The banquet ended with joy between the monarch and his ministers. After sipping some tea, Song Ci sensibly took her leave with a bow.
Seeing her perform the courtesy, Empress Dowager Wang suddenly remembered something and said to Emperor Chu, "Emperor, look at her, with her aged arms and legs, yet she still has to bow to those of higher rank. Some people even deliberately make it difficult. I don't find it agreeable."
Emperor Chu, understanding his mother's implication, smiled and asked, "Mother, what do you suggest?"
"Ah Ci has made a great contribution by cultivating these potatoes, which is indeed beneficial to the nation. Though she only requested some merit document, such things are for appearance only and hold no real benefit. At most, they can be flaunted occasionally."
Everyone silently chuckled, thinking the Empress Dowager was quite naive.
Such documents, if used thoughtfully, could be exchanged for things unmentionable in the future.
