“Can strategists really not ascend to the throne?”
Chapter 32
Using a county marquis position as a reward?
If Liu Hong’s first half of the sentence dropped a bomb about the debate between Qiao Yan and Zhang Jiao, plus the betrayal of the Yellow Turbans in Ji Province regarding the Great Virtuous Teacher, then the latter half was set to truly upheave the court.
Yuan Wei couldn’t even spare a moment to respond to Liu Hong’s “That’s a big mistake!” and hurriedly said, “I hope Your Majesty thinks it over before deciding on a marquis title.”
Let’s not even get started on how bestowing a marquis title is already a presumptuous act in his eyes.
Now, the Emperor is actually saying he wants to grant Qiao Yan a county marquis title.
This simply won’t fly!
Even if this girl truly has outstanding merits, before knowing her gender, Yuan Wei had even considered trying to win her over from the standpoint of the Runan Yuan Clan, but it absolutely shouldn’t bypass so many steps to be directly elevated to a county marquis!
A county marquis is currently the highest position in the Han’s marquis process, capable of establishing a nation with a county, essentially granting more autonomy over their territory, with the ability to appoint multiple officials within that county.
“Your Majesty, please reconsider!”
Amidst the loud commotion below that was hard to suppress, Yuan Wei’s voice clearly reached Liu Hong’s ears.
This repeated call for reconsideration pricked Liu Hong’s already sensitive nerves, which had been set off by his own suggestion that had triggered three “bombs.”
“Yuan Minister,” Liu Hong spoke, and the chamber fell silent immediately.
Anyone could tell that though the way he addressed Yuan Wei seemed gentle, there was an unmistakable storm brewing.
“Your Majesty, please proceed,” Yuan Wei realized he had acted a bit too rashly and quickly adjusted his demeanor.
“You say I should reconsider, then what’s wrong with rewarding a meritorious official with a county marquis title?”
Liu Hong had resumed his seat by this point.
Although he appeared less confrontational than earlier, where he slammed the table, Yuan Wei had witnessed Liu Hong’s earlier decisive manner when establishing the Hongdu Gate Academy, making him believe that this current demeanor was even less intimidating than his outright anger.
“Indeed, it’s not stated in the ancestors’ old precedents, but allowing a girl to hold the title of county marquis is likely inappropriate.”
Yuan Wei bowed respectfully. “Qiao Yan is merely a ten-year-old child; while she has unintentionally gained some merit, her knowledge is shallow and insufficient to govern a county. It would be better to nurture her a bit, akin to how Empress He Xi recorded the merits of officials to restore the royal family and promote virtue.”
As he spoke, Liu Hong let out a cold laugh. “Lu Zhi, in his memorial, recorded the debate between Qiao Yan and Zhang Jiao. Upon reading it, I saw a capable talent written clearly, yet in your eyes, Yuan Minister, she is merely a shallow person. Is that right?”
Liu Hong tossed the memorial he held to the side, slamming his hand on the table, stating, “Yuan Minister, how about I engage in a debate with you, just like Qiao Yan?”
Upon hearing this, Yuan Wei immediately knelt on the ground.
Among the Yuan brothers, he was the youngest yet the first to attain the prestigious position among the three ministers, but even so, he wouldn’t dare to debate with the Emperor during court!
He quickly replied, “I wouldn’t dare.”
“You wouldn’t dare? Then you should listen.”
Liu Hong, who had earlier seemed a bit sleepy during morning court, was now watching Yuan Wei attentively from beneath his ceremonial staff, noticing that Yuan Wei looked less alert than he used to be.
But thinking back to Liu Hong’s absurd actions, their hopes of him appearing to be a wise ruler were quickly dashed, leaving only sympathy for Yuan Wei.
Some among them were not particularly thrilled to see Qiao Yan being made a marquis, but they all understood Liu Hong’s style, knowing full well he was stingy. Even if he did grant the county marquis title, he would by no means be hands-off with power. Yet here was Yuan Wei poking a sleeping bear, only to now have Liu Hong take him as the scapegoat.
Yet Yuan Wei had always been eloquent. If he could endure the Emperor’s pressure, persuading him against granting the county marquis title wouldn’t be a bad move.
He Jin had this thought.
He had earned the title of County Marquis due to “discovering” Ma Yuanyi’s conspiracy in the capital, safeguarding Luoyang, and now he wasn’t pleased at the idea of a girl sharing the same title with him.
He Jin hadn’t realized it yet, but some of Liu Hong’s fury was actually triggered by his own contributions.
As he saw the prestigious Runan Yuan Clan feeling so cornered in court, he felt the necessity of power more than ever.
He reckoned he still needed to elevate his nephew to the throne.
Once that happened, depending on his status as an imperial relative, he could secure a rank of one beneath thousands.
Just as he thought this, Liu Hong spoke up again, and he hastily gathered his thoughts.
The Emperor, once a mere puppet in his earlier years, now confidently declared, “I remember Yuan Minister’s wife hails from the Ma Clan of Fufeng?”
“…?” Yuan Wei looked up dazedly from his prostrate position, puzzled as to why Liu Hong would ask such a question now.
Wasn’t it a debate he was supposed to have? Why was there a sudden mention of his wife?
But being questioned by the Emperor, he had no choice but to respond, “Yes.”
“I’ve heard that upon marrying Yuan Minister, you asked your wife three rather pointed questions.” Liu Hong looked at him with a half-smile, completely ignoring the awkward expression on Yuan Wei’s face as he realized what Liu Hong was getting at. “The Ma Clan has produced great craftsmen. Ma Rong is renowned for his scholarship in the classics and held exceptional talents in astronomy and calendars. His daughter is quite like her father, and the two clans are truly a great match. Why does Yuan Minister not take pride in marrying such a woman, but instead…”
“Gentlemen, why not hear how Yuan Minister responded.”
“His first question questioned why his wife had so much dowry. Yet the Ma Clan is well-known for its filial piety; she replied that it was a token of her parents’ grace and she must not oppose it. If her husband wished to emulate Bao Xuan or Liang Hong, she could model herself after Meng Guang’s simplicity.”
“The second question was even more ridiculous; he asked how could the daughter of Ma Rong, who first recommended her brother, marry before her sister. Yuan Minister, could such a question come from someone of a family like yours?”
Yuan Wei’s face burned red.
But Liu Hong was clearly set on teaching this key minister a lesson, punishing him for his misdeeds, and was in no mood to show him any kindness.
Having always been reckless, as a result of his recent victory over the Yellow Turbans, he now had the leverage to continue his tirade: “The Ma Clan shares deep sibling love; claiming her sister attained moral excellence yet fails to find a worthy match doesn’t compare to her lowly morals willing to be with you.” Liu Hong chuckled, “She’s got a point! Your judgment is profoundly shallow!”
“The third question was even more bizarre—one you would think a new son-in-law wouldn’t dare to ask. It questioned why her father, a reputable scholar, faced disgrace due to his greed.” Liu Hong mocked, letting out another cold laugh.
Yuan Wei had initially lifted his head to survey the Emperor’s visage but had since dropped it completely.
He could hardly fathom that Liu Hong would remember such details from many years ago. With this sudden attack, not only did the Emperor’s remarks slice through him like a dagger, but the gazes from his colleagues felt like stabbing needles in his back.
As for why it felt like needles in his back…
He was seated among the three ministers, in the front row.
He now felt this position was hard to sustain.
“Ma’s family indeed has great talent; referencing her husband’s dishonor, ‘Even the revered Confucius didn’t escape slander; Zilu, a paragon of virtue, had grievances as well. After marriage, she even managed the household and raised her child to be accomplished—truly a Great Virtuous Teacher. Yet Yuan Minister, if you can’t even defend your wife, what face do you have to say Qiao Yan is shallow?”
“If this girl, Qiao Yan, performing acts of loyalty and filial piety, isn’t worthy of a marquis title, signifying Han’s acknowledgment of capable individuals, then you, Yuan Minister, would suggest such baseless queries—why not step down and give up your title as Minister?”
Under Liu Hong’s pressured push, Yuan Wei understood why Liu Hong hadn’t bothered with any “first debate” or “second debate” topics; simply relying on the information he had on the officials was enough to corner him in this “necessary” moment, no need for further debate.
“…I…I am scared.”
“Scared…heh.” Liu Hong’s gaze flicked over Yuan Wei’s back.
In his heart, he understood that while he was harshly criticizing Yuan Wei, he had no real intent of removing him as Minister.
After the Prohibition of Factionalists incident, the Runan Yuan Clan and the scholars it represented would surely need to be elevated and utilized; people like Yuan Wei, who merely occupied a title without merit, were far less useful.
The warning he had given was sufficient, and he just needed to fan the flames of his intended goals a bit more.
Liu Hong swiftly grabbed hold of the memorial beside him and threw it at Yuan Wei. “Look at this.”
The memorial was tossed right in front of Yuan Wei, who didn’t dare to meet Liu Hong’s current expression, instead reaching for it with trembling hands.
Although Lu Zhi hadn’t penned the debate between Qiao Yan and Zhang Jiao on the spot, in this era, thanks to the widespread use of paper, much of the learned folk still preferred bamboo slips and cloth scripts, relying heavily on their memory. It turned out that recounting such a memorial wasn’t challenging at all.
As Yuan Wei perused the content from the first debate about celestial phenomena, the second about medical practices, and the third concerning Buddhism, he felt increasingly uneasy.
This was clearly not a debate that could be brushed off lightly, and reflecting on the record of the arguments, no matter how much he opposed awarding a title to a girl, he had to acknowledge Liu Hong was indeed justified in rewarding Qiao Yan.
Because Qiao Yan argued factually that the celestial signs did not denote the Emperor’s lack of virtue; rather, the sun and moon followed their own rules. While that notion might somewhat undermine the imperial authority as being heaven-given, in the current situation, it was wise to choose the lighter burden over the heavier offense—something both Liu Hong and Yuan Wei understood.
This was… the admonition to save the state in light of the frequent natural disasters plaguing the Han.
Moreover, her arguments in the second debate recognized the healing efficacy of the Way of Great Peace, defining it as an ultimately detrimental position for the lowly commoners, essentially a powerful antidote to counter the Yellow Turban faith, far more impactful than merely capturing Zhang Jiao.
As for the third debate? Zhang Jiao, seemingly resigned, had nothing to add; hardly worth mentioning.
However, her arguments rooted in celestial studies, medical principles, and Buddhist teachings, cultivated from the soil of the Han Dynasty, were the perfect culmination of the debates, the finest proclamation and promotion for the Han.
And furthermore, these words came from a child’s lips.
Hearing such reasoning from a young girl would undoubtedly hold more sway than if Zheng Xuan or Lu Zhi, who were also present, were to say the same.
“…I recognize my error, Your Majesty should indeed reward her with this marquis title.”
Of course, though Yuan Wei’s inner thoughts had shifted, those words of surrender still seemed to squeeze from between his teeth.
Anyone who had been treated as a typical example and then hit with reminders of the past would find it quite hard to bounce back quickly.
Yuan Wei was not exactly young anymore, and he couldn’t bear such a strain.
He respectfully handed the memorial to the yellow-clad official who came to collect it, straightened his crown, and returned to his original spot.
While he still maintained the demeanor of a noble, back straight and all, his ROW-dwelling colleague Yang Ci looked at him and could swear he looked a couple of years older.
Liu Hong indeed hadn’t uttered any more words about Yuan Wei not being worthy of his position, but Liu Hong’s harsh assessment would undoubtedly leave a deep impression on Yuan Wei’s mind.
Even if Liu Hong immediately stated that no one should share today’s events beyond those present, it wouldn’t change the ramifications of such a moment.
“Gentlemen, do any of you still have objections to Qiao Yan being awarded a marquis title?”
Clearly, no one dared voice any dissent regarding whether or not to confer a title; Yuan Wei’s earlier opposition was right in front of them. If anyone decided to echo similar sentiments, who knows what other damaging information Liu Hong might have about them.
Between salvaging their pride and watching Qiao Yan receive a marquis title, they naturally chose the latter.
But someone did speak up at this moment.
Yang Ci stepped forth, saying, “Qiao Yan has exceptional talent and a loyal heart for the nation; Your Majesty is correct, she should be made a marquis, but is it a bit much to bestow her a county marquis title directly?”
Since Liu Hong didn’t interrupt him, Yang Ci continued, “This time, Right Middle General Zhu Gongwei, who helped quell the Yellow Turbans, was only bestowed a small marquis title, and even then it was merely the Duke of Duting. If Your Majesty wishes to follow the female marquises of the early Han, Xu Fu could only obtain the shingong title; Qiao Yan is talented enough, but awarding her a township marquis or Duke would suffice. Why grant her the county marquis title?”
Liu Hong remained unfazed, merely asking, “Does the Grand Commandant have any grandsons?”
Yang Ci thought it over and realized he had no entertaining stories about grandsons to share with Liu Hong, so he replied, “I do have a grandson, aged nine, named Xiu.”
Liu Hong then inquired, “Then after a hundred years from now, do you wish to see the Han emperor treat him favorably because of your lineage?”
Yang Ci thought he must have misheard; Liu Hong’s tone now sounded so much kinder than when he spoke to Yuan Wei.
He contemplated that this indicated Liu Hong had lifted the prohibition of factionalists and wanted to grant a bit of face to the scholars. After previously striking Yuan Wei once, he naturally wanted to hand Yang Ci a compliment too.
It seemed… it didn’t sound unreasonable at all.
Moreover, his son Yang Biao had married Yuan An’s granddaughter, making them cousins with Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, so by extension, Yang Xiu was a descendant of this alliance.
This meant not only was the Emperor giving him face, but also hinting at bestowing honors on Yang Xiu, which in effect was returning face to the Yuan Clan.
Upon hearing Liu Hong continue, “Your grandfather was a Grand Commandant, your father was also a Grand Commandant, and you are now the third Grand Commandant in line; there is also the title of Duke Linjin, with your descendants growing up, surely there will be great talent among them, and you might even hope for the fourth Grand Commandant.”
“However, Qiao’s family has lost all its children, with only Qiao Yan remaining. What’s wrong with bestowing her a county marquis to accompany her?”
Yang Ci’s heart stirred.
Liu Hong’s statement was clearly intended to reassure these elderly officials.
Then remembering Liu Hong earlier mentioned that when it came to merits and rewards, he had placed Qiao Yan behind Huangfu Song and Lu Zhi, under such an evaluation standard, since Qiao Yan was to receive an extraordinary marquis title, then surely Huangfu Song and Lu Zhi would be county marquises too.
Leave Huangfu Song out of it; Lu Zhi was certainly a pillar among scholars.
That did not seem too much of a loss for them.
Instantly, he replied, “Your Majesty is wise and benevolent; this is beyond my capabilities.”
And so, the reward was settled.
Yuan Wei was left dumbfounded by Liu Hong’s rebuttal, and Yang Ci publicly acknowledged that Liu Hong’s proposal was perfectly reasonable; under these circumstances, there was no way anyone else would dare voice contrary opinions.
General He Miao glanced around, feeling something was off.
His elder brother He Jin was asked by the Emperor about who should be promoted to quell the Jing Province rebellion, but he hadn’t really been given a chance to suggest anyone.
Meanwhile, Grand Commandant Yang Ci had, in front of the Emperor, hinted at favor for his descendants, yet it seemed he hadn’t received any substantial benefits.
But he had always been told by his brother that he was dull; as he listened to the discussions in the Grand General’s Mansion, he just felt dazed. Perhaps he was overthinking it all.
Forcing down his intuition, he, along with the others, stepped out of the hall.
But just as the fastest among them had not yet exited the main hall, suddenly Liu Hong, who had already risen to leave, turned back and said, “I almost forgot something, Yuan Minister!”
Yuan Wei hadn’t yet emerged from the shadow of the earlier interrogation…
“I wish he wouldn’t see me!”
He stumbled back, almost losing his balance, but someone caught him, helping him stand straight again.
“Your servant is here.”
“I remember, even though your wife is already advanced in years, she is in good health and has an outstanding reputation for her intelligence. Tomorrow, she shall take up the position of Grand Historian.”
Liu Hong dropped this bombshell without giving Yuan Wei a chance to refuse, and then simply walked away.
Grand Historian?
Yuan Wei felt a wave of dizziness.
What kind of position is that? It’s the one that manages astronomy and calendars in court! Though it’s only a six-hundred-stone salary, it’s definitely not a job for just anyone.
But Yuan Wei couldn’t refuse Liu Hong’s order!
Because if he said he didn’t want his wife to hold an official position, he would just be proving that he couldn’t even win a debate against her!
But really, what made His Majesty suddenly decide to promote his wife to this role after just granting Qiao Yan a county marquis title?
“Is His Majesty trying to protect the Ma family?” Zhao Zhong asked as they walked toward Yutang Hall.
Liu Hong shot him a glance, “Why think so much? I merely saw that Ma Rong’s two disciples have talent for astronomy. With his daughter mediating, perhaps Zheng Xuan can be swayed to serve me.”
Zhao Zhong wanted to ask more, but the once wise-looking emperor now appeared completely slacked off. The little eunuchs had already brought Liu Hong’s vehicle over.
No carriages or horses were supposed to be seen in the inner palace, but Liu Hong didn’t care. Instead of horses, his lavish cart was pulled by four white donkeys!
Liu Hong climbed aboard and eagerly cracked the whip, the cart running wildly through the garden, trampling over some greenery along the way.
Zhao Zhong hurried to catch up.
As for the scattered flowers and plants, tomorrow when Liu Hong passed through again, experts would surely come to tidy up the mess.
Looking at the palace scene, one couldn’t see how, outside the city’s gates, famine and the Yellow Turban Rebellion continued to wreak havoc, and the plight of refugees resorting to cannibalism wouldn’t be resolved just because the rebellion was quelled.
Take Ji Province, for instance.
Zhang Jiao actually managed his subordinates much better than rebel leaders like Bu Ji and Bo Cai. After all, the Great Virtuous Teacher’s standing among the Yellow Turbans was as revered as a god, especially since Julu was home to the Zhang brothers, who certainly wouldn’t resort to harming the livelihoods of the locals to gather forces.
However, even so, while awaiting the court’s reply, the government’s cleansing of the Yellow Turban forces had exposed the dire living conditions of the people in Ji Province.
Qiao Yan and Cheng Li rode through the outskirts, hardly seeing a soul.
This wasn’t too surprising; Qiao Yan had studied history and knew that the population density in ancient times wasn’t that high.
According to the population census from 140 AD, which was forty years before the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Julu County had a population density of only about seventy-two people per square kilometer.
A pretty low figure.
Of course, if one counted the hidden population in the powerful fortresses, the number would be somewhat higher, but not by much.
If it weren’t for this, Qiao Yan wouldn’t feel astounded by the news of a hundred thousand Yellow Turbans meeting their demise in Julu—the sheer number of people was quite significant.
Even if some of these people would be prosecuted for the destruction they caused, and some would die of starvation, while others sought refuge with emerging powerful factions, it would still be better than dying for simply following the Yellow Turbans.
“From your perspective, what kind of measures will the court take regarding Ji Province?” Cheng Li asked after discussing with Zhang Jiao yesterday.
It was then that Cheng Li realized that when Qiao Yan debated with Zhang Jiao, she had left out a crucial point: a considerable part of the Scripture of Great Peace actually upheld the emperor’s rule.
With the court having labeled the Scripture of Great Peace an anti-dynasty text after the emergence of the Way of Great Peace, without someone digging deep into its meaning, no one would have paid attention to this.
Considering that Zhang Jiao’s uprising was practically forced, it was hard for Cheng Li not to conclude that it was a last resort.
But the disorder and hasty uprising had unearthed disastrous consequences, the result of being wiped out by the Han army was unavoidable. For Zhang Jiao, the only thing left to do was realize that his victory or defeat would determine his followers’ fates. He would have to give up his insistence on the Scripture of Great Peace and hand over his plea for pardon to Qiao Yan, requesting her to convey it to Huangfu Song and post it in the provinces.
Seeing all this, Cheng Li couldn’t help but remember when Qiao Yan invited him to Ji Province to hear the Yellow Turban’s rhetoric.
Compared to the previous discussion with Zhang Liang, this was the real “listening.”
Currently, the two were moving about Ji Province with a few followers; one could say this was yet another form of “listening.”
Qiao Yan added after a pause, “Among the elites who managed to survive through the misfortunes of rebellion, many might not recognize the consequences of their previous actions, and might even expand their influence. This is especially true for families like the Tian family and the Xue family, who have gained merit in suppressing the rebellion and have intentions to alter their family fortunes, but they are in the minority.”
The heir of the Tian family had previously risked his life to deliver a message to Changshe, and now that military reports had finally arrived in the capital, it must have reached a conclusion by now.
When the top performers received their honors, the rest would follow, and the usual local elites wouldn’t be treated the same way.
But most powerful clans wouldn’t have chances for such promotions; they would simply seek to further strengthen their local influence.
This fact added many potential risks in the aftermath of the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
“What do you mean by that?”
“These powerful families can’t be obliterated like the Yellow Turbans; they can’t be left unchecked either. I suspect the court will likely enhance local controls and provide appropriate solutions,” Qiao Yan replied, “But they probably won’t revert to the ancient ways of feudal distribution; perhaps they’ll emphasize the powers of the governors even more.”
In fact, this was indeed what Liu Hong decided in the end—
He would enhance the surveillance powers of the governors, adding the authority to oversee local finances and recruit soldiers, appointing either family members or trusted high officials as provincial governors.
But although the emergence of this Provincial Governor System was indeed timely, it laid the groundwork for the subsequent warlords’ feuds, which was something neither Liu Yan, who proposed the system, nor Liu Hong, who approved it, could have anticipated.
However, when this Provincial Governor System was first implemented, it truly made sense.
For example, after suppressing the rebellion in Ji Province…
“If it’s as you say, the local officials must fully pledge their loyalty to the Han Dynasty,” Cheng Li said with ruthless insight. Although Qiao Yan was merely speculating, he didn’t let that stop him from following her line of thought to make assessments.
“Exactly, for instance, General Huangfu would be quite suitable to govern a province,” Qiao Yan replied.
Even if he no longer had the violent reputation from creating the Pyramid of Skulls, it doesn’t stop the army under him from gradually settling in Ji Province, gaining prominence during the subsequent cleanup operations.
He had a fierce approach as well as a benevolent heart, having petitioned for tax relief in Ji Province after becoming its governor, indeed making him a suitable candidate.
However, compared to others who later became warlords, Huangfu Song seemed quite rigid.
But rigidity has its advantages.
Three days ago, a renowned figure from Liang Province named Yan Zhong advised him to take advantage of his achievements in defeating the Yellow Turbans and launch a coup. After Huangfu Song rejected him, he publicly announced Yan Zhong’s actions and issued a capture order for him.
At this moment, Huangfu Song had the power to assert his influence, but he chose not to act, aiming to be a loyal minister to the Han, which was undoubtedly good news for Qiao Yan.
In this increasingly peaceful environment, it seemed likely that rewards from the court were on the horizon.
She had worked hard to change her initial intention of inviting Zheng Xuan and Hua Tuo, personally debating Zhang Jiao for that coveted title, becoming renowned overnight in the process, and all her actions were aimed at being honored as a marquis.
Even though she was usually quite calculated, she couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious.
If the Son of Heaven in Luoyang didn’t grant her wish, such a fortuitous opportunity would probably be hard to come by again.
But her tension didn’t show on her face, nor did she mention it to anyone, including Cheng Li.
As they walked back to the military camp, she smiled at the unexpectedly awkward Chunyu Qiong, and her heart felt lighter seeing his flustered expression.
Chunyu Qiong’s reaction was hardly surprising.
Previously, because of the false impression Qiao Yan created, he had delivered a piece of intel regarding her supposed collusion with Zhang Rang to Luoyang.
But after a few days, he learned that Qiao Yan’s actions were simply due to her grief over her grandfather’s impending death after hearing he was not long for this world.
Upon learning this reason, he felt foolish.
He’d sent off that misleading intel days ago and only now learned the truth; how could he not feel embarrassed?
If it hadn’t been for the fact that his incorrect information had led Yuan Wei to make a faulty suggestion, Chunyu Qiong would probably be avoiding Qiao Yan altogether!
But Chunyu Qiong wouldn’t have to feel awkward for long, as two days later, a special team arrived at the Han military camp.
Chunyu Qiong spotted a familiar face among the team.
Yuan Shao, Yuan Benchu!
But this team was not led by him; instead, it was under the command of the Palace Attendant Bi Lan.
This wasn’t surprising; at this time, Yuan Shao hadn’t yet grown into the powerful presence he would later become in the north; he was still just someone working under General He Jin.
If it weren’t for the later chaos caused by Dong Zhuo’s tyranny and the subsequent retaliation from the lords, Yuan Shao likely wouldn’t have had any of the political assets he ended up accumulating.
Of course, Yuan Shao was still well-regarded in Luoyang due to his family’s four generations of high officials.
General He Jin clearly thought highly of him, assigning him the task of helping Bi Lan announce the imperial decree.
Yet, he seemed to be a bit out of sorts in this environment.
Not long after he entered the camp, Chunyu Qiong found an opportune moment to approach him, revealing his earlier misunderstanding regarding Qiao Yan.
“I don’t know if I should send an apology letter or not, but since Qiao Yan is just a commoner, it shouldn’t stir up too much trouble… But since Benchu is here, I should come and apologize.” Chunyu Qiong carefully observed Yuan Shao’s expression, noticing he looked somewhat displeased.
“…” Even though Yuan Shao prided himself on his reputation for righteousness, after years of being reclusive yet interacting with others, it was hard for him not to feel speechless at Chunyu Qiong’s words.
God knows what he thought when he found out his uncle had been reprimanded by Liu Hong while his aunt was promoted to Grand Historian.
However, after hearing his uncle retell Yuan Shao’s suggestions in court, he likely grasped Liu Hong’s intentions.
But this intention certainly wasn’t good news for He Jin, whom they were currently aligning with.
Otherwise, Yuan Shao wouldn’t have sought this opportunity to evaluate Qiao Yan, the future Marquis of Leping.
Especially since he needed to confirm what kind of agreement she had reached with Zhang Rang.
Unexpectedly, Chunyu Qiong opened with, “It was all just a misunderstanding.”
Yuan Shao nearly grabbed him by the collar, questioning why he had been so careless knowing the responsibility he bore.
However, his noble upbringing meant he only pursed his lips for a moment before replying, “It’s fine; she won’t be in Luoyang anymore, so it won’t affect the bigger picture.”
Hearing this made Chunyu Qiong breathe a sigh of relief.
Yet, whether it was just his imagination or not, he felt Yuan Shao’s attitude seemed slightly cold.
But then he remembered the rumors that those who associated with Yuan Shao were figures like Zhang Miao, He Yong, and Xu You, and he figured that attitude was hardly unexpected.
When Yuan Shao went to rejoin Bi Lan, Chunyu Qiong suddenly realized he had forgotten to ask whether Qiao Yan’s marquis title had been revoked under Yuan Wei’s influence.
But he thought with the Yuan family’s influence in Runan, it shouldn’t be much of an issue.
As for potentially costing the other party a significant opportunity due to this misunderstanding…
Well, he felt no guilt about it at all!
While Chunyu Qiong pondered his thoughts, he approached the main tent, startled to see Bi Lan already dressed and ready, holding the imperial decree at the forefront. Huangfu Song, Lu Zhi, and Qiao Yan had also arrived, and he quickly found a spot at the back to stand in.
Then he looked through the crowd at Bi Lan, smirking derisively.
After all, Bi Lan was valued by Liu Hong due to his exceptional craftsmanship, creating stunning items like bronze statues near the Dragon and Black Tortoise portals, the great bells by Yutang and Yuntai Halls, and the Celestial Toad at the main gates. In Chunyu Qiong’s view, none of it was anything serious.
But the imperial decree in Bi Lan’s hand represented imperial authority, and as soon as he unfolded it, everyone present dropped to their knees.
“By Heaven’s will and in accordance with the times, I receive this mandate…”
“On the sixteenth day of the fifth month of the seventh year of Guanghe…”
“By the decree of the Left Middle General Huangfu Song:… you are appointed as the main commander in suppressing the rebellion, having defeated the enemy and quelled disturbances in You and Ji Provinces, with merits especially prominent… Henceforth, you are granted a title of Marquis with a fief of ten thousand households.”
“By the decree of the North Middle General Lu Zhi:… since arriving in Ji Province, you’ve maintained your integrity, displaying virtue and strength, avoiding recklessness and greed for merit, enduring hardships, and achieving success… Henceforth, you are granted a title of Marquis of Qiantang with a fief of ten thousand households.”
Marquis of Huai Li, Marquis of Qiantang, both county marquis titles!
The two highest military leaders, Huangfu Song and Lu Zhi, had both been granted marquis titles, and the crowd felt joyous for them, but they couldn’t help but anticipate their own rewards.
With such commendations for their leaders, it stood to reason that they wouldn’t fare too poorly either.
But what they never expected was the decree that followed.
“By the decree for the Qiao Lady Yan…”
As soon as those six words were spoken, even Qiao Yan, normally composed, couldn’t hide her delight in her gaze.
Yet, since she was in the presence of the decree, she bowed her head, and no one noticed her excitement.
Ranked right after Huangfu Song and Lu Zhi’s decrees, even if it didn’t surpass them, it was more than enough; at least her debate effort didn’t go to waste!
She then heard Bi Lan continue:
“It’s noted that you embody loyalty and filial piety, having strategized with me and achieved victories from afar. With the courage of a lone brave warrior and skills of a commander… a name that outshines all must be met with heavy rewards. Henceforth, you are granted a title of Marquis of Leping with a fief of ten thousand households. Honor her!”
Ten thousand households, Marquis of Leping, she was actually also a county marquis!
Chunyu Qiong nearly gasped in awe from the back.
He thought that Yuan Gong would surely have revoked Qiao Yan’s marquis decree; how could she end up being elevated to a county marquis?
This—
For someone who had previously held no office or title, claiming this was like reaching for the stars!
