The Crown Princess is busy fishing

Xiao Yunqing stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and explained:

"Uncle, I am quite confident."

A few days ago, I went to the palace with my father and reported the situation to His Majesty. I believe His Majesty has already made a decision.

Therefore, this trip to the palace is most likely a good thing, so you can all relax.

Upon hearing this, Lin Fanghai's brows relaxed slightly, and he let out a long sigh of relief:

"If it is truly a matter of rewarding merit, then that would be wonderful. After these past few days of fear and anxiety, I can finally have peace of mind."

Without further delay, the father and daughter followed Xiao Yunqing out and boarded the carriage.

Inside the car, Lin Yuge sat close to Xiao Yunqing and muttered softly:

"I'm still a little nervous. Even though it might be a good thing, I'm still a little intimidated when I'm facing the Emperor."

Xiao Yunqing held her hand tightly and gently comforted her:

"Don't be afraid, I'm here. Just tell the truth and leave the rest to me."

Lin Fanghai closed his eyes to rest, silently considering his words.

When the group entered the palace, Emperor Qianyuan received them in his study as usual.

Emperor Qianyuan sat behind the dragon throne, his expression majestic.

His eyes were like deep pools, unfathomable, silently scrutinizing everyone.

Lin Fanghai was the first to kneel respectfully, performing a solemn salute, and shouting:

"Your subject Lin Fanghai, along with my daughter Lin Yuge, pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings!"

Lin Yuge then gracefully bowed, her movements light yet respectful, and said:

"This humble woman, Lin Yuge, greets Your Majesty."

She appeared completely relaxed and poised, showing no signs of nervousness or awkwardness whatsoever.

Xiao Yunqing also bowed calmly and stood to one side, her gaze peaceful, which gave the Lin family father and daughter a sense of confidence.

Emperor Qian Yuan slightly raised his hand, signaling to stand up, and his gaze fell directly on Lin Fanghai.

"Minister Lin, do you remember that when you were exiled to Lingnan, it was only because Yunqing vouched for you that you were reinstated?"

I never expected that Minister Lin would remain true to her original aspirations, and even in adversity, she and her son could still tinker with gunpowder and crossbows—objects that benefit the country and its people. This has surprised me somewhat.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Fanghai's eyes reddened slightly. He knelt down again, bowing deeply, his voice tinged with emotion and感慨:

"Your Majesty is wise! Back then, I was suddenly struck by misfortune and exiled to that remote and humid Lingnan region."

Filled with despair and resentment, I felt that the road ahead was bleak and hopeless.

Fortunately, Prince Yun spoke up for me and vouched for me, and His Majesty wisely granted me permission to serve in office again.

"Your Majesty and Prince Yun would naturally not dare to fail their expectations."

Emperor Qianyuan quickly waved his hand, his expression softening slightly, and said softly:

"Minister Lin, please rise. Seeing your trembling and fearful appearance makes me feel a little sorry for you."

Lord Lin is truly loyal and courageous. If the court had more ministers like Lord Lin, how could the world be in turmoil and the people in unrest?

Having suffered misfortune and been exiled to such a harsh place, most people would have become despondent and given up long ago.

Yet you, with your unwavering courage and sincere heart, rose up against adversity and created such beneficial items for the country and its people; this is truly commendable.

The emperor paused briefly, glanced at Lin Yuge beside him, and then said:

"Furthermore, Lin Aiqing also deserves credit for raising such an outstanding daughter."

I've heard that Miss Lin is a woman of exceptional talent and ability, no less than any man.

He proposed the salt-making method to alleviate the people's suffering, helped to suppress pirates, and meticulously built warships—each and every one of these was a great achievement.

"Having a daughter like this is a blessing for our family."

Upon hearing the praise, Lin Yuge blushed slightly and gracefully bowed.

"Your Majesty flatters me. I have only done my humble best, relying entirely on the support of my father and brothers and the assistance of Prince Yun."

Everything is for the sake of ensuring a peaceful life for the people and relieving the burdens of the imperial court.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qianyuan was greatly pleased. He placed his hand on the armrest of his dragon throne, leaned slightly forward, and his eyes were full of approval.

"Minister Lin and his daughter need not be so modest. Your achievements are evident to all in the court, and the people have also benefited greatly from your kindness. I will reward you according to your merits."

Lin Fanghai, I remember your unwavering loyalty, your continued devotion to your country even in dire straits. You developed powerful weapons to aid in the suppression of bandits and safeguard peace in this region.

You are hereby promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, in charge of military industry and equipment.

I hope you will continue to use your ingenuity and dedicate your efforts to improving our nation's military equipment.

Lin Fanghai was both surprised and delighted. He knelt down to express his gratitude, his voice trembling slightly with excitement:

"Your Majesty's grace is boundless! Your subject will do his utmost to fulfill his duties and will certainly live up to Your Majesty's trust."

The emperor raised his hand, gesturing for him to rise.

Then his gaze turned to Lin Yuge, his eyes full of approval:

“Miss Lin, you are a woman, yet you possess courage and wisdom that rival those of men.”

They proposed a clever method for salt production, revitalizing livelihoods along the coast;

To help eliminate pirates and maintain peace in the region;

He devoted himself to the construction of warships, consolidating the foundation of coastal defense, and made outstanding contributions.

I hereby bestow upon you the title of Princess Anlan, a third-rank official, and grant you a mansion, a thousand taels of gold, and a hundred bolts of silk.

"In the future, if there are any difficult military or livelihood issues, the court will inevitably have to rely on the young lady's wisdom."

Lin Yuge was both surprised and delighted, and quickly curtsied:

"I am grateful for Your Majesty's reward and will certainly do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

At this moment, Emperor Qianyuan seemed to remember something, his expression slightly serious, and he said slowly:

"I have heard that after Minister Lin was exiled, he was actually driven out of the Marquis of Ding'an's residence. Such a callous act is truly despicable."

Lin Aiqing suffered a great calamity, but instead of receiving help, she was abandoned like a worn-out shoe, which was truly unfair.

Emperor Qianyuan frowned, a hint of anger in his eyes.

"Fortunately, you have backbone and ability, and were not defeated by the hardships."

Now that I am aware of this matter, I cannot allow my meritorious officials to feel disheartened.

Having said that, the emperor, with a solemn expression, loudly pronounced the verdict:

"Lin Fanghai, you are resilient and loyal, and you have achieved great things despite repeated setbacks."

I have decided to bestow upon you the title of Earl of Jing'an, which may be inherited in perpetuity.

This title is not only a reward for your past achievements, but also an affirmation of your indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.

"May you and your family enjoy glory, but never forget your original aspirations, and wholeheartedly serve the court."

Lin Fanghai's eyes reddened, he knelt heavily on the ground, kowtowed three times, and said in a trembling voice:

"His Majesty's compassion is so meticulous, it's like giving him a second life!"

Your Majesty's boundless grace will forever be remembered by your entire family, and we will dedicate ourselves to serving you until our dying breath.

Emperor Qian Yuan nodded slightly, his expression softening somewhat. He looked at Xiao Yunqing and said with a smile:

"Yunqing! In the past few years, you have managed all military and political affairs in Lingnan very well, and I have always trusted you."

In the past two years, they have repeatedly achieved remarkable feats, and this time they have even brought back national strategic weapons such as gunpowder crossbows.

As he spoke, his smile grew even wider.

Emperor Qian Yuan, as if speaking to an ordinary elder, asked leisurely:

"Now that everything has been settled, I have seen you working tirelessly and making invaluable contributions. So I thought I'd ask you if there's anything you'd like to ask?"

Whether it's a promotion, a reward of land and property, or other rare and precious treasures, whatever you ask for, I will certainly consider it and fulfill your wishes.

Xiao Yunqing was taken aback, seemingly not expecting the emperor's sudden inquiry.

However, he quickly regained his composure, stepped forward, and replied neither servilely nor arrogantly:

"Your Majesty, I am deeply humbled by your kind words and praise."

As the heir apparent of the royal family, I have received the imperial favor for many years.

As he held the important position of military governor of Lingnan, it was only his duty to do his best for the people and the court, and he dared not overstep his bounds or make any extravagant demands.

"With the country currently enjoying peace and prosperity, my wishes are fulfilled, and I have no other desires for the time being."

A hint of surprise flashed in Emperor Qianyuan's eyes, then he burst into laughter and raised his hand in a gesture of support:

"Excellent! What a sincere and indifferent person Yun Qing is! I have not misjudged him."

Since you have no desires or wants, then I will keep this sentiment for you for the time being.

If a good opportunity arises in the future, I will certainly reward you with something commensurate with your achievements.