We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

In the west of the imperial capital, there is a house with high walls and deep courtyards, and guests are coming in an endless stream.

This place was originally the residence of a minister who fled south with the false emperor. Now it has been awarded to Zhao Duo, the division commander of the Fengtian Army.

Tonight, Zhao Duo hosted a banquet at his house, inviting seven or eight familiar mid-level officers of the Fengtian Army.

The hall was brightly lit with candles and filled with the aroma of wine and meat.

At first, the atmosphere was quite lively.

Everyone was toasting each other, talking about their experiences in entering the imperial capital and the battles they had won along the way. They were in high spirits and the atmosphere was harmonious.

However, after three rounds of wine, the dishes have five flavors.

Many people were already a little drunk and started talking more and more.

A group leader named Qian squinted his drunken eyes and looked at the furnishings in the hall, which were not extremely luxurious but elegant and spacious.

Then he sighed with a hint of envy, "Master Zhao is so lucky! His Majesty has gifted you with such a beautiful house right after you arrived in the imperial capital."

"Unlike us, we're still crammed into the collective officers' quarters. Even though it's a private room, it's still cramped. It's nothing like the freedom you have here."

His words seemed to be full of envy, but there was also a hint of sourness in them.

The lively atmosphere at the banquet suddenly stagnated, and several officers silently put down their glasses.

The so-called collective officers' dormitories were renovated from several large houses in the imperial capital, and the independent rooms were also in large houses, far from being as shabby as this person said.

There are not many independent houses like Zhao Duo's in Beijing. How could every officer be allocated one?

Zhao Duo frowned slightly and put down the wine glass in his hand.

"Captain Qian, are you not a good drinker? Officers' welfare is determined by His Majesty, and there are regulations."

"It is a rule that division commanders and generals above this level are granted residences in the imperial capital. This is not exclusive to me, Zhao Duo."

Zhao Duo's voice was relatively calm, but it contained a reminder.

Captain Qian seemed to realize he had made a mistake and quickly bowed, "Yes, yes, Commander Zhao, please don't blame me. I just had a few too many drinks and spoke without thinking."

"Pick a drink for yourself, pick a drink for yourself!"

As he said this, he tilted his head back and drank the whole cup.

Seeing this, another captain who was closer to Zhao Duo quickly interrupted and asked with a smile: "Speaking of which, His Majesty will be conferring honors on meritorious officials soon."

"Master Zhao, do you know what kind of titles we can get?"

Zhao Duo shook his head, his expression calm. "The matter of titles is a matter of the emperor's arbitrariness. How can we speculate on the merits and demerits of the emperor? We will just wait for your grace."

Captain Qian, unable to contain himself, interrupted, "Hasn't the news been circulating for a long time? Unless someone has made some particularly significant contributions, someone like Commander Zhao will most likely be made a baron."

"Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, Baron, at least it's a title that can be called out, and it can bring honor to the family. Unlike us captains..."

Dissatisfaction was evident in his tone as he shook his head. "I heard he could only be awarded the title of 'Honorary Lord'. That title doesn't sound impressive enough."

Someone nearby advised, "Old Qian, stop complaining. While the title of Lord may not be a real title, it does come with the privilege of not bowing to officials and having the commercial tax on your land reduced by half, which are tangible benefits."

"Great value?" Captain Qian sneered, his drunkenness making him speak without restraint. "Oh, those officials of the previous dynasty, which one didn't get directly tax exemptions? Only our Majesty... oh no, it's the new imperial regulations that are so 'thrifty'."

"What's more, the title has now been changed to not be hereditary, but can only be taken into the coffin."

"If this title cannot be passed on to my sons and grandsons, what is the point of us fighting to death and wading through blood and fire?"

"Isn't it just to get a title for your wife and children, and to bless future generations? What's the point of an empty title that can only be worn while you're alive?"

"Enough!" Zhao Duo slammed the table, stood up suddenly, his face darkening.

"Qian Deming! You are too presumptuous! Do you think you can criticize the decisions made by His Majesty and the court?!"

His loud shout was like a pour of cold water on people's heads. Everyone at the table shuddered and sobered up instantly.

Seeing Zhao Duo staring at Captain Qian with a gloomy face, everyone fell silent.

Captain Qian's face turned pale and cold sweat dripped down his face, realizing how outrageous the words he had just said were.

Zhao Duo glanced around, his voice filled with obvious anger: "You are making irresponsible remarks about the emperor's will and slandering national policy. If the Jinyiwei or the Dongchang heard this, they would think that our Fengtian army generals are resentful and have internal discord!"

"If you really cause trouble, Qian Deming, you won't be able to chop off ten heads, and you will also implicate all the brothers here!"

"I know my crime! I deserve to die! I spoke nonsense after drinking. Please forgive me, Master!"

Qian Deming was completely panicked. He kowtowed and begged for mercy repeatedly, wishing he could slap himself a few times.

Zhao Duo sighed slightly and gave a few more words of advice: "Soldiers are soldiers. Soldiers are not allowed to participate in politics. Everyone should remember this..."

After this incident, the atmosphere of the banquet completely cooled down and everyone was feeling uneasy.

Zhao Duo also felt that interest had completely faded, and he was irritated. He waved his hand and said, "Forget it! That's all for today. Everyone, go home and sober up."

Everyone stood up as if they had been pardoned, saluted hastily, and left quickly.

When the living room was empty, only leftovers and the lingering smell of alcohol remained.

Zhao Duo, however, was not sleepy at all. He sat alone in the main seat, his fingers tapping the table unconsciously.

Although Qian Deming's nonsense was drunken talk, it was like a thorn that pierced his heart.

But he also realized that although the other officers present did not agree, their lack of rebuttal to such remarks was in itself a form of attitude.

Zhao Duo knew very well that Qian Deming was probably not the only one in the Fengtian Army who had this idea.

Some middle-level military officers gained unprecedented status due to their military achievements, and their desires also expanded. They began to care about whether they could obtain more practical benefits.

Your Majesty's reform of the title system is intended to prevent the formation of a new privileged hereditary class. It is a good intention, but it has indeed touched the "cake" of some people.

If this kind of discontent spreads in the military, it will definitely not be a good thing.

The more Zhao Duo thought about it, the more uneasy he felt, and he stood up suddenly.

The guards outside the door saw him come out and hurried forward: "Commander, what are you doing?"

"Prepare the horses!" Zhao Duo said in a deep voice, "Enter the palace!"

The guard was startled, and looked up at the dark sky. It was already late at night. "Now? The palace gates have been locked, right? Commander, what urgent matter can't be dealt with tomorrow..."

Zhao Duo interrupted him, his tone firm: "Some things must be reported to His Majesty immediately, the sooner the better! Go!"

He knew in his heart that this sign of trouble for the stability of the military must be made known to His Majesty as soon as possible.

Zhao Duo has been able to achieve what he has today entirely thanks to the trust of Your Majesty. He must not allow these bad things to undermine the foundation of the Fengtian Army and chill Your Majesty's heart!

"Yes." The personal guards did not dare to delay and quickly turned around to prepare.