My Cultivation Starting from Archery

The stages in developing Martial Arts and Spells had been achieved.

Next, it was time to go hunting in the mountains.

"I have already written Vice Admiral Yu's petition, and it was sent via the six thousand li Divine Eagle express from the Ministry of Communication, so it should arrive soon."

"I wonder if the Emperor will grant Vice Admiral Yu a proper recognition after reading the petition."

"In addition, I've also included Xu Wencai's contributions."

After the pacification of Ming State.

Those who returned alive from the Reserve Camp received extensive rewards.

Since Xu Wencai had no Cultivation and was not even a military soldier, and only received some gold and silver, it was rather unfair; the old scholar's dream was to be granted a genuine Wolong Title.

However, with Fang Qingyun's outstanding reputation setting a precedent, such an equivalent title seemed difficult to obtain, but achieving a military or scholarly Medal would be good too, one could only try one's best.

Moreover, there was noteworthy news from the Capital City, just before they went to war, there was a new top scholar in the imperial examinations, his old acquaintance, Tang Yingke.

Unexpectedly, that youngster really passed when he said he would take the exam; he truly had some ink in his belly.

...

Capital City.

Longevity Palace.

All members of the Cabinet gathered here.

"Joyous news!"

"Since the war began with Dongqing Country, Marquis of Andong, Meng Quji, has rapidly captured the lands of Eight Prefectures in just two months, now advancing deep into Lai State, with victories one after another, an unstoppable momentum."@@novelbin@@

"In desperation, Dongqing Sect sent Prince Tang with a hundred thousand troops to station in Tongzhou."

"If Prince Tang of Dongqing is defeated next, we could recapture the territories of Lai, Tong, and Ling states in one fell swoop, which includes the fertile lands of two states and Ziwei Mountain." Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire

"Excellent! Whatever Meng Quji needs, fulfill it, gather grain if he lacks grain, allocate funds if he needs funds, as long as he retakes the three states, I shall promote him to State Duke!"

Emperor Longqing was greatly pleased.

After the discussions concluded, he changed the subject, "By the way, regarding Chen Sansi's rewards, what suggestions do all my ministers have? Feel free to share, Yan Liang, Yan Maoxing, you father and son go first."

"In reply to Your Majesty."

Yan Liang, sitting on a small stool, leisurely responded, "Mr. Chen is too young, and his official rank is limited by his Martial Arts Realm, so Your Majesty's grace can only be bestowed through a Medal.

"Furthermore, after ferrying civilians across the river, Mr. Chen had already been conferred the third-rank title of Upper Guard, and now he has achieved such remarkable deeds in Ming State; theoretically, he should directly skip the second-rank, being directly appointed to the Standard Second Rank Upper Guard. Additionally, he already possesses the best Martial Arts Resources, so we can only reward him with some more gold and silver."

"Your Majesty, I agree!"

Yan Maoxing bowed deeply, "An eighteen-year-old Standard Second Rank Protector is extremely rare in our dynasty."

The Minister of War, Gao Bo, concurred, "I second the motion."

"Heh, too low,"

Emperor Longqing interrupted, "I plan to directly grant him the title of Standard First Rank Upper Pillar Country, what do you think?"

A murmur of astonishment.

"Your Majesty, isn't that a bit too high?"

Yan Liang hesitated, "He is only eighteen and has only been serving in the army for just two years; isn't this promotion too rapid?"

"Yes, Your Majesty,"

Gao Bo spoke solemnly, "If such heavy awards are granted at such a young age, he might become arrogant; perhaps start with Second Rank Protector, and then elevate to Upper Pillar Country in three to five years."

"I think nothing is inappropriate!"

The Minister of Rites, the father of Tang Yingke, Tang Ran, spoke up, "General Chen crossed Hongze River four times, and his tactics are now included in the Military Family's art of war; if not for his extraordinary achievements, the insurrection in Ming State wouldn't have been quelled in such a short time!"

"Mr. Tang, public matters are public, and personal matters are personal."

The Minister of Revenue hinted something cryptically but did not elaborate.

Back when Assigned Point happened, they had heard about it.

It was said that Chen Sansi harshly killed Wen Qiushi to avenge Tang Ran's son, Tang Yingke.

But the occasion was different, and many statements needed to be nuanced.

Not like in Liangzhou with Governor Liu and others, who directly argued with Mr. Hou.

"I am discussing public affairs!"

Tang Ran firmly stated, "Your Majesty's decision is extremely wise; Upper Pillar Country is indeed appropriate."

"Crown Prince~"

Emperor Longqing drawled, "What do you think?"

"Father's imperial decision, why should your son interject?"

The Crown Prince, sitting on a stool, expressed his agreement.

Officials below continued discussing.

"He is too young..."

"Yes, even Sun Xiangzong at this time hadn't made a splash yet."

"What if he achieves more in the future?"

"Wouldn't he be made an Earl by the age of twenty?"

"..."

According to the merit system of the Great Sheng Dynasty, beyond the first-rank merit, the ranks ascended to superordinate ranks of Earl, Marquis, Duke, and Prince, each progressively scarcer, with only the Cao Family eligible to be princes. Currently, there were merely two or three State Dukes, Marquises were also scarce, Earls existed in some number, but they were veterans, hence a first-rank Upper Pillar Country appeared very prominent, essentially at an equal status with many veteran old ministers.

"Who lets My favorite general be only eighteen years old!"

Emperor Longqing took out several golden pages from his wide-sleeved Taoist robe and raised them high for everyone to see. "Do you see what this is? Heavenly Book!"

"Dong An did not hesitate to betray Me, betray the Great Sheng, and rebelled just to obtain the Miracle Soldiers Heavenly Book!"

"But Chen Sansi, after obtaining it, showed no greed and immediately submitted it to the court, without any deceit or falsification."

"Such a loyal and good minister, can he not bear a first-rank title of Upper Pillar Country?"

"I intend to show the people of the world, letting him set an example for the young talents across the land."