On the eighteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, there was indeed a lunar eclipse.
On the 22nd, the weather was fine. The snow on the roof ridges had melted and dripped down the eaves. Everywhere in the yard was wet.
Xue Hengzhao and Chi Su no longer live in Xianwuyuan, but because of the chaos in the Fourth Division, no one has given them any work.
At this time, the two of them were watching the sparrows drinking the melted snow on the ground in a small yard, their tail feathers rising and falling.
The chirping sounds were not noisy, but instead added a bit of excitement to the courtyard.
Xue Hengzhao broke up half of the dry food left in the morning and fed it to the birds, while lazily basking in the sun.
She has had a slight cold these past few days, but fortunately it is not serious.
When Eunuch Zhang came in with the two young eunuchs, Chi Su saw it first, quickly stood up, and pulled Xue Hengzhao up as well.
Eunuch Zhang said with a smile: "You two are having a good time today! I came to the Fourth Division to convey the order, and I stopped by to see you two."
"Thank you, Eunuch Zhang, for remembering me. I feel sorry for you to do the work yourself." Xue Hengzhao saluted with a smile, and Chi Su also said thank you for your hard work.
"Put your things down and wait outside!" Eunuch Zhang told the two young eunuchs behind him.
Then he smiled and said to Xue Chi and the other two, "These are some food for you. I gave them to you."
"Eunuch Zhang, I'm asking you to spend money." Chi Su said.
Eunuch Zhang shook his head and said, "You two don't have to be polite to me. This is what I should thank you for.
Because of the lunar eclipse, the Holy Spirit rewarded me, but actually the gifts I gave you are somewhat meager.
You don’t know that lately the Sacred Heart has been going smoothly and the dragon’s face is very happy, so those of us who are here have been rewarded.
The ling cypress smoked pig used for sacrifice was better than that of any previous year, and the lunar eclipse was avoided. This was a good omen for the saint's devotion to the Tao.
Therefore, I incidentally mentioned the matter of Eunuch She and his apprentice to Manager Shang. I came here today to promote them. "
Xue Hengzhao knew immediately after hearing this that Eunuch Zhang did not take all the credit, nor did he go beyond his superiors.
Shang Qiyan was a popular figure in front of the emperor, and no one dared to play tricks with him.
"Although I haven't been able to give them great official positions as masters and disciples, they are still much stronger than before. With them taking care of you two, life will always be easier.
If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can tell me. If I can solve it, I won't refuse. "
Eunuch Zhang is by no means a simple person who can serve in front of the emperor. He is impeccable in his actions and words.
Xue Hengzhao gave him the credit, and he turned around and repaid him, leaving people speechless.
After sending Eunuch Zhang away, it didn't take long for Shi Dianjin to come running with a smile on his face.
Chi Su teased him before he could open his mouth: "Congratulations to Eunuch Shi, congratulations to Eunuch Shi."
Shi Dianjin blushed, scratched his head in embarrassment and said, "Miss Chi, don't make fun of me, I'm here to say thank you."
Then he solemnly saluted Xue Hengzhao and said, "Miss Xue, Miss Chi, and Eunuch Zhang have all told us. Now that we master and apprentice can earn some respect, it is because the girl spoke in front of Eunuch Zhang."
My master wanted to come in person, but he was intercepted by a group of people who were congratulating him and couldn't get away.
I also thought that Eunuch Zhang had told me not to spread the word, so I was sent first. "
"Eunuch Shi, you don't need to be polite. When we were bullied, you took care of us a lot." Xue Hengzhao responded, "But I don't know what official positions you have obtained?"
"My master was appointed to work as a bookkeeper in Baochao Department, and I will be the manager there." Shi Dianjin said, "Compared with before, he is really not half as strong as before. This is all thanks to the blessing of the two girls."
Baochao Division is one of the four divisions, specializing in the production of thick and thin papyrus.
"Both of you, master and disciple, are diligent, capable and kind to others. This job now is just a step forward. I believe it won't be long before you can advance to another level." Xue Hengzhao said, "Go back quickly! Your master's side There must be a lot of things to do, and you can help him by being around."
After hearing this, Shi Dianjin said: "What the girl said is true, then I will go back first, and I will thank you properly later."
Although Shi Dianjin is young, he is clever.
Qian Sanchun had been in the Fourth Division for many years with only one hand covering the sky. No matter how many people tried to take him down, no one could believe that he fell into the hands of a fifteen or sixteen year old girl.
If Xue Hengzhao didn't play a big role here, then Eunuch Zhang would never say that to them.
It turned out that they thought Xue Hengzhao was different, but now it seems that the city government's methods are indeed very comparable to others.
When Shi Dianjin returned, the people congratulating him were still there.
Seeing him, he also congratulated him. Shi Dianjin responded with a smile on his face and poured tea for everyone.
Finally everyone dispersed, and both the master and the disciple breathed a sigh of relief.
"Have you gone over there to say thank you?" Eunuch She asked.
While pouring the remaining tea into the basin, Shi Dianjin said to his master: "I've been there. Miss Xue asked us what positions we were promoted to and congratulated us!"
"I feel ashamed to say that I haven't helped anyone much. The favor I received in return is really too heavy." Eunuch She said.
"That's what I said. Miss Xue is still the same as usual, just saying that this is what we deserve." Shi Dianjin said, "I was thinking that Master, you taught me the right thing. You often tell me to do good deeds." Don't ask about the future.
Miss Xue really did this unintentionally. She just looked at the two of them feeling pitiful and gave them a few meals and a few reminders. "
"Look, it's time to prepare meals now. You go to the kitchen. We'll pay for it ourselves and ask the stove to cook some exquisite meals and send them over." Eunuch She ordered.
"Okay, I'll go over right now. Don't touch these tea bowls. Wash them when I come back." Shi Dianjin said, hurriedly wiping his hands and walked out.
In this palace, the imperial dining room is where the emperor and his concubines have their meals.
As for the food of the palace maids and eunuchs, it is under the control of the kitchen where they work.
The fourth division originally had four kitchens, one for each division.
But I don’t know since when, there was a small kitchen.
It is specially prepared for the eunuch in charge.
When it was time to have lunch, Chi Su smiled and said to Xue Hengzhao: "No wonder people say that rabbits follow the moon - thanks to the good people, I can follow you every now and then to enjoy the good food and drink."
"Your contribution is also part of this." Xue Hengzhao said.
Chi Su laughed and shook his head after hearing this, and said: "Come on! Come on! I don't know if it's windy or rainy, but I still know how much I weigh.
I'm just a thug at best, how dare I put so much money on myself? "
Two days later, Shi Dianjin ran over and said: "My master has arranged errands for you two at the Baochao Department. Because of the limited power at hand, I have only arranged for you to sort fine paper.
My master told you to be patient and wait until you have the opportunity in the future to find a better one. "