The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 386: Chapter 386 How to Obtain the Death Exemption Token

Song Ci donated a large sum of incense money.

Not for anything else, just because Jinghui accurately predicted her visit. Although she wanted to mock him, she was also afraid of what Jinghui might do. Even if he didn’t give any good advice, there was something a bit uncanny about him.

Jinghui: I, the humble monk, am not uncanny. I eat meat, thank you!

Under the smiling gaze of Master Ming Yuan and other monks, Song Ci left the temple.

”They are seeing you off with such enthusiasm, the Madam really has vast connections,” Lin Qing said with a smile.

Song Ci snorted, ”Indeed, with over a thousand taels worth of incense money, how could they not be enthusiastic?”

Lin Qing was taken aback, then quickly said, ”Money is just external; as long as you feel at peace, it’s worth it.”

”That’s true.” Song Ci rubbed her temples. After visiting Songshan Temple, the uneasiness in her heart indeed dissipated a bit, and listening to the scriptures did calm her mind.

The group descended the mountain to rest at a village, planning to return to the city the next day to avoid a rush.

Lin Qing performed acupuncture on Song Ci and prescribed a dose of Sedative Soup, saying, ”Nanny said you had a nightmare last night and didn’t sleep well. It’s good for you to have some Sedative Soup and take a nap.”

Song Ci felt somewhat tired and readily agreed. After drinking the soup, she lay on the bed and called Nanny to her side to chat.

”Madam, are you not sleepy yet?”

”As you get older, sleep doesn’t come so easily. Sit down and let’s chat.” Song Ci said.

Nanny pulled up a stool next to the bed and tucked in the corners of the quilt for her, saying, ”Shall I light another burner of Calming Incense?”

”No need, I’ve already had enough of that at the temple on the mountain.” Song Ci declined, thought for a moment, then asked, ”Nanny, you’ve been in the palace for over thirty years, haven’t you?”

”I’m fifty-five this year, entered the palace at ten, and left at forty-five. So, it’s been thirty-five years.” Nanny smiled, ”I’ve served you for ten of those years.”

Song Ci said, ”Yes, you’ve done well. After I’m gone, I’ll instruct Dalang to ensure you’re cared for in your old age. If you want to raise a little granddaughter, you can pick a young maid from the household.”

”We’ll see, as long as the Madam allows me to spend my old age in the household, it’s fine.” Nanny was unconcerned.

”If there’s a suitable one, you can take her in. Then even if you want to live elsewhere, you’ll have a place, right?”

”Alright.”

”Nanny, tell me, under what circumstances can the Emperor issue a Death Exemption Token, oh, what is it again, the Iron Certificate? How is it obtained, and can it exempt one from death?”

Nanny was startled, quickly got up, walked to the door and checked, then called Hong Xiu over to guard the door before closing it and returning to Song Ci’s bedside.

Song Ci felt her heart leap from how serious she was being.

”Does this need to be kept confidential, too?” She weakly asked, feeling as if they were discussing treason.

Nanny sighed and lowered her voice, ”It’s not good to discuss it openly for outsiders to overhear. Otherwise, who knows how wildly the rumors might spread? Why did you suddenly ask about this, Madam? Was it because of the nightmare last night?”

Song Ci laughed awkwardly, ”Just asking out of curiosity.”

”The Death Exemption Token is just a folk term, it refers to the Iron Certificate. It’s very difficult to obtain, traditionally only granted to ministers of great merit, for truly outstanding service. After all, it can pardon a death sentence, so even the Emperor would not give it lightly.” Nanny said meaningfully, ”Though the Emperor can issue an Iron Certificate, reclaiming it is quite difficult. You see, which Emperor would issue it indiscriminately? Even if one were issued, with time, they would find a way to take it back.”