The Daily Life of Farming and Raising Children in Ancient Mountain Residences

Chapter 278: The Imperial Decree

The Ministry of Rites’ notifications about the imperial examinations and the recruitment of students for the Imperial Academy, along with the imperial decree arriving at Daxing Village, almost arrived simultaneously.

When Shen Lie and Shen Ancai saw the specifics of the promotion process for the first batch of scholars from the Qi dynasty at the academy, someone came running to inform them that they needed to return home immediately.

“Someone from your village has come to deliver the news that the envoy has arrived at Daxing Village and wants you both to return at once.”

The academy was in an uproar. There was no need to ask who the decree was for; Shen Lie’s wife, the Lady of Sang Village, had received imperial decrees more often than the officials of Shezhou. Within a year, she had already received land grants and been titled Lady of the Village, and now another decree had arrived?

Some of the scholars at the academy inquired about what Sang Luo had done this time.

With the decree already arrived, there was no need for secrecy. Those in the know, including Wei Qinghe and others, explained the situation honestly. Everyone was stunned, with some swallowing nervously, wondering, “Is another county title coming?”

During the midday break, everyone seemed eager and turned their attention to the several assistants who were reading the notice on the bulletin board with them.

The assistants were curious as well! Exchanging glances, they decided to go together and see what was happening.

As a result, not only did Shen Lie and Shen An return, but all the assistants and students from the academy followed suit.

As they exited Shezhou City, they saw many people heading towards Daxing Village, dressed in the attire of nearby villagers.

Upon entering Daxing Village, they found the area outside the Shen residence packed with people. No one pushed into the courtyard, and Shen Lie was surprised at their self-restraint. Chen Dashan and Zhou Dalang, who were also outside, whispered to him, “Besides the envoy, several high-ranking officials from the capital have arrived. Aside from my grandmother and a few familiar aunts in the village who are inside preparing offerings and tea, we didn’t dare to enter, afraid of causing a disturbance.”

This was why so many villagers were crowding outside without stepping through the Shen family’s front door. At this time, commoners held a natural respect for officials.

The assistants and students from the academy were quite in awe of the officials from the capital. After all, they studied and took exams hoping one day to change their status and gain an official position. With more courage than the average villager, they followed into the courtyard but only went as far as the second courtyard door. They vaguely saw that in addition to their inspector, there was a high-ranking eunuch from the palace, a scarlet-robed official, and two green-robed officials. Recognizing the scarlet-robed official’s rank as fourth grade, they did not dare proceed further.

At the end of February, the fifth year of Wuding, Daxing Village welcomed the envoy for the third time. When Shen Lie saw him, he recognized him as a familiar face—Cen Xi, who had first come to Daxing Village to deliver the decree.

Of course, at this time Shen Lie did not know Cen Xi’s name, nor did he realize that Cen Xi was the chief steward of the inner palace, an important figure beside the emperor. He only remembered that he had been here before and performed a respectful bow.

Zeng Zhiqian, now close with Shen Lie, made a special introduction. Upon learning that Cen Xi was the chief steward of the inner palace, his heart skipped a beat, and he bowed again.

Cen Xi, however, showed none of the arrogance one might expect from such a high-ranking official. Even though Shen Lie and his brother did not bow deeply, Cen Xi stepped forward to support them, his smile as warm and welcoming as a spring breeze.

When the introductions reached the position of the Assistant Minister of the Department of Agriculture and the Director of the Department of Agriculture, the two brothers again paid their respects. Seeing Cen Xi’s attitude, and thinking about how someone was about to be conferred the title of Countess of Yunyang, no one dared to act high-handed; everyone was very polite.

…

The Shen family was all prepared, Sang Luo had her makeup done according to her rank, the offering table was set, and even the nearly half-year-old babies,Ayao and Qian Bao, had been coaxed out and held. Only then did Cen Xi deliver the decree.

The Shen family was now quite familiar with receiving imperial decrees, and they had anticipated that the emperor’s reward would be substantial. However, when they heard the title of “Countess of Yunyang” at the fourth rank, the whole family was still stunned.

The assistants and students from the academy who were observing at the second courtyard door also gasped, some whispering in low tones, “They skipped the county title and went straight to a fourth-rank countess with a title.”

Not a fourth-rank count, but a countess with a title.

Cen Xi continued with the decree: “The estate consists of 300 acres, with an annual stipend of 60 taels of silver and 60 measures of rice. A countess’s residence is granted, along with a manor of 500 acres in the capital suburbs, two fine horses, six boxes of eastern pearls, six boxes of gold and silver beans, and two pairs of longevity charms…”

What others didn’t know was that Zeng Zhiqian, standing by with his head bowed, was thinking that these gifts were quite compact and easy to carry, and could be packed up and moved without much hassle…

Sure enough, after this, the Shen family would be following the autumn examinations to the capital.

The title of countess and the accompanying rewards were not too surprising to the Shen family, but when they heard the final sentence, they all looked up in astonishment.

Cen Xi, smiling, finished reading the decree and stepped forward to signal Sang Luo to receive it.

After Sang Luo accepted the decree, Cen Xi, still smiling, said to her and Shen Lie, “The countess has made notable contributions to agriculture. His Majesty hopes the countess can move to the capital soon. Considering that the young lady and young lord are still too young for travel, the decision was made to wait until after the autumn examinations. The countess’s residence in the capital will be prepared, and you only need to pack your belongings and move to the city.”

He then turned to Shen Lie and Shen An, saying, “I heard from Master Zeng that you are currently studying at the academy. His Majesty has specially granted two places in the Imperial Academy for the countess’s children, not limited to those of noble rank. However…”

Cen Xi looked at Shen Lie with a hint of amusement and advised, “Young Master Shen, why not try your hand at the autumn examinations this year?”

Shen Lie bowed and replied, “My younger brother and I have just seen the Ministry of Rites’ notification before returning from the academy and are preparing to take the autumn exams.”

Shen Lie spoke the truth. He had no knowledge of Zeng Zhiqian’s three-year plan with the emperor regarding him. With Sang Luo’s repeated achievements and increasing titles, Shen Lie felt significant pressure. Over the past year, he had worked very hard, and upon seeing the notification from the Ministry of Rites, he was already determined to give it a try.

Cen Xi’s smile grew wider: “That’s excellent, very good!”

He then addressed Sang Luo and Shen Lie: “Please take us to see the estate and the surrounding fields.”

The need to personally inspect the fields, especially with the practice of planting two crops a year, required a visit and inspection.

Sang Luo, naturally, would not refuse. She asked Cen Xi and his entourage to wait, and after properly packing away the decree, ceremonial attire, and other imperial gifts, she, along with Shen Lie and Zeng Zhiqian, led them out.

The villagers watching outside were seeing Sang Luo in full ceremonial makeup for the first time, walking with a group of officials. They quickly made way, and many followed at a distance.

In the Shen household, Mrs. Chen and others in the courtyard were stunned after hearing the decree.

Rural women were not very clear on the differences between the titles of county and district lords. Having already been rewarded with a county lord’s estate, and now being upgraded to a countess’s estate, the specifics of the gifts were not well understood. However, one thing they remembered clearly was that Sang Luo was going to the capital.

Shen An, Shen Ning, and Shen Jin remained at home to take care of the two children and entertain a group of young attendants. Mrs. Chen instinctively pulled Shen An, still in the courtyard, and asked, “Xiao An, what is the autumn examination? The decree said that your whole family is to move to the capital after the autumn examination?”

Shen An, with a somewhat complicated expression, nodded and said, “Yes, the autumn examination is the imperial examination held in the fall, this year in August.”

Mrs. Chen, Gan Shi, Gan Erlang’s wife, Feng Liuniang, and Zhou Cunzheng’s wife were all a bit dumbfounded.

They were both happy for the Shen family’s bright future and realized that Sang Luo, who had led them all, would be leaving them, leaving Daxing Village, and leaving Shezhou. They were momentarily at a loss for how to react.

Chen Youtian pulled his mother and said, “Mother, this is a good thing.”

“Of course, it’s a good thing,” Mrs. Chen nodded. She sighed, “I just didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.”

In fact, ever since Sang Luo had sent Shen Lie and Shen An to study, Mrs. Chen had known that the Shen family would eventually leave Daxing Village, but she hadn’t expected it to be so soon.

But wasn’t it quick?

After several years, Shen Lie and Sang Luo had become the backbone of each family in Daxing Village. Hearing that they would be leaving in six months was like having the backbone removed from each family, which was why everyone was stunned.

Chen Xiaoya, Xu Wenyin, and Shi Qiao’er, who had been in the courtyard, also looked at each other in silence.

On the other hand, Shen Yin and Shen Tie, who were responsible for comforting the younger nephews and nieces, felt a bit uneasy about their older brother and sister-in-law’s family moving to the capital.

Wei Qinghe, Wang Yunzheng, Chen Dashan, and Xu Wenqing were better off. Wei Qinghe was aware that he would also be heading to Chang’an for the exams. If he passed, he might not stay in the capital long, but he likely wouldn’t remain in Shezhou either.

Chen Dashan comforted his grandmother, “What are you worrying about? I’m negotiating deals further north. I was just worried that in a few months, the distance would be too great. Dried meat and meat floss don’t keep well, and I’d only be able to sell noodles and fermented bean curd. Isn’t it just right that Shen Lie is going to the capital? With a shop there, I won’t have to feel sorry for only being able to sell noodles and fermented bean curd. In the future, I might be able to visit the countess’s residence for a few days of food and drink every month.”

His words made Mrs. Chen laugh, and she patted his arm, “You’re so mischievous.”

Though she said that, her mood did improve immediately.

Chen Dashan’s words also brightened the faces of the other families.

Yes, they’re still working under Ah Luo, and if the business moves to the capital, they’ll have to visit frequently.

As long as they can still see each other often and keep in touch, that’s great.

With the atmosphere improving, Shen Yin and Shen Tie seemed less uneasy. Xu Wenyin was thinking about encouraging her two brothers to study hard, hoping she might also have a chance to go to Chang’an someday. Everyone now had their hopes and dreams.

…

Cen Xi and the other officials from the capital returned nearly an hour later. Sang Luo and Shen Lie accompanied them once more and saw them off at the inn in the city.

The inn was not far from the Governor’s residence, so Zeng Zhiqian invited Shen Lie and his wife to sit in the residence for a while.

Sang Luo guessed that Zeng Zhiqian had something to discuss, and since she hadn’t seen Concubine Fan for a while, she decided to go to the Governor’s residence as well.

Zeng Zhiqian did indeed have something to say. He briefly discussed the court affairs of that day with Sang Luo and then sent Xiao Feng, who had been waiting outside, to take her to see Concubine Fan.

Once Sang Luo had left, Zeng Zhiqian spoke with Shen Lie alone.

“During this visit to the capital, His Majesty kept me behind after the court meeting to speak with me and granted two places in the Imperial Academy for the countess’s family. As you just heard from Cen Xi, these places are not limited to children of nobility; this is an exception.”

“Enrolling in the Imperial Academy is much easier than the imperial examinations in terms of background, but…”

He paused for a moment.

Before Zeng Zhiqian could say more, Shen Lie had already shaken his head: “Xiao An can use the place, but I would prefer to take the state examination in August and then go to the capital for the spring examination next year. I want to rely on my own efforts to succeed.”

Zeng Zhiqian smiled at Shen Lie’s response: “I was overthinking it.”

Shen Lie was smart enough and clear-headed.

Shen Lie made a formal bow: “My background is poor, and it is bold of me to ask. In the future, I might need to visit the state office every five or six days.”

Zeng Zhiqian laughed and patted his arm: “There’s no need to wait that long; you should come every day after classes, and go back through the city gate.”

Sang Luo was so outstanding that she single-handedly elevated the Shen brothers. However, such elevation did not necessarily gain much favor from the emperor, and Shen Lie would remain a shadowy figure.

Shen An, being younger, still had a chance to stand out after entering the Imperial Academy. However, Shen Lie, who had yet to enter the officialdom, already bore the deep mark of ‘husband of the Countess of Yunyang.’ Using the emperor’s granted place to enter the Imperial Academy and seek an official position would make it difficult for him to be significantly valued in the future.

Conversely, a commoner who had only a year and a half of serious study would be highly regarded by the emperor if he succeeded on his own merit.

In the first imperial examination, the truly competitive candidates were a small number of minor gentry, commoners, and children of nobility, with most gentry and nobility having received extensive education from a young age. Commoners had a significant disadvantage in both strength and connections, making it incredibly difficult for them to succeed.

However, Sang Luo’s reputation in court also had an additional advantage. As long as Shen Lie had sufficient knowledge and strength, the examiners would not dare to dismiss him based on his background alone.

Thus, this early move to the capital was both a challenge and an opportunity for Shen Lie. It was a chance for the emperor and court officials to recognize him as an individual, rather than merely seeing him as a shadow of Sang Luo, and to evaluate his own abilities.