The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 162 The Ximen Mansion's Exquisite Dignity
The official sat upright on his horse, his heart yearning to return home as swiftly as an arrow released from a bow!
The image of Qin Keqing's delicate, tear-streaked face, and the quiet dependence and admiration that had quietly grown in her eyes after she had recovered from her shock, still lingered in the man's mind.

The master and servant spurred their horses and galloped through the long street like lightning. However, the situation in Qinghe County was quite the opposite of their urgency; the entire officialdom was in an uproar!

In the back hall of the county government office, Magistrate Li Datian held the imperial gazette that had just been delivered from the capital by express courier. His eyes were wide open, and his fingers, gripping the corner of the paper, trembled slightly.

The paper, with its black and white characters and the bright red, eye-catching seal of the Imperial Secretariat, clearly stated: "Ximen Qing, by the grace of the Emperor, is hereby appointed as a Senior Secretary of the Xianmo Pavilion!"

Although it was a lowly and insignificant post without rank or grade, the five characters "Xianmo Pavilion Chief" carried immense weight!

"Hiss..." Magistrate Li gasped, feeling a surge of scalding heat rush straight to the top of his head, his throat dry and tight, as if it were stuffed with hot sand.

That was a place that the clear stream looked up to, reaching directly to the heavens! It was the supreme honor that Li Datian had studied hard for decades, an honor he dared not even dream of! And yet... it fell on the head of Ximen Qing?

"This...how is this possible? Xi...Ximen Qing? What merits does he possess?" The county magistrate, who held the top position in Qinghe County, dared not believe it, yet dared not disbelieve it. He looked at the official gazette over and over again, wishing he could pry out the truth from between the pages.

His gaze swept over the patterns on the vermilion seal, then he stole a glance at the white-faced, beardless eunuch sitting beside him, drinking tea.

The eunuch didn't even lift his eyelids, but gently tapped the covered teacup, making a crisp sound, and coughed softly.

Magistrate Li felt a surge of heat rush to the top of his head, his throat went dry, and he slapped his thigh hard, his voice trembling with urgency: "Quick! Quickly! Prepare the sedan chair! No, prepare the horse! Bring out my brand-new seventh-rank official robe with the mandarin duck insignia!"

"The ceremonial guard! Quickly prepare the ceremonial guard! This is an immense honor! It is the first time in history that our Qinghe County has ever received such glory! I will personally go to the residence of Master Ximen to respectfully receive the imperial edict!"

The county magistrate, Qian Lao, the registrar, Hua Helu, the clerk, and others standing below the hall were already dumbfounded.

Seeing the magistrate so distraught, the three exchanged glances, disregarding everything else, and hurriedly slipped out of the back hall. Each grabbed a trusted servant, their voices trembling with excitement:
"Quick! Go back! Open the storeroom! Pick out the most valuable, treasured items and prepare one... no! Prepare two generous gifts! Be quick! Deliver them to the gate of the West Gate mansion and wait for me."

Almost simultaneously, Xia Longxi, the commander of the provincial judicial office, Zhou, a first-class military officer… virtually every official of any rank or standing in Qinghe received the news. The official gazette, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, sent shivers down everyone's spines, each harboring their own thoughts!
Meanwhile, at the Ximen residence, Wu Yueniang, along with Xiaoyu and several stewardesses, was directing the servants in the hall to move tables and chairs, wipe the furnishings, and prepare for the upcoming major festivals.

She wore a simple floral satin jacket and a white silk skirt. Although she wasn't dressed up, she exuded the composure of a matriarch.

Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps approached from afar, making the corridor floor thump loudly. Then, the official, Lai Bao, burst in, his hat askew, face flushed, neck red, and breathless. Upon seeing Yue Niang, he didn't bother with bowing or scraping, but instead waved his hands wildly and shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice cracking:
"Auntie! Quickly! Prepare the incense table! Set up the ceremony to welcome the Emperor! County Magistrate Li has sent someone on horseback to report that... that our eldest father... has been granted the title of 'Xianmo Pavilion Attendant' by the Emperor's grace! The imperial decree... the imperial decree has arrived at the mansion! The County Magistrate himself is accompanying the messenger, and they will be heading to our mansion soon!"

This shout was like a bolt from the blue, yet also like a gentle rain falling from the sky!
Everyone in the hall, including Yue Niang, seemed to be frozen in place, becoming so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The whisk that Yue Niang was holding fell to the ground with a "thud," rolled twice, and no one bothered to pick it up.

She swayed twice, her almond-shaped eyes wide open, staring straight at Lai Bao. Her eyes were fixed on Lai Bao's face, which was filled with surprise and joy, as if he were uttering incomprehensible celestial scripture instead of human language.

"Xianmo Pavilion Chief"? This title sounds unfamiliar. How would she, a woman confined to the inner quarters, know what rank or grade it represents?

But to have Magistrate Li accompany the envoy to issue the imperial edict, one can imagine how noble and honorable this official position must be.

"Oh my! My dear mother and great-grandmother!" Jin Lian'er, standing behind Yue Niang, was the first to break free from the deathly silence and screamed. She then covered her mouth tightly, but the light in her charming eyes was full of unbelievable joy.

"Heavens! The Bodhisattva has appeared!" Xiangling was so happy that she trembled all over, jumped up and down, put her hands together and knelt down, chanting Buddhist prayers and kowtowing to the void. Her little face turned red, as if she had applied rouge.

Upon hearing this, all the servants in the hall disregarded etiquette and began to murmur amongst themselves:
"My God! An imperial edict...an imperial edict has arrived at our house?!"

"Good heavens! Even the county magistrate is here to keep us company? Does that mean our eldest uncle is going to be sitting in the imperial palace?"

"Auntie! Congratulations, Auntie! Our Ximen family is... is about to change its social standing and become an official family!"

"From now on, when we go out, we can stand up straight! We're no longer servants of officials."

"That's right! That's right! We're employees in the government compound now!"

The ecstatic joy on everyone's faces was like a steamed bun bursting open, impossible to hide. Their eyes shone with pride as they congratulated the old lady.

Wu Yueniang was awakened by the chaotic noise. She felt a huge, burning joy rush to her head, her limbs went numb, and her heart pounded so hard it felt like it was going to jump out of her chest!

The official has received such extraordinary favor! The Ximen family... the Ximen family has now truly become a family of officials!

Yue Niang felt her legs go weak and her body sway. She instinctively gripped Xiao Yu's wrist tightly, her nails almost digging into her flesh!
With his other hand, he frantically tried to hold onto the cold rosewood octagonal table, his fingertips trembling like withered leaves in the autumn wind.

However, this wave of ecstatic joy, which made her feel dizzy and numb, only lasted for a short while!
Wu Yueniang, after all, was the mistress of the Ximen household, and came from an official family, managing a vast estate! A taut string tightened in her heart: what a crucial moment this was! If she were to be blinded by this joy, lose her composure, and lose face before the county magistrate and the envoy, disgracing her husband, that would be a terrible disaster! This favor would become the root of all evil!

She gasped sharply, the breath cold and hard, like ice shards in the dead of winter, instantly suppressing the surging joy churning within her! Her almond-shaped eyes, which had been watery and hazy just moments before, suddenly shone brightly, like sharpened knives sweeping across the room!

"What's all this noise about! You little devils who're courting death!" Yue Niang's voice suddenly rose, sharp and shrill, carrying a murderous aura that left no room for breath. It lashed out like a whip across the chaotic hall, instantly silencing the buzzing discussions and ecstasy!
"What a great favor! What a great honor! The more urgent the situation, the more we must uphold the rules of the Ximen Mansion! You are all like panicked chickens, losing your composure and losing your manners. If you make a fool of yourselves in front of the county magistrate and your distinguished guests, and startle them, I will skin you alive!"

Her gaze was sharp as she scanned the entire room, issuing a rapid and ruthless barrage of commands, like a machine gun:
"Lai Bao!" Yue Niang pointed. "What are you standing there for! Go and open the main gate and the ceremonial gate right now! Open all the doors wide! Tell all the servants in the front and back courtyards to go and serve in the front courtyard corridor! Take new brooms and sweep the corridor again and again! Sprinkle it with clean water three times!! Hurry! Run there!"

"Instruct Wu Ding to lead the guards to stand watch along the roadside near the West Gate and prevent any unauthorized personnel from disturbing the envoy's procession!"

"Jinlian!" Yueniang loosened her grip on her white hand. "You're quick! Go to the ancestral hall archway at the back! Bring out that sandalwood incense table with the Five Blessings and Longevity Clouds design! Place it in the very center of the main hall!"

"Then bring out and set out those two engraved gold-plated incense burners, the gilded candlesticks, and those three-foot-tall red candles that are placed in front of the Buddha shrine!"

"Lai Bao's wife!" Yue Niang's gaze was fixed on Lai Bao's wife. "You and your women, take those old women and wives and go through this main hall three more times! Not a speck of dust is allowed on the tables, chairs, or screens! The windows and doors must be so clean you can see your reflection! And also,"

She paused, her voice growing deeper, "Xiangling, go to the study and take out that painting, 'Crane Soaring Among Clouds,' and hang it on the wall behind the incense table! Be quick! Get to it!"

"Xiaoyu!" Yue Niang called out sternly as she turned around in a flurry, her skirts billowing as she strode into the inner room. "Follow me closely! Open my gilded and mother-of-pearl-inlaid top chest! Take out my prized sandalwood-colored satin jacket with gold-embroidered patterns on the floor!"

"And that bright red brocade skirt with gold thread! Bring out that set of red gold filigree headdress inlaid with rubies too!"

The Moon Lady loudly proclaimed, "Everyone in the Ximen household, regardless of gender, must change into their finest and most presentable clothes and shoes! Within half an incense stick's time, all must wait in the front hall corridor to receive the imperial decree! Not one is to be missing! Not one is to be late!"

"Everyone, keep your skin on yourselves! Anyone who dares to embarrass the Ximen family in front of such a momentous occasion will be skinned alive and sold to slave traders!"

This barrage of thunderous orders was like salt being sprinkled into a frying pan! The entire Ximen mansion, which had been in a state of ecstatic chaos, was instantly thrown into a different kind of mobilization!
The servants dared not slack off in the slightest; each one was like a spinning top being whipped, moving with lightning speed! The shouts of carrying heavy incense tables, the clanging of things being rummaged through chests and cabinets, the splashing of water being poured and swept, and the screams of people relaying messages... all intertwined into a deafening cacophony.

In the inner room, Yue Niang was being served by Xiao Yu and two maids as she quickly changed and dressed. Her hands trembled slightly, but her movements were exceptionally swift.

The luxurious sandalwood-colored jacket accentuated her dignified and elegant demeanor, while the bright red horse-face skirt exuded unparalleled glory. Facing the bronze mirror, she carefully placed her red gold and jewel-encrusted hairpin, then adjusted the pearls and jade at her temples. Although her cheeks were flushed with excitement, her eyes had regained their usual composure, and even gained a touch of awe-inspiring and unapproachable majesty.

"Let's go!" Yue Niang took a deep breath, straightened her back, and led two maids, who had also changed into bright clothes and whose little faces were flushed with excitement, back to the front hall with steady but hurried steps.

At this moment, everyone in the Ximen household, regardless of whether they were masters or servants, was dressed in full regalia according to their rank, holding their breath and standing at attention inside and outside the main hall. The air was filled with an atmosphere that mixed ecstasy, tension, and utmost solemnity, all waiting for the announcement of the imperial decree: "The imperial edict has arrived!"

Meanwhile, an unprecedented spectacle was unfolding on the streets of Qinghe County.

Magistrate Li Datian, dressed in a brand-new seventh-rank official robe with mandarin duck insignia and a black gauze hat, rode a tall horse and personally led the way for the esteemed envoy carrying the imperial edict wrapped in bright yellow silk. He was radiant and full of energy; how many scholars in the world could enter the Grand Secretariat?
Even in the imperial court, it was rare to hear such a joyous occasion in Qinghe County being recorded in the county annals.

He might as well take advantage of this joyous occasion to boost his own promotion.

The honor guard led the way with gongs and drums, and the yamen runners held up tiger-head plaques that read "Silence" and "Avoidance". Behind them followed a long line of prominent civil officials from the county, including Magistrate Qian and Registrar Hua. Each of them was dressed in official robes, riding horses, and accompanied by their own entourage and conspicuous gifts. The procession was grand and ostentatious, parading through the city!
The sounds of gongs, shouts, horses' hooves, and carriages merged into a massive wave of noise that shook the entire town of Qinghe. Shops along the street opened their doors, and residents crowded around doorways and windows, craning their necks to watch this once-in-a-century spectacle.

Before the imperial edict even arrived, the news of Ximen Qing's appointment as a senior official in Xianmo Pavilion spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of Qinghe County in an instant, thanks to the grand spectacle of his ostentatious procession.

From the wealthy and powerful to the common people, in the streets and alleys, in teahouses and taverns, everyone was talking about this earth-shattering event. At this moment, the name of Master Ximen—no, Master Ximen Xianmo—truly resounded throughout the heavens, making him the number one figure known to everyone in Qinghe County!

The two vermilion gates of the Ximen mansion were destined to be made even more dazzling by the overwhelming wealth and glory.

As the saying goes: some are happy, some are sad.

At Wang Zhaoxuan's residence, Madam Lin returned immediately after opening the nine gates in the early morning, and did not arrive at the residence until noon.

Feeling sore and lethargic all over, she slumped onto the chaise lounge by the window, her long, jet-black hair loosely tied up, adorned with a gold and kingfisher feather hairpin, and wearing only a plain, everyday jacket. She casually instructed two maids to water the newly blooming yellow and white chrysanthemums in the backyard.

Suddenly, a series of footsteps were heard outside, and the beaded curtain was suddenly flung open with a "whoosh," and Wang Sanguan, the son, rushed in.

Seeing him panting heavily, his forehead glistening with sweat, his face a mixture of surprise and joy, she forgot all about the formalities and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Mother! Mother! Such a joyous occasion! My godfather has been granted the title of 'Director of the Xianmo Pavilion' by the Emperor's boundless grace! County Magistrate Li is personally accompanying the honored envoy and his esteemed officials, with sedan chairs, horses, and ceremonial guards, all in a grand procession!"

Mrs. Lin's previously languid and voluptuous body suddenly straightened up, her fragrant flesh trembling wildly. Her almond-shaped eyes, which were always capable of captivating men, instantly lit up with an astonishing brightness, and then filled with deliberate surprise: "Oh my! My son! Your godfather has received such a great favor and honor, it is truly a joyous occasion! Quickly! Quickly!"

She urged him repeatedly as she stood up, supporting herself on the edge of the couch. Not caring about slipping on her embroidered shoes, she walked a few steps to Wang Sanguan and stretched out her sharp fingernails, stained with balsam juice, almost poking him on the forehead.

She lowered her voice, but her eyes held a sternness that left no room for composure: "My son! For the sake of all the greater good, you must immediately ride ahead of the county magistrate and get to the Ximen residence to wait! The steward will deliver all the congratulatory gifts later! What matters is you, and your heart!"

She stood up, walked over to Wang Sanguan, lowered her voice, and her eyes held an undeniable sternness:
"Remember this, my son! When you arrive at the Ximen residence, you are the adopted son, the junior! Before such a great favor, you must not err in your manners! When you see your aunt, Wu Yueniang, you must perform the full ceremony!" "When receiving the imperial decree, be honest and respectful. Do not kneel at the back, nor at the front. Kneel in the second position right behind your aunt! Your head must kowtow loudly! Your sincerity must be evident! Do you understand?"

Wang Sanguan was startled by his mother's stern words and hurriedly nodded, "Yes, yes, I understand! I'll go right away!"

Watching her son's hurried departure, the joy on Mrs. Lin's face faded like the tide, leaving only emptiness and an indescribable sorrow. She slowly walked back to the bedside, but her body felt boneless, and she slid down limply.

What a pity... what a pity! This imperial edict... this overwhelming glory and honor did not fall upon her, the dignified Wang Zhaoxuan Mansion! And the one who received the edict was not her, Madam Lin! This glory ultimately fell upon the head of Wu Yueniang!
She picked up the slightly cool teacup on the table, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the cold porcelain surface, her gaze drifting towards the window, unsure of where it landed. Yet, in a fleeting moment, a secret sense of pride and warmth welled up within her.

Involuntarily, those intoxicating scenes surged in her mind, her body coiled like a boneless snake around her husband's strong, hot body. She called out in a seductive voice, "Dear Father...good Father...tell me, am I better, or is your Yue Niang better?" The rascal laughed, "Of course you are better, soft, supple, and wanton!"

As Mrs. Lin recalled the scene and the man's resolute answer, two blushes rose on her face, like fine rouge applied, staining all the way to her ears. The bitterness she had felt earlier was somewhat diluted by this burning memory.

"Hmph!" She gave a soft snort, her fingers tightening around the teacup, a renewed, defiant fighting spirit rekindling in her eyes. So what if Wu Yueniang held the title?

She herself, with her own body and her own methods, was the true flesh and blood of his heart! She was determined to hold this "dear father's" heart like an iron barrel, binding it tightly to her, the lavish bedchamber of the Wang Zhaoxuan Mansion, beneath the red silk quilt! So that he could not leave her side even for a moment!
Meanwhile, in the Lichun Courtyard, although Li Guijie was "deposited" there by the wealthy Ximen Qing, the old woman, for the sake of the money, did not dare to skimp on her simple meals three times a day.

However, this "absolute" food and drink did not mean that she would let this little hussy be comfortable in the slightest, let alone assign servants to wait on her!
At this moment, Sister Li Gui was curled up in the backyard, by the icy cold stone well, diligently washing the few pieces of her underwear that she had changed out of.

She was a top-notch product, trained by the madam with great expense, following the path of competing with the "Four Great Beauties of the Capital"!

Although now reduced to washing clothes in this cold backyard, her beauty, though worn down by hardship, has not yet faded, still shines like a pearl covered in dust, piercing the eyes and making one's heart tremble.

Her oval face, which was originally smooth and delicate, now appeared strangely pale after being exposed to the cold wind. Two unnatural blushes peeked out from her frozen cheeks, like two withered plum blossoms crushed in the snow, a poignant and glaring sight.

As winter approached, the well water turned as cold as iron. Her ten slender fingers, which were originally as delicate as scallion stalks, were already red and swollen from the cold, like carrots pulled out of the water, with several bloody cracks at the knuckles.

A gust of cold wind swept by, carrying withered leaves. She shivered, brought her frozen hands to her mouth and breathed on them, but the meager warmth instantly dissipated in the cold wind.

She gritted her teeth and got up to ask the kitchen for a ladle of hot water to dilute her soup. But as soon as she reached the kitchen door, the cooks and maids who were used to reading the madam's mood exchanged glances and sneered.

An old woman said in a sarcastic tone, "Oh dear, Sister Gui, this hot water is for our distinguished guests to make tea and for the young ladies to wash up! Do you think it's free firewood? If you want hot water, go and boil it yourself!"

Li Guijie stiffened, her face drained of color, but she simply lowered her head silently and turned to walk back without a word.

Li Jiao'er walked over wrapped in a floral jacket. Looking at Li Guijie's disheveled appearance, a trace of pity appeared on her face.

Li Jiao'er leaned closer, lowered her voice, and spoke with the air of someone who had been through it all.

"My silly girl, why bother washing all this rubbish? Listen to your aunt's heartfelt advice, you should start thinking about your own future as soon as possible!"

"Men are like greedy cats. They come when they smell something fishy, ​​and leave as soon as they get tired of it! Even if their exes cry their hearts out, they won't even bother to lift an eyelid. It's all too common! You've seen how he treated me."

"The only reason your mother is still giving you this stale food is because of your master! But count on your fingers, how long has it been since your master stepped foot in our brothel? Even the greatest face will eventually run out of face!"

"Once your mother cuts off your food supply, do you expect a windfall to fall from the sky? You'd better give up your wishful thinking and prepare to... go back to your old ways! This body and flesh are our assets in this brothel! Girls love to be pretty, and prostitutes love money, it's always been like this! If you're willing, just nod your head, and I'll marry you and talk to your mother."

Upon hearing this, Li Guijie kept her head down, clutching the wet, cold clothes in her hands tightly. Her knuckles turned pale from the grip, and her lips were pressed into a stubborn line. She refused to utter a single word, only the clothes dripping water from her grip, which fell onto the cold, muddy ground.

Just then, the front yard suddenly erupted into chaos and commotion!
The messenger, shouting at the top of his lungs like thunder, made his way over. A moment later, a pimp, panting and flushed, tumbled into the backyard. Before he even arrived, his voice preceded him, yelling at the crowd:

"Incredible! Incredible! Such a great fortune! Master Ximen! By the grace of His Majesty, he has been granted an extremely important official position! His title is 'Director of the Xianmo Pavilion'!"

"The imperial edict, adorned with yellow silk and gold-embroidered plaques, was delivered to his residence in a grand procession! Even the county magistrate, Lord Li, had to bow and personally accompany the envoy to proclaim the decree! The pomp and circumstance! It was truly a sight to behold!"

"Really? My God! This is incredible wealth!" Upon hearing this, Li Jiao'er immediately lifted her skirt, disregarding her appearance, and ran towards the front yard in her low heels, hoping to squeeze through the door crack and soak up some of the aura of luxury.

After about the time it takes to eat a meal, Li Jiao'er finally squeezed back, still feeling chilly and with her temples slightly disheveled. However, her face still held the excitement of watching the excitement, and her cheeks were rosy, even brighter than if she had applied rouge.

She rushed over to Li Guijie, who was still engrossed in washing clothes, and before she could catch her breath, she blurted out her words:
"Gui-jie! It's absolutely true! The great man has truly risen to the top in one fell swoop! The scene... tsk tsk tsk, all the prominent figures in the city, with Magistrate Li riding at the very front on horseback, and a sea of ​​people kneeling on both sides! The drums and music were deafening, ten times more lively than the New Year!"

Her voice suddenly turned cold, and her pity was like oil floating on water: "Auntie is going to tear off the mask and lay it all out in the open for you today! You'd better give up that dream of climbing the social ladder and squeezing into the Ximen mansion to become a phoenix! Before the big master was so prominent, perhaps... perhaps there was still a one in ten thousand chance for you to squeeze in, even as a concubine's maid, that would be a place to settle down?"

“But what about now?” Li Jiao’er snorted coldly. “They are legitimate officials! From an official family! Their threshold is higher than a city wall! What are you? You’re just a courtesan in our Lichun brothel! Just waiting to be groomed.”

"Now, let alone marrying you as a wife or making you a concubine, even if we wanted to bring you into the mansion to be a lowly maid who serves tea and water and emptys chamber pots, we would find you too filthy! We would be afraid that you would defile the noble lord's sacred place of literature and sully the tranquility of his mansion! My silly girl, wake up!"

These words were like poisoned steel needles, each sentence like a sharp knife stabbing into Li Guijie's heart and lungs!

Li Guijie's body trembled violently, as if she had been whipped by an invisible whip, but she still kept her head down, staring at the basin of cold, murky, dirty water.

But those hands, red and swollen from the cold and covered with cuts, moved slower and slower, more and more sluggishly, as if the water was not soaking clothes, but a heavy iron block.

Finally, a scalding tear, without warning, broke free from her lowered eye socket and fell into the murky laundry tub with a "plop," instantly swallowed by the sewage.

Then, another drop, two drops... like broken strings of blood and tears, fell silently, merging into the bone-chilling cold.

Li Jiao'er coldly observed her distraught appearance, knowing the time was right and the words had been spoken. She let out a long sigh, a sigh tinged with worldly wisdom and a hint of self-pity, which she herself was unaware of. She shook her head: "Alas... what is destined to be yours will be yours, and what is not, you cannot force. You should take care of yourself and make plans as soon as possible!"

Having said that, he tightened his worn-out floral satin coat, tucked the warm hand warmer into his bosom, and swayed his hips as he left the freezing backyard without looking back.

Li Guijie was left alone, like an ice sculpture, shivering in the biting cold wind, facing the basin of filthy clothes and tear stains that could never be washed clean.

The monotonous and desperate sound of washing clothes, "scratching...scratching...scratching..." echoed, each sound slower and colder than the last, like the last faint, dying struggle of her remaining heart.

Meanwhile, at the Ximen residence, today truly auspicious omens descended from heaven, and noble air filled the house.

The imperial edict, backed with yellow silk and decorated with five-colored cloud and crane patterns, was carried by a distinguished official with a fair complexion and wearing a brand-new python robe. Surrounded by Magistrate Li, the county magistrate, and a group of assistant officials and local gentry, the procession proceeded in a grand manner all the way to the gate of the Ximen Mansion.

The deafening drums and firecrackers shook the entire street, deterring even the sparrows from landing.

The esteemed envoy had already stood before the incense table, facing south with his back to the north, his expression reserved yet subtly scrutinizing the Ximen family.

County Magistrate Li and the assembled officials and gentry stood respectfully on either side, not daring to utter a sound. Outside the hall, the courtyard was filled with a dense mass of servants from the Ximen household, along with neighbors who had rushed to offer their congratulations.

Wu Yueniang took a deep breath, calming her wildly beating heart, and walked to the front of the incense table. With a thud, she knelt properly on the scarlet carpet, her forehead touching the ground, and cried out, "Your Majesty, I, Wu Yueniang, respectfully wish Your Majesty peace! On behalf of my husband Ximen Qing, I kowtow to express my gratitude for Your Majesty's grace!"

Behind her, everyone in the Ximen household kowtowed in unison, shouting, "Honoring Your Majesty! We thank you for your grace!" The sound was so loud that the neighbors on the left and right all changed color.

The envoy then cleared his throat, unfurled the yellow silk imperial edict symbolizing supreme imperial power, and proclaimed in his distinctive, high-pitched voice with a courtly accent:
"Your Excellency: I have received this auspicious mandate, and I have heard of those who are virtuous and talented, and rewarded them accordingly… You, Ximen Qing, possess profound wisdom and insight, and are quick-witted and skillful… I hereby promote you to the position of Director of the Xianmo Pavilion… This imperial edict is hereby bestowed upon you as a sign of commendation. You shall further strive to be loyal and diligent, and faithfully perform your duties… Respectfully yours!"

Wu Yueniang only half understood the flowery language in the imperial edict, but she firmly grasped the golden words "Xianmo Pavilion Chief," "Promotion," "Imperial Edict," and "Commendation." A huge surge of joy and vanity instantly rushed to her head, and her body trembled slightly.

After the imperial decree was read aloud, the esteemed envoy rolled it up. Wu Yueniang kowtowed again and cried out, "Your Majesty, I, Wu, on behalf of my husband Ximen Qing, thank you for your grace! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" Her voice was choked with emotion.

After the ceremony, Wu Yueniang, supported by Xiaoyu, stood up, feeling her knees go weak. She forced herself to stand, her face filled with utmost respect and gratitude, and personally stepped forward, raising her hands high above her head to receive the heavy, gleaming imperial edict from the envoy.

The fabric felt cool and smooth to the touch, seemingly carrying the imposing aura of the Forbidden City. She handled it with utmost care, as if cradling a newborn infant, or perhaps the golden signboard that marked the Ximen family's transformation into a powerful clan.

"Your Excellency, you must be tired from your journey! And thank you for your kindness, Your Excellency and all the other officials!" Wu Yueniang said with a beaming smile and a sweet voice. "Quickly, please take a seat and have some tea!"

A clever steward and servants had already brought out a red lacquered tray that had been prepared beforehand. Wu Yueniang personally stepped forward and first presented the envoy with a heavy gift tray covered with a bright red handkerchief embroidered with gold—inside were gleaming gold ingots and snow-white fine silver, probably no less than several hundred taels!

The corner of the handkerchief was slightly lifted, revealing a dazzling golden light. Then, slightly less generous but still substantial gifts of thanks were presented to Magistrate Li and the other officials and gentry, ensuring that everyone received a share.

The envoy glanced at her, and a genuine smile immediately bloomed on his fair face. He nodded reservedly and said, "Lord Ximen is very fortunate. Your wife is truly a capable homemaker, virtuous and courteous."

County Magistrate Li and others also bowed and kowtowed, spouting flattering words such as "Congratulations, Madam," "Lord Ximen has a bright future," and "The whole family enjoys the Emperor's grace." For a moment, the hall was filled with flattery and warmth, as if it could dispel the chill outside.

Hearing all the flattery and looking at the scroll of imperial edict in her hand, Wu Yueniang felt as if her bones had become several ounces lighter.

As she smiled and responded politely, she thought to herself: This immense prestige has finally fallen on the shoulders of the Ximen family!
But... a shrewd calculation flashed through her mind—the expenses for bribing officials and entertaining guests were probably flowing like water; the storeroom was already nearly empty, and what would she do in the future?
She thought this to herself, but her smile became even more dignified and graceful. She placed the imperial edict with great care in the center of the incense table and directed the servants to register and store the imperial gifts one by one.

The entire Ximen Mansion was immersed in a riotous and glorious atmosphere, adorned with flowers and brocade.

Neighbors and idlers alike crowded the area, forming a dense, impenetrable barrier. Amidst the throng of people, Li Ping'er, the beautiful young woman from the Hua family next door, craned her neck to look around, her face filled with bitterness.

(End of this chapter)