Chapter 4: Rewards and Changes in Status
When he arrived, Liu Shangqin was already kneeling with male officials and palace men, ready to receive the imperial decree.
The chief eunuch looked at him expressionlessly, which made Gan Cao's heart skip a beat.
"Gan Siqin, come quickly to receive the imperial decree!" Eunuch Cui couldn't help but remind him.
Gan Siqin?
He paused for a moment, then immediately realized what was happening and hurried to the spot indicated by Eunuch Cui: in front of everyone.
"Palace maid Gancao, heed the imperial decree..."
It really was an imperial decree for him! His Majesty still remembers him!
His heart began to pound rapidly, and he bowed deeply, listening with the utmost devotion to the divine command.
"...with a sincere heart, gentle by nature, diligent day and night, and devoutly serving in the imperial court..."
He wasn't good with words, but he roughly knew that this was a compliment.
His Majesty is praising him!
This realization thrilled him, and even though he didn't understand it, he made sure to remember it.
"Award him ten bolts of brocade and four bushels of pearls..."
Brocade, pearls!
Upon hearing of the reward of willow branches and tumbleweeds, their eyes reddened.
They were all lowly palace servants, even less so than those from Asakusa, but overnight they were transformed. His Majesty not only favored them but also bestowed upon them so many rewards!
What a shameless vixen! The male servants cursed her inwardly.
Gan Cao was unaware of the jealousy of the other male servants who were attending him. He was so happy that he was dizzy. Only after being reminded by the head of the palace did he hurriedly accept the imperial decree and express his gratitude.
That's utterly disgraceful!
After he stood up, the chief eunuch said in a low voice, "Throughout history, the ladies-in-waiting of the inner palace have all possessed virtue, appearance, speech, and merit. Although Gan Siqin is not listed in the royal golden book, he should still read more of 'Male Virtue' and 'Male Admonition' to cultivate his character in order to serve His Majesty."
Others might have just taken this as a casual word of advice, but Gan Cao tasted something entirely different.
He subconsciously looked up and met the eunuch's deep blue eyes.
The chief eunuch despised him, and deep within that despise seemed to lie... jealousy!
This realization jolted him awake, and he quickly lowered his eyes and bowed respectfully: "Thank you for the reminder, Grand Eunuch. I will certainly study 'Male Virtue' and 'Male Admonitions' more often."
The chief eunuch said nothing more, left the reward, and left with the palace servants.
Suppressing the strange feeling in his heart, Gan Cao turned his gaze to His Majesty's reward.
The bright and luxurious silks, the full and round pearls, and the dazzling jewelry were all treasures he had never encountered before, and for a moment he dared not touch them.
The male officials, including Liu Shangqin and Cui Neijian, were also somewhat envious: their Shangqin Bureau was in charge of the emperor's and empress's private quarters, so they had naturally seen good things. However, seeing things and owning them were different. Although their things were not bad, they were incomparable to what the emperor had bestowed upon them.
"Have a palace maid deliver this to your bedroom," said Liu Shangqin, pointing to a palace maid. "You're in charge of the bedroom, so you should have some palace maids to do your bidding."
The young palace servant who was pointed at was overjoyed and hurriedly said to Liu Shangqin, "This humble servant thanks Shangqin for his kindness."
After finishing his kowtow, he kowtowed heavily again to the licorice root: "This humble servant pays his respects to the Imperial Chamberkeeper."
Licorice instinctively wanted to back away, but then stopped.
His status and position had changed, and he realized this clearly once again.
He stood, while the young palace servant knelt, his forehead pounding on the ground.
He could clearly see the humility and piety of the young palace servants; this was the power of authority.
This is the power bestowed by His Majesty.
His anxiety gradually subsided, and the view from above gave him a unique perspective.
"Your Excellency, Li Dianji from the Shanggong Bureau has arrived," another palace maid hurried in to report.
Licorice immediately sent Imperata cylindrica to keep the reward safe.
After Liu Shangqin saw that all the items had been taken away, he said, "Quickly, please invite Clerk Li!"
Soon, Li Dianji entered with palace servants. He first bowed to Liu Shangqin, and then the other unranked palace men from the Shangqin Bureau bowed to him.
After the formalities were completed, Liu Shangqin smiled and asked, "Dianji, did you come here today for Gan Siqin?"
“That’s right.” Li Dianji turned to Gan Cao and gave her a half bow. “Although the Siqin doesn’t need to be listed in the royal golden book, she is still a concubine and should not be shortchanged.”
As they spoke, several palace maids brought over a tray, on which were a jade pendant, silver jewelry, a blue-and-white palace dress, a silk leather belt, and blue-and-white palace boots.
The young palace men present were dazzled by the sight.
"These are all the items worn by the bedchamber attendants." The palace servants from the Shanggong Bureau placed the trays in front of Gancao one by one.
These are all his?!
Besides the rewards, what else is there?
It's hard to believe that Gan Cao grew up in poverty.
"In addition, the four sets of clothes for each season are handled by the Bureau of Clothing, the monthly allowance is distributed by the Bureau of Palace Attendants, and the three meals a day are handled by the Bureau of Food." After all the procedures were completed, Dianji left with his men.
After all this turmoil, not only Gan Cao realized the difference, but all the young palace men understood that his identity had been completely transformed.
The three male servants who were to sleep with the emperor had red eyes.
"It's outrageous that such a shameless scoundrel could rise to power!" Liu Zhi cursed under her breath.
Piaopeng, who was standing next to him, quickly tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Don't say anything. His status is different now."
"Just wait, I'm sure I'll win His Majesty's favor too, and then I'll definitely tear his face off!" Liu Zhi said, holding back her anger.
Bai Ping said casually, "Who knows how long his glory will last? After all, the Empress Dowager can't tolerate a vixen."
yes!
Liu Zhi's eyes lit up immediately.
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