The crowd below was buzzing with discussion, while on the round table, Ling Cheng had already grabbed what she wanted and put it in her arms—a sword sheath.
And Su Wangyou, who was next to her... he was asleep.
She had been sleeping on the way here. Ling Feng had to wake her up when he handed her to Su Qinghe, but she had only been on the round table for a short while before she slumped back down.
Su Qinghe brought it up several times, but he was still sleepy, so she simply didn't make things difficult for him and just stuffed a book into his arms, which was enough to get him out of it.
After the ceremony, the child was returned to the men, and the round table was quickly removed.
Su Qinghe said a few more words of thanks, and then the performance began.
People below kept toasting Su Qinghe, subtly and overtly promoting their own sons, which Su Qinghe could only awkwardly refuse with various excuses.
She glanced at Luo Pinzheng from time to time, and sure enough, she saw her stand up halfway through the banquet. She quickly composed herself.
"Lord Luo, is there something you need?"
Having just finished a song and dance performance, Luo Pinzheng had already walked to the center of the open space, holding a wine glass in his hand.
When Su Qinghe asked her, Luo Pinzheng smiled sheepishly.
"I'm sorry, Patriarch Su, today is supposed to be a joyous occasion for your household, but since everyone is here, I think it's more convenient to discuss it here, which also saves me the trouble of visiting each of you individually."
Luo Pinzheng looked apologetic, as if he was genuinely sorry for interrupting the Su family's joyous occasion.
She slowly turned around with her wine glass in hand as a toast to those around her.
Seeing her pretentious manner, Su Qinghe couldn't guess what she was going to do, but with so many people present, she could only politely follow her lead and ask.
"Lord Luo, you are too kind. As the magistrate of Tianhe County, it is an honor for you to come to my residence today for the 100-day celebration. There is no need for apologies. Please tell us what is on your mind."
Everyone echoed her sentiments, their eyes fixed on Luo Pinzheng, waiting for her to continue.
Upon seeing this, Luo Pinzheng cleared his throat and took out a bright yellow scroll from his pocket.
Some people didn't see it clearly, but others' expressions changed.
"This is an imperial edict."
"W-what!"
As soon as Luo Pinzheng spoke, the room erupted in an uproar, and many people were so shocked that they stood up from their seats.
Lin Xi and the others' expressions turned serious, and they looked at Su Qinghe with some worry.
Su Qinghe gave them a reassuring look, and when she looked at Luo Pinzheng again, she stood up quite consciously.
"Lord Luo, this is no joke. Today is a joyous occasion for our household. Please don't frighten us."
Although she knew that Luo Pinzheng was unlikely to fabricate such a thing, she still had to confirm it, just in case.
Luo Pinzheng looked serious.
"Falsifying an imperial edict is a capital offense, how could I dare to do that? Patriarch Su, please don't say such things. The imperial edict is in my hands, and everyone is welcome to verify its authenticity."
He held the imperial edict high above his head with one hand, glanced at the crowd, waited a moment, and carefully unrolled the scroll only after the crowd had quieted down.
"I'll go!" Qin Anmin was the first to rush forward.
Among this group of people, her official rank was high, so it was most appropriate for her to go first.
Everyone watched her intently, seeing her carefully take it, hold it in her hand, and examine it thoroughly, checking every part carefully.
After a long pause, Qin Anmin nodded solemnly.
“I can’t see any problem. It is indeed the seal of the imperial seal, and the craftsmanship of the imperial edict matches. You should all take a look.”
She carefully returned the imperial edict to Luo Pinzheng and silently retreated to her seat.
As soon as she spoke, several more people gathered around, carefully examining her appearance from before, and finally nodding in agreement.
Su Qinghe frowned and looked at Qin Anmin questioningly. When she saw Qin Anmin nod, her heart sank.
She hadn't seen the imperial edict, but Qin Anmin had, and so many people here must have seen it too. If they all believed it to be true, then who knows what might happen today?
Unexpectedly, Luo Pinzheng had a big surprise up his sleeve today.
Since the matter involved the pinnacle of power in this world, Su Qinghe immediately readjusted her facial expression, feigning a look of fear.
"Lord Luo, please forgive me. I am but a merchant and have never seen an imperial edict before. I was too shocked just now and said some inappropriate things. Please don't take it to heart. Please take some wine back with you later to express my apologies."
Su Qinghe spoke sincerely, and Zhang Fu, being very perceptive, placed several jars of wine on Luo Pinzheng's table.
Seeing this, Luo Pinzheng waved his hand and didn't make a fuss.
"Fortunately, I have some connections with Patriarch Su. If it were someone else, it certainly wouldn't be so easy. Patriarch Su should be more careful with his words in the future."
She seized the opportunity to retort to Su Qinghe a few times, but she didn't forget her main purpose for the day, and quickly straightened her expression.
"Please don't be nervous, everyone. I'm here today for nothing important. I just want to ask you for a small favor."
Luo Pinzheng smiled kindly and held up the imperial edict in his hand.
"This is an imperial edict issued several months ago to excavate through Ziyun Ridge. I believe everyone is aware of this matter. However, there is one more clause that I have not yet revealed."
After a pause, seeing that everyone was looking at him intently, Luo Pinzheng continued:
"This matter concerns military defense, and His Majesty cannot be completely at ease. Therefore, he specifically added a clause to the imperial edict, which stipulates that after the completion of the construction, it must be confirmed by all the prominent people in Tianhe County so that I, Luo, can give a proper report!"
Upon hearing this, everyone felt a huge weight lifted from their hearts.
I was worried it was something serious and I was prepared to spend a lot of money, but it turned out to be something trivial.
Everyone was relieved, and smiles appeared on their faces as they readily agreed.
"Lord Luo, rest assured, you are doing this for the benefit of the people of Tianhe County. The project will definitely be of good quality, and my Li family is willing to vouch for it."
"My royal palace is one of them!"
"And me..."
Everyone present was shrewd and capable. Luo Pin was the magistrate of Tianhe County. If they wanted to continue to live comfortably in Tianhe County, they would help with this little favor no matter what.
Even if she really cut corners, they would just turn a blind eye.
After all, the emperor is far away, and as long as they don't say anything, the other side won't know.
Even if something goes wrong in the future, it will be a long time from now, and no one will drag them into it. Only Luo Pinzheng can take responsibility.
Seeing their reaction, Luo Pin was pleased, but he still shook his head seriously.
"I thank you all for your kindness, but as the official in charge of Tianhe County, I cannot be sloppy about this matter!"
"Therefore, I will still have to trouble you all to come with me to Ziyun Ridge in two days, so that we can see for ourselves."
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