The Medal of National Protection?
Upon hearing Ye Qiu’s words, everyone’s gazes collectively landed on the box in Ye Qiu’s hand.
Taking a closer look, inside the box lay a purple-gold medal.
The front edge of the medal was engraved with nine lifelike flying dragons, and in the very centre were the two words “National Protection.”
Hiss, it really was the Medal of National Protection!
Xiao Jiu’s face was full of envy.
As the Champion Marquis, Xiao Jiu was well aware of the extraordinary nature of this medal, for it had another name: the Death-Exemption Gold Medal.
Whoever received this medal could be spared from execution, even if they committed the grave crime of treason.
The Medal of National Protection was the highest honour in Hua Country, awarded only to heroes who made significant contributions during times of national or ethnic crisis.
Ordinary meritorious deeds came with corresponding reward systems, such as medals of various grades, but the Medal of National Protection was never bestowed.
Ye Qiu had accepted a critical mission to rescue Xiao Jiu in the Northern Territory, preventing unrest there, which was tantamount to saving the nation and its people.
Had Xiao Jiu died, the Northern Territory would inevitably have descended into war, and once war broke out, the people would have suffered greatly.
It was precisely for this reason that Elder Tang awarded Ye Qiu the Medal of National Protection.
Ye Wudi clenched his fists tightly, his heart surging with excitement.
He knew that in the hundred years since the country’s founding, only a handful of people had received this medal, and those few predecessors had long since passed away.
In the past thirty years, the country had not issued the Medal of National Protection, meaning Ye Qiu was the first to receive this honour in three decades!
This was a great event that brought glory to the ancestors.
Ye Qiu’s receipt of this medal was not only a personal honour but also a source of pride for the Ye family.
“Big brother, if you were still alive and saw how accomplished your son is, you’d surely be proud!” Ye Wudi said in his heart.
Tang Fei, standing nearby, was so envious his eyes turned red.
Ye Qiu himself was somewhat surprised.
Truth be told, receiving the Medal of National Protection was entirely beyond his expectations.
Moreover, he felt that his contributions were nowhere near proportional to the weight of this medal.
“Could it be that the God of War pulled some strings?” Ye Qiu speculated inwardly.
Seeing Ye Qiu staring at the Medal of National Protection without speaking, Elder Tang asked, “What’s wrong? Don’t you like this reward?”
Ye Qiu said, “Commander, I feel the weight of this medal is too great…”
Before he could finish, Elder Tang interrupted, “If you don’t like it, then give the medal back to me.”
Whoosh!
Ye Qiu immediately hugged the wooden box to his chest and said, “Commander, what’s given is like water spilled; there’s no taking it back.”
“Besides, this is a reward you gave me. If I returned it, wouldn’t that betray your kind intentions?”
Fearing Elder Tang might change his mind, Ye Qiu hurriedly added, “Commander, thank you! I’ll accept this reward!”
Elder Tang said solemnly, “Ye Qiu, the responsibility is heavy, and the journey is long. I hope you’ll continue to strive and not let down my expectations.”
Ye Qiu replied resoundingly, “Commander, rest assured, I will redouble my efforts and strive to make greater contributions to the country.”
“Good.”
Elder Tang nodded and continued, “The conferment ceremony for the Medal of National Protection is a bit troublesome, requiring the presence of all the generals in the military. So, I’ve cancelled the ceremony. Keep the medal yourself!”
“Ye Qiu, you’re still young. Don’t become arrogant or conceited!”
“You must remember: humility leads to progress, while pride leads to ruin!”
Ye Qiu understood that Elder Tang was admonishing him not to become haughty because of the Medal of National Protection, looking down on others, but to remain humble.
“I understand the Commander’s meaning. Rest assured, I know what to do,” Ye Qiu nodded with a smile.
Elder Tang then turned to Ye Wudi and said, “Wudi, you also played a part in rescuing Xiao Jiu this time, yet I only rewarded Ye Qiu and not you. You won’t hold that against me, will you?”
Ye Wudi quickly replied, “I don’t blame you, Commander. In rescuing Xiao Jiu, Ye Qiu contributed the most.”
“It’s good that you think that way,” Elder Tang said. “Although the medal was given to Ye Qiu, Wudi, you must understand that this isn’t just Ye Qiu’s honour—it’s yours as well.”
Ye Wudi looked up and saw Elder Tang gazing at him with deep, profound eyes, causing his heart to tremble.
Could it be that Elder Tang knew Ye Qiu’s true identity?
Ye Wudi didn’t dare ask, nor could he in such a setting. He only said respectfully, “Thank you, Commander.”
Elder Tang smiled, “Alright, the serious matters are settled…”
“Wait a moment!” Long Eyebrow Immortal suddenly spoke up.
Instantly, everyone’s eyes turned to Long Eyebrow Immortal’s face.
“Immortal, do you have something to say?” Elder Tang asked.
Long Eyebrow Immortal said, “Elder Tang, you won’t be upset if I speak, will you?”
Elder Tang laughed, “Immortal, do you think I’m someone who gets upset easily?”
Long Eyebrow Immortal shook his head vigorously, “No, no…”
“Speak freely, Immortal. I won’t hold it against you,” Elder Tang said with a smile.
A sheepish expression appeared on Long Eyebrow Immortal’s face as he said, “Elder Tang, I also contributed a bit to rescuing Xiao Jiu. Could you perhaps give me a reward as well?”
“Oh?” A hint of doubt appeared in Elder Tang’s eyes as he asked, “Xiao Jiu, what’s this about?”
Xiao Jiu then recounted how Long Eyebrow Immortal had impersonated Ye Wushuang, using a sword talisman to scare off the Dragon Maiden, telling the story in full detail.
Of course, he omitted the parts about them kneeling and beating Long Eyebrow Immortal.
It was too embarrassing to mention!
After listening, Elder Tang asked, “Immortal, what reward would you like?”
Long Eyebrow Immortal grinned, “I don’t have any special hobbies, just a fondness for money. Elder Tang, how about giving me some cash?”
“How much do you want?”
“Not too much, a hundred million will do.”
A hundred million?
The smile on Elder Tang’s face froze.
“Old man, don’t push your luck,” Ye Qiu glared at Long Eyebrow Immortal.
“Ye Qiu, don’t scold the Immortal. He did contribute significantly to rescuing Xiao Jiu, and he deserves a reward,” Elder Tang said with a smile. “Immortal, I agree to your reward. You can ask Xiao Jiu for the money.”
Ask Xiao Jiu?
I impersonated Ye Wushuang and reprimanded Xiao Jiu. How could he possibly give me money?
If I dared ask him for it, he’d probably beat me to death.
Long Eyebrow Immortal hurriedly said, “Elder Tang…”
Elder Tang didn’t give him a chance to continue, saying, “This matter is settled pleasantly. Xiao Jiu, come with me to inspect the military camp.”
With that, Elder Tang left with Xiao Jiu.
Long Eyebrow Immortal’s face instantly filled with dejection.
Ye Qiu said with a smile, “Old man, who told you to open your mouth so wide? Now you won’t get a single penny.”
“Is it fun to gloat?” Long Eyebrow Immortal shot Ye Qiu an displeased glare.
Ye Qiu said, “You want money, right? I’ll give you an idea. This medal is made of gold and should be worth a lot. Take it and sell it!”
Long Eyebrow Immortal’s face lit up, rubbing his hands as he asked, “Little brat, are you really willing to let me sell the Medal of National Protection?”
“Of course, take it!” Ye Qiu handed over the box containing the medal.
Just as Long Eyebrow Immortal reached for it, Ye Wudi said, “If you dare sell the Medal of National Protection, you’ll be charged with treason and shot on the spot!”
Damn, I almost got tricked by Ye Qiu.
Long Eyebrow Immortal quickly withdrew his hand, his old face instantly wilting, like a chrysanthemum battered by wind and snow.
