Chapter Ninety-Eight: Ennoblement

Chapter 98: Ennoblement

Leaving the Ying residence, snow began to fall from the sky.

Both remained silent; indeed, they hadn't exchanged many words on the way there either. Lin Qiuran felt deeply distressed, especially after seeing Brother Ying's widow and child. Before departing, she had discreetly slipped some silver to Ying's mother—without a man in the household, money was their most pressing need.

Brother Ying had perished on the battlefield, his remains never to return. The mourning ceremony had been held before a coffin containing only his old clothes.

*How pitiful the bones by the Wuding River, yet still the man in his young wife’s dreams.*

As they exited the alley, Lin Qiuran couldn't help but glance back. A thin layer of snow blanketed the ground, and white funeral banners stood stark against the falling flakes, while spirit banners fluttered in the wind.

The distant strains of a funeral dirge drifted on the air. Lin Qiuran watched for a moment before lowering her head. Xiao Xun waited quietly beside her. Seeing the snow intensify and Lin Qiuran still motionless, Xiao Xun spoke, "Qiu Ran, let's go back."

Lin Qiuran nodded. "Let's go."

As they walked towards the carriage, Xiao Xun opened his mouth several times but said nothing, appearing to be on the verge of speaking. Lin Qiuran could, in fact, guess what he wished to say.

Xiao Xun had once been presumed dead. At that time, his entire family believed he was truly gone. Sun Shi had wept for her son, just as Ying's mother had, her eyes swollen and red. Witnessing the Ying family prepare for Brother Ying's funeral must have brought back memories for Xiao Xun, even reminding him of how Sun Shi and the others had endured that period.

However, Lin Qiuran had only just arrived then, had only just learned she was pregnant, and didn't know Xiao Xun. She felt no particular emotion regarding his death, so it was probably for the best that he didn't bring it up.

Once in the carriage, she asked, "Do you still need to go to the palace today?"

She thought Xiao Xun seemed relatively unburdened now, but then again, he had just returned—naturally, he would rest for a while before being assigned a new position.

Xiao Xun nodded. "I'll head to the palace shortly."

Today was for the distribution of rewards based on merit, which would likely take some time.

Upon arriving home, Xiao Xun quickly tidied himself and departed. Tangyuan asked, "Mom, where did Dad go?"

Lin Qiuran replied, "Your father went to work. Just like I used to go out for work, everyone has their own duties—that includes you too."

She said this hoping that when Tangyuan started school later, he wouldn't be resistant.

Tangyuan nodded thoughtfully. "But right now, I'm just staying here. Mom, what should I do?"

Lin Qiuran glanced outside; the snow had grown heavier. "You can go play in the snow for a bit, and then you can go ice skating with Lin Ming."

It was already the twelfth lunar month, and the ice was thick enough for playing on the lake.

Tangyuan cheered, "Okay!"

Seeing his excitement, Lin Qiuran patted his head. "But not for too long. Look at your father's frostbite—if you stay outside too long, you could get that too."

Tangyuan nodded vigorously and fetched his ice sled, asking Lin Ming to pull him. The sled was a wooden board with metal runners attached underneath, allowing it to glide easily. With someone pulling, it could go quite fast.

After arranging things for Tangyuan, Lin Qiuran waited a while but didn't see Sun Shi. Asking a maid, she learned that Sun Shi had just gone out for a stroll.

Lin Qiuran said, "Go out and find her. Bring the old lady back."

Xiao Xun had gone to the palace, and she estimated that someone would come today to announce an imperial decree. Imperial bestowments were a momentous occasion for commoners, and all family members needed to be present.

The maid followed instructions and went out to search.

Lin Qiuran waited for about half an hour before Sun Shi finally returned. Having been in the capital for a month, Sun Shi had grown familiar with the area and enjoyed going out for walks these days.

Before entering, Sun Shi brushed the snow off her clothes and asked, "Qiu Ran, is something the matter?"

Uncertain of the details, Lin Qiuran hesitated to speak. "There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Hearing this, Sun Shi quickly replied, "No need to ask me, no need! You decide on your own."

After all these years, Sun Shi had long understood that letting Lin Qiuran manage household affairs was most beneficial for the family.

Lin Qiuran nodded. "Very well, then. If you won't decide on major matters, at least decide on minor ones. What should we eat for lunch? Is there anything you'd like?"

Sun Shi thought for a moment. "How about Ginger Duck? It's been a while since we've had it. If there's shrimp, we could make some of that too—Tangyuan likes it."

Lin Qiuran smiled and agreed, sending a maid out to buy the ingredients.

Lin Qiuran stayed indoors, reading and going over account books. After waiting another hour or so, Xiao Xun returned.

Snow dusted his shoulders, and his expression was cool and stern. Lin Qiuran went to greet him. "How did it go?"

Xiao Xun looked at her and said, "We need to prepare an incense table. Officials from the Ministry of Rites will come shortly to announce the imperial decree."

Announcing an imperial decree was no casual matter. An incense table had to be set up facing the palace direction, and they would kneel to receive the decree—anything less would show disrespect to the emperor.

The officials from the Ministry of Rites were still on their way. Xiao Xun had ridden back on horseback, so he arrived faster. Lin Qiuran didn't have time to ask for details and immediately gave orders. She told the maid, "Inform all the servants to gather in the front courtyard. Set up the incense table properly. If guests arrive, be sure to receive them well."

With Lin Xia overseeing things, Lin Qiuran had one maid fetch Tangyuan and another prepare money pouches.

Once everything was ready, she sent a maid to Shou'an Hall to inform Sun Shi to change into appropriate clothing and come over.

After giving these instructions, Lin Qiuran went to the mirror to tidy her hair, then returned to the inner room to change clothes.

Xiao Xun watched her bustling about and said, "You look fine just as you are."

Lin Qiuran paid him no mind—what did Xiao Xun know about such matters?

Soon, Tangyuan returned too. He had been playing outside and was covered in snow, his clothes and shoes soaked. Lin Qiuran changed him into dry clothes. Once Sun Shi arrived, the whole family went together to the front courtyard.

On the way, Lin Qiuran reminded them, "When the decree is announced, kneel down. After it's read, kowtow to express gratitude—three kneels and nine kowtows, a full ceremonial bow. This is a joyous occasion, so no need to be too nervous. Just act as you normally would. But don't speak unnecessarily, don't ask questions, and don't look around."

Sun Shi nodded, her heart fluttering with nervousness. The Xiao family was actually going to receive an imperial decree—it truly was a blessing from the ancestral graves… No, the Xiao family now had no connection to the old estate, so how could ancestral graves be involved?

Tangyuan nodded too. Although he could be mischievous at times and loved to play, he always listened when Lin Qiuran spoke seriously.

Lin Qiuran and Xiao Xun held Tangyuan's hands as they walked. By the time they reached the front courtyard, all the servants had gathered, and the incense table was set up.

The gatekeeper had been waiting at the alley entrance. After a short wait in the front courtyard, he came running back and said to Lin Qiuran, "Madam! Master! Officials from the palace are here."

This was the first time he had ever seen officials in court robes.

Xiao Xun led his wife, child, and family members to kneel at the entrance, saying, "We respectfully inquire after His Majesty's well-being."

The minister from the Ministry of Rites, holding a box containing the imperial decree, replied, "His Majesty is well."

Everyone rose, and the minister said, "Lord Xiao, receive the decree."

All knelt facing north before the incense table, while the officials from the Ministry of Rites stood facing south. Lin Qiuran knelt behind Xiao Xun. After a while, she felt a chill seeping into her knees and a faint discomfort, but it was suppressed by the bright yellow of the imperial decree.

To see the decree was to see the emperor himself.

The official from the Ministry of Rites announced: "By the decree of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims:

We, the Emperor, hold that rewarding merit and virtue is the grand ceremony of sovereigns; offering loyalty and fulfilling duties is the constant duty of subjects. You, Xiao Xun, have diligently served day and night and subdued the tribal threat. We hereby specially confer upon you the title of Count of Dingyuan, with a stipend of six hundred *dan* (of grain), a reward of one thousand taels of silver, one thousand *qing* (about 16,000 acres) of fertile land, one residence, one jade belt…

To honor your achievements. May you further demonstrate loyalty and dedication, and do not disgrace Our edict. So be it!"

The official's voice pierced through the curtain of snow, resounding through the front courtyard. After he finished reading the decree, everyone in the household said in unison, "Your servant kowtows in gratitude for the Emperor's great kindness. Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years!"

Everyone performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows. With each kneel, they kowtowed three times. Lin Qiuran was a little worried about Tangyuan, but from the corner of her eye, she saw him serious and proper, imitating the motions perfectly.

Plus, with the thick winter clothing, after finishing the rites, he rose properly without any lapse in decorum.

Xiao Xun received the imperial decree. The official bowed slightly. "Lord Xiao, those delivering the rewards are still behind. Some items not written in the decree are listed here in the gift inventory. One person will stay to check them. You may visit the residence whenever you have time. If there is any dissatisfaction, just inform this lowly official. I have other matters to attend to and will take my leave now."

Lin Qiuran gave the maid a look, and the maid handed money pouches to the officials following behind. "Thank you for your hard work making the trip."

It was snowing today; later, they could have some hot tea—it was a token of appreciation.

Xiao Xun escorted them out a few steps, then proceeded to oversee the rewards being stored in the warehouse. They were given one copy of the gift list, and the household had to keep another copy in case the original was damaged.

Lin Qiuran had the maid escort Sun Shi and Tangyuan back first. Sun Shi watched Lin Qiuran working busily, her heart still pounding. What kind of title was it again? What does it mean?

Lin Qiuran was busy, and Tangyuan did not disturb her, returning directly to the main courtyard.

The items were delivered one by one, and checking and registering them took a good while. The maid served hot tea, the main gate was wide open, and palace personnel came and went. The household servants checked each item one by one. There were already many things listed in the decree, plus those not written in it.

After giving instructions, Lin Qiuran returned to the main courtyard with Xiao Xun. They brought the imperial decree back with them—this needed to be safeguarded. It wasn’t that Lin Qiuran held it in great reverence, but in this era, failing to show respect could easily court disaster.

Sun Shi had warmed up, but her mind was still reeling. Before Xiao Xun returned, the Xiao family had money, but they were merely ordinary commoners. Now that he was back, the household had received an imperial decree.

And he was granted some title, and there were rewards...

The scene from earlier was still fresh in Sun Shi’s mind. Even after Xiao Xun and Lin Qiuran returned, she was still preoccupied. Suddenly, she stood up. Lin Qiuran and Tangyuan looked at her curiously. Sun Shi asked, "Qiu Ran, how much land did the Emperor grant our family?"

Sun Shi hadn’t clearly heard the other rewards, but she remembered there was land. Coming from a farming background, she paid special attention to this. Recalling the official’s words, if she heard correctly, it was a thousand *qing* of farmland. She remembered one *qing* was a hundred *mu*, so a thousand times a hundred—how much land was that?

Lin Qiuran said, "The Emperor granted a thousand *qing* of farmland."

Lin Qiuran didn’t know much about court affairs, only that the current emperor was new and had been on the throne for five or six years. For an emperor, this was just the beginning—slowly consolidating power and stabilizing the court.

The several battles in the northwest were fought brilliantly, and the Emperor was pleased, hence these rewards.

For the Xiao family, this was immense wealth, but looking across Great Yue, such precedents were not unheard of.

Some had been enfeoffed as marquises or appointed as chancellors, with the Emperor directly granting five thousand *qing* of fertile land—more than what was given to Xiao Xun. But Xiao Xun was still young and could achieve more merits in the future. This reward was already substantial.

When Lin Qiuran bought land before, she only managed two hundred *mu* in three years, which she felt was plenty, enough for the family’s use. Now, with an additional thousand *qing*, even the unit had changed, and the family’s foundation had grown.

She thought it couldn't just be a mere title—other noble families had decades or centuries of accumulation, with deeply rooted foundations. If Xiao Xun only had an empty title and nothing else, it would become a joke.

With so much additional land, they would surely need to plant it come spring. This provided an excuse to invite Xiao Dashi to the capital. Lin Qiuran didn’t know how to farm—they would need to hire people. The climate in the capital was different from Yu’an, so Xiao Dashi would certainly have work to do if he came.

Sun Shi looked dazed, felt light-headed, almost dizzy with disbelief. "How much is that?"

Tangyuan said, "Grandmother, it’s a hundred thousand *mu* of land. If each *mu* yields three hundred *jin* per year, that would sell for a lot of money."

Lin Qiuran said, "The math is correct, but it doesn’t work that way. With so much land, we can’t farm it ourselves, so we need to hire people to work it. Then we have to set aside a portion to pay them as wages, plus other big and small matters. What ends up in our hands definitely won’t be that much."

Lin Qiuran received the land deeds—quite a few of them. These fertile fields had become large and small estates. They would need to hire farmers to work the land and tend to the crops. They could also raise dairy cows like the Marquis of Anyang’s residence and drink milk daily.

All this needed to be arranged before spring. The rewards were plentiful, but so was the work.

Tangyuan nodded. He felt they needed to monitor closely; otherwise, if any step leaked silver, what ended up in their hands would be less.

This thought flashed through his mind briefly, but since household matters weren’t his responsibility, he quickly forgot about it.

The other rewards were still being checked. Lin Qiuran smiled, thinking Xiao Xun was quite capable. She glanced at him, and he looked back at her, happy but without arrogance or complacency.

Good.

With a title, rewards, money... Tangyuan’s path would be smoother in the future.

It hadn't been easy for Xiao Xun and her to come to the capital—one relying on battles and risking his life to achieve military merits for today, and the other slowly building a business, earning money to come to the capital, then buying a residence and shops.

But Tangyuan, only three years old, was already living in the capital.

With Lin Ming and Lin Xia handling matters ahead, Lin Qiuran had the maid take Tangyuan to play in the courtyard for a while. Snowflakes fell outside. Though it was winter, she felt a sense of abundance.

Seeing there was still some time before dinner, Lin Qiuran called Xiao Xun over.

Xiao Xun: "What is it?"

Lin Qiuran said, "Forgot? We were supposed to go to the medical clinic today."

As she spoke, she glanced at Xiao Xun’s hand.

Xiao Xun had forgotten all about it. "It’s a minor injury; no need to worry."

Lin Qiuran: "But last night you said it itched so much you couldn’t sleep."