Free Web NovelChapter 2354: Chapter 2329: Rewards
Manbao couldn’t frankly tell the emperor that these things weren’t so precious in the Western Regions, and that the styrax he sent was found in a bandit’s lair. So she said, "Your Majesty, when we went to the Western Regions, we deliberately brought some tea and cloth. After selling them there, the money we earned not only offset some travel expenses but also allowed us to buy gifts for friends and family."
Bai Shan added, "Moreover, we encountered a group of bandits while passing through Liangzhou. Fortunately, the prefect of Liangzhou and Assistant General Nie were brave and led soldiers to eliminate the bandits. We seized some goods from them."
The emperor asked, "Shouldn’t the seized goods be handed over to the national treasury?"
"Yes, the prefect of Liangzhou used them as military funds and gave some to us to calm our nerves."
Prince Gong, who had been writing with his head down, snorted, "Isn’t someone soliciting bribes?"
Bai Shan immediately took the lead and knelt down, "Your servants dare not."
Zhou Man also knelt down and, with her wide-open eyes, asked the emperor, "Your Majesty, do we have to hand over those calming gifts to the national treasury?"
The emperor wasn’t that petty. If all the spoils from eliminating bandits were nationalized, how many local officials and stationed troops would be willing to take the risk to eliminate bandits?
Although Great Jin is supposedly at peace, there are still plenty of bandits and robbers in the mountains. The emperor didn’t want rampant banditry to interrupt his travel routes and trade, so he waved his hand at Bai Shan and his companions, saying, "Since the prefect of Liangzhou gave them to you for calming purposes, just accept them."
He also secretly glared at Prince Gong, signaling him to focus on his writing.
Prince Gong lowered his eyes and continued writing with his head down.
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has brought the young prince."
The emperor immediately smiled brightly and waved, "Invite them in quickly."
He then instructed Gu Zhong, "Move the brazier a bit, don’t let the smoke bother Yingnu."
Gu Zhong responded with a smile and bent down to move the brazier a little.
The Crown Prince came in quickly with his child. He did not set him down but carried him directly to bow to the emperor, "Greetings, Father."
"No need for formalities. It’s so cold, why did you bring Yingnu out?"
Though he said this, he reached out his hand indicating he wanted to hold the child.
The Crown Prince handed his son to him, then took a step back and looked at Zhou Man with a hint of sarcasm, "Oh, Imperial Doctor Zhou finally returns."
Manbao lowered her head, indeed, it’s pleasant on the road but hot like fire upon returning to the capital.
The young prince sat on his imperial grandfather’s lap, not afraid at all. Seeing the open box on the table and the red gems inside, he immediately reached to grab them.
The emperor was cautious, yet he didn’t anticipate the child’s speed. With a swift motion, the little prince clutched the gem in his hand. Seeing his grandfather trying to take it, he held it tightly to his chest, even bending slightly to protect it.
The emperor laughed heartily, patting his back, "Our Yingnu has sharp eyes and quick hands, surely a martial talent."
Yingnu, hearing praise from his grandfather, opened his mouth wide with a smile and offered the gem back saying, "For you, for you."
The emperor took it, becoming even more delighted, "Yingnu already knows to show filial respect to his grandfather, truly a good child."
The five of them watched, silently acknowledging in their hearts: This was originally our gift.
But once it passed through the hands of the innocent young prince, it naturally became his gift in their eyes.
The emperor, in a good mood, was willing to overlook Zhou Man and the others’ lateness, downplaying the matter. To the Crown Prince who teased them, he said, "Enough, Zhou Man has brought back the method for smallpox inoculation. You’ve always overseen the Imperial Medical Office, have them start researching it. If feasible, propose a plan."
The Crown Prince agreed.
The emperor, holding Yingnu, gave his little hand a gentle shake, and after contemplating for a moment, asked the four of them, "You’ve made great contributions during this Western Expedition. What would you like?"
Bai Shan was slightly stunned, instinctively turning to look at Manbao.
Seeing this, the emperor calmly said, "No need to look at her. She is an official of the court. Since she made contributions, she will be rewarded. But what about you four?"
Without any position on you, what plans do you have?
Bai Shan gave Yin Huo a glance, indicating for him to speak first.
Yin Huo stepped forward and bowed, "In response to Your Majesty, I did not participate in the Western Expedition this time and dare not claim credit."
Seeing Yin Huo, the emperor smiled kindly, "Although you didn’t join the Western Expedition, you did travel to the Western Regions. Your contributions to the smallpox inoculation method are noted. Speak freely, I will reward you as I can."
Yin Huo declined again, "The smallpox inoculation method is not yet confirmed, and seeking the solution involved more effort from Lord Zhou and Bai Shan, I dare not claim credit."
The emperor laughed, "You are as modest as your father. But do you have no confidence in the smallpox method you found? I asked you to speak, so speak. Even if the method doesn’t work, you will not be blamed."
Bai Shan lifted an eyebrow, feeling reassured.
Yin Huo hesitated before saying, "Then I dare to request a Marquis Mansion from Your Majesty."
The emperor paused, then burst into laughter, asking, "Do you want to move out of the Marquis Mansion? Does your father know about this?"
Yin Huo replied, "If Your Majesty grants a mansion, I might occasionally stay there without any qualms."
The emperor chuckled, shook his head, and after pondering for a moment said, "You are a county gentleman, the residence for a county gentleman... I recall there’s a nice house in Chongyi Courtyard, it’s yours."
Yin Huo knelt to thank him for the favor.
The emperor’s gaze then fell on the other three, briefly passing over Bai Shan and Bai Erlang, finally resting on Liu Huan.
Liu Huan couldn’t help but sneak a glance at Bai Shan and Zhou Man.
The pair subtly gestured with their eyes, encouraging him to speak boldly and assuredly.
The emperor observed all this from above, and couldn’t help but ask, "Why are you making faces at each other?"
Bai Shan and Manbao immediately straightened up and stood quietly with their heads lowered.
The emperor snorted, then looked back at Liu Huan, displaying a friendly smile, "You’re Liu Hui’s grandson, come, tell me what you would like?"
Liu Huan swallowed, unable to resist glancing at Bai Shan again.
Bai Shan signaled him to be cautious, suggesting if he couldn’t think of anything, he could ask for monetary or material rewards like textiles or precious items.
However, Liu Huan misunderstood, thinking Bai Shan meant to say whatever came to mind. So he swallowed again and said, "Your Majesty, could I possibly request a favor of inheriting a position?"
Bai Shan: ...
The emperor: ...
Everyone: ...
Even the Crown Prince couldn’t help but turn his head to look at this simpleton.
Liu Huan grew even more nervous, and couldn’t help but spill his thoughts, "Taking the imperial examination is too hard. I reckon I couldn’t pass even with another ten years of effort. I might succeed in the Ming Classic exam, but it’s almost better to secure an inherited position. It would spare my grandfather’s nagging, saying no one wants to propose marriage to me..."
The emperor stroked his chin, sized him up and down, nodded after a moment, "No wonder..."
Then he said, "It’s not impossible, but your grandfather might not agree. You should ask him first. If he asks for the inheritance for you, I’ll grant it. If not, I can give you a break and allow you to participate in the Ming Classic exam this February, how about that?"
