The next day.
An edict issued from the palace: "I have never heard of anyone living in peace while leaving kindness unrepaid.
"I have never heard of a ruler preserving his Altars of State when his virtue was wanting.
"I have never heard of a state flourishing without seeking out worthy talents.
"I have never heard of anyone meeting betrayal after appointing trusted confidants.
"Young Master Xin saved both my life and the emperor's. I ought to bestow gold, silver, and fine jade upon him.
"He is a man of talent. I ought to grant him high office and illustrious rank, entrust him with the palace guards and the defense of Chang'an, and have him stand beside the emperor as his protector, clad in armor and holding a sharp sword. Surely then we shall be secure."
Great processions of palace maids and eunuchs emerged from Weiyang Palace. Such a spectacle, and especially this edict, drew the attention of powerful households throughout Chang'an City.
To allow Luo Xin into the audience hall wearing armor and carrying a sharp sword-what extraordinary trust! Even Luo Yi, counted among Liu Bang's most trusted ministers, had never received such treatment.
Only Duke Zhao, that God of the Human World, had enjoyed such an honor. Yet beyond envy, they did not know what to say.
Besides, Luo Xin should have been made a marquis years ago. Because his relationship with Empress Lü had been too intimate, his achievements had simply been swallowed up, and he had spent so many years away from Chang'an City. Now that a new emperor had ascended the throne, his sudden rise to prominence was only natural.
Luo Xin sat quietly and upright in his residence, paying no heed to the people coming and going before him, intent only on the book