The Prodigal Son

That evening, Zhao Luan hosted a grand banquet at the palace.

Those qualified to sit here, apart from meritorious officials like Qin Yu, are all high-ranking officials of the fourth rank or above.

At the banquet, a group of ministers took turns toasting Qin Yu and Yu Jing.

Since the discovery of this wine, it has become the imperial wine.

Opinions among the court officials regarding this imperial wine were mixed.

Some people like this strong liquor, finding it potent.

But some people don't like it and still think the original imperial wine tastes better.

However, the imperial wine has been changed, and there's nothing they can do to change that.

Qin Yu was afraid that if he got drunk, he might accidentally reveal some secrets he shouldn't have, so he kept small fish in his mouth.

After pretending to be a snake again and clinking glasses with an official who offered a toast, Qin Yu secretly pondered the matter once more.

Tomorrow's court assembly will definitely involve discussing the matter of bestowing titles and rewards.

I need to hurry up and send out my "evidence"!

As Qin Yu was lost in thought, Zhao Luan raised his cup and stood up, proclaiming loudly, "Qin Yu has made a great contribution in this great victory over the traitor Yu Wu and the Chu allied forces, and in successfully concluding negotiations with Chu! I invite all my ministers to join me in raising our cups to Qin Yu!"

As they spoke, Zhao Luan's gaze subtly swept over Yu Jing.

Under normal circumstances, she shouldn't have celebrated Qin Yu's victory in front of Yu Jing, the crown prince of a fallen kingdom.

However, for her, this was a good opportunity to test the waters.

If Yu Jing shows even the slightest anger or dissatisfaction, she should find an opportunity to get rid of him.

However, Yu Jing did not show any dissatisfaction. Instead, he raised his wine cup with a smile and stood up with the other officials.

Upon seeing this, a strange glint flashed in Zhao Luan's eyes.

Yu Jing didn't show the slightest dissatisfaction?

Deeply calculating and adept at concealing one's true intentions!

They probably have ulterior motives!

Once Min is stabilized, this person must not be allowed to live!

"Respectfully, Physician Qin!"

Everyone raised their glasses to Qin Yu.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, esteemed officials!"

Qin Yu, feeling "truly apprehensive," quickly stood up, picked up his wine cup, and drank the wine in his cup with everyone else.

Zhao Luan sat down again and gave Shangguan Youyi a wink: "Shangguan, announce the imperial decree!"

Issuing an imperial edict?

The courtiers were slightly surprised.

Under normal circumstances, shouldn't His Majesty formally summon Qin Yu, Yuan Dingguo, and other meritorious generals during tomorrow's court assembly?

Why are you announcing the imperial decree now?

This is a bit unusual!

Qin Yu was also a little confused about the situation. Shouldn't this be discussed tomorrow?

Could the female demon have been serious about what she said to me in the imperial carriage?

Do you really want to promote yourself?

Hmm, probably not!

They will definitely bestow honors first, then strip them of their titles and dismiss them from their posts!

Yes, that must be it!

"yes!"

Upon receiving the order, Shangguan Youyi immediately produced the imperial edict that had been prepared beforehand and loudly proclaimed: "His Majesty decrees: Qin Yu, Attendant Gentleman of the Palace, concurrently Gentleman of the Six Ministries, and General of the Right Guard, was ordered to lead the expedition this time. He donned armor and wielded weapons; traversed perilous passes, and traveled day and night. In a single battle at Min, he defeated an enemy of 100,000, expanding the territory by a thousand miles, his merits shining upon the nation..."

To recognize Qin Yu's achievements, he was granted the right to not bow when entering the court, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Wuping, and was further promoted to General Xuanwei, a second-rank official, in charge of the Golden Armor Imperial Guard.

Qin Yu was also appointed as a second-rank official, holding the titles of Grand Master of the Palace and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works.

He bestowed upon them a thousand acres of fertile land, a thousand bolts of brocade, a hundred bolts of long-staple cotton cloth, ten thousand taels of gold, and a hundred jars of imperial wine…

Shangguan Youyi was still loudly proclaiming the imperial decree, but the assembled officials were already dumbfounded, all staring at Shangguan Youyi with their mouths agape.

At this moment, all the officials wanted to do was rush forward and snatch the imperial edict from Shangguan Youyi's hand to examine it carefully.

Is she sure she didn't misread the imperial edict?

Yes, Qin Yu has made great contributions to the court. Even those who dislike Qin Yu extremely dare not deny his achievements.

Moreover, Qin Yu's achievements are undoubtedly the greatest accomplishments Zhao Luan has made since taking the throne.

Even so, isn't the reward given to Qin Yu a bit too outrageous?

The mere fact that someone refuses to bow when entering the court is already outrageous.

But Qin Yu's achievements certainly deserved this privilege.

But what about the Marquis of Wuping, the Grand Master of the Golden Purple Light, the Second-Rank General of Xuanwei, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works?

Qin Yu is not even twenty years old yet!

Why are so many official titles bestowed upon Qin Yu alone?

Even if you split Qin Yu in two, he still wouldn't be able to handle it!

The courtiers were inclined to oppose it.

However, Zhao Luan had not discussed this matter with them beforehand, and ordered Shangguan Youyi to announce the decree in front of everyone, without giving them any chance to object!

crazy!

Either His Majesty has gone mad, or they have!

Xiong Quhu really likes the imperial wine now.

However, after a few drinks, he was a little tipsy, as it was his first time drinking strong liquor.

But the contents of the imperial edict suddenly jolted him awake, sobering him up considerably.

Xiong Quhu shook his head, pinched himself hard, then gently tugged at Yuan Dingguo sitting beside him, and whispered, "I...did I hear that right? Isn't this reward a bit too much..."

"That's really going too far."

Yuan Dingguo came to his senses, his face showing no emotion. "I'm starting to wonder if someone is trying to flatter General Qin to his detriment, or if someone has exaggerated his military achievements..."

Pei Xiao and Han Chong remained silent, only nodding in deep agreement.

This reward sounds unreal no matter how you look at it.

They even doubted whether they were dreaming.

When they looked at Qin Yu, they saw that he was completely calm and indifferent, as if these honors had nothing to do with him.

Seeing this, the others couldn't help but admire him immensely.

Take a look!

This is the kind of person who can truly achieve great things!

Remain unmoved by favor or disgrace; keep your heart as still as water!

With such a mindset, coupled with his extraordinary talent, he will surely become a pillar of the nation in the future!

What they didn't know was that Qin Yu knew perfectly well that all his official positions were basically meant to be stripped away!

Tomorrow, he won't be one of those officials!

After Shangguan Youyi finished reading the imperial edict, he quickly approached Qin Yu with a strange smile on his face. "Marquis Wuning, receive the decree!"

Qin Yu accepted the imperial edict with both hands, feigning excitement as he shouted, "Your humble servant Qin Yu accepts the edict and expresses his gratitude!"

Gao Yi pondered for a moment, then quickly stepped forward: "Your Majesty..."

"Prime Minister Gao!"

Zhao Luan raised her hand to stop Gao Yi, "Today is both a welcome feast for Prince Fengyi and a celebration for Qin Yu's victory! State affairs will be discussed at tomorrow's court assembly!"

Of course she knew it was inappropriate to bestow so many official titles upon Qin Yu.

But isn't the court about to close?

Let's scare this bastard first, then teach him a lesson!

We'll talk about other things after the New Year!

Hearing Zhao Luan's words, Gao Yi opened his mouth slightly, but hesitated to speak.

Zhao Luan has made her point so clearly that she obviously doesn't want to discuss whether the reward given to Qin Yu is reasonable today.

Well then, let Qin Yu be happy first, we can talk about it tomorrow!

Seeing Gao Yi shut up, Zhao Luan smiled with satisfaction, then looked at Yuan Dingguo and the others, "I will never mistreat meritorious officials, nor will I mistreat ministers who have submitted to my dynasty! Tomorrow I will summon you all to court and reward you on the spot!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Everyone quickly bowed in greeting.

The banquet then continued.

Xiong Quhu clinked glasses with Yuan Dingguo and asked expectantly, "What kind of reward do you think His Majesty will bestow upon us?"

"You just accept whatever they give you!"

Yuan Dingguo glared at him and whispered a reminder: "Don't fucking overthink it. Sometimes, too much reward isn't necessarily a good thing."

Yuan Dingguo understood that if Zhao Luan had given Qin Yu such a generous reward, their rewards wouldn't be much worse.

"right!"

Han Chong nodded and glanced at Xiong Quhu, "With our limited abilities, even if we appointed you as a second-rank general, you wouldn't be able to handle it!"

Xiong Quhu slightly opened his mouth, then awkwardly downed the wine in his glass in one gulp...