"I'm blushing at what you're saying," Old Mrs. Huang said, genuinely embarrassed. "I know Huang Mu best, as his mother. He was able to marry Ya Ya only because you, my sister, didn't mind."
The old lady spoke from the heart.
The son's circumstances were neither the best nor the worst; although he was clever, he didn't have any great abilities.
My father is biased, and I have an older brother who always dominates me, so life isn't as good as others think.
Putting everything else aside, the dowry he received when he married was half that of the eldest son.
Only the Jiang family didn't mind and happily married their daughter into the family without uttering a single complaint.
For this reason alone, she should be grateful to the Jiang family for the rest of her life.
Not to mention, the daughter-in-law has given birth to so many grandsons, which has led the Huang family to where it is today.
If anyone owes a debt, it's the Huang family who owes the Jiang family.
Such a good daughter-in-law, she should have… but instead, she was…
Thinking of this, Old Mrs. Huang pursed her lips tightly.
Whenever I think about the past, even the best mood turns sour.
"I'm really embarrassed by what you said," Grandma Jiang said, feeling even more ashamed. "Sister, I know you're trying to comfort me, but you really don't need to belittle your son like that."
She could hardly bear to listen anymore.
“It’s the truth, don’t disbelieve me,” Old Mrs. Huang insisted. “You don’t need to think too much about the title. I was the one who suggested it in the first place, so I certainly won’t mind.”
Both of them felt that the other was thinking of them, and the things the other said became more and more heartwarming.
An hour later, Grandma Jiang came out satisfied, her smile barely contained.
Jiang Nuan had been waiting for the old lady outside the courtyard. "Are you relieved now?"
"You brat!" the old woman exclaimed, startled. "What are you doing here?"
Jiang Nuan pouted, "I'm still afraid that you might have some reservations."
However, it was all for nothing.
Judging from the old lady's satisfied expression, it was clear that the two had a very pleasant conversation.
That makes sense. If they were arguing, they would have whispered for two whole hours. It's impossible not to hear a sound if they were arguing.
"What could possibly be wrong with me?" The old lady glared at her daughter, annoyed. "Do you think I'm like a little girl, crying at the drop of a hat?"
What do you take her for?
At least, she's someone who's been through a lot.
Jiang Nuan: ...
She shouldn't have meddled; her good intentions were never rewarded.
Taking a deep breath, he said helplessly, "Whatever makes you happy."
"I can't be bothered to argue with you," the old lady said haughtily, her tone light and cheerful. "I'm in a good mood today."
It really is excellent.
Better than ever before!
Becoming a female marquis is enough to make this life worthwhile.
Thinking of this, the old lady narrowed her eyes, "Girl, can this really work out?"
She's so happy now, and her whole family is happy to accept it.
If something unexpected happens in the future, I'll really lose face.
Moreover, she wouldn't be able to handle such a drop in status; she'd definitely be furious.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nuan answered without hesitation, "Of course!"
The capital city.
After Ji Xuan agreed, he summoned the three Grand Secretaries to the Imperial Study to discuss the matter.
“Your Majesty,” Grand Secretary An thought Ji Xuan was in a hurry for the documents, “the documents from the past twenty years involve a wide range of issues and it will take some time to clarify them completely.”
Normally, this kind of troublesome matter would take one or two months to sort out.
Although he has increased manpower, the time is too short, and it is still not done.
He had done his best and had not been perfunctory, so Grand Secretary An felt no guilt or fear.
"This old minister is ashamed," Grand Secretary Zhong echoed, "it also requires time to continue organizing."
"My two ministers, there is no need to blame yourselves. I have other important matters to discuss with you today."
"Your Majesty, please give your orders."
"The former Marquis of Liuxian, Huang Chuan, was not virtuous enough to hold such an important position."
Upon hearing this, An and Liu exchanged a surprised glance.
"Your Majesty," Liu An said anxiously, "is there some misunderstanding? I know Huang Chuan; his character is certainly not flawed."
Grand Secretary An echoed, "This boy is honest and kind-hearted; he shouldn't make any major mistakes."
“Your Majesty,” Grand Secretary Zhong said, “the position of Marquis of Liuxian was originally intended to win over the Lady Protector of the Nation. This approach is inappropriate.”
In the past, he certainly wouldn't have valued it this much.
But now, it's clear that the Lady Protector of the Nation is truly capable, and they must put in a lot of effort to win her over.
"This was a request made personally by the Lady Protector of the Nation."
Upon hearing this, the three looked at each other, their minds racing as they analyzed the situation.
Grand Secretary Zhong, who had never dealt with Jiang Nuan before, was the first to ask, "Your Majesty, what does the Lady Protector of the Nation mean? Is she dissatisfied with the court?"
A noble title isn't something you can just grab any old cabbage; you might not get one even after several lifetimes of hard work.
The fact that the Lady Protector of the Nation personally petitioned to have her own son granted a title seems quite extraordinary.
It's impossible not to make people overthink.
These words made An and Liu anxious.
"It shouldn't be that bad," Elder An said, rubbing his temples. "There might be some hidden story."
“An Qing’s words make sense,” Ji Xuan said directly, no longer keeping her in suspense. “The Lady Protector of the Nation wants to give the title to her mother.”
Upon hearing this, the three people's expressions changed drastically.
"Your Majesty, is this true?"
"I never lie!"
"This is utterly ridiculous," Grand Secretary Zhong's face turned ashen. "A title is such an important thing, and there are only about thirty of them in the entire Great Zhou Dynasty. Even men can't get it, let alone women."
Grand Secretary Zhong was very uncomfortable.
Giving away the title of Marquis of Liuxian was already against the rules, but I didn't expect that the recipient wouldn't cherish it.
He worked diligently for decades, yet he couldn't even bring back a noble title for his family. Even if it were a banished immortal, he would be too ungrateful.
"It is indeed not in accordance with the rules, but it is not incomprehensible. In terms of the title 'Liu Xian' (meaning 'immortal'), no one in the world is more suitable for this title than the old lady."
“Liu An,” Grand Secretary Zhong said angrily, “you are the steward of the Lady Protector of the Nation and a Grand Secretary of the Great Zhou. You must not do anything that would harm the Great Zhou for your own selfish reasons.”
"Please calm down, Zhong Qing, and let's hear what An Qing has to say."
Upon hearing Ji Xuan's words, An Qingyun inwardly cried out in alarm.
He didn't want to get involved in this mess.
After all, the impact of this matter was extremely negative, and he did not want to bear the infamy for it for all eternity.
"This old minister has no objection."
He neither agrees nor disagrees, and the outcome is none of his business; let the other two fight it out.
“Anqing,” Ji Xuan said in an unchanged tone, “there are no outsiders here, so you can speak your mind without any reservations.”
Upon hearing this, Grand Secretary An gave a wry smile and had no choice but to say, "From a moral standpoint, the Lady Protector's actions are benevolent and filial, and should be praised. However, from the perspective of patriarchal law, this action is inappropriate."
He personally strongly opposes this.
The impact is truly terrible. Once this precedent is set, who knows how many women will be tempted to take advantage of it.
After guessing the emperor's intentions, they could only subtly express their stance.
No sooner had he finished speaking than Liu An immediately retorted, "Grand Secretary An is mistaken. According to the patriarchal system, this matter is beyond reproach."
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