The women of the Yang family felt curious and puzzled. It was only the ’Washing the Three’ ceremony for the youngest Yang child, so even if the Emperor intended to bestow rewards, sending Eunuch Sun Chuanmao with a verbal decree would have sufficed. Why would he send an Imperial Decree?
Yang Mengchen knew very well what was going on. She looked reassuringly at the Yang family women, signalling them to prepare for receiving the decree.
It was not long before Long Xuanmo and the men of the Yang family followed Eunuch Sun Chuanmao inside. The male guests stopped at the gateway that connected the inner and outer courtyards.
Long Xuanmo walked straight up to Yang Mengchen, without casting a glance at the other women.
Eunuch Sun Chuanmao smiled respectfully at Yang Mengchen, then unfolded the bright yellow Imperial Decree in his hands. Upon seeing everyone kneeling, he read it aloud with a strong voice.
The content of the Imperial Decree declared that Yang Chaoyi and his wife, Shen Qiulan, had excelled in raising their daughter, bringing unparalleled glory to Dong Chu, and were therefore conferred the titles of ’Marquis Yiyong’ and ’Zhenshu’ – the first-rank wife of the Marquis. They were also awarded a large amount of gold, silver, and jewels, and there were additional gifts to celebrate the ’Washing the Three’ ceremony for Yang Zongrun.
Everyone stood in stunned silence, but then, thinking of the great achievements of Princess Chen, it seemed reasonable for the Emperor to bestow such honors upon the parents of Princess Chen.
Not expecting such generous rewards from the Emperor, Yang Chaoyi and Shen Qiulan were both stunned. It was only after hearing their daughter’s reminder did they come back to their senses to receive the Imperial Decree.
"Marquis, Madam Marquis, here are the Gold Imperial Decree and Seal, robes of honor, and gifts from the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress. Please accept them," Eunuch Sun Chuanmao gestured, and several palace maids and eunuchs presented a tray covered with red silk to Yang Chaoyi and his wife. They signaled their servants to receive them, and Eunuch Sun Chuanmao then turned to Yang Chengyu, "These are the Emperor’s, the Empress Dowager’s, and the Empress’s gifts for your son’s ’Washing the Three’ ceremony."
Two eunuchs presented another tray covered with red silk to Yang Chengyu, who gratefully accepted it after giving thanks.
Eunuch Sun Chuanmao respectfully said to Yang Mengchen, "Princess, the gifts have been delivered. I shall now return to the palace and report back to the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress."
"You have my thanks, Eunuch Sun," Yang Mengchen replied with a smile.
Yang Chenghong took out two generous red envelopes and handed them to Eunuch Sun Chuanmao. The other palace maids and eunuchs received theirs as well while everyone saw them off as they left.
Yang Mengchen joyfully announced, "My parents have been ennobled, we celebrate ’Washing the Three’ for sweet Tian Gao, and there is joyous news for my younger brother and sister – today, our family truly has threefold joy. Sister Jin, issue the command: all the servants and guards from the several mansions and Kang Prince Mansion are to receive three months of their usual allowances, all from my private funds."
"This old servant obeys," Sister Jin replied, smiling cheerily.
Yang Chaoyi and his three equals looked at one another before turning their gaze to Yang Chengrong, who was to be the future head of the family. All matters naturally awaited his decision.
Understanding the meaning in the elders’ eyes, Yang Chengrong declared loudly, "Servants and guards of the several mansions and Kang Prince Mansion are all to receive three months of their usual allowances."
The other brothers nodded in agreement, smiling.
Guests were expected in large numbers today, and the several mansions had dispatched servants to the Yang family to help out. Hearing what Yang Mengchen and Yang Chengrong had said, they were overjoyed.
Apart from Kang Prince Mansion’s allowances being neither high nor low, the several mansions (Prince Mansion, Princess Mansion, Commandery Princess Long Ruoshui’s mansion, Weiguo General Mansion, and Fuguo General Mansion) already paid high allowances. Now, with an extra half year’s worth suddenly granted, who wouldn’t be happy?
The guests marveled in secret; Princess Chen and the Yang family truly were generous, and even the servants of Kang Prince Mansion received rewards.
And servants who accompanied the guests were full of envy.
The several mansions were known for their good treatment, and many competed fiercely to work there. Unfortunately, these mansions were extremely strict in their recruitment, and those who didn’t meet the requirements were barred. Those who got in never wished to leave, thus opportunities to enter were few.
The men of the Yang family beckoned the male guests to the front yard.
The women guests returned to their places, preparing for the upcoming ’Washing the Three’ ceremony.
Yang Mengchen and Princess Kang walked shoulder to shoulder at a leisurely pace. Understanding the good intentions of her third sister-in-law, Princess Kang gave a grateful smile to Yang Mengchen.
The servants of the mansion were naturally very happy to receive the good news and were motivated to serve her and Yeye even better to get more rewards.
Yang Mengchen returned the warm smile, "Now that our younger brother and sister are expecting again, we’re truly a bit worried. It might be better if they moved into the Yang family residence. On one hand, my mother and mother-in-law, as well as the sisters-in-law, have experience to care well for my younger sister-in-law. On the other hand, having people to talk with her, and Tian Gao and others can play with Yeye. What do you think, mother-in-law, mother, sisters-in-law, and younger sister-in-law?"
"I want to play with my brothers," said Long Muye loudly before any of the adults could respond.
Everyone laughed heartily.
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