The Emperor arranged for people to first retrieve a large sum of silver from the money house in Beiyu City, approximately close to two hundred thousand.

"Mother…" Tang Yin was somewhat emotional upon seeing the silver that was brought forth.

He knew his mother had been prudently managing a restaurant to earn money, but since his mother had a gentle nature and always needed protection, he had never placed high expectations on this matter, thinking it was good for her to have something to do. Unexpectedly, his mother gave him a big surprise, whereas he himself turned out to be quite useless.

"Report to the Emperor, it's Beiyu City and the Capital City that have the most, while the other major cities have less silver in store. Initially, it was Beiyu City's Yingkelai that first allowed Master Bai to buy shares, changing the menu and business model." Shen Lu reported truthfully from below.

The Emperor was momentarily stunned; it was related to Bai Ruozhu again. Has he benefited from Bai Ruozhu's favor once more?

He pondered this; it was not something to be openly discussed. Even if Shen Lu were to be rewarded, another excuse had to be found. Furthermore, Bai Ruozhu was a titled lady, and bestowing too much could invite gossip, so it would be better to reward Jiang Yichun or her family members.

Thinking of this, Tang Yin quickly devised a plan.

The next day, one of the Emperor's confidants brought up a matter in the Court, saying that Shen Lu, a righteous merchant, donated several hundred thousand taels of silver to the Imperial Court, proposing the Emperor reward Shen Lu. Additionally, as the Bai Family also donated family property to the court, it was suggested that the Emperor reward Bai Family's patriarch, Bai Yihong, to set an example for the populace to follow their righteous deeds.

Many in court were astonished upon hearing the sum of several hundred thousand taels; how come they didn't know about this? Upon reflection, those who did know and suggested it here must have acted under the Emperor's intent. Who would dare provoke the Emperor for no reason? Besides, the court was in urgent need of money; encouraging such acts was most opportune.

For a time, many ministers expressed agreement, and Tang Yin, satisfied, asked, "What do you all think would be a suitable reward?"

Many started pondering, realizing that it was certainly not suitable to reward in silver; given they donated hundreds of thousands of taels, offering gold or jewels in return would inevitably invite ridicule when compared in value. After much contemplation, land or official titles seemed appropriate.

Hence, suggestions were voiced, and eventually, the rewards were decided: Shen Lu was titled Lord Loyal and Righteous, enjoying court stipend without real duties, the title inheritable by descendants but with a reduced rank.

This was fair enough, as such inheritance procedures were standard for marquess titles in Danliang Country.

As for the Bai Family, Bai Yihong was titled Earl Jiaqing, with the same hereditary rights, the title also reduced by one rank upon inheritance.

In Danliang Country, non-cultivist nobility titles generally started from Marquess, and Shen Lu's already was quite high. If Bai Yihong were to be granted Marquess, some elder ministers in the court might cause a ruckus.

When the edict was delivered to the Bai Residence, Bai Yihong thought he was hallucinating; did he actually have a title now? He'd never imagined it in this lifetime!

"Earl Jiaqing, congratulations!" The one delivering the edict was Wang Shun, who handed over the holy edict with a smile.

Bai Ruozhu knew someone of Wang Shun's status wouldn't personally deliver the edict unless there was something else.

She hurriedly stepped forward and slipped Wang Shun a red envelope, "Thank you for your trouble, Sir Wang."

Wang Shun chuckled and said, "No need for thanks; it's a hot day. Would Master Bai mind offering this humble one a cup of tea?"

"If Sir Wang is willing, it would be my pleasure. This way, please." Bai Ruozhu gestured invitingly, knowing Wang Shun had other business.

She had some tea that was cooling and soothing brought over. After taking a few sips, Wang Shun whispered, "The Emperor knows the credit in Yingkelai is also yours, but it's not something that can be openly said. Furthermore, giving you another award would be hard to justify, so your father was instead rewarded."

Bai Ruozhu laughed, "This is great; my mother already has an imperial rank, and my father has been quite envious."

Wang Shun laughed heartily as well, "It's good that you understand the Emperor's intention. The Emperor asked me to come specifically to thank you."

Bai Ruozhu was stunned; she never had a great impression of Tang Yin because he was always somewhat aloof towards her, often maintaining an air of superiority. Thus, she never expected the Emperor would thank her. Shouldn't he have thanked her in person?

"Master Bai, the Emperor, after all, holds supreme power and came to the throne at a young age, which makes things challenging. Many times, he has to maintain some demeanor to assert dominance over the ministers. But he is wise and clear-minded, a rare wise ruler," Wang Shun sighed.

"Sir Wang, I understand." Bai Ruozhu bowed to Wang Shun respectfully.

Wang Shun nodded, indicating Bai Ruozhu understood the Emperor's gesture.

Not long after Wang Shun and his entourage departed, guests began arriving with congratulations. As the newly rewarded Earl Jiaqing, Bai Yihong was delighted but felt his face was beginning to stiffen from constant hosting and smiling.

Those close to the Bai Family all came, including the Meng Family, represented by the eldest son Xu Huilin and the second son Meng Hanhong. Meng Hanhong had grown considerably since, nearly as tall as Xu Huilin, finally looking like an adult.

In the past, he bore resentment towards Bai Ruozhu due to Wang Miaoshuang's death and was also very repulsive towards Xu Huilin. But now, he appeared respectful and courteous to Xu Huilin and very humble towards the Bai family, suggesting he had been through a lot and finally let go of the past.

Xu Huilin noticed Bai Ruozhu observing Meng Hanhong and whispered, "Seeing what happened to me, he actually started to empathize and draw closer to me."

He spoke lightly, but Bai Ruozhu felt it wasn't just empathy. She cast him a reproachful glance and said, "Clearly, he admires that you didn't betray the family despite everything, genuinely accepting you as a respected elder brother."

Xu Huilin chuckled softly, "Such words aren't suitable for me to say myself; it's better coming from you."

Ah, so he had planned all along to let her praise him then revel in it?

Subsequently, Xu Huilin's expression turned serious, "Jinse's situation also dealt him a big blow. He feels inferior to Jinse, having not contributed anything to the family or the court. Thankfully, he hasn't fallen into despair and has been studying quite diligently lately."

Bai Ruozhu nodded, Meng Family's children would not fall short.

At that moment, a servant announced, "Minister of Rites, Master Bai, has come to extend his congratulations."

Bai Ruozhu's expression stiffened, why was Bai Guanghe coming now?

Xu Huilin, seeing her expression, sighed and said, "Go accompany your father. There are many people today, best not to make things too tense."

Bai Ruozhu nodded and went to find her father.

Usually, the women gathered in the backyard to receive female guests, but Bai Ruozhu's unique position allowed her more liberty.

Indeed, her father's expression was rigid, uncertain of what to do, while her second brother was looking stern and seemed thoroughly displeased with Bai Guanghe's appearance.

Already, some detected Bai Yihong's reaction. Although the Bai Residence and Bai Guanghe had not acknowledged kinship, everyone in the Capital had heard the rumors. Many speculated whether or not Bai Guanghe was Bai Yihong's biological father; today perhaps the answer would be revealed.

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