Yongli Ming Dynasty

Chapter 352 Model
In the Xu family's room, Xu's mother looked at Xu Wu who was respectful below, but a trace of fear rose in her heart.

At this time, what Xu Wu said was obviously good news. The family suddenly got dozens of acres of good land, and her son sounded like he was going to be an official. She didn't know what she was afraid of, but she felt a sudden panic in her heart.

Seeing that Xu's mother had been silent for a long time, Xu Wu asked again. Seeing Xu Wu's look, Xu's mother became more and more flustered and answered

"I don't understand these things either. Fifth brother, you can handle it. I have no opinion."

Xu Wu heaved a sigh of relief when he saw that Xu's mother agreed. Then he looked at Xu Liushi beside him and said,

"Sister-in-law, do you have any opinions?"

"As a woman, what opinion can I have? Uncle makes the decision. I will listen to my mother and uncle."

Xu Liu was even more flustered and shook her head repeatedly, fearing that Xu Wu would make the decision herself.

Xu Wu heaved a sigh of relief when he saw the two people at home nod.
Xu Wu is a soldier of the Longxiang Army. Other armies may be transferred out, but the Longxiang Army has always been there to protect Your Highness. As long as Your Highness does not go on an expedition, the Longxiang Army will most likely stay in Guangzhou.
Xu Wu has accumulated enough merits now, and his literacy grades in the camp are also very good. As long as there is a vacancy in the future, he will almost certainly be promoted to the position of captain.

A general is in charge of a department of 500 people. This is already a real middle-level military general. Military generals of this level will almost certainly be granted official titles by the court.

Guangzhou is the imperial capital. Since Xu Wu has the opportunity to be an official in the future, he would naturally prefer the Xu family to stay in the city.
Xu Wu was about to explain to his family what to pay attention to after the land was granted, but the military missionary repeatedly ordered that part of the land must be reserved for rent to the original tenants, and these rules could not be violated.

Xu Wu was about to speak, but at this moment there was a noise outside the courtyard. Xu Wu frowned when he heard the noise and looked outside the door.
Outside the Xu family courtyard, a circle of people had gathered. Two soldiers in scarlet military uniforms had returned at some point and were guarding the gate of the Xu family courtyard. Everyone looked out at the Xu family courtyard, but no one dared to step inside.

The news spread very quickly in the market. In just a short while, the news that Xu Dalengzi of the Xu family had become a general had spread throughout the market.
The people in the neighborhood didn't believe it at first, but when they saw the two soldiers guarding the door, they began to wonder, and more and more people gathered at Xu's house to watch the excitement.

Zhao Jia, the neighborhood chief, was sweating profusely as he hurried to the front of Xu's house. When Zhao Jia saw the people from the neighborhood gathered in front of the door, his heart suddenly tightened and he shouted:

"What are you all doing here? Disperse immediately."

The people heard Zhao Jia's scolding, but they ignored it and shouted directly:

"Chief, Xu Dalengzi seems to have become a general. Is it true?"

"What Xu Dalengzi? That's Brother Xu Wu"

"What rank is this general, the head of the neighborhood? Are you higher than him or is this General Xu higher than him?"

The people in the neighborhood spoke up one after another, and the place suddenly became noisy.

Zhao Jia wiped the sweat from his forehead, but couldn't help but shout again

"Go back quickly. General Xu is back on official business. You and the others should stop disturbing us. Go back quickly."

The people were even more shocked when they heard what Zhao Jia said. Now that they knew Xu Wu had become a high-ranking official, they were even more reluctant to leave.
Zhao Jia didn't have time to argue with these people at this time, so he pushed everyone aside and walked to the gate of the courtyard. The soldiers at the gate saw Zhao Jia and let him go.
Zhao Jia walked into the room, but immediately looked at the burly man sitting on the right side, and bowed directly.
"Zhao Jia, the head of Yongfengfang, greets General Xu."

Xu Wu also stood up and bowed, saying

"Greetings, Chief Zhao. I am only a sentry officer in the army, not a general. Chief Zhao can call me Officer Xu."

Zhao Jia heard this and immediately said

"The sentry officer is the commander of a hundred men, which means he is a general. General Xu is too modest."

Xu Wu looked at Zhao Jia, who was smiling, and did not want to get involved any more. He motioned Zhao Jia to sit down. Xu Liushi, who was standing beside him, also came forward with tea.
Zhao Jia took the tea, smiled and said

"Thank you, Madam Liu."

Xu Liu was stunned when she heard this, and then she realized that Zhao Fangzhang was talking about her. This was the first time someone called him Madam.

Xu Wu gestured to Xu Liushi, and after Xu Liushi left, Xu Wu also spoke in a deep voice.

"Has General Liang Sheng's family been notified?"

"As soon as I received the notice, I led someone to report to General Liang's home."

"Old Madam Liang and Madam Liang have already known about this matter. I have also asked people to prepare the incense table, futon and other items required for receiving the emperor's order."

Hearing this, Xu Wu nodded and said

"General Liang is a hero and hero of this expedition to the southwest. His Majesty the Regent has personally erected a monument to commemorate him. Later, the military supervisor will come to reward him according to the order. This matter must not be taken lightly."

Zhao Jia was also shocked when he heard this. He knew that the court wanted to posthumously confer an honor on Liang Sheng, but he didn't know that this man had to be personally worshipped by His Royal Highness the Regent. How great was Liang Sheng's contribution to the southwest?

Zhao Jia thought of this and his face became serious. He said

"General Xu, rest assured. A hero like General Liang has emerged in the town, and our Yongfeng Town will also be honored."

"I have already sent my servants to General Liang's house to assist with the preparations. I will definitely make this happen in style."

The Ming court always valued civil officials over military officials, and military officials always had a low status. However, this low status was only for civil officials. For ordinary people, both civil and military officials were difficult for them to provoke or cling to.
Although Zhao Jia was the head of the neighborhood, which sounded like an official, he was just a messenger, not even as good as the county clerks. In fact, Zhao Jia was still an ordinary citizen.

Zhao Jia knew that there was a fifth-rank general in his own neighborhood who was posthumously awarded the title. He also wanted to make friends with the Liang family, which was why he was so active in running around.
Xu Wu was about to ask about the Liang family's preparations, but Zhang Huan suddenly walked into the room, bowed and said

"General, Instructor Shi has arrived at the alley entrance."

Xu Wu nodded, and then said to Zhao Jia beside him

"The military supervisor has arrived. Chief Zhao, please follow me to greet him."

Seeing Zhao Jia's response, Xu Wu spoke to Xu's mother above.

"Mom, I have some official business to attend to in the army. I'll go first."

"There's nothing going on at home, go and do your own thing"

Upon hearing this, Xu's mother also tensed up and spoke immediately. Previously, Xu's mother did not understand what the duties of those sentinels were, but now, looking at the respectful look on the face of the head of the neighborhood, Xu's mother knew that her son might really be different from before.
Xu Wu nodded to Xu's mother and walked out of the room. Zhao Jia also apologized to Xu's mother above and followed Xu Wu out.
Xu's mother and Xu Liu looked at each other in bewilderment. They had been in Yongfengfang for more than ten years, but they had never seen the head of the Zhaofang being so polite.

When Xu Wu walked out of the courtyard, the people watching outside the gate immediately spotted him and exclaimed.

"Brother Xu Wu is out"

"Is this Xu Wu? How come he is so big? His arms are as thick as his thighs."

"Nonsense, how can someone become a general if he doesn't do this? A bean sprout like you will run away as soon as the wind blows."

"Why are you so proud? Compared to Xu Wu, you are just a bean sprout."

The crowd in front of the gate was talking in a mess. Xu Wu looked at the crowd gathered in front of the gate, thought for a moment, and then said:

"My fellow villagers, our general Liang Sheng led the expedition to the southwest, fought against the invaders, and died for his country."

"Today, an angel from the court will come to General Liang's house to announce the decree and reward. If you have time, you can go to Liang's house to pay your respects to the heroes in our neighborhood."

When the people outside the courtyard heard this, they exclaimed again. Not only did Xu Dalengzi become a general, but Liang Sheng also became a general.

In other words, two generals emerged from their small Yongfengfang at this time!
Everyone in the field talked about it, and soon they figured out Liang Sheng's identity. Liang Sheng's family used to make a living by selling tofu. Everyone in the market had eaten the tofu sold by the Liang family.
When everyone confirmed Liang Sheng's origin, they were even more shocked. Liang Sheng, who sold tofu, became a general and was even given an imperial decree by the court.

Xu Wu ignored the noisy crowd and led Zhang Huan and other soldiers out.

In Yongfengfang, Shi Jiongran led dozens of Jinyiwei to wait at the entrance of the alley. When Shi Jiongran saw Xu Wu, he spoke

"Officer Xu, has General Liang's residence been determined? Is General Liang's house ready?"

"Your Excellency, the people in the borough have helped General Liang's family to prepare and they are ready to receive your orders at any time. I will lead the way for you, Your Excellency."

"Then lead the way."

The conferring team set off quickly. The soldiers in front divided into two rows and put up a sign for silence and avoidance. Xu Wu, Zhang Huan and several other soldiers stood in the middle, carrying a black wooden plaque with the words "Home of Loyalty and Martyrs" written on it.
The enthronement procession moved forward along the main road of the town, and more and more people gathered behind them.
When the conferring team arrived at the Liang family, the Liang family courtyard was already crowded with people from the neighborhood who had heard the news and came to watch the excitement.
Shi Jiongran and others entered the Liang family courtyard. Liang Sheng's mother Dong, Liang Sheng's wife Fan, and a boy of seven or eight years old were already waiting in the courtyard.

Although the army had returned to the court half a year ago, there were many major events in the court soon after their return. First, there was a sacrifice to the tomb of heroes and martyrs. Later, the army granted land, which led to the rebellion of Chaohui gentry. The court army set out to suppress it again.

Due to the complexity of the matter, the rewards for the military achievements in this expedition to the southwest were not fully counted until half a month ago, and then they began to be distributed to the various armies.

As a representative of the sacrificed soldiers, Liang Sheng had been moved to the mausoleum for sacrifice several months ago, but it was not until this time that the Liang family learned of Liang Sheng's death.

Liang Sheng's mother, Dong's eyes were red, and she didn't know whether to be sad or happy. Liang Sheng's death in battle was sad, but his return was not only a pile of white ash, but also a grand reward from the court.

Liang Sheng had been appointed as a general by the emperor, but he had to come to the house to announce the emperor's decree. Dong and the others were still a little confused. How could such common people like them have a connection with the emperor one day?
Dong, Fan and others were wearing plain linen clothes. This was the best clothes in the Liang family, but patches could still be seen on the clothes.
Shi Jiongran walked into the courtyard and saw the pale-looking Dong. He also walked up to her and said softly:

"General Liang sacrificed his life for the country. He was a loyal minister of the Ming Dynasty. Although the hero is gone, his loyal soul lives on. Madam, you should take care of yourself."

Dong looked at the young man in blue official robes in front of her, and a trace of fear flashed in her eyes. She subconsciously wanted to kneel down, but Shi Jiongran seemed to have foreseen it and reached out his hand in advance, directly holding Dong back.

"Madam, please don't be so polite. This is embarrassing for me."

Shi Jiongran had encountered this situation many times when he was in the city announcing the imperial edict to reward soldiers. He knew very well how the families of these soldiers would react when they received the imperial edict.

Shi Jiongran offered a few words of consolation, and then ordered Xu Wu and others to carry the plaque into the courtyard. Then dozens of Jinyiwei dressed in Feiyu uniforms also walked into the courtyard and stood in two rows in awe.
The people who had gathered outside the two courtyards looked at the dozens of imperial guardsmen in bright red brocade robes in the courtyard, and a trace of fear flashed across their faces. The originally noisy crowd also instantly quieted down.

Shi Jiongran stood in front of the incense table with a serious look on his face. Suddenly he spoke in a loud voice:

"His Highness the Regent has issued an edict. The Liang family kneels to receive it."

Shi Jiongran finished speaking, and then all the Jinyiwei soldiers shouted in unison, and the majestic shouts continued to resound throughout the field.
When Dong and the others heard the voice, they immediately knelt on the mat. The hundreds of villagers behind them, seeing the majestic Jinyiwei soldiers in the courtyard, did not know who took the lead and knelt on the ground.
Shi Jiongran saw everyone kneeling on the ground, and then he straightened his face, took the imperial edict from the incense table, and began to read it.

"The Holy Word of His Majesty the Regent"

"Now there is Liang Sheng, a general of the Longxiang Army, who has a pure heart and a sincere character. He was the first to act, not afraid of the arrows, and captured and killed the enemy. In the battle of Bozhou, he bravely led the charge and killed a member of the Niulu Zhangjing of the Eastern Tartars and five Zhen Tartars. He has made great contributions. Now I specially grant him 100 taels of silver and 200 acres of land, and posthumously confer the title of Fifth Rank Military General. His son will be promoted to a hundred households of the Jinyiwei, and when he grows up, he will inherit the position."

"Liang Sheng's mother, Mrs. Dong, was well-behaved and tidy, and was kind and gentle. She raised her son with diligence and taught him loyalty. She was virtuous and kind, so she was specially named Taiyi Ren, and his wife, Mrs. Fan, was named Ru Ren."

Shi Jiongran saw Dong and the others kneeling on the ground in a daze, and he shouted again

"Everyone from the Liang family, why don't you accept my order and express your gratitude?"

Dong and the others woke up from their dreams after hearing this, and kept kowtowed to the cushions to express their gratitude.

Shi Jiongran handed the imperial edict to the Liang family, and then walked to the front, looking at the people kneeling outside the courtyard, and spoke loudly.

"General Liang Sheng of this district is loyal and filial, and he is devoted to the battlefield. He is truly a role model of virtue in the village."

"Although General Liang died for his country, the court has clear rewards and punishments, and will ensure that the virtuous, loyal and brave will continue to be honored. The people in the streets should also take General Liang as an example, practice loyalty and filial piety, and serve the court."

The people below looked at the three bright yellow silk imperial edicts in the courtyard, and a trace of envy flashed in their eyes. They didn't know what rank General Wu Lue was, but they had just heard clearly that this was a high-ranking official of the fifth rank.
The highest official they could see was the seventh-rank county magistrate, but the official Liang Sheng got at this time was actually two ranks higher than the county magistrate.
Liang Sheng was just a tofu vendor in the past. Although he died in battle, he was not only conferred a fifth-rank official title, but his family members were also conferred titles, and he also left behind a position as a Jinyiwei official. It was really a case of one person's success bringing prosperity to the whole family.

From today on, the Liang family will be a family of officials and will no longer be the same as them.
Ordinary people like them would probably have to kowtow to clerks and runners for the rest of their lives. If they really had the chance to receive such a reward, they would be willing to die.

The people in the field only saw that Liang Sheng had received such a large reward for his death in battle, but they did not expect that it would be impossible to receive such a large reward simply by dying in battle.
Liang Sheng was able to receive a generous reward because of his military merits. It is impossible for an ordinary life to be exchanged for such a generous reward.

Shi Jiongran called on the people in the neighborhood, comforted Dong and others, and then left.
Shi Jiongran is going to reward more than just Liang Sheng's family today. The court has already issued an order that before the land is officially granted, all the meritorious soldiers in the city must be rewarded.

As the soldiers returned home and the court gave out numerous rewards in a short period of time, the news that the court granted land to the soldiers finally spread throughout the city.

When the people in the city learned that the imperial court had distributed a million acres of land to the army, they were immediately shocked.

As the rewards for the various armies in the city were completed, the families of the imperial guards in Guangzhou also began to leave Guangzhou and move to Chaozhou and Huizhou.
After the families of the various armies in the court arrived in Chaohui, a large amount of land was continuously distributed to the soldiers of each army. The land grant from the court was successfully implemented, and Zhu Lang finally had time to focus on his own money bag.

(End of this chapter)