Chapter 2359: Chapter 2356: The Bracelet
"Afterward, he went out to sea with the young master of the Chu family. It’s said that the sea voyage went smoothly this time, thanks to the successful renovation of the ship. Small vessels cannot travel far; to go farther, one must have better ships."
Emperor Xuanming recalled this matter upon her reminder, "Indeed, that is true. It seems the Chu family is full of talented people."
"Having more practical talents is certainly beneficial for our Great Chu." The Empress knew what Emperor Xuanming liked to hear.
Sure enough, these words were pleasing, and Emperor Xuanming was quite in good spirits.
With a grand gesture, he said, "The Chu Family’s Second House has contributed significantly to Great Chu. Learning a bit of palace etiquette is nothing much; Empress, please arrange it."
"I understand," the Empress nodded.
Emperor Xuanming spoke, squinting his eyes slightly, before suddenly saying something surprising: "Since the Second Master of the Chu Family has such abilities, the Ministry of Works needs a lot of talents, let him enter the manufacturing department of the Ministry of Works."
The Empress was a bit shocked, "Your Majesty..."
Li Chongjin was stunned for a moment and then knelt down to salute: "Congratulations to Father Emperor for acquiring talents. I also thank the Emperor on behalf of Miss Chu for the appreciation."
"Okay, if there’s nothing else, leave the palace early to prepare properly for tomorrow without any errors. If more manpower is needed, then be prepared. If an accident happens again, where will the face of our Great Chu be!"
"Yes." Li Chongjin became more cautious.
Emperor Xuanming nodded and then left Kunning Palace.
Li Chongjin truly needed to return early to prepare, not only having to guard against Hetu and others but also against Minister Qi and the Deng Family.
Surely, it won’t be long before these people learn the news. If something were to happen to him tomorrow, it would be a great chance to get rid of him.
Should anything happen, they would have one less adversary. Even if he survives, if he loses too much face, it would disappoint Father Emperor. An old fox like Minister Qi would surely not miss such a good opportunity to hit him while he’s down.
Although tomorrow’s risk is high, it’s also his chance!
The Empress clearly understood the reasons behind this and reminded him worriedly: "Jin’er, you must be careful."
"Mother, rest assured, I will be very cautious."
"Actually, Lord Chu had already avoided fatal harm at that time. He shouldn’t have been in trouble, but unfortunately, he’s remained in a coma for reasons unknown." This is something Li Chongjin has been pondering recently. He somewhat suspects it might have been poisoning, but even the imperial physicians in the palace couldn’t detect poisoning, so he had to dismiss that suspicion.
"We cannot influence Lord Chu’s matters for now, but since you’re engaged to Miss Chu, treat her well. I see the Chu family possesses great talents; such talent is always worthwhile to keep close. Besides, now you don’t have many people by your side, so forming close ties with the Chu family is quite natural." The Empress inwardly wished Li Chongjin well.
Her position in the palace was stable, not favored, but the Emperor respected her as he should.
Li Chongjin nodded, "Mother, you don’t need to worry. I understand. Ziluo is a good girl; I will treat her well."
"This jade bracelet was left by your aunt back then; it’s not worth much, but while she wasn’t yet in the palace, she had already prepared it to pass on to future generations."
"Keep it." The Empress gazed nostalgically at the jade bracelet before handing it to Li Chongjin.
Li Chongjin recognized it; the old jade bracelet bore marks of hand-carved traces, obviously very old, yet preserved beautifully.
Leaving the palace.
Li Chongjin then went to visit the Chu family.
