Consort An found the girl more pleasing the more she looked. Was she not beautiful enough? Why would she need to be so stunning if she wasn't relying on her looks? Was she not delicate enough? What kind of delicate girl would be worthy of her valiant nephew?
“Zhenzhen, come, sit here with your aunt,” Consort An happily beckoned Qi Zhenzhen.
The sudden shift in address made Qi Zhenzhen a little uneasy. This wasn't an ordinary commoner's home; this was the imperial palace. And the person calling herself aunt was the highly favored Consort An. She had expected someone aloof and dignified, but this person was so lively. The contrast left her feeling somewhat at a loss.
“Don’t be nervous,” Emperor Chongwen spoke. “Ale’s temperament has always been like this. If she likes something, she likes it; if she doesn’t, she won’t compromise for this or that reason. You’ll get to know her better with more time together! You are a good girl and indeed well-matched with Anian. Tell me, these ideas you shared with your father, how did you come up with them?”
Qi Zhenzhen hadn’t expected Qi Tianming to have held back anything in front of Emperor Chongwen. After all, even if Qi Tianming took all the credit, she wouldn’t expose him.
“I saw it in an ancient book. It recorded matters concerning snow disasters, including an introduction to building wooden houses. I found it interesting and read it several times. When the accumulated snow caused a disaster this time, I suddenly remembered this matter and told my father. Unfortunately, that ancient book was lost during a move,” Qi Zhenzhen said with a look of regret.
“A move?” Emperor Chongwen’s mind worked swiftly, understanding that Qi Zhenzhen’s mention of a move likely referred to the loss during their escape from the estate.
“The court ministers have discussed it and unanimously agreed it is feasible. I have already entrusted your father with full responsibility for this matter. The disaster victims have now been properly resettled, and this is your merit! Your suggestion for merchants to fund the effort is also viable. Those merchants were practically scrambling to contribute, afraid of being refused if they were even a moment late,” Emperor Chongwen’s voice was pleased. “The smoothness of this matter has made me very happy!”
“This is the wisdom of our predecessors. I merely stumbled upon it, picking up scraps from others. I dare not claim credit,” Qi Zhenzhen gently shook her head and said unhurriedly.
Emperor Chongwen nodded inwardly, his good impression of her growing. He had met many young ladies from noble families, and few were as calm and composed in his presence. Moreover, fewer still could converse with him so coherently. Additionally, his words had clearly indicated that merit would be rewarded. The young lady did not show overt joy at the prospect of a reward; instead, she earnestly spoke of picking up scraps and not daring to claim credit. He was extremely satisfied with this.
“Perhaps many people have seen the ancient book you mentioned, but only you spoke out the records from it, helping the disaster victims. I believe this is your merit.”
This time, Qi Zhenzhen did not offer further polite refusals. After all, the person before her was the foremost figure in Da Feng. Since he had spoken those words, he must have already made his considerations.
“What reward does Your Majesty plan to bestow upon Zhenzhen? This is no small accomplishment. Thousands of disaster victims have been resettled, and this method will be promoted by the court, benefiting not only the disaster victims around the capital but far beyond. This can be considered a great deed of merit,” Consort An said with a smile. “Your Majesty cannot simply dismiss her!”
Emperor Chongwen looked at Qi Zhenzhen calmly. “You tell me, what reward do you desire? Gold, silver, jewels, antiques, or calligraphy and paintings, choose as you please.”
Qi Zhenzhen felt she could earn gold and silver herself. As for antiques and calligraphy, she had little research in those areas and would find them useless. It was a rare opportunity for a reward, and choosing such items would be a waste of a chance.
“Can I truly request my own reward, Your Majesty?”
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