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

Outside the palace gate late at night, the wind was cold.

After informing the Jinyiwei on duty, Zhao Duo stood solemnly outside the door waiting.

As the night wind blew, the drunkenness completely dissipated, and a trace of regret surged in my heart.

Am I being too impulsive and reckless?

Your Majesty is no longer the same person he used to be. You can knock on my door and ask for an audience at any time.

Now, he is the emperor who rules the world, busy with all kinds of affairs. He must have already gone to bed by now.

Although this matter concerns the morale of the army, it is not an urgent matter that requires disturbing the emperor in the middle of the night...

Just as he was feeling anxious, the side door of the palace creaked open, and a Jinyiwei quickly stepped out, bowed to him and said:

"Commander Zhao, His Majesty invites you."

Zhao Duo felt a little relieved and quickly returned the greeting: "Thank you."

Following the Jinyiwei through the numerous palace barriers, we could see from afar that the lights in the direction of the Yangxin Palace were still on, and it was obvious that His Majesty had not yet rested.

When he stepped into the hall, he saw Li Che standing with his back to him in front of a huge whiteboard with names written on it in charcoal, and some notes with titles written on them were stuck next to it.

Zhao Duo only took a quick glance and saw the names of core commanders such as Yang Zhongsi, Wang Sanchun, and Chen Pingzhi, as well as labels of prestigious titles such as "Duke Dingguo" and "Duke Jingguo".

His heart trembled, and he immediately lowered his eyes, not daring to look again.

Such secrets involving the enthronement of top nobles would be a big taboo if one took even one second look at them.

Li Che, however, seemed to be completely oblivious to his arrival. He was still concentrating on writing and drawing on the whiteboard. Without even turning his head, he said, "There's tea in the cabinet over there. Go make yourself a cup. I still have some things to do here."

How could Zhao Duo dare to touch the emperor's things? He quickly bowed and said, "I am not thirsty. Thank you, Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Li Che finally turned around and scolded with a smile: "You idiot, you often ate my tea when you were in the army. Why are you being so polite today?"

"You're not thirsty, but I am. Stop fussing and go make some tea!"

Hearing His Majesty say this, Zhao Duo felt a warmth in his heart. He did not dare to refuse anymore and responded with a "Yes".

"Remember to make a cup for yourself too." Li Che added.

Zhao Duo quickly took out the tea set and tea leaves from the cabinet nearby, and skillfully brewed two cups of tea.

Then he carefully placed one cup respectfully on a corner of the imperial desk, while holding the other cup in his hand.

Only then did Li Che turn around completely from the whiteboard, rubbed his swollen forehead, walked to the imperial desk and sat down.

He looked at Zhao Duo and smiled, "I thought conferring honors would be a simple, happy affair. I didn't expect that actually organizing it, weighing the merits and demerits, and considering the balance would be so exhausting, more tiring than fighting a tough battle."

Zhao Duo held the teacup in his hand and said quickly, "Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs every day and devotes all his energy to them. He is truly a role model for us ministers."

Li Che waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to say such clichés.

He picked up the teacup and took a sip, then frowned slightly: "You bastard, you put so much tea leaves in me, do you want to make me suffer to death?"

He leaned over to take another look at the few tea leaves in Zhao Duo's cup and couldn't help but laugh: "I only put two leaves in. What do you think? If you put more leaves in, will you make me bankrupt?"

Zhao Duo could only smile foolishly.

Li Che put down his teacup, his expression slightly more serious, and asked: "Okay, let's get down to business. You rushed into the palace late at night, is there something important?"

Zhao Duo took a deep breath, put down his teacup, and spoke the words he had prepared in his mind: "Your Majesty, I do have something to report."

He then selectively reported the dissatisfaction expressed by some officers at the evening banquet with the title reform, especially the prohibition of hereditary titles and the treatment of lords.

He deliberately blurred the focus and did not mention the name of Captain Qian. He only said that some people in the army were talking about it to avoid putting his colleagues in trouble.

That would not only be of no help, but would also isolate oneself in the military.

Li Che listened quietly, and never asked who was criticizing.

He understood Zhao Duo's concerns.

The fact that he could tell me these things showed that Zhao Duo was loyal.

The fact that he did not reveal anyone's name and take credit for it shows that he is loyal.

Li Che admired the approach of being both loyal and righteous while keeping one's duty in mind.

After Zhao Duo finished speaking, the hall fell into a brief silence.

Li Che sighed softly, his eyes a little far away, and suddenly asked: "Zhao Duo, I remember that when you were conquering Japan, you led your troops to capture more than ten cities in half a month, and your military exploits were outstanding."

"In fact, based on your merits, you should have been promoted to army commander long ago. However, there are limited positions in the army. In addition, the division you command is the main force of the Fengtian Army. I couldn't find a suitable person to take over at the moment, so I put your promotion on hold."

"In your heart... have you ever felt wronged?"

Zhao Duo's heart trembled, and he immediately straightened his back and said solemnly: "I dare not! The victory of Japan is entirely due to Your Majesty's strategic planning and the use of Empress Fujiwara to undermine the Japanese fighting spirit."

"I am only following orders and following the trend. I dare not take credit for anything, and I dare not even feel wronged!"

Li Che looked at his nervous expression, smiled, and waved his hand, saying, "A contribution is a contribution. I will remember it in my heart and will never forget it."

"But I am very pleased that you think so."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhao Duo said hurriedly.

Li Che sighed again, his tone somewhat complicated: "To be honest, you are not the first person to mention the title to me."

Before this, Li Che deliberately spread the word to let the generals know about the title reform.

Wang Sanchun, He Conglong and others had told him many times that before the awarding of honors even began, everyone was already somewhat dissatisfied with the fact that the title could not be inherited.

After all, this is a tradition that has lasted for thousands of years. It is normal to encounter resistance when it is abolished just like that.

"I have promised my brothers in the Fengtian Army that we will share honor and disgrace, and wealth and glory in the future."

"Now that they have taken over half of the country, when it comes to conferring titles upon their ministers, they have reduced the hereditary right of the nobility. I understand their thoughts."

Zhao Duo didn't know what to say and could only remain silent.

Li Che didn't seem to expect him to answer, and pondered for a moment: "Forget it, this matter ultimately needs to be explained to everyone in person."

"You should go back first. I know what happened today. When you go back, just pretend nothing happened. I won't tell anyone that you were here tonight."

"I will retire at the end."

Zhao Duo felt relieved. After paying his respects, he slowly left the Yangxin Palace.

Silence returned to the hall.

Li Che sat alone behind the imperial desk, his eyes once again fixed on the whiteboard filled with names.

He stood up and walked to the whiteboard, his eyes lingering for a moment on the place where the words "Zhao Duo" were written.

There originally corresponded to the label 'Baron'.

He reached out his hand, gently removed the name of 'Zhao Duo', moved it up one space, and placed it in the position of 'Viscount'.

"He knows how to act appropriately, when to advance and when to retreat, and he can consider the overall situation... He's a useful person."

Li Che muttered to himself, then turned around, no longer looking at the whiteboard, and buried himself in the pile of memorials again.