The maid with the sa attire beside her, although her tone carried surprise, her expression was not as such, but rather bore a hint of pride.
"Sister, your news is always more inford than mine. Surely you’ve already received the news? I wonder which family our Third Miss will be assigned to in the imperial decree."
"Lately, did you not notice our Lady’s tone? Isn’t it just that person? Our Third Miss has really climbed high; didn’t you see how courteous those old nannies have been to her these days?"
"Really? Third Miss can now be considered to have overco her hardships. Those who disrespected her before must be regretting bitterly; they used to trouble her when she had no one to support her, now let’s see how arrogant they can be."
"Indeed, no matter what, our Third Miss’s status is noble. Even if she is less favored, she’s still the legitimate daughter of the main branch!"
"However, I heard there’s not only one decree today. Besides, he’s going to marry a concubine as well, and the wedding dates probably won’t differ much."
"Please, Eunuch Quan, co inside to rest and have a cup of hot tea."
Yao Qinglan guided Xiao Quanzi into the flower hall, quickly sending a servant to check if the incense table was ready.
Yao Qinglan felt sowhat conflicted at this mont. After glancing at the tray held by the eunuch behind Xiao Quanzi, he unexpectedly discovered that there were two imperial decrees on it.
He couldn’t comprehend why there would be two imperial decrees.
"Young Master, you’re too kind; it’s our honor to be entrusted with the Emperor’s decree to announce it at your mansion,"
Xiao Quanzi smiled broadly, as if sothing wonderful was about to happen.
Indeed, this is a great occasion, a bestowed marriage!
"Could you please enlighten why there are two imperial decrees?" Yao Qinglan remained extrely courteous, handing over a red envelope in passing.
"Now that we’re at the mansion, the answer is about to be revealed, isn’t it? Young Master, you’re a bit impatient; let give you a hint, after all, it’s a joyous event, you can rest assured."
Regarding Prince Jing’s bride selection, Xiao Quanzi naturally couldn’t be completely unaware.
Previously, the main wife nomination was the legitimate daughter of Duke Zhen’s Mansion, but now it’s been changed to another girl as a concubine. It’s hard to tell what reaction Yao Qinglan would have upon hearing the decree.
There’s no harm in accepting the money offered, and after announcing the decree, for such a joyous occasion, it’s customary to give a red envelope, which would happen sooner or later anyway.
"Young Master, we have to rush to other mansions later, shall we begin now?"
Yao Qinglan felt that Eunuch Quan’s smile carried profound aning, so he quickly stood and said: "Then please proceed to the front courtyard; our mansion is ready."
Although, considering the rank and titled nobility, the eunuch standing before him held a much lower position, he didn’t need to be so courteous.
But all of them knew that the eunuchs accompanying the Emperor were absolutely not to be offended.
Otherwise, they might find an opportunity to make trouble for you in front of the Emperor, and you wouldn’t even know you were implicated.
Yao ngxian, along with others in the mansion, knelt on the ground, looking at the crowd kneeling below. Xiao Quanzi nodded in satisfaction.
Then, he cleared his throat and began to announce the imperial decree.
He took out the one placed at the front from the tray behind him; this one appeared different from the one behind it.
To begin with, the scroll of this decree was made of black rhino horn. In the Dayan Dynasty, only a Second Rank decree would be made of black rhino horn.
Recalling Eunuch Quan’s words about the joyous event, Yao Qinglan, kneeling behind Old Duke, did not feel joy but suddenly chills.
Old Duke, being an astute person, realized upon seeing the decree that today might not turn out as they wished.
Could it be possible that their mansion’s legitimate daughter would only be Prince Jing’s concubine?
Wouldn’t that be laughable? Where would Duke Zhen’s Mansion’s dignity be placed?
Only the main wife was considered First Rank, while a concubine was Second Rank. Old Duke suppressed his anger, hunched in body, listening to the high-pitched voice above.
"By the Emperor’s command: Having heard of the first legitimate daughter of Minister of the Ministry of Justice Yao Qingcheng, Miss Yao nglian, her grace and elegance, kindness and sincerity, with exceptional deanor, both myself and the Empress are greatly pleased. Now as the Fourth Son, Prince Jing Zhao Yu, is nearing maturity... Considering Miss nglian awaits in the ladies’ chamber, she and Prince Jing are deed a perfect match, thus permitting her to be married to Prince Jing as a concubine. All rites will be conducted by the Ministry of Rites and Director of the Imperial Observatory, selecting an auspicious day for marriage. Announce to all, let it be known. By Imperial Command!"
Yao ngxian swiftly glanced at Yao nglian kneeling beside her, she was truly surprised by this decree, not expecting the Emperor to appoint Second Sister as Prince Jing’s concubine.
Both Old Duke and Yao Qinglan were sowhat dumbfounded too; wasn’t it said that Third Miss would be bestowed in marriage to Prince Jing? How did it beco Second Miss? And just a concubine?
Admittedly, with Second Miss’s status, becoming a concubine was indeed reaching high, after all, Second Household’s Yao Qingcheng had rely an official role as Minister of the Ministry of Justice.
No, Yao Qingcheng had just been transferred to Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Since Yao Qinglan was transferred to Ministry of Justice earlier this year, becoming the Vice Minister.
Hence, Yao Qingcheng couldn’t remain in Ministry of Justice, had to make way for his elder brother.
Originally, worried there wasn’t a suitable position, he might be assigned elsewhere. For this reason, Yao Qingcheng had stirred up quite a few scenes in the mansion, but unexpectedly, recently, there was a vacancy in the Ministry of Revenue.
Yao Qingcheng was imdiately transferred, at least staying in the Capital.
This certainly was related to the bestowed marriage; otherwise, transferring Yao Qingcheng to the Ministry of Revenue wouldn’t be likely, given many officials were waiting for vacancies every year!
Yao Qingcheng’s face was full of delight, he didn’t expect that fortune would favor their Second Household.
Although puzzled at the sudden change of candidate, the result was positive.
Yao nglian, however, turned pale, nervously glancing at Yao ngxian beside her.
No! Wasn’t Third Sister supposed to be bestowed to Prince Jing? Why was it changed to her?
She had heard Prince Jing’s health wasn’t good, likely not to last long, must she marry and beco a widow?
Suddenly a face like jade, gentle and warm surfaced in her mind, her heart ached.
Why was it her, this cursed bestowed marriage? Just waiting a bit more, there would have been opportunities, why did complications arise?
Did Third Sister do sothing sly in front of Grandfather and Elder Brother, changing the candidate to her?
Yao nglian gritted her teeth, her lowered eyes full of hatred. What nonsense of a concubine, she didn’t care at all.
"Congratulations to Second Master Yao, this concubine is recorded in the Royal Jade Scroll, personally chosen by Prince Jing!"
Seeing Yao Qingcheng’s delight, Xiao Quanzi also smiled and congratulated, currying favor.
Unexpectedly, aside from Yao Qingcheng, the rest displayed varied expressions.
Mrs. Ke was nearly furious, she hadn’t expected after all the effort, the benefits would fall to the Second Household, even the eunuch claid it was Prince Jing’s own choice.
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