The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family-Chapter 1171 - 269: Bestowing the Title of Marquis of Xining_3

Chapter 1171: Chapter 269: Bestowing the Title of Marquis of Xining_3

In today’s Imperial Court, Mo Dun possessed both the ability and experience that made him highly qualified for a place in the Cabinet. However, because he was Mo Heng’s biological father, and Mo Heng now held sway over the court, his many peers dared not mention it much.

Mo Dun went directly to Xiao Guangjing and recommended himself.

Xiao Guangjing did not agree on the spot, instead, he played chess with Mo Heng, hoping that he would put aside his grudges, as the court now needed people.

Mo Heng did not oppose.

Therefore, after Xiao Guangjing’s ascension to the throne, a group of officials were rewarded and Mo Heng was even ennobled as the Marquis of Xining. Pei Qin was promoted to First Rank Lady of the Imperial Enjoin, and Tiance General was changed to Tiance Deity General, with special recognition of Pei Qin’s various major contributions to the Imperial Court. An archway was bestowed with the inscription: "Nine Heavens’ Lady, peerless heroine."

Pei Qin was given the greatest freedom, still in charge of the Manufacturing Bureau, attending the grand court meeting once a month, and the rest as she pleased. As for the traditional ancestral system of women holding office, it was all pushed onto the deceased emperor, only Pei Qin was the exception, not involved in politics, hence not considered an official.

Such a result pleased both the civil and military members of the court. Instituting female officials and breaking with ancestral and administrative regulations would undoubtedly lead to disorder between men and women. Pei Qin’s achievements were immense, and although wrongfully accused of being demonic, she had suffered deeply. She was merely ennobled and did not interfere with court politics, just having a slightly higher status due to special military privileges during extraordinary times—this was acceptable!

Pei Qin wanted to resign from her position, "Now that peace has settled across the land, your servant desires no official position!"

"You hold no office, there’s nothing to resign from!" Xiao Guangjing needed people—he needed Mo Dun—so naturally, he wanted to make both Mo Heng and her happy and content.

Pei Qin was speechless for a long time, then she withdrew from the court.

Mo Heng, having listened to the many congratulations for a while, took her home.

The family was ecstatic upon hearing he had been ennobled as Marquis of Xining and Pei Qin as First Rank Lady of the Marquis of Xining—it was a rightful reward!

The household bustled with happiness.

The plaques for Tiance Deity General and Marquis of Xining were swiftly replaced.

A stream of visitors came to give gifts and congratulations. There was no need to wait and see, nor to just look at appearances anymore—Mo Heng and Pei Qin’s status were now firmly secured! The fact that the eldest royal son was Pei Qin’s personal soldier, and had grown up under her and Mo Heng’s guidance, built an undeniable connection—who could say anything now?

Yet there were also those who harbored deep jealousy and disapproval of Mo Heng and Pei Qin’s actions. They believed that Emperor Chu Wen had transferred the throne to Emperor Yongle, and yet Pei Qin and Mo Heng had selfishly supported Prince Yong’an, enticing rebellion and coercion. Emperor Yongle had been very kind to Pei Qin! And yet, they toyed with the imperial succession.

Shen Bi finally advanced to Grand Secretary, and a celebration with drinks was arranged at his home; Pei Qin and Mo Heng were invited to attend.

The clothes newly made by the household seamstresses, Mo Heng and Pei Qin wore matching outfits in coordinated colors.

Pei Yuan owned a tailoring shop, and when free at home, she, along with Pei Qian, their maids, and old women, researched various styles, fabrics, and accessories. Pei Qin’s attire, from head to toe, was tailored to her preferences, temperament, and status. She wore a robe-skirt with a slightly androgynous cut, embroidered with landscapes and hidden orchid patterns. The texture of the cut silk added a discreet touch of luxury. Her hair was styled into a modified Cloud Bun, adorned with a gold crown and Bu Yao.

As soon as she alighted from the horse carriage, the surrounding crowd was dazzled.

No one dared sneer at her for being a country bumpkin anymore, nor ridiculed her for wearing all her rewards on her person generously. This was the real Pei Qin, a true display of power!

Madam Dou made a special inquiry knowing she would attend, and arrived early.

Dou Mingying, having once been a young girl with romantic fantasies, had imagined the legendary Deity General Pei Hansan, General Pei, and had come even earlier than those living closer by.

Upon seeing Pei Qin arrive, she immediately came forward, her eyes reflecting amazement at Pei Qin’s apparel, "General Pei has such a noble aura!" ƒreewebɳovel.com

Madam Dou smiled and made the first greeting.

The others, upon seeing her, came over and paid their respects, their congratulations following closely.

Her official position was Tiance Deity General, above First Rank. As the Madam Marquis of Xining, she held a First Rank enjoin. No matter which side one considered, their status and identity were inferior, and they all had to pay their respects first.

Pei Qin greeted everyone with a smile, observing the politeness due to each individual.

The atmosphere was much warmer than last time, even Great-grandmother Shen was smiling and cheerfully calling Pei Qin "sister" and "little sister."

When they met Old Lady Shen, they exchanged pleasantries for quite some time.

Last time most of the talk was laced with sarcasm, and even those who had nothing in common with Pei Qin, but this time they suddenly became like fan girls of Pei Qin.

Pei Qin played the storyteller again and shared several amusing stories from her time leading troops.

Dou Mingying listened with both admiration and alarm, for although her family had been military generals for generations and her brother was even stationed in the Rong Clan’s Northern Place, Pei Qin was different. She was a woman who could lead troops into battle and never tasted defeat. She was indeed a legendary figure of her generation.

During the meal, Pei Qin was seated with Madam Shen, and out of consideration, Madam Dou was also arranged to sit with Pei Qin.

The banquet was eaten to the satisfaction of both guests and hosts.

It was only after finishing her meal that Pei Qin realized something was amiss: she hadn’t seen Lady Mo, nor had she seen that Wei Shu sister from the An family! How refreshing!

She knew all too well that her status was different now. The difficulties she faced in the past were now a slap in the face to Lady Mo when Pei Qin’s identity as General Pei was revealed. At this banquet, Pei Qin was basking in glory, truly a moment to lift her eyebrows and exhale. Had she and Wei Shu come, they would surely face humiliation and suppression at her hands; why then would she seek out such disgrace?

So after Pei Qin had her meal, she felt nothing wrong for half a day, all was peaceful and harmonious. Before leaving, she even invited Madam Dou and Dou Mingying to visit Deity Mansion to enjoy the flowers, "The garden is full of blossoms!"

The mansion had a heated room for growing various plants for viewing and decoration during banquets and festivals. Jun Suxue had cleared a spot to plant vegetables and ’Radish.’ Yet, many of the other plants were still thriving.

Dou Mingying readily accepted the invitation, "Although my pastries aren’t as good as Princess Xi Yun’s, my plum blossom cakes are really delicious! I’ll bring a few boxes for Madam to try!"

Pei Qin instantly felt she was being teased, Princess Xi Yun... She would give Wendong a mansion on a street far from her, away from Xi Yun, to protect her life!

When leaving, everyone noticed that General Mo, who rarely changed his clothes, had donned a new outfit, one that was almost the same style and hue as General Pei’s.

This brought up the story of Pei Qin’s last visit to Shen Mansion for a banquet when she was summoned to The Imperial Court midway and Mo Heng came to pick her up personally.

Suddenly, the relationship between the two was elevated to a new level by everyone. It seemed that Mo Heng truly cherished his wife, Pei Qin!

Grandma Jiang told Jiang Dahai about her observations, "Despite the fact that Madam Pei can no longer bear children, General Mo still dotes on her so much. The two really must have a deep love for each other!"

Now promoted to Commander of Five-City Soldiers and Horses Troop, Jiang Dahai merely rolled his eyes at her, "You’re not looking at who Mo Heng married. A bride like General Pei, anybody would hold her dear and love her!"

Grandma Jiang knew he wasn’t interested in such matters, but ever since he found out that General Pei was Pei Qin, his admiration for her was boundless. If The Imperial Court needed him, he would dare to rebel alongside her. Fortunately, Prince Yong’an had successfully ascended to the throne; otherwise, the entire Jiang family would have been ruined!

Jiang Dahai urged her, "Didn’t General Pei invite you to enjoy the flowers at Deity Mansion? You should start preparing quickly; let’s go early!"

Deity Mansion was previously Zhao Prince Mansion, and Grandma Jiang had always admired the scenery there, yet she had never visited it. Upon hearing the invitation, she joyfully began making preparations to attend the banquet at Deity Mansion.

Thinking of Dou Mingying promising to bring her own plum blossom cakes and considering the exquisite pastries Pei Qin had tried from Princess Xi Yun, Grandma Jiang thought that nothing else would be a rare treat. So, she returned to her parents’ home and asked her brother to get two boxes of abalone with shells for her to take.

Grandma Jiang’s parents’ home was on the same street as the Wei family. When she saw her brother escorting guests out, she alighted from her carriage, "Who’s the guest? You have to personally escort them?"

"It’s from the An family, Eldest Young Master An is not well."