Wife, you didn't really drug me, did you?

The title of nobility is the real highlight. As the emperor conquers the world, real power is essential, and the benefits of the title are indispensable. However, the military officers are clearly more excited, while the civil officials are relatively more rational. This is because, according to the principle of granting titles, military officers are generally granted more titles, while civil officials are granted relatively fewer.

However, they heard from others that the King of Han had included civil officials in this conferment of titles, so they had some expectations.

At this moment, Chen Jie spoke up: "This time, I'd like to explain the conferment of titles. There are five ranks of nobility: Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron."

Hearing this, everyone exchanged glances and were quite satisfied, since the fifth rank of nobility had existed since ancient times.

But we're still quite looking forward to seeing who will bestow what title upon them.

Chen Jie said, "Please wait a moment, civil officials. I will first appoint military officers. The military officers will be appointed as follows: those who have served as commanders-in-chief of an army can be appointed as dukes, those who have served as deputy commanders of troops and those who have made great contributions can be appointed as marquises, and the rest of the officers will be appointed in descending order."

"Today I will only talk about dukes and marquises. For those below the rank of earl, the court will issue an imperial edict to confer titles."

At this point, Chen Jie asked, "Where is Zhang Dingbian?"

Upon hearing Chen Jie call his name, Zhang Dingbian immediately stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting: "Your subject is here."

Chen Jie said, "Zhang Dingbian, as the commander of the Beggar Army, twice protected Huangzhou Prefecture from foreign invasion. He also made great contributions in the Battle of Poyang Lake and the Northern Expedition. He is now enfeoffed as the Duke of Wei and enjoys the second-class imperial honors."

"His title is hereditary and can be passed down indefinitely, sharing the fate of the nation!"

After Chen finished speaking, Zhang Dingbian stepped forward and knelt down, saying, "Thank you, my lord."

At this moment, Chen Xiaohu asked quickly, "My lord, what does this Imperial First-Class Medal of Honor refer to?"

The crowd didn't quite understand the new term "Chen Jie." Chen Jie explained, "In the past, when people were granted titles of duke or marquis, they would be rewarded with fiefs. But our Han Dynasty doesn't follow these old systems. Fiefs are basically just money, aren't they?"

"This money will be paid by the national treasury. I have already calculated and determined it with the people in the Ministry of Revenue. Currently, there are fifteen levels of honorary titles nationwide, and the amount of money for each level is different."

"The Duke's Medal is the first three tiers, and the Marquis's Medal corresponds to the fourth to sixth tiers."

Upon hearing this, everyone understood. Only then did they realize that the title of Duke of Wei was no ordinary title. It was an ancient one, and dukes who could be granted ancient titles were all top-ranking.

However, why was Zhang Dingbian only awarded a second-class medal for such a great achievement?

Everyone thought that Zhang Dingbian, given his rank, should have been awarded a first-class medal. However, only Zhang Dingbian and a few others understood that this second-class medal was actually a sign of the Han King's affection for him.

It is important to know that what military generals fear most is that their achievements will overshadow the emperor and they will have no more titles to bestow. If you reach this point, the next step for you will be to become the emperor. At this point, emperors of all dynasties have only one choice: to kill you!

Chen Jie is leaving room for maneuver now, which means that he can continue to rely on Zhang Dingbian in the future. This is an open expression of his care for him.

Zhang Dingbian understood Chen Jie's good intentions, so he immediately knelt down to express his gratitude.

Chen Jie looked at Zhang Dingbian and said, "Dingbian, you are capable. You will still have to contribute to the empire's expansion in the future."

Zhang Dingbian immediately knelt down and said, "Your subject will dedicate himself to the cause until his dying breath."

Chen Jie nodded slightly and asked, "Where is Chen Xiaohu?"

At this moment, Chen Xiaohu stepped forward and said, "My lord."

"Chen Xiaohu, commander of the White Tiger Army, is a skilled and courageous general who has made many contributions. He participated in the two battles to defend Huangzhou Prefecture, the battle to defend Luoyang, the battle of Poyang Lake, and the capture of Datong during the Northern Expedition. He is now enfeoffed as Duke of Chu and enjoys the honorary title of Second-Class Imperial Medal."

"His title is hereditary and will never be changed, and he will live and die with the nation."

Chen Xiaohu immediately knelt down and said, "Thank you, my lord!"

At this moment, everyone's attention was focused on Chen Xiaohu. It should be noted that Chen Xiaohu's situation was actually very symbolic. As a general from a close family, he could have been granted the title of Prince, but Chen Jie did not grant him the title of Prince. Instead, he was granted the title of Duke, which sent two signals.

The conditions for being granted the title of king were extremely strict. It wasn't even a matter of sharing the same surname as the lord; in other words, only the lord's descendants could be granted the title of king.

The second lord highly valued Chen Xiaohu. You should know that Chen Xiaohu was enfeoffed as the Duke of Chu. Where is Chu? Isn't that where they started their careers, Hubei?
Although the Duke of Wei and the Duke of Chu are both ancient titles, they should theoretically be of the same rank. However, based on their origins, Chu is clearly of higher rank than Wei, which shows the lord's favor towards them.

No one felt anything was wrong with Chen Xiaohu receiving the title of Duke of Chu. This relative, a general, had already yielded enough. Given that he could not be made a king, giving him the title of Duke of Chu was not excessive.

As everyone pondered this, Chen Jie continued, "Where is Xu Da?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Da immediately stepped forward.

Chen Jie looked at Xu Da and said, "Xu Da, although he was a former general of Zhu Chongba, made great contributions in resisting the tyrannical Qian and protecting the Han people. After surrendering, he became the commander of the Po Lu Army. He was good at fighting and was skilled in battle. During the Northern Expedition, he broke through Jining and in the Battle of Dadu, he broke through the North Gate. He made great contributions. Now he is enfeoffed as the Duke of Zhao and enjoys the second-level imperial honors."

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked. After all, the Duke of Zhao was an ancient title, and he was entitled to the second-class imperial honors, the same as Zhang Dingbian and Chen Xiaohu. It should be noted that he was a surrendered general.

To be precise, he had only served the Han Dynasty for less than two years and was previously an enemy of the Han Dynasty. How could someone like that be granted such a high title so easily?

Actually, Chen Jie had his reasons for this. Xu Da, as the leader of Zhu Chongba's faction who defected, was very strong and was currently known as the second best general in the world. In fact, his military talent was comparable to Zhang Dingbian's, and it was reasonable for them to be ranked as the best general in the world.

He was powerful and a leader of his own faction. Giving him high-ranking positions and generous salaries was like buying a horse's bones with a thousand pieces of gold. Although he had conquered the world, governing it was even more difficult than conquering it.

Xu Da was a living advertisement for Chen Jie, for Zhu Chongba's old subordinates, and for the world.

Of course, doing this also requires Chen Jie to have a broad mind.

Xu Da understood his own identity and what Chen Jie was thinking, but he still admired Chen Jie's magnanimity in granting him the title of Duke despite the immense pressure.

Xu Da admired him and was also moved. He was a wise ruler. He never denied his own merits. For example, his merits before he was enfeoffed as a duke included his merits under Zhu Chongba. He remembered his merits in driving out the Tartars.

As former subordinates of Zhu Chongba, their biggest fear after joining Chen Jie was that Chen Jie would consider all their past actions as acts of treason and wrongdoing.

In fact, most emperors throughout history have smeared their opponents, as if only in this way could they demonstrate their greatness. However, Chen Jie's actions have completely changed this perception. Chen Jie is genuinely willing to accept their past contributions.

For this reason alone, Xu Da would follow Chen Jiu Si for the rest of his life.

At this moment, everyone else also looked at Chen Jiu Si. Their lord's spirit was truly extraordinary. Many emperors and generals, after winning, would first erase the achievements of their opponents and cover up their own dark history. It was truly remarkable that he could so openly acknowledge the merits of his opponents back then.

This shows Chen Jie's greatness; he never denied those who had contributed to the Han people.

Especially regarding Zhu Chongba's past achievements in resisting the Yuan dynasty. "History changed its name."

Chen Jie ignored these people and spoke directly, calling out Shi Gengming's name. Shi Gengming stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting.

"Shi was renamed the commander of the Vermilion Bird Army. He participated twice in the defense of Huangzhou Prefecture, the Battle of Poyang Lake, and provided rescue support for the entire army during the Northern Expedition. He also made great contributions during the attack on Dadu. Now, you are hereby granted the title of Duke of Yue and will enjoy the Imperial Third-Class Medal."

"Ding Pulang was the commander-in-chief of the Buddhist army. He participated twice in the defense of Huangzhou Prefecture and the Battle of Poyang Lake. During the Northern Expedition, he followed the army to attack Datong and made many contributions in the attack on Dadu. Now, you are hereby granted the title of Duke of Liang and will enjoy the Imperial Third-Class Medal."

Shi Gengming and Ding Pulang were both quite conventional. They were commanders of an army, but they didn't have the amazing abilities of Zhang Dingbian or Xu Da, nor did they have the aura of a family general like Chen Xiaohu. However, they were qualified enough and were commanders of an army, so it was no problem for them to be granted the title of Duke.

However, their honorary titles were one level lower than those of Zhang Dingbian, Xu Da, and Chen Xiaohu, and they could only enjoy the allowance of a third-class duke.

However, they were already quite satisfied with this. They knew that if they hadn't followed Chen Jie early enough, how could they have become dukes in the new dynasty, which was full of talented people?

At this moment, Chen Jie continued, "Golden Swallow."

Jin Yanzi then stepped forward with her hands clasped in a fist salute. Chen Jie looked at her and said, "Although you have resigned from your military post, your past achievements cannot be erased. Moreover, as a woman, it is not easy for you to have achieved what you have today."

"Golden Swallow, receive your appointment."

"Golden Swallow, commander of the Azure Dragon Army, was the founder of the second army in Huangzhou Prefecture. He participated in the founding battle of Huangzhou Prefecture and later in the defense of Huangzhou Prefecture. On Poyang Lake, during the Northern Expedition, he was a main force under Zhang Dingbian and made contributions in breaking through the pass. He also performed well in the Battle of Dadu. Now, Golden Swallow is hereby conferred the title of Duke of Rong. The country is honored by your presence and will enjoy the Imperial Third-Class Medal."

Upon hearing this, Jin Yanzi's eyes welled up with tears, and she clasped her hands in a fist and said, "Yes!"

Only he himself knew how difficult the journey had been. Mulan's enlistment in the army seemed wonderful, but in reality it was a cruel ordeal. The huge physiological differences between women and men made it unsuitable for military work.

However, Jin Yanzi, relying solely on her own willpower, fought her way up to the position of commander of one of the empire's major legions, and has repeatedly made military achievements. This alone is something that many men cannot match.

Who says women are inferior to men? This is a model of our time.

Chen Jie also values ​​this highly, believing it should be set as a benchmark for women. Women don't necessarily have to rely on men; they can also be like Jin Yanzi, shedding blood on the battlefield and making their own contributions in various fields.

Everyone in the room was now looking at Golden Swallow with the eyes of someone witnessing history.

This can be considered the first person in history to be granted the title of Duke based on military merit. Although there were female emperors like Wu Zetian in history, she ultimately gained power through men. But in terms of truly fighting for power, Jin Yanzi is absolutely unprecedented and unparalleled.

Although the ancient Mulan also had military experience, she never achieved the position of a duke.

As for Jin Yanzi, it can only be said that she was strong-willed and encountered an enlightened monarch like Chen Jiu Si who was unconventional in recruiting talents, which enabled her to achieve what can be called a history-breaking situation, becoming the first female duke of the Han Dynasty.

The glory of the nation, the Duke of Rongguo, Jin Yanzi.

As everyone thought about it, they felt an unprecedented envy for Golden Swallow. A woman who had reached this point had probably reached the pinnacle of her life.

As everyone was thinking this, Chen Jie said, "Alright, there are currently six dukes in the army. Now let me talk about the marquises in the army."

There are only six military dukes, and the qualifications of the others are not sufficient to be dukes. Therefore, the current dukes are the three dukes who enjoy the second-level imperial honors: Zhang Dingbian, Duke of Wei; Chen Xiaohu, Duke of Chu; and Xu Da, Duke of Zhao.

The three lowest dukes were: Rongguo Duke Jin Yanzi, Yueguo Duke Shi Gengming, and Liangguo Duke Ding Pulang.

These men were all highly experienced, all commanders of their respective armies, and all had made great contributions to the country. Therefore, these six men represented the pinnacle of military generals in Chen Jie's household.

Chen Jie said, "Next is the Marquis."

"Fu Youde, Feng Sheng, Wang Baobao"

Chen Jie called out three names, and the three immediately stepped forward. The reason he called them out was because they had just been appointed as the commander-in-chief of an army, so their marquisate was very important, as they were the heads of the marquises.

Chen Jie looked at the three men and said, "You are all newly appointed commanders of the army, so among the marquises, the three of you should be ranked at the top."

"Fu Youde is hereby granted the title of Marquis of Changping."

Chen Jie said, "Marquis Changping is the title of General Wei Qing in history. I hope you will be my Wei Qing, fight for me in all directions, and make unparalleled contributions. When that happens, I will grant you the title of Duke."

Chen Jie said, "Feng Sheng, you are strict in your military discipline and know how to adapt. I hereby appoint you as the Marquis of Wu'an. My expectation of you is that you can bring peace to the country."

"Wang Baobao".

Chen Jie looked at Wang Baobao and said, "Although you are a Mulan person, you are also the commander-in-chief of the White Deer Army of the new dynasty, and Ya Ya's brother. I hope you can make contributions to the new dynasty. I will treat you equally. Being enfeoffed as a marquis is just the beginning. I hope you will have the opportunity to be enfeoffed as a duke."

Wang Baobao didn't say anything after hearing this, but the brightness in his eyes spoke volumes.

Chen Jie said, "I hereby bestow upon you the title of Marquis of Wuyang, which is the title of the historical general Fan Kuai. I hope that you will expand the territory for me and for the world."

"Yes, my lord."

Wang Baobao, such a proud man, lowered his head, clasped his hands and addressed the three as "Lord." Chen Jie looked at the three and said, "The empire will recuperate for two years, which is also two years for you to train your troops with peace of mind. After two years, I hope you will become my sharpest swords."

"promise."

The three men clasped their hands in a fist salute, and Chen Jie said, "The three of you are superior marquises, entitled to the fifth-class imperial honors."

Marquis titles were ranked from fourth to sixth. The fifth rank was considered the best, the next rank was the fourth, and the rank above that was the Duke.

It can be said that Chen Jie gave them enough room for improvement, and this room for improvement was their driving force for advancement, as well as the driving force for the empire to expand its territory.

Chen Jie continued, "Next, when I call your name, please come forward."

"Ou Puxiang, Marquis of Jian, enjoys the Imperial Sixth-Class Medal; Chen Tun, Marquis of Jining, enjoys the Imperial Sixth-Class Medal; Chen Quan, Marquis of Changxing, enjoys the Imperial Sixth-Class Medal..."

Chen Jie read out a series of names, and there were more than a dozen people who had been granted the title of marquis. Most of these people were deputy generals of the commander-in-chief of an army. After that, they were granted the titles of earl, viscount, and baron, totaling more than a hundred people.

This greatly excited the military generals, who couldn't wait to mount their horses, lead their troops, expand their territory, and be granted titles and ranks. This was also Chen Jie's main purpose in bestowing titles upon them; the land of China was not his ultimate goal, but the entire world! (End of Chapter)