Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 102: Reward, the eldest son of the Yongchang Earl's Mansion

It is already mid-October and the autumn wind is beginning to pick up.

Zhang Fu and Gu Yankai led the army that had conquered the West and returned in triumph. The troops stretched for miles and the sound of horses' hooves shook the earth.

The people in the city, carrying their elderly and children, rushed to the streets just to catch a glimpse of the heroic figures of the soldiers.

Zhang Fu, who was in the lead, was dressed in military uniform. Although he looked a little tired, his eyes were still sharp, and his every move showed the demeanor of a great general.

Gu Yankai's face was full of smiles since he received a letter from home and learned that Gu Tingye had passed the exam.

He was eager to return home. The Gu family had been a family of generals for generations, and now they were finally going to have a scholar.

I secretly feel that this Bing Luzi's reputation will be eradicated in this generation!
Imperial Palace, Zichen Hall.

All important state events such as grand court meetings, military awards and honors were held here.

On the throne, Zhao Zhen was dressed in a ochre-yellow robe, his back leaning against a nine-dragon screen, his eyes calm, his divine majesty fully displayed.

Civil and military officials were lined up on both sides, and the whole hall was decorated with red and purple, which complemented each other brilliantly.

As the crown prince, Zhao Han wore a jade belt around his waist and stood solemnly at the first seat on the east side of the imperial steps.

As the ceremonial officer called out their names loudly, Zhang Fu, Gu Yankai and other generals walked into the hall with steady steps to pay homage to the emperor.

After the ceremony.

Zhao Zhen's gratified gaze slowly swept over them, and he said gently, "The great victory in the northwest is entirely due to the bloody battles fought by you, my dear ministers."

"You are all my loyal subjects, please stand up."

"Your Majesty, thank you for your grace!"

All the generals responded in unison, their powerful voices echoing in the palace.

Zhang Fu looked at Zhao Han standing at the foot of the imperial steps with a sharp gaze full of admiration.

"Your Majesty, the credit for this great victory in the Western Expedition belongs primarily to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

"If it weren't for Your Highness training the cavalry battalion, planning strategies, and personally visiting the battlefield to boost morale, how could we have been able to quell the border crisis so smoothly?"

"Your Highness personally takes care of everything from the distribution of military supplies to the placement of the wounded. The soldiers of the three armies are all grateful for your kindness!"

After these words were spoken, Zhao Zhen's smile deepened.

He was originally worried that Zhao Han came from a common background and might have difficulty winning the support of the people.

At this moment, seeing all the generals in the hall showing admiration, he realized that his previous worries were somewhat unnecessary.

"The Crown Prince is able to share the country's worries. This is truly a blessing for the country and a great honor for me. You, the ministers, should not underestimate yourselves."

After saying this, he turned his gaze to the ceremonial officer holding the imperial edict.

After the ceremonial officer understood, he stepped forward and read aloud: "Men, the decree says:

I believe that the destiny of the world depends on ministers who are pillars of the country, and the security of the country depends on generals who are the pillars of the country.

Duke of Yingguo, Zhang Fu, has a family history of loyalty and integrity, is a man of great courage and fortitude. He has prepared his troops and strengthened our country's defenses, and has made great contributions to the country and benefited the people.

He was promoted to General of the Cavalry, and was given a red-lettered iron certificate, two jade belts, a thousand taels of gold, and three estates.

You should be more loyal and diligent and maintain your good reputation forever.

Awesome! "

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fu straightened his clothes, stepped forward, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great grace!"

Although the General of the Cavalry was of the first rank, the highest rank among military officials and was honorable and prestigious, it was only an honorary title that only determined rank and salary, and had no actual responsibility for holding military power.

Zhang Fu had already expected such a reward.

After all, he is already the Duke of England. If he is given more real power, it will probably cause dissatisfaction among the civil officials.

Besides, Fern will probably need...

After conferring the title and reward on Zhang Fu, the ceremonial officer continued to read the imperial edict:

"My followers, I have received the favor of Heaven and am in charge of the world. I will show both grace and power, and reward those who have done good deeds and those who have done bad deeds.

Ningyuan Hou Gu Yankai has long been known for his loyalty and bravery, and his achievements are outstanding. His contributions have been made to the country, which is very gratifying to me.

He was promoted to the rank of Inspecting Grand Marshal, and was given a purple gold fish bag, two jade belts, one hundred pieces of brocade, and a fief of five hundred households.

You should be more loyal and diligent and maintain your position as a strong defense forever.

Awesome! "

Gu Yankai was also satisfied with such a reward.

He knew very well that if he wanted to be conferred the title of Duke, he had to expand the territory.

Another possibility is that a hundred years later, he will be posthumously conferred the title of Duke because of Gu Tingye's contributions.

"Your Majesty, I am Gu Yankai. Thank you for your great grace!" Gu Yankai bowed respectfully to express his gratitude.

Zhao Zhen stroked his beard and smiled, "Mr. Gu, your Erlang has turned over a new leaf and made considerable progress!"

Gu Yankai frowned, a hint of doubt flashed across his eyes. Why did the emperor suddenly mention his own Erlang?

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Zhao Han subtly raise his chin at him, and then it dawned on him. Zhao Han must have spoken well of that brat Erlang before the Emperor.

Thinking of this, Gu Yan felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He bowed and said, "Your Excellency, the ancients said that a rush growing among hemp will stand straight without support."

"My son's progress is entirely thanks to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's patient guidance, which has led him onto the right path."

"Otherwise, I'm afraid that good-for-nothing would still be fighting cockfights and running dogs on the streets, bringing disgrace to the family."

Lord Jia, the son of the Duke of Ling and a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Works at the time, could not help but snort coldly and rolled his eyes.

Ever since that bastard Gu Tingye tied his second son to the back of a horse with a whip a few years ago and dragged him around the training ground three times.

The bridge is now closed.

Now seeing Gu Tingye gaining favor in front of the emperor, he felt worse than swallowing a fly alive.

Zhao Zhen laughed out loud, looked at Zhao Han with loving eyes, and said, "The Crown Prince has praised your Erlang in front of me more than once, saying that he is very talented and has great potential."

When these words were spoken, several ministers in the court raised their eyebrows at the same time, obviously somewhat unconvinced.

Gu Yankai quickly bowed and said, "I am deeply apprehensive. Your Highness is so kind to me. It is truly a blessing for me!"

Then, the ceremonial officer began to read out the rewards for other generals.

Among them, Pei Hu, under Zhao Han's suggestion, was promoted from the Imperial City Division to the commander of the Cavalry Battalion, holding a fourth-rank military position and was awarded a scarlet robe and a silver fish bag!

Liang Hui, formerly the Deputy Director of the Treasury Department, one of the four departments of the Ministry of War, and a seventh-rank official, made great contributions in the dispatch of military supplies during the Western Expedition.

Promoted to the fifth rank Langzhong of the Treasury Department, in charge of decision-making on internal affairs!

Liang Hui was the eldest son of the Earl of Yongchang, and his biological mother was originally just a concubine with no status or position.

Back then, Mrs. Wu was extremely reluctant to marry into the Liang family because of her parents' orders and the matchmaker's words.

Because she looked down on Uncle Liang, she had a cold face every other day.

She never expected that her concubine would take advantage of the situation and give birth to a son out of wedlock before her.

Normally, when a family has a concubine's eldest son, the wife would keep him by her side and raise him into a useless person who only knows how to spend his time in debauchery.

Unfortunately, Madam Wu was too proud to help. Liang Hui, on the other hand, turned a disaster into a blessing. He was diligent and motivated since childhood and became smart and capable.

After joining the Ministry of War a few years ago, he has been doing very well.

Seeing that his eldest son was so promising, Lord Liang naturally devoted all his efforts to cultivating him.

Nowadays, people praise the eldest son of a concubine for his ability, and few people mention the eldest son of the legitimate wife.

Moreover, Liang Hui's eldest wife, Wei, would often stuff all kinds of beautiful maids into the room of the second legitimate son, Liang Liulang, which resulted in him having no achievements to this day.

At this moment, I am thinking of changing my name to avoid taboos.

Mrs. Wu proposed several names for him, but she either thought they were too vulgar or not elegant enough, and she sighed all day long at home.

Another incense stick of time passed before the awards were finally announced.

After Zhao Zhen announced the adjournment of the court session, Zhao Han and Sheng Hong walked slowly out of the palace gate, one in front and one behind.

Hualan is now out of confinement after giving birth, and she is still worried about the old lady and Wang Ruofu.

She planned to wait a few days and then bring Jing'er to the Sheng family to meet his grandmother and great-grandmother.

When Sheng Hong heard this from Zhao Han, he was naturally overjoyed.

The turmoil in the court has been settled, the throne is secure, and his status as the prince's father-in-law will naturally rise as well.

What's even better is that there is a vacancy for a doctor in the Ministry of Personnel's Selection Office, so Sheng Hong is almost certain to get the position.

Although Chengzhilang was a fifth-rank official like Wenxuansi Langzhong, the other had only the rank but no real power.

The other one was in charge of the selection and examination of civil servants throughout the country and held the power to promote and transfer.

Even those third-rank officials had to be polite when they met him.

The more Sheng Hong thought about it, the more proud he became, and even his steps became lighter unconsciously.

Wait until the two of them reach the palace gate.

Zhao Han's eyes were gentle as he said softly, "The day after tomorrow is a day off, so I can go with Hualan."

"I will go back and prepare. I will make sure everything is in place and I will be waiting for Your Highness and the little grandson to arrive."

Zhao Han waved his hand and said, "There's no need to make a big fuss. It's just an ordinary family dinner. Just let Hua Lansong relax."

Sheng Hong quickly bowed in response, just as Zhao Han was about to turn around and leave.

His personal servant Dong Rong came jogging from the front of the carriage and whispered something in Sheng Hong's ear.

After a moment, Sheng Hong's expression suddenly changed, and his forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat.

"Lord Sheng, what happened?" Zhao Han narrowed his eyes and keenly noticed something unusual.

"No, nothing, just some family matters, I will take care of them when I get back."

Sheng Hong shook his head like a rattle, not caring about etiquette. He bowed hastily and stumbled towards the carriage.

(End of this chapter)