she had been granted the title of First-Rank Imperial Lady and were waiting at the door.
After Yan Qingqing got off the carriage, Yuan Huiniang and her whole family knelt on the ground and said, "Congratulations, Mother! Congratulations on your promotion to the rank of First-Rank Imperial Lady."
Yan Qingqing said with a smile, "Alright, alright, get up quickly, the ground is still quite cold."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Huiniang and the others stood up.
Immediately afterwards, Steward Yu led all the maids and servants in the house to kneel down on the ground.
Steward Yu began, "Congratulations, Madam! Congratulations on your promotion to the rank of First-Rank Imperial Lady. May our Mingzhao Mansion prosper ever more."
Yan Qingqing looked at the servants kneeling on the ground and said with a smile, "Alright, get up. I've seen how well you've done your duties."
Today, I am again receiving the Emperor's grace, which can be considered a joyous occasion.
Those in charge of the household and above, as well as the maids and servants who serve each household, will receive a year's allowance; all others will receive a half-year's allowance.
The servants grinned with delight, thinking how incredibly generous their mistress was.
Yan Qingqing was never a stingy person; as long as her servants were loyal, she was never stingy with her rewards.
Ruyi and Ruxue have the most experience with all things, from food and daily necessities to clothing and accessories.
To be honest, they are living better lives than the daughters of ordinary officials.
Having followed Yan Qingqing for so long, each of them possessed a couple of rare items. Especially Ruyi, who received many precious treasures from Yan Qingqing when she got married.
So when everyone heard that Yan Qingqing had given so many gifts, they were all overjoyed.
They really have a good master. The masters of Mingzhao Prefecture never mistreat their servants without reason, and their monthly allowance is almost the highest in the entire capital.
Now, who wouldn't envy them for being able to sell themselves to the Mingzhao Prefecture?
Before Lady Mingzhao came to the capital, the maids and servants in other households often mocked them as masterless slaves.
Although they usually receive their monthly allowance, it's impossible for them to get any bonus money.
They didn't dare to say a word when they were bullied after going out, because they had no one to protect them.
But things are different now. After Lady Mingzhao entered the capital, she smashed up the Wu family's property and became an instant sensation. During the New Year, she even gave each of them a large red envelope.
Now they go out with their heads held high, and many maids and servants from other households take the initiative to befriend them.
However, Butler Yu had warned them to be wary of anyone who showed them kindness, and not to fall into anyone's trap, otherwise no one could protect them.
They weren't stupid; they knew the others had ulterior motives. So, those who tried to trick them into revealing information or ask them for favors were all rejected without hesitation.
Yan Qingqing was well aware of these people's reactions; the secret guards she brought to the capital were no pushovers.
Especially Butler Yu, who is the person she keeps a close eye on.
So far, Yan Qingqing is fairly satisfied with Butler Yu's performance.
So Yan Qingqing looked at Steward Yu and said, "Steward Yu, you've worked hard these past few days. You've managed the people in the house very well. I've found two estates in the suburbs of Beijing. When you have time, go and check them out for me."
Butler Yu was overjoyed upon hearing this, as Yan Qingqing's words meant that she approved of him.
So he quickly said, "This servant is the steward of Mingzhao Prefecture, and this is all within this servant's duty."
Please rest assured, Madam, I will visit those two estates tomorrow. I am confident that the estate you have chosen will be excellent.
Although Butler Yu never intended to betray Yan Qingqing from the beginning, she came from a small town after all. He didn't value her that much, or rather, he wasn't that convinced of her abilities.
However, after Yan Qingqing went to Beijing and accomplished several important tasks, Steward Yu was completely convinced of her abilities.
Moreover, this time when she entered the palace, she actually became Lady Mingzhao, a first-rank official.
I ask you, which of the high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital has this ability?
But their mistress was such a capable master who didn't mistreat the servants, so why wouldn't he be loyal to her wholeheartedly?
Although his masters didn't necessarily trust him much at first, feelings are built over time.
From the very beginning, Butler Yu knew that as long as he did his best, Yan Qingqing would eventually give him an important position.
Yan Qingqing didn't care about Butler Yu's ulterior motives; she would never hesitate to give opportunities to those who were loyal to her.
After instructing Steward Yu on these matters, Yan Qingqing led Yuan Huiniang and the others back to her own courtyard.
Just now outside, they all had to put on airs like masters, and they didn't show their excitement.
Once inside Yan Qingqing's courtyard, everyone relaxed and became more open.
[Mother, isn't this the highest rank a titled lady of the first rank can attain?]
[Mother, how come you got promoted after just one trip to the palace?]
[Mother, can I walk around the capital with my head held high from now on?]
…………
A barrage of seemingly pointless questions followed, and Yan Qingqing knew these kids couldn't hold back any longer.
Of course, they didn't necessarily need answers to these questions; they just felt that it was truly remarkable that their mother had become a first-rank official.
Look at Li Xiangyang and Li Jinqian, they're so happy they're rolling around on the ground.
After they had finished asking their questions and their excitement had subsided, Yan Qingqing finally spoke up, saying, "Alright, the Emperor's decree of investiture should arrive tomorrow."
Although Mother is now a first-rank lady, there are still many high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital.
We are far inferior to the families of dukes and marquises.
However, you don't need to worry about socializing when you go out. Although my mother's rank of First Rank was not earned through fighting on the battlefield, it was earned through real merit.
Also, make sure you bring enough people with you when you go out for social engagements.
Yan Qingqing's salt-making venture will definitely cause trouble for some people. If they can't find a way to cause trouble for Yan Qingqing, they might try to take it out on her children.
After speaking, Yan Qingqing glanced at Mu Xi again.
Mu Xi nodded knowingly. In addition to the maids and servants on the surface, she would also send secret guards to accompany the various masters in private.
Besides, Li Xiang'an and his group are all skilled in martial arts. Although they may not be at the level of masters, they can easily handle a few ordinary people.
The very next morning, the emperor indeed issued an edict conferring upon Yan Qingqing the title of First-Rank Imperial Lady.
The imperial edict was read aloud by Xiao Mochen himself.
The various families in the capital reacted differently upon hearing the news of Yan Qingqing's promotion.
Some were indifferent, some were happy for Yan Qingqing, and naturally, some were filled with hatred.
But no matter what, these people still had to put on a show, and Yan Qingqing was receiving so many gifts that her hands were sore from holding them.
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