Chapter 164 - 135: Enfeoffed as a King
Chapter 164: Chapter 135: Enfeoffed as a King
"...and as Imperial Guard General and General of the Northern Expedition, you will take full command of the war against the Ancient Barbarians."
After the voice finished speaking,
the entire hall instantly fell silent.
Prince Qin. The very land they now stood upon had, in the past, been known as the Qin Territory.
Back then, when the Great Zhou ruled supreme, the ancestor of the Xiao Clan was granted the Qin Territory for his great service to the Imperial Court. At that time, his rank was only that of a Marquis.
After several thousand years of change, the Great Zhou fell. The Xiao Clan intermarried with the Barbarians, eventually becoming the Northern Barbarians of today. To now bestow upon Lu Yuan the title of Prince Qin... this was an incredibly prestigious honor.
The rewards were particularly lavish. Setting aside everything else, a single Spirit Stone Ore mine was enough to make anyone burn with envy.
Among the Northern Barbarians, even within the imperial family, very few could claim sole ownership of a Spirit Stone Ore mine.
Most importantly, he was also given command of the Imperial Guard. One must understand, the fifty thousand strong Imperial Guard were the most elite forces of the Northern Barbarians. This level of favor shown to Lu Yuan went beyond fondness; it was practically doting.
It was a sign of absolute trust.
However, no one commented on these initial rewards. After all, everyone knew their relationship was special. But the position of General of the Northern Expedition was a major issue currently facing the Imperial Court.
It required a direct confrontation with the Shengman.
If he were to lose, the internal situation among the Northern Barbarians would grow even more dire. Everyone knew this.
The Grand Minister of Rites, Xiao Gu, finally stepped forward. "Your Majesty, Lu Yuan has rendered great service to our Northern Barbarians, and he is a junior whom you treat like your own son. This old minister will not comment on the other rewards, but the position of General of the Northern Expedition is of grave importance.
A single misstep could send shockwaves through the Imperial Court. Moreover, Lu Yuan has only just arrived; he should be given some time to rest. Isn’t sending him to the battlefield immediately a bit too hasty?"
It wasn’t that he had anything against Lu Yuan. In fact, he held high hopes for the young man.
But war was not child’s play—people would die.
Furthermore, the Imperial Court was already unstable. In this upcoming battle, even if they couldn’t secure a victory, they absolutely could not afford a crushing defeat.
Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Those nobles ruling their own fiefdoms might seize the opportunity to cause trouble.
"I implore Your Majesty to reconsider!" Even the National Preceptor, Xiao Mie—abbot of Prajna Temple and a man who rarely spoke in the Imperial Court—added in a soft voice.
He looked toward Lu Yuan, his eyes betraying an elder’s concern for a junior.
The Xiao ruler said impassively, "You may not know of Yuan’s past experiences, but I have been watching him. I believe he is more than capable of handling this war.
Besides, as you all know, there is currently no one else in the court fit for the job.
When it comes to powerful masters, our own imperial clan is second to none. But in leading armies, we are inferior to those generals in their remote fiefdoms. That is the very reason they dare to act so presumptuously.
Yuan has a remarkable talent for Military Arrays. I have decided to let him try. This matter is not open for further discussion."
As her voice fell, the hall sank into silence.
Though Lu Yuan was stunned, he couldn’t dwell on it now. He stepped forward and said, "Thank you for your generous rewards, Your Majesty."
"There is no need for such pleasantries with me. A banquet will be held in Jiyin Hall tonight to congratulate Prince Qin. Court is dismissed." With that, the Xiao ruler turned and walked away.
Just then, Xiao Hua came over, a broad smile on her face. "Greetings, Wang."
"Her Majesty’s rewards... I feel a great deal of pressure."
"Did you think just anyone who saved my mother and me would receive such rewards? I told you long ago, we’re family. So don’t overthink it. This is a gift from family, and it’s what you deserve."
Xiao Hua glanced at the sky outside before continuing, "It’s still early, the banquet isn’t until tonight. I’ll take you to see your Prince’s Mansion first, and your Personal Guard.
Mother is so biased. She gave you more guards than she ever gave me.
And you have way more Imperial Steeds, too."
Though she said this, she couldn’t hide the joyful smile in her eyes.
Clearly, seeing her mother treat Lu Yuan so well made her happier than if she had been the one receiving such favor.
"Alright, let’s go then."
As he spoke, Lu Yuan followed Xiao Hua out of the hall.
He, too, was filled with anticipation.