Greetings, Ninth Uncle

Ch.23 - Identity

This imperial eunuch was the one close to the Emperor. And now, in front of all Yichun marquis manor's people, he praised Cheng Yujin and sent the Emperor's reward. Because the reward was given to Cheng Yujin, she knelt in the forefront, with other Cheng family members were kneeling behind on both sides. Even the gray-haired old Master and old Madam also knelt behind her.

Cheng Yujin kowtowed to show her gratitude and received the brocade box representing the Emperor's grace. When others saw this scene, they all had different feelings. Among them, Cheng Yuanxian's mood was the most complicated. He was the father, but didn't receive the reward from the palace and instead had to see Cheng Yujin took the lead.

Old Master Cheng was very pleased that he became teary-eyes. He also didn't miss how the yellow-clothes eunuch took a brief glance at Cheng Yuanjing before going out. This eunuch was an old servant by the Emperor's side, and even senior cabinet ministers had to give him some face when they met him. He obviously knew the matter from more than a decade ago.

Old Master Cheng knew that the reason why the Emperor was so happy that he let his most trusted eunuch send rewards to the Cheng family was not because of the embroidery screen, but the calligraphy on it. Cheng Yujin's double-sided embroidery was indeed excellent and wonderful, but the Emperor sat on the pinnacle of the world and had seen countless of exquisite embroidery. If it wasn't for the person who wrote the calligraphy, no matter how exquisite the screen was, at most it would only made the Emperor took another glance and wasn't enough for him to bestow any rewards.

But the Emperor saw it and sent a reward to the Cheng family under Cheng Yujin's name, indicating that the Emperor recognized Cheng family's credit. Directly rewarding Yichun marquis manor would only shake the cabinet. After all, no one could think of any of Cheng family men who may produce an appropiate merit, not even the Marquis himself. However, if the reward was bestowed to a woman....then the matter would be different altogether. Cabinet ministers were all busy people, so no one would have time to care about a young girl, and they probably wouldn't even bother to listen.

This matter was indeed having the right time and the right place, and when all opportunities were accumulated to this point, Cheng Yujin got a ready-made bargain. Yet in this case, everyone was benefited. Since the Emperor had made his words, no one would dare to mention Cheng Yujin's failed engagement in a bad light anymore.

Cheng Yujin also very satisfied. She did not know the complicated reasons behind, and simply thought that her embroidery had caught the eyes of those in power. Four bolts of brocades and eight bolts of silk were not expensive, and Cheng Yujin could get them by herself. What truly valuable was the golden embroidery tools bestowed by the Emperor and his words that designated her as the 'women's model.'

Those who had been maliciously gossiping that Cheng Yujin had her engagement broken because of her too boring and restricted personality now had their face being slapped fiercely. They immediately turned their tongue to skilfully praised this eldest miss, who is truly a model for her peers. After all, His Majesty had opened his mouth, who were they to dare to contradict it?

Lian Qiao endured all the way back to their courtyard before finally laughed out: "Miss, it's so funny. You didn't see the second Madam and old Madam's face just now. Clearly feeling grieved, but still had to put on a bright smile! The corner of their mouths was twitching, and I almost die holding out my laughter!"

Du Ruo also smiled. She pushed Lian Qiao and lightly scolding: "Enough, don't be too excessive. You may bring our miss trouble if not careful."

"I know." Lian Qiao had a sense of proportion, and she would never say such words outside this room. But Lian Qiao was so happy that she squeezed her eyes and said excitedly: "Miss, Huo family and second miss have just getting engaged a few days ago. If Madam Huo knows what happened today, would she feel so much regret that her intestines turned green?"