The Peach Blossoms White by the Village Edge

Chapter 100: Bestowing Official Rank

The official from the Inner East Temple didn't come to Gushan Township because of Zhao Changxia's reputation for taming tigers. In fact, he only learned that this person, who appeared more like a woman than he did, had tamed a tiger after arriving in the township.

Unfortunately, the tiger had already been released, or he might have seen it himself and even brought it back to the capital to amuse the officials and the prince. The emperor's health was declining, and those serving him had to make plans for themselves. The prince, being young, was very interested in such novelties...

Fortunately, while the tiger was gone, Zhao Changxia's fierce reputation had spread. The "special winter melon" was not only favored by the emperor but also enjoyed by the prince. The official came not only with the emperor's decree but also with the prince's eager anticipation for the winter melon.

If he could handle this task well, he would surely make a good impression on the prince.

"Congratulations, Mr. Zhao."

Upon meeting Zhao Changxia, the official was the first to offer his congratulations.

Having spent time with Lü Jiji, Zhao Changxia had learned how to handle the etiquette of officials: "Thank you, but what is the occasion?"

The official smiled and said, "I've come this time to bring the emperor's decree. After I took the 'special winter melon' seeds you provided back, the emperor was very pleased. He decided to reward you with ten taels of gold, ten bolts of silk, and five cakes of Dragon's Tea."

Ordinary people would be thrilled to receive such rewards from the emperor, but Zhao Changxia, who had no sense of imperial authority, only blinked with bright eyes, thanked the distant emperor, and then thanked the official, with no further reaction.

The official examined her and thought, "As expected of a tiger-tamer, her courage surpasses others. Even receiving the emperor's reward, she remains unperturbed..."

In reality, Zhao Changxia was thinking, "Gold bars? Perfect for melting down to make a gold hairpin for my wife! And the silk would make beautiful clothes for her!"

Qu Qingjiang, unaware of Zhao Changxia's thoughts, reminded her, "Sir, the official has traveled a great distance to bring you the emperor's favor. It must have been quite a task."

Zhao Changxia came to her senses and thoughtfully presented five gold bars and five bolts of silk to the official. The official was very pleased with their understanding but, since these were rewards from the emperor and the gold bars were marked with their origin, he didn't dare take them all. He finally accepted only three bolts of silk and two cakes of Dragon's Tea.

After receiving the gifts, the official became even more amiable and informed them, "Besides the reward, the emperor has another decree. If the 'special winter melon' truly is as you say, and if the seeds cannot be kept, even the seeds intended for use won't grow good melons, then the special seeds you have cultivated must have a unique planting method. The emperor asks if you are willing to go to the capital to guide the planting of the special winter melon?"

Zhao Changxia: "......"

Just as she had received her reward and was still savoring the joy, she was suddenly doused with cold water.

The evil feudal society required her to travel all the way to the capital to plant a melon?!

She asked, "Has the emperor issued an edict commanding me to go to the capital?"

"No, he has not. He only asks if you are willing."

Zhao Changxia pretended to be troubled: "Please allow me to think it over."