Chapter 325: Why?

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation       Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

His wife was upright, kind, and always supported the Qiao family. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have used her dowry and betrothal gifts to settle the debts owed.

If it were him, he wouldn’t have given so much money to the Qiao family.

He had reservations about Mu Rong, but she was a county princess, and he was merely a fourth-ranked official. He had to be careful, choosing his words wisely.

He was also angry with Yun’er and his wife. His silly wife followed suit and used all the betrothal gifts and dowry without leaving anything behind. What a waste.

If they had assets, he could have used some money to gain favor with the higher-ups. Perhaps his position could have been further elevated.

Thinking about the emperor’s obstruction, he could only sigh helplessly.

Why bother making a big deal about going home to pay respects to his birth parents? He could have quietly gone and returned. Why did he have to inform her?

In idle moments, Jiang Yunpeng often sat in a daze, regretting his foolishness.

On the other hand, Jiang Yunsheng continued to live a peaceful and content life. He was grateful to his adoptive parents. Without them, he wouldn’t be where he was now. Therefore, he fully supported Xiao Qingling’s decision to give the dowry and betrothal gifts to Qiao Mai.

Now that his wife had given birth to a son, he felt satisfied guarding his family. He had no other thoughts.

The two brothers had different perspectives—one filled with regrets, the other calm.

If you treated Qiao Mai well, she would treat you well. When the emperor conferred the title of county princess on her daughter, she would repay him.

Before the morning court session, Qiao Mai handed a bag of rice seeds to Yuan Jiaqi.

“This is a new type of rice seed. Now that the north has wheat, we should also improve the quality of crops in the south!”

Yuan Jiaqi looked at the bag of rice seeds with shining eyes. He had long wanted his wife to think of a solution for the people in the south.

He didn’t dare to urge his wife. Now that Qiao Mai had finally taken action, he was overjoyed.

“How good is the yield per acre?”

“The southern soil is fertile, so it should be at least a thousand kilograms per acre.”

She casually included a small booklet. “Here is the method for cultivating the new type of rice. Present it to the emperor together.”

“Wife, I trust you.”

During the morning court session, Yuan Jiaqi stood up with the bag of rice seeds in his hands after the emperor discussed national affairs with the officers.

“Your Majesty, my wife obtained a bag of rice seeds from overseas merchants. After cultivating it at home for a season, the yield is approximately one thousand kilograms per acre. She wants to present it to you.”

The emperor widened his eyes and quickly beckoned him over, “Quick, bring it to me.”

A eunuch took the bag from Yuan Jiaqi with a flattering expression. In the entire court, including members of the royal family, who didn’t try to please him?

Even so, Yuan Jiaqi remained like before.

Behind his back, people called him the “iron rooster.”

People were indignant. He had so much money but never treated anyone to a meal. He never attended anyone’s events.

Unless there is an imperial decree, he wouldn’t bring any gifts even if he attended. How annoying!

When his position was lower, people dared to mock him openly and covertly. Now that he had become an honorary prince, who would dare?

Where did he get so many formulas? First, a new wheat variety, then a formula for steel, and now, a rice seed variety.

It was never-ending. Should they also send someone overseas to see if they could bring back some formulas?

His title relied on these formulas. They still looked down on him.

Ecstatic over the new rice seed, the emperor promptly summoned the head of the agricultural office.

“Hurry and send people to plant it. If it works, let the people in the south use the new rice seed within three years.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The head of the agricultural office was a farming expert with deep knowledge. He had a passion for farming and was selected by the emperor.

He was loyal to the old emperor. Taking the rice seeds from Yuan Jiaqi, he left in great excitement.

The old emperor smiled and looked at Yuan Jiaqi. “Your family has contributed money and effort to the kingdom. I am pleased. This time, your wife has made a great contribution. How should I reward you?”

“Your Majesty, my wife said she doesn’t need a reward. As citizens of the Great

Ming Dynasty, we must think for the kingdom and the people.”

“Haha, thank your wife on my behalf.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The officials breathed a sigh of relief. No reward was good; otherwise, they would be jealous.

After the morning court session, everyone went back to their respective duties. Unexpectedly, another imperial decree was sent to the Qiao family in the afternoon.

Delighted by the new rice seed, the emperor thought about Madam Qiao, who only held the title of a first-rank noblelady. It seemed incongruent with her husband’s status. Therefore, he issued a decree, promoting Qiao Mai to a first-rank noble consort.

That night, many people had trouble sleeping. What was going on? Did Lucky Garden’s feng Shui really work so well?

Anyone who entered the Qiao family would be promoted. Why?

Old Master and Mistress Wang returned to Lucky Garden on the sixth day of the New Year. They continued to live as they had before. They didn’t mention anything about the Wang family.

They were overjoyed about the consecutive joyous events in Lucky Garden.

Knowing Qiao Mai didn’t like socializing, they instructed the kitchen to prepare a sumptuous meal, laid out fine wine, and celebrated as a family.

Royal Consort Rui, Princess Jiamei, and the emperor all sent gifts.

Qiao Mai wouldn’t accept anything from others. Only those three were exceptions.

Having received the gifts, the old emperor now had an excuse to come and enjoy a meal.

When Yuan Jiaqi mentioned this to Qiao Mai, she couldn’t help but frown.

“How can I endure having an old man freeload at my place?”

“Let the kitchen prepare something for him. Just make a few ready-made dishes; there’s no need to complicate it.”

“Just him alone?”

“There’s Royal Consort Rui and Princess Jiamei as well.”

“Fine. For their sake, let’s entertain him properly.”

This time, Qiao Mai specifically asked the two elderly whether they wanted to join. They repeatedly shook their heads.

“No. Entertain them well. We’re at such an old age and used to being carefree.”

Once again, they declined, knowing that entertaining distinguished guests was troublesome, let alone for someone like Qiao Mai.

“That girl is a workaholic. She worried about those two boys. Now that they’re grown, they want to return to their roots. Now, the emperor is a glutton. He will bring his family to freeload at our place. Qiao Mai is meticulous; she won’t let our family lose face. She’ll arrange it properly, making it look decent.”

“Yes, managing the house, worrying about those two children, marrying off, having daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, and even taking time for free clinics.”

“Speaking of which, do you know the rumors outside?”

“I’m old; I don’t want to bother with external matters. What rumors?”

“I heard there’s an elusive miracle doctor who often volunteers outside the Mingren Medical Hall. He can cure illnesses even the medical hall can’t handle. Do you think it could be Qiao Mai?”

Old Master Wang took a sharp breath. “Has her medical skills reached such a level?”

“I don’t know. I merely suspect. I heard he is a middle-aged man.”

“Doesn’t Qiao Mai know how to disguise herself?”

“It’s possible. She’s busy managing the house, yet she’s also volunteering outside. With so many responsibilities, she must be exhausted.”

“Capable people take on more tasks. If she’s tired, she won’t push herself beyond her limits. We shouldn’t worry too much. We’re old and don’t have the energy to help her. Taking care of our home is enough.”

“Our daughter-in-law seems to have complaints about us. Instead of staying here, she prefers to live elsewhere.”

“She should thank Qiao Mai. Without us there, she has less pressure and more freedom. She is taking care of us for her. If she doesn’t appreciate it, I’ll have Zongsheng divorce her.”

“We’ll see. In a month, it will be Zihan’s wedding. I gave her two hundred thousand taels of silver for it..

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