As the officials considered the future dilemma of rewarding Chu Chen, a silence fell upon them. Fortunately, this was not a problem they needed to worry about; they would not live to see that day. It was a headache for the next emperor, or even the one after that, and none of their concern.
Yet, their hearts churned with envy. Chu Chen, at twenty-four years old, had already reached the position of Prime Minister, surpassing even those who had toiled for a lifetime.
The Empress, after a moment of deliberation, asked, "Prime Minister Du, what noble title do you believe Chu Chen should be bestowed?"
"This..."
Du Ke was taken aback. What was Her Majesty thinking? Why was she throwing the ball back? Even bestowing a noble title was no easy feat.
If it were too low, it would appear the dynasty did not value meritorious officials, making it difficult to handle the rewards for others. If it were too high, it would be easy to manage for others, but Chu Chen's official position was already at its peak. If his noble title also reached its limit, it would be troublesome.
After much thought, Du Ke's furrowed brow slowly relaxed. "Your Majesty, your humble servant believes that Prime Minister Chu could be elevated to the rank of a fourth-class Viscount, granted a fief of twenty-five households as his domain, making him a real fourth-class Viscount. Furthermore, he should be rewarded with one hundred thousand taels of silver, specially manufactured silk, and other items. Does Your Majesty find this proposal acceptable?"
The Empress, upon hearing this, pondered for a moment before stating, "This is appropriate. However, I believe an additional thousand mu of fertile land should be granted."
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Du Ke felt this was excellent. This way, Chu Chen would need to perform at least five or six more great deeds for the dynasty before his noble title could be further elevated. This would ensure that for the next decade, there would be no concerns about running out of ranks to bestow.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
The other officials echoed their agreement with loud shouts.
"Summon the imperial scribes to draft an edict and proclaim it to the world!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
...
Chu Chen was unaware of the events unfolding in Shuangyue City. He was currently making arrangements for the army's return to the capital. He believed the court would surely agree.
Having so swiftly quelled the rebellion, further stationing the troops would only be a waste of military pay and provisions. The court would certainly not allow them to linger and disturb the local populace.
However, there was one matter that left Chu Chen speechless.
"What? The bandits have fled?"
"Yes, yes, Marshal. As soon as our scouts were dispatched, it seems the bandits received wind of our movements and fled with incredible speed. Even our scouts could not keep up."
An Yong reported the matter with a complex expression.
Chu Chen let out a sigh of relief, suppressing his laughter, and asked sternly, "Do you know where they fled?"
"We do not know, but they are likely heading north, possibly towards the Yan and Zhao kingdoms, or perhaps towards the northern great grasslands."
An Yong thought for a moment and shared his speculations.
Chu Chen feigned a sigh and said, "Well, since they have fled, there is no need for us to pursue them further."
"Yes, Marshal!"
An Yong thought it made sense. Although it meant losing out on some merit, the credit for quelling the rebellion was already substantial. As for the elusive bandits, it was fine for them to escape.
Little did he know that the reason the bandits had managed to flee before the imperial army could ascertain their situation was entirely due to Chu Chen, the greatest mole, tipping them off. Through carrier pigeons, he had informed them of the imperial army's latest plans, ordering them to escape.
It turned out that after Chu Chen led the imperial army to quell the rebellion of King Liu, someone had brought up the matter of the bandits. It was unclear who harbored such animosity towards them, but they insisted the bandits were a menace. Since the imperial army had suffered minimal losses, they proposed that Chu Chen lead his troops to defeat the bandits as well.
These bandits were a unit Chu Chen had acquired through the system's lucky draw. Although maintaining such a cavalry unit was a painful drain on his silver, they were incredibly useful. How could he possibly allow his subordinates to annihilate them?
He decisively sold them out. This was a perfect opportunity.
"General An Yong, under Marshal Chu's leadership, we have effortlessly eliminated the rebellious King Liu. We have already earned immense merit, so there is no need to be so disheartened."
"Come, let us drink!"
Wei Lixuan paid no mind to this minor issue. A full cavalry force of bandits was not easily eradicated. It was better to avoid unnecessary trouble. Having secured such significant military achievements, why seek more?
"General Wei speaks wisely. Your subordinate toasts you!"
Saying this, An Yong downed a cup of wine in one gulp.
"Good, hearty!"
Wei Lixuan heartily returned the toast and burst into laughter.
The others also chuckled with great joy.
In front of the former palace of King Liu in Mengdie County, a banquet was being held by the officers and soldiers. They were celebrating their victory in the war. Every participant, from the highest-ranking general to the lowest soldier, would receive considerable rewards. How could they not be happy?
If they were not military officers and had not yet returned to the capital, they might even have started playing music and dancing.
"I wonder what rewards the court will bestow upon us this time! It would be wonderful if we could obtain a hereditary noble title."
Zhu An squinted his eyes, a grin on his face, lost in his fantasies.
"Hahaha~ Zhu An, I think you've had too much to drink. You're dreaming before you've even slept. Hereditary titles are not so easily obtained. You should focus on more realistic matters."
Wei Lixuan laughed heartily.
Zhu An, though mocked, did not get angry. He continued to eat and drink with a smile.
Hereditary titles. As military officers, they fought on the battlefield, and their ultimate goal was to strive for a hereditary title. However, this was truly difficult to achieve.
Throughout the history of the Yunyue Kingdom, apart from the founding generals, the number of hereditary titles bestowed by the court was extremely limited. The rebellion of King Liu was quelled so quickly; it was a pipe dream to hope for a hereditary title.
Even Chu Chen, who had the highest military merit, likely would not be able to obtain one.
"I may not be able to, but if it were Prime Minister Chu, perhaps there would be a slight possibility?"
Zhu An said with a smile.
Chu Chen smiled slightly and waved his hand humbly. "How could that be possible? Although I have the highest military merit, I cannot obtain a hereditary title."
"...Prime Minister Chu, you are already the Prime Minister. I wonder what the court will bestow upon you this time."
"...Zhu An, what are you saying? Have you drunk too much horse urine and are looking for a beating?"
Wei Lixuan's expression soured, and he reprimanded him.
How could such a thing be said aloud? Was this guy a spy sent by the enemy? Honestly, it was obvious to anyone that Chu Chen's reward this time was a troublesome issue. Yet, you were bringing it up at the victory banquet. You're simply asking for trouble.
"Uh~ Marshal Chu, your subordinate spoke nonsense due to drinking. Please pretend I said nothing."
Zhu An, realizing his mistake, broke out in a cold sweat.
"It's fine, it's fine. Everyone, let's continue drinking and eating!"