The Red Chamber: Starting from Saving Xue Baochai

Chapter 122 Shen Zhuangyuan Deserves to be Conferred a Noble Title

The eunuch's high-pitched and sharp voice was extremely penetrating, conveying the emperor's oral instructions to the ears of everyone watching the ceremony.

Upon hearing this, some people who were originally planning to disperse stopped and looked towards the city wall again.

Someone asked curiously, "The Emperor is going to reward Shen the top scholar, right?"

"Otherwise, the new army guards created by Shen Zhuangyuan are many times stronger than the soldiers in the Beijing camp, so they deserve to be rewarded."

"Then tell me, what will the emperor reward you with? Will Shen Zhuangyuan be promoted?"

"Promotion? Probably not. He was promoted not long ago."

"What's the reward?"

"Who knows? Maybe we can give some gold and silver as a reward to the new troops."

Everyone had the same idea at the moment. Although they were surprised, they also felt it was natural that meritorious service should be rewarded. No one could say anything, but everyone was curious about what reward the emperor would give today.
On the right side of the tower.

Daiyu's bright eyes twinkled as she looked at the handsome figure riding his horse forward under the tower and said softly, "Brother Shen should be rewarded again today."

Xiangyun said happily: "Brother Shen is going to be promoted again!"

Getting promoted again?

Aunt Xue's joy was beyond words. If Yuan'er was promoted again, he would surely become a second-rank official, right?

Mrs. Wang was filled with jealousy. Shen Yuan was so young, yet his official position was getting closer and closer to her brother's. It was hard to believe. Then she looked at her precious son. Well, her son had the spiritual jade to protect him, and he would surely become rich and powerful in the future.

With this in mind, she looked up at Yuanchun beside her. When Baoyu becomes the emperor's uncle, he will certainly not be comparable to that young man.

Baochai raised her almond-shaped eyes slightly, looked at the sisters, and said with a gentle smile: "Brother Shen was promoted not long ago, it shouldn't be so soon that he will be promoted again."

At this time, in front of Chaoyang Gate, Shen Yuan had already ridden his horse to the foot of the city wall.

"Oh, Law Law"

Shen Yuan reined in his horse, then dismounted and walked towards the city gate.

Although the city gates were wide open, the emperor was in power, so he couldn't just ride in on horseback. That would be a bit over the line. Hundreds of thousands of eyes were staring at him, so he couldn't show any sign of arrogance.

Enter the city gate, climb the stairs, and soon arrive at the city tower.

Facing everyone's complicated gazes, Shen Yuan was calm and composed. He took a few quick steps, approached the emperor, and saluted respectfully: "Your Majesty, I, Shen Yuan, pay my respects to you. I wish you a long life."

"well"

Emperor Yuanzhen looked at his capable and beloved general, and said several good words to him in succession, unable to suppress the excitement on his face.

After a pause, he said calmly: "Huai Zhong has trained a strong army for me and the Great Zhou."

Shen Yuan said in a clear voice: "I have only fulfilled my supervisory responsibilities. The rest depends on the diligence and dedication of the soldiers. The new soldiers still need to be tempered."

Emperor Yuanzhen waved his hand and said, "Huaizhong, there is no need to be so modest."

Yang Yanzhi, Sun Xingchang and other cabinet ministers couldn't help feeling worried when watching the conversation between the emperor and his minister.

This boy is so young and has suddenly gained the emperor's favor, so it would be fine if he was a little arrogant.

On the contrary, he behaves so modestly and prudently, without being arrogant or impatient, revealing a character that far exceeds that of his peers. One can only say that he has great ambitions.

After a short silence, Emperor Yuanzhen said in a deep voice: "Pass the decree. Shen Huaizhong has made great contributions in training soldiers and has been loyal and brave. Today's military parade further demonstrates the might of our Great Zhou. I hereby confer the title of Third Class Yunwu General on Shen Yuan. I decree this."

The emperor had obviously already planned for this. If he promoted Shen Yuan again, it would obviously be too hasty. After all, he was promoted from the fourth rank to the third rank commander just last month.

It is not convenient to promote him, but he can be conferred a title. With Shen Yuan's achievements today, the title of a third-class general is certainly enough.

According to the system of the Great Zhou Dynasty, a third-class general is of the third rank, and is only a temporary title that cannot be inherited. It is a very low-level title, and it is just right to give it to Shen Yuan. It also starts the young man's road to honorary titles. When he makes meritorious services on the battlefield in the future, he can be promoted to a higher rank.

Upon hearing this, all the ministers and chancellors changed their expressions and spoke out to persuade the emperor.

"Your Majesty, no!"

"Your Majesty, I also think it's not possible! Although Shen Yuan has made some minor contributions, he has done everything within his duties. Moreover, he was promoted twice last month, which has already rewarded his contributions. How can we confer a title on him today?"

In fact, they did not take the title of a mere third-class general seriously, but Shen Yuan was too young, and they had to admit that this boy had an excellent aura.

They were worried that if this precedent was set, Shen Yuan would quickly grow into a new military noble, which would inevitably have an impact on the current situation where civil officials were more important than military officials.

To put it bluntly, it was the potential shown by Shen Yuan that frightened these civil servants.

Led by Chief Minister Yang Yanzhi and Second Minister Sun Xingchang, all other civil officials followed suit.

Emperor Yuanzhen looked at the civil officials with a slightly cold gaze. How could he not see the selfishness of these people? How many of them were truly considering the interests of the Great Zhou and the imperial court?

The retired emperor standing by looked at the scene, his deep eyes flashed, and he shook his head secretly. So many years have passed, and the dispute between civil and military officials is still as fierce as ever. Few people can understand the emperor's difficulties.

After all the civil officials echoed their words, there was a brief silence on the tower. Yu Qian, the Minister of War, stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "I think Shen Huaizhong should be conferred a title."

This tone, which was completely different from the previous one, attracted the attention of all the ministers, and they all looked at him in surprise.

Emperor Yuanzhen also looked at Yu Qian, nodded to him, and motioned him to continue.

Yu Qian said: "Lord Yang, Lord Sun, and all my colleagues must know that Shen Yuan was promoted to the third-rank commander because of his merits in suppressing bandits, and he was conferred a title today because of his skills in training soldiers and greatly enhancing the military prestige of our dynasty. Moreover, it is not just that."

As he spoke, he looked up at the hot air balloon on the city wall.

Although Yu Qian did not say it explicitly, everyone knew that this hot air balloon was created by Shen Yuan. This thing added tremendous prestige to Emperor Yuan Zhen, and this achievement was no less than training troops.

With these two merits combined, why not be awarded the title of a mere third-class general?
At this time, Jinling Governor Jiang Zhongnian also spoke up: "I agree with what Minister Yu said. Shen Yuan is already a third-rank military official. With his achievements today, he is more than worthy of being awarded the title of third-class general. This is also what the people want."

Although Jiang Zhongnian's words were brief, they surprised all the civil officials.

It is not only the officials who are witnessing this grand event today. There are also hundreds of thousands of people standing under the city wall.

Most of these people would stand on Shen Yuan's side. With the support of the people at the moment, Emperor Yuan Zhen could completely ignore the opposition of these civil officials.

Shen Yuan was conferred the title of a third-class general, and you are barking here, pouring cold water on the emperor's enthusiasm. The emperor, in anger, can completely follow the public opinion and confer another title on Shen Yuan. Then you guys will have to suffer the consequences.

The civil officials hesitated and stopped refutation.

Military generals such as Shui Rong, Shi Ding, and Feng Tang seized the opportunity and spoke out to express their agreement with the emperor's will.

Although Zheng Chong and Wang Ziteng did not want to see Shen Yuan rise to power, it was impossible for them to stand against the general at this moment, so they remained silent.

After all the civil and military officials had expressed their opinions, Emperor Yuanzhen's expression looked better. He instructed the Prime Minister Dai Quan, "Pass the decree to confer the title of the third-class Yunwu General on Shen Yuan, and also reward the New Army Guards with 10,000 pieces of silk and 50,000 taels of silver. Announce this to the people immediately." The New Army Guards must also be rewarded with some money to win over the soldiers. Although the treasury was empty, this little money could not be saved, and Shen Yuan had just returned hundreds of thousands of taels of silver to him not long ago.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Dai Quan responded and went to make arrangements.

Emperor Yuanzhen turned his eyes to Shen Yuan and said warmly, "Huaizhong will continue to work diligently in the future."

Shen Yuan was shocked when he heard this, and he showed an expression of gratitude and tears. He said in a moving tone: "Your Majesty's grace is so great that he has promoted me to higher positions and titles regardless of my humble background. I will do my best to repay your kindness."

Emperor Yuanzhen looked at the young man in front of him who was as old as his nephew, with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. He hoped that if he had a son he would be like Shen Huaizhong.

Seeing this scene, Yang Yanzhi and Sun Xingchang looked at each other, and both could see a trace of solemnity in each other's eyes.

Not long after, a eunuch on the city wall read out Emperor Yuanzhen's decree aloud, and the voice reached the ears of every citizen.

At Chaoyang Gate, hundreds of thousands of people were caught up in a noisy discussion.

"Hahaha, no one guessed this would be the result. Shen Zhuangyuan has been conferred a title!"

"Well-deserved, it should be awarded!"

"Well, Mr. Shen was awarded the title based on his ability, so we naturally support him."

"It is said that Shen Zhuangyuan came from a humble background, even inferior to ours. I never thought he would reach where he is today in just half a year."

"This shows that Your Majesty is wise."

"Yes, Your Majesty is wise, Shen the champion should be conferred the title!"

"Your Majesty is wise! Shen the champion should be conferred the title!"

I don’t know who in the crowd first said this, but it instantly resonated with everyone, and soon more and more people shouted out this sentence.

Before long, it became tens of thousands of people shouting together, and finally, it became a hundred thousand people shouting together.

"Your Majesty is wise! Shen the champion should be conferred the title!"

"."

When these shouts echoed and were reflected on the city wall, everyone on the city wall was shocked and surprised.

The civil and military officials had mixed feelings, and it really was as Jiang Zhongnian said: this is what the people want.

Emperor Yuanzhen felt quite pleased. A long-lost feeling of high spirits and vigor arose in his heart, and the smile on the corner of his mouth seemed unable to be suppressed.

Shen Yuan tried to keep himself rational at this moment. The emperor's favor, the title, and the people's support... the combination of these was a bit too much. Good and bad things go hand in hand. The more it was at this time, the more vigilant he should be to guard against undercurrents.

Fortunately, the people added the words "Your Majesty is wise" at the beginning. If they had only said the second sentence, Emperor Yuanzhen would have thought too much.

Although Shen Yuan has the support of the people and the emperor's favor at this time, he is still walking on thin ice. He must do everything possible to reach the other side.

On the right side of the tower.

Concubine Wu felt the surging shouts, looked up at the vague figure of the young man in the middle of the tower, and fell into deep thought.
On the side of the female members of the Jia family, the girls including Chai, Dai, Yun, Ying, Tanxi, Qiu'er, and even Yuanchun were all shocked by the passionate cheers.

At this moment, the dignified and quiet Baochai, with her beautiful bun on her head, had soft and radiant eyes, and her heart was trembling with joy.

This is her husband, the handsome and elegant young general.

Daiyu's bright eyes flickered under her frowning brows, and she glanced at Baochai inadvertently, with a hint of envy in her eyes that she herself was not even aware of.

Sister Bao will surely be happy for the rest of her life being able to grow old with a man like Brother Shen.

Yuanchun had a sweet smile on her gentle face. She looked at Baochai at this time, concealing the envy in her beautiful eyes and feeling truly happy for her cousin.

Qiu'er should be the most excited, for no other reason than that her mind was filled with the boy's promise.

It has only been a short time since Shen Lang was conferred a title. He will probably be able to apply for a title for her soon. By then, she must serve Shen Lang well. Well, it is not impossible to do it earlier.
I don't know what image flashed through her mind, but the girl's fair and tender face suddenly turned red, and her beautiful eyes glowed.
Xiangyun and Sanchun had simpler thoughts. They were truly happy for Brother Shen, as if they were looking at an idol they admired.

It's been a while since Big Brother Shen played with them, and I miss him a little.
Well~ the military parade is over. Next, it should be easier for them to meet Brother Shen.

Grandmother Jia had mixed feelings at this moment. Yuan'er was less than 20 years old, but he was awarded the title of third-class general based on his own ability.

By the way, Zhen Ge'er from the former East Mansion was also a third-class general. Thinking about the fact that Ningguo Mansion had long become the Shen Mansion, Grandmother Jia didn't know what to feel.

When Mrs. Wang heard the shouts of the people, she found them extremely noisy and annoyed. She tried hard to pretend she couldn't hear them and turn a deaf ear to them.

Aunt Xue was extremely happy. She was already grinning from ear to ear, and she was so overwhelmed with joy that she couldn't suppress it.

In the middle of the tower, Emperor Yuanzhen looked around at his ministers with a smile and said, "It is noon now, and the military review and martial arts performance are over. My dear ministers, please follow me to the palace for a banquet."

Upon hearing this, the civil officials and military generals responded in unison.

Today is Emperor Yuanzhen’s 48th birthday, the fourth zodiac year of the emperor, so it is natural to celebrate with the whole country.

The emperor looked at the emperor and said calmly: "I am a little tired, let's go back to the palace."

Emperor Yuanzhen was not surprised at all, and instructed the fourth prince Gao Yue: "Send your grandfather back to Ningshou Palace first."

"Yes, father." Gao Yue responded, and took a group of eunuchs and guards to escort the emperor back to the palace first.

The other ministers saw this but had no idea. The retired emperor was the father and Emperor Yuanzhen was the son, so it made no sense for a father to wish his son a happy birthday.

Moreover, the emperor retired returned to the palace to rest in order to avoid the embarrassment of two emperors ruling together. After all, the emperor retired had given up all his power several years ago and no longer cared about state affairs.

After seeing off the retired emperor, Emperor Yuanzhen led the important civil and military officials of the Great Zhou Dynasty and marched towards the imperial palace in a mighty procession, escorted by teams of brocade-clad cavalry.

All the officials and their wives were led by Concubine Wu and escorted by the Embroidered Uniform Guard to the palace for the banquet.

Shen Yuan first led the new army guards back to the camp and made some arrangements for rewarding the troops. Then he, Feng Ziying, Jiang Fan, Liu Xianglian and Zhao Huan rode on fast horses to the palace for a banquet.

Imperial Palace, Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Today's luncheon to celebrate the emperor's birthday is held here.

Emperor Yuanzhen and his civil and military ministers had the banquet in the main hall, while Concubine Wu and other palace concubines and female relatives had their meals in a side hall.

The emperor and his ministers had fun together, toasting each other, temporarily putting aside the heavy state affairs and enjoying this rare leisure and happiness.

On the fifth day of June in the seventeenth year of Yuanzhen, the details of the military parade and martial arts performance fermented at whirlwind speed in the capital.

It will soon spread throughout the Great Zhou at the fastest speed through the court gazette and Hanmozhai's tabloids.

At this point, Shen Yuan finally had his own controllable power, laying the foundation for his dream of ruling the world and sleeping on the lap of a beautiful woman.
(End of this chapter)