Chapter 77 Lu Zhiran Receives Reward
Emperor Defeng's tone became increasingly gentle, as if he was talking to a younger generation.
"You don't have to be so modest. If it weren't for you taking the lead in building shelters and donating charcoal and winter clothes, even if I allocated funds, I wouldn't be able to provide for so many people to keep warm. You have made great contributions and should be given the first place."
Lu Zhiran said solemnly, "I am terrified. I only provided some money and supplies, but it is you, Your Majesty, who truly calms the people's hearts and unites them."
"You immediately sent the Seventh Prince to take charge of the shelter, living and eating with the people. You also sent people to search remote villages, not abandoning any of the people."
"You are a wise ruler of the Great Qi Dynasty. You care about the people, which is why you have achieved such great things. Your Majesty is the greatest contributor to the successful disaster relief efforts."
After saying this, she kowtowed devoutly, her voice rising higher and higher, "I worry about what the people want; I hope for the well-being of the people and the prosperity of the country. It is a blessing for the Great Qi and all the people to have such a wise ruler!"
Emperor Defeng stood there in a daze, and was a little out of control for a moment.
Xiao Yanci was the first to kneel down and shouted, "Your Majesty is truly a wise ruler. It is a blessing for the Great Qi!"
The others seemed to have just woken up from their dream and knelt down one after another. Their excited shouts could be heard from far away, shaking up the birds in the trees, which seemed to be responding silently.
Emperor Defeng was so excited that his face flushed. Even though he knew it was flattery, no one could flatter someone so loudly and make him so happy.
He laughed heartily, "Well, well, all the nobles, please stand up. It is my great fortune, and it is also the great fortune of Great Qi, to have such talented people like you!"
I thought that was the end of it, but Lu Zhiran had another trick up her sleeve. "I'm so proud of you, your humble servant, for bringing a gift to Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will accept it."
Emperor Defeng was in a good mood and very excited at this time.
"Oh? What's the gift?"
Lu Zhiran said seriously, "Actually, this is not something I prepared. I am just delivering it on your behalf. Your Majesty, please allow me to keep it a secret for now. You will know soon."
Emperor Defeng's interest was piqued, and his ministers also became deeply curious.
Xiao Yanci looked at Lu Zhiran with a smile, and the other party turned around and looked at him.
Their eyes met, and this one look was a tacit understanding that only they understood.
Her eyes were bright, and although she wasn't smiling, they seemed to be filled with brilliant stars. Xiao Yanci's heart skipped a beat for no reason.
The palace servants brought the large mahogany box over. Emperor Defeng looked at the huge box with even stronger interest in his eyes.
"I want to see what you are keeping secret today. Someone, open this box."
The box slowly opened, and everyone subconsciously stretched their necks to look inside.
At first glance, it's unremarkable.
The palace maid carefully took out the scroll and slowly opened it. When everyone saw the contents clearly, their expressions changed.
This is actually a letter to all peoples.
Crooked names, handprints of varying sizes, long and short sentences, crude and immature yet simple and sincere words... were like huge waves, stirring ripples in everyone's hearts.
Emperor Defeng read the words one by one, and his originally deep eyes suddenly became moist.
At this moment, he felt an urge to go to the shelter in person to take a look at his people.
Lu Zhiran spoke slowly, "The emperor has done everything for the people. They have seen it with their own eyes and remembered it in their hearts. They have nothing, most of them are illiterate, and cannot write beautiful articles. This is their most sincere gratitude for the emperor's grace. I, your humble servant, offer this New Year's gift to you. I hope your majesty likes it."
Emperor Defeng suppressed his emotions. "Very good, very good! I like it. I like it very much! Pass on my decree. Everyone in the shelter will receive a reward of five taels of silver from my private treasury. In addition, all the people in the disaster-stricken areas will have their taxes halved next year!"
Those were his people, and they worshipped him as a god, so he wanted to repay them as much as possible. At the very least, he must not let down this heavy book of all nations.
Five taels of silver is not worth mentioning for noble families, but for ordinary people, it is a considerable amount of money, even enough to support a family's expenses for most of half a year. The halving of taxes is a great blessing!
Lu Zhiran smiled brightly, "Your Majesty is wise. I, your humble servant, thank you for your great grace on behalf of the people."
Emperor Defeng looked at her with a smile. "Lu, you are very good. You have been helping me with my worries. I never treat meritorious officials unfairly. Tell me, what reward do you want?"
Before Lu Zhiran could speak, Xiao Yanci interrupted, "Father, if you ask her like this, she naturally won't dare to tell the truth. You have so many good things in your private vault, any of them you give away can become heirlooms, so please don't be stingy."
Emperor Defeng glared at him angrily, "You think everyone is like you, and all you think about is gold, silver, and jewelry."
Is Lu Zhiran short of money? Since I want to reward her, I must reward her with something that touches her heart. Gold, silver, and jewelry are fine, but they can only be the icing on the cake. I can't just give them that.
After a moment's silence, Emperor Defeng said, "Pass on the writing brush."
Soon, palace servants brought in tables and chairs, laid out pens, ink, paper, and inkstones, and several people held lanterns to provide lighting.
Emperor Defeng picked up the pen and wrote the two big words "Yi Shang" with great ease.
"The Taicang Merchants have repeatedly achieved remarkable feats and possessed a heart for helping the world. They sacrificed personal gain for righteousness in times of crisis for the imperial court, making them a model for all merchants. I hereby bestow upon you the title of 'Righteous Merchants.' All your businesses may display this plaque. I hope you will uphold your integrity and live up to the title 'Righteous Merchants.'"
Lu Zhiran looked at the two powerful characters, and a huge surprise flashed through his heart.
Righteous business!
These two words are light, but their weight is far beyond the reach of ordinary gold, silver and treasures!
Merchants have had a low status since ancient times, and many people regard them as profiteers. But now, Emperor Defeng personally bestowed the word "righteous merchant", which is a great recognition!
As long as they conduct business honestly, without stealing, robbing, cheating or deceiving others, they will sooner or later reverse the world's prejudice against businessmen.
Just as he was about to accept the decree and express his gratitude, Emperor Defeng continued, "Also, because of Lu's noble character and righteousness, I hereby grant her the title of Second Rank Princess of Pingle County, a fief of 100 households, and a house."
Lu Zhiran was stunned again.
Given the Lu family's background, it was impossible for her to be named a county lord.
But all this actually happened.
This is a great honor given to her by the emperor!
In her previous life, she was resentful of Chu Yian for requesting an imperial decree for Zhao Shuning, and Zhao Shuning had always used the imperial decree to pressure her.
In this life, she finally had an identity. This was not given to her by others, but was earned by herself.
There was a bright light flashing in Lu Zhiran's eyes, and her back became straighter.
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace!"
The sound was loud and clear, with undisguised joy at the end of the tail.
Greatly pleased by her reaction, Emperor Defeng also smiled.
"You are very good. I hope that even after you have been promoted to a higher position, you will remain humble and not forget your original intention."
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