After hearing this, Eldest Sister-in-law Liu’s eyes widened in surprise. Clearly, she hadn’t expected the couple to say such a thing.
But after sweeping her gaze across the room one last time, she gritted her teeth and stepped forward, leading her people with forced composure.
Seeing them walk up so boldly, the Third Old Master, Fifth Old Master, and the others could do nothing but yield.
Though their reluctance was written across their faces, they dared not act rashly with the palace officials present. All they could do was stand, shuffle backward, and make way.
In that moment, they truly looked like a cumbersome weight that no one could shake off.
When everyone had knelt properly on the bluestone slabs at the top of the steps, Eunuch Liu—the one responsible for reading the decree—finally calmed down.
He had heard rumors before about how the third and fifth branches of the Shang family had long clung to the Duke of Shang’s household. He had dismissed it as mere gossip. But seeing it with his own eyes today, he found himself quietly astonished.
The Daxing Dynasty may have seen only two emperors thus far, but the court was already teeming with noble families who carried a horde of poor relatives.
Still, this was the first time he had ever seen a clan in Sui’an City shamelessly linger for decades, refusing to move out.
His thoughts drifted to the imperial edict in his hands, and clarity settled over him like a mirror wiped clean. Straightening, he declared:
“Duke, General, I shall now announce the imperial decree.”
“Please, Eunuch Liu.”
At once, everyone dropped to their knees.
Eunuch Liu unfurled the bright yellow scroll and read aloud in a steady, resonant voice:
“By the will of Heaven, the Emperor declares that General Shang Ji has driven back the enemy and secured the border, setting a noble example for the people. He is hereby rewarded with ten thousand taels of gold, three thousand mu of fertile land, and a mansion befitting the General. An auspicious day may be chosen for the move. Thus is the decree.”
“Long live the Emperor!”
Shang Ji and Du Jingyi lowered themselves in deep gratitude, their voices solemn as they gave thanks.
The others, however, were struck dumb.
The Emperor had bestowed upon Shang Ji a separate mansion—and left it to him to choose the date of his move.
Did this not imply that Shang Ji was to separate and live apart from the Duke’s Mansion from now on?
Everyone’s expressions shifted.
The third and fifth branches, simple-minded in their self-interest, thought bitterly: if Shang Ji were to move away, would the Duke’s Mansion not sink back into obscurity as before?
After all, their brief moment of glory was entirely thanks to him. Without him, wouldn’t it all return to dust?
Naturally, they were not pleased.
Meanwhile, Madam Wei secretly brimmed with satisfaction. If Shang Ji truly left to live separately, then as for the position of the heir apparent…
Wouldn’t her son, Shang Silang, finally have a chance?
Ever since Madam Gu’s eldest son, Shang Dalang, had passed away, she had set her sights on that coveted position.
But because of her lowly status, and because the powerful Gu family stood behind the sixth son Shang Ji, the role of the Duke’s Shizi had ultimately fallen to him.
Now, however, things were different. She was no longer merely a concubine; she had risen to be the Duke’s official wife. Her son was now a legitimate heir. Even her natal family had grown in influence.
With such a turn of fortune, her greed for the position of Shizi only deepened.
Yet despite the burning thoughts churning in her heart, her face remained serene, smiling with gentle benevolence like a bodhisattva.
Eunuch Liu, seasoned by countless scenes beside the Emperor, could not immediately read through Madam Wei’s mask. But as for the third and fifth branches, their faces of barely concealed greed made him sneer inwardly.
Even so, he handed the bright yellow brocade decree respectfully into Shang Ji’s hands. Then, offering the couple a small lift, he smiled.
“My task is complete. I shall return to report. Before leaving the palace, Her Majesty the Empress bid me remind the young lady to take care of her health, and to accompany the General into the palace another day.”
Du Jingyi froze in mild surprise.
She had never once imagined she could draw the Empress’s eye.
But it was true—once her husband had risen as a favored general, even she, as his wife, was carried upward into the light.
Meeting Eunuch Liu’s courtesy with equal politeness, she replied, “Please assure Her Majesty that I will take care of myself. When the time comes, I will accompany the General into the palace to pay my respects.”
Madam Wei’s expression soured instantly.
After all, had it not been she who had loudly claimed that her daughter-in-law was too ill to enter the palace?
Now Eunuch Liu had personally relayed the Empress’s words—wasn’t this a public slap in the face?
Still, she forced a smile and spoke sweetly:
“Don’t trouble yourself, Eunuch Liu. My daughter-in-law’s illness is only an old affliction born of longing for Liu Lang. Now that Liu Lang has returned, her heart ailment will surely vanish.”
It would have been better had she kept silent.
Du Jingyi’s eyes swept toward her, lips curving with a smile that was impossible to decipher.
Ill from missing her husband?
Madam Wei truly had a talent for spinning stories.
Why not say she suffered from delusions while she was at it? What nonsense.
Shang Ji’s expression darkened as well, though with Eunuch Liu present, he restrained his temper. Instead, he turned to Du Jingyi and spoke with deliberate tenderness:
“Madam, I know from your letters how you have worried for me. For three years, you have borne the weight of this household alone, and it has truly worn you down. But since His Majesty has granted us the General’s Mansion and ordered us to choose a date for our move, you may at last rest. For now, I shall trouble Madam Wei to manage household matters.”
“I will obey the General.”
Du Jingyi’s humble answer even earned the respect of Eunuch Liu, who was only an outsider.
Born a merchant, he was nonetheless keenly observant. Seeing how formidable General Shang was after his return, he could already tell that this young lady would stand proudly beside him in days to come. And so, he offered her a smile filled with goodwill.
Others failed to notice, but Madam Wei felt her heart sink.
Had she not been the one managing the household all these years? How could Shang Ji make it sound as though it had been Du Jingyi who upheld everything?
Did this not mean that the stability and reputation of the Duke’s Mansion for the past three years would all be credited to Du Jingyi?
Losing more than she had gained, Madam Wei opened her mouth, ready to argue.
But Shang Ji cut her off with a wave of his hand.
“Father, let us escort Eunuch Liu out.”
“Yes, yes.”
The Duke of Shang, a man of few opinions, naturally followed his son’s lead.
Eunuch Liu’s smile deepened. “Many thanks, General.”
Shang Ji then placed the imperial edict solemnly into Du Jingyi’s hands, gestured for her to hold it, and personally escorted Eunuch Liu away.
The Duke of Shang trailed after them with a grin, taking two steps at a time, too simple-hearted to say more.
As soon as they left, those who had been kneeling surged forward.
Eldest Sister-in-law Liu, worried the children might be pushed in the commotion, quickly pulled her son and younger sister-in-law aside. Her wary gaze swept over the restless crowd, her expression tense.
In the center, Du Jingyi—slight and slender—was instantly surrounded.
After so many years, the Duke’s Mansion once again held an imperial decree. Who could remain calm? Who wouldn’t be eager to see it up close?
This was, after all, Du Jingyi’s very first time holding such a thing.
The vibrant yellow silk, the intricate patterns—every detail was luxurious and extraordinary, unmistakably the handiwork of the palace.
The third and fifth elders were the first to crowd near her. Their eyes lit up at the sight, and they shamelessly reached out their hands, eager to touch it.