Chapter 202 Eunuch Li
"I have heard that praising virtue and rewarding merit is the established practice of the court. Now, Xiao Yeming is loyal, brave, and outstanding. Previously, in Linhai, Jizhou, he commanded the navy, cleverly set up a feint to lure the enemy deep into his territory, and then bravely led the charge to kill many pirates, burn dozens of their ships, and bring down the pirate leader. He brought peace to the sea frontier and his achievements are remarkable. I am very pleased with him."
Upon hearing this, Madam Xiao's tense expression eased slightly, and a hint of relief flashed in her eyes, only to be quickly replaced by her usual sternness.
If it weren't for his grandson being raised by such a fierce and ill-mannered mother, he would have achieved much more with his talent, instead of only attaining this fame now.
Wang Miaoyin quietly raised her eyes, and as her gaze swept over Xiao Yeming's tall and straight back, the admiration that had been buried in her heart for many years silently swelled like a stream in early spring.
At this moment, in her eyes, he seemed to be enveloped in a layer of clear light, bright yet distant, making her dare not look directly at him, yet unable to look away.
She had been gazing at his back for many years, a memory that had been etched in her heart since childhood. Her only wish in this life was to be by his side forever.
Madam He thought to herself: The young man from the Xiao family is so promising and has a bright future. Her daughter is also outstanding in appearance and character. The two are a perfect match. If this matter can be accomplished, her daughter will have someone to rely on for life, and she will also have someone to depend on.
Upon hearing this, Madam Xiao's lips instantly curled up, and she wished she could straighten her back as straight as a red-tasseled spear!
She made no attempt to hide her smugness.
Good lad! You've really made your mother proud!
Just as Madam Xiao, Madam He, Wang Miaoyin and the others thought the imperial edict was about to be finished, Eunuch Li's voice rang out again, the words clearly reaching everyone's ears: "Your Lu Zhaoruo, though a merchant, is deeply righteous and generously donated funds to aid the military during the Japanese invasion."
Lu Zhaoruo?
Madam Xiao stared in disbelief at the slender figure in front of her.
Her name was actually on this imperial edict?
Lady He was even more shocked. The rumors outside were so terrible, how could the Empress Dowager not know? This reward... how could there still be one?
Wang Miaoyin bit her lower lip tightly.
Mother clearly said that she would definitely get nothing!
But the father-in-law himself said her name.
The servants kneeling behind him were also slightly surprised.
Throughout the entire ordeal, Lu Zhaoruo knelt there quietly, her eyes lowered.
Standing behind his mother, Xiao Yeming's tightly pursed lips curved into a slight smile when he heard the name "Lu Zhaoruo." His satisfaction and pride were even greater than when he heard about his own achievements.
In a corner of the corridor, Lu Bohong almost couldn't contain his excitement and whispered to Sun Jing, "Brother Jing, listen! The Emperor is going to reward my little sister!"
Sun Jing squeezed his arm tightly, signaling him to be quiet, but his eyes were full of genuine joy and emotion.
It was only right that Lady Lu received the Emperor's praise!
The voice of Eunuch Li rang out again: "Furthermore, your presentation of the map of Chao Xue has greatly benefited the suppression of the bandits. Your actions are commendable, and your contributions will not be forgotten. You two, one a military man and the other a civil official, have each done your utmost to alleviate the national crisis. This is truly rare. Therefore, I hereby summon you to the palace for an audience at precisely the hour of Chen (7-9 AM) tomorrow. I will personally reward you. This is my decree!"
When the words "Presenting the Map of Nest and Xue" were uttered, many people subconsciously looked up sharply, then hurriedly looked down again, only able to desperately peek at Lu Zhaoruo kneeling behind Madam Xiao out of the corner of their eyes, their eyes filled with horror and disbelief.
Lu Bohong, standing under the eaves, stared wide-eyed in shock at his sister's retreating figure in disbelief.
Sun Jing also looked surprised.
Madam Xiao, Madam He, and Wang Miaoyin were all deeply moved.
They never expected that Lu Zhaoruo's contribution was far beyond a mere donation; it was the contribution of "presenting the map," which directly addressed the core of the battle!
Lu Zhaoruo herself was also surprised.
She hadn't specifically mentioned the map to Xiao Yeming, but she hadn't expected him to remember this achievement so clearly and report it to the Emperor so truthfully.
The reason why these rumors didn't affect him is probably because his contribution of "presenting the map of the Nest and the Flood" was too great.
At the time, she only used this map to exchange for Xiao Yeming's intervention, relying on his power to send the Shen family members to the state government.
Suppressing her shock, Madam Xiao led her entire family in kowtowing and expressing their gratitude: "Your Majesty, we accept your decree and thank you for your great favor!"
Then, she stood up, stepped forward, and respectfully accepted the imperial edict, placing it on the incense table.
After placing the offerings, she returned to her original position and knelt down again.
At this moment, the solemn expression on Eunuch Li's face turned into a perfectly timed smile.
His gaze shifted and landed on Lu Zhaoruo behind Madam Xiao.
Take two steps forward and stop a step away.
"This must be Madam Lu?"
Eunuch Li's voice softened, carrying a gentle tone unique to noblemen in the palace.
Lu Zhaoruo straightened her knees even more, clasped her hands in front of her, and gave him a more respectful nod, saying in a low voice, "This humble woman, Lu Zhaoruo, greets Father-in-law."
Eunuch Li smiled and glanced at her briefly, then nodded slowly, his words full of praise: "Indeed, you have a calm demeanor and a natural air of intelligence in your eyes. What's even more remarkable is that you have the country at heart and have rendered meritorious service to the nation. Good, very good! When I return to the palace to report to the Emperor, I will certainly report your demeanor truthfully."
These words were spoken.
Madam Xiao's smile widened.
Madam Xiao's expression darkened slightly.
He Shi and Wang Miaoyin were filled with jealousy and resentment.
Only then did Eunuch Li turn to Madam Xiao and Madam Xiao, saying some polite words like "Congratulations to your household" and "Your Majesty's grace is boundless," and accept the gifts prepared by the Xiao family as a token of gratitude. Only then did he lead his entourage and leave calmly.
Then, led by Madam Xiao, everyone stood up in turn.
Although the ceremony was over, the atmosphere in the mansion had been completely transformed.
How ridiculous the previous gloom and rumors seem in the face of this imperial grace and praise!
Lu Zhaoruo slowly raised her eyes, meeting Xiao Yeming's gaze.
In his deep eyes, it was as if stars had fallen into a still pool, rippling out a clear and gentle expression of approval and satisfaction.
She nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
Lu Bohong, who was originally filled with resentment and wanted to comfort his sister, was now staring blankly at the calm figure in front of him, his chest surging with excitement and pride.
His sister had made such a remarkable contribution in silence.
Madam Xiao laughed heartily, then deliberately raised her voice so that her words could be clearly heard all around: "Madam Lu is truly a heroine! Not only did she generously donate funds, but she also presented the crucial map of the enemy's lair! Such a remarkable achievement is no less than that of my Ming'er! Fortunately, the Emperor is wise and has not been swayed by the rumors from the outside world. This reward is truly well-deserved!"
Hearing her daughter-in-law's high-pitched voice and glancing at the robes she wore, which symbolized her status as a second-rank noblewoman, Madam Xiao's face darkened completely. Without saying a word, she turned and left.
He swayed and almost collapsed, but was fortunately supported by Wang Miaoyin.
No wonder... no wonder she still received this honor despite all the rumors circulating outside.
It turns out she actually presented a map of the Japanese pirates' lair!
Although He was not knowledgeable in military affairs, he understood that this map was the key to directly attacking the enemy's den!
In this way, she still has a chance to enter the Xiao family mansion.
Wang Miaoyin kept her head down, not daring to glance in Lu Zhaoruo's direction out of the corner of her eye. She felt her heart tightening and became more and more frightened.
If Brother Ruoming really takes her as his concubine, how should she conduct herself?
"What are you still standing there for!"
Madam He forced herself to calm down, grabbed her daughter's wrist, and deliberately said, "Come with me to Kangning Hall to see your great-aunt! She was just... probably quite angry."
These words were deliberately said for Madam Xiao to hear.
After saying that, the mother and daughter left in a hurry.
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