On the twelfth day of the eleventh month, Ye Yaming was playing with her child using a small bell when Lu’E came running in, out of breath: “Mi-Mistress…”

Ye Yaming’s expression changed as she stood up and asked: “What has happened?”

Over these two years, Lu’E’s temperament had become increasingly steady, and she would no longer get flustered over minor matters.

Moreover, just yesterday, Lu’E had mentioned that her monthly cycle hadn’t come, and she was only waiting a few more days to consult a physician to confirm whether she was pregnant. She wouldn’t act so rashly.

“Im-Imperial Edict,” Lu’E finally caught her breath, “A palace eunuch has come to deliver an Imperial Edict, requesting everyone in the household to receive it in the main hall.”

Ye Yaming was momentarily stunned, then delighted. This must be news from the border, and the Emperor had issued an edict.

She instructed everyone: “Quickly, tidy yourselves up and go to the front hall to receive the edict.”

She then asked Lu’E: “Is anyone receiving them in the front hall?”

“Yes, the master had just returned from court and encountered the eunuchs at the entrance. He accompanied them inside.”

Ye Yaming opened her mouth, wanting to ask Lu’E to find Ye Hongsheng and Madam Yin at the Ye residence to receive the edict together. If the edict not only conferred upon her the title of “Lady of Tea Administration” but also granted the Ye family Imperial Merchant status and official rank, it wouldn’t be just her matter, but that of the entire Ye family.

But even though the Ye family residence was close to the Lu residence, there was still some distance. The palace eunuchs might not be happy to wait.

Ye Yaming could only suppress her thoughts and turned to say: “I’ll go change first.” She then instructed the wet nurse, “Change the child’s clothes as well.”

Shortly after, Ye Yaming emerged in fresh attire and went to the front hall with the two children and the servants.

Lu Guanyi stood up and introduced: “Eunuch Wang, this is my wife.”

Then he introduced to Ye Yaming: “This is Eunuch Wang from the Imperial Palace, here to deliver the Imperial Edict.”

“I’ve kept Eunuch Wang waiting,” Ye Yaming said with a smile.

Eunuch Wang greeted Ye Yaming: “Lady Lu, peace be with you.”

Seeing that Eunuch Wang appeared kind and was treating her exceptionally well, Ye Yaming was about to ask if they could wait a moment, when she heard Lu Guanyi say: “Wife, I’ve already discussed with Eunuch Wang that he will wait briefly until your father and the others arrive before proclaiming the edict. I’ve already sent someone to notify your father.”

Ye Yaming was overjoyed: “Thank you, Eunuch Wang, for your accommodation.”

Eunuch Wang waved his hand and smiled: “Lady Lu’s fragrant tea is this humble one’s favorite. Being able to have a few more cups here is my good fortune—I dare not accept the thanks of Lord Lu and Lady Lu.”

Ye Yaming knew that Lu Guanyi must have already given him a red envelope. But since Eunuch Wang said this, she naturally had to respond in kind.

She beckoned Xu Zan: “Go, pack two jars of Longjing tea, two jars of Tieguanyin, two blocks of black tea, and prepare a high-quality red envelope for Eunuch Wang.”

“Lady Lu, please don’t be so formal. Lord Lu has already given this humble one a gift.”

“His gift is his, and mine is mine. Today, Eunuch Wang has come for my Ye family’s matter, so I must express my gratitude.” Ye Yaming smiled.

Having received two generous rewards and so much tea—which he could either use as gifts or drink himself upon returning to the palace, both being matters of great face—Eunuch Wang’s eyes crinkled with pleasure.

He then did Ye Yaming a favor: “After this humble one proclaims the Imperial Edict here, tomorrow morning I must go to the Ye family in Lin’an to read it once more. Does Lady Lu have any message she wishes this humble one to convey? It’s merely a small effort, so Lady Lu needn’t stand on ceremony.”

Ye Yaming was delighted: “Then I shall write a letter and trouble you to deliver it to my grandfather.”

With that, she excused herself and went next door to write the letter.

She wasn’t short of messengers, but this was merely a way to let the Ye family members become more familiar with Eunuch Wang, using this opportunity to give him an additional red envelope.

The Ye family didn’t lack money, but status and position. Being able to converse with a palace eunuch for a while longer, have him stay for a few more cups of tea, and build a relationship—these were all things that would bring honor to Ye Chongming and Old Lady Ye. When the elderly couple spoke of it to others, it would bring them face.

Whether by coincidence or Eunuch Wang’s deliberate timing, it was now time for officials to leave court for dinner, and Ye Hongsheng had already returned from the teahouse.

So it wasn’t long after the servant rode quickly to deliver the message that Ye Hongsheng, Madam Yin, Ye Yayin, and Ye Yayu arrived.

Seeing this, Eunuch Wang stood up, cleared his throat, and said: “Since everyone is properly prepared, shall we proceed with the edict?”

“Please, Eunuch Wang.”

The incense table had already been prepared. After Ye Yaming and the others knelt, Eunuch Wang unfolded the imperial yellow silk and began to read the Imperial Edict.

This edict was much longer than the previous marriage decree. The beginning elaborated at length, filled with flowery language flattering the Emperor, suggesting that it was due to His Majesty’s diligent governance that the empire was now prosperous, allowing people to eat their fill, enabling Great Jin to allocate more land for tea cultivation, and making citizens willing to spend money on tea, leading to the current flourishing tea market.

Only after this did it announce that the Ye family would become hereditary Imperial Merchants with an official rank of fifth rank; and further declared Ye Yaming as “Lady of Tea Administration” of the first rank.

When Ye Hongsheng arrived, he had only heard from the servant that someone from the palace had come to deliver an edict, possibly finally granting the Ye family Imperial Merchant status.

He never expected that not only would the Ye family receive the “Imperial Merchant” title, but also hereditary fifth-rank official status, which immediately filled him with excitement. When he heard that Ye Yaming was being conferred the first-rank title of “Lady of Tea Administration,” he could no longer contain himself, and tears sprang from his eyes.

Madam Yin didn’t fully understand the flowery language. After rising from her kowtow, she saw Ye Yaming accepting the first-rank court dress from Eunuch Wang, heard Ye Yayin and Ye Yayu excitedly discussing in low voices, and saw her husband quietly wiping away tears. Her eyes immediately widened.

After Ye Yaming and Lu Guanyi escorted Eunuch Wang and his entourage out, she grabbed Ye Hongsheng’s hand and asked: “Yin’er says that the Emperor has bestowed a first-rank title upon Ming’er. Is that true?”

Previously, she wouldn’t have had much concept of official ranks. But now, spending time daily with Princess Imperial Yü’an and various noble ladies, she understood these ranks all too well.

Seeing Ye Hongsheng nod, her eyes grew even wider: “Does that mean our Ming’er is now equivalent to a princess?”

Ye Hongsheng shook his head and explained: “In terms of rank, she’s on equal footing with princesses. But the Emperor has conferred upon Ming’er the title of ‘Lady of Tea Administration,’ not princess.”

“Regardless, being on equal footing with princesses means she outranks most noble ladies and official wives in the capital.” Madam Yin remained excited and asked, “And Father has also been granted a fifth-rank official position?”

“Yes,” Ye Hongsheng nodded firmly.

“Wonderful, wonderful.” Madam Yin’s tears also fell uncontrollably as she murmured, “We are no longer lowly merchants; we no longer need to be looked down upon. I wonder how excited Father and Mother will be when they receive the Imperial Edict.”

Ye Yaming returned after sending off Eunuch Wang and witnessed Ye Hongsheng and Madam Yin crying with excitement, overhearing Madam Yin’s words.

She took a deep breath and looked toward Lu Guanyi.

Lu Guanyi came forward with a smile, took her hand, and asked: “Stunned with happiness?”

Ye Yaming smiled, her eyes somewhat moist.

She nodded firmly: “Yes, I’m happy.”

She was happy that despite traveling to ancient times, she had still made a career for herself, filling this different time and space with the fragrance of tea. As long as the government remained upright, she would bring all the teas from her former world to Great Jin, and would have court officials carry these teas beyond national borders, toward the world.

She was even happier that beyond her career, she had also found love and had the fruit of that love. Besides these, she had family who loved her and friends she could rely on.

She believed that as long as she properly managed her career, love, and friendships, her life would certainly be safe, smooth, happy, and fulfilling.

(The End)