Chapter 106 Emperor Jingping's Reward
"This is the legendary Qiu Liu Girl, she's so young!" This thought came to many people's minds.
How could such a young and delicate girl dare to lure the black bear away all by herself?
Unbelievable, unbelievable.
Among them, Xue Quan observed the most carefully.
She's beautiful; no wonder she caught Han'er's eye.
That kid keeps saying it's for official business, but where do all those official matters come from that he keeps getting involved with a young girl? Does he really think he's been wasting all these years in the palace?
Xue Han stood beside Xue Quan, his gaze never leaving Qiu Heng.
He rarely seemed to be able to look at her so openly and for so long, without worrying about attracting attention.
Because at this moment, she was like the bright moon, the center of everyone's attention.
"Your subject, Qiuheng, greets Your Majesty."
"No need for formalities." Emperor Jingping gazed intently at the young woman below. "I heard that you lured away the black bear and saved Princess Rongning. Can you tell me how you dodged the black bear's attack?"
Curiosity is not only present in ordinary people, but also in emperors, and it can be easily satisfied.
"I ran around the tree and finally climbed up one of the trees."
"Black bears can climb trees, right?"
Many ministers nodded in agreement.
“I specifically chose a thin tree, and the black bear climbed it once and then stopped.”
Emperor Jingping imagined the scene and couldn't help but laugh: "That black bear is quite clever."
Qiu Heng lowered her eyes and replied, "All things have a spirit."
“All things have a spirit—that is indeed true, go on.”
"The black bear was injured and very agitated. Unable to climb the tree, it started ramming it. Fortunately, that bought some time, and the guards sent by the Princess of Jiayi arrived and lured the bear away. Just as the tree was knocked down, Lord Xue arrived in time to save my daughter..."
Qiu Heng recounted the events in detail, and those who had nothing to do with her listened with great interest, while Prince Kang and Xue Quan nodded in agreement.
This Qiu Liu girl is quite eloquent.
Sure enough, Emperor Jingping said, "Jiayi and Xue Han both did a good job."
Prince Kang and Xue Quan said in unison, "Your Majesty flatters us."
Emperor Jingping nodded perfunctorily, his attention still on Qiu Heng: "Of course, what surprised me the most was Miss Qiu Liu. Miss Qiu Liu was fearless in the face of danger and risked her life to save others, she deserves a reward. Qiu Heng, what do you want me to reward you with?"
Upon hearing this, everyone was secretly surprised.
The Emperor is truly treating Miss Qiu very well; instead of giving her a direct reward, he asked her directly what she wanted.
If the Emperor asks this question in front of all the officials and nobles, as long as the reward requested by Miss Qiu is not too excessive, she will certainly not refuse.
"Is this subject a choice?" Qiu Heng raised her head slightly, her eyes revealing surprise.
Emperor Jingping smiled and said, "How could I go back on my word?"
Many people secretly shook their heads.
Miss Qiu is still too young. Would she really ask for an exorbitant amount? If so, even if His Majesty agrees, it would be a loss for her.
You should know that no reward can compare to the tangible and lasting benefits of divine favor.
"I find the autumn hunt very interesting. I hope my father can come with me next year so that he won't worry about me traveling alone."
Emperor Jingping was taken aback.
He thought she would ask for some reward, but this girl's request was so simple.
Accompanying the emperor on the autumn hunt is said to be an honor, but it's always the same old faces every year, which must have been taken for granted by those people.
Looking at the hopeful young girl below, Emperor Jingping felt a warmth in his heart and smiled, "This is no reward. We can come together next year from the Yongqing Marquis's residence."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I have no other requests."
"Is there really nothing else you want?" Emperor Jingping was still somewhat unwilling to give away any rewards.
"I have no worries about food and clothing, and I am loved and cared for by my family and friends. I cannot think of anything I need at the moment."
As everyone watched the young girl answer Emperor Jingping's questions without flinching, they secretly marveled: This Miss Qiu really knows how to advance by retreating.
"But you have rendered meritorious service by saving Princess Rongning, and I cannot fail to show my appreciation. Here's what we'll do: whatever you think of in the future, as long as it's reasonable, I will grant it to you."
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
Emperor Jingping nodded in satisfaction: "You may now leave."
"This humble woman takes her leave."
"Xue Han, escort Miss Qiu back."
Xue Han stepped forward: "Yes."
The two retreated and walked forward side by side. Gradually, the guards and palace servants that could be seen everywhere disappeared, leaving only the green mountains and forests in sight.
"Lord Xue, thank you for saving me today." Qiu Heng broke the silence first, her words filled with both sincerity and deep helplessness.
"We just happened to run into each other," Xue Han said casually, not wanting to take credit.
"Just a coincidence?" Qiu Heng turned her head to look at the boy beside her.
Xue Han nodded slightly: "After watching Miss Qiu and Miss Cheng compete, I went to participate in the hunt. When I heard that the black bear had escaped, I went after it..."
As for his feelings upon hearing of Qiu Heng's peril, he could not possibly reveal them.
"Then we must thank Lord Xue. Of all the people who chased after them, Lord Xue was the first to arrive."
"You're too kind, Miss Qiu."
"Fangzhou's barbecue skills are excellent. If you have time tonight, Lord Xue, please have some barbecue to express your gratitude."
Barbecue?
Xue Han couldn't help but think of the meat pie that Hu Si had left for him.
If meat patties are so delicious, grilled meat must be even better.
Xue Han silently pulled himself back to his senses: "I appreciate Miss Qiu's kindness, but there's no need for dinner."
"Does Lord Xue have business tonight?"
"I'm not used to eating with people I don't know well."
"Someone I don't know?" Qiu Heng was taken aback.
So she had been mistaken about their relationship all along? She thought that although they each had their own agendas, they were at least friends.
"It's not Miss Qiu." Xue Han blurted out, realizing that Qiu Heng had misunderstood.
Qiu Heng silently took a step forward.
Xue Han followed beside her and said frankly, "I'm not familiar with Princess Jiayi or Miss Feng, so I feel uncomfortable eating barbecue with them."
"I see." Qiu Heng smiled. "Then I will only invite Lord Xue, as it was originally to express my gratitude to him."
"Okay." The simple word lingered on his tongue, and as he uttered it, Xue Han inexplicably felt his cheeks burning.
Before we knew it, we had arrived at our destination.
"Lord Xue, see you tonight."
See you tonight.
Xue Han watched Qiu Heng walk in before turning back, a smile playing on his lips the whole way.
"What good news has come, sir? Why are you so happy?" Hu Si asked, coming closer.
"No."
"Of course, I could see you smiling from a long way off."
Xue Han pushed Hu Si away: "You're mistaken, I wasn't laughing."
"My lord—" Seeing Xue Han walk away quickly, Hu Si stroked his chin.
Something's up, there must be something going on.
Lunch was shared by the Prince of Fu's residence and the Prince of Kang's residence, and Qiu Heng naturally became the center of attention.
Prince Fu specially toasted Qiu Heng: "Rong Ning is the apple of my eye. I am extremely grateful to Miss Qiu for saving Rong Ning."
"Your Highness is too kind." Seeing that Prince Fu had drunk the wine in one gulp, Qiu Heng picked up her wine cup and took a small sip.
He offered to bestow the title of princess upon his beloved daughter and send her off to marry a foreign ruler. Prince Fu was quite an interesting man indeed.
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