diskusbooks Chapter 158 Meeting the Saint
Chapter 158 Meeting the Saint
Before the hour of Mao, the lights in the Marquis's Mansion were already on.
According to the time of later generations, officials of the Great Qi Dynasty would go to court at around six o'clock.
Early in the morning, someone was sent from the palace. It was a young eunuch with a fresh face.
"The Emperor said that it was cold in the capital, and told the Marquis not to worry and to just go into the palace slowly."
The eunuch lowered his voice again:
"Eunuch Deng said that many important officials from the court will stay today to discuss matters outside the Great Wall. If the county marquis is not interested in this matter, he should return home early."
Shen Tang gave the young eunuch a meaningful look.
The eunuch smiled slightly:
"Eunuch Deng is my godfather."
Shen Tang understood.
Eunuchs have no descendants, so they often adopt young eunuchs as their godsons and grandsons.
Firstly, it was to facilitate the affairs in the palace, and secondly, it was to ensure that there would be people to show respect to him when he was old and to have some incense to worship him.
Although the emperor had conveyed this message, Shen Tang still did not dare to neglect it. He packed up early and went out.
When officials of the Great Qi went to court, their carriages had to stop at the palace gate and they had to walk.
Unless the emperor makes an exception, for example, the old tutor is allowed to ride in a sedan chair.
Therefore, although it was still dark, there were already many carriages outside the palace gate.
The officials have become accustomed to it, and some officials who live nearby and have good relationships even come in the same car.
Shen Tang, wearing a specially made marquis's uniform, got off the carriage.
As a woman, she stood out among a group of men, not to mention that there was a little eunuch following her.
This is the Marquis of Ning'an County!
So youthful! Great color!
Everyone guessed Shen Tang's identity the moment they saw him.
Just when everyone was thinking about how to go forward and greet Shen Tang, they saw someone squeezing through the crowd and approaching.
"Marquis, long time no see!"
The person who came was Minister Zhao.
Shen Tang also responded with a smile:
"My Lord, it's been a long time since we last met. You're still as charming as ever."
Who doesn’t like to hear good words, especially good words from people that everyone pays attention to.
"Why didn't you inform me in advance that the Marquis was coming to the capital so that I could entertain him?"
Speaking of this, Minister Zhao regretted it. He had wanted to write a note and send it to the Marquis' Mansion yesterday, but then he changed his mind and thought that the Emperor had not summoned him yet, so it would be better for him not to contact Shen Tang for the time being.
As a result, Zhu Yi and his gang got there first, and he felt so regretful.
Shen Tang has no acquaintances in the capital, so even if he entertains the emperor, the emperor won't say anything. It's true that sometimes worrying too much can easily lead to losing more.
Hesitation will defeat.
"This is the first time the Marquis has entered the palace. Why don't I show him the way and introduce him to the palace?"
Shen Tang naturally couldn't refuse Minister Zhao's kindness, so he bowed and thanked him.
The young eunuch retreated behind him, and Minister Zhao took Shen Tang and walked past everyone into the palace.
Officials: So angry, we are fooled by this guy.
Minister Zhao tried to find out something from Shen Tang by asking indirectly.
After all, he didn't come to the capital to express his gratitude in person for such a major event as the title of Marquis of a County. Now he is here. Based on Minister Zhao's understanding of Shen Tang, he thinks that Shen Tang's visit to the capital must not be as simple as expressing his gratitude.
"I've heard a bit about the recent border situation since arriving in Beijing. I wonder if Lord Zhao favors war or peace?"
Minister Zhao looked at Shen Tang and asked such a question, feeling a little confused. Just as he was about to speak, he heard the eunuch following behind them gently remind him:
"Marquis, the Emperor has ordered you not to wait outside the palace. After entering the palace, you should go to the side hall to rest and wait for your summons."
Upon seeing this, Minister Zhao had no choice but to swallow his doubts and turned to go to the Golden Palace.
In the hall, Emperor Jing had not arrived yet. Several ministers who were standing nearby gathered together. When they saw Minister Zhao come in, they were curious and came to ask Minister Zhao for information.
"The Marquis of the County is a pure and kind person, and the easiest person to get along with."
"Why would I lie to you? Not only is the County Marquis kind, he's also very straightforward."
Everyone was skeptical about Minister Zhao's words and asked again:
"Marquis Ning'an is coming to the capital this time. Does he want to stay there?"
Minister Zhao paused:
"I guess he's going to the capital to express his gratitude."
If you want to settle down in the capital, I believe the elders of the Shen family will also go to the capital together.
When everyone heard this answer, they changed their minds and wanted to inquire about the news again, but then they heard the eunuch's voice:
"The Emperor has arrived!"
All the ministers stood up straight in an instant and knelt down to pay their respects.
Hot tea and snacks had already been prepared in the side hall.
Since I'm here, I might as well eat something.
After all, this is the craftsmanship of the imperial kitchen. In the previous life, ordinary people would not be able to eat it.
Moreover, I only had a quick meal when I went out in the morning, and I was really hungry after walking all the way.
Little did he know that Shen Tang's behavior in the side hall had been secretly recorded and reported to Emperor Jing.
Sure enough, when the officials in the hall were arguing about the general outside the pass's request for war, they saw a young eunuch whispering something to the emperor, and Emperor Jing actually smiled, which was rare.
"Your Majesty, the Marquis used half a pot of tea in the side hall and a little of each kind of snack, and even praised the Royal Chef's cooking skills."
When Emperor Jing heard this, he couldn't help but smile.
Although he was already a county marquis, he was still in his teens after all.
All the ministers were startled by Emperor Jing's smile and even forgot to argue.
Emperor Jing looked at his ministers, all of whom were already quite old, yet they were still arguing endlessly.
"Okay, we've been arguing about this for a long time and there's still no conclusion. Let's stop for a while."
Emperor Jing spoke and continued:
"I'm sure all of you are aware that the Marquis of Ning'an has already arrived in the capital. Why don't you meet him first, the lucky star of our Great Qi."
"Announce, the Marquis of Ning'an County is here to see you~"
Shen Tang straightened his robe and followed the eunuch leading the way to the main hall.
Everyone only saw a young woman with a good appearance and a cool temperament, wearing a gorgeous marquis's robe, slowly walking into the hall from outside.
He has an upright posture and a calm demeanor.
"Your Majesty, your Majesty, may your Majesty live long and long."
"No gift."
Shen Tang stood in the center of the hall, feeling the inquiring gazes from all directions, but the most oppressive feeling came from the pressure from Emperor Jing above.
"It's true that heroes emerge from youth, and women are just as capable as men!"
Emperor Jing laughed out loud.
"It's been hard for a girl like you to travel all the way north. Are you used to the capital?"
"Your Majesty, everything is fine, but it is really cold in the capital."
Shen Tang answered truthfully.
"This humble servant has come to the capital to express his gratitude for the Emperor's grace. I have also brought some things for His Majesty to review. I would also like to ask for your gentlemen's approval."
Emperor Jing had received Shen Tang's letter a long time ago and knew that Shen Tang was going to bring cotton products.
However, because Shen Tang had agreed to give two dividends privately, Emperor Jing was reluctant to speak out, so when Shen Tang opened his mouth, Emperor Jing readily agreed:
"Send it over."
"Your Majesty, the things are placed in the carriage at the palace gate. As the quantity is quite large, please send someone to get them."
All the officials were curious. Was Shen Tang sending something again?
What are they giving this time? Can this gift be more powerful than a thousand kilograms of rice?
"Marquis of Ning'an, young hero, have you heard anything about what's happening at the border?"
While everyone was waiting, an adult standing in front asked Shen Tang. Shen Tang didn't recognize him, but the words he said were very powerful:
"Anyone who openly offends the Great Qi will be punished, even if they are far away!"