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

Chapter 296 Love Me, Love My Dog: Prince Zhao Shen of Yan!
The 29th day of the sixth month of the sixth year of the Xifeng reign.

A gentle breeze blows, and the clouds drift and gather.

Nanxun Gate.

Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, Minister of the Six Ministries, Vice Ministers on the Left and Right, Chief Minister of the Nine Courts, Censor-in-Chief, Chancellor of the Five Directorates, and Academician of the Hanlin Academy.
All the civil and military officials, numbering thirty or forty in purple robes and three or four hundred in red robes, stood in orderly rows.

The bells and chimes hummed softly, and the drums beat in waves.

The people bowed their heads, their eyes fixed on the scene.

But at the end of the official road, a blurry "small black dot" grew larger and closer.

The cavalry moved slowly, with dozens of large flags bearing the character "Zhou" fluttering in the wind.

Right in the very center of the banner was a jade carriage made of ebony, with a canopy inlaid with gold, tassels hanging down, and curtains decorated with dragon patterns and embroidered with the "abundant harvest of the five grains" motif.

Judging from its appearance, it was clearly the Emperor's return to the capital!

In fact, just yesterday, several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, represented by Jiang Zhao, had already met with the Emperor.

However, the necessary procedures still need to be followed.

It lasted about thirty to fifty breaths.

"Your Majesty, I, together with Jiang Zhao, the Chancellor, Grand Secretary, and Privy Councilor, respectfully lead all civil and military officials to welcome Your Majesty's great victory in the Northern Expedition and your return to the capital!"

Grand Chancellor Jiang Zhao stepped forward and said respectfully, "Since the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun fell into the hands of foreign tribes, one hundred and thirty-seven years have passed. With the recovery of Yan and Yun, the unification of the empire can finally be achieved! Your subject and all officials share in this honor!"

"May Your Majesty enjoy good health and ensure the enduring prosperity of the Great Zhou Dynasty!"

"May Your Majesty enjoy good health and ensure the enduring prosperity of the Great Zhou Dynasty!" All the civil and military officials shouted in unison.

"Ha ha!"

The brocade curtain was gently lifted, and Zhao Ceying laughed heartily, holding onto the carriage railing as he strode out.

The shouts and cheers grew louder and louder.

"The recovery of Yan and Yun is the credit of me, the credit of military merit, and also the credit of all officials."

"Be flat."

Zhao Ceying nodded steadily, exuding the unique air of a monarch.

All the civil and military officials stood solemnly in succession.

"Zichuan and Zihua, accompany me on the left," Zhao Ceying said calmly, waving his sleeve.

"promise."

Jiang Zhao and Han Jiang mounted their horses one after the other and accompanied the emperor on the left.

As for the right side, it's still Gu Tingye and Wang Shao.

These two men are evenly matched in terms of achievements, seniority, power, background, and command skills, and can be considered as the "two outstanding military generals".

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, for the next few decades, both of them would be considered the "top dogs" among military generals.

"By order, parade them through the streets."

A shout.

Ruler and subject, in a grand and majestic manner, they stepped into Nanxun Gate!
"Long live the Emperor!"

"Long live the Emperor!"

The people bowed their heads, and their shouts of praise were deafening.

He was an emperor who, at the age of thirty-two, expanded the territory of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun and achieved unification.

Zhao Ceying's prestige reached an unprecedented peak!
Wende Hall.

A gentle breeze blows, and the eaves bells sway softly.

The civil and military officials stood in orderly rows.

On the steps of the imperial palace, a wooden table was laid out, and the Emperor Zhao Ceying sat upright with his armrests. He was dressed in black on top and red on the bottom, with twelve imperial symbols on his head. He wore a crown that reached the heavens and had twelve tassels hanging down.

The emperor's majesty is magnificent and awe-inspiring; every move he makes exudes a solemn and awe-inspiring authority.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

Nine drumbeats in a row.

"when!"

A single chime of bells, soft and lingering.

The entire place fell silent, filled with a solemn atmosphere.

"Xuan——"

"The meritorious officials of Yan and Yun pay their respects!"

With a sharp cry, about thirty or forty people, both civil and military, entered the hall together.

"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"

Thirty or forty people, some scholarly and some martial, all bowed in unison.

"Rise!" Zhao Ceying waved his hand, making a gesture of support.

"Since the chaotic Five Dynasties period, the Yan and Yun regions were ceded and the Khitans seized the territory, and our homeland has been lost for 137 years!"

Zhao Ceying waved his sleeves and stood up abruptly, his voice booming: "Without Yan and Yun, it is merely a corner of the world, not a unified empire!"

"Emperor Taizu, Emperor Taizong, Emperor Zhenzong, and the late emperor, whether lacking favorable timing, location, or popular support, all failed to complete their achievements and died with regrets!"

"Today, I have a renowned prime minister and a great general to assist me. They have devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the cause and worked tirelessly to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, wipe away the shame of the past century, enhance the prestige of my Great Zhou Dynasty, and preserve the foundation of my ancestors' legacy!"

"These achievements benefit the nation and will last for generations. They truly deserve to be recorded in history, engraved in stone, and praised for all time!"

"Such outstanding achievements deserve a great reward and honor to repay their efforts and to demonstrate their merits!"

In short, the realization of unification is of extraordinary significance and deserves great rewards and honors!

"Your Majesty is wise!"

The civil and military officials shouted in unison.

Zhao Ceying nodded in satisfaction and slowly sat down.

Afterwards, an imperial eunuch picked up the imperial edict, solemnly stepped forward, and read it aloud:
"The Emperor decreed to the Minister of State:"

I believe that the world is at peace thanks to the combined efforts of civil and military affairs; and that the expansion of territories and the conquest of states are achieved by the support of the pillars of the state.

Jiang Zhao, who held the positions of Chancellor, Grand Secretary, Privy Councilor, Loyal Advisor, Pillar of State, Duke of Han, and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, possessed profound wisdom and insight, and was adept at managing all affairs. He oversaw all officials, temporarily managed state affairs, stabilized the realm, coordinated all aspects of governance, ensured the supply of provisions, mobilized troops, coordinated military needs, and governed the state, thus filling the treasury, ensuring ample funds and provisions, eliminating worries about food supplies for the army, and preventing political turmoil—this was the foundation for the establishment of the dynasty!

You assisted me in accomplishing this great undertaking; your achievements are immense and will shine for a thousand years!

A special honor was bestowed to recognize this special distinction.

He was promoted to Duke of Wei, with an additional 2,000 households in his fief, bringing the total to 11,000 households, with a total of 5,000 households in actual fief.

He was specially granted fifty hectares of imperial estate, two hundred mu of paddy fields, one thousand taels of gold, one thousand bolts of Shu brocade, one hundred bushels of pearls from the South China Sea, and ten boxes of rare treasures from Jiaozhi. The sedan chair was inscribed with the words "Weaving the world together, establishing the dynasty."

Yu Xi!

He was specially appointed as the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince and was generously rewarded for his service.

Those who extended their kindness to their teachers included Han Zhang, the Duke of Wei, and the Duke of Qin of Jin, who were granted additional fiefs of 1,000 households, bringing their total to 16,300 households.

Jiang Zhong, the Transport Commissioner of Huainan East Circuit, was kind to his parents and taught his son well, so that he would become a great man of the country. He was specially appointed as the Deputy Pacification Commissioner of Huainan East Circuit to commend his meritorious service.

His kindness extends to his descendants; he is hereby granted a special imperial edict, to be passed down to his children and grandchildren.

His son, Huaijin, was granted the title of Earl of Jiangdu County.

Ziheng was granted the title of Chengzhilang.

Zixun was appointed as Chengfenglang.

He was granted a special hereditary title for five of his descendants, who were eligible to be recommended for the imperial examinations and await promotion.

Awesome!

Therefore, this edict is hereby issued so that all may be informed.

The imperial edict was not long.

From beginning to end, it only took about twenty or thirty breaths.

In terms of duration, it's not much different from the last time when the government temporarily took charge of affairs.

However, the importance of an imperial edict has never been related to its length.

Regarding this reward alone, it can be summed up in one word—heavy!

Of course, this is not particularly surprising.

Acquiring the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun means that unification is within reach, and becoming a great emperor or Emperor Shizong is not difficult.

Given Zhao Guan's temperament, he naturally received a generous reward.

As the one temporarily in charge of state affairs and the one with the greatest merit among the ministers, it is only natural that Grand Chancellor Jiang Zhao was given a high title.

Even so, some people were still secretly shocked and horrified.

No other reason than that it's too heavy!

The rewards bestowed upon the Grand Chancellor this time were not complicated, mainly consisting of five categories:

Firstly, it was for official titles and rewards.

That is, he was specially appointed as Grand Tutor.

As a first-rank official, Grand Chancellor, and concurrently Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, Jiang Zhao's promotion to Grand Tutor was expected and not surprising.

This isn't exactly a big reward; it's just a fairly standard promotion.

Secondly, it was for the conferment of noble titles.

That is, he was promoted from Duke of Han to Duke of Wei.

This reward carries more weight.

There are generally four ranks of the title of Duke.

The first class is Zhou.

The second tier consists of Qin, Chu, Qi, and Wei.

The third tier includes Jin, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wu, and Yue.

Fourth-rate and unacceptable.

He was promoted from Duke of Han to Duke of Wei, which means he was promoted from the third rank to the second rank.

This is no small reward!
The so-called layman looks at the excitement and the insider looks at the doorway.

For those who do not enter officialdom, this may just be a routine promotion with a title, nothing special.

However, only those in officialdom know how prestigious it is to be granted the title of Duke of Wei before even retiring from office.

Its value lies mainly in the potential posthumous honors bestowed upon Jiang Zhao after his retirement or death.

Generally speaking, titles of the same rank are considered equal.

Similar to the titles of Jin, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wu, and Yue, even though there are substantial promotions in these titles—for example, the promotion from Duke of Wei to Duke of Qi—it is still considered a promotion. However, in essence, the two are equal and belong to the same level.

This point becomes particularly clear whenever it involves posthumous gifts.

Posthumous honors are always given according to the degree of promotion.

Just like Grand Chancellor Fu Bi, who retired as Duke of Zheng, he was posthumously granted the title of Duke of Han, and his rank was changed from unranked to third-class.

Fan Zhongyan, a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, retired as Duke of Runan and was posthumously granted the title of Duke of Wei, and his rank was changed from unranked to second-class.

Grand Chancellor Zhao Pu was granted the title of Duke of Wei before retiring from office. After his death, he was posthumously granted the title of Prince of Zhending, rising from Duke to Prince.

Of course, there are also some people whose titles have not been promoted.

Similar to Yan Shu and Du Yan, their political achievements were relatively shallow, or they lost in political struggles, and they did not receive any related titles or promotions.

But regardless of the circumstances, once promoted, one must be promoted in rank.

In other words, you either don't get promoted, or you get "promotion in rank".

This resulted in over 99% of the titles bestowed upon officials being at or below the "third rank," with the highest being Jin, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wu, and Yue.

The purpose is to leave them room for promotion.

Even the favored and powerful minister, the late Grand Chancellor Han Zhang, shared this view.

During his thirteen-year reign, his ducal title was promoted several times.

Even so, he had only been promoted from Duke of Han to Duke of Wei on the eve of his retirement, ranking second in rank.

A promotion on the eve of retirement certainly carries the implication of an "additional gift".

Generally speaking, once you receive a bonus, you are unlikely to receive a follow-up bonus.

Therefore, even with Han Zhang's qualifications, it was still uncertain whether he would be posthumously granted the title of king.

As a Korean prince, Jiang Zhao theoretically has two more opportunities to advance.

One was the Duke of Yan, and the other was the Duke of Jin, both of which were third-class titles.

As a result, the emperor promoted him to Duke of Wei!
what is this?
This is tantamount to a promise—that barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will be granted the title of king after my death!
As for the possibility of not being posthumously granted a title?
possible!
However, the possibility is almost zero.

The fact that someone was not promoted after death was simply due to failure in political struggles or poor political performance.

However, even if Jiang Zhao were to lose the political struggle, it is not impossible for him to be promoted.

After all, there has never been a saying that losing a political struggle necessarily means you can't get promoted.

If one has a high level of influence or outstanding political achievements, one can also be promoted. Fan Zhongyan, a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, is a typical example.

Given Jiang Zhao's political achievements and influence, as long as he doesn't ruin his reputation in the second half of his life, he will almost certainly be promoted to a higher rank and posthumously granted the title of king.

The main point is that he was almost single-handedly responsible for the unification.

Whenever the history of the Great Zhou Dynasty is compiled, the Xifeng era is always a key focus.

During the Xifeng era, there were two more key figures.

One was Zhao Ceying, an official, and the other was Jiang Zhao, the sole core figure of the reform policies.

Furthermore, even if no imperial decree is bestowed upon him immediately, future generations may still grant him the title.

Most high-ranking officials only served until retirement, or had a chance to be promoted after death.

However, some particularly important officials were granted imperial titles almost generation after generation.

Jiang Zhao was undoubtedly one of those people.

Any Zhao dynasty ruler who wasn't a fool would have posthumously bestowed upon Jiang Zhao great honors.

Therefore, for Jiang Zhao, the title of Duke of Wei, including Jin, meant almost certain posthumous enfeoffment as a king!

Thirdly, there are special honors bestowed upon individuals.

A certificate of imperial authority!

In layman's terms, it's also called a get-out-of-jail-free card.

During the Zhou Dynasty, pardons were extremely rare.

On the one hand, the amount bestowed upon them was relatively small.

Throughout the century-long reign of the dynasty, apart from the reign of Emperor Taizu when iron certificates were bestowed, no iron certificates were ever awarded during other periods.

Even Emperor Taizong was the same.

The main reason for this is that the threshold for receiving the imperial edict was simply too high.

Apart from a few dukes and marquises who were among the founding princes, no one else was even qualified to get a foothold in the country.

On the other hand, some of the "get-out-of-jail-free card" was used up.

From the founding emperor to the current emperor, there have been quite a few large-scale political purges.

During the reign of Emperor Taizu, the story of the "Candle Shadow and Axe Sound" became a legendary tale.

During the reign of Emperor Taizong, he led an army northward, but unfortunately suffered a major defeat.

During the reign of Emperor Zhenzong, there was a struggle over the succession of imperial relatives through adoption.

During the reign of the late emperor, the empress dowager ruled from behind the curtain, and the empress was deposed and installed

One thing after another, one incident after another, will always lead people to be deceived and unfortunately choose the wrong side.

Today, only a handful of households still possess the "get out of jail free" card.

This can be seen from the last time Jiang Zhao was assassinated, when even after searching twenty-three military and noble families, no one could produce even half a gold token of immunity from death.

Now, the emperor has once again granted a pardon from death!

Of course, Jiang Zhao was destined not to need it.

Even Jiang Zhao's descendants are not very able to use it.

In an era when the emperor and scholar-officials shared the common destiny of the nation, the status of civil officials and scholars was unparalleled, and there was no question of them being sentenced to death.

Fourthly, it is a reward for those who have shown kindness to their teachers, parents, and descendants.

Even Jiang Zhao was somewhat surprised by this.

Teacher Han Zhang, even after retiring from officialdom, was still able to climb one or two more ranks.

Duke of Qin!
This is the highest-ranking title below the rank of prince.

After all, "Duke of Zhou" is just a symbolic mascot, and it is almost impossible for anyone to use "Zhou" as a title.

Since it was impossible to bestow the title "Zhou," then "Qin" undoubtedly became the ceiling.

Furthermore, his eldest son, Jiang Huaijin, unexpectedly received a noble title and reward for nothing.
Although it's a minor title, it's still a noble title!

The second and third sons were also Chengzhilang and Chengfenglang, both of whom held positions of the sixth rank.

In the past, my father-in-law, Sheng Hong, entered the capital as a Chengzhi Lang (a minor official position).

At forty, Sheng Hong barely reached the starting point of Jiang Heng and Jiang Xun.
Fifth, rewards such as money, treasures, and honors.

The fiefdom was increased by 2,000 households, bringing the total fiefdom to 11,000 households, with a total of 5,000 households in actual fiefdom.

Honestly, that's a bit of an exaggeration!

Even the Grand Chancellor Han Zhang only officially entered the "ten-thousand-household fiefdom" stage in his later years when he retired from officialdom.

Jiang Zhao, on the other hand, is only thirty-four years old!

In addition, there were some imperial estates, paddy fields, gold, Shu brocade, and a host of rare and precious treasures as rewards, which was not surprising.

Even so, it is still quite "luxurious".

"Your subject Jiang Zhao kowtows to express his gratitude for Your Majesty's great kindness!" Jiang Zhao stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Ah."

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying smiled and nodded repeatedly.

A renowned prime minister throughout history deserves to be thanked with generous gifts!
The discussions grew increasingly heated.

The Grand Chancellor twice temporarily assumed charge of state affairs.
However, in terms of rewards, this time the rewards are definitely more generous than the last time.

If the Grand Chancellor has bestowed such a generous reward upon everyone, then the others must have received similarly high rewards as well.

It remains to be seen how many new elites will emerge this time.
The eunuch, holding the imperial edict, continued reading:
"The Emperor decreed to the Minister of State:"

I, having received the mandate of heaven, rule over all lands. The recapture of Yan and Yun, and the restoration of the empire, are truly thanks to the blessings of Heaven and the great favor of our ancestors. My second son, Shen, is born of noble birth, possessing exceptional talent from a young age. His demeanor is dignified and elegant, and his loyalty and integrity are truly evident.

Today, as the whole nation rejoices and all under heaven are united in celebration, this special favor is bestowed to commemorate the nation's auspiciousness.

He was specially promoted to Prince of Yan, with a fief of 8,000 households and an actual fief of 2,000 households.

He was specially granted a nine-tasseled imperial robe, two blue silk robes embroidered with gold pythons, five hundred taels of gold, and three thousand taels of silver.

He bestowed upon me a set of each of the finest editions of "Illustrated Classic of Filial Piety" and "Elementary Learning Jade Forest," as well as a quantity of Dragon Incense Imperial Ink and Chengxintang Paper, two of the Four Treasures of the Study.

Yu Xi!

Jade cannot become a useful object without being carved; a person cannot know without learning.

You should take this honor as an encouragement, be even more humble, devote yourself to learning, and associate with virtuous and wise people.

Therefore, this edict is hereby issued so that all may be informed.

"ah!"

The young prince Zhao Shen was surprised, not expecting that he would also receive a reward.

So, with a smile, he walked to the center and bowed respectfully, saying:

"Your son thanks Your Majesty!"

"Congratulations on your triumphant return, Father! Your might is boundless, and all hearts are with you!"

"Ok!"

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying nodded repeatedly with a look of satisfaction on his face.

Putting everything else aside, the fact that a four-year-old child could say such things shows that Jiang Qing is indeed a good teacher.

Let's set aside the fact that one father was pleased and the other was happy.

All the civil and military officials were shocked.

The second person to be enfeoffed was not Marquis Yongning Wang Shao, but King Jing Zhao Shen!

Moreover, he was promoted to King of Yan!
It's important to understand that this is not just a simple account ban.

Emperors Taizong, Zhenzong, and the late Emperor all had the experience of being enfeoffed as the Prince of Yan.

Therefore, it is clear just how special this title is.

In addition, the nine-tasseled crown that Zhao Shen was bestowed upon him was the highest-ranking among the princes.

The emperor had twelve tassels, while princes had three, six, or nine tassels.

The nine-tassel crown is the highest-ranking ceremonial crown for princes.

Even the two princes of Yan and Yong, who fought tooth and nail for the throne in the previous generation and seemed poised to ascend to the throne, only had six tassels on their robes.

People occasionally exchanged glances.

The young prince Zhao Shen is truly favored by the emperor!

I wonder if this is a case of loving the house because of its owner?
(End of this chapter)