Chapter 159: First Rank Lady

Chapter 159

First Rank Lady

General Song had gone out to practice martial arts before dawn, leaving Xiao San to tend to her mistress as usual in the morning. However, upon entering the room today, she found that the Young Furen was still fast asleep, the atmosphere lingering with the fragrance of spring. Xiao San could hardly believe her eyes—the Young Furen was pregnant, yet the General hadn’t spared her. Her graceful figure lay curled up under thick blankets, her long hair spread across the pillow, and the soft morning light illuminated her face like that of a celestial being. Before leaving, the General had thoughtfully tucked the blanket around her with care. Xiao San sighed; with such a beautiful expectant mother, it was no wonder the General couldn’t resist.

That evening, there was a banquet to reward the Generals and officers who had participated in the war. Nie Shuang, wishing to rest, chose not to attend. This victory was a great achievement, as it marked the end of a long and drawn-out war that had spanned nearly a generation. People speculated that General Song would be greatly rewarded by the Emperor, but to everyone’s surprise, he declined any accolades for himself.

"The victory in this battle is due to Your Majesty’s virtue and the bravery of my comrades. I am merely a General, no more exceptional than anyone else, fortunate only to have had timely support in terms of supplies. If Your Majesty wishes to bestow favor, I humbly ask that you reward all those who fought alongside me, both the ones who returned and those who gave their lives on the battlefield. Let none be forgotten, Your Majesty."

The other Generals were moved to tears as they remembered their fallen comrades, deeply touched that General Song had not forgotten them. The Emperor, upon hearing these words, understood the intention behind them. General Song wasn’t just crediting his subordinates—by mentioning ‘supplies,’ he subtly reminded the Emperor that it was his wife, Nie Shuang, who had supported the war effort during the time when the royal treasury was depleted. The Emperor was very pleased with this gesture, knowing that General Song was not intoxicated by his victory, which put the Emperor at ease.

"Rest assured, General Song, that the matter of rewarding the soldiers will be handled with care and thoroughness. The families of those who gave their lives will be compensated appropriately. In fact, your wife was a crucial part of this victory, General Song. Without her willingness to supply tea, the Ye army wouldn’t have been able to secure the warhorses so quickly."

The atmosphere at the banquet was relaxed. Song Qilin raised his cup of wine to the Emperor in gratitude. They had already come to an agreement—Song Qilin was content with the royal marriage arranged for his younger brother and intended to gradually reduce his own role at royal court. With the land now at peace, continuing to act as a war hero might incite the Emperor’s suspicion, potentially leading to the diminishing of the Yong An Hou Manor’s power. However, he did not forget to think of his wife, who had been instrumental in this success, though few knew it. She was capable in all things, hardly needing him for anything. Bestowing this honor on her was the least he could do as her husband.

"We hereby appoint Nie Shuang as a First Rank Lady and grant the Xiangyun Tea House a three-year extension on its tea concession. As for General Song, after years of battling on the border, I permit you to take a six-month leave to spend time with your family before reporting back to duty."

Song Qilin knelt in gratitude. The people were surprised that the General himself did not receive a noble title, but instead, it was his low-born wife, Nie Shuang, who was appointed as a First Rank Lady, a position of high honor. This stirred envy among the women at the banquet.

"I heard that your wife gave birth to triplets?"

The Emperor asked with interest, having heard Princess An Le mention the three little dumplings nonstop, he wanted to see them as well. As soon as General Song spoke of his children, his face lit up with joy.

"Yes, Your Majesty. She is heavily pregnant now, so she couldn’t attend the banquet."

"General, you are truly fortunate. Married for less than three years and already with three children. Could it be that this time she’s carrying another set of twins?"

The Emperor joked while laughing heartily, sparking laughter throughout the hall. Everyone knew that General Song had married late, and initially, rumors circulated that he was reluctant to accept his wife. Yet, here he was, with more children than his peers who had married earlier. Now, the couple was known for their deep affection, support and mutual respect, as if they had been together for many years, making many envious.

"If you have the chance, bring them to visit me one day."

Song Qilin accepted the invitation, though secretly he worried about the potential embarrassment his mischievous children might cause in front of the Emperor. These fearless little ones might even try pulling the Emperor’s beard as they often did with their grandfather, and the thought made him uneasy.

The banquet continued joyfully, but General Song’s mind was already at home with his wife and children. Not long after the Emperor left, he too made his exit, ignoring the other officials who had hoped to congratulate him.

Nie Shuang had not yet gone to bed when he returned. She closed her account book and stood to greet him. Song Qilin quickly helped her and scolded her lightly in jest.

"You’re pregnant and shouldn’t be moving around so much. Why put yourself through such trouble?"

"Why did you come back so soon? You didn’t stay to celebrate longer?"

Nie Shuang asked.

"I was worried that if I stayed any longer, someone at home might not go to bed,"

He replied with a smile, leading her to rest.

"It’s late. You should sleep first. I need to bathe off this smell of alcohol."

"You seem to be in a good mood today. Did His Majesty reward you generously?"

Song Qilin chuckled.

"The Emperor has granted me six months’ leave. Isn’t that a good thing? Shuang Shuang, after you give birth, I imagine you’ll want to check on your business in Huangjing, won’t you?"

Nie Shuang’s eyes lit up with joy at her husband’s words. Not only would she get to return to Huangjing City, but her husband would also be able to stay close to her and the children. Their children were growing quickly, and she wanted them to have more time with their father. She didn’t want Song Qilin to have to be away for long stretches like before. Whenever he was gone, their children, especially Da Ge, always missed him deeply.Song Qilin had yet to tell her about her appointment as a First Rank Lady. He was planning to wait to see her surprise when Eunuch Gao came to announce the royal decree. At that moment, his wife, who was already one of the most influential business owners in the Da Ye Region, would also hold a title of First Rank Lady that far surpassed the officials’ wives who had once looked down on her.