Chapter 22 Receiving Imperial Honors
Half a year later, I concluded my duties as Salt Commissioner and returned to the capital to report.
This time The Emperor was granting me an important position in the capital. I, Lin Ruhai, had already become a new favorite in the court.
Due to my meritorious service while posted in Yangzhou, helping The Emperor eliminate many corrupt officials, The Emperor was delighted and bestowed a noble title upon me.
Not only did he send people in a grand manner to escort me back to the imperial palace, but he also granted Jia Min a first-rank title of honor and Daiyu the title of Commandery Princess Of Rongyang.
"Ruhai, I truly did not misjudge you."
The Emperor, just as during the Palace Exam that year, affectionately held my hand and called me by my courtesy name in front of all the civil and military officials.
Those who didn't know might think this bearded old man like me and this old sixth had some improper relationship.
"Pick a day and have your wife and daughter come to the palace more often."
"Yes."
Daiyu received the imperial edict in the residence. Gazing at the four characters "Commandery Princess Of Rongyang" above, her brows slightly knitted.
"What? You don't like it?"
This girl was nearly ten years old. Her appearance had become more striking, and she had more of her own opinions.
"It's a bit vulgar."
She set aside that imperial edict more lightly than discarding a piece of waste paper.
Years of indulgence had nurtured Daiyu to be aloof and free-spirited. She devoted her heart entirely to literature, occasionally riding out on horseback.
Such a tremendous joyous event as being enfeoffed as a princess was to her merely a lump of waste soil in the secular world. It aroused not the slightest interest in her.
"The Emperor has always been vulgar. You will get used to it."
"Oh my, if your father and daughter's words were to spread, it could cost lives."
Jia Min was preparing the gift list for returning to the Jia Household. She had originally not wanted to go back, but seeing that the New Year was approaching, she reluctantly roused her spirits.
If she didn't go back to pay respects, it would lack propriety. For the sake of my face as a first-rank official, she reluctantly roused her spirits to prepare the gift list.
"With Father here, I am not afraid of anything."
Daiyu smiled and shook her head.
"Tonight your father and I will go to the Jia Household. You stay at home and play by yourself."
Jia Min shook her head and patted the child's small forehead.
"Just right, Yinglian and I have matters tonight!"
"Oh? What matters?"
"Secret."
This girl. When did she start having her own secrets.
Jia Min covered her lips and smiled. "What could it be? It's nothing more than some poetry society she's setting up with Yinglian. People from all sorts of backgrounds. Your daughter recruits talents without regard to convention. You've spoiled her rotten."
"Could it be that you are unwilling to spoil her?"
I crossed my arms and shook my head helplessly.