The second day of February.

The emperor personally hosted a banquet in the palace to thank the noble families and merchants who donated grain, clothing and money during the snowstorm years ago. The emperor attached great importance to the request letter written by himself.

This idea was originally proposed to the emperor by Murong Shu. Although Wen Jing was the final executor, it is a good idea as long as the effect is achieved.

The Rong family donated the most among all the merchants. In addition to the title of imperial merchant, the emperor also awarded them a plaque with the words "Home of Benevolence" this time. The emperor also awarded plaques to other merchants based on the amount of their donations. For a time, these merchants became very famous.

Murong Shu also told Wen Jing that it was because they were merchants that they had to be more powerful, so that if the court encountered difficulties again in the future, other merchants would help.

So the task of presenting the plaque was taken over by Mousse and King Zhenshan. These two were naturally fond of excitement, and the emperor let them do as they pleased. After Mousse and King Zhenshan discussed it, the ceremony of presenting the plaque took place.

More than 20 plaques were carried by officers and soldiers around the city, with gongs and drums beating in front to clear the way. In front of each plaque there was a person holding a sign that stated which family had won the plaque.

The route was planned in advance. The first place to go was Rong's house, and then using Rong's house as the starting point, the plaques were delivered according to the distance.

Because the parade started from the palace and went around the city, it was followed by people who loved to watch the fun. The merchants entering the palace got the news in advance, so as soon as the plaque arrived at the street corner, the merchants started setting off firecrackers and scattering copper coins to the crowd, making it very lively.

These merchants were all wealthy families in the capital, with money but no status. The plaques that the emperor presented to them with such fanfare were simply a huge reward, more precious than gold, silver, and jewelry.

Although the Rong family has the title of imperial merchants, this piece of land is also of extraordinary significance. Rong Yunnan had been waiting at home early, and when he saw that it was King Zhenshan and his brother-in-law who came in person to see him off, he hurried forward to pay his respects.

"Your Highness and brother-in-law have worked hard, come in and have a cup of tea!"

"Mr. Rong, you are welcome. Lord Mu and I still have many families to send off. We will not disturb you today. We can do it another day." King Zhenshan's words gave the Rong family enough face, and the onlookers all envied the Rong family's blessings.

Rong Yunnan knew what King Zhenshan meant, and was very grateful. He knew that this was not for the sake of his brother-in-law, but for the sake of Shu'er and Yueyue.

Rong Yunnan winked at Xiao Si, and Xiao Si quickly handed the purse that he had prepared in advance to the person who was originally carrying the plaque, and gave a bigger purse to the person in the lead.

"Give the adults some tea, and please allow them to accept it, Your Highness!" Rong Yunnan knew that they would not dare to accept it without the permission of King Zhenshan.

"Since it's given by Young Master Rong, just accept it. You can keep it for drinking when it's worth it later." As soon as King Zhenshan said this, several people happily accepted it. At the same time, they were more satisfied with the Rong family. They were rich, generous, and knew how to behave.

After delivering the plaque to the Rong family, King Zhenshan and Mousse went to other families. Some of these merchants had never seen such a high-ranking official, and every house they visited was filled with the sound of kneeling and worshipping.

The capital city is very lively today because of the awarding of plaques. Some families are regretting it very much now, because they were too busy before the New Year and the banquet was postponed to after the New Year. Some people think that the merchants who donated must have been cheated and laughed at them in private. Now such a huge reward has made those people shut up.

This side of the palace.

There are many young men and women attending the banquet today, most of them were those who went with Murong Shu to distribute porridge and clothes. The Queen knows that these young men and women are not seeking gold and silver, but a good reputation.

The queen was in a good mood today. Her third sister-in-law also came, and the little prince came with her. The little prince is now very attached to Murong Shu. Knowing that Murong Shu is pregnant, the queen had already asked the palace servants to pad the chairs thickly.

Ning Xin, Cheng Zhi and Jun Mingyue were talking about something together and laughing happily. Ning Xin had a very good relationship with her cousin Jun Mingyue on weekdays. After her cousin married into the Mu family, she often visited them.

The emperor and the empress took turns praising the young men and women of the noble families and said some encouraging words. The emperor also promised that if they had any small wishes, they could speak out and he would help them realize them if they were reasonable.

Everyone came to the banquet to gain a good reputation, so how could they really make excessive demands? But there was one person who was an exception, because he was really making a request.

Mu Sijin knelt in the middle of the hall, kowtowed to the emperor, and then said, "Sijin asks the emperor to grant Sijin a marriage."

After Mu Sijin finished speaking, Murong Shu and Jun Mingyue spit out tea at the same time. Even though it was Gong Yan, the two of them really couldn't help themselves.

Murong Shu looked at his fourth brother in disbelief. Which girl did he fall in love with that he actually ran to the main hall to ask for marriage.

Jun Mingyue was even more surprised. Her husband's younger brother was usually gentle and polite, and he knew when to act. She had never heard that he had a lover. She and her mother-in-law were completely unaware of it. If they knew which family the girl was from, they would definitely go to the family home to propose marriage to her.

The mother-in-law was worried all day long about finding a good wife for him.

The emperor suppressed his gossip and asked, "I wonder which girl the fourth son Mu has taken a fancy to? Tell me and the queen first. A marriage must be granted with mutual affection, otherwise it will just be a couple of grievances."

After hearing what the emperor said, Murong Shu and Jun Mingyue nodded in agreement, thinking that the emperor was finally reliable for once.

"Si Jin is attracted to Miss Ning Xin, and the person he wants to marry is Miss Ning."

After Mu Sijin finished speaking, the hall fell silent. Everyone's eyes turned to Ning Xin who was standing next to Jun Mingyue. Ning Xin's face turned red at this moment. Anyone would feel embarrassed to be proposed to in such an occasion.

Murong Shu and Jun Mingyue exchanged glances, and then confirmed that the other party was unaware. Jun Mingyue whispered to Ning Xin, "Didn't you say that you have a favorite young man? There is no need to force it. You can refuse. The emperor will not blame you. As for Si Jin, I will persuade him when he returns."

Although Mu Sijin is her husband's younger brother, Ning Xin is also Jun Mingyue's most beloved cousin, so she will never let her cousin suffer any grievances.

"Is Miss Ning here?" The emperor decided to ask the person involved, Ning Xin. She was the niece of Mrs. Wang, and he had to find out clearly, otherwise his brother would definitely come after him.

"Your servant Ning Xin pays respects to His Majesty!" Ning Xin quickly knelt in the hall and saluted the emperor.

Murong Shu began to feel sorry for his fourth brother. It seemed that he was going to be rejected. Murong Shu even thought of the words to comfort his fourth brother.

"Miss Ning, the fourth young master Mu asked me to grant you a marriage, are you willing?" The emperor asked with a gossipy look on his face, but what he was thinking in his heart was to quickly refuse. I want to see Mu Si get angry and it would be best if he confronts my brother.

When the others heard the emperor's question, they all looked at Ning Xin. Ning Xin glanced at Murong Shu and Jun Mingyue, then looked at Mu Sijin, then bowed to the emperor and empress again and said.