Chapter 315

Rongqing Hall.

Sister Hupo said excitedly: "Old Lady, news came from outside the second gate that the officials from the Ministry of Rites have come to notify that they will come to the prefecture to pass the imperial edict at the first quarter of the afternoon, asking Cong Sanye Cong to wait to receive the edict!"

These maids in the Jia Prefecture were all young, and they didn't have the strict concepts of legitimacy and concubinage that Jia Mu and Lady Wang had.

Maids were originally of low status, so they naturally wouldn't think about these things. Jia Baoyu was the phoenix of the Jia family, good-looking, and treated the maids very well...

But compared to Cong Sanye Cong, that was a big difference. This Cong Sanye was not only top-tier in appearance but also full of poetry and books, and he could even ride a horse and wield a sword, beheading generals and capturing thieves.

Maids who had seen the world like Sister Hupo and Sister Yuanyang naturally found this Cong Sanye Cong somewhat rare...

As for the news that this Master was going to be promoted and granted a title, it had long been known throughout the prefecture, and Sister Hupo and Sister Yuanyang, who entered and exited Rongqing Hall every day, naturally knew it clearly.

Today, she was replacing the Old Lady to get something from Second Grandmother's place, and she happened to meet the old woman who brought the news. In her excitement, she intercepted the news halfway to ask for the first credit in Rongqing Hall.

Everyone in Rongqing Hall had just been talking enthusiastically about Jia Cong's title, and now that they suddenly heard the news of the edict, half of them stood up involuntarily.

He wanted to establish bird mail stations in these Jiangnan areas, so that the information transmission between Jiangnan and the Love Shenjing could achieve the highest efficiency.

The patterns on the leather vest were not drawn randomly. When the gyrfalcon was still a chick, it would be made to memorize these patterns.

The Xiuniang Incense Shop in the Love Shenjing adopted more than twenty orphans and had been raising them in a courtyard south of the city.

Moreover, this leather vest would be soaked in the mother eagle's blood using secret methods.

In the future, these bird mail stations would have many other uses.

A courtyard east of the Love Shenjing city.

Over the past ten years, the surrounding noble relatives had either been downgraded in their hereditary titles or were waiting for death in the Five Armies Governor's Office.

Jia Mu couldn't help but be excited, and said to Sister Yuanyang beside her: "Go quickly and tell the Second Old Master to send more little servants to find Brother Cong. What time is it, and he's still not home!"

These two teenage girls were chosen by Ai Li from the more than twenty orphans.

Jia Cong saw Ai Li wearing that familiar leather vest.

She was watching Ai Li teach the two teenage girls various techniques for training birds.

Ai Li's attire was not as exquisite as those sisters at home; she still wore the Hu-style long robe she often wore in Liaodong, only the fabric had been changed to a soft, thin cotton material.

They looked at Shi Xiangyun again, seeing her winking at them, and the three of them left Rongqing Hall to report the good news to Second Sister Seeing Yingchun.

While sending all the little servants around him to find Jia Cong, he also had the servants open the main gate of the Lady Rongguo Prefecture to prepare to welcome the imperial envoy.

This was the residence Jia Cong arranged for Ai Li and her mother to stay in.

Ai Li told Jia Cong that girls didn't have as much masculine energy as men, so they were easily approached by birds and other creatures.

In the courtyard, Jia Cong sat on a stone stool, drinking the new tea brewed by Ai Li's mother, Lady Xu.

Opening the door, he saw it was Liu Ping.

And the news that the Ministry of Rites officials were coming to the prefecture to pass the edict to Jia Cong spread quickly throughout the Lady Rongguo Prefecture.

Ever since Seeing Yingchun's marriage was decided, Jia Mu rarely called her out to see guests.

In the courtyard, Ai Li directed the eagle slaves to fly up and down, while explaining the techniques of training birds to the two girls. Jia Cong watched with great interest.

Finally, hearing Ai Li's whistle, it landed steadily on her shoulder again.

Lin Daiyu and Seeing Tan Chun smiled at each other, both feeling happy in their hearts.

Jia Cong found these two apprentices for Ai Li. Once they learned Ai Li's falconry skills, Jia Cong would send them to places like Jinling and Yangzhou.

Just as he once told Guo Guo Zhigui, it took ten days for a fast horse to run from the Love Shenjing to Liaodong, but a gyrfalcon could fly there in at most two days.

Moreover, she had observed these two girls; they were meticulous, patient, and brave, and they were literate, making them very suitable for learning the craft of bird patrol and training.

"Brother Cong, news came from your prefecture that the Ministry of Rites officials are coming to pass the edict, asking you to go and receive it immediately. Jiang Liu couldn't find you, so he found the shop."

It had been too long since anyone had heard of a new title being granted, so this rumor that Jia Cong of the Lady Rongguo Prefecture was to be granted a title attracted so much attention.

So as long as they wore this leather vest, the gyrfalcon could find the person training it, no matter how far away.

When he first met Ai Li in Liaodong and witnessed her falconry skills, he had already thought of this matter.

In this era, this huge time difference could have immeasurable value at certain special moments.

The two girls on the side clapped and cheered non-stop. Jia Cong saw Ai Li smiling beautifully; she should be enjoying the admiration of the two little girls.

Jia Cong planned to establish these bird mail stations, not just for the rapid development of the Xin Chun Hao in Jiangnan.

Although it was just a single-entry courtyard, Jia Cong knew Ai Li needed to raise gyrfalcons, so he specifically chose this courtyard with spacious grounds.

Jia Zheng was overjoyed to hear the news and had the little servants and maids clean the Rongxi Hall immediately, preparing incense tables and candles to receive the imperial edict.

The eagle slave followed Ai Li's gestures, circling in the low air, and following the changes in Ai Li's gestures, it performed various movements in the air, with a magical tacit understanding between human and eagle.

A head of deep brown hair had just been washed and was left to air dry casually. The breeze stirred the tips of her hair, adding a bit of feminine tenderness to her pretty, heroic face.

Suddenly, the courtyard gate was knocked on urgently. Jia Cong's expression changed. Only Liu Ping, who arranged the courtyard, knew about this residence of Ai Li.

This simple and crisp long robe had no extra decorations, but it could be worn by Ai Li in an extremely beautiful way, setting off her slender and healthy figure in a moving manner.

Ai Li also quietly told Jia Cong that the leather vest was the key to training the eagle slaves.

By the time Jia Cong rushed back to the Lady Rongguo Prefecture, little servants were already waiting at the western corner gate to welcome him, and he met Jia Zheng in Rongxi Hall.

Jia Zheng was full of joy and had a lot to say, but he knew it wasn't the time, so he just told him to quickly tidy up his appearance, change his clothes, and wash his face to wait for the imperial envoy.

At this time, Lin Daiyu, Seeing Tan Chun, and the other sisters had long since brought the news to the inner courtyard, and Xue Baochai from the neighboring Lixiang Courtyard had also heard the good news.

By the time Jia Cong entered the Qingzhi Studio and saw Lin Daiyu and the three sisters there, even Xue Baochai had brought Ying'er over to offer congratulations.

Jia Cong smiled: "It's truly complete today; it's as if I had sent invitations to invite you all."

Among the sisters, Seeing Tan Chun was the most heroic and magnanimous, smiling: "Third Brother fought bloody battles in Liaodong and braved risks. Now that your merits are complete, you are going to be granted a title by imperial edict."

"Today is Third Brother's good day, so we sisters naturally have to come to offer our congratulations."

Xue Baochai smiled: "I heard that the Ministry of Rites will come to pass the edict at the first quarter of the afternoon. There is less than an hour, so Brother Cong should tidy up properly."

Today, the Ministry of Rites would send people to notify in advance, indicating that the specifications for this edict were not low, requiring the official receiving the edict to follow etiquette to show solemnity.

It was necessary to bathe, comb hair, wash face, and change clothes. After all these things were done, one could burn incense to welcome the edict.

Jia Cong entered the inner room for a simple bath and changed into the new clothes prepared by Zhi Shao and Wu'er.

By the time he returned to the main room, Qingwen was about to pick up a comb to help him comb his hair.

Lin Daiyu suddenly took the comb from Qingwen's hand and smiled slightly: "Today is Third Brother's good day, let me comb Third Brother's hair."

Everyone present was stunned, but they didn't care much; they were all sisters who grew up together in the garden.

They all knew that Lin Daiyu was intelligent and straightforward, had a sharp mouth, and had some temper, but her actions had a sincere quality and her own lovable points.

Jia Cong joked: "If Sister combs my hair, this favor is too big; I don't know how to repay it."

Lin Daiyu smiled slightly: "You don't need to repay this favor. Fortunately, you don't receive edicts and grants every day, so I'll just do it occasionally."

Jia Cong smiled: "Then I have to work harder, get promoted and rich often, so I can coax Lin Meimei to comb my hair more."

He winked at Qingwen again: "Qingwen, go and close the courtyard gate. If the Old Lady finds out that I let Lin Meimei comb my hair, she will definitely make me kneel in Rongqing Hall."

Seeing Tan Chun and the others couldn't help but laugh at Jia Cong's words. Only Xue Baochai, although smiling, felt a sour pain and loss in her heart when she saw the unusual tacit understanding between Jia Cong and Lin Daiyu.

They were the ones who grew up together, childhood sweethearts; she was the one who came later after all.

After Lin Daiyu finished combing his hair, Seeing Tan Chun wrung out a warm towel from the copper basin brought by Wu'er and handed it to Jia Cong to wash his face.

She smiled: "I can't let Lin Meimei take all the credit. I'll serve Third Brother to wash his face."

It was just that her expression couldn't be as calm as Lin Daiyu's. Her pretty face was slightly flushed, whether from excitement or shyness.

At this time, Seeing Yingchun smiled and took the outer garment from Zhi Shao's hand to help Jia Cong change. As Jia Cong's biological sister, doing these things was naturally a matter of course.

Jia Cong smiled: "I am deeply grateful for the kindness of the three sisters. I feel this is even more precious than receiving an edict and reward."

Seeing Yingchun was usually introverted and spoke little, but every time she faced this brother Jia Cong, her mind would become flexible and agile.

Hearing these words, she said without hesitation: "Talking nonsense again. It's fortunate that we are in our own courtyard and among our own sisters; otherwise, it would be a taboo if it spread out."

These words were spoken fluently and with quite a bit of meticulous thought, not at all like the usually reticent and wooden Seeing Yingchun.

Lin Daiyu and the other sisters were all stunned.

Seeing Tan Chun, standing to the side, blinked her big eyes, feeling surprised. Third Brother was truly magical; every time Second Sister faced her brother, she would suddenly become smart.

Jia Cong's eyes showed surprise, and he said: "Second Sister is right."

However, he wasn't too surprised. Seeing Yingchun was someone who had mastered the art of chess, so how could she not have agile wisdom?

It was just the environment she grew up in that had suppressed her personality into such weakness and woodenness.

After Jia Cong tidied up his appearance, the sisters went to Rongqing Hall to wait, and Jia Cong went to Rongxi Hall alone.

Arriving at Rongxi Hall, he saw Jia Zheng, Jia She, Jia Lady Lian, and the other men were all there.

Jia She and Lady Xing were originally unwilling to come. The glory of this disaster was equivalent to slapping them in the face, and they were extremely unwilling to watch. However, the Ministry of Rites had indicated in advance that the specifications for this edict were not low.

As the inheritors of the Lady Rongguo Prefecture and the noble ladies, if they didn't appear at the scene of receiving the edict, it would be a crime of deceiving the Emperor, so they had to come reluctantly.

In addition, Jia Baoyu and Jia Jia Huan were also called by Jia Zheng to receive the edict together, probably wanting the two rebellious sons to receive some education.

Jia Jia Huan didn't care at all, but Jia Baoyu looked awkward and uncomfortable, only enduring it because Jia Zheng was present.

Jia Cong also saw the little radish Jia Lan. Why would such a young child receive an edict? It was probably Li Li Gongcai's instruction to let Jia Lan come and receive the influence of bringing glory to his ancestors.

The other female relatives with imperial mandates were only Jia Mu and Lady Wang, who naturally had to be present.

Jia Mu's face showed some anticipation.

Only Lady Wang's expression was unnatural. She really wasn't used to the fact that whenever there was something glorious in the prefecture, it was Cong-third's show, and no one else had anything to do with it.

After waiting for only a quarter of an hour, they heard the sound of bells and chimes coming from the ceremonial gate, approaching from far to near, like the arrival of heavenly music, giving people a sense of transcendence.

Immediately after, they heard complex and heavy footsteps, also approaching from far to near, as if many people were marching in formation.

Jia Cong had received imperial edicts several times, but the scene and momentum had never been as noisy as this time.

He and Jia Zheng walked to the front of Rongxi Hall and looked out.

They saw people moving outside, eight ritual officials wearing vermilion Grade 6 official robes walking with their heads held high in two rows, holding black trays in their hands.

On the trays were official seals, official uniforms, jade belts, ribbons, etc., while the other trays were covered with red cloth, not knowing what was placed inside.

And behind those eight ritual officials followed forty or fifty heroic-looking imperial guards, holding flags, golden melons, silver melons, avoidance signs, etc., with great prestige and a solemn atmosphere.

Jia Mu had seen the world, and seeing such a layout of the edict-receiving ceremony, her face changed slightly.

She had originally thought that Jia Cong being granted a first-class Viscount title was already very remarkable, but this momentum could not possibly be just granting a Viscount title!

Walking in front of those eight ritual officials of the Ministry of Rites was an official with extraordinary dignity.

Jia Zheng recognized this person; it was the Vice Minister of Rites, Huang Huang Hongcang, who was a high-ranking official of the third rank.

Jia Zheng knew some officialdom rules. Historically, those who passed imperial edicts and granted titles were of similar rank to the official receiving the title, or slightly higher by one grade.

Thinking of this, Jia Zheng's heart jumped wildly. Could it be that Cong-ge'er's grant this time was so generous that it required a third-rank official to pass the edict!

Huang Huang Hongcang didn't know Jia Cong, but he had heard many rumors about Jia Cong, knowing that he was outstanding in appearance and young and noble.

And this person in the hall with extraordinary demeanor, bright as the moon and standing out from the crowd, could be seen at a glance who he was.

He stepped forward and said: "Is this the Jia Supervisor?"

Jia Cong saluted and replied: "This official is Jia Cong."

Huang Huang Hongcang saw that even at this moment of glory, he was still calm, not showing any arrogance or joy, and his etiquette remained unchanged. He was indeed extraordinary, and it was no wonder he could perform miraculous deeds at such a young age.

He smiled slightly: "This old man is Huang Huang Hongcang, Vice Minister of Rites. I have received the imperial edict to come to your prefecture to pass the edict and grant the title. Kneel and receive the edict!"

Huang Huang Hongcang waited for everyone in the hall to kneel and welcome him before unfolding the imperial edict and chanting loudly:

By the order of the Emperor, the edict says:

Since I ascended the throne, I have governed the world with literature and suppressed chaos with martial arts. Since the 6th year of Emperor Jia Zhao, the Jurchens in the north of Liaodong have caused chaos, killing thousands of miles and leaving the people in misery.

Generals who suppress enemies at the border can be the fence of the country, and talents with heroic martial arts can cast the military prestige of the country.

You, Jia Cong, Supervisor of the Firearm Division and Martial General, have not yet reached the age of twenty, yet your civil and military achievements have surpassed the three armies, and your courage and strategy have stood out at the border towns.

You entered the Liaodong Town for half a year, repeatedly establishing the first merit and miraculous deeds. In the first battle at Yafu Pass, your clever strategy defeated thousands of troops, and you personally beheaded the enemy chieftain in the killing formation.

You pursued the enemy for a thousand miles, captured a hundred cities and strongholds, and fought again at Qiu Qingyuan Collection, predicting the enemy and seizing the opportunity, your courage and bravery shielding the three armies.

You cleverly used the strategy of suspicious troops to resist the Goryeo disturbance at the border, cut off the Jurchen's path of death, wiped out the bandit chieftains and enemies, and executed all the powerful and brave.

You pacified the Jurchen chaos, established the prestige of the border fortress, and performed heaven-shaking deeds. When the country has military affairs, the monarch comforts the wise and heroic generals.

I hereby grant you the title of Silver-Blue Grand Master, add the Silver Seal and Blue Ribbon, grant you the title of Second-Class Viscount of Lord Weiyuan, bestow the Iron Certificate and Imperial Edict, and make it hereditary forever.

The imperially-built Ningguo Prefecture is abolished and reformed, and granted to you for your residence.

Respect this!

This chapter has been modified and polished in detail.

The word count reached 4211, but the subscription points are still calculated based on 3800 words.

It was written a bit hurriedly. Thanks to all the brothers who caught the bugs.

(End of chapter)