Transmigration: A Farm Girl’s Brocade
Chapter 685 - 336 Grudges_1

Chapter 685: Chapter 336 Grudges_1

This time, the Qian family’s happiness wasn’t just doubled; there were many reasons for celebration. The remaining guests all smiled and offered their congratulations to Marquis Qian, Lady Marquis, the Young Master, and County Master Jinxiu.

The Qian family had now officially ascended to the ranks of the new nobility in Capital City. Even if they still had the word "village" associated with their title, they were no longer a family anyone could mock easily.

The Qian family had long expected Qian Sangui to be promoted to Marquis Xiangen, but they had not expected the title to be hereditary through three generations. This title could be passed down to Mingming’s generation.

Moreover, they had not expected Qian Yixiu to be granted the title of County Master. County Master was a title that could be held by the daughters of Commandery Princes, and even for a Princess’s daughter, it required an exception to be conferred.

Those lands and wealth, though not considered much by the Qian family, were indeed the Emperor’s favor towards the Qian family.

Apart from those in the know, everyone thought the Emperor was thanking the Qian family for their nurturing of the Crown Prince. They felt that bestowing on Qian Sangui a Marquis title was already a significant honor, so why would they also grant his granddaughter the title of County Master? It seemed excessive. But it was just a thought in their minds, not something they dared to utter aloud.

Qian Sangui had been somewhat dazed since he had received the imperial decree, his eyes red, muttering non-stop, "Imperial grace is boundless, imperial grace is boundless..."

He was excited, indeed. A peasant like himself had never imagined he could become a Marquis and pass the title on to his son, his grandson, and his granddaughter had become a County Master.

Old Man Qian had also been red-eyed, but not out of excitement – he was disappointed. He could not understand, he had not mistreated Jinwa in the countryside, why then did it seem that his granddaughter and grandson had a future while only he was left out?

During the banquet, the old man had drunk his fill of sullen drinks, and seeing the guests toasting Qian Sangui and Manjiang, he couldn’t hold back any longer and burst into tears, crying out loud to Zhu Sujin, "Jinwa, Crown Prince, your grandpa treated you so well when you were small – not indulging himself to save money for you to eat eggs..."

Manjiang was horrified. He promptly went over to soothe the old man, then turned to the guests with a smile, explaining, "My grandfather is just overwhelmed with joy. Our family has received such great honor, and he doesn’t know what to say..."

Qian Sigui also came to help, the two of them half-dragging, half-supporting the old man away.

Zhu Sujin’s face turned somewhat red. He did not mean to slight Old Man Qian, it was simply inappropriate to confer a title on him. He and the Emperor were grateful for Old Woman Qian’s many years of affection, so the Emperor ennobled her as Lady Marquis. Even if they had not, Qian Sangui could request an imperial decree for his mother. But Old Man Qian was Qian Sangui’s father, and if he were to be given a title, it would have to be at least as high as his son’s. To do the same as for Qian Sangui, not only would the Emperor disapprove, even Zhu Sujin would not agree. It was difficult to confer, and so it was best left undone.

Manjiang led the old man back to the courtyard, where Old Woman Qian was cheerfully stroking her Lady Marquis’ bejeweled phoenix coronet and cape. The old lady, due to ill health, had returned after receiving the decree and did not join the female guests for the meal.

Seeing the phoenix coronet and cape made the old man even more bitter, and he started cursing Old Woman Qian, "Look at yourself, your mouth twisted to one side, and you think you can be Lady Marquis. But me, I’ve toiled my whole life, and my sons, grandsons, wife, daughters-in-law, granddaughters – they all have titles, but I alone remain a commoner..."

Manjiang interrupted him, angrily saying, "Grandfather, you’re not afraid of losing your head, but you should still think of the younger generations. How dare you question the Emperor’s decisions? Also, remember, the Crown Prince’s great-grandfather is the Emperor’s grandfather, not you!"

With the current Emperor, unlike the previous one, even if a Minister spoke reasonably, even directly criticizing the former Emperor, he would not mind, but the present Emperor’s temper was much more volatile. Manjiang really feared his grandfather might provoke trouble.

Old Woman Qian, now unafraid of him, retorted sharply, "You drunken old coot, babbling nonsense again. What’s wrong with my twisted mouth, huh? Even with my twisted mouth, I am still Lady Marquis. That’ll show you!"

The old man, not daring to argue with his grandson, began to quarrel with the old woman, "Nonsense about Lady Marquis, it’s only because the Emperor favors you that you, an old hag, have gotten the best of me. Believe me, tomorrow I might just go get a concubine, it’ll serve you right, you twisted-mouth old hag!"

Manjiang, incensed, shouted, "Are you still making a racket, Grandfather? If someone with an agenda were to hear this and report to the Imperial Court, our whole family could end up in prison. I think keeping you at the Marquis Mansion is really doing you a disservice." Turning to Qian Sigui, he said, "Uncle Four, take Grandfather back with you when you return to Ji’an, and take him to the eldest uncle’s home in Huaxi Village."