One minute...
Ten minutes...
The Princess Consort and the others packed away all the gifts that represented their goodwill.
There were people, objects, and even some strange little animals.
Once everything had been packed away, Chu Qing rose and said, "Everyone, this matter is concluded!"
"I won't punish you."
"Remember my kindness!"
"Know how to be grateful!"
"From now on... do not oppress ordinary people!"
The Martial Academy higher-ups exchanged glances and nodded one after another.
They felt aggrieved!
But there was nothing they could do.
Someone's eyes darted about as he said softly, "Student Chu Qing, should we call those noble family heads over?"
"The Head of the Gongyang Family has come as well."
Chu Qing smiled. "No need!"
"They're merely mud-legged peasants. There's nothing worth seeing."
"Besides... they aren't qualified to see me."
With that, he rose and headed outside. "Keep a low profile from now on. Don't go around doing things recklessly!"
"Oh, right. Give Stone Rock County and Stone Province one extra slot every year."
"Let the students there have a chance to enter the Martial Academy too!"
"Mm... no children of noble families. Only those born commoners."
"Don't mess this up!"
The higher-ups all nodded.
A short while later:
They surrounded Chu Qing, arranged servants for him, and transported all sorts of gifts.
In the great courtyard:
The Head of the Gongyang Family and the others had waited for a long time.
They craned their necks in anticipation, waiting for the distinguished guests from the Imperial Capital to receive them.
One minute...
"Once the distinguished guests from the Imperial Capital see us, they'll surely be delighted!"
"We can discuss cooperation with them!"
"From now on, we'll have another path in the Imperial Capital!"
Ten minutes...
"Are these distinguished guests from the Imperial Capital trying to