The wicked mother-in-law doesn't try to whitewash herself; she only abuses her awful children.

Suifeng Township Lord.

This title!
Does it symbolize a bountiful harvest year after year?

Quite suitable for the occasion.

Tong Huaqiong stood up and accepted the bright yellow imperial edict.

The touch of my fingers on the smooth silk brought my reason back.

In an instant, Tong Huaqiong transformed from a country peasant woman in Ming Gonggong's eyes into the shrewd and capable head of the household.

She smiled and said to Eunuch Ming, "I'm so grateful for the Emperor's favor. I was so happy that I lost my bearings. Please forgive me."

"Sir, please come to my humble abode for a seat and a cup of tea."

This widow Tong was quick-witted and generous. Unable to resist Tong Huaqiong's enthusiasm, Eunuch Ming came to Tong Huaqiong's courtyard.

The villagers followed along to watch the spectacle.

The explosion of a thousand firecrackers added a festive atmosphere to the entire Qinghe Bay.

During the opening ceremony, Village Chief Liu forgot to have the fire lit, but he no longer regretted it, as it was a good opportunity to celebrate Tong Huaqiong being bestowed the title of Township Lady.

The group arrived at Tong Huaqiong's courtyard.

Tong Huaqiong arranged the imperial edict, personally brewed tea and served it. Gu Taohua went to the Peach Blossom Dessert Shop in town to take charge. Chen Sufeng was pregnant, and Liu Yue'e followed along, bustling around serving pastries and making her presence felt.

"Eunuch Ming, these are pastries from our own pastry shop. Please have a taste."

Even though Eunuch Ming had eaten all sorts of things in the palace, he was still amazed by the pastries and ate half a box in one go.

After sitting for a short while, Eunuch Ming took his leave. Tong Huaqiong gave him thirty taels of silver and five boxes of pastries to his attendants.

Eunuch Ming accepted it with a smile.

After Eunuch Ming left, Tong Huaqiong smiled and expressed her gratitude to Prefect Yao.

She now understood why Prefect Yao had come to Qinghe Bay; he had brought someone to deliver an imperial decree to her.

How could the old emperor, far away in Shengjing, know that she had promoted a bumper corn harvest? It must have been thanks to Prefect Yao.

Surprisingly, this foolish old emperor who killed his son was quite righteous; he knew to bestow upon her the title of Lady of the Township.

Tong Huaqiong believed that Magistrate Liu's previous statement about the old emperor's emphasis on agriculture was not unfounded.

In response to Tong Huaqiong's gratitude, Prefect Yao said, "Aunt Tong, this is what you deserve."

Prefect Yao's words were definitely not made on a whim.

In ancient times, before the rapid advancement of science and technology, every dynasty valued agriculture and sericulture, and whoever could feed the people was considered meritorious.

Even the senile emperor who killed his crown prince was no exception.

Tong Huaqiong made a great contribution by ensuring a bumper corn harvest, which fed a larger population.

It is not excessive to bestow upon him the title of a local magistrate.

Village Chief Liu suddenly remembered something and asked, "What rank is a Township Lord?"

That's a good question, and it also reminded Tong Huaqiong.

She only knew the titles of princess and county princess, but she really didn't know how important a title of county lord was.

Lu Zhaoyang explained, "The title of 'Xiangjun' is a fifth-rank official."

The villagers didn't really understand the concept of the fifth rank, mainly because Yanguan Town had never produced any local magistrates.

"How high is the fifth rank? Is it higher than our Lord Liu's rank?" Zhao asked boldly.

Since it involved her mother-in-law's status, she had to find out the details.

When necessary, one can use a tiger skin and a big flag to intimidate others when walking outside.

Magistrate Liu said in a calm tone, "I am also a fifth-rank official."

The villagers breathed a sigh of relief.

Goodness gracious, she's the same age as the county magistrate! Does that mean Widow Tong will be on equal footing with the county magistrate from now on?

Should people from Qinghe Bay bow to Tong Huaqiong?
Widow Tong earned her fifth-rank imperial title without relying on her son.

Who else in the entire Ningcheng is there?
Tong Huaqiong laughed and said, "Lord Liu has devoted himself to governing the region and brought a bountiful harvest and peace to our Pingchuan County. How can I compare myself to Magistrate Liu?"

Although both she and Magistrate Liu were fifth-rank officials.

But those of the same grade are different.

Being named the village head is an honor, and he will receive a certain salary from the imperial court.

To put it simply, it's a lucky charm for a bountiful harvest.

Magistrate Liu was a real official.

However, having honor is better than having no honor. At least using his identity as the village lord will clear away many obstacles when he travels the world.

Prefect Yao praised Tong Huaqiong for her contributions to the corn harvest and offered some encouragement before taking his leave with Lu Zhaoyang and the others.

Magistrate Liu accompanied them as they withdrew.

However, Magistrate Liu's mother, Madam Han, and son, Liu Yanhong, stayed behind.

Because of the presence of Prefect Yao and Magistrate Liu, the villagers couldn't get too excited. After Prefect Yao and Magistrate Liu left, the entire Shenshu Village erupted in a frenzy, with eyes filled with admiration, envy, and jealousy.

"Goodness, Lord Suifeng, look how auspicious this name is."

"Big Foot can no longer be called Big Foot, he must be called Village Lord."

"Tsk tsk tsk, now that you've become the village head, you can't forget your fellow villagers. If you ever have to fight with the neighboring villages over water or land again, you'll have to protect us."

The villagers either congratulated him or made sarcastic remarks.

However, most people were happy for Tong Huaqiong, after all, it was a source of pride for everyone to know that Qinghewan had produced a local notable.

Moreover, Tong Huaqiong's success has also benefited the villagers. For example, her peach blossom dessert shop hired local workers, and she also hired villagers to work in the fields at fair prices. She also set up a private school in the village.
Everyone remembers Tong Huaqiong's good qualities and is genuinely happy for her.

"Alright, let's stop talking about protecting her. Da Shu Niang is the honor of our village as the village head of Qinghewan. Not to mention Yan Guan Town, even the entire Ningcheng has not produced a village head. Da Shu Niang is the first village head. When we talk about it, we people of Qinghewan are proud. I'm warning everyone, don't use the title of village head to intimidate others and tarnish the reputation of Da Shu Niang and our Qinghewan."

Village Chief Liu Tielian was very happy.

Tong Huaqiong felt that the village chief was also proud to have become the village head.

The village chiefs from other villages looked at him with envy, wondering why their own villages hadn't produced a village head like him.

Will the villagers of Qinghewan be able to trample on the heads of villagers from other villages in the future?

"Tsk tsk tsk, Aunt Dashu, your Gu family's ancestral graves are emitting auspicious smoke! Show us your imperial edict so we can see for ourselves," Aunt Qin said.

The villagers joined in the commotion.

Good heavens, having an imperial edict in the house is like having a powerful Buddha in your home. Who would dare to challenge you if you brought out an imperial edict?
Tong Huaqiong said with a smile, "That is the Emperor's decree. If it is scratched or damaged, it would be a great disrespect to the Emperor. I put it in front of the incense table at home. Everyone can look at it if they want, but no one can touch it."

Everyone laughed, knowing that Tong Huaqiong was politely declining, and they all waved their hands, saying it was just a joke.

Everyone understood, after all, damaging an imperial edict could easily cost someone their head.

In the hearts of the people of Qinghewan, the old emperor of Shengjing was a tyrant.

There was nothing they could do; the villagers of Qinghewan didn't know the emperor. Their initial impression of him was that he was an old man who didn't even spare his own sons and grandsons.

Cutting down other people would be as easy as cutting pig feed.

The old emperor, sitting on the dragon throne in Shengjing, sneezed.

“Mother, this is a joyous occasion! How many tables should we set up?” Madam Han, the mother of Magistrate Liu, suggested happily.

Her admiration for Tong Huaqiong reached a new level.

She also had an imperial title, but hers was obtained through her son, while Tong Huaqiong's was obtained through her own efforts.

We're both widows, so how come she's so capable?

Mrs. Han was overjoyed at her new best friend's great achievement; it was truly a source of pride for widows everywhere. (End of Chapter)