Chapter 630: A Difficult SituationChapter 912: Rewarding Loyal Subjects

Xu Junlou was, after all, still young. Overwhelmed by the surprise, he didn't think deeply about why a mere seventh-ranked examinee like himself could secure such an honorable title of Lady Official for his aunt, while higher-ranking candidates like Fu Minqing and Zou Chenglong hadn't received anything similar.

Simply because Li Chen said that he wanted to encourage others to adopt orphans through this kind of reward, it seems too simplistic and rash.

"Your humble servant thanks Your Highness for your grace."

Seeing Xu Junlou's delighted expression, Li Chen smiled and said, "The imperial edict will be drafted shortly. After you finish your duty, I'll have the eunuch in charge of proclamations return with you."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Xu Junlou expressed his gratitude repeatedly before finally leaving Xizheng Hall.

Ancient officials also had set times for going to and from work.

...around modern times, work starts at the time of "Mao," which is seven o'clock, hence the saying "a little Mao." ...

While the end of the workday is typically at shenshi, which is 4 pm.

Clocking in for work and clocking out are common terms, with many variations depending on the region or industry. However, they all essentially mean the same thing: starting and ending your workday officially.

As the steward of the East Palace, Xu Junlou's duties meant his work hours were likely not fixed. They depended on how busy the Crown Prince was.

But on this special day, as he had to take the imperial decree back, Xu Junlou finished work on time and left with an eunuch who was waiting for him at the gate, returning to the Xu residence together.

Although Xu Junlou was assigned an official position as a result of passing the imperial examination, he did not move out and continued to live with Xu Changqing.

Today, Xu Changqing has not been in a good mood since he learned about Guan Zhiwei's matter.

He was so anxious that he couldn't focus on work and, unusually, went home early.

Just as he had returned home, he heard Xu Junlou come back. He was about to call Xu Junlou over and remind him to be careful during this time, not to make the Crown Prince unhappy, but before he could speak, Xu Junlou excitedly ran in.

"Uncle, hurry, come out quickly! Where's Auntie Call Auntie out too."

Xú Chángqīng, seeing this, frowned and rebuked: "At your age, you're still so impetuous and reckless! What kind of conduct is this You are now an official appointed by the Imperial Court, the Assistant Minister of the East Palace’s Secretariat. Everything needs to be mature and composed. How can you possibly succeed if you remain so frivolous..."

Your Majesty's decree!

Xu Junlou directly interrupted Xu Changqing's nagging, and said with a laugh that he could not contain himself: "Your Highness bestowed the title of five-rank Lady of Courtesy upon your aunt!"

This statement caused Xu Changqing to jump up from his chair in surprise. He exclaimed, "Really Really!”

Before Xu Junlou could reply, a sharp voice pierced the air from outside.

The imperial decree has arrived, the Xu family receives it!

The imperial decree was addressed to the entire Xu family, rather than a specific individual.

"It's true! It really is, Uncle!"

Xu Junlou's voice of explanation also came, but Xu Changqing couldn't hear what he was saying at this moment. He immediately grabbed Xu Junlou and rushed out, shouting as they ran: "Everyone in the house, come to the main hall quickly to receive the imperial decree!"

In the midst of chaos, the entire Xu family was on their knees. From Xu Changqing, the patriarch, to his wife, Liu shi, his elderly mother, down to the servants and guards, they all knelt together in the main hall of the mansion.

When the eunuch holding the imperial edict saw that everyone was assembled, he unfurled the edict, cleared his throat, and proclaimed it aloud in a resonant voice.

“By imperial decree, the Heaven-Mandate Emperor proclaims: A virtuous nation honors its loyal subjects and extends grace to their families, which is the foundation of human relationships. Xu Junlou's aunt, Liu, who serves in the Donggong Zhishifu, is diligent and virtuous. Although she is an aunt, she treats her nephew as her own son. In recognition of this, she is hereby granted the title of誥命. Upon receiving this great honor, do not forget to be mindful and exemplary. So decreed.”

Let me know if you have any other text you'd like me to translate!soldiers, severely weakening our national strength. This created the opportunity for your Liao and Jin states to rise."Li Chen's tone and expression were cold, as if he was talking about someone else'...