Kaya hasn't been there for so long, the palace must be getting anxious. He Jiu Niang sent someone to tell Lu Baichuan.
Lu Baichuan already knew that his wife was going to arrest Xun Wang. When he heard that Xun Wang had been taken to prison, the new emperor was just about to parade through the streets with the empress.
It had been less than half an hour since the Xiteng envoy came to tell him that Princess Xiteng was missing.
Lu Baichuan was secretly alarmed; his wife's actions were no joke.
If my wife is willing, I'm afraid I can sit anywhere in the world.
If she's truly interested, I'll go through fire and water with her, even if it means facing mountains of knives and seas of fire.
Composing himself, Lu Baichuan responded and told his men to rest. Then he went to tell the new emperor, "Princess Xiteng has been found. She's alright; she was saved by my wife."
The new emperor and empress were somewhat surprised: "So fast?"
"Yes, we were worried that these envoys might do something underhanded, so we've been keeping an eye on them."
He didn't specifically praise his wife's achievements; both the emperor and empress knew this.
Sure enough, the Empress said, "As expected of Jiu Niang, it seems there's nothing that can stump her!"
The emperor also said, "After this matter is over, I should reward you both well!"
He was well aware of what Lu Baichuan and his wife had done, and he would publicly commend them in the imperial court.
"It is all our duty. The lady said that she will personally present His Majesty with a coronation gift at the state banquet tonight."
Lu Baichuan's tone didn't change much, but the emperor could still hear the slight pride in it.
With such a capable wife, how could he not be proud?
"Very well, I will look forward to it!"
The emperor happily agreed. Although he was curious, he didn't ask him directly what it was. He knew the man wouldn't tell him anyway, so it was better to keep it a mystery.
The Empress, however, was extremely anxious to know the answer, feeling as if she were tearing her hair out.
After Lu Baichuan left, the Empress complained to him in a low voice, "General Lu only said half of what he meant, which really made people anxious!"
"Haha, don't worry, you'll find out tonight. If Madam Lu can bring it out at a state banquet, it must be a very special gift."
Although he didn't know what it was, the emperor felt it would definitely surprise him, and he would just have to wait and see.
After resolving the matter of finding the king, He Jiuniang did not go back. Instead, she went to find Lu Xiaoyang and Leizi. After hearing their report that there was nothing unusual in Dongting and Nantai, she instructed the others to continue keeping an eye on things before taking the two boys to the teahouse to join in the fun.
The parade has already begun. The new emperor and empress will ride in a royal carriage from the palace, circle the city, and then return to the palace.
After He Jiuniang arrived at the teahouse, Jiang Ruoya asked with concern, "Has everything been taken care of?"
"All done."
He Jiuniang nodded, sat down, and ate some food.
Jiang Ruoya wanted to ask her if she was alright, but seeing that her makeup was intact and her dress was wrinkle-free, she decided not to say anything more.
"They're here! They're here!"
Old Lu had been sitting by the window watching the excitement. He saw the royal guard in the distance, shouted, and everyone gathered around to watch.
"Look, there's Third Uncle over there!"
Jiezi immediately spotted Lu Baichuan riding a horse in front of the carriage. He was tall, imposing, and very eye-catching.
He Jiuniang also stepped forward to take a look; her own man was indeed pleasing to the eye.
"Father!"
The dog barked down below, but the noise was so loud that his voice was drowned out and most people couldn't hear it. However, Lu Baichuan still heard it and looked up to see a group of people watching him from the window.
With so many people around, he couldn't make any big moves. He simply nodded slightly to indicate that he had heard, and then continued leading the team forward.
The streets were lined with soldiers, creating a solemn and impressive scene.
In such a grand occasion, the people should have knelt and kowtowed, but the new emperor exempted them from the kneeling ceremony, allowing them to stand and watch, which won widespread praise.
With the new emperor ascending the throne and the old emperor becoming the retired emperor, the joy was compounded by a general amnesty. Except for a few unforgivable criminals, all ordinary prisoners were released without charge.
Not only that, but the granaries were opened and grain was distributed, with each household in the city receiving a portion of grain per person, which was considered a favor bestowed upon the new emperor upon his ascension to the throne.
This is an unprecedented good thing. You can go and receive it after the parade ends. Even beggars will get a share.
High-ranking officials and nobles naturally received a share, but no one would claim it. At this time, they wouldn't compete with the poor people, otherwise, if the national treasury and granaries were empty, it would be these rich people who would suffer.
After the parade ended, the people went to collect their grain, and the Lu family prepared to go home for lunch.
However, considering that Jiang Ruoya and Mingze were also there, they decided to eat at a restaurant outside, since the two families had never had a proper meal together before.
However, since we already knew each other, there was no awkwardness. Everyone chatted and laughed, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
"Father, you said you found some evidence. Can you give it to me? I'll have Bai Chuan present it to the Emperor. That should get it done faster."
When He Jiuniang spoke to Mingze, Old Man Lu almost thought she was calling him. Luckily, Madam Sun patted him under the table, preventing a misunderstanding.
Mingze quickly realized what was going on and laughed, "Of course, I originally intended to give it to you too. It would be more convenient for you to do things with your identities."
No matter how powerful Mingze is, he is still a member of the martial arts world. Although he has the ability to vindicate the Jiang family, his position is somewhat illegitimate.
However, Lu Baichuan's job in the imperial court, and his high-ranking position, would make things much easier for him.
"Oh, right, I have another message for you. I was originally planning to give it to you tomorrow, but I have some free time now, so I'll have someone fetch it for you directly. It's always good to plan ahead."
Mingze smiled, behaving like a loving father.
He changed a lot during this period and no longer had the same scheming towards He Jiuniang.
He Jiuniang wasn't the kind of person to hold a grudge, so there was no need for her to keep making things difficult for Jiang Ruoya. She should just pretend those things never happened.
"OK!"
She readily agreed, though she was somewhat curious about the information Mingze was going to give her.
When He Jiuniang finished her meal and was about to leave, her subordinates brought her two envelopes: one containing evidence to clear the Jiang family's name, and the other containing information revealed by Mingze. He Jiuniang did not open them immediately, but put them in her bosom and prepared to return to the General's Mansion.
"Mother, I'll come see you another day!"
Before getting into the carriage, she waved to Jiang Ruoya.
Jiang Ruoya was very happy and waved to her. After watching the Lu family's carriage leave, she said, "This child is too sensible. On the contrary, I have been hesitant and apprehensive."
“It’s alright. I’ve bought the courtyard next to the Lu family’s house. Once we officially become relatives, we’ll move in there.”
Mingze smiled indulgently. Jiang Ruoya was stunned for a moment, then her face lit up with surprise: "Ah? When did you buy it?"
"It was recently repaired, and it's still under renovation. I'll take you to see it once it's finished."
"good!"
Jiang Ruoya nodded emphatically and got into the car to go home.
Inside the Lu family carriage, Old Man Lu and the children were all looking at He Jiuniang and Madam Sun, very curious about the relationship between He Jiuniang and Jiang Ruoya.
Old Lu asked, "What are you two hiding from us? Why don't you confess?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com