Chapter 150: Granting Marriage and Conferring Dual Noble Titles
It didn’t matter whether the ministers questioned it or not. Anyway, Emperor Yuanzhen was in a very good mood at the moment. Needless to say, the feeling of going from sadness to joy was obvious.
Although the Beijing army lost tens of thousands of people in this battle, they were all traitors who had no king or leader. They were no different from a cancer and had to be eliminated as soon as possible.
As for those military commanders who were killed by the rebels, they were even more of an obstacle to the strengthening of the Great Zhou army for Emperor Yuanzhen. Now that they are all dead, it can be regarded as an extra joy.
The massive rebellion was originally going to be a catastrophe, but judging from the results now, it might not be a bad thing.
Thinking of this, the emperor could hardly suppress the joy on his face. He looked at Shen Yuan with eyes full of admiration and said, "Huai Zhong is prepared for a rainy day. He is wise and brave. Good, good!"
Emperor Yuanzhen said "good" several times, but he confused the ministers who questioned Shen Yuan.
So many civil and military officials questioned Shen Yuan just now, but they failed to arouse the emperor's suspicion at all?
Chief Minister Yang Yanzhi, Second Minister Sun Xingchang, Minister of Rites Zhou Xian and other civil officials were greatly shocked. They looked at the young boy who had not yet reached the age of twenty with gloomy eyes and mixed feelings in their hearts.
Prince Zheng Chong of Nan'an was filled with jealousy. He had never expected that this boy would be so favored by the emperor.
Shen Yuan said in a clear voice: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. How dare I take all the credit? I have done my best. The rest depends on the officers' dedication and the soldiers' loyalty. Only then can we put down the rebellion with lightning speed."
When Yang Yanzhi, Sun Xingchang and others heard this, they felt even colder in their hearts.
It would be understandable if he was a little arrogant and domineering given the emperor's favor, but he is actually deep and reserved. I'm afraid... he has great ambitions and is a traitor who appears loyal.
Emperor Yuanzhen looked at the resolute and handsome young man and nodded with satisfaction. After a moment, he said, "Shen Huaizhong is alert and vigilant. He anticipated the enemy and suppressed the rebellion. He has made great contributions to the country, the court, and the army. He should be promoted to the first-class male. What do you think?"
As soon as this statement came out, everyone in the court was shocked.
The rebellion had just been quelled, but the emperor was so anxious to commend Shen Yuan for his merits, and he even skipped several levels and promoted him to the rank of first-class male.
According to the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, there are five ranks of nobility: duke, marquis, earl, viscount and baron. Among them, duke, marquis and earl are super-rank titles, viscount is the first rank, and baron is the second rank. Each title is divided into three grades.
Shen Yuan's current rank is the third-class Yunwu General of the third grade, above which there is the second-class General of the second grade, the first-class General of the second grade, and then the fifth-class rank.
According to this calculation, if Shen Yuanruo was promoted from a third-class general to a first-class male, it could be said that he was promoted five levels in a row, which had never happened since the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
If it was just an honorary title, it would still be fine, but this young general commands powerful troops and possesses real power. Once he is promoted to a noble, his power will surely increase greatly. This is what the civil servants are really afraid of.
Emperor Yuanzhen also had some plans for this. Currently, the Beijing Camp was leaderless, and the emperor intended to support Shen Yuan to take charge of the Beijing Camp. Without the corresponding rank and status, it would be difficult for him to control the generals of the Beijing Camp.
The Golden Throne Hall was silent for a short moment. Yang Yanzhi's expression suddenly changed. He stepped out and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely not allowed! Although Shen Yuan has made some contributions, he is also loyal to the emperor. How can you promote him so arbitrarily? Moreover, according to the ancestral system of our dynasty, no one can be promoted to the fifth rank unless he has made great contributions to the country. I beg your majesty to think twice!"
In the hundred years of the Great Zhou Dynasty, apart from the descendants of founding military heroes who inherited the title, there were only a handful of people who were promoted to the fifth rank based on military merit. Even if there were, they were all over 40 years old. How could a teenager who had not even reached the age of twenty be promoted at will?
Second Assistant Sun Xingchang also said: "I, an old minister, also feel that this is unacceptable. He has been promoted to the fifth rank before he even reached the age of twenty. This has never happened in the hundred years of the Great Zhou Dynasty."
Speaking of ancestral rules, Minister of Rites Zhou Xian became excited, his eyes sparkling. His Confucianism of loyalty to the emperor made him dare not blame the emperor, but he regarded Shen Yuan as a traitor who broke the law. He said righteously: "Without rules, there will be no order; without etiquette, there will be no country. The laws of our ancestors cannot be violated, and Shen Yuan must not be granted the fifth-class title!"
Several senior cabinet ministers took the lead, followed by civil officials who followed suit.
"Old minister seconded the proposal!"
"I second the proposal!"
"..."
In the eyes of these civil servants, this was an act that violated the rules and orders. Even if it angered the emperor, they would never obey the order!
What they said sounded high-sounding, and perhaps they also thought so in their hearts, but deep down they inevitably wanted to suppress the military officers for the selfish interests of the civil service group.
At this time, Yu Qian, the Minister of War, looked indifferent and said in a deep voice: "Have you ever thought that if Shen Yuan hadn't been here today, the rebels would have already entered Shenjing City. If that were the case, I don't know how many people in the city would have suffered, and your colleagues' homes would not have been spared. I think Shen Yuan's contribution is enough to be promoted to the fifth rank of nobility."
Yu Qian was also one of the four cabinet ministers, a Grand Secretary of the Wuying Palace, and also a member of the emperor's party. Naturally, he had to stand up and speak for Shen Yuan at this time. He also believed that it was not an exaggeration for Shen Yuan to be awarded the first-class baron for this merit.
Everyone was shocked when they heard this. When they first learned about the rebellion in the Beijing camp, they had the same worry. What would happen to their families once the rebels entered the city?
Thinking of this, some ministers looked at each other and said no more.
However, Sun Xingchang still did not care and said: "Even so, I think that promoting him to the rank of first-class general is enough to reward his merits."
Zhou Xian was also unyielding, his expression became serious, and he advised: "I think what Lord Sun said is very true. If Your Majesty ignores Youyou's words and insists on issuing an order, I am willing to die to advise you."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanzhen looked at the civil officials with a slightly cold gaze. He regarded these people as his loyal ministers, but as long as it was not in their interests, these people would jump more and more fiercely. It seemed that he was still too kind.
The emperor was about to speak angrily, but he heard Shen Yuan say: "Your Majesty, I have a favor to ask you."
Emperor Yuanzhen turned his eyes to the blood-armored young man and asked in confusion, "What's the matter? Huaizhong, just tell me."
Facing the curious gazes of the emperor and all the civil and military officials in the court, Shen Yuan bowed to the dragon throne and said thoughtfully: "I beg your majesty to grant me marriage."
When everyone heard this, they were all shocked.
Granted marriage? What kind of marriage?
Didn’t Shen Yuan just get married three months ago?
It seemed that His Majesty personally presided over the event at that time.
"Grant a marriage?" Emperor Yuanzhen confirmed that he had heard correctly and became even more confused. Perhaps he guessed that Shen Yuan was asking for permission on behalf of someone else, so he asked, "Grant a marriage to whom?"
Shen Yuan said: "Jiang Qiu'er, the daughter of the Jinling governor, married this humble minister."
These words shocked everyone again. For a moment, the entire Golden Palace was silent, and everyone began to chew on Shen Yuan's words.
Shen Yuan wanted to marry the daughter of Jiang Zhongnian, the governor of Jinling, but he already had a wife.
However, there have been precedents in the past hundred years of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Emperor Taizong once granted a marriage to a married and trusted minister, conferring on the woman a title of imperial edict and treating her as his legitimate wife.
It seems that Shen Yuan wanted to emulate this ritual and ask for an imperial decree to confer a title on his beloved woman, treating her as his equal wife.
However, the Jiang Qiuer that Shen Yuan mentioned is not an ordinary person. She is the only daughter of the Governor of Jinling. You may be willing, but Jiang Zhongnian may not be.
Emperor Yuanzhen also thought of this. Jiang Zhongnian was also his trusted minister. He regarded him as the future prime minister. It would be inappropriate for him to create a rift between him and Jiang Zhongnian just to show his favor to Shen Yuan. "Has Huaizhong discussed this matter with Jiang Qing?"
Shen Yuan said bluntly: "Never."
After a moment of silence, he continued, "Your Majesty can set a condition for granting the marriage. If I cannot obtain Lord Jiang's approval, I cannot force Jiang Qiu'er to marry me."
In fact, now is not the best time to request a marriage, but this matter can be used to avoid making it difficult for the emperor to confer a title.
Being promoted too quickly might not be a good thing for Shen Yuan.
There will be many opportunities for him to make meritorious deeds in the future, and he is still young. If he continues at this speed, it will not be long before he will have no more titles to offer. Reaching a high position at such a young age is not a long-term solution for him and Emperor Yuanzhen, the emperor and his minister. It would be better to use the marriage to offset the merits of the rebellion.
After hearing this, Emperor Yuanzhen thought for a while and understood Shen Yuan's intention. When he looked at the young man again, there was a little more smile in his eyes. A hero loves a beautiful woman, so he was willing to help the lovers.
After thinking for a while, the emperor said in a deep voice: "Draft an edict. Shen Huaizhong has made great contributions in suppressing the rebellion in the capital camp. He will be promoted to the first-class Yunwu general, and his wife Shen Xue will be promoted to the second-class imperial edict.
In addition, Shen Huaizhong was given the title of the third-class Yunxiao General, and Jiang Qiuer was granted marriage to him, and the Jiang family was given the title of the third-rank imperial edict, but this matter needs to be approved by Jiang Zhongnian before it can be finalized. "
Upon hearing the imperial edict from Emperor Yuanzhen, everyone was stunned and speechless. Strange things happen every year, but today there are especially many.
What does the emperor mean by this?
After hearing the first half, they thought that His Majesty had compromised and only promoted Shen Yuan to the rank of first-class general. But after hearing the second half, all the ministers in the court were confused again.
If you want to grant the marriage, just grant it, but why did you confer on Shen Yuan the title of third-class General Yunxiao? Isn't this... one person getting two titles?
Does this mean... that in the future, Shen Yuan's two branches will each inherit a title?
In this way, this arranged marriage really set a precedent.
Shen Yuan was also surprised at this time. He originally requested the marriage because he wanted Emperor Yuanzhen to have a way out in front of all the ministers in the court. He only promoted him to the rank of first-class general.
However, he did not expect that the emperor not only granted him the marriage, but also gave him a title. This was really unexpected.
But Shen Yuan thought again and felt that the emperor's move seemed to kill two birds with one stone. Not only was it a favor to him, but it also took Jiang Zhongnian's face into consideration.
In this way, the daughter of the Jiang family not only has the status of a royal decree, but can also inherit a title, and outsiders have no reason to ridicule her.
When Shen Yuan looked at Emperor Yuanzhen again, there was more gratitude in his eyes. Although it was because he had made great contributions, he should remember the kindness of an emperor who could think so carefully for him.
But Emperor Yuanzhen's move really made it difficult for a group of ministers.
Before Shen Yuan could thank him, Yang Yanzhi said, "Your Majesty, this is not right. The promotion to the first-class general and the granting of marriage are enough to commend Shen Yuan's contribution. How can you give him another title?"
Zhou Xian, the Minister of Rites, also said righteously: "Your Majesty, how can this be possible! There has never been such a precedent in the Great Zhou Dynasty for one person to be conferred two titles. The laws of our ancestors cannot be disrupted. I will fight to the death..."
Before he could finish, Emperor Yuanzhen said sternly: "Gentlemen, there is no need to say more. This is the imperial decree, the golden words, not discussed with you. I have already made a compromise, and you gentlemen should not push it any further!"
Seeing that the emperor was really angry, the ministers had to suppress their opposition in their hearts and said nothing more.
But does this count as a compromise, Your Majesty?
He exchanged a first-class baron for a first-class general and a third-class general. So, did Shen Yuan get more or less?
Everyone was confused at the moment, they just hoped Jiang Zhongnian would not agree to this marriage. As long as Shen Yuan's marriage to the Jiang family failed, his title of third-class general would naturally be invalid.
When many people think of this, they start to have some plans in their minds.
Shen Yuan ignored these people's thoughts. He took a step forward, bowed to Emperor Yuan Zhen, and said, "Your Majesty, I, Shen Yuan, thank you for your grace. Long live the emperor."
"Huaizhong, please don't be polite." Seeing Shen Yuan's grateful look, Emperor Yuanzhen's eyes were also somewhat satisfied, and he said to the young man in front of him: "Huaizhong should work diligently in the future."
There seemed to be tears in Shen Yuan's eyes, and he said with a choked voice: "Your Majesty's kindness to me is as great as the sky and the earth. I will do my best to repay you for your cultivation."
These words were somewhat pretentious, but for now, there was nothing much to say about Emperor Yuanzhen's favor to him.
Even though the matter was settled, Emperor Yuanzhen turned his eyes to Yu Qian and said, "Yu Qing, the merits of suppressing the rebellion this time should be carefully sorted out by the Ministry of War. All meritorious officers and soldiers should be rewarded without neglect."
"I obey your order." Yu Qian bowed in response.
We have just experienced a major mutiny, and the most important thing is to stabilize the military morale. At this critical moment, why should we be stingy with rewards?
After explaining this, Emperor Yuanzhen looked around at his ministers and said, "My Lords, today's court meeting ends here. Everyone, please disperse. Huaizhong will stay."
All the civil and military officials in the court responded in unison, and left the Golden Palace one after another, leaving the palace in groups of three or five, talking in low voices.
Among them, Prince Nan'an Zheng Chong was in a particularly hurried pace. Such a big change had happened in the Beijing camp, and all the military honors in the city were in mourning. It was time for him to have a good discussion with the major military honor families.
After the civil and military officials left, Emperor Yuanzhen looked at Shen Yuan and said, "Huaizhong, after this battle, how many soldiers are left in the Beijing camp?"
"Excluding the rebels that have been wiped out and taking into account the vacancies, it is estimated that the Beijing Camp will only have about 100,000 people left."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanzhen was inevitably shocked. The vacancy situation was more serious than he had imagined. The original quota of the Beijing Camp was 200,000, but now there was only half of that.
After a moment of silence, the emperor said worriedly: "The most urgent task is to replenish the troops as soon as possible. Regarding the future development of the Beijing Camp, what good plans does Huaizhong have?"
Shen Yuan hesitated for a moment and replied, "Your Majesty, I think... the quality of the soldiers is more important than the quantity. The Beijing garrison may not need 200,000 men."
Today's battle has further proved this point: having more people may not be useful; the key still lies in combat power.
Moreover, the national treasury is now empty, so the limited military funds should be used more effectively.
"What Huaizhong said makes sense." Emperor Yuanzhen thought for a moment and said in a deep voice, "I intend to let you take over the post of governor of the Beijing Camp. What do you think, Huaizhong?"
"Your Majesty." Shen Yuan was silent for a moment, then said, "I think that instead of filling the vacancies in the Beijing Camp, it would be better to expand the new army. The mission of the Beijing Camp is to protect the capital, while the responsibility of the new army is to defeat the Japanese invaders."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanzhen fell into deep thought. He could naturally understand what Shen Yuan meant. The young man in front of him expressed his thoughts tactfully. After a long silence, the emperor finally made a decision.
(End of this chapter)
It didn’t matter whether the ministers questioned it or not. Anyway, Emperor Yuanzhen was in a very good mood at the moment. Needless to say, the feeling of going from sadness to joy was obvious.
Although the Beijing army lost tens of thousands of people in this battle, they were all traitors who had no king or leader. They were no different from a cancer and had to be eliminated as soon as possible.
As for those military commanders who were killed by the rebels, they were even more of an obstacle to the strengthening of the Great Zhou army for Emperor Yuanzhen. Now that they are all dead, it can be regarded as an extra joy.
The massive rebellion was originally going to be a catastrophe, but judging from the results now, it might not be a bad thing.
Thinking of this, the emperor could hardly suppress the joy on his face. He looked at Shen Yuan with eyes full of admiration and said, "Huai Zhong is prepared for a rainy day. He is wise and brave. Good, good!"
Emperor Yuanzhen said "good" several times, but he confused the ministers who questioned Shen Yuan.
So many civil and military officials questioned Shen Yuan just now, but they failed to arouse the emperor's suspicion at all?
Chief Minister Yang Yanzhi, Second Minister Sun Xingchang, Minister of Rites Zhou Xian and other civil officials were greatly shocked. They looked at the young boy who had not yet reached the age of twenty with gloomy eyes and mixed feelings in their hearts.
Prince Zheng Chong of Nan'an was filled with jealousy. He had never expected that this boy would be so favored by the emperor.
Shen Yuan said in a clear voice: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. How dare I take all the credit? I have done my best. The rest depends on the officers' dedication and the soldiers' loyalty. Only then can we put down the rebellion with lightning speed."
When Yang Yanzhi, Sun Xingchang and others heard this, they felt even colder in their hearts.
It would be understandable if he was a little arrogant and domineering given the emperor's favor, but he is actually deep and reserved. I'm afraid... he has great ambitions and is a traitor who appears loyal.
Emperor Yuanzhen looked at the resolute and handsome young man and nodded with satisfaction. After a moment, he said, "Shen Huaizhong is alert and vigilant. He anticipated the enemy and suppressed the rebellion. He has made great contributions to the country, the court, and the army. He should be promoted to the first-class male. What do you think?"
As soon as this statement came out, everyone in the court was shocked.
The rebellion had just been quelled, but the emperor was so anxious to commend Shen Yuan for his merits, and he even skipped several levels and promoted him to the rank of first-class male.
According to the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, there are five ranks of nobility: duke, marquis, earl, viscount and baron. Among them, duke, marquis and earl are super-rank titles, viscount is the first rank, and baron is the second rank. Each title is divided into three grades.
Shen Yuan's current rank is the third-class Yunwu General of the third grade, above which there is the second-class General of the second grade, the first-class General of the second grade, and then the fifth-class rank.
According to this calculation, if Shen Yuanruo was promoted from a third-class general to a first-class male, it could be said that he was promoted five levels in a row, which had never happened since the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
If it was just an honorary title, it would still be fine, but this young general commands powerful troops and possesses real power. Once he is promoted to a noble, his power will surely increase greatly. This is what the civil servants are really afraid of.
Emperor Yuanzhen also had some plans for this. Currently, the Beijing Camp was leaderless, and the emperor intended to support Shen Yuan to take charge of the Beijing Camp. Without the corresponding rank and status, it would be difficult for him to control the generals of the Beijing Camp.
The Golden Throne Hall was silent for a short moment. Yang Yanzhi's expression suddenly changed. He stepped out and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely not allowed! Although Shen Yuan has made some contributions, he is also loyal to the emperor. How can you promote him so arbitrarily? Moreover, according to the ancestral system of our dynasty, no one can be promoted to the fifth rank unless he has made great contributions to the country. I beg your majesty to think twice!"
In the hundred years of the Great Zhou Dynasty, apart from the descendants of founding military heroes who inherited the title, there were only a handful of people who were promoted to the fifth rank based on military merit. Even if there were, they were all over 40 years old. How could a teenager who had not even reached the age of twenty be promoted at will?
Second Assistant Sun Xingchang also said: "I, an old minister, also feel that this is unacceptable. He has been promoted to the fifth rank before he even reached the age of twenty. This has never happened in the hundred years of the Great Zhou Dynasty."
Speaking of ancestral rules, Minister of Rites Zhou Xian became excited, his eyes sparkling. His Confucianism of loyalty to the emperor made him dare not blame the emperor, but he regarded Shen Yuan as a traitor who broke the law. He said righteously: "Without rules, there will be no order; without etiquette, there will be no country. The laws of our ancestors cannot be violated, and Shen Yuan must not be granted the fifth-class title!"
Several senior cabinet ministers took the lead, followed by civil officials who followed suit.
"Old minister seconded the proposal!"
"I second the proposal!"
"..."
In the eyes of these civil servants, this was an act that violated the rules and orders. Even if it angered the emperor, they would never obey the order!
What they said sounded high-sounding, and perhaps they also thought so in their hearts, but deep down they inevitably wanted to suppress the military officers for the selfish interests of the civil service group.
At this time, Yu Qian, the Minister of War, looked indifferent and said in a deep voice: "Have you ever thought that if Shen Yuan hadn't been here today, the rebels would have already entered Shenjing City. If that were the case, I don't know how many people in the city would have suffered, and your colleagues' homes would not have been spared. I think Shen Yuan's contribution is enough to be promoted to the fifth rank of nobility."
Yu Qian was also one of the four cabinet ministers, a Grand Secretary of the Wuying Palace, and also a member of the emperor's party. Naturally, he had to stand up and speak for Shen Yuan at this time. He also believed that it was not an exaggeration for Shen Yuan to be awarded the first-class baron for this merit.
Everyone was shocked when they heard this. When they first learned about the rebellion in the Beijing camp, they had the same worry. What would happen to their families once the rebels entered the city?
Thinking of this, some ministers looked at each other and said no more.
However, Sun Xingchang still did not care and said: "Even so, I think that promoting him to the rank of first-class general is enough to reward his merits."
Zhou Xian was also unyielding, his expression became serious, and he advised: "I think what Lord Sun said is very true. If Your Majesty ignores Youyou's words and insists on issuing an order, I am willing to die to advise you."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanzhen looked at the civil officials with a slightly cold gaze. He regarded these people as his loyal ministers, but as long as it was not in their interests, these people would jump more and more fiercely. It seemed that he was still too kind.
The emperor was about to speak angrily, but he heard Shen Yuan say: "Your Majesty, I have a favor to ask you."
Emperor Yuanzhen turned his eyes to the blood-armored young man and asked in confusion, "What's the matter? Huaizhong, just tell me."
Facing the curious gazes of the emperor and all the civil and military officials in the court, Shen Yuan bowed to the dragon throne and said thoughtfully: "I beg your majesty to grant me marriage."
When everyone heard this, they were all shocked.
Granted marriage? What kind of marriage?
Didn’t Shen Yuan just get married three months ago?
It seemed that His Majesty personally presided over the event at that time.
"Grant a marriage?" Emperor Yuanzhen confirmed that he had heard correctly and became even more confused. Perhaps he guessed that Shen Yuan was asking for permission on behalf of someone else, so he asked, "Grant a marriage to whom?"
Shen Yuan said: "Jiang Qiu'er, the daughter of the Jinling governor, married this humble minister."
These words shocked everyone again. For a moment, the entire Golden Palace was silent, and everyone began to chew on Shen Yuan's words.
Shen Yuan wanted to marry the daughter of Jiang Zhongnian, the governor of Jinling, but he already had a wife.
However, there have been precedents in the past hundred years of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Emperor Taizong once granted a marriage to a married and trusted minister, conferring on the woman a title of imperial edict and treating her as his legitimate wife.
It seems that Shen Yuan wanted to emulate this ritual and ask for an imperial decree to confer a title on his beloved woman, treating her as his equal wife.
However, the Jiang Qiuer that Shen Yuan mentioned is not an ordinary person. She is the only daughter of the Governor of Jinling. You may be willing, but Jiang Zhongnian may not be.
Emperor Yuanzhen also thought of this. Jiang Zhongnian was also his trusted minister. He regarded him as the future prime minister. It would be inappropriate for him to create a rift between him and Jiang Zhongnian just to show his favor to Shen Yuan. "Has Huaizhong discussed this matter with Jiang Qing?"
Shen Yuan said bluntly: "Never."
After a moment of silence, he continued, "Your Majesty can set a condition for granting the marriage. If I cannot obtain Lord Jiang's approval, I cannot force Jiang Qiu'er to marry me."
In fact, now is not the best time to request a marriage, but this matter can be used to avoid making it difficult for the emperor to confer a title.
Being promoted too quickly might not be a good thing for Shen Yuan.
There will be many opportunities for him to make meritorious deeds in the future, and he is still young. If he continues at this speed, it will not be long before he will have no more titles to offer. Reaching a high position at such a young age is not a long-term solution for him and Emperor Yuanzhen, the emperor and his minister. It would be better to use the marriage to offset the merits of the rebellion.
After hearing this, Emperor Yuanzhen thought for a while and understood Shen Yuan's intention. When he looked at the young man again, there was a little more smile in his eyes. A hero loves a beautiful woman, so he was willing to help the lovers.
After thinking for a while, the emperor said in a deep voice: "Draft an edict. Shen Huaizhong has made great contributions in suppressing the rebellion in the capital camp. He will be promoted to the first-class Yunwu general, and his wife Shen Xue will be promoted to the second-class imperial edict.
In addition, Shen Huaizhong was given the title of the third-class Yunxiao General, and Jiang Qiuer was granted marriage to him, and the Jiang family was given the title of the third-rank imperial edict, but this matter needs to be approved by Jiang Zhongnian before it can be finalized. "
Upon hearing the imperial edict from Emperor Yuanzhen, everyone was stunned and speechless. Strange things happen every year, but today there are especially many.
What does the emperor mean by this?
After hearing the first half, they thought that His Majesty had compromised and only promoted Shen Yuan to the rank of first-class general. But after hearing the second half, all the ministers in the court were confused again.
If you want to grant the marriage, just grant it, but why did you confer on Shen Yuan the title of third-class General Yunxiao? Isn't this... one person getting two titles?
Does this mean... that in the future, Shen Yuan's two branches will each inherit a title?
In this way, this arranged marriage really set a precedent.
Shen Yuan was also surprised at this time. He originally requested the marriage because he wanted Emperor Yuanzhen to have a way out in front of all the ministers in the court. He only promoted him to the rank of first-class general.
However, he did not expect that the emperor not only granted him the marriage, but also gave him a title. This was really unexpected.
But Shen Yuan thought again and felt that the emperor's move seemed to kill two birds with one stone. Not only was it a favor to him, but it also took Jiang Zhongnian's face into consideration.
In this way, the daughter of the Jiang family not only has the status of a royal decree, but can also inherit a title, and outsiders have no reason to ridicule her.
When Shen Yuan looked at Emperor Yuanzhen again, there was more gratitude in his eyes. Although it was because he had made great contributions, he should remember the kindness of an emperor who could think so carefully for him.
But Emperor Yuanzhen's move really made it difficult for a group of ministers.
Before Shen Yuan could thank him, Yang Yanzhi said, "Your Majesty, this is not right. The promotion to the first-class general and the granting of marriage are enough to commend Shen Yuan's contribution. How can you give him another title?"
Zhou Xian, the Minister of Rites, also said righteously: "Your Majesty, how can this be possible! There has never been such a precedent in the Great Zhou Dynasty for one person to be conferred two titles. The laws of our ancestors cannot be disrupted. I will fight to the death..."
Before he could finish, Emperor Yuanzhen said sternly: "Gentlemen, there is no need to say more. This is the imperial decree, the golden words, not discussed with you. I have already made a compromise, and you gentlemen should not push it any further!"
Seeing that the emperor was really angry, the ministers had to suppress their opposition in their hearts and said nothing more.
But does this count as a compromise, Your Majesty?
He exchanged a first-class baron for a first-class general and a third-class general. So, did Shen Yuan get more or less?
Everyone was confused at the moment, they just hoped Jiang Zhongnian would not agree to this marriage. As long as Shen Yuan's marriage to the Jiang family failed, his title of third-class general would naturally be invalid.
When many people think of this, they start to have some plans in their minds.
Shen Yuan ignored these people's thoughts. He took a step forward, bowed to Emperor Yuan Zhen, and said, "Your Majesty, I, Shen Yuan, thank you for your grace. Long live the emperor."
"Huaizhong, please don't be polite." Seeing Shen Yuan's grateful look, Emperor Yuanzhen's eyes were also somewhat satisfied, and he said to the young man in front of him: "Huaizhong should work diligently in the future."
There seemed to be tears in Shen Yuan's eyes, and he said with a choked voice: "Your Majesty's kindness to me is as great as the sky and the earth. I will do my best to repay you for your cultivation."
These words were somewhat pretentious, but for now, there was nothing much to say about Emperor Yuanzhen's favor to him.
Even though the matter was settled, Emperor Yuanzhen turned his eyes to Yu Qian and said, "Yu Qing, the merits of suppressing the rebellion this time should be carefully sorted out by the Ministry of War. All meritorious officers and soldiers should be rewarded without neglect."
"I obey your order." Yu Qian bowed in response.
We have just experienced a major mutiny, and the most important thing is to stabilize the military morale. At this critical moment, why should we be stingy with rewards?
After explaining this, Emperor Yuanzhen looked around at his ministers and said, "My Lords, today's court meeting ends here. Everyone, please disperse. Huaizhong will stay."
All the civil and military officials in the court responded in unison, and left the Golden Palace one after another, leaving the palace in groups of three or five, talking in low voices.
Among them, Prince Nan'an Zheng Chong was in a particularly hurried pace. Such a big change had happened in the Beijing camp, and all the military honors in the city were in mourning. It was time for him to have a good discussion with the major military honor families.
After the civil and military officials left, Emperor Yuanzhen looked at Shen Yuan and said, "Huaizhong, after this battle, how many soldiers are left in the Beijing camp?"
"Excluding the rebels that have been wiped out and taking into account the vacancies, it is estimated that the Beijing Camp will only have about 100,000 people left."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanzhen was inevitably shocked. The vacancy situation was more serious than he had imagined. The original quota of the Beijing Camp was 200,000, but now there was only half of that.
After a moment of silence, the emperor said worriedly: "The most urgent task is to replenish the troops as soon as possible. Regarding the future development of the Beijing Camp, what good plans does Huaizhong have?"
Shen Yuan hesitated for a moment and replied, "Your Majesty, I think... the quality of the soldiers is more important than the quantity. The Beijing garrison may not need 200,000 men."
Today's battle has further proved this point: having more people may not be useful; the key still lies in combat power.
Moreover, the national treasury is now empty, so the limited military funds should be used more effectively.
"What Huaizhong said makes sense." Emperor Yuanzhen thought for a moment and said in a deep voice, "I intend to let you take over the post of governor of the Beijing Camp. What do you think, Huaizhong?"
"Your Majesty." Shen Yuan was silent for a moment, then said, "I think that instead of filling the vacancies in the Beijing Camp, it would be better to expand the new army. The mission of the Beijing Camp is to protect the capital, while the responsibility of the new army is to defeat the Japanese invaders."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanzhen fell into deep thought. He could naturally understand what Shen Yuan meant. The young man in front of him expressed his thoughts tactfully. After a long silence, the emperor finally made a decision.
(End of this chapter)
