After delivering the two rewards, Min Dalei returned to Emperor Chujing to report. He gave the Emperor a vivid, blow-by-blow account of how each of the two princes had reacted upon receiving their gifts.
"Hmm. Of all these children, the Sixth is the one who puts my mind most at ease," Emperor Chujing said, a look of gratification on his face. "He never asks me for anything. The only time he ever made a request was to visit Huainan City to pray for his mother. As for the Eighth, I realize now that I’ve neglected him. I only ever saw his mischief and rebellion, but what great general wasn't like that in his youth? Since he now has the heart to improve himself, I shall support him. Let him train with the soldiers at the city camp. Once he’s made some progress, I will find him a few generals who have seen actual combat to teach him the art of war."
"The Eighth Prince will surely be thrilled when he hears this," Min Dalei said, pouring on the flattery. "Your Majesty, you wouldn't believe it—when the Eighth Prince found out the Plum Blossom Dagger was a gift from you, he was hugging it, dancing, and kissing the thing. If he knew that Your Majesty had personally arranged his future, he’d probably be too excited to sleep a wink."
Chapter 100