Teng was so excited he waved his arms and danced about, flattering her as he led the way. "Fifth Sister must have rendered a service unparalleled through the ages for His Majesty to grant you such a reward!"
Jian Ruonan replied modestly, "Nothing special, nothing special."
[Just third in the world.]
"Fifth Sister received such a reward on her very first day in office! Joining the Grand Secretariat and becoming chief minister must be just around the corner!!!!"
Jian Ruonan said, "I'll pass on joining the Grand Secretariat and becoming chief minister."
[High officials have to attend morning court. I can't get up that early.]
"Fifth Sister is a blessing to our Great Xia, a pillar of Great Xia! Teng will take you as his example, his goal! Fifth Sister, you've lit up the road of my life!"
Teng rubbed his hands excitedly. "If anyone rubs you the wrong way later, just chop, chop, chop! Don't spare anyone's dignity!"
"Eldest Sister's lifelong happiness is in your hands, Fifth Sister!"
"Let Teng massage your shoulders. You'll have some hard work ahead in a moment!"
Jian Ruonan greatly admired Teng's appetite for watching a spectacle without ever fearing it might get out of hand.
She pinched his cheek, then strode into the main courtyard, humming and singing, with the air of someone who would slay any god or Buddha that dared bar her way.
She had just been worrying about having nowhere to show off her Imperial Sword. The old madam really understood her best, immediately finding her a soft target to test how the sword felt in her hand.
Jian Ruonan: [System, hurry up and play something fitting. Let's bring out the swagger!]
Big System: [Coming right up-]
[A street-shaking anthem from Young and Dangerous, "Star of a Chaotic Age," coming