Chapter 73 The first credit belongs to Taicang Trading Company
Zhao Shuning's face froze slightly, and Concubine Li's expression also froze subtly for a moment.
She made no secret of her preference and admiration for Zhao Shuning and took credit for him personally, but Xiao Yanci directly refuted her without giving her any face at all.
Concubine Li said in an unhappy tone, "Xiao Qi, what do you mean by that? Doctor Zhao has been busy running around in the shelter. Even if she hasn't made any contributions, she has worked hard. With this attitude, isn't it hurting the feelings of the meritorious officials?"
She is a noble concubine and an elder, so it is natural for her to act like an elder when dealing with Xiao Yanci.
Xiao Yanci remained calm, "I'm not denying anyone's contribution, but if we really want to reward them, it's far from Zhao Shuning's turn."
These words were spoken in a very impolite manner. Zhao Shuning froze in place, feeling extremely embarrassed.
Concubine Li's expression was also unhappy. "You have indeed worked hard and made great contributions this time. If we really want to discuss rewards, you will definitely be the first one to be rewarded. Doctor Zhao will not be able to surpass you. You act so domineeringly, isn't it chilling?"
This was almost like saying that Xiao Yanci was greedy for credit and intolerant.
Concubine Rou was immediately displeased, "Concubine Li, what do you mean by this?"
"Literally."
Xiao Yanci smiled, "I was born with this overbearing personality, and I can't change it even if I want to."
He dared to be so arrogant in front of the emperor and all the ministers. He was really arrogant.
Concubine Li looked at Emperor Defeng angrily, "Your Majesty, look at this..."
Unexpectedly, Emperor Defeng sided with Xiao Yanci without hesitation. "Xiao Qi is right. Doctor Zhao has indeed made contributions, but the first merit has not yet been awarded. Naturally, it is not her turn now."
Concubine Li: ...
Zhao Shuning was held high in the air, feeling extremely embarrassed.
Concubine Rou was finally happy, and she spoke softly to Xiao Yanci, "Xiao Qi, why don't you kneel down and receive your reward?"
If he had a tail, he would have looked so proud that it would have been raised high.
Xiao Yanci shook his head, "Mother, I am not the first to achieve this, and I don't deserve this honor."
Concubine Rou was stunned.
He'd been so busy all this time, he hadn't even had time to catch his breath, and if that didn't count as the first achievement, then who could be considered the first?
The joking look on Xiao Yanci's face faded, replaced by a serious expression.
"The shelter was built under the leadership of the Taicang Trading Company. The first batch of charcoal and cotton clothes needed by the people were all donated free of charge by the Taicang Trading Company and other trading companies. The Taicang Trading Company was the first to send people to the shelter to accommodate the beggars wandering around the city and the people affected by the disaster outside the city."
"From the beginning to the end, Taicang Trading Company was the leader and pioneer of this matter. They set a good example for disaster relief. Some people forget their principles when they see profit, but Taicang Trading Company put their principles first and did a lot for the people."
"If we were to judge by merit, the Taicang Trading Company would be first, the other trading companies second, and the imperial guards and soldiers who patrolled day and night third. What I have done is but a trivial contribution, not worth mentioning at all. Father, I dare to ask for merit for the Taicang Trading Company."
Xiao Yanci's words were so powerful that they echoed in the hall for a long time.
Concubine Li, who had just mocked his tyranny and greed for merit, felt as if she had been slapped hard several times.
Zhao Shuning felt even more embarrassed and ashamed.
Concubine Rou, who was originally feeling unfair for her son, fell silent, feeling touched in her heart.
Emperor Defeng spoke slowly, "Permitted! Come, summon the owner of Taicang Trading Company to the palace for an audience!"
Xiao Yanci kowtowed deeply to his superior, "Father, your majesty is wise."
Chu Yian's mood went up and down.
He was originally upset that Zhao Shuning did not receive any reward, but now, he could not say anything else.
Every word Xiao Yanci said made sense.
Apart from Taicang Trading Company, no one else can take the primary credit.
He has always wanted to make friends with the owner of Taicang Trading Company, and today he has the chance.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel anticipation.
It was rare for Emperor Defeng to have the mentality of watching a good show. When that person appeared in front of everyone, the reaction of the crowd would surely be very exciting.
Emperor Defeng waved towards Xiao Yanci, "Come sit down beside me, and let your mother take a good look at you."
Xiao Yanci looked at his mother. She was originally cheerful, but as soon as she met his gaze, her face immediately turned stern and she looked angry.
This is because he is annoyed that he has not visited the palace to pay respects for many days.
Xiao Yanci walked forward and sat down with a smile, "Mother, I haven't seen you for a long time. You look even younger, just like a young girl in her twenties."
Concubine Rou, who was originally full of complaints, had her attention diverted in an instant, and she couldn't suppress the curve of her lips anymore.
She reached out and touched her face, glaring at him angrily, "I'm already a mother, stop talking nonsense."
Xiao Yanci said sincerely, "My son never tells lies. If you and my son go out, others will think we are brother and sister."
Concubine Rou was originally quite happy, but when she turned around and saw his dark, rough, and chafing face, she immediately became angry again.
"I gave birth to you so beautiful, just to let you mess you up? If you keep being so unkempt, people will think you're my dad!"
Xiao Yanci touched his nose.
Emperor Defeng: Ahem…
This is a bit outrageous.
Concubine Li looked at Concubine Rou's face, which was so tender that water could be pinched out of it, and her already unhappy mood became even more depressed.
The curfew in the city has been lifted tonight. All kinds of grocery stalls are lined up on both sides of the road. The tall buildings are decorated with ribbons and hung with lanterns, making the streets as bright as day.
Pedestrians were shoulder to shoulder, the noise was endless, and fireworks were blooming in the sky, tearing through the dark night.
At this time, Yaoguang Pavilion was quiet and peaceful, and the noise from the outside world had nothing to do with this corner of the place.
Dan Yan showed off her cooking skills today and prepared a sumptuous meal. The master and servants gathered together and ate the New Year's Eve dinner quietly.
Lu Zhiran praised sincerely, "Danyan, your cooking skills are getting better and better."
Dan Yan blushed a little and felt very proud when she was praised.
"That's nothing, I can make anything the lady wants to eat!"
Cui Fu reached out and pinched her face, "Look at what you can do."
The two maids immediately started a fight.
Looking at them laughing and joking, Lu Zhiran couldn't help but raise the corners of his lips slightly.
Today, everyone in Yaoguang Pavilion received red envelopes. The ones given by Nanny Jin and Cui Fu Danyan were particularly generous, making them smile from ear to ear with joy.
They also prepared their own gifts for Lu Zhiran. Lu Zhiran accepted them one by one and smiled with her eyes curved.
"Tui Fu, your sewing skills are getting better and better. These shoes fit well and are comfortable. I will wear them this winter."
"Dan Yan, have you also learned how to mix spices? They smell so good, just like the meat you cooked!"
"Nanny, why are you making me small clothes again? Didn't you just make some a while ago? Doesn't this size look a little too big?"
Nanny Jin said confidently, "It's not too big. My eyes are the best ruler. It fits Miss perfectly!"
In the light of the lamp, Lu Zhiran's face turned slightly red.
Dan Yan looked envious, "Miss, you have a great figure. It would be great if you could share some of it with me."
Lu Zhiran: ...
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