After the palace maids filed out and the hall doors closed behind them, the chamber fell silent.
Lu clan moved with measured steps, helping Lu Ben to the seat of honor before standing respectfully at his side. She asked softly, "Father, have you come this time to give your daughter some important instructions?"
Although Lu clan was now a Concubine who oversaw the Eastern Palace's internal affairs and wielded considerable authority within the deep palace, she showed no arrogance before her father—only respect for Lu Ben.
After all, her path into the Eastern Palace as one of the Crown Prince's women, and her gradual rise to her current position, had all depended on the road Lu Ben carefully paved behind the scenes.
Without Lu Ben backing her, she might not even have prevailed over the other women in the Eastern Palace.
"You must already know what happened at court today, correct?"
Lu Ben asked with a grave expression.
"Yes."
Lu clan nodded lightly, then said, "I heard from several of Yun Wen's tutors that Count Champion, Zhu Ying, rendered great service once again during the Northern Expedition."
"At today's court deliberations, His Highness the Crown Prince personally proposed raising Count Champion to Marquis of Victory and publicly proclaiming his achievements to the realm."
Lu Ben's expression grew even more solemn. He nodded slightly, fixed his gaze on Lu clan, and asked, "What do you make of it?"
"Father."
Lu clan considered it briefly, her voice carrying a trace of emotion. "This Zhu Ying is truly capable. What is even rarer is that his luck is exceptionally good."
"He has been in the army for barely three years and is not yet twenty."
"Yet he has already attained the rank of marquis and earned the esteem of both His Majesty and