As many as 500 people

Hi, I have some questions about the following sentences.

1. As many as 500 people showed up.

2. The meeting will be held as early as this week.

In the sentence 1, "As many as 500 people" means;

A. "up to 500 people, may be less than 500 people"

B. "really 500 people, just emphasizing that so many people showed up"

C. "really 500 people. just a plain statement, no emphasis"

Similarly in the sentence 2, " as early as this week" means;

A. "at the earliest this week, maybe later"

B. "really this week, just emphasizing that so early" ?

C. "really this week. just a plain statement, no emphasis"

My guesses are "A" for both, but not sure.

What are the answers? Is there any general rules?

Thanks.