Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World

"Shut up!"

Jiang Zhao looked up and caught sight of a slender figure in a purple robe, and quickly grabbed the reins.

With just one glance, Jiang Zhao decisively dropped the reins and dismounted.

As soon as Jiang Zhao dismounted, more than a hundred soldiers followed suit and quickly dismounted as well.

Ninety-nine percent of the soldiers were not very clear about the procedures for the triumphant return, and some were even entering the capital for the first time. In order to avoid being impolite, they had to dismount immediately.

Don’t be afraid of ten thousand, just be afraid of what happens.

The reason why people from military families like Marquis Ningyuan, Marquis Zhongjing, and Gu Tingye dismounted was because they recognized the thin old man's identity and saw a large group of officials in purple and red robes standing behind him.

Straightening his hat and composed himself, Jiang Zhao strode toward the thin old man and bowed respectfully.

"Student Jiang Zhao greets teacher."

That thin old man was none other than Han Zhang, the head of all officials!

Divided by Xuande Gate, besides Han Zhang, the head of all officials, there were five Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, six Ministers, six Vice Ministers, nine Chief Ministers of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, nine Junior Ministers of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, the Chief Censor of the Censorate, the Chief of the Court of Remonstrance, the Chief of the Five Directorates, and Hanlin Academicians.

All the civil and military officials gathered together, and not one was absent.

"Zhao'er."

Jiang Zhao bowed, and Han Zhang gladly accepted.

The old man stepped forward to help his beloved student up, nodding with satisfaction.

The six-year-old child of yesteryear has already expanded his territory and become a pillar of the region.

Nothing is more gratifying than teaching such a disciple.

All the civil and military officials watched intently.

Han Zhang, Jiang Zhao.

One master and one apprentice.

One was a 37-year-old Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, who was appointed as the Grand Chancellor at the age of 49, serving as a pillar of the nation and a beam of gold supporting the sea.

One was an eighteen-year-old top scholar who, at twenty-four, expanded the territory to seven prefectures, took charge of one region, and became a pillar of the Northwest.

Perhaps, there really will be a chance to witness the remarkable story of two Grand Secretaries from the same family.

Even more remarkably, one family produced two prime ministers!

"This achievement in expanding territory is unprecedented in the Great Zhou Dynasty."

Han Zhang smiled with satisfaction and said, "I have privately suggested to the Emperor that there should be no lack of rewards."

Jiang Zhao nodded repeatedly.

He trusts his teacher to get things done!

This can be said to be a unique advantage of civil officials leading troops.

When a civil official leads troops, he is almost never deliberately suppressed once he has made achievements.

Even civil officials with connections, like Jiang Zhao, can appropriately elevate the level of rewards.

If the leader's rewards are generous, the rewards for those below will be correspondingly better.

Conversely, if a military general leads troops, it is a luxury to not be suppressed!

Han Zhang stepped forward, looked at the hundred or so soldiers, and loudly proclaimed:

"This western expedition, with its armor and weapons gleaming, and its blood flowing for thousands of miles, has finally expanded our territory. This is a blessing for the nation and its people. The royal army returns in triumph, carrying its achievements, and the land rejoices. The Emperor has prepared fine wine and delicacies to welcome the meritorious officials back."

"By imperial decree, the heroes who made contributions in this battle may ride through the streets on horseback, enter the palace to meet the emperor, and receive his decree to express their gratitude."

After speaking, Han Zhang patted his disciple.

"Go."

Jiang Zhao nodded, bowed, and then walked towards the Akhal-Teke horse.

In fact, apart from a few people who were already quite famous, the rest of the more than one hundred people who paraded through the streets had almost no fame.

Given Jiang Zhao's reputation, a public parade wouldn't be a problem.

However, parading people through the streets is never just about gaining fame.

More importantly, enjoy the feeling of being the center of attention!

Jiang Zichuan is famous throughout the world. He was once a literary champion and paraded through the streets on horseback. This is certainly no different from his past achievements.

However, this does not mean that the more than one hundred soldiers do not want to enjoy it once.

If nothing unexpected happens, this parade will be the pinnacle of life for the vast majority of people.

"go!"

Jiang Zhao mounted his horse and led over a hundred soldiers into the city.

Upon entering Xuande Gate, one is greeted by cheering crowds lining the streets.

Shouts rose and fell in waves.

The opening of the Xihe border is of paramount importance.

On the one hand, this was an act of territorial expansion, leaving a mark on history.

Once the word "history" is involved, it is destined to be sought after.

On the other hand, the expansion of territory truly supported the backbone of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

The existence of this battle proves that the Great Zhou Dynasty was not necessarily afraid of the Western Xia and the Tibetan Empire.

The growth in national self-confidence is extraordinary.

Both the imperial court and the common people were keen to promote the spread of the territorial expansion campaign.

The purpose is to inspire people.

Jiang Zhao looked up.

Ordinary people, high-ranking officials, noblewomen and their wives cheered and encouraged each other.

Occasionally, you can even hear some discussions.

Jiang Zhao was already famous throughout the world, with the titles "Jiang Lang of Huaizuo" and "Little Grand Secretary" spreading far and wide.

Now, with his achievement in expanding the territory, his prestige has soared once again.

Even some less prominent Grand Secretaries in the Cabinet might not be as good as him.

Therefore, discussions and debates are naturally inevitable.

Aside from Jiang Zhao, who stands out from the crowd, the most discussed and controversial figures are Gu Tingye and his son Gu Yankai!

There is a saying: "Once I enter the pass, great Confucian scholars will debate the classics for me."

Gu Tingye experienced just that!

The father and son worked together to secure Hezhou and launched a feigned attack on the Tibetan tribes, proving that he was not simply a spoiled brat.

At least, putting aside his character, Gu Tingye is definitely a capable person.

His future is destined to be among the best of the lords' sons.

As a result, the wives and noblewomen of officials naturally focused on discovering Gu Tingye's strengths.

Is it a problem if a young person is impetuous and occasionally acts like a spoiled brat?

Praise was endless.

Gu Tingye had never seen such a scene before, and for a moment his face turned red and his blood boiled.

Jiang Zhao glanced back and smiled nonchalantly.

"Zichuan!"

"Zihou!"

A gasp made Jiang Zhao look over.

However, it was Zeng Gong, Zeng Bu, Zhang Dun, Su Shi, and Su Zhe.

Jiang Zhao pulled on the reins and rode closer.

"It hasn't been released yet?" Jiang Zhao was somewhat surprised.

It is now early June.

Six years have passed since the second year of the Jiayou era.

Logically speaking, Zeng Bu, Su Shi, and Su Zhe had already served as officials in the Hanlin Academy for three years and should have been transferred to other regions.

Zhang Dun was the second-place scholar in the imperial examinations, and after serving as a Hanlin scholar for three years, he should have been transferred to a post outside the capital.

In June, Zeng Bu, Zhang Dun, Su Shi, and Su Zhe should all be taking office!

"The Grand Master said to wait a moment, and then we'll go to the frontier with you." The cheers were so loud that Su Shi had to raise his voice.

"That's it!"

Jiang Zhao understood.

If the teacher made a special arrangement, then there shouldn't be any major problems.

Jiang Zhao lifted the reins slightly and looked at the group: "Let's get together in a few days."

"Okay!" they all nodded in unison.

"Hurry up and go, or you'll get stuck in a traffic jam!" Su Shi waved his hand dismissively.

Jiang Zhao nodded and rode forward.

Entering the palace from Xuande Gate, the journey was three to four thousand meters long, and the group rode for a full hour.

Therefore, he was invited to the palace for an audience!

Chapter 93 Granting Imperial Favors to Wife and Children!

Wende Hall.

The candlelight, gilded with gold, burns ever brighter.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Emperor Zhao Zhen sat upright on the dragon throne, dressed in a ceremonial robe, a crown reaching to the heavens, a jade belt around his waist, and black boots on his feet.

Every move they made exuded solemnity and reverence.

From the steps below the imperial palace, civil and military officials stood in rows on the left and right, all remaining silent.

According to custom, the meritorious officials who led the expansion of the territory, led by Jiang Zhao, were still waiting for the imperial edict to be proclaimed in a side hall.

"Xuan——"

"Heroes who have contributed to the expansion of the territory pay homage!"

As soon as he spoke, more than twenty officials in charge of expanding the territory entered the hall together.

"Your humble servant Jiang Zhao greets Your Majesty!" Jiang Zhao performed a deep bow.

The remaining twenty-odd key contributors quickly followed suit and paid their respects.

"Rise!" Zhao Zhen gestured for him to stand.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Jiang Zhao stood up, his figure as upright and unmoving as a pine tree, his demeanor calm and confident, exuding a spirited air.

All the civil and military officials looked over in unison.

At the age of twenty-four, he expanded his territory and became a renowned scholar!

What does it mean to be full of vigor and high spirits?

This is what it means to be full of vigor and high spirits!

Zhao Zhen stood up and stood with his hands behind his back.

"Since the royal army began to expand the borders, I have often studied the maps by candlelight at night. Fortunately, you have lived up to my expectations, expanding the territory of the Western Xia and Tubo kingdoms and enhancing the prestige of our Great Zhou."

As he spoke, Zhao Zhen looked down, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration, and he gradually became somewhat excited.