The rank of a titled lady was linked to the official rank. Now, Chi Yan held the rank of third-grade official, and Shen Tangning was also granted the title of third-grade lady.
She knelt to express her gratitude for the imperial favor, then composed herself and instructed Xueqing to slip a red envelope to Eunuch Fu. He accepted it with a smile, saying flattering things.
"With this double celebration, our family can also share in the joy."
Mrs. Chi was overjoyed: "You must have had a long journey. Father-in-law, would you like to have some tea before you go?"
After finishing his tea, Eunuch Fu looked at the two of them and said, "Madam Chi and the young mistress are blessed. Your good fortune is yet to come."
Hearing this, Chi's mother was delighted. Eunuch Fu was a favorite of the emperor, so his words represented His Majesty's.
She beamed and personally saw him to the door: "This Eunuch Fu is such a kind man, he has no airs at all!"
Watching the carriage depart, Shen Tangning turned her gaze to Mother Chi, her eyes showing hesitation, and slowly said, "I didn't know that my husband had actually requested an imperial title for me. Logically speaking, this honor should belong to Mother."
Chi's mother was unaware of her role in the matter, only knowing that Chi Yan had rendered meritorious service by first securing an imperial title for his daughter-in-law, completely disregarding his own mother. She worried that her mother-in-law might hold a grudge.
Chi Yan mentioned it casually that day, and she took it as a whim and didn't take it to heart. If he had discussed this matter with her beforehand, she would definitely have tried to dissuade him.
My mother-in-law is a good person, and she doesn't want to create any rifts between us because of these things.
Mrs. Chi gave her a reproachful look, seemingly unconcerned: "We're all family, why are you talking like that? I'm so old, what do I need these empty titles for?"
She wasn't just being polite; Chi's mother always remembered that Shen Tangning had been wronged because of circumstances when she married into the family, and she tried her best to make amends.
Now that her son is doing well and proving with his actions that Tang Ning was right to choose him, how could she not be happy?
A flicker of emotion crossed Shen Tangning's eyes, but Chi's mother was already happily preparing dinner: "This is a double celebration, it's definitely worth celebrating!"
She thought of something and her eyes lit up. "Also, for such a big event as Ayan's promotion, we'll definitely need to host a banquet for guests. Tang Ning, I don't have any experience in organizing a banquet on my own, so you'll have to give me some advice!"
When they were in the Marquis's mansion, it was the Marquis's wife who was in charge of the household. The Marquis's wife was strong-willed and unwilling to relinquish any power, so she had no chance to get involved in these matters.
Moreover, on the day of the banquet, those who would be attending would undoubtedly be prominent figures in Yanjing, so Chi's mother couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive.
Shen Tangning's attention was diverted, and she also began to think. She had hosted countless banquets, so organizing a promotion banquet was really not a difficult task for her.
...
During dinner, Mrs. Chi shared her thoughts, and Mr. Chi hesitated slightly: "Wouldn't hosting such a lavish banquet be too ostentatious?"
His considerations were not without merit. His son had already stolen the limelight, so it would be better to have a small family gathering to celebrate and avoid others becoming envious and gossiping.
Chi's mother's mood was dampened, and she was clearly not as cheerful as before. She lowered her head and poked at the rice in her bowl in a sullen mood.
She wanted to host a banquet when her son became the top scholar in the imperial examination, but she gave up due to various factors. Now that he has been promoted, is it still not allowed?
Seeing this, Shen Tangning exchanged a glance with Chi Yan, put down her chopsticks and said softly, "Father, this is a joyous occasion. Even if we don't make a fuss, there will still be plenty of people who are envious of us."
Mr. Chi frowned and nodded, then tentatively asked, "So what do you mean?"
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