Chaos of the Three Kingdoms Summons

Chapter 2789 Granting a Royal Title, the Emperor Falls Seriously Ill

The first day of the sixth month of the sixth year of Jian'an.

Li Xiang, who had been in a coma for three whole days, finally woke up slowly.

However, amidst the extreme joy and sorrow, Li Xiang also experienced some health problems.

Although Li Xiang was eager to return to Luoyang at this time, Huo Qubing, Xing Tian, ​​and others preferred to defy the imperial decree and wait until the emperor's health had improved, or at least improved somewhat, before agreeing to set off.

With Li Xiang's current physical condition, he simply cannot withstand the rigors of long-distance marches.

Under these circumstances, returning to Luoyang, and judging from Li Xiang's appearance, still requires a hasty march, Huo Qubing and Xing Tian would naturally rather disobey the imperial order than agree.

Li Xiang had no choice but to agree temporarily.

However, the Yuan Mongol princess served Li Xiang tirelessly during his coma and subsequent illnesses, and was later granted the title of Shunyi by Li Xiang.

In this way, one can be considered to have no worries for the rest of one's life.

After all, Li Xiang's plan was to throw it into the Bronze Sparrow Terrace and keep it as a pet after returning to Luoyang.

When I'm in a good mood, I'll go over and tease them.

Let them grow old and die at Tongquetai in the future.

However, although Li Xiang is temporarily unable to travel due to health reasons, an imperial decree has already been issued to decide on the posthumous conferment of titles upon Wang Meng.

"Pen and ink, bring them. I wish to draft the decree myself." Li Xiang ordered, setting aside the medicine prepared by the imperial physician.

The Yuan Mongol princess consort wisely brought over writing brushes, ink, and silk, placing them one by one on the emperor's desk.

Despite his illness, Li Xiangqiang sat on the couch with Xing Tian's help.

"Your late Minister of Personnel, Wang Meng, was loyal to the country, virtuous and benevolent, and your achievements will last for a thousand years... Now you are posthumously awarded the title of 'Wenzheng' and the title of 'Prince Jing', with a rank exceeding the first grade, and you will enjoy the imperial crown and sacrifices. You will also be granted the title of 'Shangzhuguo' and posthumously awarded the title of 'Grand Tutor' and 'Great Protector of the Northwest'."

The highest rank in the Great Jin Dynasty was Marquis, which was divided into several ranks, including County, Township, Capital Township, Pavilion, and Capital Pavilion.

Under normal circumstances, only members of the royal family can obtain titles such as prince or duke.

For officials, the honorary title of Duke or Duke of a Commandery could only be bestowed posthumously. People like Wang Jian, Lian Po, and Qin Qiong were all posthumously granted the title of Duke.

However, Wang Meng and Li Xiang were elevated to the rank of prince. This honor was the highest among all the officials.

Even after Li Xiang returned to Luoyang, this posthumous title sparked controversy in the imperial court.

"I hereby order all prefectures, counties and districts throughout the land to set up altars for sacrifices, and all officials and commoners to wear white mourning clothes for three days. The markets in Luoyang shall be closed for seven days, and all officials shall go to the Prince's Palace in order to pay their respects. My eldest son shall guard the coffin in my stead. I bestow upon him secret artifacts from the Eastern Garden and a jade burial suit embroidered with gold thread, to be buried beside my mausoleum, and his portrait shall be painted at the head of the Lingyan Pavilion."

"His eldest son inherited the title, and was promoted from Marquis of Dongxiang to Marquis of Ju, with a fief of 10,000 shi, which was to be inherited for three generations. The other sons were all enfeoffed as Marquises of Duting, but could not inherit the title. He was also granted a red-inked iron certificate, which would pardon him from nine deaths. All officials under the Ministry of Personnel were promoted one rank and given gold and silk."

"I hereby order the historians to write a separate biography of him, and I will personally write the preface to the biography. His achievements in quelling internal rebellions, coordinating provisions and supplies, recommending virtuous and capable officials, and establishing laws shall all be inscribed on stone and promulgated throughout the land so that even women and children may know them. From now on, the merits of future ministers will all be compared to those of Prince Jing."

After writing the final decree, Li Xiang threw his pen to the ground, then coughed violently again, his pale face flushing an unnatural red.

Once the imperial decree was issued, the light cavalry, traveling at an urgent speed of eight hundred li, swiftly traversed the vast grasslands, approaching Luoyang.

Both Huo Qubing and Xing Tian were deeply concerned about Li Xiang's illness and hoped that he would recover quickly.

However, Li Xiang's illness not only did not improve, but seemed to have become more serious.

He developed a high fever on the very night he finished writing the edict.

Huo Qubing and Xing Tian were so frightened that they immediately brought in the accompanying imperial physician. His man-eating appearance nearly scared the physician to death.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty is suffering from a sudden onset of anger and grief, coupled with months of fighting, catching a cold, and extreme exhaustion, resulting in a cascade of illnesses... It's a fierce attack!"

The old doctor's voice trembled as he said, "We need to administer acupuncture and medicine immediately, calm the mind and soothe the nerves, and absolutely avoid any further stimulation or movement!"

"Then what are we waiting for?" "Hurry up and use the needles!" Xing Tian's anxious mood eased a little, and then he urged the old doctor.

The imperial physicians took turns attending to him, administering acupuncture and preparing medicine. Bowls of herbal decoction were fed to him. Li Xiang would occasionally regain consciousness briefly, but there was no sign of improvement.

On the sixth day, Li Xiang finally regained consciousness for a long time, was able to eat, and managed to recover some of his energy.

"Bring me my armor!" Li Xiang ordered his men, tossing aside the bitter medicine bowl.

"Your Majesty, the dragon's body is the most important!"

"It's windy outside, Your Majesty, you absolutely mustn't!" the two old imperial physicians pleaded desperately.

The emperor remained silent, staring coldly at them. The majesty in his gaze did not diminish in the slightest despite his weakness.

In the end, no one dared to dissuade them anymore.

Li Xiang pushed away Huo Qubing, who wanted to help him, and alone, step by step, laboriously climbed the sand dune that overlooked the vast sea once again.

Once he reached the top, a strong wind immediately rushed towards him, almost knocking him over.

A gust of wind blew, and Li Xiang coughed violently, his thin body trembling inside his large armor.

However, he managed to hold on, using his hands to grip the cold hilt of the sword to support his body.

"Qubing, tell me, what else is there in the north of the vast sea?" Li Xiang's voice was slightly hoarse.

Huo Qubing's heart tightened, and he quickly stepped forward, saying in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, the Han Sea is already the far north."

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty has never ventured further north. I have only heard that it is a perpetually frozen wasteland, boundless with ice, extremely cold, and rarely inhabited."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiang remained silent for a moment before another violent coughing fit struck. He covered his mouth with his hand, coughing so hard it felt like his lungs were being torn apart, and a sickly flush rose on his pale face.

Huo Qubing was terrified, but dared not step forward rashly.

After his cough subsided, Li Xiang slowly lowered his hand, but his gaze remained fixed on the vast, seemingly unchanging expanse to the north.

In his eyes, there was no fear of the bitter cold, but rather a flame that burned almost obsessively, a desire for conquest and a longing that penetrated to the very end of his life.

Li Xiang suddenly laughed, his laughter hoarse and desolate, yet carrying a sense of unparalleled heroism.

"Ah, cough cough... I know that it is a harsh and desolate place, and may be of no value at this time."

"But, go see the doctor to cure your illness."

Li Xiang raised his slightly trembling hand and pointed to the vast territory before him.

"Since the First Emperor unified China, hundreds of years have passed, and among all the emperors of the past five hundred years, only I have been able to conquer this place!"

"Whether I'm on horseback to fight the enemy or off horseback to govern the country, which emperor throughout history can compare to me?"

Li Xiang's voice revealed a hint of weakness as he said, "Life is so short, and with such a beautiful country, how can one not feel nostalgic!"

As soon as he finished speaking, another uncontrollable coughing fit erupted, as if he were coughing up his internal organs.

His body swayed precariously, his black armor appearing so heavy and lonely in the wind.

Huo Qubing suddenly knelt down, his tiger-like eyes filled with tears, his voice choked with emotion yet incredibly firm.

"Your Majesty's achievements are unparalleled throughout history! Please take good care of your health! This vast land still needs Your Majesty to guard it!"

Li Xiang didn't speak again. He just stood there, like a javelin nailed to the shore of the vast sea, stubbornly and greedily gazing at the boundless territory he had conquered, gazing at the unknown north.

His eyes held satisfaction, pride, and an overwhelming ambition.

Furthermore, there is a sense of powerlessness over the passing of life and a deep, deep longing for it.