Yun Jiao didn’t dare to move either.
Ruru perhaps witnessed Lady Wu’s death when she was around one year old, leaving a shadow in her heart.
During the day she seed fine, even more mischievous than Qi Er and You Er combined; only occasionally would she have nightmares at night.
When she was younger, she would often wake up from nightmares or cry, but now that she’s older, it’s been a long ti since she had one.
After a long while, Yun Jiao finally placed Ruru on the bed and climbed into bed herself.
Yun Jiao was the first to get up in the morning.
The children woke up too but they didn’t get up, instead playing around on the bed.
You Er suddenly said to Yun Jiao, "Mother, did Father climb into our bed last night?"
Yun Jiao’s ears turned slightly red, "No, you were dreaming."
"Oh," You Er nodded and rolled over with Qi Er again.
Yun Jiao sat by the mirror combing her hair, slowly spoke to the children, "Qi Er is seven years old, Ruru is six, and You Er is also five."
"You’re all big kids now, you can’t sleep with Mother anymore."
"Last night was the last ti."
Qi Er nodded understandingly, Ruru pouted, and You Er seed thoughtful.
After combing her hair, Yun Jiao had breakfast with the children before sending them off to the front yard to study.
The family hired a tutor for their enlightennt, teaching the children to recognize characters, write, and recite the Three Character Classic.
Just after sending off the children, a maid ca in to report, "Young Madam, Eunuch Yu from the palace is here, asking Madam to receive the decree."
The maid found Yun Jiao’s ceremonial dress and helped her change, placing the phoenix crown on before Yun Jiao went to the front yard.
The altar was already set up, Yun Jiao lit an incense stick, respectfully worshiping.
Only then did Eunuch Yu cheerfully unfold the imperial decree in his hand.
Yun Jiao knelt on the ground listening as the eunuch recited, "Hereby conferring Mrs. Gu as the National Lady..."
After the eunuch finished reading, Yun Jiao kowtowed in gratitude, slowly rising from the ground.
Eunuch Yu smiled widely, handing the imperial decree to Yun Jiao, "Congratulations, National Lady."
Yun Jiao smiled and exchanged a few idle words with Eunuch Yu, Housekeeper Wang quietly presented a silver note, and Eunuch Yu left with a full grin.
Holding the imperial decree, Yun Jiao was genuinely pleased, being a National Lady is a first rank order.
This was different from the order tied to Jiang Youzhi; becoming National Lady was her own achievent.
Although to the emperor, granting Yun Jiao the title of National Lady ant little, without even adding a penny to her stipend, it was a recognition of her efforts in Yangzhou treating patients.
The servants around bead with joy, each saying, "Congratulations, National Lady."
Yun Jiao smiled, holding the decree as she returned to her courtyard.
In the evening, when Jiang Youzhi returned ho, he first bowed to Yun Jiao then smiled and said, "Congratulations, National Lady."
Yun Jiao punched him lightly, "Are you laughing at in your heart?"
Jiang Youzhi shook his head with a cheerful grin, "Not at all."
"In this world, a woman’s order is usually achieved through her son or husband, who manages to earn a royal decree through her own rits?"
"There are hardly any across the ages."
"I’m truly happy for you."
He suddenly picked up Yun Jiao, twirling her around, scaring Yun Jiao as she tightened her grip on his neck, then she too laughed.
After spinning for a while, Jiang Youzhi set Yun Jiao down, "Oh, right, we shouldn’t be laughing too loudly today."
Yun Jiao curiously asked, "Why?"
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