After what happened in the morning, the Yang family came to offer their congratulations immediately. Yang Shurong, in particular, shed tears in front of the Lu family.
Bai helped him up and explained somewhat embarrassedly, "I'm sorry, my husband is quite emotional. He cries easily when he's overjoyed or sad."
The Lu family members all smiled somewhat awkwardly, as it was the first time they had ever seen a man with such rich emotions.
However, judging from Bai's expression, she was clearly used to it, and even took out a handkerchief from her bosom to wipe his tears.
Jiang Jiuniang looked at Youya with a meaningful look and winked.
Youya blushed instantly. Her aunt hadn't said anything, but she felt like she'd said everything—basically, "Be careful, if the father is like this, the son will probably be just as bad!"
Unfortunately, Yang Fei saw her winking and making faces. The young man panicked and immediately held up three fingers to assure her, "I don't do that, really!"
Upon seeing this, the Lu family couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Yang Shurong was so embarrassed by everyone's laughter that he quickly turned away to wipe his tears, his face flushed red. He tried to explain, "I... I'm not usually like this!"
The Lu family members nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, you only act like this when you are experiencing extreme joy or sorrow."
Yang Shurong: ...
None of my family members understand, I've completely lost face!
Afterwards, many more people came to offer their congratulations, most of whom were old acquaintances: Jiang Ruoya and her family of three, Qin Jian and his family of three, Su Su and her family... In short, everyone who could come did.
The Lu family was overjoyed and thought they would hold a small banquet to celebrate, since it had been a long time since they had all gathered together. But before they could even exchange a few words, imperial edicts arrived from the palace—and there was more than one.
The first imperial edict was about Lu Baichuan's reinstatement. His position had been vacant since he went out to play, and no one had filled it. He hadn't officially returned to court since his return, so the matter had been delayed. The edict was issued to reinstate him based on this incident. It also briefly mentioned his mission in Daqingshan and his meritorious service in performing the opera, and then promoted him one rank.
Yes, he was promoted directly by one rank. He used to be a second-rank general, and now he is a first-rank general.
It's hard not to be envious of the speed of his promotion, but this is Lu Baichuan's first comeback since returning, and it can be described as perfect.
If it weren't for his advice to the emperor, it would have been impossible to catch so many corrupt officials in such a short time, let alone fill the national treasury so quickly. It's truly a blessing for the people!
The second imperial edict was naturally directed at Jiang Jiuniang, praising her for her outstanding contributions. She had been instrumental in upholding the emperor's dignity in court and had also helped educate the young prince, guiding him towards a positive outlook. The emperor was very pleased and intended to promote her, but since Jiang Jiuniang was not on duty in court, he could not do so. Instead, he could only reward her with material possessions, including many rare treasures, gold, and jade. Finally, the emperor mentioned that Jiang Jiuniang had always wanted to establish a medical school, and promised that as long as she was willing to do so, the state would cover all the expenses, and the decision would rest with Jiang Jiuniang.
The decision-making power has always been in Jiang Jiuniang's hands. When Jiang Jiuniang no longer wants to do it, she can choose a trustworthy person to hand it over. Then the decision-making power will be in the hands of the person Jiang Jiuniang chooses, and the emperor will not interfere in the slightest.
This is exceptionally preferential treatment; it's practically like the government is funding her private business!
Jiang Jiuniang was overjoyed. Goodness, it's really hard not to be tempted!
Yang Shurong, who was standing next to her, couldn't help but speak up: "Actually, it's no wonder everyone is so jealous of the Lu family. Who wouldn't be jealous of such good treatment? Waaaaah, it's too shabby for Youyou to marry into my family! Waaaaah!"
Everyone: ...
How come I didn't realize he was this kind of person the night we had barbecue?
You hid it quite well before!
Yang Fei couldn't even lift his head. His father was really something. He made up his mind that before he successfully married his wife, he would never let his father appear in the Lu family's sight again!
Youya didn't feel anything about the Yang family because of this; she just thought her future father-in-law was quite interesting and had a genuine personality.
The last imperial edict was for Qin Jian. It was originally intended to be sent to Qin Jian's home, but since Qin Jian's entire family was present, the edict was simply proclaimed directly.
It was about the same thing that happened at Daqingshan. He almost died because of it. The emperor gave him a lot of rewards and consolation money, but he was not promoted.
This is the emperor avoiding suspicion, because Qin Jian is now a member of the imperial family and cannot hold a high position. In other words, rewards can be given freely, but official positions must be kept low. It's not that he can't be promoted, but he can't be promoted too quickly, as it would have a bad influence.
The reason was obvious to everyone, and no one said much, but sincerely wished them well.
So, having a drink tonight is a must!
But at this moment, the young eunuch said again, "Distinguished guests, His Majesty has long ago instructed the Imperial Kitchen to prepare a palace banquet and invited you all to attend!"
"ah?"
Jiang Jiuniang was somewhat unhappy. Neither her own mother nor Susu's family had anyone working in the court. Wouldn't that mean they would be excluded?
The young eunuch hurriedly added, "Everyone present may come into the palace with me; this is a special instruction from His Majesty."
"Oh, Your Majesty, you're too kind. Well then—let's go!"
A large group of people left the house and rode together into the palace.
As if to show off, the motorcade even circled twice around the inn where the islanders were staying before slowly entering the palace.
The island nation was angry, but they didn't dare to act rashly. This was the capital of Bei Yan, and if they really caused trouble, they would be in deep trouble.
"The Northern Flame people are holding a palace banquet, and not only did they not invite us, they even came here specifically to provoke us. This is outrageous!"
"What did the strategist say? What should we do?"
"Who knows? They just threw things when we asked. Things from Beiyan are expensive, and we don't even know how much we'll have to pay in compensation!"
"Alas, the day I can return home seems so far away!"
...
The convoy had no idea what the Japanese were saying. Once inside the palace, the preferential treatment given to the Lu family was not just as simple as bringing friends into the palace. In fact, everyone from the Lu family could sit in the front seats with the Lu family, including the Yang family.
The Yang family's official positions as a whole were not very high; they were just quite prestigious in the court, but actually had little real power. Their seats were usually at the back and on the outside. This was the first time Yang Shurong had sat in the front, and he almost burst into tears again. Fortunately, he held back this time and just held Yang Fei's hand and said, "You must treat Youyou well from now on. Being able to get engaged to her is a great honor for you!"
His voice was trembling with tears, and if Bai Shi hadn't quickly covered his mouth with a handkerchief, he probably would have burst into tears again.
Yang Fei: ...
I've never thought his father was so shameful, and I never expected him to be so filial, to be able to tolerate this!
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