My Dear Wife, Please Be Gentle!-Chapter 1149 - 1155: Concubine, Ultimately a Concubine

It was their own child they had given birth to, yet when they saw him, they could only call him "aunt." How could their hearts not ache?

Even so, many concubines would still request for their children to be raised under the principal wife’s knees, wanting a better future for them.

This was because the treatment of legitimate children and peasant sons differed like heaven and earth.

Families adhering to traditions would provide better education to legitimate children, marry them to well-matched and respectable young ladies, and only the legitimate child could inherit the family business.

Peasant sons could only marry another peasant daughter or choose an inferior girl, and when it came to dividing the inheritance, they would receive but a small portion and had to set up their own households.

If one was fortunate enough to be listed under the principal wife’s name, that truly was a blessing of three lifetimes.

Li Mu’er, stepping on a sore spot, said through clenched teeth, "Lady Qin worries too much, the Prince has said that in the Mansion of King Liang, there is no distinction between legitimate and peasant children."

"Indeed, there are families that do not adhere to traditions and end up favoring concubines over wives,"

Chen Yiling responded lightly.

As far as she knew, the Mansion of King Liang was of noble origin, and if a son were born, what would become of Li Mu’er?

Everyone attending the banquet was the principal wife, and there was an indescribable loathing towards presumptuous concubines, thus the enthusiasm for Li Mu’er quickly dwindled.

What was the use of having another son?

As long as the first wife was not divorced, one could never surpass her in this lifetime!

Realizing what she had said, Chen Yiling quickly covered her mouth, "Madam, I’m always too blunt, please don’t take it personally."

"I actually think it has been quite enlightening," Qiao Duo’er sincerely remarked.

She was a village girl from Big Willow Village, previously unaware of these conventions.

"Actually, the reputable families in Mansion City do the same,"

One courageous madam said earnestly, having recently been vexed by a concubine who had just given birth to a son, finding solace in venting her frustration now.

Just as the atmosphere turned somewhat awkward, a government official hurried over.

"A decree from the Emperor, please move to the front hall," he announced.

Everyone immediately rushed to the front courtyard, fearful of being accused of negligence.

For people of this era, an imperial edict was a matter more critical than life itself.

In the front hall, when everyone had gathered, Grandpa Zhang began to read the imperial edict.

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Qin Longyun is astute and compassionate, loves the people as his own children, bestowed with a command token, his wife Chen Yiling of noble birth, virtuous and righteous, noble yet frugal, conferred the title of Mistress of Qi’an County."

Qin Longyun respectfully received the imperial edict, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty."

Grandpa Zhang quickly helped Qin Longyun to his feet, "Master Tan’s intentions will surely be conveyed to His Majesty by our household."

Qin Longyun offered a few more polite remarks, to which Grandpa Zhang respectfully replied.

"Could this be Master Tan and Mrs. Tan?"

Grandpa Zhang still remembered them because of those delicious yet spicy dishes and thus remembered the couple.

Tan Zhenghong bowed his hands, "I never expected Grandpa to remember us, it is an honor."

"Master Tan is too modest. By the way, there is also an imperial decree for you. Why not read it now while we’re here?" suggested Grandpa Zhang.

Grandpa Zhang proposed, not expecting that this trip would prove so fortuitous.

If it were not for the Tan Family Members being here, he would have had to travel to Big Willow Village, a journey that, even if swift, would take ten days back and forth.

Tan Zhenghong did not want to make such a spectacle, but he could not disregard Grandpa Zhang’s feelings, so he could only nod in agreement.

The crowd knelt again, and Grandpa Zhang unfolded the imperial edict.

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Tan Zhenghong is kind-hearted, has contributed to disaster relief, and with his exquisite craftsmanship, has worked for the welfare of the people, conferred the title of Fourth Rank Inspector, granted the authority to assist in inspections, his wife of fine countenance, possessing both virtue and talent, conferred the title of Reverent Person."