Dream of the Red Chamber: Start by gaining Zhao Yun's martial prowess, and be ennobled in a sin

Inside the Qianqing Palace,

As soon as Emperor Jingsheng finished speaking...

The ministers looked at each other, each pondering how to offer their advice.

Many of them had been secretly plotting for days about how to reward Jia Jing.

The civil officials naturally did not want Emperor Jingsheng to re-appoint Jia Jing, lest Wu Xun become too powerful and threaten the authority of their cabinet ministers.

However, how to offer advice is also crucial. They can't suggest that those who have made contributions should not be rewarded, because not only would Emperor Jingsheng not agree, but it would also be detrimental to their own reputation.

As cabinet ministers, they must have a legitimate reason for their discussions, at least outwardly maintaining a reasonable stance so as not to give others cause for gossip.

Just as the civil official was pondering,

Prince Shui Rong of Bei Jing, who had been standing silently in the hall, was the first to step forward, holding his jade tablet, and announced:

"Your Majesty! I believe that Marquis Jia Jing has won nine battles in a row, pacified the grasslands, and captured the Northern Yuan Khan Batu Mongke."

"Sealing the wolf's lair and drinking from the vast sea, his achievements are outstanding. This is an unparalleled military feat that our dynasty has not seen since Emperor Chengzu!"

"The Marquis of Champion was originally a first-class marquis. According to his merits, he should be promoted to a first-class duke and then promoted to the rank of General of the Cavalry, a second-rank official."

"This just demonstrates the court's clear distinction between rewards and punishments, and it will also inspire our Han soldiers' willingness to die for their country and their fighting spirit!"

Prince Bei Jing was the closest to the Jia family among the four non-royal princes of the founding line, and his principal wife, Lady Zhen, was also an old relative of the Jia family.

The two families have a close relationship and share weal and woe.

Therefore, Shui Rong took the lead in recounting Jia Jing's military achievements and expressed his support for re-granting Jia Jing a title.

In addition, Emperor Jingsheng had just characterized Jia Jing's military achievements as "meritorious deeds that will last for generations," clearly implying that he would be richly rewarded.

In addition, Prince Bei Jing had heard rumors that Emperor Jing Sheng intended to bestow upon Jia Jing the title of First-Class Duke and the rank of Second Grade Official.

He supported this honor without fear of overstepping his bounds; on the contrary, he was fulfilling Emperor Jingsheng's wishes.

As soon as Prince Bei Jing finished speaking, the newly appointed Grand Secretary Xiong Cilu's expression changed, and he immediately stepped forward and said:

"Your Majesty! The Marquis of Champion's achievements in this battle are truly outstanding. He has quelled the border troubles on the grasslands and greatly boosted the morale and prestige of our army!"

"During the crisis in the Northwest, he stepped forward, won consecutive battles, and rendered meritorious service to the nation!"

Xiong Cilu first acknowledged Jia Jing's contributions, and the news of the victory in this battle had already been sent to the whole country through the imperial gazette.

The incident caused a great stir at home and abroad, and Jia Jing's contribution cannot be denied in any way!

Even the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet valued their reputation; they would never distort the truth, as that would only invite ridicule and damage their own standing.

However, the bestowal of the title of Marquis of Champion should be suppressed, as his power is too great and is detrimental to the stability of the court.

We just need to find a suitable reason!

Then, Xiong Cilu changed the subject and continued:

"However... since the Marquis of Champion was selected by His Majesty, he has entered officialdom as a military officer of the eighth rank."

"In less than three years, he rose through the ranks to become the First-Class Champion Marquis of the Second Rank, General Who Conquers the West, and Governor-General of the Three Borders. His title and official position were promoted one after another."

"At the age of twenty-one, he has already reached the pinnacle of his position, commanding hundreds of thousands of troops in the Northwest. His favor is boundless and his kindness as deep as the sea."

"I believe that if Your Majesty intends to preserve the country, you should leave room for maneuver."

"Therefore, I advise that the Marquis of Champion be promoted to a third-class duke and then to the second-rank position of General Who Conquers the West, in recognition of his merits!"

Xiong Cilu's meaning was clear: he did not deny Jia Jing's contributions, but the court had not treated him poorly either, and slowing down his promotion at this time was for his own good.

He knew that Jia Jing's promotion was inevitable, but he suggested that he be granted the title of Third-Class Duke and promoted to the Second Rank.

After Xiong Cili finished speaking, Fang Congzhe echoed in agreement:

"Your Majesty! I agree with what Grand Secretary Xiong said!"

"Although Jia Jing has made military achievements, he is too young and inexperienced. Early success can easily breed arrogance. Conferring him the title of Third-Class Duke is a way to preserve his honor!"

"Furthermore, the Jia family already possesses the titles of Duke of two states, making them extremely wealthy and powerful. If Jia Jing is to be granted the title of Duke of another state, it would mean a family with three Dukes, which is far too much!"

Even if the emperor's favor is as vast as the sea, there should still be some room for maneuver!

Fang Congzhe's words roughly conveyed the same meaning as Xiong Cilu's suggestion: to suppress Jia Jing's rewards, which would also be for his benefit!

It also points out that the Jia family has produced three Dukes of the State, making them extremely wealthy and powerful, and that they should be kept in check.

After the two men offered their advice, the expressions of the people present varied, and no one spoke for a moment.

Emperor Jingsheng, sitting behind his desk, frowned slightly.

Although he had anticipated that the civil officials would not easily agree to grant Jia Jing a higher title, he did not expect them to be so harsh, and the reasons they gave were so untenable.

All those talk about ways to preserve blessings, a heart for self-preservation, and leaving room for maneuver are nothing but empty words!

Although the Jia family had three members who were dukes, the titles of the Dukes of Ning and Rong had been reduced to mere noble titles by this generation.

He doesn't hold real power; he's just a figurehead and can't be considered extremely wealthy or powerful at all!

Emperor Jingsheng's expression darkened slightly. After thinking for a moment, he said in a deep voice:

"The imperial system is based on clear rewards and punishments! If merits are not rewarded, how can the hearts and minds of the people and the army be won over!"

"Zijie was promoted and ennobled because of his merits to the court."

"Last year, we annihilated over 100,000 troops of the puppet Qing dynasty in a single battle. This year, we also destroyed the Northern Yuan and pacified the grasslands. These are all great achievements in saving the nation from peril!"

"Although he was promoted quickly, it was not because I had done him any great favor, but because he had done me and the court a favor."

"He is not a favored official, but a pillar of the Han dynasty, a vital minister. There's no need to mention his youth or lack of experience!"

"When Gan Luo was twelve years old, he was so intelligent that he helped the Qin state capture sixteen cities without firing a single shot. He was then appointed as a high minister by King Ying Zheng of Qin, reaching the highest position among the ministers."

"Huo Qubing, the Marquis of Champion, was ennobled at the age of seventeen and appointed Grand Marshal and General of the Cavalry at the age of twenty."

"It is evident that even when Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Qin rewarded their ministers, it was based on merit, not on age or seniority."

"Back in the days of our founding emperor, there were many who were ennobled as dukes and marquises in their twenties. Why is it that Zijie is no longer eligible?"

"I may speak frankly: while national honors should not be bestowed indiscriminately, merit should not go unrewarded. Otherwise, the dignity and laws of the state will be undermined, and it will only discourage the soldiers who shed blood for the country on the front lines!"

"Let's discuss the titles first; we can talk about promotions later."

Emperor Jingsheng's words were a clear message to the officials in the palace: rewards should be given based on merit, which was the fundamental premise of this meeting.

Several civil officials in the hall showed a solemn expression upon hearing Emperor Jingsheng's words.

A slight chill ran through him; he knew that it would be quite difficult to stop Emperor Jingsheng from re-granting Jia Jing this time.

Zhang Tingyu, who was standing to the side, frowned slightly and quickly glanced at Emperor Jingsheng's expression.

Seeing his serious expression, which didn't seem like he was just saying polite words, I couldn't help but feel a little surprised and suspicious.

Why did he sense that the Emperor's trust in Jia Jing had deepened even further?

Logically speaking, Fang Congzhe and Xiong Cili's advice was not without merit.

Furthermore, since ancient times, the mutual attacks and checks and balances between civil and military officials have been a scene that all emperors have been willing to see.

No emperor wants to see civil officials and military generals truly without conflict, or even united; that would keep the emperor up at night!