Chapter 10: Imperial Gifts

After hearing this sentence, Sister-in-law Mrs. Liu's eyes showed a lot of astonishment, obviously not expecting such a statement from the couple.

But after taking a glance at the crowd, she gritted her teeth and led the people forward.

Seeing the dignified approach of the group, the Third Elder and Fifth Elder naturally made way.

Although very unwilling, they dared not act rashly in front of the palace officials and could only reluctantly move back.

It looked like they were truly a cumbersome burden.

When they all knelt on the bluestone steps, the chief eunuch responsible for making the announcement, Mr. Liu, finally composed himself.

He had heard some rumors about the involvement of the third and fifth branches of the Shang family with the Marquis of Shang's mansion.

He had previously thought it was a joke, but seeing it today, he was somewhat surprised.

Although the Great Xing Dynasty had only had two emperors, there were many poor relatives in the court, not just the Shang family.

But those who refused to move out after several decades were indeed a rarity in Su'an City.

Suddenly, he realized that the edict in his hand was as clear as a mirror, and he spoke.

"Marquis, Grand General, I am about to announce the edict."

"Please, Mr. Liu."

Then, everyone respectfully knelt on the ground.

Mr. Liu announced the edict in a loud voice.

"By the grace of heaven, the Emperor decrees that the Grand General Shang Ji, who has repelled enemy forces and secured the border, is truly an exemplary figure for the Great Xing. He is rewarded with ten thousand taels of gold, three thousand acres of good land, and a mansion for the Grand General's residence. He is to choose an auspicious day to move and relocate immediately. So decreed."

"Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!"

Upon hearing this, the couple Shang Ji and Du Jingyi sincerely knelt and expressed their gratitude.

However, the others were stunned.

The Emperor had granted the General's mansion and said they could choose an auspicious day to move. Did this mean that Shang Ji was to establish a separate residence?

Everyone had their own thoughts at that moment.

The third and fifth branches thought simply that if Shang Ji left, wouldn't the Marquis's mansion return to its former quiet state?

They had enjoyed the hustle and bustle before, and now it was over?

Naturally, they were not pleased.

But Lady Wei, who was standing beside them, secretly felt a bit pleased. If Shang Ji really moved out, wouldn't her son, Shang Siliang, have a chance?

After the legitimate eldest son of Lady Sigu died, she had also thought about the position of the Marquis's son. However, due to her status and the power of the Gu family, the position had fallen to Shang Ji.

But now things were different. She had become the Marquis's wife, her son had become the legitimate son, and her family had gained power.

With the tables turning, she naturally had more desire for the position of the Marquis's son.

After calculating in her mind, she maintained a benevolent and pleasant expression on her face.

Mr. Liu, the chief eunuch by the Emperor's side, had seen all kinds of situations. He couldn't read Lady Wei's thoughts for a moment, but the relatives of the third and fifth branches understood her intentions and looked down on her.

Nevertheless, they respectfully handed the bright yellow silk edict to Shang Ji.

Then, they helped the couple up and said with a smile, "The edict has been delivered. I will return to report. Before leaving the palace, the Empress Dowager instructed a few words, saying that the Lady should take care of her health and visit the palace with the General on another day."

Upon hearing this, Du Jingyi was also somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected to gain the Empress's attention.

Indeed, after her husband became the popular Grand General, she also rose in status.

Facing Mr. Liu's courtesy, Du Jingyi responded politely, "Please rest assured, I will take good care of my health and visit the Empress Dowager as soon as possible."

Lady Wei, who stood beside her, had a somewhat unpleasant expression.

After all, she was the one who had previously said that her daughter-in-law was not fit to enter the palace. Now, Mr. Liu's words were a slap in her face in front of everyone.

But she had to maintain her composure and said with a flattering tone, "Mr. Liu, rest assured, my daughter-in-law's illness is just due to missing Shang Ji's old illness. Now that Shang Ji has returned, her heartache will naturally be relieved."

Her words were more harmful than helpful.

Du Jingyi looked at Lady Wei meaningfully and smiled mysteriously.

Missing her husband's illness? Lady Wei was quite the storyteller.

Why didn't she say she had lovesickness? It was truly a joke.

Shang Ji, hearing this, was extremely displeased.

But in front of Mr. Liu, he couldn't react immediately. Instead, he looked at Du Jingyi and said, "I have already learned of your concern from your letters. You have supported this household for the past three years and have indeed been exhausted. Since His Majesty has decreed that we move to the General's mansion, you should take a break during this time. Lady Wei, please take care of the household affairs."

"I will follow the General's instructions."

Du Jingyi's humble attitude impressed Mr. Liu, an outsider.

Although Shang Ji came from a merchant family, he had a broad mind.

Seeing the General return with such power, the Lady would surely be favored in the future. He had to be more polite.

So, he smiled at Du Jingyi, releasing a lot of goodwill.

Others couldn't tell, but Lady Wei felt a bit embarrassed.

Wasn't she the one in control?

How did it end up in Shang Ji's hands, making Du Jingyi, her daughter-in-law, the one who had supported the household for the past three years?

Lady Wei was about to argue and find a way out for herself.

Just then, Shang Ji waved his hand and interrupted the conversation.

"Father, let's see off Liu Gonggong together," he said.

"Okay, okay," Shang Guogong, who had little will of his own, naturally complied with his son's request.

Liu Gonggong was also pleased and said, "Thank you, General."

After that, Shang Ji solemnly placed the imperial edict into Du Jingyi's hands, gestured for him to leave, and escorted Liu Gonggong out.

Shang Guogong accompanied them with a smile, but as he was not very talkative, he simply followed his son and left in a few quick steps.

Once they had left, the people who had been kneeling on the ground gathered around.

Shang's sister-in-law, Mrs. Liu, was afraid that the crowd would crush the children, so she took her son and daughter-in-law away.

She looked wary and her expression was not very pleasant.

On the other hand, Du Jingyi, a small figure, was quickly surrounded by the crowd.

After many years, the Shang family had once again received an imperial edict. Who wouldn't be excited to see it?

Of course, this was also the first time Du Jingyi had seen an imperial edict.

Whether it was the color or the design, it exuded luxury and sophistication, truly a treasure from the palace, unmistakably extraordinary.

The three old masters and five old masters who were the first to rush to her side, their eyes lit up at the sight of the imperial edict, and they reached out to touch it.