If it were an ordinary ancient emperor, Lu Zheng might not hold much reverence, but he certainly wouldn’t be afraid.
However, the Great Jing Dynasty was different. This was a world of immortals and heroes, and for an emperor to rule over the Central Plains, what kind of figure must he be?
Thus, Lu Zheng felt immense pressure.
Indeed, strength changes perception. Even though, to common folk, the Great Jing seemed like any other ancient dynasty.
“Miss Liu is from Yizhou Prefecture, so the imperial edict was sent here,” Du Yuru said with a smile. “The palace eunuch delivering the edict is at the prefectural office. Shall we go receive it?”
Liu Qingyan glanced at Lu Zheng with some unease.
She was just an ordinary little fox spirit. The sudden prospect of interacting with the Great Jing emperor naturally made her apprehensive.
Lu Zheng took her hand, then turned to Chu Jin.
Others might not see Liu Qingyan’s true nature, but he trusted Chu Jin could. If the emperor was unwilling to commend a fox spirit, Chu Jin would likely smooth things over.
To his surprise, Chu Jin smiled, nodding to indicate there was no issue.
“Hm?”
The next moment, Chu Jin’s voice transmission reached Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan’s ears, “The Anomaly Suppression Division has investigated the Liu family and knows Miss Liu is a fox. But for saving Great Jing’s people, she is a citizen of Great Jing. Rest assured.”
Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan exchanged a glance, both visibly relieved.
…
After a brief roadside chat, the group entered the city, heading to the prefectural office.
Along the way, Du Yuru explained some protocols.
There wasn’t much to note. The Great Jing didn’t practice kneeling. When receiving an edict, one simply faced the capital, stood solemnly, bowed, and listened until the edict was fully read, not rising until it was complete.
At the prefectural office, they entered the front courtyard.
Lu Zheng noticed an incense altar and banners already set up, with two rows of eighteen inner guards standing solemnly. Each exuded robust vitality, all martial arts experts, likely no weaker than Duan Changzai.
At the far end stood a middle-aged man in a blue floral official robe, appearing ordinary, with a warm smile and gentle eyes, yet carrying a dignified air that marked him as an official.
Seeing the group, he nodded, his gaze settling on Liu Qingyan, and declared, “Liu Qingyan, receive the edict!”
Liu Qingyan quickly stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said respectfully, “This humble woman, Liu Qingyan, receives the edict!”
Lu Zheng stood by her side, also bowing.
Everyone present followed suit, showing respect for the emperor.
“The Great Jing Emperor decrees: In the 672nd year of Great Jing, floods struck… Now, Liu Qingyan, a female physician from Yizhou’s Liu family, has practiced medicine with compassion, saving countless lives across the land, sharing the ‘Xiaoxing Hu’s Four Spirits Malaria Cure’ with physicians. Her sincere heart has earned the people’s gratitude. Thus, she is granted the title of Benevolent Physician Qingyi. May she uphold her original intent, always mindful of the people’s welfare. By imperial order!”
“This humble woman, Liu Qingyan, receives the edict with gratitude!”
As Liu Qingyan responded, everyone stood. The middle-aged man swiped his jade thumb ring, and a large plaque appeared before him.
The plaque, half a zhang wide and a foot high, was adorned with imperial wood carvings, with four golden characters in the center:
**Benevolent Physician Qingyi**
Remarkably, it was written by the current Emperor Jing himself. For an ordinary family, this would be a cherished heirloom.
Lu Zheng had thought the title was just a designation, not expecting the emperor to personally inscribe a plaque.
“Miss Liu, congratulations. Imperial calligraphy from His Majesty is rare indeed!” the man said with a smile.
“Thank you for His Majesty’s favor.” Liu Qingyan accepted the plaque, blinked, then handed it to Lu Zheng.
Lu Zheng looked at Du Yuru, “Can I store it?”
Du Yuru nodded, “Of course.”
With that, Lu Zheng stored the plaque in his gourd, saying to Liu Qingyan, “When we return to Tonglin County, decide if you want it hung at the clinic or at home.”
Liu Qingyan gave a wry smile, “At home, of course. It’s too conspicuous for the clinic.”
With the edict received, the formalities concluded. Du Yuru introduced both sides, and Lu Zheng learned the man was Zhong Lingyin, a first-rank palace eunuch, speaking casually with Chu Jin, clearly a formidable expert.
To clarify, Great Jing’s eunuchs differed from ancient China’s. Zhong Lingyin had a beard, so Lu Zheng didn’t entertain any odd thoughts or let his eyes wander.
With business done, Zhong Lingyin relaxed, exuding a friendly, neighborly warmth, smiling at Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan, “Miss Liu is full of merit, and Young Master Lu is a high disciple of the Daoist sect. You two are truly a perfect match!”
He had investigated Lu Zheng’s background. Though an outer lay disciple of White Cloud Temple, he was registered in the main temple’s records. Achieving such cultivation in two years promised a boundless future.
Moreover, due to her healing and sharing of prescriptions, Liu Qingyan was enveloped in golden merit light, clearly destined to become a great demon of a thousand years.
Though their current cultivation wasn’t high, their potential was evident, so Zhong Lingyin didn’t act superior.
Plus, upon arriving in Yizhou, he’d heard of the Peach Blossom Fairy affair…
No wonder Chu Jin held Lu Zheng in high regard. Zhong Lingyin saw them as future titans.
Despite the praise, Lu Zheng humbly waved it off, “Not at all! Master Zhong flatters us. We’re juniors, still needing guidance from our seniors.”
Low profile! Must stay low profile!
“No wonder he’s a Daoist prodigy. Such character stands out,” Zhong Lingyin praised.
Lu Zheng, “…”
Du Yuru interjected with a smile, “It’s nearly noon. My wife has prepared a family banquet. If you don’t mind, shall we dine and chat?”
“Absolutely!”
“Thank you, Lady Du!”
“Please!”
“Please!”
…
The banquet was delightful for all.
Du Yueyao, back home, was whisked to the inner quarters by Lady Du to catch up. Zhong Lingyin stayed at the prefectural office, while Chu Jin took Lu Zheng’s group to the Anomaly Suppression Division.
“Young Master Lu and Miss Liu traveled through several provinces in Northern Ling and Eastern Sichuan. How many demons did you encounter?” Chu Jin asked. “Any other findings?”
“Other findings?” Lu Zheng blinked, unsure of Chu Jin’s meaning, and replied, “We did encounter some demons and ghosts, but most weren’t too strong. Oddly, we didn’t meet many rogue cultivators causing trouble, except one from Panshui Cave.”
Chu Jin nodded, “The River Earl of Yuejin River has reported that matter. Someone will address Panshui Cave. Any other discoveries?”
Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan exchanged glances, shaking their heads, then looked to the Five Elegance Manor women, who also shook their heads.
Lu Zheng turned to Chu Jin, “Has something happened?”
Chu Jin nodded, then shook his head, “It’s not clear yet. Since you didn’t encounter anything, no need to know.”
Lu Zheng agreed that was best. He had everything except curiosity.
