Are you crazy? Trying to trick him into military service? He's the number one dragon on the fro

When the messenger entered the palace, Zhou Kang had already heard various cheers, but because he came out a step too late, he was unable to stop the messenger and had to come over in person.

He was so afraid of missing a single second of learning about the glorious achievements that he jogged over there.

Therefore, Zhou Kang was still a little out of breath when he received the good news.

But he quickly burst into laughter, clapping his hands as he said:

"Great! That's wonderful!"

"In the open field, facing 40,000 against 60,000, he still managed to inflict heavy losses on the Northern Hu army. This Marquis of Champion is truly a peerless general!"

"Your Majesty, it seems we need not worry about the barbarians raiding our territory this autumn!"

As he spoke, Zhou Kang smiled and looked at Emperor Dehong:

"With the death of the King of Hu, regardless of the reaction of the Northern Hu, they certainly won't have much of a problem with our Great Zhou in the short term."

"This will take at least three to five years, or even longer!"

"Taking advantage of this opportunity, our dynasty can quickly accumulate strength and then find a chance to defeat them so that they dare not advance even a step south!"

"What the Prime Minister says makes sense."

Upon hearing these words, Emperor Dehong immediately nodded in agreement:

"I also wish to see that day, but before that, shouldn't we first reward our Marquis of Champion and our meritorious officials?"

"Such a great achievement, I don't even know how to reward him!"

He was indeed having a headache over this matter.

After the last great victory, Emperor Dehong impulsively intended to appoint Lu Xiao as General of the Cavalry, but was persuaded to change his mind.

After so much time, he has matured a lot and understands that if he gives too many rewards at once, he may really reach the point where there is no more to bestow titles upon, and at that time he will really be in a difficult situation!

After a moment's thought, Emperor Dehong tentatively asked:

"Prime Minister, how about we appoint the Marquis of Champion as General Who Guards the South, Commander-in-Chief of the Military Affairs of Yun Commandery, Attendant-in-Ordinary, and General Who Protects the Army, and increase his fief by ten thousand households?"

These were some of the methods he could think of that neither mistreated nor promoted too quickly, to the point that there were no more opportunities to promote someone later on.

After listening, Zhou Kang nodded with satisfaction:

"Your Majesty's thoughtful consideration is truly admirable and gratifying to this old minister."

"However, there are a few things that need to be added, otherwise it will not be enough to show the champion's contribution in this great battle."

He stepped forward and explained in detail.

The titles of General Zhennan and Military Governor of Yunjun were bestowed upon Lu Xiao in preparation for his upcoming southward campaign against the State of Chu, and should not have been included in this reward.

It can only be considered an extra at best.

The position of Attendant-in-Ordinary was equivalent to having the right to freely enter the inner court for discussions, and to be able to meet with the emperor at any time and participate in the confidential military affairs of the central government.

As for the General of the Guards, it only grants Lu Xiao the authority to mobilize the Imperial Guards when he is in the capital, and to assist in the defense of the capital's outer perimeter.

After saying all this, Zhou Kang pondered for a moment before speaking:

"He will be granted an additional fief of 10,000 households, and may select 8,000 hectares of fertile land outside the pass and 2,000 hectares of fertile land in the capital region."

"In addition, the Marquis of Champion shall be granted the right to praise and worship without naming, and shall be specially granted the first-class Imperial Palace, second only to the Prince of the County in scale, with a hundred-person ceremonial guard."

"As for the imperial weapons and ceremonial guards, the marquis's personal guards, etc., they were all prepared in accordance with the above specifications."

"The rewards from Princess Pingning's side were also in buckets, what do you think?"

Upon hearing these words, Emperor Dehong's initial fervor subsided somewhat. He nodded to Zhou Kang while pondering the matter, a forced smile playing on his lips.

"The Prime Minister's considerations are indeed more thorough; I have indeed failed to think things through."

"In that case, let's draft the decree according to the Prime Minister's wishes!"

He didn't dare to object at all.

Emperor Dehong was almost blinded by Lu Xiao's great victory. Now, hearing Zhou Kang divide Lu Xiao's credit into smaller parts and distribute them in various ways, it is clear how shrewd and calculating he is!

Although Zhou Kang did this for the sake of the Great Zhou and for his own good.

But no matter how he thought about it, he felt a chill run down his spine!

Therefore, in his excitement, Emperor Dehong realized that the Great Zhou Dynasty was not yet under his absolute control, and that Prime Minister Zhou Kang's position in the court remained unshakeable!

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. This old minister is flattered!"

Upon hearing these words, Zhou Kang hurriedly bowed and said:

"After this reward, the Marquis of Champion will return to the capital. Firstly, to rest before heading south, and secondly, to hand over military matters of Bailang Mountain and Yun County to His Majesty, so as to facilitate the southward journey."

"Therefore, this old minister wishes to go to the White Wolf camp to personally confirm the successor to the Marquis of Champion for Your Majesty."

"We should go and take a look."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Dehong nodded in deep agreement:

"The Marquis of Champions has transformed a dilapidated White Wolf outpost into the White Wolf Camp and Bai County it is today. He has put in a lot of effort and hard work. His successor must not only be able to maintain the status quo, but also be familiar with the White Wolf Camp. Otherwise, problems will definitely arise."

"Prime Minister, then I will trouble you to make the trip yourself this time."

"Your humble servant obeys the imperial decree!"

……

White Wolf Camp.

For nearly half a month since the war began, Lu Xiao and his team have been busy with the post-war recovery and compensation work.

The impact of this battle was so great that after the news of the victory spread, many people in various counties and cities, such as Yuyang County, Yanhe County, and Yinyuan County, expressed the sentiment that if you were to join the army, you should join Bailang Mountain.

Therefore, while Lu Xiao was dealing with the aftermath, he was also busy recruiting and expanding his army. Before he knew it, more than half of March had passed, and the snow inside and outside the White Wolf Camp had melted away.

That morning, Lu Xiao came out of the watchtower to relax and enjoy the early spring sunshine when he suddenly saw Fang Dahu rushing over:

"My lord, the Prime Minister has arrived in person!"

"Oh?"

Lu Xiao was stunned on the spot. After regaining his senses, he hurriedly headed towards the south gate of the camp.

"Quickly, come with me to greet them!"

"Champion Marquis, I have come uninvited, please forgive me."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Zhou Kang appeared in front of the watchtower, escorted by several soldiers.

Lu Xiao hurriedly bowed and greeted them:

"This humble general, Lu Xiao, greets Your Excellency the Prime Minister!"

"Please rise, Marquis Champion. It should be me bowing to you. You have been too kind to me just now."

Zhou Kang chuckled, and after speaking, he stepped forward, took his hand, and led him into the watchtower.

"My lord, I have come here with His Majesty's decree to bestow honors upon you and your soldiers. Therefore, I request that you summon all the generals under your command so that I may proclaim the decree in their presence."

"As for the commanders of Yuyang, Yanhe, and Yinyuan, others will go to read out the imperial edicts of conferment and rewards. Your Excellency need not worry."

Upon hearing this, Lu Xiao smiled gratefully, then instructed Fang Dahu to summon all the centurions and chiliarchs under his command, so that the Prime Minister could personally read the imperial edict to them.

In less than fifteen minutes, the watchtower was filled with officers of all ranks from the White Wolf Camp.

Lu Xiao gave a brief introduction in front of them:

"This is none other than the current Prime Minister, Lord Zhou!"