Chapter 34

Wang Xifeng's expression darkened a few shades more, and she said with a sour tone, "That is indeed the case."

Because neither Wang Xifeng nor Li Wan held a formal title of nobility.

Given the influence of the Rongguo Prefecture, they were entitled to receive imperial edicts of honor.

But they were merely sixth or seventh-rank ladies of merit.

Because those below the sixth rank were not qualified to enter the palace for court celebrations or to observe mourning rites.

A so-called "title of nobility" (gaoming) is an honorary certificate granted by the Emperor to the family members of court officials.

It specifically refers to women who have been conferred a title.

Those of the fifth rank and above are granted the title of nobility!

Those below the sixth rank are granted an imperial edict of merit!

The titles are drafted by the Hanlin Academy, following a fixed format in parallel prose, with wording adjusted according to rank, and issued by the Grand Secretariat.

For all those below the rank of Duke of the State and above the rank of General Who Bestows Grace, the edicts are dragon-bordered, silk-faced, and jade-axled.

For women in ancient times, such a title was the ultimate pursuit!

A woman's greatest face, pursuit, and glory could be nothing more than this.

And this was not merely a matter of face.

It also brought various substantial and tangible benefits.

They enjoyed various ceremonial privileges and certain economic benefits.

【29】 Fengjie is sour! Jia Baoyu throws the jade! Keqing looks forward to an early marriage.

First of all.

In terms of etiquette, ladies of the sixth rank and above are qualified to attend events such as the conferring of titles upon the Empress Dowager, the investiture of the Empress, the Sericulture Ceremony, and seasonal festivals; a few high-ranking ladies can even attend the Emperor's birthday celebrations!

These ladies also enjoy special treatment regarding their attire, jewelry, and transportation.

Legally, they enjoy privileges such as the right to be consulted, to petition, to have sentences reduced, to pay fines in lieu of punishment, and to be exempted; those who enjoy these rights are generally not subject to torture during interrogation and can have their sentences reduced!

Economically, elderly ladies of merit without support and the wives or mothers of high-ranking generals are entitled to a certain salary!

Their status within the household is therefore self-evident!

Thus, at this moment, Wang Xifeng and Li Wan could not be more envious and jealous of Qin Keqing!

Li Wan said wistfully, "In this life, I can only hope that my Lan'er will achieve merit through the imperial examinations in the future, so that I might have a chance to obtain such a title."

This was her greatest pursuit.

Because her husband was dead.

And she could not remarry.

Now she naturally could only place all her hopes on her son.

Therefore, she was naturally incredibly envious of Qin Keqing, who had married Jia Hui—a man who had obtained high office and noble rank—and had instantly attained a Supra-Rank title, enjoying all the glory they might not even obtain in a lifetime of pursuit!

Wang Xifeng's beautiful face looked even worse!

Because Li Wan at least had a son, Jia Lan, who was good at his studies and could be looked forward to!

She, Wang Xifeng, had a husband in name only.

He was nothing but a useless embroidered pillow; rely on him? Don't even think about it in this lifetime!

As for children? She didn't even have a shadow of one!

So she felt even more sourly envious of Qin Keqing!

Thinking to herself, "Luckily I didn't marry Jia Rong!"

Before, she had mocked Qin Keqing for having a poor, lowly fiancé who was worth nothing!

Now?

What was Jia Rong?

Jia Hui was the diamond bachelor everyone envied!

No!

A diamond bachelor couldn't even compare!

Power, nobility!

How could a mere merchant compare to that!

This made Fengjie and the others even more deeply impressed by Jia Hui.

Thinking of this, Fengjie felt even more awkward.

Her mood was complicated.

Actually, Tanchun and the others were much the same!

Lady Wang, Lady Xing, and others were also very jealous!

The only person in the entire Jia family who surpassed Jia Hui was Jia Mu, who was a Duchess and held the title of a Supra-Rank lady.

For a moment.

Except for Jia Mu.

All the women were in a complicated mood!

Inevitably.

They all began to discuss Jia Hui.

Seeing everyone discussing Jia Hui, Jia Baoyu, feeling left out, felt extremely uncomfortable inside!

It had been much the same for the past few days.

Today it was even worse!

Even Yingchun, who was honest, incompetent, cowardly, and nicknamed "the wooden block."

And Xichun, who was reclusive, indifferent, and "cold-hearted and cold-mouthed."

Both of them were discussing various things about Jia Hui.

With some excitement.

This made Jia Baoyu inexplicably loathe and dislike Jia Hui!

"Bang!!"

Jia Baoyu suddenly raised his right hand and yanked hard at the jade pendant hanging around his neck.

Then he threw it forcefully onto the ground!

This was the Spiritual Jade that was the pride of the Jia Prefecture, and even more so, Baoyu's protective amulet.

He cursed, "What kind of rare object is this? They even call it 'spiritual' or 'not spiritual'! I don't want this useless thing anymore!"

Frightened, everyone rushed to pick up the jade.

Jia Mu, anxious, hugged Baoyu and said, "You wretch! If you're angry, it's easy enough to beat or scold someone, why go to the trouble of throwing away your lifeblood!"

Baoyu, with tears streaming down his face, sobbed, "What's the use of this broken jade? The sisters in the house don't care about me either. It's clear this isn't a good thing."

This left the women looking at each other in dismay.

Speechless!

Fengjie was such a clever and smooth person.

One look and she knew Jia Baoyu was jealous, felt left out, and was acting out to attract everyone's attention.

She felt disdain and contempt in her heart.

But on the surface, she still joined the others in coaxing him.

After all, this was Jia Mu's treasure.

No one could afford to offend him!

For the time being, no one dared to bring up Jia Hui.

Once again, everyone revolved around Jia Baoyu.

Seeing that the trick of throwing the jade worked.

Baoyu finally became happy again.

And if Jia Hui knew that Jia Baoyu's first time throwing the jade was no longer for Lin Daiyu, but because he was jealous and resentful of him, who knows what he would think?