Chapter 793 - 380
Liang Jinzhao returned to the capital to report to His Majesty, detailing the establishment of the navy, the manufacture of firearms, and Qi Chengguang’s talents. Emperor Qianwu was extremely satisfied with his performance—diligent, upright, intelligent, discerning of the times, and not seeking to curry favor, just like his grandfather. He was the sort of official that every emperor liked to have.
Emperor Qianwu gave him a verbal commendation and sent him back to his original yamen to continue his usual work.
This result already delighted Liang Jinzhao beyond expectation. He kowtowed and said, "Thank you for Your Majesty’s great kindness," then stood up to take his leave.
As he turned around, he saw a pretty little girl about two to three years old running in. She spread her arms like a small flower butterfly lunging forward, all the while calling out, "Imperial Grandfather, Imperial Grandfather, hug, hug."
Liang Jinzhao was somewhat puzzled; this was the Taiji Hall, where the Emperor reviewed memorials, and where even officials dared not speak loudly...
As he was pondering, laughter from Emperor Qianwu resounded behind him, "Hahaha, my treasure is here. Come, come, let Imperial Grandfather give you a hug."
Liang Jinzhao paused, resisted the urge to look back, and continued to walk forward.
Then he heard the little girl’s sweet voice, "Imperial Grandfather, who am I?"
Emperor Qianwu’s voice, soaked in honey, rang out, "You are my Little Empress Dowager, haha, you are my Little Empress Dowager."
Liang Jinzhao could no longer restrain his curiosity and turned to look back.
He saw Emperor Qianwu holding the little girl, doting on her and even kissing her twice. Emperor Qianwu also saw Liang Jinzhao looking back at him, with his mouth agape wide enough to fit an egg.