Dressed as a farmer's widow, she brought her daughter to stock up on food and reached the top

Xiuying knew that even though the eunuch before her seemed to respect her, she couldn't be careless about official rules and social etiquette. Since ancient times, most eunuchs were either greedy for money or power, so she had to be careful about what she was doing.

"Oh, madam, you are so polite!" The father-in-law smiled and said as he stuffed the bulging purse into his sleeve with skillful and natural movements.

Then, his expression straightened and he said, "Madam, there is a great joy coming to you. Please accept my order."

The eunuch deliberately cleared his throat, and his shrill voice echoed through the courtyard: "By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Village woman Yang Xiuying is of virtuous character, with a heart of pure kindness and compassion. During the repairs of Pingyang County's city walls, she generously donated glutinous rice and offered wise advice. When the Jizhou soldiers rampaged and attempted to massacre the villagers, she bravely and steadfastly led the villagers in their resistance. She also protected the Crown Prince, performing unparalleled feats. Her acts of loyalty and righteousness are worthy of praise, and her kindness is deeply moving. I hereby confer upon Yang Xiuying the title of First-Rank Consort..."

Xiuying led everyone else to kneel on the ground in an orderly manner, quietly listening to the eunuch read the imperial edict. After the eunuch finished reading, Xiuying raised her hands above her head and said, "I bow to thank the emperor for his grace. May the emperor live long and long!"

The eunuch carefully placed the imperial edict in Xiuying's hands, then quickly reached out and helped her to her feet. "Oh, Madam, please get up! The Emperor has just ascended the throne, and there are so many things to do in the palace. But don't worry, as soon as your first-rank imperial garments are ready, we will deliver them to you immediately, without hesitation."

Xiuying nodded slightly, her usual gentle smile on her face. "Thank you for your trouble, father-in-law. If you don't mind, please join us for a pig-killing dinner before leaving. This is a lively event in our village, let's all have fun together."

The eunuchs from the capital and the officials escorting the imperial edicts usually had a taste for all sorts of delicacies. But today was a different story. The Emperor had just ascended the throne, and yet he had urgently dispatched me to Futian Village to deliver the imperial edict. The fact that the Emperor attached such importance to me showed that Madam Xiuying held a special place in his heart.

Take Futian Village for example. Even if there was more food than could be eaten, according to common sense, the emperor could at most make this woman an imperial merchant, which would be considered a great favor.

However, the emperor chose to confer her the title of First Rank Imperial Edict. You know, even for the mother of a newly crowned top scholar, it would be extremely difficult to earn the title of Imperial Edict, and it would take countless twists and turns.

Look at Madam Xiuying, she has seven daughters. The eldest daughter is engaged to the son of the richest man, and the second daughter is in love with the son of the Wu family and has been appointed a general.

Of the remaining five daughters, it is very likely that one of them will enter the palace to accompany the emperor in the future. It seems that the emperor is clearly intending to elevate the status of this woman, and the deeper meaning behind this is intriguing.

"My father-in-law has spent twenty years in the palace, and his time there hasn't been in vain. If he couldn't understand such a simple yet crucial principle, he would have died countless times over. Therefore, today, I must be extra respectful and considerate to Madam Xiuying."

"Oh, that's perfect! I'm in for a real treat today!" The father-in-law's eyes narrowed. "To be honest, Madam, I've often heard the Emperor say that the food you cook here is even better than what the chefs in the imperial kitchen in the capital make!"

Xiuying wore a humble and gentle smile and said softly, "You are too kind, sir. These are just some homely dishes, not worthy of being presented in a formal setting. I hope you and the others will not despise them." Then, she turned to Wang Daya and called out, "Da Ya, come here quickly and show the others to their seats."

"Yes, ma'am!" Wang Daya responded, then quickly walked to the side of her father-in-law and the accompanying officials, "My lords, please come this way."

The villagers gathered around at once, talking in a flurry.

"Xiuying, congratulations! Not only did our village have an official, but we also had a lady like you who was granted an imperial title. This is a great honor for our village!"

"Xiuying, you're not an ordinary person now. I'm afraid you'll have to move to the city in the future."

"Of course I'm telling you! Didn't you just hear that Qingfeng has become the prefect of Jizhou? How can Xiuying still stay in this mountain village like ours?"

Xiuying wore a gentle smile as she spoke slowly, "Don't worry, everyone. I plan to stay in Futian Village. I've lived here for so many years, I'm used to it. I wouldn't feel comfortable in the city. Besides, when I have free time here, I can chat with everyone about family matters. It's so relaxing."

When everyone heard Xiuying say she would not leave Futian Village, their hearts were relieved. The father-in-law, who was sitting at the big table nearby, also breathed a sigh of relief unconsciously.

Xiuying quietly watched everyone busying themselves with cooking and preparing the pig soup. She knew that the key to her success today was the high-yield rice she had.

This is a unique treasure that no one can take away. If you leave this land, you will lose your most important trump card.

She smiled and said, "I really love this mountain valley. I can grow some crops and feed some livestock. The mountains and rivers are beautiful, and life is so comfortable. Nowhere can be better than here."

Indeed, this was the idyllic life Xiuying had always dreamed of. Now, not only did she enjoy such a peaceful and comfortable life, she also possessed the status of a royal consort, which provided added security for her life. Even more gratifying for her was that her daughters had all found their ideal homes and were each living their own happy lives.

As the twelfth lunar month began, the snow began to fall more heavily. Xiuying's home was located in the mountains, and the rolling peaks seemed to be covered with a thick layer of snow. This winter was particularly cold.

Fortunately, Xiuying had taken every precaution when building the house, and every room had a kang (kang). On New Year's Eve, Xiuying instructed the servants to heat the kangs in every room, and the whole house was filled with a warm atmosphere.

Xiuying sat in the main hall with Yang's father and mother, chatting about family matters as a blazing charcoal fire crackled. After Yang Qingfeng took up his post as governor of Jizhou, the old couple did not follow their son, choosing instead to remain in Futian Village.

Father Yang wore a genial smile and spoke slowly, "Taohua and Shiliu, even if you can't make it back today, it's no big deal. Your mother and I will be with you for the New Year, and you still have a few girls by your side. It's lively and nice to have a good time."

"What are you talking about?" Mother Yang gently patted Father Yang and quickly interrupted him, "Maybe Taohua and Shiliu will be back on the second day of the Lunar New Year. It's really not easy for these two children to work hard outside."