bullyxtreme Chapter 111 The Female General Who Did Not Love Makeup (16)
Chapter 111 The Female General Who Did Not Love Makeup (16)
Seeing Xia Wei lying on the bed, barely alive, Zhou Ying's chest was filled with hatred. Thinking back to her conversation with that wretched girl this morning, she became even more certain of her suspicions. It seemed that the girl must know something, and Xia Wei's current state was definitely related to her!
She kept rubbing the handkerchief she carried with her in her hands, as if it were Xia Mingwei herself, looking as if she wanted to devour her alive.
Xia Mingwei had no time to worry about any of that. She had already decided to expose the secrets they knew tonight. Once the truth came out, they would have no way out.
Soon, it was time for the palace banquet. As the mother of the illustrious General Xiawei, Zhou Ying was naturally entitled to attend.
Looking at her son lying in bed, Zhou Ying was torn. She was indeed very worried about Xia Wei's illness, but at the same time, she didn't want to miss the banquet.
Since Xia Shengtin's death, she, the esteemed Madam Xia, has practically become a figurehead.
Now His Majesty is in high spirits and is holding a banquet in the Imperial Garden to entertain his ministers and their wives, clearly indicating his intention to reward those who have made contributions.
How could she miss the chance to return to the public eye! Zhou Ying couldn't bear to watch the opportunity slip through her fingers!
Considering the importance of tonight's banquet, Zhou Ying decided to put her son aside for the time being and attend the banquet. If she missed this opportunity, she didn't know when the next one would come.
Traditionally, men and women sit separately at banquets. But since His Majesty is in high spirits, no screens have been set up to separate the men and women.
Through the crowd, Xia Mingwei spotted Zhou Ying at a glance. At that moment, Zhou Ying was busy building rapport with others and hadn't noticed Xia Mingwei's gaze at all.
Xia Mingwei shook her head inwardly at the scene. It seemed she still hadn't given up on her idea. Since she was so stubborn, she would personally shatter her beautiful dream later!
Watching the crowd revel in the feasting while the enemy nation was forced to submit, the emperor felt immense satisfaction!
He believed that while the bravery of his soldiers contributed to all of this, he also deserved a great deal of credit! After all, without his enlightened rule, how could such a scene have occurred?
Enemy states had always been a major concern for his ancestors, and although several emperors had taken measures, none had been effective. Now, he had accomplished what his ancestors had always dreamed of. From this perspective, doesn't it suggest he possesses the potential to become a great emperor for all time?
The emperor's heart surged with excitement at the thought of his name being remembered throughout history. His gaze towards Xia Mingwei grew even more ardent.
As the banquet reached its climax, the emperor felt it was the perfect opportunity for him to achieve lasting fame and decided to bestow great rewards upon these military generals!
He cleared his throat and asked the crowd below, "Where is Xia Wei?"
Upon hearing this, the previously noisy scene immediately quieted down.
Xia Mingwei raised his head, stood up from the crowd, walked to the side, and gave the emperor a deep bow. He replied, "This humble servant is Xia Wei. May I ask what Your Majesty's orders are?"
Looking at the general who would help him gain fame throughout the land, the emperor was even more pleased. No wonder, this General Xia was indeed handsome. Moreover, he had rendered such merit and deserved a proper reward! Otherwise, how could he demonstrate that he was a person of fair reward and punishment?
So the emperor asked, "You helped our dynasty defeat the enemy and establish our prestige, which is a great achievement! How would you like me to reward you?"
Xia Mingwei, of course, hadn't forgotten that this was the wicked feudal society, a world ruled by the emperor. Her abilities were currently limited, so she certainly wouldn't be arrogant or complacent.
After thinking for a moment, she spoke: "We have been able to achieve this merit only because of Your Majesty's wisdom. How dare we ask for any reward?"
As the saying goes, flattery will get you everywhere.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor was even more pleased. Look at how well this man speaks! He's not arrogant at all because of his achievements! Unlike those old foxes in the court, who rely on their age to act superior all day long and say things the Emperor doesn't want to hear!
The emperor waved his hand and said, "Since you refuse the reward, then let me decide for you!"
He pondered for a moment, then addressed the crowd: "From this day forward, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Marquis of Yong'an, granting you a fief and estate! I also bestow upon you ten thousand taels of gold and a thousand acres of fertile land. This title will be hereditary for three generations. Furthermore, I grant you a pardon from death; whatever happens, I will forgive you for one offense!"
The emperor's words shocked almost everyone present.
While Hawaii certainly made a great contribution, the reward is far too generous!
Zhou Ying stood to the side, clutching a handkerchief, her heart filled with turmoil.
Xia Mingwei had rendered a great service and was rewarded by the emperor. As her birth mother, she was naturally honored. To be honest, she was secretly pleased to see the flattery and compliments from others; but when she thought of Xia Mingwei's status as a woman, she felt that it would be better to give the credit to her son, Xia Wei, and let him receive the reward.
Upon hearing the reward, Xia Mingwei quickly lowered her head to express her gratitude. At this moment, everyone's attention was drawn to the emperor's gift, and where no one could see, Xia Mingwei curled the corners of her lips into a smile.
Her humility in front of the emperor just now was well worth it. With the emperor's promise, she can reveal the secret soon.
"Does His Majesty's word stand?" Xia Mingwei asked after bowing.
To retort to the emperor on the spot was indeed somewhat offensive. Several close generals around Xia Mingwei frantically gave her meaningful glances, fearing that she might accidentally say something she shouldn't.
Today is supposed to be a joyous day, but we mustn't offend the emperor's taboos, lest the happy occasion turn into a bad one!
Meanwhile, upon hearing Xia Mingwei's question, the emperor was momentarily stunned. For so many years, no one had ever asked him such a question. However, facing Xia Mingwei, who had just rendered a great service, the emperor still possessed some patience.
"My word is my bond. Since I have given you these rewards, I will not take them back!"
"In that case, I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's boundless grace!"
Seeing Xia Mingwei express her gratitude, the emperor's lips curled into a smile. Such outstanding military generals served him faithfully, bowing in thanks for his reward—didn't this prove he was a wise and benevolent ruler?
But before he could even relax, Xia Mingwei spoke again.
"I am guilty! Today I want to use my immunity from death!"
These words startled everyone present, causing them to widen their eyes in shock.