Chongwen Emperor's expression eased slightly upon hearing their words. He ordered Cheng Shi and Qi Tianming to take this matter seriously and not to spare officials who concealed information.
Leaving the imperial study, Cheng Shi breathed a sigh of relief. He was due to retire the following year and had hoped to end his official career smoothly. He hadn't expected such a matter to arise at the last moment.
"Tianming, I owe you a debt of gratitude," Cheng Shi said with emotion.
Qi Tianming felt both relief and gratitude. Everything had happened just in time; had he been any later, he would have found it difficult to account for himself to the Emperor. Lord Cheng was on the verge of retirement, and many were eyeing his position. This success in disaster relief would give him more leverage and a greater chance of promotion.
"This junior is humbled," Qi Tianming cupped his hands. "Before this, I knew nothing of this matter. It was my mother and my youngest daughter who learned of the situation and informed me immediately. It was just before we were summoned."
Cheng Shi did not hesitate to praise the Old Madam and Qi Mingzhu, saying they cared for the common people and possessed broad minds, no less than men.
Qi Tianming awkwardly corrected him, "Your Excellency misunderstands. The daughter I mentioned is not the legitimate daughter Mingzhu, but the second born, a concubine's daughter."
"Is that the second young lady who shone so brightly at the Old Madam's birthday banquet?"
Qi Tianming was surprised that even Cheng Shi knew of this and nodded, "Precisely."
"Tianming, you are truly blessed! Your daughter is highly praised among the ladies of the capital. I didn't expect that not only her talent and beauty were outstanding, but her character was also beyond the reach of ordinary people. Excellent, excellent, you have raised your daughter very well," Cheng Shi praised.
This superior, usually so rigid, had never spoken so harmoniously before. For a moment, Qi Tianming felt a sense of elation.
"Has she been betrothed yet?" Cheng Shi asked again.
"She is engaged to Gu Sinian, the heir of the Huguo Duke's mansion. They will be married in March next year," Qi Tianming replied.
Cheng Shi was taken aback. "The younger generation is indeed formidable. The Emperor greatly values Gu Sinian, though his reputation in the common folk is not good! However, reputation is often based on hearsay and exaggeration. It cannot be a standard for judging a person's character! I have met that young man a few times. His eyes are clear, and his conversation is measured. He does not seem like someone who cannot hold his own."
Qi Tianming agreed, "I hadn't interacted with him before, but after the engagement, we met a few times. Indeed, as Your Excellency said, he is a good young man. Although he comes from a military background, his talents are no less than those of scholars and literati. He even has unique insights on certain issues, more mature than myself. To be honest with Your Excellency, the news of this snow disaster was relayed by Gu Sinian."
"So that's how it is. I was wondering how the Old Madam and the second young lady, who rarely leave their residences, could possibly know such news. You have found a good son-in-law. By informing you of such news in advance, he is clearly giving you an opportunity to earn merit. When I retire, this position of Minister of Personnel..."
Qi Tianming suppressed his excitement. "Your Excellency, rest assured, this junior will do his utmost to serve. I will always remember Your Excellency's guidance and will never forget my roots."
After chatting for a while longer, Qi Tianming respectfully saw Cheng Shi off to his carriage. After watching him depart, he then boarded his own sedan chair.
Upon returning to the mansion, Qi Tianming went straight to Chaohui Hall and recounted the matter to the Old Madam, his spirits high and his words filled with excitement.
"You must remember, this opportunity was given by Zhenzhen. Even if you are not promoted to Minister of Personnel, if you handle this task well, you will have gained favor with the Emperor, which will greatly benefit your future promotions," the Old Madam said calmly. "Do you understand my meaning?"
Qi Tianming calmed down. "This son understands. Zhenzhen is born of the Yun clan. Both her children are not useless. This junior remembers the Yun clan's contributions."
The Old Madam then nodded. "If there are any developments, someone from the Qian family will send word. You need not act rashly; just cooperate with the Qian family's actions. With the Qian family in the lead, no matter what happens, there will be no mistakes. The Qian family is no less capable than your Ministry of Revenue in handling such matters."
Qi Tianming nodded upon hearing this. "This son understands."
On the other side, the Qian family was taking action with great urgency, setting up porridge shelters and mobilizing wealthy households to donate old clothes and bedding. In addition, they needed to gather physicians and prepare medicinal supplies, as too many disaster victims had fallen ill.
Although the Qian family's business was extensive, it did not extend to the medical field.
At this time, Baicao Hall approached the Qian family, expressing their willingness to contribute to the disaster victims alongside them. Baicao Hall not only provided physicians but also the necessary medicinal supplies. The major medical halls and pharmacies in the capital, seeing this, could only follow Baicao Hall's lead, as such actions were excellent for accumulating public goodwill.
News about the disaster gradually reached Qi Zhenzhen.
Qi Zhenzhen did not conceal it from Qi Tianming and relayed it all. Qi Tianming acted decisively, immediately instructing his household staff to stop sending grain and clothing to the disaster-stricken areas fifty li outside the capital.
Soon, a message also came from the palace, commending the Changping Marquis's mansion. The Empress also led the concubines in donating many pieces of jewelry, which were exchanged for silver to purchase clothing, bedding, and food for the disaster victims. With the imperial harem setting an example, the families of the officials could not stand idly by. However, in such matters, everyone remembered the first to act, and who would remember those who followed suit?
Thus, the Changping Marquis's mansion gained immense popularity this time, making all the families in the capital envious and regretting not having acted before the Changping Marquis's mansion.
Jinghua Courtyard.
Madam Xiao Qin leaned on a couch, her expression gloomy.
She, as the mistress of the Marquis's mansion, was completely unaware of the Changping Marquis's mansion's relief efforts for the disaster victims. This was a complete disregard for her! What was the difference between her, the Marchioness, and a mere decoration?
"Madam, please calm your anger," Madam Qin advised.
"How can I calm my anger? Did you not hear my mother's accusations just now? She thinks I did this intentionally," Madam Xiao Qin said irritably.
"The Princess is just angry. She knows your temperament best and will surely understand later," Madam Qin said earnestly.
"I am furious that such a major event was kept from me by the mansion!" Madam Xiao Qin shrieked. "Madam Qin, help me get ready; we are going to Chaohui Hall."
Madam Qin could not dissuade her and could only help Madam Xiao Qin tie on a padded belly. Fortunately, it was winter, and she was wearing thick clothing, which concealed it well enough that it was not noticeable.
"The roads are slippery in the snow. Didn't I say you don't need to come to pay your respects?" The Old Madam frowned slightly. "Even if you truly had to go out, you should have brought more people to serve you."
Madam Xiao Qin vaguely agreed and went straight to the point, "Mother, why was I not informed about the mansion's efforts to help the disaster victims?"
The Old Madam, not realizing Madam Xiao Qin was upset about this matter, said, "You are pregnant, so you don't need to worry about these things. Just take good care of yourself. It's not a troublesome matter!"