Chapter 163 Something big happened!
"Lady Bai, something terrible has happened at home!" Aunt You, a familiar neighbor, came to the city gate and hurriedly pulled Lady Bai away, "Come back with me!"
"What's the matter?" Bai was confused and shook off the arm that was being held by Aunt You. "Aunt, please don't pull me. My husband sent a message and will be in the capital today. I'm waiting for him."
"His Majesty has a reward, and the officials have already arrived at the shop. Shang Ming and Xin'er are waiting for you to receive the reward together." Aunt You kept walking, pulling Bai Shi to stagger after her.
Bai was stunned by the news. She followed him for a while in a daze before asking, "Auntie, are you kidding me? His Majesty is such a great figure, why would he suddenly bestow a gift on my family?"
Aunt You was so excited that she acted like she had been rewarded. She turned around and glanced at Mrs. Bai. "Why should I tease you? The officials came with drums and gongs, making a commotion all the way. The neighbors all knew about it and gathered around your house to watch the fun. They said Shang Ming and Xin'er had done something great."
Make merit?
Mrs. Bai only knew that her son was brought back by her youngest daughter yesterday, who said that he was chasing a murderer. She was so scared that she almost picked up a carrying pole to beat the child. How could she do such a thing as chasing a murderer casually?
What if I get hurt?
Could it be that this is the matter that Your Majesty is rewarding me for?
Full of questions, Mrs. Bai and Aunt You almost ran all the way back home.
As soon as I arrived at the street where the grocery store was, I saw all the neighbors coming out and standing around the door of the grocery store, blocking it tightly.
Aunt You grabbed Bai and shouted, "Make way, make way, Lady Bai is back!"
When everyone heard this, they turned around and made way for her.
It was the first time that Bai was stared at by so many people. She was very nervous and didn't feel relieved until she stepped into the shop.
"Mom!" Chu Yuxin rushed over excitedly, wearing new clothes made for the New Year. Her little face was flushed with excitement, and she looked very happy.
Chu Shangming also changed into a newer long gown and walked over, calling out, "Mother."
Mrs. Bai nodded to her son and daughter. Just as she was about to ask for clarification, a shrill voice suddenly rang out in her ears: "This is Madam Chu, right?"
Bai had been married to Father Chu for many years, but this was the first time she was called "Mrs. Chu". It sounded strange and unfamiliar.
She turned her head and looked. He had a pale face and no beard, was holding a whisk in his hand, and was a little fat. He looked like... a eunuch, right?
Bai nodded awkwardly.
Zhou Yuande, who had been specially assigned to this mission, smiled and said, "Mrs. Chu deserves credit for raising such an outstanding pair of children."
Bai didn't know how to respond, so she just smiled dryly.
Chu Yuxin was very happy. She raised her little face and said in a very clear voice, "Eunuch Zhou, my mother is back. Can I receive the reward now?"
Zhou Yuande nodded, signaling the three Bai family members to get ready. Then, his face became serious and he shouted loudly, "Kneel and listen to the imperial decree!"
The three Bai family members knelt down, and the people watching the excitement outside also knelt down.
In the dead silence, Zhou Yuande's voice stood out.
"I have heard that the Chu family has a son named Shang Ming, a man of noble character, who conducts himself with sincerity and respect. He assisted the government in apprehending criminals, possessing both talent and virtue. I cannot bear to see such a talent go unnoticed, so I grant you admission to the Imperial Academy. I hope you will diligently strive to live up to my expectations, hoping to one day serve the court. I decree this!"
Chu Shangming was stunned!
Imperial College!!
His Majesty actually granted him permission to study at the Imperial Academy!
The opportunity that thousands of students beg for is suddenly thrown at him?
Is he dreaming?
If so, this dream is so beautiful!
Bai was also feeling dizzy. It would be more accurate to say that her mind had not been clear since she learned that His Majesty had given her a reward. She felt as if she was wrapped in a soft cloud, and she also felt that this dream was too beautiful.
Chu Yuxin didn't think as much as her mother and elder brother. She was so tired from shouting yesterday that she was looking forward to her reward.
She wants money.
As long as there is money, my father won't have to travel so far to deliver goods and may not be seen for a month or two. My mother won't have to work so hard from dawn to dusk. My eldest brother won't have to stay up late to copy books. The family can have two more meals of meat. Everyone in the family can have a new set of clothes, and they can also send clothes to my sister to help her save up a dowry.
Zhou Yuande said loudly, "Although the Chu family's daughter Yu Xin is young, she is courageous and has made great contributions in helping to capture the murderer. I hereby reward her with 100 taels of silver, 10 pieces of silk, and a pair of jade ruyi. I hereby decree!"
One hundred taels! And silk!
So much money, so much cloth!
Get rich!!
Chu Yuxin almost jumped up with excitement, sweat on her forehead, and shouted: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward. Long live Your Majesty!"
Zhou Yuande glanced at her with a hint of admiration. She was young but quite smart.
Chu Shangming, who was stunned by the good news, was brought back to his senses by his sister's voice. He also hurriedly bowed his head and said loudly: "I thank the Lord for His grace. Long live the Lord!"
Bai followed up with, "Long live the emperor!"
His voice was trembling, and his hands were shaking.
My eyes were red with excitement.
"Please stand up, all three of you." Zhou Yuande personally helped Bai up. If the people in the palace or other officials saw this, they would probably be shocked.
When has Manager Zhou ever been so polite to anyone?
Such a smiling welcome and friendly attitude, who else can get such treatment except those second or third rank officials?
Even though Bai Shi didn't know, she was flattered. She rummaged in her sleeve pocket and pulled out a tael of silver and fifteen copper coins, stuffing them all into Zhou Yuande's hand. She said, imitating an opera, "Please have some tea, eunuch."
Zhou Yuande didn't think it was too little and accepted it with a smile.
Seeing him accept it, Bai's uneasy heart finally settled down, thinking that she had probably done the right thing.
She was just wondering whether to say anything else when she suddenly heard Zhou Yuande whisper, "Please rest assured, Madam. Miss Liu Zheng is doing fine."
Mrs. Bai was startled, then raised her eyes and asked, "Does the father-in-law know my Youmiao?"
Zhou Yuande said nothing, but just looked at her with a smile that was very meaningful.
Bai was completely bewildered and wanted to ask about Chu Liuzheng's situation, but Zhou Yuande said, "The imperial edict has been delivered. We must return to the palace to report. Farewell."
Bai had no choice but to shut up and escort the person out with Chu Shangming.
Zhou Yuande and his entourage came in a grand procession and left in a grand procession. Within half an hour, the news that the Chu family had received rewards from His Majesty and Chu Shangming was about to enter the Imperial Academy spread like wildfire.
The Chu family's door was almost broken down by people who came to offer congratulations. No matter whether they knew each other or not, they all came to share in the joy and inquire about the news.
Many families also came to inquire about Chu Shangming's marriage, and they all wanted to marry into the Chu family, either openly or secretly.
Chu Shangming instantly became popular. Enthusiastic aunties and grannies surrounded him, asking him what kind of girl he liked, and talking about whose daughter was good-looking, whose daughter was good at housekeeping, whose daughter had a good temperament, etc. They talked so much that he wanted to hide in his room.
But I was stuck and couldn't leave.
On the other side, Chu Yuxin hid behind the counter to protect the reward she had received. Whenever someone tried to touch it, she would glare at them fiercely, for fear that someone would steal it.
Mrs. Bai was overwhelmed and felt even more dizzy because of the noise. She regretted not closing the door and refusing visitors in time.
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