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Old Master Wang promptly declined, citing his advanced age. The emperor didn’t force it and issued a decree conferring the title of a first-grade noblewoman upon Old Mistress Wang.

The old couple recalled what Qiao Mai had said about not revealing her involvement. They immediately expressed gratitude for the emperor’s favor and returned to Bichun Garden with the imperial decree.

Qiao Mai was unaware of this development. She had just returned and was sitting in her room, taking a break and drinking tea.

Old Master and Mistress Wang arrived and showed the decree to Qiao Mai.

“This should be your honor.”

Qiao Mai looked at the imperial decree and returned it to Old Mistress Wang. “This belongs to you. It has nothing to do with me.”

“Child, did you just give this honor away so easily?”

“You always say you can’t hold your heads high in the Wang family, and they look down on you. Well, now you’ve got it. You’re a first-grade noblewoman. There aren’t many of those in the capital. You’re one now.”

Old Mistress Wang wiped away a tear. “Did you want to earn this for me long

“When it comes to matters that can be solved with money, why not? This can be considered as killing two birds with one stone. Besides, you’re the daughter of the late Grand Perceptor Pang. The emperor’s conferment is well-deserved. I just gave it a little push. Regarding my sister’s marriage, I hope you can grandly go to the Wang family.”

“Thank you, child!”

“Why don’t you arrange for a banquet at the most famous restaurant tonight?

Our whole family is eager for it.”

“Alright, it’s a must!”

While the family chatted happily, visitors from the Wang family arrived.

Surprisingly, it was Minister Wang and his wife. He was Old Master Wang’s older brother, Wang Yue. Old Master Wang was the third son in their family and was called Wang Meng.

Qiao Mai discreetly avoided them and didn’t meet them in person.

Upon meeting, Minister Wang and his wife congratulated Old Mistress Wang.

“Sister, we never expected that your kindness would earn the emperor’s favor and grant you the title of a first-grade noblewoman. It’s something to celebrate.”

“Humph, didn’t my son’s act of kindness help elevate you to the position of prime minister?”

“Well, we did give you five carts of goods. We didn’t shortchange you, ” Minister Wang’s wife said disdainfully.

“But my son gives you a third of what we earn every year. You’re taking the money my son made to buy us gifts. Sister-in-law, are you even justified in saying that?”

“Isn’t that what you should do? We’re supporting the Wang family in the capital. In the background, we’re supporting Zongsheng, aren’t we?”

“Supporting? I haven’t seen that.”

“Alright, you two, don’t argue as soon as you meet. Big brother, thank you and your wife for coming. We’re not young anymore, and being given an honorary title doesn’t make us happy. Everything for Ruler’s wedding is ready, right?”

“Don’t worry, little brother. Nothing will go wrong.”

“Alright.”

Old Master Wang glanced at his older brother. His eyes showed disbelief. However, he kept his mouth shut.

“Zongsheng will return tomorrow. Why don’t you come with us?”

“No need. We’re not fond of crowds, and we’re not young anymore. We’ll come early on Ruler’s big day.”

“Okay. We’ll take our leave now.”

Old Mistress Wang didn’t even see them off. After Old Master Wang returned from sending them off, she clicked her tongue.

“Such people. They didn’t come to congratulate us sincerely. They didn’t even bring a gift.”

“Come on, wife. I know you don’t like my family, but they’re still my relatives.

You can grumble about them in private, but we should get along on the surface. Otherwise, we’ll become a laughingstock.”

“Humph, I won’t pretend and don’t want to act. This is how I speak. I don’t care what they want to do!”

“As you grow older, your temper becomes more childlike.”

“I’m almost in the grave. Why should I pretend? I’ll speak my mind. If I like something, I like it; if I don’t, I don’t. This first-rank decree is all thanks to my granddaughter’s efforts!”

“Yes, congratulations!”

“Your big brother’s minister position is also thanks to my granddaughter.” “Yes, our family is basking in the glory brought by our granddaughter.”

Old Mistress Wang was stubborn, but Old Master Wang knew her well. A little coaxing was all it took to bring her around.

“I can’t let my granddaughter spend money and effort for nothing. Later, I’ll set aside some valuable items for her in my dowry.”

“You should decide on your belongings. I’ll talk to Zongsheng about it. In the future, we’ll allocate one-fifth of the profits from the Wang family’s business to our granddaughter.”

“Humph, that sounds about right.”

“Father, mother, this son pays his respects to you!”

“Yes, Rul er’s wedding is in three days. You must arrange everything carefully and ensure those unruly people from the Wang family don’t cause any trouble.”

“Father, rest assured. Li Longji is a desirable match that everyone wants. But he happened to be interested in our silly girl. As her father, I must be extra vigilant. I’ll ensure her safety.”

“Good. Madam Qiao has been aiding the disaster victims outside the city under your mother’s name. The emperor conferred the title of a first-grade noblewoman upon her.”

Wang Zongsheng chuckled, “I heard about it as soon as I arrived in the city.

Mother is blessed. Our Wang family owes Madam Qiao a great favor.”

“What do we owe? She’s even more popular than your daughter. Your mother treats her like a real granddaughter. If not for you and Ru’er, she would want to officially adopt Qiao Mai as her daughter. When you return, allocate one-fifth of the business profits to this girl.”

“Father, as long as Mother is happy, I’ll listen to both of you.”

The old lady raised her eyebrows. “Listen, only my son’s words make me happy.”

“Yes, yes, everyone in the family is fine except me. I’m sorry, okay?”

The old lady gave her husband a sharp look and then turned to Wang Zongsheng.

“Stay here tonight, and we’ll go over tomorrow morning?” “I’d like to go now to make arrangements in advance, just in case.”

“Alright, then. We’ll come over later on the day.”

“Very well, Mother. I’ll take my leave now.”

As Wang Zongsheng left, the old couple felt somewhat anxious, fearing something might go wrong at their granddaughter’s wedding. They had seen their fair share of unsavory incidents within influential families.

Today, Jiao Mai had gone to the southern part of the city and found that the refugees who had received relief had all left, leaving the outskirts empty.

She went to the north as well and found a similar situation. While she had managed to do some good for the commoners, she hadn’t touched a single coin from the Fu family’s generous donation. She had been pondering this matter while absentmindedly cracking melon seeds.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye! Before dawn at Bichun Garden, preparations were already in full swing.

The old couple from the Xiangyun Courtyard had risen before the sun’s up. They were afraid Qiao Mai and her children might oversleep, so they came to her courtyard.

The weather was neither too cold nor too hot, and the stars were still visible in the sky. Qiao Mai certainly hadn’t forgotten her task. She was helping her children get dressed and freshened up.

Each child was dressed impeccably, carrying a beautifully crafted cloth bag over their shoulders. The three young boys looked polite and had a sweet demeanor.

Upon seeing the two elders, the children immediately paid their respects and approached to assist them in taking their seats.

Meanwhile, Ling’er got ready like her three brothers, but she dressed more beautifully as a girl.

Today, neither Qiao Mai nor Ling’er wore their exquisite hair accessories. They wanted to avoid any trouble similar to what had happened with Miss Fu. It wasn’t that they were afraid, but it was Rul er’s big day, and they didn’t want any complications.

Ling’er wore a pearl flower in her hair, a bun elegantly pinned at the back of her head. She also had a pair of silver pearl earrings.

Her deep blue outfit was elegant and understated.

Like her brothers, Ling’er carried a cloth bag over her shoulder. Even Yue Hong and Yue Xia followed suit.

“Why are you all carrying these bags?”