Chapter Ten: The Decree of Enfeoffment

Two days later, on the fifteenth day of October, Yuli knew that the imperial court's decree was about to arrive. Therefore, she woke up early and dressed in the new clothes sent by the lady of the house yesterday. She made herself look refreshed from head to toe, then went to the Lady Dowager Zhu Shou Hall very early.

Every day, the grandchildren would go to Lady Yu's Bamboo Longevity Hall at sunrise and sunset for attendance. But usually, they arrived at the hall around dawn. Today, however, Yuli had arrived at the Bamboo Longevity Hall just past the second quarter-hour of the morning.

Busy working, Hongzhu saw him coming and smiled, saying readily, "Oh, Young Master San, why did you come so early today? Madam is still combing her hair, and we haven't had breakfast yet!"

"I have something important to discuss with grandmother!" Yu Li's face was filled with excitement and a joyous expression. "Could you please inform Sister Hongzhu for me!"

Hong Zhu didn't dare to neglect, so she went busily. After a while, she came out again and smiled at him, saying, "Old Madam is inviting Third Young Master to go in."

"Thank you, Sister!" Yu Li said, and hurriedly went inside.

"Grandmother! Grandmother!" Yu Li's face lit up with joy as she walked in. Seeing Li Shi still combing her hair in front of the mirror, she immediately knelt down in front of her and repeatedly exclaimed, "Congratulations, grandmother! Congratulations, grandmother!"

Madam Yu was puzzled by his congratulations. She noticed that he was dressed in brand new clothes, looking much more refined than his previous shabby appearance. She couldn't help but smile and asked, "Why such joy this early in the morning, grandson?"

Yuli couldn't contain her excitement on her face. "Grandmother, last night I had a dream. I dreamt that three immortal elders gave me an incredibly large immortal peach, and they said congratulations, there will be good news in our family!"

Madam Yu has always been a devout Buddhist, so upon hearing these words, she didn't find them absurd. Instead, she asked in response, "Three ancient immortals?"

"Yes!" Yu Li nodded vigorously, as if she was trying her best to make Madam Yu believe her. "I saw them at the Guangming Temple. I suspect they are the three deities Fu, Lu, and Shou! I thought to myself, we often say 'May you have as much fortune as the East Sea and as much longevity as the South Mountain' to wish our elders a long life. Now, the three deities Fu, Lu, and Shou appeared to me in a dream and even gave me a large divine peach. Does that mean Grandma can live to be a hundred years old?"

Although Yuli's words were naive, who wouldn't want to hear such kind words? Especially from someone like Madame Yu, who is a devoted Buddhist. Besides, even if dreams are not trustworthy, as the saying goes, "One thinks during the day and dreams during the night." Having such a dream is just a reflection of Yuli's constant thoughts about Madame Yu.

Therefore, when Madam Yu heard this, although she didn't completely believe it, she still smiled happily and chuckled, "So, this is what you're up to early in the morning!"

"Of course, it's all about that matter. Grandmother's matter is the top priority for our Jade Palace!" said Yu Li earnestly. Two dimples appeared on her lovely and pretty face, making her look adorable.

Madam Yu laughed uncontrollably, unable to close her mouth: "Alright, alright, if what you said in your dream is real, then your grandmother is truly extraordinary! In her heart, she couldn't help but think: If this dream is true, could it be that I will truly attain complete fortune and eternal life? However, such a significant matter should be entrusted to the eldest son, the legitimate grandson; how can it be entrusted to Yu Li? Could it be that he is truly the lucky star of our Yu family?"

"Madam, breakfast has been served. Would you like to have breakfast first?" Hongzhu asked.

When Madam Yu heard this, she turned to Yu Li and said, "My dear granddaughter, you don't have to kneel anymore. You came to visit your grandmother early in the morning, so I presume you haven't had breakfast yet? Join your grandmother then!"

"It would be wonderful, of course. The food here is the best, Grandma. Thank you, Grandma!" Yu Li said, hurriedly standing up and supporting Lady Yu.

The two generations of grandfather and grandson finished their breakfast together, with laughter filling the room. There was nothing more to it than the fact that Yuli had lived two lives and understood the power of sweet words and a smiling face. Who wouldn't want to hear kind words and be greeted with a smiling face? Wasn't Yudian admired for her graceful and elegant appearance, always speaking kindly and wearing a gentle smile? If one couldn't speak, they could learn, and if one didn't want to speak, they could force themselves to. To survive, this was the simplest and most essential rule.

After the two finished their meal, the maid and the servant were in the process of clearing the table. Just then, they heard another maid coming over and saying that Young Master Da, Third Miss, and Second Miss had arrived.

Yu Xuan, Yu Wan, and Yu Qian also came to visit Madam Yu early in the morning. When they saw that Yu Li had arrived so early, they were all a bit surprised. So Madam Yu told them the reason for his early arrival.

After listening, Yuxuan was the first to speak, his words filled with disdain and his smile tinged with sarcasm as he said, "If that's truly the case, then it would be best. I also hope that my grandmother lives to be a hundred years old. However, who can prove the authenticity of these mysterious and elusive matters? Today, Third Brother dreams of the gods of fortune, rank, and longevity, and tomorrow I dream of the God of Wealth. If everyone takes them seriously, wouldn't it be ridiculous? Could it be that Third Brother has concocted a story to deceive our grandmother?"

Yuduan on the side smiled without saying a word, while Yuqian, who has always been quiet and reserved, simply listened silently.

Yuli looked at Yuxuan with a warm smile on her face. "Big brother, if you don't believe me, I can't do anything about it. Just consider it as me trying to please our grandmother!"

Madame Yu listens from the side, but she is a little unhappy in her heart: Originally, even if this matter is not true, it would still bring joy to hear it. But by saying it in this way, it seems as if she is easily duped like a three-year-old child. Where should she, as an elder, place her dignity? Therefore, she defends Yu Li and says, "Li'er is also filial to me. It's just a matter of wanting to make me smile. Xuan'er, why must you take it so seriously?"

Yu Xuan replied, "Grandmother is unaware, but Yuli has revealed this first today. Tomorrow, every maidservant and servant will fabricate dreams about how you are doing, in order to gain your favor. Wouldn't that be like 'King Chu admiring a slender waist'?"

Yudan listened on the side and realized that her elder brother's words had loopholes. Just as she was about to intervene, she saw Yuli on the opposite side, putting away his smile and solemnly saying, "..."

"Big Brother, are you mistaken? Is Grandmother not as foolish as the King of Chu? Grandmother believes in me only because I am her grandson. Could it be that Big Brother thinks anyone who goes to Grandmother can use such absurd stories to win her favor?"

Implicitly, do you think our grandmother is so foolish? That she would believe such absurd things one after another?

"You, when did I...?" Yu Xuan was momentarily taken aback, while Yu Han quickly interjected:

How could the eldest brother have such a thought? The eldest brother is only afraid of promoting a culture of flattery within the mansion. He is afraid that everyone will think that as long as they say a few pleasing words, they can make the master happy, and it won't matter if they don't perform their duties well."

Yu Li smiled on her face when she heard the words, but her eyes grew colder and colder. Yu Wan was truly sharp-tongued, far more cunning than Yu Xuan. This sentence not only subtly mocked his flattery, but also elevated his actions to the level of the household's reputation. Even Old Lady Yu might find it difficult to defend him!

But what does it matter? Anyway, they will soon embarrass themselves.

The smile on Yuli's face faded away, as if hiding her true emotions. She said, "Sister is right. I was wrong today. If I have such dreams again in the future, I won't mention them anymore."

Yuan Xie was about to speak, pretending to put on an exaggerated performance. But then she saw the steward, Feng An, rushing over in a hurried and flustered manner. His face was flushed with joy, and he seemed to be bursting with excitement.

"Congratulations, Madam! Hooray for Madam! Madam is overjoyed!"

This appearance bears some resemblance to Yuli's earlier appearance.

Lady Yu was slightly startled, and Yu Xuan and Yu Duan exchanged a glance. Yu Xuan furrowed his brow and said, "What's the matter? Why are you so surprised? Speak properly!"

Madam Yu also said, "Take your time to respond, don't be flustered and anxious."

Feng An quickly straightened himself and knelt properly, smiling as he said, "Madam, you have great news! The imperial court has just bestowed upon you the title of a first-ranked noblewoman! The palace eunuchs responsible for presenting the imperial decree have already arrived at the doorstep!"

Upon hearing this, Madame Yu couldn't contain her excitement and quickly got up, saying, "Quick, please come in! Du Ruo, hurry and help me change!"

Upon hearing this, Yuli's face lit up with an innocent smile. She tilted her head slightly and said to Yulao Madam, "Grandmother, look, did Yuli say it right? Did the 'Old Immortal' bring you the 'Great Immortal Peach'?"

Feng An, who was kneeling below, was utterly confused. Yu Xuan and Yu Wan, the siblings, also found it hard to believe - they were probably thinking, could it be that this lowly fellow is truly some sort of lucky star that has descended to earth? But if not, then could it be that he possesses the gift of prophecy? After all, he has no connections within the court, so it's impossible for anyone to have obtained such vital information!

And when Madam Yu heard this, she immediately understood it and smiled even more happily. She exclaimed with excitement, "If it's really true, if it's really true! Lier, you really are the fortunate star of our manor. Later, grandmother will reward you generously!"

"I didn't do anything!" Yuli laughed as she watched Madam Yu go inside. She turned her head to look at Yuxuan and Yudan, a hint of smugness on her face. "Am I right, little sister Yudan? All of this was just flattery!"

A trace of annoyance and hatred flickered in Yu Wan's eyes, yet she maintained a calm smile on her face.

Yu Li sneered in her heart, "These noble ladies really have thick skin. Even after being slapped in the face, they can still smile at me so calmly. I must learn this skill for myself!"