Lu Qing wore a humble expression: "Having a wise ruler like Your Majesty is a blessing for the people and a fortune for all living beings. For us ministers to be able to share Your Majesty’s worries is also our blessing."
Emperor Jin was evidently quite satisfied with these words, nodded with gratification, and said, "I heard that soone attempted to falsely accuse General Cao’s nephew of murder yesterday. Fortunately, you were present, and your subordinates argued rationally with the other party. Only then was the truth uncovered, clearing General Cao of any wrongdoing?"
"Indeed, that was the case," Lu Qing nodded.
"Not bad, you handled it well. I shall record this as a great rit for you," Emperor Jin appeared very pleased, "General Cao has followed in battles, his military rits are nurous, and he is a founding hero of Da Jin.
If any random person could falsely accuse such a ritorious old minister, if I sought justice, I would be criticized for bias and shielding, yet if I didn’t, it would chill the hearts of the old ministers."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted from Lu Qing to Zhu Yu: "Are you the Chief Historian from Prince Xiaoyao’s Mansion who helped overturn the case for General Cao’s nephew yesterday? I didn’t expect my son’s household to have such talented individuals."
Emperor Jin spoke these words in a complintary tone, but Zhu Yu couldn’t help feeling a little uneasy inside.
She had witnessed firsthand the speed at which this Sovereign of the World changed his face during her last visit to the palace, masked to face the emperor.
Faced with such a person whose thoughts were unpredictable and who held the power of life and death in his hands, Zhu Yu instinctively felt so apprehension, so she was particularly cautious and did not dare to listen to it as pure praise.
"Your Majesty flatters ; I just had a little knowledge that happened to be useful," she replied humbly, bowing her fists and slightly lowering her head, her attitude very modest.
"Not only capable but also humble, not bad, not bad," Emperor Jin nodded, scrutinizing Zhu Yu once more, "I heard you found out the trick on the murder weapon’s point, which even the forensic examiner from Jingzhao Mansion couldn’t, that’s more than just a little knowledge.
With such abilities, being assigned under my son’s service, could it be you are also taught by the Qi Yun Mountain People?"
Zhu Yu sighed inwardly; Lu Qing had indeed predicted this situation beforehand and reminded her this morning before setting out.
So she nodded along: "Your Majesty’s insight is indeed sharp, like a torch."
"Your Majesty, I wish to request a letter of recomndation from you," Lu Qing seized the opportunity to speak up and requested of Emperor Jin, "Previously, seeing him frail and seemingly not of great use, I didn’t pay much attention, but I didn’t expect he could co in handy this ti.
Being just the Chief Historian at my mansion, he lacks the proper title and rank outside; I wonder if Your Majesty could grant him a letter of recomndation, so it would be convenient for him in future necessities."
Emperor Jin did not imdiately respond to Lu Qing’s request, and after a brief contemplation, he waved him off: "Let’s forgo the letter of recomndation; since the Qi Yun Mountain People sent him to assist you, he seems trustworthy.
Afterward, I’ll have a constable send a waist card to you, not to waste your master’s kind thoughts for you."
Lu Qing quickly clasped his fists in gratitude.
Emperor Jin then said to Zhu Yu: "Qi Yun Mountain People assigned you to Lu Qing’s side, you must wholeheartedly assist him, otherwise not only will the Mountain People not spare you, but neither will I."
"Yes, I will definitely do my utmost, to the best of my abilities," Zhu Yu promptly responded.
After which, Emperor Jin no longer paid her attention and chatted with Lu Qing about other matters.
Lu Qing, after all, ca today in the capacity of Prince Xiaoyao, so Emperor Jin couldn’t discuss too significant state affairs with him. It was more as if they were a father and son having a casual conversation.
Zhu Yu focused her eyes on her nose, her nose on her heart, silently listening behind Lu Qing.
Firstly, Lu Zhang’s marriage was progressing faster than they had expected, but due to the disturbance at Cao Tianbao’s birthday banquet, Lu Zhang was apprehensive and didn’t want the wedding to be grand, preferring a low-key affair.
Emperor Jin was initially not in favor but, considering the incident on Lu Qing’s wedding night, he agreed to Lu Zhang’s request.
Currently, the wedding escort team for the Jie King’s legitimate daughter had already received the bride from the team sent by the Jie Country and was returning to the Capital under General Situ’s escort, expected to arrive soon.
Secondly, Emperor Jin bypassed Lu Chao and even the Third and Fourth Princes to arrange a marriage for the Seventh Prince, Lu Ze, with the granddaughter of the Imperial College Sacrificial Officer, the daughter of the Minister of the Imperial Academy, from an absolutely orthodox scholarly family.
Since the young lady had just co of age and Lu Ze had recently passed the age of maturity, the marriage wasn’t urgent. Emperor Jin personally discussed the arrangent with the Sacrificial Officer, essentially confirming the engagent. They planned to marry the two once they were slightly older, in a few years.
The Sacrificial Officer readily accepted since Lu Ze was currently the most favored among the princes and was of a similar age to their granddaughter. Lu Ze, handso and wise in deanor and actions, was undoubtedly a good match.
As to why the engagent for Lu Ze was arranged so early, Emperor Jin simply chuckled with a loving look at Lu Qing and said, "Ze’er is my youngest son; with you elder brothers shouldering many responsibilities for , he always seems like a child who is slow to mature.
Instead, arranging a marriage for him in a scholarly family, surrounded by learned n, would refine and advance him as well."
After so idle conversation and as Emperor Jin still had a pile of morials to attend to, Lu Qing took his leave and left the South Study Room with Zhu Yu.
Mr. Gao escorted them out, with his face all smiles and words full of flattery, a benefit from Lu Qing’s favor, escorting them all the way to the palace gate. Even after mounting their horses and riding so distance away, Zhu Yu looked back discreetly and could still see Mr. Gao waving his small white handkerchief.
"They say money can make the devil turn a millstone; today, this heavy silk pouch of yours nearly had ghosts pushing the millstone," Zhu Yu whispered to Lu Qing as she rode forward after him.
Lu Qing chuckled, "The eunuchs beside the emperor, even if not highly ranked, hold considerable weight. Among the civil and military officials, besides people like Duke Yan and General Cao, who can afford to give Mr. Gao a cold face?
His eyes aren’t shallow; my little gift is just not to make him feel slighted.
Moreover, eunuchs like him always have their own plans; if you aren’t soone he’s willing to bet on, even large gold ingots may not make him bat an eyelid."
Zhu Yu nodded in agreent. She was full of doubts but, due to the bustling street, decided to hold back her questions until they returned ho.
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