Song Jiyun’s first reaction upon hearing this news was not to wonder why there was an imperial decree for her, but rather that imperial decrees were different depending on where they were issued from.
She couldn’t help but ask Wang Hua, "Does it make any difference where it comes from?"
"Of course, it makes a difference," replied Wang Hua without a second thought, "If it’s issued from the Director of Communications, it represents the will of the Six Ministries of the Imperial Cabinet; if it’s from the Directorate of Imperial Ceremonies, it is mostly the Emperor’s intent. And if it comes from the Ministry of Rites, it could possibly be a decree from the Inner Palace."
But what did it mean for him to block her way like this?
After thinking it over, Song Jiyun decided not to ask further, saying, "Don’t be nervous, let’s go take a look and find out."
Wang Hua hummed in agreement and, along with Zheng Quan, accompanied Song Jiyun back to the Song Mansion.
The imperial decree was issued by the Directorate of Imperial Ceremonies. The Young Eunuch who came to announce the decree actually knew Wang Hua and let out a shout of surprise upon seeing him. Wang Hua, even before the decree was read, hooked arms with him and pulled him aside to find out what was going on.
Song Jiyun took the opportunity to slip the young eunuch a big red envelope.
The young eunuch beamed with joy and spoke frankly, "It’s a request from the Manufacturing Office. Isn’t it the grand birthday of the Empress Dowager next year? The Manufacturing Office didn’t just call for porcelain burners; they’ve also recruited those who do mother-of-pearl inlay, carve red lacquer, make velvet flowers, craft jewelry, weave Shu brocade—everything related to food, clothing, housing, and transport. Altogether, there are thirty or forty craftsmen, all preparing to organize a grand celebration for the Empress Dowager.
"It turns out it wasn’t Boss Song who initially covered the porcelain section. Later, someone at the Manufacturing Office spoke up, and it was decided that Boss Song would represent Jingde Town to present his craft in the capital."
He said, appraising Song Jiyun with a few curious glances, "I just never expected Boss Song to be a woman."
Wang Hua seemed to have a particularly good relationship with him and playfully ruffled his hair upon hearing that.
The young eunuch then grinned and asked, "Brother, what are you doing here? Didn’t Lord Yuan return to the capital?"
Wang Hua fumbled his way through a response and then asked when was he planning to return to the capital, suggesting, "When the time comes, I’ll host a welcome-back dinner for you."
The young eunuch laughed and said, "I’ll be traveling back to the capital with the people from the Imperial Kiln Factory, and there’s someone to serve us on the way. When will you be returning to the capital, brother? Why not travel with me."
Wang Hua didn’t reply to him, but turned to help Song Jiyun inquire, "What decree did the Imperial Kiln Factory receive?"
"They’ve been ordered to have Eunuch Wan and the Chief Accountant of the Imperial Kiln Factory bring a few master craftsmen to the capital. It’s likely to discuss the porcelain burning for the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration."
Wang Hua then asked him about matters in the palace and, seeing that nothing more could be gleaned, finally let him go.
Meanwhile, at the Song Family’s residence, the altar was set up. The young eunuch announced the decree, and without lingering, left with Wang Hua to visit the Imperial Kiln Factory.
The crowd that had gathered outside the Song Family’s door to watch the excitement surged in afterward, their eyes shining as they focused on the imperial decree in Song Jiyun’s hands, exclaiming, "Ah, so this is what an imperial decree looks like!"
"The ancestors of the Song Family must be beaming with pride, having the honor to present their craft to the Emperor in the capital. Boss Song’s porcelain firing skill must be the finest in Jingde Town, right?"
"Doesn’t the imperial decree need to be returned? It should be enshrined in the ancestral hall. Where are the Song Family elders? How come none of the family elders are present? This is a momentously joyous occasion for the whole clan! We should be setting off fireworks and opening the ancestral hall."
Others said, "There should even be a special Chapter dedicated to Boss Song in the family records."
Song Jiyun was also a bit curious about what the imperial decree looked like, but after satisfying her curiosity, she didn’t think much of it. It was Steward Wu who had the servant boys run out to buy a lot of candy to distribute to everyone and set off firecrackers at the gate.
The Eleventh Grand Master Song, Chairman Ma, and others arrived amongst the sound of firecrackers.
"You child, with such a festive event, why didn’t you send someone to inform me earlier?" the Eleventh Grand Master Song and several clan elders of the Song Family said. "Where is the angel who delivered the decree? We need to arrange a feast to properly entertain him."
Song Jiyun, who was deeply aware of the saying "the tree that stands out in the forest is the one that is likely to get hit by the wind," had no intention of letting others know about Wang Hua’s connection with the young eunuch, smiled and said, "He’s gone to the Imperial Kiln Factory. How could it be our turn to host him?"
Eleventh Grand Master Song urged her, "Then you should go to the Imperial Kiln Factory too. We’ll handle the family affairs here."
They were planning to host an abundant banquet for the neighbors, and even invited a troupe to perform a play.
Sometimes privilege is an umbrella of protection.
Song Jiyun intended to publicize this event, so that, in the future, those in official circles would think twice before trying to extort the Song Family Kiln Factory.
She sent Steward Wu with silver to Eleventh Grand Master Song and discussed with Chairman Ma about hanging the imperial edict at the Temple of the Wind God, "I owe my success to the support of my peers. Although the edict is addressed to me personally, it’s also a glory for all porcelain makers in Jingde Town. It would be good for everyone to see for themselves what the edict looks like."
Chairman Ma naturally agreed wholeheartedly.
They rushed to the guild and hurriedly ordered a plaque to find a way to hang the imperial edict at the entrance of the guild hall. They also invited twelve strong kiln workers to guard it around the clock. Together with other colleagues who heard the news, they celebrated over a meal.
When she returned home, Eleventh Grand Master Song and others had not left yet. Madam Qian was keeping them company in the hall. Upon seeing Song Jiyun return, Eleventh Grand Master Song said to her with a beaming smile, "We’ve just discussed it, and tomorrow we’ll ask Mr. Wen to write an acknowledgment for you, then we’ll hang it in the ancestral hall."
Another clan elder, as if worried she might not be pleased, explained, "Technically, carving a stone stele for you wouldn’t be too much, but you’re still young, with a promising future ahead. It’s not yet time for your final epitaph. There will definitely be a place for you in the ancestral hall’s portraits and stele forest."
Song Jiyun took these honors lightly.
In the span of five thousand years, she was but a fleeting mayfly.
But one must seize the moment to enjoy life when possible.
She accepted graciously with a smile and expressed her thanks.
The clan elders of the Song Family were all very excited, speaking with great emotion about Song Jiyun’s grandfather and Song Erliang, bringing Madam Qian to tears again, until the drum marking night watches was beaten before they finally dispersed.
Song Jiyu and Song Jixue waited for her in Song Jiyun’s room.
Song Jiyu said, "Big sister, I heard from Young Master Xiong that it’s very cold in the north. It’s springtime here, but it’s still winter there. Whenever you set off on your journey, I’ll make you some fur scarves."
Song Jiyun laughed, "Young Master Xiong has been telling you these things?"
Song Jiyu blushed.
Song Jixue giggled at the side, "The other day, Young Master Xiong even sent someone to bring spring tea for second sister. He said it was picked while he was leading people to plant trees in the mountains. If second sister likes it, he’ll send more in a few days. Big sister, haven’t you noticed that the tea we’ve been drinking these days is different from the usual?"
Embarrassed, Song Jiyu playfully tickled Song Jixue’s underarms.
The two of them wrestled playfully, their clear laughter scattering throughout the courtyard.
Song Jiyun couldn’t help but laugh as well.
Since her father’s death, Song Jiyu, who had been sullen, was becoming more cheerful, which was a good thing.
Madam Qian brought several pieces of fur with Nanny Zheng, saying they were for making cloaks for her.
Song Jiyun laughed, "There’s no need to hurry, Wang Hua should know what clothes to bring. Let’s talk about it when he gets back."
Madam Qian’s eyes curved as she nodded in agreement. Steward Wu came to report that Song Daliang and the Great Madam had arrived with their two sons-in-law, saying they came to congratulate the young mistress."
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