Mrs. Ke imdiately thought she must have been fooled by Prince Jing, who had talked about marrying Sanya, yet it turned out he was interested in Er Ya.
It was ridiculous how she had been played like a monkey before; she could already foresee that within a few hours, the whole Capital would secretly laugh at her.
Saying she was mad to want to beco Prince Jing’s mother-in-law when he actually wanted to marry the second daughter’s maid.
She shalessly talked at various banquets about earning a First Rank honorable title for Sanya, and now she had beco a laughingstock.
How would she be able to socialize in the future? How would those aristocratic family won mock her, both openly and implicitly?
Those won were already high-minded, looking down on her for her minor background and the fact that she married in as a second wife.
Now because of this incident, she feared she would attract even more attention. Thinking of this, Mrs. Ke’s lowered face inadvertently twisted.
Yao Qinglan and the Old Duke were confused and angry, but ultimately, they still focused their attention on another Holy Decree.
At this mont, Xiao Quanzi unfolded it, and they noticed it was a Black Ox Horn Scroll. They were astonished; wasn’t that a scroll for fourth or fifth rank?
The Old Duke had a sense of foreboding in his heart; he thought of the eldest granddaughter kneeling in the back, could it be her?
If it really was her, then their Duke Mansion would truly beco a joke in the Capital.
Thinking of this, the Old Duke felt his vision darkening.
"By the mandate of heaven, the Emperor decrees: Upon hearing that Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice Yao Qinglan’s eldest legitimate daughter, Mrs. Yao ngxian, has a virtuous character, is courteous, adroit, gentle, and embodying virtue..."
Yao ngxian was not surprised; her grandfather had inford her two days ago that the Holy Decree for the marriage would arrive these few days.
After being quiet for so days, the Capital beca exceptionally lively today, for reasons unknown.
A few carriages erged from the Imperial Palace, heading towards various ministers’ residences.
The scene at Duke Zhen’s Mansion was being enacted in several residences throughout the Capital.
Gu Chengyu was leading others in kneeling to hear the decree; he was sowhat astonished in his heart. He had just seen two Holy Decrees, could they both be for him?
As the sharp, delicate voice rang out, Gu Chengyu retracted his drifting thoughts.
But when the eunuch finished reading the decree, Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but freeze.
He got promoted? Is this true? This surprise ca so suddenly!
"Congratulations to Mr. Gu for being promoted by one rank!" Xiao Huanzi, seeing Gu Chengyu’s surprised expression, quickly congratulated with a beaming smile.
This promotion by one rank ans to secondary fifth rank, a position historically decided after consultation by the Ministry of Personnel, with the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel making appointnts.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Gu has such an honor, even requiring the Emperor to personally decree, how great is this glory!
Mrs. Lv and Mr. Gu, kneeling behind, also bead with joy, although they did not understand the content of the Holy Decree, they truly heard the word ’promotion’.
Despite their imnse joy, neither dared to make any move.
Xiao Bao and Dumb Granny had already carefully instructed them, just to follow behind Xiao Bao by kneeling. Finally, say thanks to the Emperor, long live the Emperor.
No extra words, no wandering gaze. While Xiao Bao remained kneeling, they could not stand up on their own.
In fact, seeing such an elaborate setup, how would they dare to move recklessly? The imperial majesty is indeed unusual!
Even a eunuch leaving the palace is such an extravagant setup; if one day the Emperor himself ca, perhaps the entire residence wouldn’t be enough to accommodate all those attending.
Mrs. Lv knew it was due to the presence of a Holy Decree, which was why the eunuch leaving the palace was such a grand affair, yet she at least knew not to speak indiscriminately now.
Since arriving in the Capital for so many days, she had already figured out so rules, with Dumb Granny occasionally reminding her, she sumd up a principle.
As long as one is out of the residence, or so noble guest visits the residence, one ought to observe more, speak less. Otherwise, unfamiliar with these aristocratic family rules, Xiao Bao might be embarrassed.
"Minister, thank the Emperor for his blessings, long live the Emperor!"
After a mont’s daze, Gu Chengyu finally regained his composure and quickly voiced the high call, this was not the ti to ponder the Emperor’s intentions.
The people behind quickly followed, instantly filling the front courtyard with sound.
"Mr. Gu, don’t be anxious, I still have another Holy Decree in my hand! This one is also good news."
Xiao Huanzi glanced at Gu Chengyu with a gleeful look, then took out another one.
Gu Chengyu was currently pondering why the Emperor suddenly promoted him; although he maintained respect outwardly, his mind was already wandering elsewhere.
Anyway, the contents of this Holy Decree he already knew; there should be no surprises.
Indeed, he heard Yao ngxian’s na, and as soon as the words about the wedding day finished, Xiao Huanzi congratulated again: "Mr. Gu truly is doubly blessed today!"
After expressing gratitude, Gu Chengyu quickly received the Holy Decree.
"Congratulations, Mr. Gu, felicitations, Mr. Gu!" Xiao Huanzi’s gaze swept over this front courtyard, he hadn’t expected Mr. Gu’s residence to be quite affluent.
Wasn’t it said he ca from the countryside? Now it seems the family background is rather well-heeled!
"Please, Mr. Jiang, do us the honor of stepping into the main hall for a brief rest!" Gu Chengyu smiled over, Jiang Huan, seeing such a bright smile, was montarily dazed.
Ah! No wonder it was rumored the Emperor this year specially selected a Champion Scholar as handso as Pan An, indeed not a false word.
"No need for hospitality, Mr. Gu, I have urgent matters at hand. And I must return to the palace to report, so I must regretfully decline Mr. Gu’s kind offer."
Gu Chengyu quickly glanced at Ming Mo, who imdiately understood.
He stepped forward and placed the red envelope onto the tray.
Seeing that thin red envelope, Xiao Huanzi couldn’t help but beam with pleasure, feeling extrely satisfied, it seems he is indeed generous.
This Xiao Huanzi’s surna is Jiang, not the Xiao Quanzi familiar to Gu Chengyu. However, judging by his attire, he should be of the sa rank as Xiao Quanzi, both being Standard Sixth Rank.
But he hadn’t encountered this person in the palace before, probably he wasn’t serving the Emperor personally.
Today was just their first eting, his visit was rely to announce a Holy Decree. Since they were not acquainted, Gu Chengyu felt no need to show excessive hospitality to avoid appearing to curry favor with eunuchs.
After all, since he’s not serving beside the Emperor, there’s no major connection to concern him.
"Since Mr. Jiang has urgent matters at hand, it wouldn’t be proper for to insist on staying."
Inside Duke Zhen’s Mansion, everyone exchanged glances.
"Duke, the residence is indeed doubly blessed! Prince Jing is of the Dragon Son lineage, and Mr. Gu is young and talented, already holding a secondary fifth-rank official position so early. Duke Zhen’s Mansion has attracted so many young talents, truly making others envious!"
Xiao Quanzi had an excellent impression of Gu Chengyu, hence naturally spoke favorably.
Before setting out for Duke Zhen’s Mansion, he had already heard the news of Gu Chengyu’s promotion.
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