Chapter 398: 202 Exposed (Two updates combined into one) _5
Since it was the Emperor who summoned them, the officials dared not delay. Upon their arrival in Capital City, the two professionals were taken to a posthouse to bathe and change clothes, then were imdiately taken to the imperial palace for an audience with the Emperor.
They had never even been to Capital City before, to say nothing of the imperial palace.
Walking on the polished white marble floor, they dared not breathe too loudly.
For humble craftsn like themselves, the chance to et the current Emperor in person was an unthinkable honor, almost like a dream!
The old blacksmith, nervous and excited, was trembling so much his legs threatened to give way: “Even if I died here, after seeing His Majesty, it would be worth it!”
The one who received them was Eunuch Wei, who served at His Majesty’s side.
...
Eunuch Wei chuckled and said, “In the Jinluan Hall, speaking of that word is considered taboo.”
The old blacksmith promptly covered his mouth.
Of course, he couldn’t resist stealing a glance at Eunuch Wei. He was decidedly male, yet he spoke in such an odd, ambiguous way?
The carpenter, a man in his early thirties, adapted quickly due to his youth, but was so excited he could barely function. He stumbled and nearly fell after taking a few steps.
The young eunuchs nearby hid their smiles.
But with one glance from Eunuch Wei, they quickly composed themselves.
Eunuch Wei led the two n to a side hall.
Standing outside, he respectfully reported, “Your Majesty, the craftsn from the county town have arrived.”
“Let them in.” the Emperor was in a good mood.
The n had changed into fresh clothes at the posthouse, and the officials had taught them the appropriate etiquette during their journey here. Whether they had managed to learn it, however, was another matter.
The two had yet to see the Emperor, but upon hearing his imposing voice, felt their legs go weak.
“Please go in.” Eunuch Wei kindly reminded, with a smile.
The two exchanged a glance before timidly setting foot inside.
The palace was grand and spotlessly clean. It felt less like stepping into the imperial palace and more like entering an Immortal Palace.
“Kneel—” Eunuch Wei ordered.
The two knelt imdiately.
They had forgotten everything they were taught earlier. The two perford the sa deep bows they would have given to their ancestors at a graveside, and firmly knocked their heads on the ground three tis.
Afterwards, they wanted to light so incense, but there was none present.
The Emperor was typically lenient towards those outside the palace who respected him. He didn’t impose the sa solemn dignity he showed to his court officials.
“Rise.” He ordered.
The two n were confused, having not been told of this part of the ceremony.
With a shared glance, they obediently flattened themselves against the floor.
The Emperor: “…”
Eunuch Wei: “…”
The Emperor nearly lost himself to laughter: “…Quickly, help them up!”
“Yes!” Eunuch Wei held back his laughter with a struggle, and personally helped the old blacksmith and carpenter to their feet.
If they weren’t honest people, they wouldn’t have so generously shared their bellows-making techniques with the court and local craftsn.
This was also why the Emperor had decided to reward them.
What surprised the Emperor, though, was their refusal of his reward.
The old blacksmith sincerely said, “It wasn’t us who did it, but the young lady. If Your Majesty wants to reward soone, then reward her. We have already benefited greatly! My iron shop has gained recognition while Acheng’s shop is swamped with business. We’ve never earned so much silver in our lives! Now, being able to see Your Majesty, we’ll die without regrets!”
When they returned to the county town, they would be known as the n who had t the Emperor — sothing they could boast about their entire lives!
The ntion of ‘death’ was generally forbidden in front of the Emperor. But when it was uttered with such sincere emotions from a commoner’s mouth, the Emperor couldn’t help but feel delighted.
With his spirits lifted, he decided to reward them even more.
“Do you have any requests? Feel free to ask.” The Emperor laughed.
The two of them had already discussed their request on their journey here.
The old blacksmith said, “We… we want to et that young woman and to thank her personally.”
The young woman they referred to was their benefactor. They felt it was absolutely necessary to express their gratitude.
The Emperor was in a good mood that day, and granted their request.
So, Gu Jinyu was brought into the palace.
Eunuch Wei wanted to surprise her, so he only told her that a couple of old acquaintances from the county town had arrived.
Gu Jinyu pondered who these acquaintances could be – perhaps the two maids from the manor? Had Yu Ru returned?
Instead, she found herself facing two unfamiliar n.
The two similarly unfamiliar n glanced at her.
An ominous premonition welled up in Gu Jinyu’s heart. She furrowed her brows, took a breath to steady herself, and gave a courteous bow: “Your Majesty.”
The Emperor casually waved her to rise and turned to the blacksmith and the carpenter: “Do you rember them?”
“Huh?” Gu Jinyu was taken aback.
Did she…. know these n?
A similar question crossed the minds of the old blacksmith and the carpenter: the young woman… Did they know her?
The Emperor chuckled at them, “What happened? It’s only been half a year, and you no longer recognize your benefactor? You clamored to thank her in person.”
Gu Jinyu felt a jolt of alarm in her heart!
The old blacksmith frowned: “Your Majesty, you made a mistake… She’s not the woman we ant.”
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