Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 256 Rewards for Meritorious Officials!

Bianjing, the Imperial Study.

In the main seat, Zhao Ceying held a military report, nodding occasionally in approval.

Below him were five wooden chairs, where five Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet sat solemnly.

About an incense stick's time later, the military report was placed in a corner of the desk.

"call!"

With a long sigh, Zhao Ceying's eyes flickered with a hint of expectation as she looked out.

It's easy to foresee that he felt an indescribable surge of excitement and joy.

Jiang Zhao looked over, unsurprised.

The border troops achieved successive victories, inflicting heavy defeats on the Liao people and expanding their territory to four prefectures, a rare and significant triumph.

For the Great Zhou, which had always been content with its limited territory, expanding its borders was an extremely rare occurrence.

It is no surprise that the emperor was greatly pleased.

More importantly, this time it's about expanding our territory to Yan and Yun!

Expanding the territory to include the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun means that the puzzle of "unification" is becoming more and more complete.

Strictly speaking, the standard for achieving unification is a common ruler for all under heaven, cultural identity, and submission from all corners of the world.

In short, any known regime either had to be incorporated into its territory or become a vassal state and pay tribute, and it was essential to control the Central Plains region centered around the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.

This is what is meant by unification in the strict sense.

Such a strict unification requires extremely high standards, and only the Tang Dynasty has achieved it throughout history; even the Han Dynasty did not.

Among them, the Western Han Dynasty had the Xiongnu as its enemy and never submitted; the Eastern Han Dynasty had the Xiongnu and Qiang as its enemies and never submitted either, neither meeting the requirement of "submitting and paying tribute".

Given the current situation, if the Great Zhou Dynasty wants to achieve true unification, it must expand its territory to include the Western Xia, Liao, and Mongolian kingdoms, and make the Dali, Tubo, and Jiaozhi regimes submit to it and pay tribute.

Of course, there is unification in the strict sense, and there is also unification in a non-strict sense.

It was not a unified empire in the strict sense; it only required controlling the Central Plains region, with the Yangtze and Yellow River basins as its core.

In the current situation, it means expanding the territory of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun and making the Western Xia a vassal state.

This form of unification is also the kind of unification recognized by history books and later generations.

After all, the initial concept of unification was mainly anchored in the Central Plains region, with the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers as its core.

Since Emperor Xifeng opened up the borders, the Western Xia had already submitted.

In other words, once the Zhou Dynasty expanded its territory to include the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, it would become a "unified dynasty".

Now that they have finally gained access to the Yan-Yun region, it's no wonder that Zhao Ceying's heart is filled with turmoil.

Based on Jiang Zhao's understanding of Zhao Ceying, it's even possible that Zhao Ceying himself might be considering leading an expedition.

You want to ask why?
It was all for the sake of the reputation of Emperor Shizong, a great emperor throughout the ages!

About twenty breaths.

With a reluctant look, Zhao Ceying lowered his head, picked up a list, and passed it down.

"The army is returning to the capital in triumph and will soon be entering the city."

"The list of military merits for expanding the territory of Yan and Yun has been submitted to the Privy Council by the Grand Chancellor, and then to the palace through the Privy Council."

"I have summoned you all to the palace specifically to draft the corresponding rewards and honors," Zhao Ceying said calmly.

The reports of victories on the frontier and the lists of military merits are different.

A report of victory is simply "reporting good news" and does not have a clear distinction between civil and military matters.

Therefore, good news can be presented to either the Cabinet or the Privy Council.

The list of military merits reflects the achievements of soldiers on the frontier, favoring military officers, and must be submitted to the Privy Council.

Of course, submitting a memorial to the Privy Council does not mean that the Privy Council has great power.

Generally speaking, the Privy Council only has the authority to recommend the promotion of military officers below the fifth rank.

When bestowing titles upon military officers of the fifth rank or above, the emperor would habitually consult with the Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet, but the power of advice would generally fall into the hands of the civil officials of the Inner Cabinet.

The document was passed down, and Jiang Zhao picked it up and read it.

The list of awardees consists of three main parts, totaling approximately thirty to forty pages.

The first part records the meritorious civil and military officials, about twenty in total, including Gu Tingye, Wang Shao, Zhang Ding, Zhe Kexing, Zheng Xiao, Yao Si, and others.

The specific tasks and achievements of these outstanding civil and military officials are recorded in great detail, with those of lower rank receiving thirty to fifty characters and those of higher rank receiving a hundred characters.

The second part mainly records the names of military generals, about a hundred in total. Apart from one or two who have outstanding achievements, almost all of them record their achievements in a dozen or twenty characters and give an evaluation.

The third part, organized by "army," records the stories of lowly soldiers who killed the enemy, as well as proposed suggestions for promotion and rewards.

After a quick glance, Jiang Zhao passed the document down.

Regarding the bestowal of titles and honors upon lower-ranking soldiers and officers, the Privy Council was primarily responsible for making recommendations.

The Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet mainly controlled the first part, namely the conferment of titles and rewards on generals of the fifth rank and above.

After about an incense stick's time, the document was sent back.

"In his later years, the Grand Chancellor went to the border to fight for the country. He was truly a key minister who stabilized the country and a pillar of the nation."

Zhao Ceying pondered for a moment, then looked down and asked, "What do you all think should be the reward?"

The Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet exchanged glances but remained silent.

Jiang Zhao is still here!
This is the disciple of the Grand Master.

The Grand Master is about to retire in glory. He has made great achievements in expanding the territory. Jiang Zhao should do his best to help his mentor.
"Jiang Qing." Zhao Ceying smiled, patting his knee, and took the initiative to call out her name.

Han Zhang and Jiang Zhao are both pillars of the nation.

It's a rare occasion for the eldest son to return in triumph and achieve great merit, so he will not refuse any reward offered by Jiang Zhao.

Jiang Zhao's eyes flickered slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said, "The famous ministers of ancient times, who served as generals and prime ministers, did so for nothing more than the sake of fame and fortune."

"Merit refers to achievements, and the greatest achievement is being granted a noble title in a great country; fame refers to reputation, and the greatest reputation is being one of the Three Dukes or receiving the praise of the emperor."

In short, those who hold the highest positions in government and those who are about to retire value fame and honor!

Specific rewards and privileges are not important.

Zhao Ceying understood and made a plan in his mind.

"What rewards will be given to Marquis Ningyuan and Earl Zhennan?" Zhao Ceying continued to ask.

The Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet remained silent.

In fact, apart from Jiang Zhao, the others were more or less "absent-minded".

The main reason for this is that the performance evaluation involves the issue of "leadership transition".

In May, the "judgment" will soon be handed down.

Unless one is a favored minister, no one can guarantee that they will be able to remain in office.

Wen Yanbo, in particular, had a bad feeling.

Therefore, they naturally remained silent and tried their best not to speak.

Zhao Ceying glanced down and shook his head inwardly.

"Jiang Qing," Zhao Ceying continued calling out names.

Since no one else is of any use, only Jiang Qing's opinion can be considered.

"The achievements of Marquis Ningyuan and Earl Zhennan are not much different."

Jiang Zhaoping said, "With the passing of the Duke of Yingguo, the position of Commander of the Imperial Guards Cavalry, a second-rank official, has become available. In addition, the position of Commissioner of the Northern Court of Xuanhui is also a second-rank official position, so perhaps one person can hold one position."

"As for the position of Deputy Privy Councilor, let's leave it vacant for now."

On the one hand, the Commander of the Imperial Guards and the Commissioner of the Northern Court of Xuanhui were both second-rank officials, but there was only one person holding the position of Deputy Privy Councilor.

It's really hard to say who among Gu Tingye and Wang Shao has made greater contributions.

Gu Tingye's flank maneuver was a great achievement, but Wang Shao's six months of commanding troops on the front lines was also a commendable feat.

The two men's achievements certainly differed to some extent, but to say how big the difference was, it wasn't that big.

Crucially, there isn't a significant difference in their actual positions.

Therefore, it's not really feasible to appoint anyone to the Privy Council.

On the other hand, the "protagonist" of this award was Grand Chancellor Han Zhang.

Returning victorious, about to retire, and the head of all officials—with these three advantages stacked together, Han Zhang is undoubtedly the "protagonist."

If someone were to enter the Privy Council, there's a possibility they might steal the limelight.

If that's the case, then the Privy Council positions will remain vacant for the time being.

Military reform will come soon.

This military reform will definitely involve some bloodshed, and naturally someone will vacate the position of the new Deputy Privy Councilor.

At that time, they can all be appointed to the Privy Council.

Zhao Ceying understood and nodded knowingly.

What reward will Zhang Ding receive?

"He may serve as the Chief of the Imperial Guard."

The tenth day of the fifth month in the fourth year of the Xifeng era.

Xuande Gate.

The vermilion-lacquered bronze gate was guarded by imperial guards standing at attention, one every five steps, creating an extremely solemn atmosphere.

All the civil and military officials were dressed in crimson and purple robes. The Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, the Ministers of the Six Ministries, the Left and Right Vice Ministers, the Ministers of the Nine Courts, the Censors and Remonstrance Officials, the Directors of the Five Directorates, and the Hanlin Academicians all arrived at the same time.

Civil and military officials stood in orderly rows.

"The scouts report that it will probably take another incense stick or two to burn."

Zhao Ceying carried two cups of tea, handing one to him: "Have a sip of tea and wait patiently."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Jiang Zhao bowed, took the tea, and sipped it.

For a moment, both the emperor and his minister held their teacups and gazed into the distance.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the ground trembled slightly.

The faint sound of horses' hooves began, growing louder and louder.

At the end of the official road, a small black dot appeared, growing larger and larger.

In no time, the "little black dots" transformed into hundreds of soldiers.

"Shut up!"

"The Emperor?"

Han Zhang spotted the emperor and his officials from afar and quickly reined in his horse, dismounting.

After that, several hundred soldiers followed suit and dismounted as well.

"This old minister, Han Zhang, pays his respects to Your Majesty!" Han Zhang, travel-worn, bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects!" Hundreds of people bowed and shouted in unison.

"My lord, there's no need for such formalities."

Zhao Ceying laughed heartily and went to greet him.

This is called: The emperor went to the outskirts of the city to personally welcome the triumphant return!

Wende Hall.

Civil and military officials stood in orderly rows.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying rested his hands on his knees, his gaze level.

"Xuan——"

"The meritorious officials who expanded the territory are here to pay their respects!" A sharp voice, unique to eunuchs, rang out.

Led by Grand Chancellor Han Zhang, the officials in charge of border expansion entered the palace one after another.

"Your subject Han Zhang, leading the civil and military officials of the Expansion Frontier, pays homage to Your Majesty!" Han Zhang stepped forward and bowed, his voice booming like a bell.

Afterwards, the border officials all bowed and said, "Your Majesty, we pay our respects!"

"No gift."

Zhao Ceying waved his hand, rose from the steps, and looked down: "Since ancient times, Yan and Yun have always been Han territory. Since Emperor Taizu established his rule in the Central Plains, the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun have remained undecided. Several campaigns were launched, but all ended in regret, and our homeland was lost to the barbarians. Since I ascended the throne, this hatred has pierced my heart and is now finally witnessed by the mighty army breaking through the clouds!"

"Such achievements must be rewarded handsomely and announced to the world."

In an instant, a eunuch emerged with an imperial edict and proclaimed:

"The Emperor decreed to the Minister of State:"

I believe that the merits of pillars of the state should be inscribed on bronze vessels and that the achievements of elders should be recorded in history.

Han Zhang, Grand Secretary, Chancellor, Privy Councilor, and Duke of Wei, was a man of great vision and strategic acumen. He commanded 110,000 elite troops and crushed the Liao cavalry at Yanmen Pass, recovering four former prefectures of the Han and Tang dynasties within ten days. He avenged the humiliation of Chanyuan and secured the northern border—a feat unparalleled in his achievements!

He was specially promoted to Duke of Wei, with an additional 6,000 households in his fief, and was later granted a total of 15,300 households in his fief. He was also given 20 fine horses from Liaodong, 1,000 bolts of Shu brocade, 1,000 taels of gold, and 100 hectares of fertile land in Xijing.

He was granted a special privilege, allowing three of his sons and grandsons to be recommended for the imperial examinations and to be granted official positions through hereditary privilege.

He was specially granted the titles of Grand Tutor, Chancellor, and concurrently Minister of State. He was presented with an inscription written by the Emperor, which read: "He brought peace to the world like Mount Tai, a meritorious official who established policies for the stability of the country for two generations, and whose contributions are remembered by the nation. He can be called a key minister of the state."

I have the right to enter the court without bowing, and I am permitted to sit in the hall without having to bow.

An imperial edict was issued to erect the "Dingbei Stele" in the suburbs, and the Imperial Archives was ordered to compile the "Record of the Pacification of Yanyun and Liaodong" to commemorate this special honor.

Yu Xi!

The pillars of the nation and the backbone of the state.

Respectfully yours, may you be diligent and strive for excellence!

Therefore, this is hereby proclaimed so that all may hear it.

The imperial edict was read aloud.

The civil and military officials were all in an uproar, their voices rising and falling incessantly.

There's no other reason than that this reward was simply too generous!

The focus is on four major rewards:

Firstly, the Duke of Wei, whose fiefdom consisted of 15,300 households.

A fiefdom of thirteen thousand households!
This is a unique case among civil and military officials in the history of the nation.

To put it bluntly, even among the dead, very few are posthumously granted fiefs of more than 10,000 households, let alone the living who are granted fiefs of 15,300 households.

Whether the reward is generous or not is immediately apparent.

Secondly, the three honorary titles of Grand Tutor, Grand Secretary, and concurrently Minister of State Affairs.

Grand Tutor, the head of the Three Dukes.

The Grand Secretary and the Minister of State Affairs are two of the three officials.

Without exception, they were all top-level honorary awards.

Let alone a living person, even a dead master might not be able to obtain such an honorary combination.

Thirdly, the inscription was written by the emperor himself.

This is an even more prestigious award.

He brought peace and stability to the nation, served as a founding father of two dynasties, and made significant contributions to the country. He can be considered a pillar of the state!
The level of this evaluation is self-evident.

Furthermore, setting aside any evaluations, the imperial inscription alone is a remarkable honor.

In terms of scarcity, it is even more than the Three Dukes.

Over the past century, there have been many prime ministers and high-ranking officials, as well as many who retired with honors or were posthumously granted the title of one of the Three Dukes.

However, the number of ministers who received imperial inscriptions was less than two hands' worth.

This still includes the number of inscriptions written for the stele.

Just like Fan Zhongyan, a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, who unfortunately passed away from illness, the late emperor inscribed the words "Praise the Virtuous" in his honor, thus defining his character.

This can also be considered an "imperial inscription".

Even with this method, the number of ministers who received imperial inscriptions was less than two.

This shows just how rare they are.

In terms of scarcity, it is even comparable to being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple!

Of course, while it may be rare, in terms of prestige and fame, it certainly cannot compare with being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

After all, imperial inscriptions tend to reflect the emperor's "personal feelings" and are usually related to the emperor's preferences.

Fourth, the privilege of attending court.

You may sit in the hall; there is no need for you to bow!

To date, only two people have enjoyed such a privilege.

One of them was Chen Yaosou, a key minister and favorite of Emperor Zhenzong during his reign.

The other person is Han Zhang!

However, Chen Yaosou's privilege of "not having to bow when entering the court" was due not only to his status as an important and favored official, but also to his leg ailment.

Han Zhang is different.

Han Zhang was granted the privilege of "not having to bow when entering the court."

The various honors were all top-tier and prestigious.

If some cabinet ministers or prime ministers possess all one of these qualities, it is a sign that the monarch values ​​them highly.

Collecting both is already extremely difficult, demonstrating the great favor and importance bestowed upon the ruler and his subjects.

Collecting all three is almost impossible.

Han Zhang has collected all four!

Under the influence of the kinship, even the quota for bestowing titles upon descendants and the imperial edicts for compiling historical records seem to have become less important.

This level of reward is practically a guarantee that Han Zhang will be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
All the civil and military officials were greatly shocked.

People would occasionally glance at Han Zhang, and then at Jiang Zhao.

No one would believe that such a reward was not suggested by Grand Secretary Jiang!

Several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet also couldn't help but look on with envy.

First, they envied the generous rewards bestowed upon him; second, they envied Han Zhang's good fortune.

During the Qingli Reforms, Han Zhang was exiled for twelve years and should have faded into obscurity.

Who would have thought that he would be successfully reinstated and return to the capital?

More importantly, in those short twelve years, Han Zhang happened to catch Jiang Zhao and teach him.

He started teaching her when she was six years old and managed to teach her to be someone who "surpassed her teacher."

I am a favored minister, the Grand Chancellor, and the disciple who is about to succeed me is also a favored minister and will also become the Grand Chancellor.

The true value of this achievement can only be understood by a few high-ranking Grand Secretaries in the Cabinet.

The civil and military officials were amazed, the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet were envious, and Han Zhang, being human, was also excited.
Which veteran official could withstand the test of such an honor?

"Your subject Han Zhang thanks Your Majesty." Han Zhang bowed deeply.

"My lord, there is no need for you to bow."

Zhao Ceying waved his hand, and a eunuch picked up a chair and stood to his left.

Han Zhang hesitated for a moment, but in the end he couldn't resist and sat down.

In any case, he is about to retire.

Imperial privileges—why not enjoy them?

"The Emperor decreed to the Minister of State:"

I, the Emperor, believe that as we sail across the seas, our banners should be erected in inscriptions.

Marquis Ningyuan, General Guide, Commander of the Imperial Guard Cavalry, and Associate Privy Councilor Gu Tingye possessed a majestic bearing and unparalleled military prowess. He commanded 30,000 elite troops and crushed the Liao cavalry at Yanmen Pass, recovering the lost territories of Yan and Yun and demonstrating the might of the northern frontier. A special honor is hereby bestowed to commemorate his great achievements.

He was promoted to Commander of the Imperial Guard Cavalry, granted the title of Grand Pillar of State, and given an additional 500 households of fiefdom. He was later granted a total of 2,000 households of fiefdom.
He bestowed upon the emperor two coral trees from Kochi, ten Japanese swords, one hundred catties of Korean ginseng, and thirty hectares of imperial estate in Bianjing!

It's a joke!
Wherever spears and swords reach, the achievements of building mountains and rivers are established; the oaths are always clear, and the covenant is forever kept as firm as a rock.

Awesome! "

Commander of the Imperial Guards!

This is a true military bigwig, in charge of hundreds of thousands of troops.

Many military officers were startled and all turned their attention to the direction of the attack.

Gu Tingye took over the position of Duke of England.

However, he did not serve as the Deputy Privy Councilor and take charge of Privy Council affairs.

And this kind of operation?

"Your subject Gu Tingye kowtows to express his gratitude for Your Majesty's great kindness." Gu Tingye took a step forward and bowed deeply.

The eunuch continued to proclaim the imperial edict: "Your Majesty, the decree reads:"

I believe that the strategies employed in the imperial tent should be recorded in history; the decisive victories achieved by the eagle should be inscribed on bronze vessels.

Wang Shao, the Earl of Zhennan and Commander of the Imperial Guards, possessed profound wisdom and outstanding military prowess. He defeated the barbarians in the north and recovered the ancient lands of Yan and Yun, which had been lost for centuries. He was specially granted special favor to commemorate his remarkable achievements.

He was specially granted the title of Loyal and Martial General and the title of Pillar of the State, promoted to the position of Envoy of the Northern Court of Xuanhui, and given an additional 500 households of fiefdom. He was eventually granted a total of 800 households of fiefdom.

He bestowed upon the Hexi region five fine horses and one hundred bolts of Shu brocade!
His wife, Lady Yang, was granted the title of Lady of Huayin County and bestowed with a nine-phoenix blue silk umbrella.

It's a joke!
His noble character and bearing will forever be passed down through generations.

Awesome! "

Many military officers turned their gazes toward it, some admiring it, others frowning.

General Zhongwu, a nominal position of the second rank.

Envoy of the Northern Court of Xuanhui, rank 2.

Judging from his "speed of progress" alone, he is also a potential candidate to become the Privy Councilor!

"Your subject, Wang Shao, bows in gratitude to Your Majesty."

Wang Shao's heart skipped a beat. He glanced at Jiang Zhao discreetly, then stepped forward and bowed.

Who would have thought that Jiang Ge Lao's casual roll call would actually change his life?

"Your Excellency, the Imperial Secretary:..."

One after another, bestowal of honors and imperial edicts were issued.

The reading of the imperial edict ended in about half an hour.

Zhao Ceying rested his hands on his knees, looking down straight ahead:

"It is fitting to welcome meritorious officials to the capital with a grand banquet, and I have prepared such an imperial feast."

"All civil and military officials, please proceed to the Hall of Lie Gong!"

It was the same old procedure: all the civil and military officials bowed in unison.

"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"

……

Not long after the celebration, a memorial requesting retirement was submitted to the palace.

Those who aspire to officialdom, the Grand Chancellor—Han Zhang!
……

(End of this chapter)