The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 792: Chapter 792: Brother is Not a Fool

While waiting with anticipation in the second house of the Song Mansion, they finally heard a servant report that an emissary from the palace had arrived to announce the decree.

Being prepared, the incense table and everything else had been ready for a long time. Song Ci, along with his sons and daughters-in-law, went out to greet them, and it turned out to be Eunuch Zhou.

Eunuch Zhou came to deliver a promised reward. The Emperor granted Song Zhicheng the rank of a minor Sixth Rank official with no real power but receiving a salary. Additionally, he conferred upon Madam Jiang the title of Sixth Rank Anren. Though the rank was small, it still afforded them considerable face.

Song Zhicheng and the others joyfully bowed three times towards the Imperial Palace to express their gratitude.

Eunuch Zhou looked at Song Ci and said, ”In theory, the Grand Madam should lead the honor, but the Emperor mentioned that the Song Family is already extremely esteemed. Granting titles to the Second Son is already above the ranks, to avoid the Song Family becoming a target of public criticism; thus, you are not being titled. However, some gold and silver supplements are awarded instead. To the outside, it should be said that the official positions and ranks were earned by the efforts of your grandchildren with you.”

In truth, saving a child wouldn’t justify such great rewards, but since the child’s identity was not ordinary, and it disrupted part of the schemer’s plot, regaining the trust of the Prince Xin, the Emperor was exceptionally gracious.

Otherwise, casually granting a title might make people think the Emperor favors his relatives or suspects that the Song Family was arrogant due to imperial favor.

Though there will inevitably be those who are sour now, Song Ci having no title makes it less conspicuous.

Song Ci quickly said, ”The Emperor’s words are too generous. Please tell His Majesty from me that rewards and honors do not concern me. It was merely an obligation to save a life. In fact, it was my young grandson’s audacity to ask the Emperor for his mother’s decree. The Emperor needn’t dwell on it.”

Eunuch Zhou laughed and said, ”The Emperor praised the young Master Song Xiao’er for his integrity, purity, and courage. He admires him greatly.”

Song Zhicheng nudged his son, signaling him to step forward and say a few words.

Song Lingzhao stepped forward with a smile and asked, ”Grandpa Zhou, did the Emperor really praise me like that?”

When Eunuch Zhou heard this term of address, he exclaimed, saying, ”Young Master Song, you truly flatter me. How dare I bear the title of grandpa?”

”Why not? You’re about the same age as my grandfather,” Song Lingzhao replied nonchalantly. ”Grandpa Zhou, when you return, please convey my gratitude to the Emperor. Just say that in the future, I will enter the palace with integrity to bow and thank him.”

Song Lingjie sighed inwardly.

Who said his elder brother was simple-minded? He indeed had a bit of savvy—look at how he knew just how to flatter someone to the core.

Eunuch Zhou, conscious of his eunuch status and aware of how many people looked down upon him, often put on a compliant front, yet seeing Song Lingzhao’s honesty and hearing him address him as grandfather, he felt deeply touched.

”Rest assured, I’ll surely relay your message.” Eunuch Zhou laughed and replied. Then, addressing Song Ci and the others, he said, ”The rain is pouring heavily. I originally planned to come by tomorrow to announce the decree, but given today’s events, several families in the capital are holding funeral rites. We feared outside criticism towards the Song Family and thus came today. We couldn’t risk too much extravagance, so I hope the Grand Madam and Anren Jiang will understand.”

Everyone understood that this meant while others were mourning their dead and your family was receiving good fortune, it would be prudent not to flaunt it to avoid criticism.

Song Ci immediately said, ”Eunuch Zhou, rest assured, we understand and will ensure not to put the Emperor in a difficult position.”

Eunuch Zhou nodded; he didn’t linger further, took the large red envelope that Song Zhicheng discreetly handed over, and took his leave to return to the palace.

On the carriage, he opened the envelope for a look, his eyelid flickered; he’d heard the second Madam Song was the daughter of a merchant, yet she was so generous—two thousand taels of silver notes, truly affluent beyond description.