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

"No, no, absolutely not!"

After confirming this, Fan Changxin immediately shook his head vigorously.

"Although my lifelong wish is for a civil official to emerge from our family, I also know my own limitations."

"Helping you with your business, brother-in-law, and procuring supplies is fine, but being an official is something you'd never do!"

He was so shocked by the news that he almost choked.

A county magistrate is a civil official of the sixth rank, in charge of the people's livelihood in the area, and is involved in all aspects of life.

Fan Changxin's original wish was that his family could have a seventh-rank county clerk.

He was overwhelmed by the sudden change from an ordinary citizen to an official.

Seeing this, Lu Xiao smiled:

"Brother, don't be modest."

"Since the refugees came here, my brother has taken care of everything, big and small. Without him, we would probably still be scavenging for food in the nearby mountains and fields, continuing to be refugees."

"From my perspective, my elder brother has done a great job governing this region, which will save me a lot of trouble."

"Personally, we're family, so naturally I'd think of you, brother, when there's something to gain. Besides, didn't you give your all to help me back then, just for this day?"

Upon hearing this, Fan Changxin fell silent.

It would be a lie to say he didn't long for it, but the news came so suddenly, and while pondering it, a question suddenly occurred to him:

"Although His Majesty and the Prime Minister have granted you special privileges, are you really sure what you're doing is alright?"

"Lu Xiao, we can't ruin our bright future because of a little personal affection!"

Calling him by name already showed that he was taking the matter very seriously.

Therefore, Lu Xiao responded with an extremely serious attitude:

"Please rest assured, brother, this matter is entirely reasonable and legal."

"Today, the Grand Eunuch, acting on the Emperor's orders, came to deliver a decree that I have been granted the title of Marquis of Loyalty and Valor. Before leaving, seeing the bustling scene here, he specifically mentioned the matter of establishing a new county."

"Eunuch Wang also said that I could decide on the county magistrate myself; all I would need to do is send a letter to the capital!"

The Fan siblings were first taken aback, then overjoyed!

That's a marquis with a fief!

Even if Lu Xiao had to leave the military for some reason later, as long as the Marquis was still alive, he would still be well-off for the rest of his life!

After calming down, Fan Changxin saw that Lu Xiao was really insistent, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and agree:

"In that case, I will listen to you and become the county magistrate."

"But let me be frank from the start: if after a period of time I find that I am truly incapable of the job, brother-in-law, you should seek a more capable alternative."

"Therefore, you should still keep an eye out for talented individuals who could become county magistrates!"

After discussing the matter, Fan Changrui took the initiative to suggest that they celebrate properly today.

After all, it's a double celebration.

Neither Lu Xiao nor Fan Changxin had any objections to this.

After having lunch at home, Lu Xiao returned to the main camp, sorted out the information of all the personnel, and then directly dispatched several messengers to invite the people over.

Because they were traveling at breakneck speed, everyone arrived around 3:30 PM.

Inside the main building on the second floor of the White Wolf camp, Lu Xiao waved for everyone to sit down, then smiled and said:

"I have invited you all here today to announce some good news."

"In this battle against the combined forces of the three tribes of Heishachuo, the Hu people suffered a crushing defeat. His Majesty is overjoyed and has therefore decided to promote everyone present by one rank!"

"My lord, am I...am I involved too?"

Dong Tiancheng and Zhang Man exchanged a glance, both becoming uneasy.

After all, they had only gathered supplies and had not actually fought any battles with the Hu people.

Moreover, they belonged to the Zhenbei Camp and the Pingxi Camp, and were not part of the White Wolf Camp at all.

"The outposts you two are responsible for guarding are the closest to our White Wolf camp. If it weren't for your help in this battle, which boosted our morale and helped us transport the barbarian's supplies, our brothers wouldn't have received their rewards!"

"Therefore, the contributions of both of you should not be overlooked!"

Upon hearing this, Dong Tiancheng and the other man were moved to tears.

After Lu Xiao and the others had vented their joy and excitement, they officially announced:

"First and foremost, Brother Luo."

"Brother Luo will continue to be in charge of the garrison of Changyang County, commanding three thousand soldiers. His actual position will remain unchanged, but he will be granted the honorary title of Zhongyilang, with the same salary."

Luo Yang was not surprised at all, and accepted it with a smile:

"Thank you, Brother Xiao!"

His faction did not hold a high position in the court, and he had few opportunities for promotion.

Although he led a thousand soldiers to help Lu Xiao defeat the Hu people, his current official rank is still not high enough to warrant an honorary title.

He had thought of this before he came.

After recounting Luo Yang's reward, Lu Xiao turned his gaze to the several centurions in his own camp, a broad smile on his face:

"Zhou Daxing and Chen Ye were promoted to commanders of a thousand households, one as commander and the other as deputy commander, responsible for commanding the cavalry battalion of their unit. At the same time, Zhou Daxing was granted the title of Xuanjiewei, with the same salary."

"Chen Ye, I originally wanted to fight for more rewards for you, but Eunuch Wang said that because of your background, I have to hold off for now."

"But don't worry, as long as you achieve military merit in the future, being promoted to an official position and granted a title will be a piece of cake!"

Chen Ye immediately stood up, looking flattered, and repeatedly clasped his hands in thanks, saying excitedly:

"My lord, I am already more than content with what I have achieved today, and dare not ask for anything more!"

His words came from the bottom of his heart. After all, he was originally a death row inmate, and in just one month he became a military commander who was paid by the emperor. This was a dream that most people wouldn't dare to dream of!

Seeing this, Lu Xiao nodded slightly and continued to announce:

"Huang Shan, Zhao Xiaoqi, and Gao Hong are promoted to commanders of a thousand. The infantrymen who are not enough will be replaced in the next expansion of the army, and they will also be promoted to commanders of Xuanjie."

"The other centurions were promoted to the rank of Zhaoxin Commandant."

All military officers belonging to the White Wolf Outpost faction were promoted one rank, regardless of whether it was real or not.

After saying this, Lu Xiao looked at Dong Tiancheng and Zhang Man:

"I have already sent letters to Zhenbei Camp and Pingxi Camp to request your presence. From now on, you two will be soldiers of my White Wolf Camp."

"Due to the current shortage of manpower, the two of you will remain as centurions, and will also be promoted to Zhaoxinwei."

"Once the troops are fully replenished, you two can be promoted to commanders of a thousand based on your merits in battle!"

Upon hearing this, Dong and Zhang were overjoyed and expressed that everything depended on the loyalty and cultivation of the Marquis.

Among everyone present, their rewards were truly unexpected; the others had all performed well in the battle and deserved promotions.

In the following period, Lu Xiao told these people that after they went down, he would promote Meng Dali, Fang Dahu, Zhong Wei and others under their command to the rank of centurion or give them honorary titles.

Because the imperial court has not yet received the list of these people who have been promoted, everyone has to wait a while longer before they can receive their rewards.

After resolving this matter, Lu Xiao breathed a sigh of relief and then ordered everyone to disperse, adapt to their new identity as soon as possible, and do their jobs well.

Just then, a soldier walked in and reported to him:

"My lord, General Long has come in person, wishing to see you!"