Chapter 200: Moment of Glory

Chapter 200: Moment of Glory

Xin You stood among the crowd, silently listening to the gossip around her, her heart sinking.

The "Wanmin Umbrella" was a symbol of approval from the common folk for a good official. Having received such an honor, along with the reputation of being loved by the people and the achievement of disaster relief, it certainly made it harder to seek justice for her mother.

Further reflection made Xin You’s heart sink even more. Assigning the task of disaster relief to King Qing was clearly meant to pave the way for him.

Even if Lord He brought back news of her mother's murder, would that person really abandon King Qing for the sake of her mother?

If that person chose King Qing—Xin You bit her lip hard, her eyes flashed with resolve.

Then she would kill King Qing herself, even if it meant perishing together!

Xin You had thought it through clearly. All the efforts of the Gu Chang family were for King Qing. Once King Qing died, their wealth and prosperity would crumble like a house without a foundation.

However, with such direct revenge, she couldn’t walk away unharmed.

She was not an impulsive person, but once the emperor decides to protect someone, there was no way to have it both ways.

The worst outcome would be the loss of her own life.

With this in mind, Xin You regained her calm and watched the long procession advance.

The procession was headed towards the imperial palace.

"Pay respects to His Majesty." In the grand hall, civil and military officials stood on either side as King Qing knelt before the man seated on the dragon throne.

Emperor Xingyuan nodded slightly, a faint smile on his lips. "Well done, you’ve worked hard these past few days."

"It is my duty to share your worries, Father. I don’t find it difficult, only feel honored," King Qing said, half-bowing, his voice clear and loud.

"This trip has matured you," Emperor Xingyuan praised again, turning his eyes to Minister Pei Zuo.

Minister Pei was the chief officer for the Dingbei disaster relief.

"Minister Pei has also labored hard."

Minister Pei quickly expressed his loyalty.

His smile deepening, Emperor Xingyuan ordered, "Prepare the banquet, I shall host a feast to welcome you."

At the palace banquet, King Qing was the star of the show, and Minister Pei was also in the limelight.

Also an official in the Ministry of Revenue, Vice Minister Zhang Jian sighed inwardly. Pei Zuo was indeed lucky to have gotten such a good assignment, unlike him, relegated to the rear, doing well but not being noticed.

Of course, this envy could only be hidden in his heart and not shown outwardly.

Despite being toasted by many, with Emperor Xingyuan present, King Qing dared not overindulge even though he was being flattered. After the banquet, he first went to the Cining Palace to pay his respects to the empress dowager.

"Grandmother, your grandson has returned."

"It’s good that you’re back. Your father has been thinking of you," the empress dowager said lovingly, looking at her spirited grandson.

Hearing this, King Qing felt even more pleased.

It was indeed good to be back, to everything familiar and habitual, unlike that cursed place where he didn’t want to stay a moment longer.

After spending a long time talking with the Empress Dowager and receiving many fine things, King Qing left her presence and headed to Lotus Hall.

At Lotus Hall, Consort Shu had been eagerly awaiting King Qing, repeatedly inquiring about his movements.

"King Qing has arrived."

Hearing this, Consort Shu went out and met King Qing as he entered.

"Mother—"

"You're finally back, my child—" Consort Shu grabbed King Qing, who was about to perform a greeting ritual, and swallowed the words "You look thinner" when she saw his face clearly.

"What’s wrong, Mother?" King Qing asked casually.

With Consort Shu, King Qing felt most at ease, unlike when he had to pretend to be obedient in front of Emperor Xingyuan and the Empress Dowager.

"My dear, you must have suffered." Consort Shu choked on her words.

King Qing furrowed his brow. "Mother, let's not mention Dingbei again. For the past two months, all I've seen and heard were these matters. Now that I’m back, I’d rather not dwell on it."

"Yes, yes, Mother understands." Consort Shu's eyes never left her son.

Heaven knows how worried I’ve been these past two months!

Although her son's status meant he wouldn't be in danger, there were always unexpected events and unpredictable illnesses.

She had only this one son; if anything happened to him, what would become of me?

"You must have drunk quite a bit at the banquet, didn’t you? Mother had someone prepare a hangover remedy for you. Have a bowl."

A palace maid carrying the hangover soup came forward.

King Qing picked up the bowl and drank it, rinsed his mouth, and wiped it before asking Consort Shu, "What’s been happening in the capital while I was away?"

Anything new?

Perhaps because palace life was so monotonous, the first thing that came to mind was Miss Kou.

"I’ve heard some interesting news."

"Do tell me."

"Do you remember Miss Kou, Yier?"

King Qing’s eyes flashed.

"Miss Kou, again?"

"What did she do?"

"Shortly after you left, wealthy families in the capital donated silver to aid the disaster-stricken areas. Your father had Prince Xiu organize a banquet for the benefactors, inviting those who donated over a thousand taels. Miss Kou donated fifty thousand taels."

King Qing looked surprised. "Fifty thousand taels?"

"Yes, fifty thousand taels." Consort Shu's tone was meaningful. "Because of her generous donation, she was specially summoned by your father during the banquet and received an award."

King Qing sneered. "She’s quite the schemer!"

King Qing's attitude finally put Consort Shu at ease.

Ever since Miss Kou caught the eye of Emperor Xingyuan, Consort Shu had felt inexplicably uneasy and often inquired about events outside the palace.

It was said that Miss Kou was quite popular among the young men at the Imperial Academy, and she was truly concerned that her son might fall for the girl's schemes.

"Fortunately, your grandmother is keen-eyed and discerning, on New Year's Day—"

After listening to Consort Shu, King Qing smiled. "An orphan girl with such remarkable talents."

Consort Shu also smiled. "Indeed, she is highly capable. In the first month, her bookstore released a new script, which sold countless copies. Even many young palace maids and eunuchs were circulating it."

"Is it the second volume of *Journey to the West*?" King Qing became interested.

"Perhaps. But such leisure books should be read sparingly."

In fact, Consort Shu had not only read it but had read it several times.

"I understand, Mother. I’m a bit tired and will rest at my mansion. I’ll visit you another day."

After leaving the palace, on his way back to his mansion, King Qing sent a trusted aide to purchase *Journey to the West*. After returning, bathing, and changing clothes, he lounged lazily on a couch and began reading.

Time slipped by unnoticed until a servant cautiously reminded him, "Your Highness, please take a break."

King Qing tossed the book onto the table and instructed the servant, "Head to Qingsong Bookstore and bring Mr. Songling to me. I wish to see him."

Mr. Songling was indeed quite talented.

The servant left to carry out the order.

"Is Miss Kou here? I am from King Qing’s residence."

Hu Boss quickly sent someone to inform her.

Upon learning that someone from King Qing’s residence had arrived, Xin You was truly surprised.

King Qing had just returned to the capital today; why would he send someone to find her?

When she went to the front and met the person from King Qing’s residence, Xin You finally understood the reason: they wished to meet Mr. Songling.

Noticing the expectant look on King Qing’s servant’s face, Xin You’s heart ached.

If she were to go to King Qing’s mansion disguised as Mr. Songling—

The thought flashed by and was forcefully suppressed.

Lord He had not returned yet, and it was uncertain how the other person would act. She could not be hasty.