"Congratulations, Lord Yang! Congratulations!"
Holding a roll of yellow silk, Eunuch Zhang approached Yang Qing and Bu Er with a beaming smile.
"Eunuch Zhang, what is this happy occasion you speak of?"
Yang Qing stepped forward to greet him, smiling as well.
"Oh, Lord Yang, spare me your modesty. His Majesty has issued an Imperial Edict!"
Eunuch Zhang had a very favorable impression of Yang Qing, so he naturally spoke less formally in his presence to show his friendliness.
Yang Qing certainly appreciated the gesture. He asked again, "His Majesty is issuing an edict at this hour? Is there another urgent matter he wishes me to attend to?"
"Whatever are you thinking, Lord Yang? If there really were business to attend to at this hour, would he send me to announce an edict? He would have summoned you to the Hall of Mental Cultivation long ago."
After teasing him once more, Eunuch Zhang restrained his smile a little and said, "His Majesty remembers your tireless service in Yan Prefecture these past few years. Not only did you eradicate the scourge of those vicious bandits, you also helped Old General Chen resolve the crisis at Yan Pass. He therefore rewards you with a hundred taels of gold and ten thousand taels of silver!"
Here, Eunuch Zhang paused. "Most importantly, His Majesty has also bestowed a residence upon you, right on Central Straight Street! Lord Yang, this is a blessing vast enough to fill the heavens. Hurry and receive the edict, and thank His Majesty for his grace!"
Yang Qing froze briefly, then sank to both knees. "Your subject, Yang Qing, thanks Your Majesty for your boundless grace!"
Once Yang Qing had received the Imperial Edict and risen again, Eunuch Zhang reached out and patted his shoulder. "Lord Yang, when I have