Hearing Long Yelin address Hu Xiaotian that way, Ji Feihua immediately realized that Hu Xiaotian must have rendered a service today.
Only then did Hu Xiaotian rise. Without speaking, he lowered his head to Ji Feihua in greeting. Doing so in front of the emperor already gave Ji Feihua all the respect he could ask for.
Long Yelin briefly recounted what had happened, then smiled at Hu Xiaotian. "We were just considering how to reward Xiaotian. You've arrived at the perfect time, Feihua. Help us think of something."
Ji Feihua said, "Little Hu has always been clever and quick-witted, yet steady and dependable. Ever since entering the palace, he has been loyal to his sovereign and devoted to his country. Only later did I learn that he had voluntarily undergone castration to enter the palace and serve Your Majesty in order to atone for his father's crimes. Such filial devotion is truly moving."
Long Yelin nodded, apparently quite pleased with Hu Xiaotian as well.
Ji Feihua said, "A man of such loyalty and filial devotion naturally deserves a generous reward. Why not grant him a Coiling Dragon Gold Plaque, allowing him to enter and leave the Imperial Palace whenever he wishes?"
Hu Xiaotian had already been allowed to enter and leave the Imperial Palace, but not whenever he pleased, and certain places had been off-limits. With this gold plaque, he would have free access to everywhere in the Imperial Palace apart from a handful of forbidden areas, such as Misty Mountain. He would also be able to leave whenever he wanted.
Long Yelin nodded. "Very well. Grant it to him!"
Hu Xiaotian hurriedly knelt, loudly wishing the emperor ten thousand years of life and thanking him for his boundless grace.
Ji Feihua added, "Your Majesty, Feihua hasn't finished speaking yet."