bayedsolid Chapter 155 Imperial Edict Arrives: A Joyful Reunion at the Restaurant
Chapter 155 Imperial Edict Arrives: A Joyful Reunion at the Restaurant
Inside the restaurant, everyone was still enjoying their drinks and conversation. Shen Wanqing and Zhao Xiong were also warmly greeting everyone, their faces beaming with happiness. Suddenly, an announcement rang out: "Imperial edict has arrived!" In an instant, the restaurant fell silent. A eunuch strode in, holding a bright yellow imperial edict, his expression solemn.
Upon seeing this, everyone immediately stepped forward, knelt down, and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
The eunuch straightened his back, pondered for a moment, glanced around, caught sight of Zhao Xiong, nodded in satisfaction, then cleared his throat and loudly proclaimed: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Zhao Xiong, though he once strayed from the right path, has now realized his error and turned back to the light, a truly wise and courageous act. In the past, he has worked tirelessly and diligently, enduring hardship and demonstrating unwavering perseverance. His genuine repentance is evident to all, and such sincerity is rare indeed. I am greatly pleased and hereby bestow upon Zhao Xiong the title of General of the Valiant Cavalry, a second-rank official, with the title of Protector of the Nation, to recognize his loyalty. Furthermore, the two daughters of the Su family are betrothed to him, to be married on the auspicious day of the Mid-Autumn Festival. May the two live in harmony and build a happy life together. The Su family and Zhao Xiong must strictly obey the Emperor's will and must not make any mistakes. So be it!"
Upon hearing this decree that seemed to have fallen from the sky, Zhao Xiong was struck dumb. His mind went completely blank, his eyes widened, and his mouth gaped open in utter disbelief. He stood frozen in place, as if time itself had stopped. His mind was buzzing with confusion and shock; he was completely unable to process what was happening.
At this moment, Su Jinran, seeing Zhao Xiong's appearance, felt anxious and quickly moved closer to him, lowering her voice and urgently reminding him, "Brother Zhao, quickly thank him!"
At the same time, Shen Wanqing was also extremely anxious. She gently tugged at Zhao Xiong's sleeve, her voice soft yet urging, "Brother~"
Zhao Xiong seemed to be awakened, as if waking from a dream, and his eyes gradually regained some clarity.
He subconsciously looked at Shen Wanqing, only to see her eyes filled with urgency, and she nodded slightly, her eyes full of indication.
Zhao Xiong suddenly realized what was happening, and as if waking from a dream, he quickly lifted his robes, knelt down with a thud, and said in a slightly trembling voice, "Your humble servant Zhao Xiong thanks Your Majesty for your great favor. Long live the Emperor!"
Zhao Xiong accepted the imperial edict with trembling hands. The bright yellow silk was warm to the touch, as if carrying the weight of divine authority. He looked up, a lingering look of astonishment still in his eyes.
Upon seeing this, the eunuch smiled appropriately, bowed slightly, and congratulated him, saying, "Congratulations, General Zhao, on receiving this honor! Your future is sure to be bright!"
Zhao Xiong chuckled sheepishly, scratched his head, and hurriedly returned the greeting, thanking him repeatedly.
The eunuch turned to face Murong Qing, Murong Lin, and the others, his smile becoming even more respectful. He bowed respectfully and said, "This servant greets the Seventh Princess and the Seventh Prince Consort, and the Eighth Princess and the Eighth Prince Consort." After speaking, he lowered his body and performed a set of standard court etiquette.
After completing the set of formalities, the eunuch bowed again and respectfully said, "This servant will take his leave now." With that, he walked away slowly with small but steady steps, his bright yellow figure gradually disappearing around the corner of the restaurant.
Princess Murong Lin, with her eyes crinkling, couldn't help but chuckle. Her eyes were full of teasing and playfulness as she said in a crisp voice, "Oh my, that's great! You've been appointed a Grand General and given a marriage decree. Brother Zhao, this is double happiness for you!" She then winked playfully.
Zhao Xiong chuckled, a blush creeping onto his cheeks, and murmured, "Your Highness is too kind. I am a crude man, and such a generous gift..."
The Seventh Princess, Murong Qing, nodded in agreement, a gentle smile playing on her lips, and chimed in, "Oh, Brother Zhao, what are you saying? Everyone has witnessed your extraordinary achievements! This is not only double happiness, but also a great harvest in life!"
After speaking, she and Murong Lin exchanged a smile, their smiles filled with joy and relief for Zhao Xiong, as if they were seeing their own child's wish fulfilled.
At this moment, the seventh prince consort, Chen Shuyu, tilted his head slightly, his eyes full of smiles, and softly recited: "'Passing the imperial examination and the wedding night.' Today, Brother Zhao has achieved both, which is truly a fortunate event in life."
With a broad smile, the Eighth Prince Consort Su Jinran quickly approached Zhao Xiong, affectionately put his arm around his shoulder, and said with a gratified smile, "Brother Zhao, congratulations!"
After saying that, he turned to look at Shen Wanqing, his eyes filled with sincere blessings, and said, "Wanqing, it is already a rare and precious thing that you and Brother Zhao were able to reunite. Now Brother Zhao has been appointed as the Protector General of the Nation and has also been granted a marriage. It can be said that you are blessed by the heavens. Congratulations!"
Upon hearing this, Shen Wanqing's eyes were filled with a mixture of excitement and joy. She curtsied gracefully to everyone, her voice clear and melodious, and said, "Thank you all for your kind words and blessings to my brother."
Then she gazed at Zhao Xiong with deep affection, her voice trembling slightly, filled with heartfelt emotion: "Brother, today you have been granted the title of general and bestowed a marriage upon you. Your sister is filled with joy."
Seeing her flushed cheeks and moist eyes, Zhao Xiong felt a pang of heartache and slowly uttered, "Little sister..." He choked up...
Shen Wanqing paused slightly, her expression turning solemn as she earnestly instructed, "Brother, now that you have been appointed Grand General, you hold a high position and great power, so you must not be arrogant. In the future, you must be kind to others, and in your daily life, you should be more considerate of the hardships of the soldiers. When training, you should not be overly harsh, but rather think more about their safety. You should also have compassion for the people, protect the borders and ensure their well-being, and not disturb their livelihoods. Only in this way can you live up to the Emperor's trust."
Hearing this, Zhao Xiong was deeply moved. Fighting back tears, he replied firmly, "Yes, yes! Don't worry, I definitely will!"
As Shen Wanqing finished speaking, the tense atmosphere in the restaurant caused by the reading of the imperial edict instantly dissipated, and as if a spring breeze had swept through, it was once again filled with liveliness and joy.
People crowded around Zhao Xiong, offering their congratulations in waves, each word filled with sincerity and warmth. The crisp, melodious clinking of glasses seemed to play a joyous symphony for Zhao Xiong's double happiness.