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

"A mere official has been promoted three ranks in a row? Niu Jizong, are you insane?! A twenty-year-old fourth-rank general—our Han Dynasty hasn't seen such an honor in decades!"

Just as Duke Zhao was feeling ashamed and annoyed by Niu Jizong's mockery, he heard Niu Jizong's next piece of advice and exclaimed in surprise with a furrowed brow.

To say that Jia Jing deserved the title of First-Class Viscount based on his military achievements was certainly enough, given that he was a descendant of a top-tier military family.

But for an officer to win three ranks in a row is just too outrageous!

The General of the Central Army was not a low- or mid-ranking military officer, but a truly high-ranking military officer of the Han Dynasty, a commander-in-chief who could lead tens of thousands of troops to fight against foreign enemies.

Military officers in the Han Dynasty were not as easily promoted as civil officials!

Just look at Nian Gengyao; he commanded nearly 100,000 troops in Liaodong, yet he was only a third-rank general in charge of pacifying Liaodong.

Emperor Jingsheng pondered for a moment, then asked Zhang Tingyu, who was standing beside him:

"Hengchen, you are quite knowledgeable in military affairs. What is your opinion? What official rank and title would be more appropriate to promote him, so as not to seem like you are mistreating a meritorious official, and to set an example for all the generals!"

Emperor Jingsheng was actually quite pleased with Niu Jizong's suggestion of bestowing titles and rewards.

With the world in turmoil, we need to set an example for those who have rendered meritorious service.

Jia Jing was originally a talent that he had personally promoted and relied on. Now that he had made a contribution, he should naturally be richly rewarded.

Moreover, this battle was the first against the Qing, and Jia Jing was the one who made the greatest contribution. Of course, he should be promoted to boost morale and strive for new achievements.

If he could truly annihilate all 150,000 Qing troops, he would be willing to bestow upon them the titles of dukes and marquises.

Given the current national situation, this victory is absolutely necessary!

He himself desperately needed this victory to establish his prestige, so as to implement new policies, reform the bureaucracy, bring peace to the people, and defend against powerful enemies.

He needed prestige, the Han Dynasty needed time, and this battle concerned the lives of all people; it was a strategic issue.

"Your Majesty! Good governance arises from the law, while weakness and chaos arise from flattery. If a ruler understands this, then he will be just in rewarding and punishing, not in benevolent to his subjects."

"If rewards and punishments are not trusted, then prohibitions will not be enforced. Your humble servant believes that Jia Jing should be promoted two ranks based on his military merits, becoming a fourth-rank official, and granted the title of First-Class Viscount."

"Official titles and ranks should not be bestowed indiscriminately, but Jia Jing may be appointed as General of the Piaoyao Army, not under the command of the General of Pingliao, and may lead 20,000 cavalry to independently seek opportunities to fight the enemy."

Zhang Tingyu spoke slowly.

His meaning was clear: based on Jia Jing's military achievements, a promotion of two ranks and the conferment of the title of First-Class Viscount were appropriate rewards.

Rewards should not be given to meritorious officials, but neither should national treasures be bestowed indiscriminately.

Therefore, if Your Majesty wishes to reward Jia Jing to boost morale and set an example, then bestow benefits upon him in other ways.

For example, he made two suggestions.

One of them was to bestow upon Jia Jing the title of "Piao Yao Zhonglang Jiang," which is considered the highest title among Zhonglang Jiangs, because the person who previously received this title was a legend.

Anyone with discerning eyes can see that Emperor Jingsheng has high expectations for Jia Jing, which can boost morale and may even be more effective than promoting him to the fourth rank.

Another point is to give Jia Jing greater autonomy.

Jia Jing is a strategist in battle, and leading the cavalry to find opportunities for battle may be more conducive to winning the war. This also shows the court's trust in Jia Jing.

Zhang Tingyu's words made Emperor Jingsheng's eyes light up. "My minister understands me!"

This approach can both boost morale and ensure clear rewards and punishments, making it a win-win solution!

In addition, he also intended to give Jia Jing greater autonomy.

Firstly, to train Jia Jing to be capable of handling things independently.

Secondly, although Nian Gengyao was a steady strategist, he was not good at using unconventional tactics. The Liaodong battlefield needed a quick victory, and they simply could not afford to drag it out.

"Hengchen's words are indeed wise and insightful advice for governing the country! If all ministers were like you, how could the court and the country be in turmoil, or the world be at peace!"

"That concludes our discussion for today. I will not keep you any longer. Cabinet members, please withdraw and, as Hengchen wishes, draft an edict to be sent to Liaodong as soon as possible!"

…………

The next day.

The Jia family mansion.

Inside the Rongqing Hall of Grandmother Jia's residence in the Western Mansion, all the important members of the Jia family, except for Jia She, gathered.

They received news from the palace yesterday that Jia Jing had won a battle in Liaodong and had been awarded a noble title by the emperor. An imperial edict was to be delivered to the Jia family today.

Grandmother Jia, Jia Zheng, Jia She, Lady Wang, Lady Xing, Aunt Xue, Lady You, Qin Keqing, Li Wan, and others sat in the hall.

Wang Xifeng and Yuanyang served Jia Mu by her side.

Yingchun, Tanchun, Xichun, Xiangyun, Daiyu, Baochai, and others sat in the side rooms of the hall separated by screens, all dressed in fine clothes and in high spirits.

Since Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai were not members of the Jia family, they did not need to receive the imperial edict.

Other concubines, old women, stewards, and servants stood in the hall to serve.

There was also a chubby little girl wearing a red jacket with a cheerful appearance.

She moved about behind the curtain with great joy, and none of the maids or servants dared to restrain her.

She was the little girl in the Jia family known as "Master Jing's only maid" and "the nemesis of old women".

Everyone waited here early in the morning, setting up the incense table and waiting for the imperial edict from the palace to arrive.

For a noble family like the Jia family, regaining their military rank was an extremely important event.

Grandmother Jia, dressed in the elaborate attire of an official, sat on a high couch, with her beloved grandson Jia Baoyu beside her.

She stroked Baoyu's hand while looking at the festive and lively scene inside the hall, as if it were the New Year.

The scene of his heroic grandson causing a ruckus at Rongqing Hall and injuring Lai Da seemed to be right before my eyes.

"My grandson is determined to achieve this today! He will not return home until he has accomplished something!"

The past is still vivid in my mind. I never imagined that just two years later, this grandson would be granted a military rank, bringing glory to the family!

This is a joyous occasion for the entire Jia family! Everyone in the Jia family is happy for him; this is the power of family unity!

Even she cannot be ignored!

Of course, she was also happy inside. The Jia family's military rank, which had been lost in her son's hands, had been regained in her grandson's hands!

Although he may only be a baron or viscount for now, his future is infinitely glorious!

Her only worry was that her grandson Jia Jing was not as well-behaved as Jia Baoyu, and that the Jia family would probably not have a peaceful life in the future!

"I wonder what official title or rank our third brother will be given this time. I heard from the outside that tens of thousands of Tartars were killed! It was a great victory, and even the Emperor is overjoyed! Old Madam, you are so knowledgeable, tell us about it!"

Seeing that Grandmother Jia seemed quite pleased, Fengjie asked in a playful tone.

There was still quite some time before the imperial edict arrived, so Sister Feng took the opportunity to amuse Grandmother Jia.

The others in the hall were clearly also concerned about this issue, and they all looked towards Grandmother Jia.

Grandmother Jia had also considered this issue, and since she was in the mood at the moment, she shared it with everyone:

"Titles are nothing more than baron or viscount, and it's unlikely to be higher! Military titles are hereditary and cannot be easily granted."