Read Novel Full Chapter 1909: Madam Ruyi (Part 1)
Chapter 1909: Chapter 1909: Madam Ruyi (Part 1)
And this premonition was confirmed the next morning.
The entrance of the General Residence was once again surrounded by the Palace’s ceremonial guard; they had come to deliver a royal decree: Yang Ruxin was ennobled as Madam Ruyi by the Emperor.
Yang Ruxin did not expect that the Emperor would elevate her in such a manner. The title of Madam Ruyi was independent of her husband, unlike those women whose titles were contingent upon their husbands’ achievements. If their husbands divorced them, those titles would be forfeited. But for her, no matter whom she married, this title would remain hers. Apart from the Emperor, no one had the authority to strip her of it.
This signifies that, from now on, she was no longer a commoner.
The ennoblement of officials or their family members was a matter for the Ministry of Rites.
Originally, it should have been the Minister of Rites, Gu Sheng, who came today, but since the incident with Zou Qiuyue, Gu Sheng had been on sick leave. Whether it was true illness or mere heartache was uncertain; anyway, he had been absent from the court for many days, and the Emperor approved his leave without any inquiries.
Therefore, the affairs of the Ministry fell to the two Vice Ministers.
This time, the royal decree was delivered by Chou Wenhai, the Left Vice Minister.
Chou Wenhai is already over seventy years old and has submitted several requests for retirement, but the Emperor had previously declined them, directly rejecting them. Earlier this year, he submitted another request. While the Emperor hadn’t approved it, he also hadn’t rejected it, indicating the Emperor might allow the old minister to retire.
It seems the Emperor was reluctant to let go of this loyal servant, so the request was kept pending.
Actually, the ennoblement is not a simple matter; at least the Ministry needs to prepare the golden book and seal, as well as matching ceremonial attire and procession formalities, all of which require time.
But only two days have passed, so only the golden book and seal have been made, while the others are still being prepared and will be delivered later.
Normally the presence of Ministry officials suffices, but Emperor Xuanjing unexpectedly sent Eunuch Ping along.
Eunuch Ping is the Emperor’s most trusted aide, the chief eunuch of the inner palace. His presence often represents the Emperor himself.
Gu Qingheng specially placed a thick cushion for Yang Ruxin on the ground.
"General Gu is so considerate," Chou Wenhai quipped.
"No choice, my wife’s health has been unwell these days. Ever since leaving the Palace, she has been fatigued, sleeping until this morning, so..."
"If that’s the case, Lord Chou, kindly speed up," Eunuch Ping cast a glance at Chou Wenhai. He knew Yang Ruxin had stayed at the East Palace for two days and nights for the Crown Prince.
"Congratulations, Madam Ruyi," Chou Wenhai swiftly recited the imperial decree, with a pace notably quicker than usual.
"Congratulations, madam," Eunuch Ping also extended his felicitation.
"Thank you, my lords, thank you, Eunuch. Please join me inside for a cup of tea," Yang Ruxin received the imperial decree and handed it to Du Juan for it to be enshrined in the main hall for three days.
Hong Yi and Lun Yi distributed red envelopes to the guards who had come.
"I’ll pass on the tea, but I heard Madam Ruyi’s medicinal tea is quite good?" Lord Chou looked at Yang Ruxin, "Would the old man be too bold to request two packages?"
"Lord Chou’s trachea isn’t in good condition, right? It tends to cause coughing as autumn sets in." Yang Ruxin nodded, "How about I prepare it individually and send it to your residence in a few days?"
"Oh, that would be wonderful," Chou Wenhai replied gleefully, "Indeed a Divine Doctor! No need for pulse diagnosis to know exactly. I’ll be awaiting it..."