The Emperor, overjoyed, did not forget the presence of others and began to bestow rewards one by one.
Thus, the Sixth Prince, for his meritorious service in disaster relief, was promoted to Prince Heqin, bestowed with ten thousand taels of gold and a hundred hectares of fertile land.
Bai Chao'an, as the Imperial Envoy, not only purged the corruption case in Jinling City but also made some achievements in the southwest. Therefore, he was promoted one rank to the position of Vice Minister of Works, from the second rank. Upon the current Vice Minister's retirement next year, he would immediately be appointed as the substantive Minister.
As for Wen Chenhe, the disaster struck swiftly, and his handling of it was deemed appropriate, not inciting public anger, and reasonably resolving the southwestern disaster. Emperor Qi still affirmed his efforts. However, he failed to detect the enemy's movements in advance, which led to the bombing of the watergates. Therefore, his merits and demerits canceled each other out, resulting in no promotion or demotion; he remained the Prefect of Shuzhou.
Instead, his wife and daughter received some favor, with his wife being conferred the title of a third-rank Madam of the Imperial Order, and bestowed with the epithet "Virtuous."
This came as somewhat of a surprise to many.
However, upon reflection, it was understandable. Feng Jinxu was Wen Chenhe's son-in-law, who died for the country. Naturally, the honor should be extended to his widowed wife and orphan daughter to show imperial favor.
When the imperial decree reached the Feng family, Madam Wen and her elder daughter-in-law, Madam Wen, were quite surprised but could only accept the decree and express their gratitude.
Upon learning that her husband was unharmed, Madam Wen's suspended heart finally settled.
She then began to pack her belongings, preparing to return to Shuzhou with Master Wen.
Brother Hui and Sister Meng also missed home dearly. No matter how good Dongdu City was, or how good the Feng family was, it was not as comfortable as Shuzhou.
Therefore, they agreed to leave after Bai Siruo's wedding.
Bai Residence.
This was Qiao Shanwei's first time stepping into this paternal family home. He had always avoided it from afar, never expecting such a day.
The mansion was vast, impeccably clean, and exuded elegance and gravitas.
Indeed, it was the residence of a prominent aristocratic family with extraordinary depth.
As Qiao Shanwei followed Prime Minister Bai and his son Bai Chao'an into the inner quarters, he encountered many unfamiliar faces.
The one with silver hair was naturally Old Madam Bai, who now looked at him with considerable kindness.
The one filled with excitement and anticipation was naturally his future mother, Madam Lin of the First Branch.
And the mother and daughter standing beside her, radiating wealth and nobility, were undoubtedly Princess Wenyi of the Fourth Branch and his cousin Bai Siruo.
Thus, Qiao Shanwei respectfully paid his respects to them.
If nothing else, Madam Lin grew fonder of him the more she looked at him.
She had initially thought that as mother and son of advanced age, there might be some distance between them. However, she did not expect the magic of immediate connection to be so profound.
He felt as if he were her own son, who had been raised elsewhere and had now returned to reunite.
Everyone could see Madam Lin's excitement, especially Princess Wenyi.
As sisters-in-law, she was acutely aware of the hardships and tears Madam Lin had endured over the years.
She sincerely rejoiced that her elder sister-in-law had such a capable adopted son.
At the same time, she was also happy for her Siruo. She had always worried that after her marriage, her maternal family would lack a brother to support her, and that their influence would diminish after they were gone.
Now, there was hope. Once Qiao Shanwei was adopted, the Bai family would have an heir.
Although his roots were in the Third Branch, he had never received sustenance or support from them. Moreover, with his paternal grandfather present, he would surely be guided onto the right path.
She then stepped forward and said.
"Your Fourth Uncle is still busy at Yunqi Academy these days and will return in a few days. This is the gift he asked me to prepare for you. Please do not find it wanting, Shanwei."
With that, she signaled for it to be brought forward: a set of the finest scholarly implements.
The inkstick, in particular, was of exceptional quality, likely no inferior to that used in the imperial palace.
He was about to politely decline, but was stopped by Madam Lin of the First Branch.
"Take it. We are family, there's no need to be formal."
Madam Lin's gift was a top-quality jade pendant, intricately carved with patterns of bats, gourds, and auspicious clouds, carrying very good omens.
"Has the courtyard been prepared?"
"Rest assured, Young Master. This was prepared before you went to Jinling City. It's the Changqing Courtyard next to our own. I've had craftsmen build a moon gate, connecting it to the adjacent garden and waterside pavilion. It will be quite comfortable to live in."
Bai Dalang nodded. His wife was indeed thoughtful. The Changqing Courtyard had been empty, with no one residing in it before.
However, its layout was excellent, and the courtyard was spacious, more than enough for Qiao Shanwei alone, and even sufficient if he were to marry and have children.
Qiao Shanwei was unaware, but the Bai family members all knew.
Especially Prime Minister Bai and Old Madam Bai, who had heard of Madam Lin's meticulous attention to detail in renovating the courtyard.
They felt that Qiao Shanwei would surely appreciate it once he moved in.
"After you are adopted, you will change your surname to Bai. Have you thought about changing your given name?"
Prime Minister Bai asked Qiao Shanwei after he was seated. After a moment of thought, he replied.
"Grandson does not wish to change it. It is a memento left by my mother. I was too young to remember when she passed away, and I never had the chance to be her child. Therefore, as long as this name exists, it will be as if my mother is still by my side. I beg grandfather's understanding."
After saying this, he specifically glanced at Madam Lin.
He was afraid she might take offense.
To his surprise, Madam Lin nodded repeatedly upon hearing his words, even looking at him with admiration.
"Good. Not forgetting the past. I have not misjudged you. Then we shall keep this name. However, you must also choose a name from the 'Si' generation to serve as your courtesy name."
"Everything will be as grandfather arranges."
"Let it be 'Ming.' Bai Siming, how does that sound?"
The character 'Ming,' meaning to illuminate all directions, was quite fitting for his current circumstances.
Qiao Shanwei liked it very much, and the rest of the Bai family also found it agreeable.
Thus, Siming became Qiao Shanwei's courtesy name, which close acquaintances could use.
After a brief period of pleasantries with everyone, Qiao Shanwei followed the couple from the First Branch to the Changqing Courtyard.
Every brick and tile, every tree and blade of grass here, revealed meticulous care.
As September arrived, the lingering heat of Dongdu City had not yet dissipated, yet here, a cool breeze could be felt.
Upon closer inspection, behind the Changqing Courtyard was a small waterside pavilion. The study was built adjacent to it, allowing for the enjoyment of lotuses in summer and the introduction of hot spring water in winter to prevent it from being cold, thus serving a regulating function.
It was truly a place that was warm in winter and cool in summer.
"Thank you, Madam of the First Branch, for your thoughtful arrangements. Shanwei is deeply grateful."
The adoption ceremony had not yet taken place, so the name Siming could not yet be used.
After that, he would change his appellation.
He would call Bai Chao'an father and Madam Lin mother.
Although it felt somewhat awkward, it was a necessary step.
Madam Lin, being very understanding, immediately said.
"It is not a major matter, you do not need to dwell on it. We are of advanced age to become mother and son, so it is impossible to expect great intimacy. Although you are joining our First Branch and must address me as mother, you must not forget the kindness of the Qiao family. If you wish, we can set up a separate room in the side chamber and hang your mother Qiao's portrait there for you to worship daily."
Her words struck a chord with Qiao Shanwei, who had initially worried that his adoptive mother might not be accepting of his biological mother.