NO_NAME
patreon
Chapter 211: Conferment of Titles, Land Exchange, Promotion, and the Golden Dragon of Fortune!
🕑 Added 2024-11-05 14:05:26 +0000 UTCThe process of conferring titles had already been explained to Zhao Xing by Jia Pu.
Since returning on February 24th, Zhao Xing and the others had been doing three things every day: bathing and changing into clean clothes, burning incense to dispel evil, and waiting for their titles to be conferred.
Once the conferment of titles began, there was no need to scramble or panic.
On their way up into the sky, many envious gazes were cast upon them.
This was because only generals with over a million battle merits were granted the honor of being summoned to the Heavenly Heart Hall for an audience.
For those of the eighth and ninth ranks, with lower battle merits, they merely received commendation documents from the Military Command of Pinghai Prefecture, and the rewards were distributed within the Military Realm—a far simpler process.
Yang City was vast, and there were many within the ten stationed armies who had achieved over a million battle merits.
Zhao Xing glanced around and noticed nearly a thousand others rising into the sky alongside him. The majority were of the sixth rank, with only a few at the seventh rank.
By now, Zhao Xing had reached the early stage of the Heavenly Gang Realm, achieving the sixth rank.
He had secluded himself at Jishun Pass before this conferment of titles to ensure he broke through in time.
If he hadn’t reached the sixth rank, the vast power of the Nation's Fortune bestowed during the conferment would be partially wasted on improving his cultivation realm, leaving less for his lifespan and fortune.
After finishing the battle in late December, it was now mid-February, and Zhao Xing had smoothly broken through to the early stage of the Heavenly Gang Realm.
A hum echoed in the air.
The speed of flight was deliberately slow, as the golden light shining down from the sky was meant to arouse envy from those below while giving those ascending a sense of pride.
Moreover, each beam of golden light magnified the appearance of those being drawn up.
Once everyone had entered the hall, a booming announcement echoed, spreading the news of their ascent to the ears of all—essentially turning the entire Ten Sun Cave-Heaven into one grand stage for all to hear.
After about a quarter of an hour, Zhao Xing and the others were finally absorbed into the Heavenly Heart Hall.
Once inside, the process was similar to past promotions—first paying respects to the founding emperor and Emperor Wen, followed by beholding the imposing figure of Emperor Jing seated upon his throne.
Emperor Jing still appeared as a giant, but compared to when Zhao Xing was granted his ninth-rank position, he could now see the emperor’s full figure more clearly.
Emperor Jing wore the imperial crown and robes of heaven, composed of three main parts: the crown, the robe, and various accessories.
The imperial crown had a rectangular board, known as the Yan, representing the balance between heaven and earth.
Hanging down from the front and back of the crown were jade pendants, resembling a curtain that partially obscured the emperor's face. This was to maintain the emperor's mystique and remind him to look down more at the affairs of the nation rather than gazing outward at foreign lands—a symbolic gesture referred to as "looking but not seeing."
The ear pendants hanging from the sides of the crown symbolized the emperor's ability to block out slander and falsehoods, thus giving rise to the phrase "turning a deaf ear."
The crown was entirely black—appropriate attire for the emperor when presiding over the court. In battle, however, he would wear the Imperial War Helm and the Human Emperor Armor, wielding the Human Emperor Sword.
The imperial crown was paired with a black and crimson robe, embroidered with dragons, phoenixes, and qilin, symbolizing auspicious omens.
The emperor’s waist belt was white, and the robe was divided into two sections by a crimson hem, representing the separation of heaven and earth.
Emperor Jing sat in a kneeling position, with his hands placed on the "heaven" and "earth" sections of the robe, symbolizing his dominion over the universe!
The imperial robes were adorned with intricate patterns—the upper half painted and the lower half embroidered. The highest-ranking twelve patterns, reserved exclusively for the emperor, depicted mountains, the sun, the moon, stars, fire, dragons, axes, grains, waves, drums, mysterious birds, and temples, representing the emperor's virtues and accomplishments.
Zhao Xing could only see Emperor Jing’s lips and nose, unable to view his entire face.
But seeing or not seeing his face was irrelevant.
The emperor’s divine mandate made his appearance vary in the minds of each subject.
Once someone ascended the throne, no one knew their true appearance.
However, when seen in official ceremonies, there was no doubt that the figure before them was the emperor.
After a brief glance, everyone respectfully lowered their heads, no longer daring to stare directly at the emperor’s majesty.
After bowing to Emperor Jing, the next step in the ritual was the praise of merits.
"Wei Hong of the Hujiao Army."
A majestic voice echoed from the throne, accompanied by a ripple of golden light.
"Your servant is here!"
One of the individuals in the hall stepped forward and knelt.
"In the third month of the seventeenth year of the Jingxin Era, you led your army to a great victory over the barbarian Heavenly Ghost Tribe, slaying 157 enemy chiefs and 48,720 soldiers..."
Emperor Jing began recounting Wei Hong’s achievements.
At the same time, the same dignified voice echoed outside.
"... Wei Hong of the Hujiao Army, with exceptional merit, is hereby promoted three ranks, granted a marquis title, and conferred the title of Marquis of Meritorious Deeds!"
"Granted 2,780,000 mu of land, a fief of 2,780 households, awarded the Brave Sword and two Blue Dragon Leopards... promoted to Grand Consultant, and honored with a fifth-rank insignia in recognition of your accomplishments!"
The recounting of achievements highlighted only the most outstanding battles, but the granting of titles, rewards, and land was thoroughly detailed and lengthy.
Wei Hong had amassed 2,780,000 battle merits, which was insufficient to be granted the title of military marquis, so he was granted a third-class marquis title instead.
The title of Marquis of Meritorious Deeds was a step above the usual fief-based titles, indicating the emperor's recognition and expectations.
"Your servant Wei Hong, kneels in gratitude for the imperial grace. May Your Majesty live forever!"
After a brief pause, Emperor Jing called for the next person.
"Helian Lie!"
"Your servant is here!"
"In the sixth month of the seventeenth year of the Jingxin Era..."
...
The wait was long, and Zhao Xing listened carefully.
Everyone admitted into the Heavenly Heart Hall had already met the marquis threshold, but some titles were rather plain or even amusing.
For instance, one individual named Zhang Ping was granted a marquis title based on the fief in Bagelalu County of Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture.
Since the county hadn’t been renamed yet, this person was titled Marquis of Bagelalu.
No one laughed, as most marquis titles were similarly peculiar. Throughout Great Zhou, many marquis titles were strange and unusual.
When faced with such awkward or lengthy titles, people often didn’t use the full name, instead referring to the marquis by their surname or a shortened version. For example, Zhang Ping would simply be called Marquis Zhang or Marquis Ba, and subordinates would refer to him as Lord Marquis.
Idle marquises were abundant throughout Great Zhou; only the first- and second-class military marquises held significant power. These military marquises were usually high-ranking generals, and their titles were closely tied to their command of military forces. A first-class marquis was typically at least of the fourth rank.
As for titles of nobility bestowed upon non-imperial relatives, they were extremely rare and only granted to those of the top three ranks.
Great Zhou had a number of noble relatives with princely titles, but true imperial princes were even rarer.
Only in the waning days of Great Zhou did these titles become widespread, but by then, they no longer conferred much fortune, and even becoming a prince brought little benefit, sometimes even becoming a burden.
"Zhao Xing of the Shenwei Army."
By the time Zhao Xing was called, it was already the morning of February 27th.
"Your servant is here."
Zhao Xing stepped forward and knelt as required by the process. He didn’t need to bow until the conferment was complete, at which point he would kowtow, touching his head to the ground.
Zhao Xing had no psychological burden at this point; his only hope was that Emperor Jing wouldn't give him a bizarre title.
"In the sixth month of the seventeenth year of the Jingxin Era, you killed the enemy chief Patty of the Sha Tribe, saving the Zhenhai Army’s supply city from crisis."
"In the seventh month of the seventeenth year, you completed a total of 34 advanced tasks, including planting Blood Essence Fruit and Heartworm Grass, resolving the eastern war zone's needs..."
"In the eighth month of the seventeenth year, you infiltrated Fire Dragon Pass and successfully retrieved the rare spiritual plant Earth Fire Lotus..."
"In September, you cultivated a fifth-grade Earth Fire Lotus, providing fireproof materials for the army’s robes."
"In September, you followed the army across the Flame Mountain Range, blowing up Round Moon Fortress within Fire Dragon Pass..."
"In December of the seventeenth year of the Jingxin Era, you broke through the Illusionary Spirit Array, providing supplies for 140,000 troops..."
"Zhao Xing of the Shenwei Army, with exceptional merit, is hereby promoted three ranks, granted a marquis title, and conferred the title of Marquis of Yuanrang!"
"Granted 165,000 mu of land, with a fief of 1,650 households."
"Granted a Commander's Baton, two Green-Eyed Dragon Lions, one Kirin Airship, and a pair of Jade Ruyi..."
"Promoted to Consultant of the Commandery, honored with a sixth-rank insignia, in recognition of your accomplishments!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing immediately kowtowed, shouting loudly, "Your servant Zhao Xing, kneels in gratitude for the imperial grace. May Your Majesty live forever!"
By February 28th, Zhao Xing finally left the Heavenly Heart Hall, marking the end of the long conferment ceremony.
This was just the ceremony for bestowing titles, ranks, and honorary titles.
The actual official promotions would come later, as the Military Realm, Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture’s military department, and the Shenwei Army’s commander finalized the positions, followed by another visit to the temple to receive the enhancement of the Nation's Fortune.
There were many details to be handled. For example, while Zhao Xing had been granted 165,000 mu of land, not all of it would be low-grade farmland.
Moreover, the Commander's Baton, Green-Eyed Dragon Lions, Kirin Airship, and Jade Ruyi were additional rewards.
Now that Zhao Xing had become a sixth-rank official, his official robes, seals, and all related equipment would need to be reissued.
For officials who had reached the middle three ranks, the process was much more complex.
But in any case, Zhao Xing had achieved a significant goal.
"Well done, Marquis of Yuanrang. Congratulations, congratulations," many people came over to congratulate Zhao Xing as he descended.
Among them were old friends from his time at the Dili Academy, such as Zhuang Zhiqing, Cao Shuang, as well as Han Bing, Wang Ji, and Che Shi Hai.
"Yuanrang means abundant harvests and prosperity—it really suits your style," Che Shi Hai complimented.
"The Green-Eyed Dragon Lions are rare beasts of the cave-heaven! Having them as mounts is incredibly impressive!" Cao Shuang said enviously. "I've only seen them twice."
"And the Kirin Airship is not something you can buy; it's a symbol of status and glory. Once you arrive in some small county, the local officials will probably kneel to welcome you."
"Damn, you better treat us!" Zhuang Zhiqing laughed. "Hurry up and throw a feast for your brothers to celebrate!"
"In the sixteenth year of the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven’s Shennong Reserve, only Zhao Xing made it this far, becoming a sixth-rank official and now a marquis."
This certainly called for a grand celebration. Among the entire reserve, only Xia Jing and Zhao Xing had amassed over a million battle merits and been granted marquis titles.
Geniuses like Shi Yong and Fu Ying hadn’t reached such heights.
"Of course," Zhao Xing laughed. "Once I finish up with my duties in the next few days, I'll throw a banquet at the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard. You’re all invited!"
There were still many things to take care of after the conferment, especially the issue of land grants.
Zhao Xing sought out Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Xia Jing for discussion.
Chen Shijie had been granted the title of Marquis of Yuanren, and Long Xiao had been granted the title of Marquis of Yunxiao.
Both of them had been promoted to Lower Sixth Rank officials, the same as Zhao Xing.
Since their previous ranks had been Upper Seventh Rank, both had been promoted by three ranks as well.
Xia Jing, like Zhao Xing, had initially started as a Lower Seventh Rank official. With the three-rank promotion, he was now a Upper Sixth Rank official.
Their previous temporary positions had been granted by the army’s commander, giving them authority without officially raising their rank.
"The land grants will be determined by Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture and the Military Command of Pinghai Prefecture together. The final approval will come from the Thirty-Three Princes of the Military Realm. As long as the requests follow the regulations, they won’t be rejected," Xia Jing explained. He was quite knowledgeable about this process.
"Is there room for negotiation in this?" Zhao Xing asked.
Xia Jing nodded. "There is."
"For someone like you, who isn’t tied to a specific fief title, you have more flexibility in negotiating."
"But for those whose titles are tied to a fief, they don’t have a choice."
Zhao Xing nodded. "Can I exchange all of my land for territory inland?"
Xia Jing was puzzled. "Why would you want to exchange all of it?"
"Though inland territory is not as good in the short term, Great Zhou is flourishing, and Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture will likely become a highly developed area in the future," Zhao Xing explained.
"Eventually, national policies will focus on Yingyuan Prefecture, leading to large-scale development, and those lands will appreciate greatly in value."
Long Xiao and Chen Shijie also looked at Zhao Xing curiously.
They hadn’t considered the possibility that Great Zhou could lose the war and that Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture might lose half its territory.
After all, Great Zhou was currently winning, having expanded by tens of thousands of li in less than two years!
In a few more years, they might even completely subdue the Southern Barbarians, at which point the land in Yingyuan Prefecture would undoubtedly rise in value. Why exchange it?
Zhao Xing was tempted to offer a casual excuse, but given his good relationship with the three, he decided to share his real thoughts. "You’re only thinking of victory and this one outcome. Have you considered other possibilities?"
"What do you mean?" Xia Jing frowned. "You think the Southern Barbarian War will end in defeat? After a millennium of preparation by Emperor Wen, and the current emperor’s diligent efforts for hundreds of years, our nation is flourishing with talent and military strength. I find it hard to imagine defeat."
"But what if?" Zhao Xing countered. "History tells us that Zhongtu Shenzhou has always had only 19 provinces. What if we can’t conquer the Southern Barbarians?"
Seeing Xia Jing about to argue, Zhao Xing waved him off. "Don’t rush to debate with me. I’m only considering the possibility. If our entire fief is located in Yingyuan Prefecture, we’ll lose everything if that territory is lost."
"Owning 1,650 households in a fief is a considerable source of income each year. If the territory is lost, the court won’t compensate for it."
"I’m not in need of money," Xia Jing mused, "but since you’re putting it that way, I’ll exchange half of it for inland territory. It’s easy to do right now. Plenty of people want land in Yingyuan Prefecture. You can let me know if you want to swap, and I’ll handle it. Yang An may not be as influential as my father."
"I want to exchange it all, preferably in the eastern part of Pinghai Prefecture," Zhao Xing replied.
"The east? Are you planning to become an island lord?" Chen Shijie was surprised. "You’ve always seemed drawn to coastal cities."
Back in Gucheng, Zhao Xing had once discussed Lady Bishuia with Chen Shijie, mentioning Zixiao Island and asking whether the Book of Water was located there.
"It’s not necessarily about becoming an island lord. I’ve just never seen the ocean and want to explore that area," Zhao Xing said. "Chen, you should exchange your land there as well. The sea is known for its unpredictable weather. Hundred-year or thousand-year natural phenomena often occur at sea."
"Who knows? We might find a treasure there."
After a moment’s thought, Chen Shijie nodded. "Alright. It’s just land, so it doesn’t really matter. I’ll exchange mine as well. Xia Jing, can you tie my land with Zhao Xing’s during the swap?"
Long Xiao immediately chimed in, "Don’t leave me out! I want to swap mine too and join you both."
"Long, aren’t you going to swap for land back home?" Xia Jing asked in surprise. "It’s a good opportunity to return in glory."
Long Xiao shook his head. "My hometown, Pingze County, was devastated by a massive flood at the end of the Dingxin Era. My mother died in the flood, and my father fell ill. He later took me to live with my uncle, but passed away in the tenth year of the Jingxin Era."
"Most of my relatives are gone, and my only sister is already married off to another county. I’d like to return in glory, but there’s no hometown left."
"With no hometown or familiar people left, who would I show off to?"
Xia Jing wanted to laugh but realized it was a sad situation, so he held back.
"So all three of you are heading to the east coast? Zhao Xing, aren’t you going to exchange for land in Nanyang Commandery?"
Zhao Xing shook his head. "No need. I’ll just buy some land in Gucheng."
In reality, Zhao Xing had no intention of buying land in Gucheng.
He planned to relocate Zhao Zheng, Madam Cai, and Zhao Ruide when the time came.
This was because King Liang’s rebellion would bring disaster to Pinghai Prefecture, and not only military calamities but also natural disasters.
When a direct royal prince rebelled in Pinghai Prefecture, the impact on the nation’s fortune would be immense, causing upheaval in the region. Although the rebellion would be quelled within two years, there was always a risk of collateral damage.
The land east of Pinghai Prefecture, along the coast, was relatively untouched by these disasters. Furthermore, Zhao Xing planned to work in that area in the future, so it made sense to exchange his land there early.
"In that case, I’ll get some land over there as well," Xia Jing rubbed his chin. "I have a feeling that following you will bring me fortune, even though I’m not short on money. Haha."
The best time to exchange land was now.
Once the war against the Southern Barbarians began to falter, the value of land in Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture would plummet, and no one would want to exchange for it.
Currently, there were plenty of people willing to swap, hoping to benefit from the anticipated government policies in the future.
Once the land was exchanged, the next matter was official positions.
After consulting with Yang An, Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture proposed the following: "You will be promoted to the Upper Sixth Rank position of Commander of the Guards."
"Zhao Xing, do you have any thoughts on this?"
"I leave it entirely to the general," Zhao Xing said with a respectful bow.
Yang An smiled. "Good. Then it’s settled."
This position was highly flexible, with responsibilities that could vary. It allowed for Zhao Xing to be transferred without much bureaucratic hassle—wherever he was needed, he would be sent.
Chen Shijie was appointed Military Commander, and Long Xiao was appointed Commandant of the Guards, both positions at the Lower Sixth Rank. All three were now capable of independently commanding troops.
The positions assigned by the Military Realm hinted at the possibility that they might be needed for future campaigns.
However, Zhao Xing didn’t mind. He knew that in the eighteenth year of the Jingxin Era, the intensity of the war wouldn’t escalate—it would continue as a period of training.
He could still accumulate more battle merits, advancing his honorary and official ranks, and he had his ways to eventually extricate himself.
For now, demonstrating loyalty to the court and speaking with righteous conviction could pave the way for his eventual withdrawal.
The official positions were submitted to the Three Kings for approval and quickly passed.
Zhao Xing went to the Temple of Ten Suns Cave-Heaven to complete the final step of his promotion—receiving the Nation's Fortune blessing.
It was the familiar Heavenly Heart Hall, with the familiar ranks of officials.
Upon entering the resplendent palace, Zhao Xing realized that his stature had grown significantly.
Looking back, the ranks of officials from the lower three classes seemed endless, an infinite sea of people.
But looking forward, the number of middle-class officials, though still large, was no longer overwhelming or infinite.
With a booming sound, Emperor Jing, seated on his throne, waved his hand, and a golden dragon-shaped light enveloped Zhao Xing.
"The Golden Dragon of Fortune! This is going to be a big one!" Zhao Xing's heart raced.
The golden dragon of fortune entered his body, first examining his cultivation level and foundation.
But this time, Zhao Xing's very life soul had reached the sixth rank, and his cultivation foundation was rock solid, leaving no room for improvement.
Thus, the golden dragon of fortune merely made a symbolic tour through his Dantian and Sea of Consciousness before rushing into his Destiny Palace.
A hum resonated as the previously desolate Destiny Palace was infused with golden energy.
Zhao Xing's fortune and lifespan were being transformed.
After a long while, the golden dragon of fortune shot out of his body with a swoosh.
Zhao Xing watched the dragon leave, feeling reluctant to part with it.
But he quickly knelt in gratitude, thanking Emperor Jing, and left the temple.
As he exited, Zhao Xing glanced back.
"If only I knew the secret techniques of the Outside Sects to lock down and refine this golden dragon of fortune. How much more power would that bring?"
"Unfortunately, attempting such a thing during this era would be suicidal."
Stealing fortune from Great Zhou under the reign of Emperor Jing? That was a sure path to death.
Anyone caught practicing the dark arts to steal fortune would not only be executed but have their entire family exterminated!
Only during the reign of Emperor Wu would there be no need for such theft, as Emperor Wu was generous with his blessings.
It was only after Emperor Wu’s reign that stealing Great Zhou’s fortune became viable.
By then, Zhao Xing would have risen to a high position, and there would be no need to fear the consequences.
"This time, from the lower three ranks to the middle three, none of the fortune was used to enhance my life soul—it all went toward my lifespan and fortune."
"I wonder how it was distributed," Zhao Xing pondered.
What he wanted most was an increase in fortune, as the burst of Heavenly Spirits in the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven was imminent.
With greater fortune, he would undoubtedly obtain more spiritual treasures.
"I should head back."
Zhao Xing refrained from checking his status immediately. Instead, he returned to the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard before opening his panel to review the changes after his promotion.
Previous Chapter | | Next Chapter
