Chapter 575: Chapter 237 My Son is a Villain (13)_2
Her mother-in-law was different; she didn’t care about losing face or being ridiculed by others. She just clung to one point and then did her best to utilize it—
And indeed, the results were remarkable.
Yang Sanlang was at a loss for words, while Vice Minister Yang was beside himself with anxiety.
The Emperor, it seemed, didn’t find "Ms. Hetian" the farmer’s wife particularly disgraceful; on the contrary, his glances at her even carried a hint of a smile.
The values of Commandery Princess An Kang truly suffered a shock.
It was as if she had found enlightenment in her mother-in-law.
Perhaps emboldened by her first experience, Commandery Princess An Kang really let go during her next performance.
She imitated the evil old lady, begging on her knees before the Saint—that demeanor was truly like that of a world-class daughter-in-law begging on the ground for her mother-in-law’s sake.
The Saint sighed, "Alas, my An Kang is truly a filial and good child!"
An Kang quickly echoed, "It’s also because my mother-in-law treats me well, so I especially cannot bear to see her aggrieved!"
The Saint, seeing his own niece protecting an outsider like this, actually felt a twinge of jealousy.
The child he had raised with his own hands was now showing filial piety to some countrywoman—was there no justice in the world?!
Well, perhaps there was some sense to it.
After all, in the eyes of the public, it was natural and right for a daughter-in-law to be respectful of her mother-in-law!
Okay then, since it was his niece’s mother-in-law, and the Saint really did dote on the child he had raised himself.
After pondering for a moment, the Saint looked at Yang Sanlang kneeling on the ground and then at He Tiantian, who was weakly slumped to one side, and suddenly spoke, "Ms. Hetian has faithfully kept her chastity, which is chaste and heroic; raising her son well, which shows Mrs. Yan; and being kind to her daughter-in-law, which is loving..."
The main reason Ms. Hetian was mocked by Yang Sanlang was that her current imperial decree was too low.
A minor fifth-rank, in the Capital City crawling with people of power like dogs, was truly insignificant.
Although Yang Sanlang was arrogant, he wasn’t a brainless fool.
If Ms. Hetian’s rank was high enough—if it were one rank higher than his mother’s—he might mutter "farmer" under his breath but would never dare show such disrespect openly.
So, the crux of the problem was that Ms. Hetian’s status wasn’t high enough.
Even so, let’s just reward her with some dignity.
After all, no matter what, Ms. Hetian was An Kang’s mother-in-law, and their relationship as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was indeed good!
Not for any other reason but for An Kang!
Yang Sanlang’s birth mother, the wife of Vice Minister Yang, was a fourth-rank Gongren.
And among the women of the Yang Family, the highest-ranked by imperial decree was Yang Sanlang’s grandmother, a Second-rank Shuren.
So then—
"I appreciate your character and hereby appoint Ms. Hetian of the Tian Family as the Lady of Chaste and Virtuous, Second-rank!"
The Emperor generously granted He Tiantian a lady’s imperial decree.
Only—
Chaste and virtuous?
Really idle?
Are you sure you’re not implying she idly causes mischief?!
He Tiantian internally sneered, but her face was filled with joy and excitement.
She even forgot to express her thanks for the Emperor’s grace.
It was Commandery Princess An Kang still kneeling next to her who reached out and tugged at her sleeve, reminding her, "Mother, quickly thank His Majesty for the grace!"
"Oh! Oh, right!!"
He Tiantian acted like an unworldly countrywoman, hurriedly turned over and kowtowed heavily, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great kindness!"
"Ha-ha, it is also because you are chaste and loving, truly a model for our generation!"
The Emperor was pleased by "Ms. Hetian’s" clumsy but heartfelt manner and praised her again, signifying she truly deserved her reputation.
He Tiantian: ...Heh, the original owner really wasn’t!
But now that she had the personal endorsement of the Emperor, who else would dare to use the original owner’s past to make a fuss?
What?
You say she didn’t follow the women’s way, seducing other men?
Hmph, the Emperor himself said she’s a "chaste and heroic woman," would you dare to question the Emperor?
What?
You say Ms. Hetian isn’t loving enough, too strict with her son?
Strict mothers raise filial sons, huh? Ms. Hetian could raise her son successfully, she certainly would also sincerely urge him to follow the right path!
What?
You say Ms. Hetian isn’t good to her daughter-in-law?
Uh, go ask Commandery Princess An Kang yourself and see what the person involved has to say!
He Tiantian was willing to bet that if it was two days ago, An Kang might still curse "evil Old Devout Woman" in her heart.
But, from yesterday onwards, she was the good mother-in-law of Daxia, and An Kang wouldn’t utter half a word against her!
He Tiantian was very pleased; today’s achievements were truly excellent.
"Ding! Yang Sanlang hatred value +10!"
"Ding! Vice Minister Yang hatred value +30!"
What a delightful notification sound.
Yet He Tiantian still felt it was not enough.
The Emperor, as an exceptional Superior, must practice clear reward and punishment.