Young Master, Please Don’t Show Off!

Chapter 35: An Imperial Gift

Translated by algoo | Proofread by algoo

For the latest updates, visit: ProNovels.com

Join our Discord for release updates: https://discord.gg/Eh2ayfR4FB

In the blink of an eye, Lin Xiu had been in this world for over a month.

Last night, it rained in the capital, and this morning, the weather had become much cooler.

Autumn rain brings autumn chill. After this rain, the weather likely wouldn’t be hot again.

The people of the capital were naturally overjoyed. For the past month, the capital had experienced a heatwave unlike any seen in decades. Finally, they were free from the scorching heat.

As usual, Lin Xiu was to enter the palace today, so he arrived at Harvest Moon Tower early.

This time, the manager didn’t ask him to make ice. Instead, a servant presented him with a wooden box, smiling and saying, “We’ve troubled you these days, Young Master. This is one hundred taels of silver, a small token of appreciation from the ‘s residence. We hope you’ll accept it.”

Lin Xiu understood his meaning.

The weather had turned cool, and Harvest Moon Tower naturally no longer needed him to make ice. These one hundred taels were the final payment.

Lin Xiu readily accepted the silver. “It was a pleasure doing business with you.”

The manager smiled. “We hope to have the opportunity to cooperate with you again next year, Young Master.”

Lin Xiu smiled faintly. Next year? There likely wouldn’t be such an opportunity next year.

This year’s sudden heatwave had caught everyone off guard. Even the palace’s ice reserves had been depleted early on. Countless businesses, besides Harvest Moon Tower, had suffered greatly.

A fall into the pit, a gain in your wit. To avoid a similar situation next year, they would surely stockpile ice this winter. There certainly wouldn’t be an ice shortage next year.

Returning to the Lin residence, Lin Xiu tallied his earnings from the past month.

A month ago, the Lin family had been so impoverished that the mistress had to pawn her jewelry to make ends meet. Now, there were nearly ten thousand taels of silver sitting in the chest.

This was all earned by Lin Xiu in a single month.

Ten thousand taels was an astronomical sum for ordinary people, but for the top elite of the capital, it was insignificant. This amount of money could only buy a small courtyard in the prosperous area of the capital.

Zhou Yun called Lin Xiu aside, thought for a moment, and said, “Xiu’er, your father and I have discussed it and plan to buy you a courtyard in the East City. That way, it will be more convenient for you to go to the Mystical Arts Academy or the Ministry of Justice.”

The Lin family’s residence was far from the palace. Even by carriage, it took a considerable amount of time.

Moreover, the West City was far from the imperial city, and the difference in security was vast. It was for this reason that the assassin had chosen to strike near the Lin residence.

Lin Xiu knew they were concerned for his safety, but ten thousand taels wouldn’t buy a decent house in the East City, not enough for the whole family to live in. His mother meant for them to stay where they were and let Lin Xiu live in the new residence alone.

But Lin Xiu had grown accustomed to the feeling of family. In this home, there were people to eat with, to talk to, to care for and look after him. A new house held no meaning for him.

Furthermore, if they used this silver to buy a house, the Lin family would become as strapped for cash as before.

He shook his head. “Mother, there’s no need. I’m fine living at home. The weather has cooled down, and His Majesty probably won’t summon me to the palace anymore. I won’t be coming home so late in the future.”

It seemed no matter how much he earned, it was never enough. Previously, Lin Xiu wouldn’t have even considered buying a house near the palace. Now, he had come into a small fortune, but he still couldn’t afford the things he wanted.

It seemed he needed to seriously consider opening a veterinary clinic in the capital.

Lin Xiu thought that Chief Steward Li wouldn’t come today, but after lunch, he saw him.

After over a month of interaction, the two had become quite familiar. Chief Steward Li patted his shoulder and said, “This dreadful weather has finally cooled down. One last trip to the palace today, and then you won’t have to go anymore.”

Hearing this, Lin Xiu felt a slight pang of regret.

Recently, with the help of the Yuan crystals, his strength had been rapidly increasing. He only needed a few more trips to the palace to achieve his second awakening. Unfortunately, the heavens didn’t comply with his wishes. Without the boost from the Yuan crystals, this time would likely be delayed by several months.

Over the past month, Lin Xiu had become very familiar with the inner palace.

Which palace housed which concubine, each concubine’s temperament, and their taboos—he knew it all. This was all thanks to Chief Steward Li, who had told him these things to prevent him from saying or doing something wrong, offending them, and bringing trouble upon himself.

Today, as usual, they started with the Empress and visited each palace according to the concubines’ rank.

Unlike the first time, when Lin Xiu arrived at the Noble Consort’s Changchun Palace, she exceptionally rewarded him with two slices of watermelon.

The Noble Consort’s temper wasn’t very good; this was well known in the inner palace. Perhaps because Lin Xiu had twice cured her beloved pet, she treated him somewhat differently.

Entering Consort Shu’s palace again, Lin Xiu was a little surprised.

Usually, when he came to Qianqiu Palace, there were only a few palace maids and eunuchs in the courtyard. Today, there were many more people. At the front of the crowd, Consort Shu and a middle-aged man stood together, admiring a cluster of blooming chrysanthemums in the flowerbed.

Enjoying the translation? Stay updated with the latest chapters at ProNovels.com.

Lin Xiu’s gaze swept over the middle-aged man. He had to admit, the man was very handsome, not inferior to himself, and because of his age, he possessed a composure that Lin Xiu lacked.

This was the unique charm of a mature man, a charm that captivated women of all ages.

But Lin Xiu knew very well that this man only liked married women.

Undoubtedly, besides Lin Xiu, there was only one man who could appear in the inner palace and stand with Consort Shu: the Emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty.

Chief Steward Li hurried forward, kneeling on the ground respectfully. “Your servant greets Your Majesty!”

Lin Xiu also stepped forward, bowing and cupping his hands. “Your subject greets Your Majesty.”

The Emperor clearly knew Lin Xiu. He looked at him and said, “You are Lord Pingan’s son, aren’t you? You’ve worked hard this past month. What reward do you desire? You can tell me.”

Lin Xiu still knew the proper etiquette. He bowed again and said, “Your Majesty, this subject is a student of the Mystical Arts Academy, receiving a stipend from the court. Serving Your Majesty is this subject’s duty. I do not seek a reward.”

Chief Steward Li tugged at his sleeve. “Lin Gongzi, His Majesty always rewards merit and punishes wrongdoing. If you have a desired reward, you can speak directly to His Majesty.”

Lin Xiu felt inwardly distressed. What kind of way was this to give a reward?

He didn’t know the Emperor’s limits. What if he asked for too much and the Emperor refused? Making the Emperor lose face would only bring misfortune upon himself.

But what if he asked for too little? Wouldn’t he be losing out?

Lin Xiu was caught in a dilemma. He did have something he wanted: a large residence near the palace, one that could accommodate his parents and servants, so he wouldn’t have to travel so far to the Mystical Arts Academy or the Ministry of Justice. But such a residence wouldn’t be cheap, and he didn’t know if the Emperor would grant it…

The moment seemed fleeting, but countless thoughts raced through Lin Xiu’s mind. In the end, he chose to give up. It was a pity, but at least he wouldn’t say anything wrong.

At this moment, Consort Shu suddenly looked at the Emperor and said, “Your Majesty, in this concubine’s opinion, why not gift him a residence near the imperial city? Your Majesty enjoys chilled wine. Then, you could summon him to the palace at any time without having to wait so long…”

The Emperor recalled that it did indeed take a long time every time he summoned Lin Xiu. He nodded in agreement. “Consort Shu’s consideration is thoughtful. Zhu Jin, go to the Department of Internal Affairs and select a residence near the palace to bestow upon him.”

An eunuch behind him replied, “By your command.”

Lin Xiu was still stunned, not yet having recovered. Chief Steward Li tugged at his sleeve again, and he finally reacted, bowing and saying, “This subject thanks Your Majesty for the reward!”

He was ecstatic. He had profited, profited greatly! Consort Shu’s single sentence had saved him tens of thousands of taels of silver. How long would it take him to earn that much? He absolutely adored Consort Shu…

“Pfft…”

Consort Shu, standing beside the Emperor, suddenly laughed for no apparent reason.

The Emperor turned his head, puzzled. “What is it, my dear consort?”

Consort Shu covered her mouth, glancing at Lin Xiu as if unintentionally, and suppressing her laughter, said, “Nothing, Your Majesty. This concubine just thought of something amusing…”

For the latest updates, visit ProNovels.com. Join our Discord for release updates: https://discord.gg/Eh2ayfR4FB.