“Indeed,” Zhao Kun said. “This subject was planning to bring this matter to Your Majesty after Chen Zhen completes the transaction.”
“Very well. Once news arrives from Chen Zhen, submit a memorial to grant them the Imperial Merchant title.”
Zhao Kun acknowledged with a “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Imperial Merchants were divided into several ranks. Those with official ranks and hereditary titles were of the fifth rank. Of course, there were also those without official status who lost their Imperial Merchant title when the court ceased doing business with them due to business reasons or personal changes.
Meng Chengwei’s family had previously belonged to this latter category.
Zhao Kun didn’t ask what rank to give the Ye family.
The Ye family was doing such substantial business with the court, generating several times the profit of other Imperial Merchants. More importantly, the Ye family’s business was exclusive—no one else could truly produce this black tea.
Previously, the tea-horse trade did involve tea, but it couldn’t compare to the Ye family’s black tea. They purchased black tea from the Ye family at a price similar to border tea, but sold it for two or three times more. Since only the Ye family could produce black tea and no one else could, they were clearly irreplaceable.
When the Ye family’s tea mountain yielded tea next year, producing 100,000 more catties than this year, they would earn even more.
If business with the Jin went well, they might negotiate with the Ye family to provide additional tea.
Therefore, according to their ranking standards, the Ye family qualified for the hereditary fifth-rank Imperial Merchant status. He only needed to follow this regulation and include the Ye family in his memorial. If the Emperor disagreed, he would indicate so in his response to the memorial.
Moreover, judging from the Emperor’s and Chancellor Yuan Zhengwei’s tone, since Lady Lu’s tea was “divinely imparted,” the Ye family might receive even more honors and privileges.
Just as he had this thought, Emperor Chu Chang spoke again: “The Ye family is doing such significant business with the court, they certainly deserve the Imperial Merchant title. Since Lady Lu has received divine instruction, she has a special background. This benefits the nation and is an auspicious sign of prosperity. It would be inappropriate for the court not to acknowledge this. What kind of reward would be suitable for her, in your opinion?”
In a monarchical system, rulers didn’t simply issue edicts based on their own decisions. Instead, they first revealed their intentions to close officials, who would then propose them in court. Officials would either oppose or support, ultimately forming an imperial decree. This approach avoided appearing dictatorial.
When officials presented matters, they would consider the ruler’s intentions. It was best not to bring up matters that would trouble the sovereign, unless one felt too comfortable in their position.
Granting a reward to Ye Yaming had been Yuan Zhengwei’s idea for some time. He wasn’t doing this to please Lu Zhongyong, nor did he have any personal connection with Lu Guanyi or interaction with Princess Imperial Yüning and others.
He purely believed, just as Emperor Chu Chang had mentioned, that since Ye Yaming had a special background, possibly even a deity descended to the mortal world, the court would be remiss not to bestow some honor upon her. If the heavenly immortals were displeased, they might send a drought, flood, locust plague, or some other disaster—wouldn’t that be troublesome?
After all, it was just an honorary title, costing neither money nor resources—beneficial without expense, so why not?
That’s why he had repeatedly mentioned Ye Yaming earlier, emphasizing the “divine impartation” angle.
Now, hearing that Emperor Chu Chang had understood his intention, he said, “Currently, Lu Guanyi is already of the third rank, and Lady Lu holds a third-rank patent of appointment. A lower rank would be meaningless. Perhaps we could bestow the title of ‘Lady of Tea Administration’ with a first-rank status. What does Your Majesty think?”
In Great Jin, Princesses Imperial and Princesses were of the first rank; Noble Ladies were of the second rank.
For women not of royal blood, the court had, due to outstanding contributions, allowed the Empress Dowager to issue edicts conferring the title of Noble Lady, but never that of Princess.
Yuan Zhengwei believed that, given Lu Guanyi’s abilities, becoming a first-rank official wasn’t impossible. By then, the rank of “Lady of Tea Administration” would become meaningless.
Moreover, if she were truly a deity incarnate, giving her a second rank—lower than earthly princesses—would be inappropriate. That would be disrespectful. Better not to bestow any title at all.
If they were to honor her, they should show sincerity. It was just a title after all, so they might as well be generous.
It must be said that Yuan Zhengwei’s rise to Chancellor wasn’t just due to his abilities, but also because his thought patterns aligned perfectly with Emperor Chu Chang’s. The ruler and minister often thought alike.
With Yuan Zhengwei’s suggestion, Emperor Chu Chang immediately understood his meaning.
He nodded and said, “Minister, this is an excellent idea. There’s no need to debate this matter in court. When news arrives from Minister Chen, and the Ministry of Finance grants the Ye family the Imperial Merchant title, I’ll directly issue an edict conferring the title of ‘Lady of Tea Administration’ upon Lady Lu.”
The court certainly had those who envied and resented talent. Many already objected to Lu Guanyi holding a third-rank position at such a young age, and Ye Yaming’s “divine origin” couldn’t be openly discussed. If they were to debate this in court, many would voice opposition and reject the proposal, ruining their good intentions.
It was merely a woman’s honorary title, not a major state affair, so they could bypass the court’s deliberation and have the Emperor decide directly.
This was exactly Yuan Zhengwei’s intention.
He promptly said, “Your Majesty is wise.”
Ye Yaming had no idea that the Emperor and Chancellor were preparing to bestow honors upon her because of the rumors she had allowed to spread.
She had been living quite comfortably lately.
Her child was cared for by wet nurses, maids, and servants. The baby mostly ate and slept, without requiring much of her education yet, so she could spend time with him when free and tend to her affairs when needed.
Besides moving into the new residence and attending the engagement banquets of Ye Yayin and Ye Yayu, she had also participated in several parties hosted by Princess Imperial Yüning and others. She had also visited Ji Xiang House several times, drinking tea and chatting with friends.
This was a completely different life from her time in Lin’an.
In Lin’an, she had no social life, focusing solely on tea production and childcare at home.
Suddenly changing to this lifestyle, reminiscent of her previous life’s social engagements, Ye Yaming not only adapted well but also quite enjoyed it.
“On our day off after tomorrow, shall I take you hunting?” Lu Guanyi suggested.
“Yes, I’d love to!” Ye Yaming’s eyes immediately brightened, but then dimmed as her whole demeanor deflated. “But for hunting, we’d need to leave tomorrow afternoon and stay out for two nights. What about our child?”
“Can’t we invite your mother and two sisters to stay for two nights?” Lu Guanyi had already thought of this.
With a man’s typical nonchalance, he saw nothing wrong with leaving the child in the care of wet nurses, maids, and servants. After all, Nanny Xia, Bai Rui, and Lu’E were extremely loyal and reliable. Ye Yaming could take Zi Yuan and Qing Zhi with her and completely entrust the child to the others.
But Ye Yaming didn’t see it that way.
Although she attended banquets, she only went for half a day. Any longer and she would become restless, constantly thinking about her child, only feeling at ease after returning home to check on him.
If she didn’t trust the maids and servants, surely she could trust her mother and sisters?