Chapter 168: Calm Response (1/2)
De Quan kept the decree that the Emperor had just written and went to look for the eunuch responsible for issuing the decrees. He instructed the eunuch, “Send this decree to the general’s residence immediately. If there are any delays, your head will roll.”
The eunuch acknowledged his order and immediately prepared to leave. However, he paused for a moment and asked, “May I please ask Eunuch De a question… Which general’s residence is this decree supposed to be issued to?”
The eunuch forgot that the former general’s residence had fallen and it was normal for there to be doubts. De Quan immediately instructed, “The former military general’s residence. The one who sacrificed himself to rescue the late Emperor. Hurry up and go!”
That eunuch responsible for issuing the decrees stared blankly for a moment. Since he took over this position a long time ago, he had never visited the former general’s residence. Now that he was suddenly asked to issue the decree, he felt that it was rather unfitting.
No matter what he thought, he couldn’t complain. The job of issuing the decree was a tough one to obtain. He had put in a lot of effort and stepped over plenty of corpses of his fellow-workers to climb to this position. He would go to any place His Majesty ordered. He was just a servant and he no longer possessed his manhood. The only thing he desired was riches and honor, he shouldn’t be too curious lest he lost his rice bowl.
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“Summoning Luo Chu of the general’s residence to receive the decree! In tribute to Heaven and to accept the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor’s decree states Luo Chu of the general’s residence is innately kind and has a beautiful appearance. Because of the feats accomplished by the former military general, this Emperor has to reward him. This Emperor remembers the former general’s grace and decided to invite Luo Chu to the palace after morning assembly. This Emperor will provide more care and shall not let down the late general! End of the decree!” The eunuch finished reading the decree and closed it. He then handed the decree to Bai Luochu before helping her up. He then said to Bai Luochu, “Young Lady Luo Chu, are you not going to quickly thank the Emperor for his favor? Aren’t you going to accept the decree? His Majesty wants to compensate you for the late general’s service.”
“This official’s daughter thanked His Majesty for the grace! Will His Majesty live for ten thousand years!” Bai Luochu bowed respectfully and accepted the decree. She calmly handed some gratuity to the eunuch that issued the decree.
The eunuch weighed the bag in his hand and realized that it was full. He then treated Bai Luochu even more politely. “I hope Young Lady Luo Chu won’t forget this servant in the future.”
“Hahaha, that will be good. That will be good. Now that the decree has been issued, if you have nothing else, I shall return to the palace.” The eunuch was naturally coaxed into a great mood by Bai Luochu’s promise.
“Please take your time.” Bai Luochu’s face was filled with a smile and she bowed to the eunuch with her hands in front of her. When the eunuch was far away, she entered the general’s residence and headed towards the secluded courtyard.
“The decree has been issued. It says that I am to have an audience with the Emperor at the throne room after the morning imperial court assembly. In honor and remembrance of my father’s benevolence, the Emperor wants to compensate me. I have no idea what is going on.” Bai Luochu tossed the decree onto the table and spoke to Cai Ling and Pei Qingfeng.