Whether it was Wei Ting or Chief Steward Chi, both were curious about Yang Haiyan.

They knew that the military land policy and the nitrate ice-making method were proposed by this woman.

Before meeting Yang Haiyan, they were aware that she had been a high-ranking maid by the side of the esteemed Miss Yang from the Yang family, known as one of the jewels of the capital.

Thus, they held her in slightly higher regard.

However, it was just a slight elevation.

Even though Yang Haiyan was now a lady of official status, she had once been a servant girl.

Ordinary families might think a little more highly of a girl who had worked in a prominent household, but the gentry would not.

The gentry held deep-rooted beliefs; a maid was still a maid.

Even if that maid became an imperial consort one day, people would still say behind her back that she had once been just a maid.

Moreover, Yang Haiyan was merely the wife of a fifth-rank official.

However, Wei Ting and Chief Eunuch Chi did view Yang Haiyan differently because of her contributions to the military land policy and the nitrate ice-making project.

She was not an ordinary maid but an exceptional and talented one.

But that was all; they thought a little more highly of her, but it was still just a little.

Yet, when they met Yang Haiyan in person, that slight regard increased a few notches.

Unlike the typical timid maid, the woman before them was beautiful, dressed in a light blue robe.

She wore a gold hairpin adorned with white pearls, and her slender wrists were decorated with a Hetian jade bracelet, presenting an overall gentle and graceful demeanor.

Such a woman easily garnered favorable impressions.

Of course, this admiration was not romantic but rather an ancient man’s preference for women.

Many men in ancient times favored this type for their wives—composed, gentle, dignified, and refined.

Wei Ting and Eunuch Chi did not find Yang Haiyan stunning.

The maids they had in mind shouldn’t look like this, yet they also felt that there was nothing particularly surprising about her.

In terms of looks, the capital was filled with beautiful women.

Chief Eunuch Chi had seen all sorts of beauties in the imperial harem; Yang Haiyan would only be considered average there.

While she was indeed beautiful, she was not extraordinary.

If there were any commendable aspects, it was probably her demeanor, which did not resemble that of a typical maid.

Wei Ting’s impressions of Yang Haiyan were similar to Chief Eunuch Chi’s.

Except for her aura that resembled a noble lady, he didn’t find anything particularly striking.

However, such a woman was quite comfortable to be around.

She did not fawn or flatter; her gaze was clear, and her demeanor was composed and gracious.

Wei Ting thought to himself that it was no wonder she had been by the side of the capital’s jewel.

How dazzling that jewel had been in her time!

His brother… At this thought, Wei Ting couldn’t help but sigh.

Yang Haiyan smiled warmly. “I have seen Lord Wei and Chief Eunuch Chi. Speaking of which, since our arrival in Yunxiang County, you two are the first guests to our residence.”

Her voice, though still gentle, was notably more confident than when she spoke with Qin Fang.

Upon hearing this, Wei Ting couldn’t help but ask, “That is a bit awkward; while we are guests, what should we do since we didn’t bring any gifts?”

Chief Eunuch Chi searched his pockets. “Indeed, I didn’t prepare any gifts either.”

Qin Fang was left bewildered: “What are we talking about here?”

Yang Haiyan replied, “If you two could stay a few more days at our humble abode and allow my husband to play the gracious host, that would be the best gift of all.”

Wei Ting and Chief Eunuch Chi exchanged glances and smiled.

This Madam Qin was indeed exceptional.

Their previous comments had been playful teasing, but she had handled it effortlessly.

A woman who could conceive military land policies and nitrate ice-making was truly remarkable.

Chief Steward Chi added, “While we haven’t prepared any gifts, we have brought a token of respect for the noble lady from the Emperor.”

Yang Haiyan was taken aback. “Noble lady?”

Chief Steward Chi’s expression turned serious. “The decree has arrived; Qin Yang’s Haiyan, receive the decree.”

Yang Haiyan and the others knelt down in unison, chanting, “Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long, long live the Emperor!”

Yang Haiyan’s heart raced as she thought about Chief Steward Chi referring to her as a noble lady.

Was this the noble lady she understood?

Had the Emperor conferred upon her the title of noble lady?

“By the grace of heaven and the imperial decree, the Emperor proclaims: Qin Yang Haiyan is virtuous, gentle, dignified, and wise… having contributed to the nation, she is truly a model for women. Therefore, she is hereby conferred the title of Third-Rank Country Noble, named Bingyun. Thus it is decreed! Express gratitude!”

A Third-Rank Country Noble, and she even received a title?

This surprise came too suddenly, and Yang Haiyan hadn’t quite reacted yet.

Seeing his wife kneeling there in a daze, Qin Fang thought she was so pleased and shocked by the surprise that it made him happy as well.

If her joy could be exchanged for his merit, he felt it was worth it.

Qin Fang tugged at Yang Haiyan’s sleeve: “Yan Yan?”

Yang Haiyan came back to her senses and hurriedly said, “This subject’s wife is impolite; I was too surprised for a moment. I hope His Majesty will forgive me.”

Steward Chi replied, “His Majesty forgives you. Country Noble, receive the decree and express your gratitude.”

Yang Haiyan said, “Bingyun receives the decree and thanks His Majesty for the grace.” Bingyun was a pretty good title.

“Bing” likely referred to ice made from nitre, while “Yun” came from Yunxiang County.

Speaking of which, with this title, Yang Haiyan felt much more at ease than before.

Although the ancient world was filled with power and nobility, she was directly bestowed the title of Country Noble by the Emperor, which set her apart from ordinary official families.

Additionally, having a title meant her status was naturally different, giving her, a solitary person in this strange world, a sliver of security.

Yang Haiyan felt that whatever she lacked, the Emperor provided for her.

This Emperor truly seemed to be a good one.

In novels, aside from conferring the wayward prince as the crown prince to take the throne, he was indeed a wise ruler in other matters.

Yang Haiyan stood up, received the imperial decree, and her heart was still pounding.

Although she guessed that the Emperor conferred her the title of Country Duke due to Qin Fang’s memorial, the actual title of Country Duke still took her by surprise.

However, for now, she could only suppress her doubts.

Yang Haiyan turned to Qin Fang and said, “Husband, the two esteemed guests have traveled from the capital and must be tired. I have ordered some snacks prepared for them to fill their stomachs first. Afterward, they can rest a bit and have dinner later. What do you think?”

Qin Fang thought this arrangement was appropriate and looked toward Wei Ting and Steward Chi: “What do you think, gentlemen?”

Wei Ting and Steward Chi had hurried their journey because of the urgent matters regarding the sulfur and nitre mines.

They were worried that delays would lead to complications, so they didn’t dare to waste time on the way.

Thus, they indeed had a tiring trip. Although they hadn’t deprived themselves of food during their stops, they felt physically exhausted from the long journey.

Hearing Yang Haiyan’s arrangement now seemed very appropriate to them.

Wei Ting replied, “That sounds quite reasonable. We shall not trouble General Qin and the Country Noble.”

Eunuch Chi added, “We’ve also disturbed you.”

Yang Haiyan turned to Kun Shi: “Captain Kun, please take the esteemed guests to their courtyards. I will check on the kitchen.”

Kun Shi replied, “Yes.”

Kun Shi led the way, while Qin Fang accompanied Wei Ting and Eunuch Chi to the guest courtyard.

The General’s residence was large, but its simple environment allowed Wei Ting and Steward Chi to gain further understanding of Qin Fang.

For instance, this General Qin was not someone who indulged in luxuries; his character seemed quite earnest.

Otherwise, such a large general would have surely designed something extravagant.

Kun Shi brought everyone to the guest courtyard: “The courtyards of the two esteemed guests are adjacent, and there is a guard stationed at the entrance of each courtyard.

The Madam said that, since she is unaware of your living habits, she has not arranged for anyone to serve you directly. If you could inform us of your preferences, the Madam will select suitable attendants.”

In reality, Yang Haiyan had not arranged for anyone to serve them, but she couldn’t say that.

Wei Ting said, “No need. I have brought my own people. If we need anything, my attendants will inform me.”

Eunuch Chi added, “We also don’t need attendants.”

Qin Fang timely interjected, “Then I won’t disturb you any longer. If you have any matters, you can send someone to call for me.”

Wei Ting and Eunuch Chi said in unison, “General Qin is too polite.”

After Qin Fang left, Wei Ting and Eunuch Chi had someone prepare hot water; they wanted to bathe first.

They had been on the road for days and had to make do even with bathing.

Once they finished bathing, Granny Lian arrived with the snacks.

They were simple homemade snacks, which looked unremarkable but conveyed thoughtful care.

After changing his clothes, Eunuch Chi watched as a little eunuch set the plates and said, “It smells quite nice. What are these dishes?”

As he spoke, he stepped out from behind the screen.

The little eunuch replied, “Wontons, buns, and some pastries—just ordinary things. I thought there would be something special; it seems the General’s residence isn’t very considerate of the Eunuch.”

Grand Eunuch Chi shot him a glance.

The little eunuch had been serving Eunuch Chi, and he could often guess Grand Eunuch Chi’s thoughts from just a look. “Steward, don’t you think so?”

Eunuch Chi sat down, drank a few sips of warm water, and then picked up a piece of wonton: “The taste is not bad.”

Seeing this, the little eunuch was even more confused.

Usually, in the palace, Grand Eunuch Chi was also a person of status, and his food was no worse than that of the palace princr and princess.

After eating a piece of wonton, Eunuch Chi picked up a red bean cake, which had a hint of milk fragrance and tasted even better.

He gobbled down two pieces. “This thing is like people. Some people are all show and can have a conversation with two meanings.

Although their words sound nice, it’s very uneasy to interact with such people. The same goes for things. If something has an intention behind it, there’s no shortage of places to buy it. But that intention may not be the true intention of the owner.”

The little eunuch shook his head: “I don’t understand this.”

He had seen many good things in the palace, and they all did their jobs for money; they simply followed whoever paid the most.

In the past, Eunuch Chi had been like this too, so why was he different today?

Eunuch Chi didn’t bother with him.

After eating some food to fill his stomach, he went to sleep.

Compared to Eunuch Chi, it was quieter on Wei Ting’s side.

He was used to returning late, and the small kitchen only prepared wontons and dumplings, so he was accustomed to it.

In the inner courtyard, Yang Haiyan held the imperial decree and asked Qin Fang in confusion, “Why did the Emperor issue such a decree? What about you, Husband? What reward did the Emperor give you?”