After all the sacrifices have been made to speed pass, who is still practicing hard skills?

Chapter 362: Become a marquis and a general! Get promoted!
The next day, Taoyuan.

The garden is still full of peach blossoms and spring is in full swing.

Qi Zhengnan and Jiang Che were still sitting face to face.

It seemed the same as yesterday, but in fact, the atmosphere between the two was quite different. Yesterday, it was the harmony between the father-in-law and the son-in-law, but today, there was a faint sense of oppression.

"You already know my decision yesterday, right?"

In the end, it was Qi Zhengnan who broke the silence first and spoke directly.

Jiang Che nodded. Qi Ningbing told him the news yesterday, and he was quite surprised. Of course, he was not surprised that Qi Zhengnan compromised and agreed.

In fact, the reason why he revealed his cards before was because he was 100% sure.

What was really surprising was that Qi Zhengnan compromised so quickly.

"Thank you, uncle."

Although Qi Zhengnan asked him to address him by his title and official rank, Jiang Che was not so stupid and still called him uncle to lower his status as much as possible.

"You are a smart kid, and your prediction was correct. This move of breaking through the Qi family has indeed made many elders of the Qi family pay special attention to you, forcing me to agree to your request.

But, I want to tell you that I can compromise for Ning Bing and Wan Jun this time, but if you betray them in the future, I will never let it go. "

Qi Zhengnan looked solemn as he spoke word by word.

Jiang Che immediately became serious:

"Don't worry, uncle. I will definitely keep it in mind."

Qi Zhengnan looked at Jiang Che with a complicated expression and sighed lightly. In fact, he could have said more harsh words to intimidate Jiang Che, but he also knew that doing so would only make Jiang Che unhappy.

Almost no use.

Now that you've compromised, there's no need to put on airs.

After a moment of silence, he waved his hand and a few peach blossom petals fell into the teacup. He flicked his finger and the water in the pot flowed like a small snake, slowly pouring into the teacup, and poured a cup of peach blossom tea for Jiang Che:

"I only have two daughters, Ningbing and Wanjun. When my wife was alive, I promised her that I would take good care of them. Now I haven't done it. In the future, I hope you can do it for me."

Jiang Che drank the tea solemnly and nodded heavily.

A cup of peach blossom tea makes all yesterday's unhappiness disappear.

Qi Zhengnan did not mention yesterday's unpleasantness and continued:
"I will do my best to help you with the matter of the Xuanling Secret Realm. Yesterday I sent someone to Lingjian Mountain to borrow the array plate token. As for the Wei family, you can go there in two days with my letter."

As soon as these words came out, Jiang Che's eyes twitched. He didn't expect that Qi Zhengnan, who was furious yesterday, was still working hard for him. This really surprised him.

"Thank you uncle."

“This is the formation token of the Dragon Tiger Dao Sect and my Qi family. Keep it well. I will not ask you what you are doing in the Xuanling Secret Realm, but it is controlled by several major forces after all.

Don’t overdo it.”

Qi Zhengnan suggested.

He was afraid that Jiang Che would take away all the treasures in the Xuanling Secret Realm.

"The juniors understand."

Jiang Che nodded. In fact, he no longer cared about most of the things in the Xuanling Secret Realm. The reason he went there was just for the sacrifice.

Qi Zhengnan looked at Jiang Che for a moment, waved his hand, and ripples appeared in the void. In the blink of an eye, a door opened.

It turned out to be the Qi family's most precious secret place in the back mountain.

"You also know where the Mingshen Dao Monument is. This time, I will not accompany you in."

Jiang Che bowed to Qi Zhengnan, then stepped into the portal to the secret realm without hesitation.

Zhongzhou, Beijing.

The Imperial City of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Fengtian Palace.

At this moment, when Jiang Che was absorbing the Daoyun of Mingshen, a grand court meeting that was held every seven days was also held in Fengtian Hall.

The beams and pillars made of spiritual wood are carved with dragons and phoenixes, and the floor paved with spiritual jade shines with a dim light. The entire Fengtian Hall is majestic and magnificent, especially the golden dragon throne at the top.

It also exudes supreme majesty.

Below, nearly a hundred civil and military officials were listed in two distinct groups. The ministers and vice ministers of the six ministries, all the generals of the Great Zhou army, and anyone in the capital were included in this list.

Zhou Fugong, Shen Dingzhou, and the Antarctic Divine Envoy Chen Qingfang, who had dealt with Jiang Che before, were all dressed in black official uniforms with solemn expressions. Even they could only be ranked in the second row of generals at this time.

As for the few people in front of them, all of them were ministers of the third rank or above in the imperial court.

Two of them were the left and right prime ministers who were of Confucian and Taoist origin. The other two, one was wearing armor and had a rough and imposing figure. He was the Duke of Da Zhou and the commander of the military. The other was wearing a black-based dragon robe with gold patterns.

Her long hair was tied up meticulously, and she exuded a great sense of oppression.

It turned out to be the uncle of the Emperor of Great Zhou, the God King Ji Chengdao.

There was no noise in the Fengtian Hall, which seemed unusually depressing.

"Boom!"

A loud bell rang out, echoing in all directions.

A rather sharp voice sounded loudly.

"Your Majesty has arrived."

At the side door of the Fengtian Hall, the golden curtain was pulled open by two eunuchs, and a thin figure in a yellow robe walked towards the dragon throne step by step like a meteor.

And on his yellow robe, there was a five-clawed golden dragon carved.

As for his identity, it is obvious.

The twelfth emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Emperor Yuankang, Ji Wenhao!

With a wave of his dragon robe, Emperor Yuankang sat on the dragon throne with an expressionless face. Although he was thin, pale, and even had a few white hairs, he was still majestic.

Just because he is the emperor.

The ruler of the twelve states in the Central Plains.

"My ministers, salute!"

Standing next to Emperor Yuan Kang was a young eunuch in a red robe with a sharp voice.

"See Your Majesty!"

"See Your Majesty!"

All the ministers bowed and saluted to show their respect for the emperor, but in the court of the Great Zhou Dynasty, kneeling was not necessary except on specific occasions.

However, when everyone was saluting, there was one exception.

That was the Mountain God King Ji Chengdao. He just leaned his body slightly and did not bow. The reason was naturally because he was the emperor's uncle.

The king who was the backer of the entire Great Zhou Dynasty was granted by the emperor to be praised without being named, to enter the court without having to bow, and to wear a sword and shoes when entering the palace to show his honor.

In fact, this imperial bestowal did not refer to Emperor Yuankang, but to the previous emperor.

It can be said that he has reached the highest position among the officials.

"Your Majesty, please excuse me."

Emperor Yuankang's voice was soft but powerful, echoing in the Fengtian Hall.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Your Majesty"

All civil and military officials stood up to express their gratitude.

The red-robed eunuch continued to chant loudly according to the procedure:

"If you have a report, please report it earlier. If you have nothing else to do, please leave the court." "Your Majesty, I have a report."

An official from the Ministry of Personnel stepped aside and bowed.

"Play."

"The Northern Barbarian envoy has presented the documents for entering the capital, and we beg Your Majesty to grant us permission."

Emperor Yuan Kang's eyes remained unchanged as he uttered one word calmly:

"allow."

Although the Great Zhou and the Northern Barbarians have been fighting each other for years and have been fighting to the death, envoys from both sides still pay homage to the emperor as usual, once every three years. He has long been accustomed to it.

Just then asked casually:
"Is there any change in the list of envoys from previous years?"

"Your Majesty, unlike previous years, this time there is an envoy who claims to be the Northern Barbarian Prince Zagumu, who serves as the deputy envoy. I think there may be some changes."

"Zhagumu, the prince of the Northern Barbarians," Emperor Yuan Kang said, then looked at the middle-aged man in a python robe below and asked:
"Does the emperor's uncle know anything about this person?"

Ji Chengdao narrowed his eyes and glanced at Duke Zhou Fu who was standing behind him. He immediately responded and bowed and said:
"Your Majesty, the Northern Barbarian Khan has six princes. The Zagumu mentioned by Minister Yang is the fourth son of the Northern Barbarian Khan. According to the information obtained by the Black Court, this person has a holy body and extraordinary aptitude. He has been practicing in the Barbarian Temple of Tianlang Mountain since he was a child. His cultivation level is unknown, but he should be at the peak of the Xuandan realm."

"The battle of Wujing has just ended, and this so-called Northern Barbarian Prince has accompanied the envoys to the Great Zhou. Haha. It seems that this person is interested in fighting with the young warriors of our Great Zhou."

Emperor Yuankang smiled softly with a hint of sarcasm.

"The northern barbarians are desolate and the road to martial arts is bumpy. If Zagumu dares to come to our Great Zhou to show off his power, he will only bring trouble upon himself. Your Majesty does not need to worry." A civil official smiled indifferently, his voice contemptuous.

Although the Northern Barbarians attacked the city every year, everyone knew how big the gap was between the Central Plains and the Northern Barbarians. The reason why the imperial court was in a passive position was not because of the Central Plains' incompetence.

It’s just that the imperial court cannot mobilize all the forces.

In fact, neither the northern barbarians nor the southern Yue can compare with the Central Plains in terms of outstanding people and beautiful scenery.

“Just barbarians”

Emperor Yuan Kang waved his hand, looking fearless:
"I am not worried. If this person wants to come, then let him come. Is there anything else you want to say?"

"I have this memorial."

The Minister of Rites took a step forward.

"explain."

"The day before yesterday, His Majesty ordered that Jiang Che of Yuezhou be rewarded for his meritorious service. The officials of the Ministry of Rites dared not slack off. After careful consideration, we felt that it would be most appropriate to promote Jiang Che to the fourth rank and confer him the title of Earl.

Your Majesty, please make the decision."

"Fourth rank, conferred the title of Earl"

Emperor Yuankang nodded slightly upon hearing this, then looked at the many civil and military officials in the hall and asked in a deep voice:
"What do you think of what the Ministry of Rites has said?"

"Your Majesty's kindness, Jiang Che must be overjoyed."

“I second the motion. I have known Jiang Che’s background before. He was born in poverty but had great ambitions. The most important thing is that he is young. He also won the first place in the martial arts realm in Shenghai City for my court.

The title of Earl will surely demonstrate your Majesty's grace and kindness."

"I also second the proposal. Jiang Che has the Golden Core cultivation level, so it is indeed appropriate for him to be appointed as a fourth-rank official."

The officials seemed to understand the emperor's intention and they all echoed the emperor's words and spoke for Jiang Che, praising him as a rare young talent who would become an important official in the court in the future.

The only ones who did not agree were King Kaoshan Ji Chengdao and the group of Black Ya divine envoys under his command.

"What do you think, uncle?"

Emperor Yuankang noticed that Ji Chengdao seemed somewhat dissatisfied, and frowned and asked.

Ji Chengdao looked indifferent and said calmly:
"I think it's inappropriate."

"What's wrong with that? Does the Emperor's uncle think Jiang Che is not worthy of being his uncle?"

“It is indeed inappropriate.”

Ji Chengdao nodded slightly.

At this moment, all the officials in the Fengtian Hall looked at him sideways. After all, in their opinion, Jiang Che was discovered by the people in the black office, and they should fight for official positions and titles for him instead of refutation.

Only the Minister of Rites frowned, his eyes looking thoughtful.

"So what do you think the reward should be?"

Emperor Yuan Kang asked in a serious tone.

Ji Chengdao swept his deep gaze over all the officials in the hall and took a step forward:
"I request that Jiang Che be granted a title of nobility and promoted to the third rank."

boom!
As soon as these words were spoken, the Fengtian Hall seemed to explode, causing a great sensation.

"King Kaoshan, what you said is inappropriate, isn't it? Jiang Che's battle in Shenghai City did win honors for the court, and he won the first place in the martial arts realm, which greatly increased the prestige of the court. But how can Jiang Che's achievements be worthy of being awarded a title of nobility?"

"Yes, the title of Marquis is the second highest title in our Great Zhou. Only those who have made contributions can be granted the title of Marquis. This is the rule set by Taizu. Jiang Che's contribution can be considered great, but it is also insignificant.

It can't be called a marquisate at all."

"I think that what King Kaoshan said is overstepping the bounds. Although Jiang Che holds the title of the deputy envoy of the Black Court, King Kaoshan cannot be so partial and corrupt. If this gets out, how can we convince the public?"

"Yes, if Jiang Che is granted the title of marquis, what will the soldiers who fought bravely for the imperial court at the border think? Could it be that their whole lives of hard work are not as good as the honor won by a young man?"

Inside the Fengtian Hall, most officials expressed their opinions.

He was dissatisfied with the reward that Ji Chengdao requested for Jiang Che.

Only the officials of the Heiya and several generals who held real power remained silent.

It seems that Ji Chengdao is at a disadvantage.

But everyone could sense that Ji Chengdao, who was calm and composed, did not take the so-called court officials seriously, as if he just treated them as farting.

"No noise is allowed in the hall!"

The red-robed eunuch shouted immediately.

The eunuch was the emperor's mouthpiece. In an instant, the Fengtian Hall fell silent.

"Uncle, although Jiang Che has made great contributions, he has only won the first place in the martial arts realm. In any case, he does not deserve to be rewarded with the title of marquis, right?" Emperor Yuankang showed dissatisfaction.

Ji Chengdao raised his indifferent eyes and replied:
"Have you all forgotten that not long ago, Jiang Che led his army to resist the invasion of the South Vietnamese army at Tiannan Pass? In that battle, Jiang Che killed four South Vietnamese masters.

He slaughtered tens of thousands of elite soldiers in Nanyue and intimidated all the other Yue people. Have you forgotten this achievement? In the battle of Wujing, Jiang Che defeated the rebels of Qingtian Sect and subdued the geniuses of the twelve states in the Central Plains.

"I have made my court more powerful. With these two achievements added together, can't I be granted the title of Marquis or become a third-rank official?"

As soon as these words were spoken, many officials in the Fengtian Hall suddenly changed color, and a few of them raised their heads secretly and looked at the emperor sitting on the dragon throne.

Unfortunately, they couldn't see the emperor's expression clearly because of the sulfur pearl crown.

"This... I almost forgot what happened to the Ministry of Rites. How could there be such a big negligence?" Emperor Yuan Kang looked unhappy and reprimanded directly.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I am old and have neglected this matter." The Minister of Rites admitted his guilt without hesitation, as if he had already anticipated this outcome.

"Since you are old, you should go home and retire. Staying in the court will only delay state affairs." Ji Chengdao's voice sounded again.

"This"

The Minister of Rites raised his head and glanced at his superior, cold sweat instantly breaking out.

Emperor Yuan Kang looked at the officials below expressionlessly, not even glancing at Ji Chengdao's face, and whispered:

"Deduct one year's salary as a warning to others."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The Minister of Rites saluted quickly.

----

Asking for a monthly ticket!
(End of this chapter)