The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1640 - 1635: The Reason

Song Hong was upset by Wang Yongzhu’s words. As the father-in-law, it was indeed inappropriate to speak to the daughter-in-law this way.

He could only snort coldly, "Think it over carefully, mind your conduct, and don’t do anything that would bring shame to the Song Family’s reputation, or I will never forgive you!"

Wang Yongzhu also felt her dignity was insulted, and found Song Hong displeasing to look at.

Is it because he is corrupt that he assumes everyone else is too? Pah!

Too angry to keep up appearances, she turned and left the study.

After Wang Yongzhu walked away, Song Hong slammed the table, producing a loud crash.

Song Wu hurried forward to comfort him, "Master, the Wife of the Heir-Apparent is not like that. She and the heir have supported each other through thick and thin for so many years, not to mention the deep affection. Besides, the Wife of the Heir-Apparent is a clever person, and she certainly wouldn’t do anything disreputable."

Song Hong sneered: "You think I don’t know? But this extraordinary favor from His Majesty, the Lady Dingguo title, since the founding of Great Chu, there have been only a dozen such titles. Even if she saved the Empress and the Ninth Prince’s lives, thus serving the imperial family, the reward of the Lady title is too much."

"To outsiders, it appears to be supreme glory, but in truth, it’s like roasting our Song Family over fire. You will see, tomorrow in court, there will surely be someone to impeach."

Song Wu showed a worried expression, "But in my opinion, the Wife of the Heir-Apparent previously was not aware of this. Master, could it be His Majesty has feelings about our residence—"

Song Hong’s expression changed; this hit upon his deepest secret worry.

Though he was currently favored by the Emperor’s trust, he was acutely aware that if the Emperor began to harbor suspicions, this apparent glory and the family’s century-long foundation could be destroyed instantly.

This is what he was desperately trying to avoid.

Previously, he felt he understood the Emperor’s intentions fairly well; he had once earned great military achievements and later handed over military power decisively before those achievements could threaten the throne.

All these years, he had been loyal, never forging alliances with any Prince, devoted wholly to the current Emperor.

The Emperor saw this, granting him the utmost trust and regard.

However, Wang Yongzhu’s title, simply for a life-saving deed, alarmed him.

Could it be the Emperor already began to doubt?

Realizing this, Song Hong couldn’t help but feel cold and fearful; there was no trace of joy at all.

Meanwhile, Wang Yongzhu returned to her courtyard, where Song Chongjuan and her sisters congratulated her before suggesting that such an honor for the Duke Weiguo Residence warranted a banqueting celebration.

Besides, it was customary to reward the servants with extra monthly wages on such joyous occasions.

Though unhappy, Wang Yongzhu understood they spoke of important matters and gathered her thoughts. After contemplating, she said, "The residence will distribute double monthly wages to everyone this month; let all share in the joy."

"As for hosting a banquet, I think we can skip it. Firstly, the Madam is still ill, and secondly, having completed my affairs in the Capital City, it is time I returned to Chicheng County. I likely won’t stay long, so there’s no need to trouble everyone further."

As she spoke, the door attendant reported that all the families, old friends of Duke Weiguo, had heard of this significant event and had sent gifts.

Perfect timing! Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjuan glanced at each other, aware they wouldn’t get a moment’s rest.

She instructed the steward to bring in those delivering gifts, record the gifts after collecting the visiting cards diligently.

Especially from those families with close ties, it’s essential to greet them personally.

Not just for Wang Yongzhu within the inner courtyard, even Song Hong at the front had no time to think anything else; handling guests and well-wishers took precedence.

They were busy until evening when the visitors finally left.

The Song Family was exhausted, and only then did they manage to have everything somewhat in order.

Wang Yongzhu wanted nothing more than to collapse onto her bed, but after freshening up and getting into bed, she heard Shadow Seven’s signal from outside.

She threw on some clothes, opened the window, and Shadow Seven slipped in silently, standing in the shadows of the corner.

"You came to find me so late—is there something urgent?" Wang Yongzhu asked, rather surprised.

Having recalled the presence of Song Hong’s informants at Duke Weiguo’s residence, she had instructed Shadow Seven to avoid entering unless the message was urgent, to prevent the Shadow Guard from discovering his presence.

Seeing Shadow Seven now, she was naturally puzzled.

Shadow Seven bowed and took out an object from his coat, handing it to Wang Yongzhu: "Madam, this is an urgent message from Chicheng, just received. I dared not delay and brought it to you immediately."

Wang Yongzhu received it; it was a small note sealed inside a bamboo tube.

She opened it and under the lamp light saw it in Song Chongjin’s handwriting.

The gist was that the Ninth Prince’s hundred-day celebration had passed, and the Emperor’s promise was still unfulfilled, indicating possible changes. An 800-mile express secret dispatch had detailed the method of increasing wheat production written out, and submitted it to the Emperor’s desk. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Before Wang Yongzhu received this letter, the Emperor had likely received the dispatch, so an imperial decree and additional rewards would be coming soon.

Wang Yongzhu was advised not to be surprised and to accept it calmly.

Wang Yongzhu suddenly understood why the Emperor was so generous.

Apparently, this was the reason behind it.

If this message had arrived a day earlier, perhaps Song Hong’s misunderstanding could have been avoided.

Relieved at heart, Wang Yongzhu carefully kept the note, signaling Shadow Seven to leave, and slept peacefully until morning.

The next day, Wang Yongzhu visited the Gu Family.

The Gu Family had received the news the previous day and sent congratulatory gifts.

Today, upon Wang Yongzhu’s arrival, they flung open the main doors, the Door Attendant unusually respectful, ushering her in.

In the courtyard of Old Lady Gu, Lady of the Gu Family brought Lady An to congratulate Wang Yongzhu.

Lady Quan, despite her eccentricity and lack of understanding in human affairs, was also aware of the weight of the First-Rank Imperial Lady title.

Though she forced a smile and offered two congratulatory words, inside she felt uneasy.

After all, currently Old Lady Gu and Lady of the Gu Family, were only Second-Rank Great Lady Grant and Lady.

Yet Wang Yongzhu, due to her good fortune, married the heir to Duke Weiguo, quickly elevating her status to a Second-Rank Wife of the Heir-Apparent, already the highest status among young women.

Now with the new title, she surpassed even the typical First-Rank Ladies in prestige.

She became the highest-ranking member in the Gu Family.

Looking at her daughters, although they had good marriages, they were merely wives of small sixth- or seventh-rank officials.

Not to mention Fourth Miss, who was currently confined for having said too much about her niece.

Truly, comparing oneself to others is maddening.