The Ming Dynasty's henchmen, working from nine to five

Chapter 96 Imperial Edict Arrives, Flying Fish Appears Upon Him!

"Besides money, I don't have much else to offer, but Shen Lang has never cared about such material possessions."

Princess Jing'an was somewhat downcast. Even she herself felt that it was a waste of Shen Lang's talents to serve as a servant in the Prince's mansion.

But her abilities are limited, and she can't help much, which is quite worrying.

He Xiang said, "The Yan faction hates Lord Shen to the bone. If they find out that Lord Shen has lost his official position, they will definitely try every means to drive him out of Yujing."

"Although His Majesty has promised not to pursue the matter further, we are far from the capital and the emperor is far away. They will definitely use underhanded means to harm Lord Shen."

"With the status of a courtier, Lord Shen can stay in Yujing openly and without anyone being able to find fault with him."

"As long as the green hills remain, there's always firewood to burn; as long as people are alive, there's always a chance to turn things around!"

Princess Jing'an frowned and pondered for a long time before sighing, "What you said makes some sense. I'll ask him about it later!"

There's not much else to do right now, so even if it's just for Changning's sake, we have to try.

Young girls just beginning to experience romantic feelings are the most difficult to handle.

Princess Jing'an muttered angrily under her breath, "All she does is read storybooks all day long, she's going crazy! I'm burning all her storybooks later!"

The moment she finished speaking, a servant rushed in to announce, "Your Highness, Lord Shen has returned and is requesting an audience outside!"

"Why bother announcing anything? Let him in quickly!" Princess Jing'an said with delight.

Before long, Shen Lang entered the Lotus Garden, led by a maid.

"It's been a few days, how is Your Highness the Princess?" Shen Lang greeted her with a cupped hand and a gentle smile.

"You still know it's been several days?" Princess Jing'an snorted and rolled her eyes.

"I have repeatedly told you to withdraw immediately if things go wrong, but you, on the contrary, insist on facing the challenge head-on..."

Upon seeing Shen Lang, Princess Jing'an unleashed all the resentment she had been holding in for days, launching into a tirade of scolding.

Shen Lang listened with a smile, occasionally agreeing and apologizing, his attitude extremely proper.

Seeing his expression, the princess couldn't muster any anger. She stopped talking and sighed, "I heard from Changning that you're doing quite well in prison?"

Shen Lang nodded and said, "My colleagues took good care of me, so I didn't suffer much."

Princess Jing'an said, "Later, you should draft a list and give it to Li Zhong, so he can take care of it. These are all favors that need to be repaid."

"Those who can enter the Embroidered Uniform Guard are all extraordinary individuals; who knows who might rise to prominence in the future? We shouldn't seek personal gain in our interactions with others, but we must never neglect proper etiquette..."

"6

Shen Lang felt a warmth in his heart as he listened to her nagging, and nodded with a smile.

Having been an orphan for two lifetimes, I feel quite good now that someone cares about me. I've also developed a sense of belonging to this unfamiliar city of Yujing.

The two chatted for a while longer. Shen Lang noticed that Princess Changning hadn't shown up yet and was about to ask her when the princess suddenly said, "You've caused such a big mess, you probably won't be able to keep the Embroidered Uniform Guard around."

"This is what I think: you should first take a position as a servant in the Prince's residence to temporarily settle things down."

"Once this calms down, we can think of another solution together. What do you think?"

As soon as she finished speaking, she quickly added, "You don't need to do anything. Just stay here peacefully, as if you were at home."

"Furthermore, I know that you don't care about money and only focus on martial arts. I have already ordered people to go to various places to collect martial arts manuals, treasures and weapons for you."

"Wait a few months, and the first batch will be delivered. Then you can pick and choose, and see if there's anything you can use."

Shen Lang's eyes widened in surprise, then a smile slowly appeared on his face. Just as he was about to reply, a hoarse voice came from afar.

"Imperial edict has arrived!"

"Shen Lang, accept the imperial decree!"

The next moment, a eunuch dressed in a green robe, wearing a round hat, with two strands of hair sticking to his cheeks, slowly walked into the lotus garden, surrounded by several people.

"Greetings, sir." Shen Lang cupped his hands in greeting.

The eunuch politely returned the greeting and said, "The Grand Eunuch specifically instructed me to come quickly to deliver the imperial decree. However, this place is quite far from the palace, and even with my best efforts, I was still delayed. Please forgive me, Lord Shen!"

Shen Lang smiled and said, "There's no need for that, Eunuch. Although I haven't known the Grand Eunuch for long, we hit it off immediately. We're all on the same side, so please don't stand on ceremony."

The eunuch uttered a soft "Yes," and instantly beamed with joy, his gaze towards Shen Lang revealing a hint of intimacy.

People always avoid eunuchs like the plague. Even if they are polite to them, they probably despise them in their hearts.

On the other hand, this Lord Shen, who is so highly regarded by His Majesty and has a promising future, is still so humble and polite, showing him enough respect. Who wouldn't like such a fine young man?

The eunuch smiled and said, "Lord Shen, please receive the imperial edict!"

As he finished speaking, everyone in the Lotus Garden bowed and stood up.

The eunuch cleared his throat, unfolded the imperial edict, and loudly proclaimed: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Shen Lang, the Commandant of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, has been diligent and conscientious in his duties, solving numerous mysterious cases and demonstrating meritorious service, living up to the Emperor's expectations."

"Now, he is promoted to centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, receiving his regular salary, and placed under the jurisdiction of the Northern Garrison Command."

"He is hereby specially bestowed with a Qilin and Flying Fish Robe, a seventh-rank embroidered spring knife, a thousand taels of red gold, and a thousand bolts of various colored silks and satins as a sign of commendation."

"You should uphold your principles, fulfill your duties with utmost loyalty, and repay the Emperor's kindness!"

"So be it!"

At the same time, a notification sound that only Shen Lang could hear rang out:

[Your outstanding work performance has led to your promotion to department manager by the group leadership, unlocking a career milestone and granting you +50 skill points!]

The eunuch handed the imperial edict to Shen Lang, clapped his hands, and shouted in a high-pitched voice, "Bring it in!"

As soon as he finished speaking, more than twenty eunuchs from the Eastern Depot led nearly a hundred guards from the Prince's Palace, carrying in dozens of huge wooden boxes in groups of several.

After a while, the group worked together to pile the boxes in the courtyard and arrange them neatly.

The eunuch walked over, opened a wooden box, pointed to the gleaming gold inside, and said, "His Majesty greatly admires Lord Shen's talent, and this is a substantial reward."

"Lord Shen, you mustn't let His Majesty down!"

He wasn't exaggerating. Ever since Jiajing began cultivating Taoism, the imperial treasury had become increasingly empty, and there was never enough money to go around.

Therefore, the rewards bestowed were mostly just verbal gestures, rarely given in full. If there was really no other way, they would be given out today and then secretly asked for back tomorrow.

He only cares about practical benefits; empty fame is completely outside his consideration.

Giving Shen Lang so much gold now can truly be described as a great favor.

Shen Lang cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and solemnly declared, "I humbly request that you convey this message to His Majesty: I am willing to serve Your Majesty with utmost devotion, even unto death!"

The eunuch nodded with a smile and personally took out a set of neatly stacked dark blue flying fish robes, as well as a narrow, long, slightly curved embroidered spring knife with a thick spine.

The flying fish robe features cloud-shaped shoulder blades, full sleeves, and a round collar with knee-length hems. The chest is embroidered with a qilin pattern in dark gold thread.

Its pattern runs from the chest around the shoulders, down the sleeves to the cuffs, making it appear exceptionally exquisite and luxurious.