Duke of Zhenguan

Chapter 100 Honors

Yan Liu Niangzi stayed at the Lin family's house for less than an hour before returning home.

When they finished eating, seeing that Madam Li seemed hesitant to speak, Lin Chuan asked with a smile, "What does Mother want to say?"

"Eldest son, even if Lord Yan agrees, what about Lord Cheng?" Madam Li asked softly.

"Don't worry, Mother, I know what I'm doing!"

Lin Chuan smiled and comforted him.

This was the Tang Dynasty, where it was common for powerful and wealthy people to have multiple wives and concubines. Even Fang Xuanling had several concubines in his household. It wasn't like what's depicted in novels and biographies, where Li Shimin offered him a beautiful woman as a concubine, but his wife refused.

Even if Cheng Churou were to marry into the family, she would have to bring two maids with her as part of her dowry.

Marrying Yan Liu Niangzi wouldn't threaten Cheng Chu Rou's position. Even if the Yan family was somewhat special, Cheng Yaojin wouldn't care at all. Cheng Chu Rou might be unhappy, but he could just coax her.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Lin Chuan was woken up by Li Shi. He groggily got up, ate breakfast, and with the help of Mei Xiang and Li Shi, changed into a set of armor. He then took Xu Laosan to the palace.

Today is the Grand Court Assembly. A few days ago, the Ministry of Rites sent someone to inform Lin Chuan to attend, as the imperial edict bestowing a title upon Lin Chuan would be read during the assembly.

Lin Chuan had been waiting for this title for more than half a year, and he was still a little excited when the court assembly began.

The Grand Court Assembly is held only once every two weeks, and it is mostly used to discuss important matters, with relatively few specific issues. The important matter this time is to commend Lin Chuan and Cheng Yaojin for their achievements in Longyou.

Since the covert struggle with the powerful families could not be made public, Lin Chuan's contribution was transformed into solving the salt problem for the imperial court.

The imperial edict was read aloud by a scribe from the Secretariat, his tone solemn, his voice carrying a distinctive rhythm:

Your Majesty: I have inherited the great throne and reign over all the people. I bestow titles and rewards upon those who have rendered meritorious service, following the example set by the former kings.

Lin Chuan, the Right Guard Chief Secretary, was of sound mind and upright character, and of utmost loyalty.

He may be granted the title of Earl of Longmen County, with a fief of 800 households, of which 100 households will be actually granted, and 50 hectares of land will be bestowed upon him.

You shall respectfully accept this imperial decree, be solemn and respectful in court, serve the country with utmost sincerity, and set an example for all officials.

The announcement was made to the whole world so that everyone would know.

-

The edict was very long. The first half praised Li Shimin, the middle half praised Lin Chuan, and the second half contained the details of the conferment of titles.

The entire text was written in ornate language, and the tone of the Ministry of Rites official was rhythmic and varied. Except for the latter half of the conferment of titles, Lin Chuan only caught a general idea of ​​the first half.

After the officials from the Ministry of Rites finished reading the edict, Lin Chuan stepped forward, accepted it with both hands, and respectfully bowed to Li Shimin, saying, "Your subject Lin Chuan kowtows to express his gratitude for Your Majesty's grace!"

"Rise!"

Just as Lin Chuan was about to return to the queue, he heard Li Shimin say, "No rush!"

After saying this, Li Shimin waved to another official from the Secretariat.

The official who stepped forward this time was again a drafter of imperial edicts. After stepping forward, he bowed to Li Shimin, then opened the imperial edict in his hand and began to read it aloud:

Your Majesty: I uphold the unity of the nine clans and strive for harmony among all nations.

Lin Chuan may be ordered to marry the eldest daughter of the Cheng family. The relevant authorities shall prepare the necessary rites and ceremony.

The announcement was made to the whole world so that everyone would know.

Lin Chuan was stunned for a moment, then quickly bowed to receive the second imperial edict and bowed to Li Shimin again.

Two imperial edicts in a row, bestowing a marriage and a title, would be an immense honor for any subject.

Because it was a grand court assembly, the main hall was filled with officials, and those officials of the fifth or sixth rank looked at Lin Chuan with envy in their eyes.

After the court assembly ended, Lin Chuan carried two imperial edicts out of the main hall and waited for Cheng Yaojin outside the door.

Unexpectedly, Yan Shigu and Yan Xiangshi came out first, so Lin Chuan quickly bowed and paid his respects.

Yan Shigu nodded at him, but Yan Xiangshi gave him a cold glance, snorted and left, clearly very angry.

At this moment, Cheng Yaojin came out from inside and asked in confusion, "What did you do to offend Yan Qiju, kid?"

"It's a misunderstanding—" Lin Chuan said awkwardly.

"Find an opportunity to go and apologize. Why did you have to offend him of all people?" Cheng Yaojin scolded irritably.

"Yes!" Lin Chuan nodded with a wry smile.

"Alright, I have other matters to attend to. You should go to the Court of State Ceremonial to hand over the duties!"

"I already spoke to your aunt when I left this morning, and asked her to arrange for someone to prepare food and wine tonight. You should bring your mother and sister over so everyone can have a good time!" Cheng Yaojin instructed.

"Okay!" Lin Chuan agreed with a smile.

The reason for going to the Court of State Ceremonial was the imperial decree for the marriage. Li Shimin issued the decree to bestow the marriage, and although it was not a princess, the Court of State Ceremonial was responsible for handling the related matters.

There were also various rewards.

After leaving the Honglu Temple, it was already evening. Lin Chuan took Xu Laosan back to Tonghua Ward. At the entrance of the ward, they happened to meet officials from the Secretariat and several clerks who came to deliver books, seals, clothing, carriages and other items to Lin Chuan.

After exchanging greetings, Lin Chuan led his group to his front gate. Lin Jiu heard the commotion, opened the gate, and excitedly told the guards to open the middle gate. He then ran to call Li Shi and Er Ya.

A short while later, Madam Li arrived at the main gate with Er Ya and, together with Lin Chuan, welcomed the officials from the Secretariat inside.

"Madam Lin, please receive the imperial decree!"

After entering the main hall, an official from the Secretariat took an imperial edict from a clerk standing nearby and respectfully addressed Li.

Li looked bewildered, so Lin Chuan quickly leaned over and whispered a few words in her ear. Li then realized what was happening and hurriedly said to Lin Jiu beside her, "Uncle Jiu, quickly prepare the incense table!"

The imperial edict conferred the title of County Magistrate upon Lady Li, and another edict conferred the title of County Lady upon Cheng Churou. Both were fifth-rank titles, which were additional rewards for Lin Chuan, the County Earl.

However, compared to the various rewards bestowed upon the county magistrate, both Li and Cheng Churou only received an imperial edict and a complete set of clothes.

Half an hour later, Lin Chuan handed a bag of silver coins to an official from the Secretariat and saw him out the door.

Back in the main hall, they saw Madam Li holding a set of imperial robes, her eyes red, clearly still upset.

Er Ya touched and looked at the things placed to the side, her eyes full of envy. Since becoming friends with Yan Liu Niangzi, she had learned a lot.

Seeing Er Ya's expression, Lin Chuan chuckled and teased, "Later, your brother will help you find a suitable husband, and he'll earn you a set too!"

Er Ya blushed and said insincerely, "Who cares!"

Seeing her son return, Li wiped her eyes somewhat embarrassedly, stuffed the things she was holding into her daughter's arms, and said with a smile, "Follow Yan Liu Niangzi and learn etiquette well. Your brother will arrange your marriage; he will definitely find you a good family!"

Er Ya dared not be presumptuous in front of Li Shi, and replied in a low voice with a flushed face, "I understand!"

After calming her daughter down, Madam Li turned her gaze to Lin Chuan and asked softly, "Eldest son, aren't there still fifty acres of land?"

Lin Chuan had already made up his mind. He said, "Mother, I heard from Uncle Cheng that the land east of Cheng Family Village is still uncultivated. Tomorrow I will go to Magistrate Wannian County and ask if the land can be allocated to the edge of Cheng Family Village!"

Compared to the imperial title, Lady Li valued the fifty acres of land more, and said softly, "I'll go with you!"

"good!"