The Emperor summoned Chu Qianli to the palace for an audience.
Although she had been mentally prepared, wasn't the timing a little too tight?
When Fú Lóng saw Chu Qianli in the palace, he was also somewhat surprised.
"So tired, didn't you rest well when you returned?" he asked in a low voice.
Chu Qianli couldn't help but yawn.
"There were many matters in the manor, I couldn't sleep."
Heaven knew how much she wanted to sleep!
Even an iron body couldn't withstand such arduous travel and exhaustion, let alone a woman less than a month past a miscarriage?
Rubbing her slightly sore eyes, Chu Qianli took the opportunity while Eunuch Qing walked ahead to announce her presence to ask in a low voice, "Is there anything happening in the palace?"
"Nothing. The Emperor is probably happy that Prince Xu has been saved, and of course..."
This was what Fú Lóng was worried about: "It's not impossible that he wants to probe your intentions. Regardless, ask for some rewards, understand?"
Chu Qianli nodded and distanced herself from Fú Lóng before Eunuch Qing returned.
She and Fú Lóng had saved Prince Xu together, so the Emperor would surely bestow rewards.
The wise are those who know when to act. If she didn't ask for rewards at this time, the Emperor would surely think that she either harbored resentment or wanted something more.
Eunuch Qing led Chu Qianli to the main hall.
To Chu Qianli's surprise, there were other people in the hall.
Some important ministers, and even Prince He, Prince Yu, and Prince Nan.
Prince Xiaoyao did not concern himself with state affairs and rarely appeared here; he was not present today.
Prince Xu had not yet returned and was presumably on his way back.
As for the other ministers, although Chu Qianli did not recognize them, their attire and demeanor indicated that they held high positions.
"Miss Li, are you not going to pay your respects to the Emperor?" Eunuch Qing's sharp voice suddenly rang out.
Chu Qianli took a deep breath, then bowed, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
She wondered if this ruler of Bei Ming had any connection to the coup in Long Teng country back then?
Was it him who colluded with Long Tianliu?
But if he had the ability to cooperate with Long Tianliu, even if it wasn't the Emperor, it must have been someone of great power.
Perhaps it was one of the people present?
She collected her thoughts and only straightened up after the Emperor said, "Rise."
The hatred filling her heart was suppressed by her expressionless demeanor.
At this moment, all was calm.
"Chu Qianli, very good, you are indeed very good!"
Today, when the Emperor saw her, he didn't show his usual displeasure. On the contrary, his gaze was filled with a smile.
Prince Xu had been saved, and the medicinal slave stronghold had been destroyed. Chu Qianli knew very well that the news had been sent back long ago.
Furthermore, at their parting outside the city, she had instructed Fú Lóng to speak well of her.
Seeing the Emperor beaming now, she knew that Fú Lóng must have embellished her contributions most impressively.
Lost in thought, the Emperor smiled again and said, "Chu Qianli, you have rendered meritorious service in saving Prince Xu. I am extremely pleased. Is there anything you desire? Today, I shall grant it to you as a reward in front of all my ministers."
Although he said this, his gaze towards Chu Qianli held a hint of sharpness.
Chu Qianli knew that what she was about to say was very important.
To refuse would be to harbor ulterior motives.
To ask for too much would be treasonous.
The Emperor also wanted to know what she truly desired.
However, Chu Qianli could clearly sense that the Emperor no longer disliked her.
Moreover, there was a distinct glimmer of hope in the Emperor's eyes.
She was simply taking a gamble.
Meeting the Emperor's gaze, she said calmly, "Your Majesty, this humble subject does indeed have a request."
"Speak."
"My elder brother, Chu Jin Nan, has been guarding the border for a long time. This humble subject misses him dearly. May I know if Your Majesty would grant permission for my elder brother to return to the imperial court and bestow upon him an official position?"
The others likely had no idea what was going on, assuming it was just a young lady seeking benefits for her family.
It was a normal human desire.
However, the Emperor and Eunuch Qing couldn't help but exchange glances.
Prince He, Prince Yu, and Prince Nan also had their own thoughts.
The Emperor had thoroughly investigated Chu Qianli and the Duke's manor.
Although Chu Jin Nan was the eldest son of Grand Tutor Chu, his mother was a dancer and was not favored in the manor.
Furthermore, due to her lack of favor in the manor and her loneliness over time, she had an affair and was tortured to death by Grand Tutor Chu's orders.
Grand Tutor Chu had always regarded Chu Jin Nan, his eldest son, as a disgrace. It was also Grand Tutor Chu who orchestrated Chu Jin Nan's assignment to guard the border.
He simply did not want this son to return and offend his eyes.
As for Chu Qianli and Chu Jin Nan, they had little interaction since childhood, so there was no family affection between them.
Why would she suddenly want to have him transferred back?
The Emperor glanced at Eunuch Qing, who nodded.
The Emperor then looked at the people below.
Prince Yu suddenly stepped forward and smiled, "Father, your son has also heard of Chu Jin Nan, this brave warrior. It is said that he performs exceptionally well in the army and is a talented individual."
Calling him a warrior, not a general, was enough to indicate that Chu Jin Nan held no position in the army.
He was merely a minor figure.
Chu Qianli couldn't help but glance at Prince Yu, who was not far away.
Prince Yu smiled at her, his smile gentle, his figure like jade, appearing not difficult to get along with.
Especially after that cup of "wine" Chu Qianli had given him, which had caused him public embarrassment.
Yet, he seemed to harbor no resentment and was even speaking up for her?
Chu Qianli averted her gaze, still looking at the Emperor with a sincere expression.
"Your Majesty, if you feel my elder brother is unsuitable for an official post, then even if you merely transfer him back..."
"Very well, your elder brother is a military officer. I shall grant him the rank of a third-rank official, a Shi Lang, and he shall be recalled to the imperial city immediately!"
"If he achieves merit in the future, I shall naturally reward him accordingly."
These words were quite clear.
Chu Jin Nan currently had no achievements, so bestowing too high an official rank at once would be inappropriate.
However, if he were to achieve merit in the future, it would not be difficult to promote him.
Chu Qianli's heart leaped with joy, and she quickly bowed, "Thank you for Your Majesty's grace!"
The Emperor said nothing, merely looking at her calmly.
The others were also looking at Chu Qianli.
They wondered why the Emperor had asked them to stay after the morning court. Was it just to watch this young girl receive rewards?
However, this young girl only asked for a third-rank Shi Lang for her elder brother. Wasn't her request too modest?
She had saved Prince Xu, which was a major event after all!
How many people in their lifetime would have the opportunity to be personally rewarded by the Emperor's decree?
The Emperor was also pondering.
Eunuch Qing looked at Chu Qianli, about to remind her of something.
The Emperor's bestowal of rewards was a great fortune, and she had to seize the opportunity well.
However, before Eunuch Qing could speak, Chu Qianli bowed again, her attitude even more respectful, "Your Majesty, this humble subject has another request."
As expected, her ambition was not limited to this.
The Emperor asked, "What else do you desire?"
Chu Qianli looked at him, took a deep breath, and then said earnestly, "This humble subject... desires a royal annulment letter."