On the official road, an elite force escorted a convoy of carriages to Peach Blossom County. The wheels left deep tracks, showing how many valuable things were inside the carriages.
"Little Shunzi, where are we now? How much longer is it?"
"Reporting to Your Excellency, we have now arrived in Peach Blossom County, and the caravan is heading to the county government office..."
"Alright, we've finally arrived at one place. Let's head to the county government office first."
"Yes, sir!"
......
About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea later, uninvited guests arrived at the county government office. The yamen runners were intimidated by this obviously extraordinary group and barely managed to stand up straight.
The head constable ordered someone to invite the county magistrate, while he himself received the distinguished guests with utmost respect...
The birthday banquet began at noon.
Although no banquet was held for the entire village, after discussing it, the old family built a stage at the entrance of the village and invited an opera troupe from the county to perform.
The melodious singing and the sounds of gongs and drums attracted most of the village to come and watch the excitement.
Here we are, the host is celebrating a happy occasion, and they are singing "The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" and "Five Daughters Celebrating a Birthday".
At the old house, the feast began to be served, with a dazzling array of delicious dishes.
As the birthday celebrant and the main character of the day, Mr. Wu took the seat of honor, surrounded by relatives and friends, with his children and grandchildren enjoying his company. It was a lively and joyful occasion.
"Today is my 60th birthday. I am deeply grateful to all my relatives and friends for coming to this banquet. I'm not good at saying nice things, but I hope you all enjoy the food and drinks!"
With a trembling hand and an excited heart, Old Master Wu announced this joyfully.
As soon as he finished speaking, a chorus of cheers and applause erupted. He watched and listened, feeling incredibly pleased with himself.
Just as he raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp, a joyous announcement came from outside—
"Uncle Village Chief—"
"The Chiang family—"
"Overjoyed!"
Wu Jiahu, who was originally assigned to maintain order at the village entrance, ran in with a happy expression, then gasped for breath.
"What's wrong, Jiahu?"
"Brother Jiahu, take a breath and talk first, there's no rush."
The village chief was somewhat suspicious, but Jiang Yue already had a guess, so she remained calm and indifferent on the surface.
"Someone has arrived from the capital of Jinling. It's an eunuch who brought several cartloads of goods, along with the county magistrate!"
Wu Jiahu was extremely excited. For the first time in his life, a high-ranking official had gently asked him to come and call the village chief and Jiang Shi!
"What?"
Everyone present was in an uproar, and Old Master Wu even exclaimed in surprise.
It seems they're not here to hold his third son's wife accountable, so what could it be...?
"Come on, everyone, follow us to pay our respects to the county magistrate and our distinguished guests!"
At the village chief's command, most people went with him and Jiang Shi, while a few women stayed at the old house to watch over the feast!
Jiang Yue didn't object, and gestured for Aunt Ge and the Ye He and Ye Hua sisters to stay and look after her daughter-in-law and granddaughter; she would be right back...
At the village entrance, the actors on the stage knelt down in unison, led by their troupe leader.
The villagers who were watching followed suit, kowtowing and paying their respects to the county magistrate and the important figures.
Grandpa Hai, holding a handkerchief, calmly surveyed the village.
It is very ordinary, yet it subtly reveals a kind of exquisite beauty.
Upon closer inspection, we discovered a school!
Strange, since it is already difficult to establish a village school, how did this village manage to establish one?
He waved to Xiao Shunzi, who then whispered something in his ear...
Xiao Shunzi was clever. After getting his father-in-law's approval, he quietly found a villager and began to subtly inquire about the situation in Wu Family Village...
When Magistrate Liu saw this, he did not stop them. He had nothing to fear. There was nothing wrong with Wujia Village. The villagers were working together to get rich and build their homes. What was wrong with that?
While they waited, some observant people brought over tables, chairs, and benches, and served fragrant tea, allowing the distinguished guests and the county magistrate to rest.
At the same time, the village chief and his entourage rushed over, and before they even got close, they began to beg for mercy:
"I apologize to you, esteemed guests and the magistrate, for my lateness. Please forgive my tardiness."
"Eunuch Hai, this is the village head of Wu Family Village, and the one next to him is Wu Jiangshi, the person who drafted this national policy."
Magistrate Liu introduced the two parties, his words filled with respect.
Despite being a woman and child, Wu Jiang was able to selflessly offer national policies. This act not only saved countless lives but also brought benefits to the people, which is worthy of respect.
"Wow, he's really young and promising."
Before coming, Eunuch Hai had naturally learned about the Jiang family's background.
Before he left the palace, the Empress Dowager specifically instructed him to treat her with courtesy.
Therefore, upon seeing the person in person, he showed a friendly expression, which had a hint of ingratiation.
"Thank you for your praise, sir. I am unworthy of such praise."
Jiang Yue bowed slightly, but in reality, she felt extremely uncomfortable hearing the other person speak in a shrill voice.
This eunuch is really different from the ones portrayed on TV!
Of course, she wouldn't show what she was thinking on her face; there was no need to offend anyone.
Grandpa Hai liked this kind of sensible and intelligent person; it was a pleasant experience to deal with them.
He raised the whisk in his hand, curled his pinky finger, and coughed lightly:
"Please, no need for formalities. I am here to deliver an imperial decree. Please kneel and bow to receive the decree—"
"This humble woman/commoner receives the imperial decree—"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yue sighed, knowing that her knees were bound to suffer.
The village chief and many villagers willingly knelt down, awaiting the imperial edict to be announced...
"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees—"
The village chief had served as village chief for decades and had never received such an honor. He knelt down to accept the imperial decree; he had made something of himself!
Needless to say, Old Master Wu worked hard his whole life, and with one foot in the grave, he was able to enjoy his old age and even hear an imperial edict. This 60th birthday celebration was truly worthwhile!
Old Zhou's heart was pounding so hard she almost couldn't breathe. Good heavens! What had her third son's wife done to deserve this?!
Qingshan quickly supported his mother, afraid she would faint. His own palms were sweating. "Mom, you're amazing!"
"In recent years, mountain floods and locust plagues have plagued the land, causing widespread suffering and hunger. This pains me deeply, and I often find myself unable to sleep peacefully..."
Until the Wu-Jiang family implemented the national policy, I was overjoyed and ordered the ministers of the six ministries to conduct experiments. After the results were effective, it was truly a blessing from heaven!
I am very pleased and hereby bestow upon Lady Wu Jiang the title of County Lady, and grant her a thousand taels of gold, a hundred acres of fertile land, and ten bolts of silk and satin.
County Lady?
The villagers present couldn't help but secretly look up. Wasn't this county magistrate just as noble as the county magistrate?
In the future, when they see Chiang Kai-shek, will they have to kneel and kowtow?
Jiang Yue, unaware of what the others were thinking, obediently bent her straight back and shouted:
"This humble woman accepts the imperial decree and expresses her gratitude. Long live the Emperor!"
"Please rise, Lord Jiang!"
......
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