That night, Song Zhimian rested alone in her room. The servants temporarily assigned by Madame Ding to attend to her had all been driven out by Song Zhimian.
Everyone in the Song residence knew that it was Madame Ding who had taken away the only maid by Song Zhimian’s side.
Yet no one dared to say a word. Over the years, Madame Ding had held absolute power—how many people had she beaten, killed, or sold off? Everyone understood this well.
To target the young lady’s people surely meant that Madame Ding did not want any matters beyond her control to arise around the eldest young lady.
Song Zhimian slept quite soundly that night.
With the door securely bolted, there was truly nothing to fear. After tonight, life would be different.
…
Early the next morning, two magpies flew into the trees of the Song residence courtyard, chattering incessantly.
Song Kaishan, who was at home on his day off, was overjoyed at the sight of the two magpies.
“Excellent! A good omen! There’s likely to be a joyous occasion today!” Song Kaishan said with a smile as he gazed at the magpies in the trees.
Madame Ding chimed in beside him.
“The Marquis has been doing very well lately. Many among the titled nobility never manage to rise from a second-rank marquis to a first-rank marquis in their entire lives!
Yet the Marquis, with quite good fortune, has been promoted to a first-rank military marquis and even holds command of the Xunfang Camp. Isn’t that a joyous occasion?
Perhaps there’s even better news to come…”
“Marquis, Madame! Someone from the Directorate of Supervision has arrived!” Before Madame Ding could finish, the steward hurriedly ran over.
Both Song Kaishan and Madame Ding were taken aback.
“Someone from the Directorate of Supervision? What are they here for?”
The Directorate of Supervision was the department responsible for auditing the accounts of the six ministries and the commercial accounts of Dayu. Why would they suddenly come to the Zhongyong Hou Mansion?
Could it be… that there was some issue with the accounts of the mansion’s shops?
“Do you know what the matter is?” Song Kaishan immediately darkened his expression.
He had no desire to be targeted by the Directorate of Supervision. Being targeted by them was even more terrifying than being targeted by the Censorate…
If the Censorate took notice, he could still seek help from the prince and have some room for maneuver.
But if the Directorate of Supervision took notice… he could only wait to be skinned alive.
“It’s joyous news! Marquis, Madame, it’s joyous news!
The Directorate of Supervision has come to deliver a plaque for the eldest young lady! I heard it’s a plaque personally bestowed by the imperial family.
Marquis, Madame, please go and see! The people from the Directorate of Supervision are already at the main gate. The plaque is an imperial gift—you must set up an incense altar and personally receive it!” the steward said hurriedly.
Upon hearing this, Song Kaishan and Madame Ding finally relaxed.
When Madame Ding heard that the imperial family had personally bestowed a plaque upon Song Zhimian, her expression still turned somewhat unpleasant.
A plaque personally bestowed by the imperial family…
Song Kaishan, however, was overjoyed.
As he hurried toward the main gate, he did not forget to instruct the steward.
“Quickly go and prepare the incense altar! Also, why would the imperial family suddenly bestow a plaque upon Mian’er?
Are you certain it’s for the eldest young lady…”
Soon, Song Kaishan led the household to the main gate of the Song residence.
At a glance, Song Kaishan saw four constables from the Directorate of Supervision carrying a plaque, standing at the entrance of the Song residence.
The plaque, bearing the four bold and elegant characters “Virtuous and Talented”, was particularly eye-catching.
What mattered most was that it bore the personal seal of the current Emperor Xuan…
Song Kaishan hastily led the entire household in performing the kowtow ritual.
Who would have thought that the eldest daughter he had never wanted to see would have such an opportunity, earning praise from the imperial family.
The onlookers who had followed along were also whispering among themselves.
“Is it the eldest young lady of the Zhongyong Hou Mansion who received the imperial plaque?”
"Definitely! Didn't that Directorate of Supervision official just say it? He said this plaque is for the eldest miss of the Song family."
"Oh my, this is truly remarkable! A plaque personally bestowed by the imperial family—this is the highest honor. With this plaque, Eldest Miss Song can walk with her head held high, whether in the Song residence or in her future husband's home."
"Indeed! Eldest Miss Song has finally seen her hardships turn to sweetness…"
Song Kaishan took in all these words.
He was also thinking that with this plaque, Song Zhimian's life as a replacement wife for that Deputy General Wu should become much easier.
Just looking at this plaque… Deputy General Wu wouldn't dare to lay a hand on Song Zhimian!
This plaque was for Song Zhimian, but also for the entire Zhongyong Hou Mansion.
After respectfully completing the grand ceremonial bows, Song Kaishan quickly stood up.
He approached the leading woman—the fifth-rank Directorate of Supervision official, also the daughter of the Ministry of Revenue's Vice Minister Wen.
"Your Excellency Wen, for what reason has my daughter received this plaque?" Song Kaishan asked quietly.
Upon hearing this, Wen Shaoqing immediately laughed heartily.
"Your esteemed daughter has shown great righteousness, caring deeply for the soldiers in Beidi. During the Directorate of Supervision's recent fundraising campaign, she generously contributed, truly a heroine among women."
"Our superior admired Eldest Miss Song's righteous act and specifically reported this matter to His Majesty."
"His Majesty also praised Eldest Miss Song's righteous act profusely, which is why he personally inscribed these four characters to commend her."
Song Kaishan immediately understood.
Two days ago, Song Zhimian had gone to the Directorate of Supervision to donate some silver, and had also contributed some unused jewelry and hair ornaments.
So that's what happened…
But there were many people in the capital who donated more—why was Song Zhimian the only one granted a plaque?
He didn't know exactly how much other households had donated, but Zhongyong Hou Mansion had contributed two thousand taels of silver!
Could it be that Song Zhimian donated more than other young ladies from other families…
"This… was merely a small effort. As subjects of Dayu, caring for the soldiers in Beidi is only natural."
"It's also what our household should do." Song Kaishan quickly responded.
Upon hearing this, Wen Shaoqing promptly bowed respectfully to Song Kaishan with clasped hands.
"The Zhongyong Hou family's upbringing is exemplary, which is why they could nurture such an outstanding young lady as Eldest Miss Song."
"His Majesty said that Eldest Miss Song's righteous act is unique in the capital."
"He must bestow this plaque to show his appreciation."
Song Kaishan wore a smile on his face, but grew even more puzzled inside.
Unique in the capital?
How could that be? It was only about two or three hundred taels in total—how could that be unique in the capital?
The surrounding onlookers also grew more curious.
How much silver did Eldest Miss Song donate that His Majesty would call it unique in the capital and specially bestow a plaque for it?
From what they knew, Chancellor Lin's daughter generously donated five thousand taels of silver, yet His Majesty didn't grant such a reward!
Even the emperor's niece, Princess Jiahui, donated five thousand taels of silver, and His Majesty didn't make any special acknowledgment!
Could it be that Eldest Miss Song donated more than those two…
Impossible!
Ever since the original wife of Zhongyong Hou passed away, everyone knew this legitimate eldest daughter lived a life worse than even the illegitimate daughters.
Where would she get so much silver?
"Your Excellency Wen, how much silver did Eldest Miss Song donate?"
"Yes! To receive such commendation from His Majesty, it must have been over ten thousand taels of silver, right?"
"Exactly! Lord Wen, please tell us! That way we'll have motivation in the future!"
The onlookers chimed in one after another, asking questions.
If it were before, Wen Shaoqing would certainly have ignored these people.
But today's situation was different. For the Beidi fundraising, the more silver, the better.
With a good example set here, others might not aim to match it exactly, but they couldn't just donate a pittance and call it a day either!
Recalling what Lord Ye had instructed him before coming, Wen Shaoqing smiled.
"Eldest Miss Song is righteous and noble-hearted, thinking of the soldiers in Beidi.
She donated the dowry left to her by Madame Song back then, worth a hundred thousand taels of silver. Tell me, doesn't such a righteous act by Eldest Miss Song deserve His Majesty's commendation?" Wen Shaoqing proclaimed loudly.
The surroundings fell silent for a moment, then erupted like boiling water.
Song Kaishan was also stunned, unable to even maintain the most basic smile on his face.
"This… Lord Wen, please come inside to talk!" Song Kaishan could only force a dry laugh and invite Wen Shaoqing into the residence to speak.
There must be something fishy going on here, something definitely wrong!
Madame Ding nearly lost her footing…
That wretched girl donated her own dowry…
How dare she! How could she do such a thing!
Song Zhimian, who had been staying in her own courtyard, finally breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the commotion outside.
They've finally arrived!
Respected Father, do you like this first grand gift from your daughter?
Don't rush—there are more surprises like this to come!