Long Junhao felt annoyed and was about to argue, but Lan Lan gently held his hand under the table. She understood the Empress was speaking in veiled criticism but didn’t want Junhao to quarrel with his mother. Feeling the warmth of her hand, he looked at her and calmed down. For her, he would do anything, not wanting her to suffer the slightest grievance.
“Mother is right. We just wanted to pray for everyone’s blessing. There were many people at Hongfa Temple, so we were delayed. I will be more careful in the future,” he said, something he wouldn’t have done if not for Lan Lan.
“Alright, you’re here now! Let’s enjoy the reunion dinner. Come, everyone, let’s have a drink and wish for an even better next year!” Grandfather Long proclaimed, and no one dared to disobey. Everyone raised their glasses, offered blessings, and began to eat.
Dining at a table where everyone had different thoughts was not enjoyable.
Although the food was exquisite, she would have preferred a simple meal with Junhao, Long Yi, and Long Feng.
Some things must be done, even if unwanted. If everything could be done as one wished, that would be ideal, but life is often unsatisfactory. What cannot be avoided must be faced calmly.
After the meal, everyone followed the Emperor to the council hall. The Emperor waved his hand, and an attendant read a prepared imperial decree.
“Miss Lan, hear the decree: Considering Miss Lan’s cleverness and the absence of her parents, she is hereby granted the title of Yile Junzhu and residence in Yile Garden. Awarded a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of brocade, to reside in the Yile Pavilion. So decreed!”
Lan Lan knelt to receive the decree: “Thank you for your grace! Long live the Emperor!”
Yile Garden was where her great-grandfather lived. He was concerned about her status and wanted to protect her from being bullied, thus having the Emperor grant her this residence to gain respect. She looked up at her great-grandfather, Dragon Dahai, who gazed at her with pure love. Lan Lan silently expressed her gratitude.
After an incident where the Crown Prince’s wife, Lin Long, had bullied her, Dragon Dahai had made arrangements. Anyone wanting to harm her would have to go through him first.
