TRBDM -Chapter 237 A Son’s Status Rises Because of His Mother

The ministers kowtowed, their shouts rising like mountains and seas.

The bright yellow dragon robe rippled with waves of golden threads. The jade crown sat upright, revealing the deep, commanding features of Zhao Jingheng.

With a lift of his hand, Zhao Jingheng already radiated the aura of an emperor: “Rise, ministers.”

The Grand Eunuch of Ceremonies’ sharp voice cut through the silence: “Auspicious hour—has arrived!”

Nine ceremonial cannons thundered in response.

The Minister of Rites ascended the steps, holding the golden imperial edict. The seals in his hands gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.

The moment Zhao Jingheng received the seals, the bells and drums of the palace roared like a thousand tons of thunder, their echoes layering over the Nine Layers of the Forbidden City.

At some point, auspicious clouds floated across the sky, bathing Zhao Jingheng’s silhouette in golden-red light, as if heaven and earth themselves were witnessing this transfer of power.

Below the platform, Zhao Lingchen looked up at Zhao Jingheng, her expression calm.

She had let thirteen years slip by in neglect, but from the moment she found Xie Yu, she began to restart everything.

Supporting Zhao Jingheng to ascend the throne was her first step.

Once the government stabilized and Zhao Jingheng controlled the larger picture, she would immediately move on to the next step.

The true enemies awaited her at the borders.

The enthronement ceremony continued grandly until the afternoon.

Zhao Jingheng announced a general amnesty and awarded honors to the ministers.

The ministers cheered: “Long live Emperor Xie! Long live the Emperor! Long, long live!”

Half a month later, at Ruixiang Courtyard of the Mingde Marquisate, Xie Chuan was slowly strolling in the yard, supported by a servant.

Under Dou Shuyuan’s careful care, Xie Chuan’s recovery had been swift.

The wound on his lower back had scabbed over, but if he walked a bit too quickly, it would tug painfully, making him grit his teeth.

Dou Shuyuan supported her waist and stayed by his side. As soon as she saw his face contort in pain, she immediately ordered the servant to stop.

“Quick, bring a chair for my husband to sit. Make sure to take a cushion—otherwise it’s too hard, and he’ll be uncomfortable.”

Xie Chuan happily watched Dou Shuyuan bustle about on his behalf, thoroughly enjoying the feeling of being cared for.

Once the servant brought the chair, Xie Chuan said, “Madam, sit. You’ve been walking with me this whole time—doesn’t your back hurt? Aren’t your legs tired?”

Dou Shuyuan’s belly had grown quite large. Sometimes standing too long caused her calves to swell.

Xie Chuan felt for her and had told her multiple times to rest, but when Dou Shuyuan shot him a stern glare, he would immediately shrink back like a timid turtle, afraid to say more.

“I’m not tired. The court doctor said I should walk more, it helps with the delivery.”

Xie Chuan didn’t dare argue, and with his lower back still aching, he was struggling to hold on.

He had just sat down when Xie Wanrou and Dou Shuxin arrived.

Their faces were lit up with joyful, radiant smiles.

“Oh, eldest sister, little sister, what joyous news—look at how happy you both are!”

Dou Shuxin covered her mouth, laughing, while Xie Wanrou’s eyes narrowed into slits with her smile.

Xie Chuan had never seen Xie Wanrou so genuinely happy.

Curiosity gnawed at him even more. “Eldest sister, what happened? I’m dying to know—tell me quickly!”

If it weren’t for his aching back, he would have jumped up and run to Xie Wanrou to pester her.

Fearing it would hurt his wound, Xie Wanrou didn’t tease him any further.

“Our Mingde Marquisate has a great celebration—His Majesty is going to confer upon mother the title of First-Rank Faming Lady. The imperial edict will arrive tomorrow.”

Xie Chuan’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Really, absolutely true.”

The news had been brought by Jiang Yuelin.

With the new emperor enthroned and the ministers rewarded, the chief contributors to Zhao Jingheng’s ascent—the Princess, Jiang Yuelin, Wei Zhaorong, and General Nanyang—were naturally to receive grand honors.

Wei Zhaorong had been specially granted the title of First-Rank Faming Lady by the emperor.

Xie Chuan’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Th-then… does that mean… I rise by my mother’s merit?”

“Rise by one’s mother’s merit?”

The phrase was novel, and those present couldn’t help but laugh.

Dou Shuyiao clutched her stomach, giggling until her sides ached.

Xie Chuan, however, felt nothing wrong with his words and continued: “Mother is truly remarkable. In her forties, she still managed to earn the title of First-Rank Lady of Imperial Decree. Compared to her, I, her son, am far too inferior.”

Dou Shuyiao immediately corrected him: “Husband, do not belittle yourself. Everyone has a different purpose in this world.”

Xie Wanrou added, “Yes, Xiao Chuan. Think about it—if it weren’t for you, Shuxin and I might have already been killed by assassins. You are not only my brother but also my savior. You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone else; you only need to be yourself.”

Hearing their praise, Xie Chuan’s tail—or rather, his spirits—almost soared to the sky.

Feigning humility, he waved his hand: “My archery skills are too poor; Fourth Brother is far more precise. Once I recover, I’ll hire an archery master and train properly. Then, when the opportunity arises, I’ll spar with Fourth Brother.”

Dou Shuyiao lightly patted him. “Alright, let’s leave the future for the future. First, heal your injury.”

“Alright, alright, all as Madam says.”

The next day, Outside the gates of the Mingde Mansion, a flurry of orderly, urgent hoofbeats sounded. The main gate was struck repeatedly, and the steward dashed in, his voice trembling with excitement: “Madam! The palace… messengers from the palace have arrived! They bear an imperial decree!”

Wei Zhaorong remained calm, her voice steady as she commanded, “Open the main gate, set up the incense table, and have the entire household kneel to welcome them!”

The courtyard before the main hall of the marquisate was already meticulously prepared.

On the ebony incense table, smoke curled upward. Led by Wei Zhaorong, the head of the household, prominent servants, and the steward, all dressed in their most formal attire, knelt according to rank and precedence, forming a dense, black line.

Everyone held their breath; the air was so still that one could hear a pin drop.

Jianxi, the chief eunuch dressed in deep crimson court robes, entered with a broad smile, holding a scroll of bright yellow brocade.

“Mingde Marquisate, Wei Zhaorong, receive the imperial decree!”

Wei Zhaorong knelt and bowed her head.

“Your servant receives the decree!”

Jianxi unfurled the scroll, his hoarse voice echoing throughout the courtyard:

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Wei Zhaorong, the matriarch of the Mingde Marquisate, understands righteousness and discerns subtle matters. She has stabilized the household as solid as a rock, giving loyal and upright men no worries; she has also allied with influential families, serving as my extended arm to help secure the foundation of the empire. For this, she is hereby conferred the title of First-Rank Lady of Imperial Decree, and granted the ceremonial robes and crown. By imperial command!”

When the proclamation ended, Jianxi rolled up the scroll and said with a smile, “Madam, receive the decree and offer your thanks.”

Wei Zhaorong prostrated deeply, her forehead brushing the cool stone: “Your servant Wei Zhaorong bows to give thanks to His Majesty for his heavenly favor! Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!”

The household behind her echoed the thanks in unison.

Supported by Nanny Qi, Wei Zhaorong rose respectfully and accepted the heavy imperial scroll.

The bright yellow silk and cold jade rollers felt as if they weighed a thousand pounds in her hands.

At last, she had secured a bright future for the Mingde Marquisate.

Wei Zhaorong stored the decree carefully and gave Nanny Qi a subtle glance.

Nanny Qi understood immediately and handed Jianxi a silver note from the bank as a token of thanks.

Jianxi pushed it away. “Madam, the Emperor has expressly forbidden accepting your gifts. Otherwise, our heads would not be safe.”

Jianxi loved wealth, and Zhao Jingheng knew him well. Small tokens could usually be ignored, but the Mingde Marquisate had performed a great service. If Jianxi still acted so openly for money, Zhao Jingheng would surely punish him.

Wei Zhaorong smiled knowingly. “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Your servant has taken note.”

Jianxi stepped back. “There are many matters in the palace. We shall take our leave first.”

“Farewell, Chief Eunuch Jianxi.”

Once Jianxi departed, the marquisate buzzed with joy.

“Mother, now that you’ve been granted First-Rank Lady of Imperial Decree, we must celebrate!”

Though the old marquis had completed his three-year mourning, the nation was still in the late emperor’s mourning period, so no lavish celebration could be held.

“No hurry, Chuan’er. We can celebrate properly after the state mourning ends.”

“Alright, all as Mother says.”