Chương 121: Rewards

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Liu Ce woke up.

It wasn't that he was diligent; he was just too excited to sleep.

He first secretly released Yuchi Gong, Luo Cheng, Shen Wansan, and the ten second-rate talents from the system space and arranged them in a house next to Liu's residence.

As for the Ironclad Pagoda and the Ferghana Horse, save them for later, no rush.

Then, after a quick breakfast, he headed straight for the Prefect's Mansion—which should now be called the Governor's Mansion.

The council chamber was packed with people.

Everyone who came for dinner yesterday is here today, and there are even some new faces—Yuchi Gong, Luo Cheng, Shen Wansan, and the ten second-rate talents that Liu Ce took out from the system space early this morning.

Everyone looked at these new faces with curiosity.

Xun Yu asked Fang Xuanling in a low voice, "Brother Xuanling, who are these people...?"

Fang Xuanling shook his head: "I don't know either. The lord summoned him early this morning, saying he was an old friend."

Guo Jia squinted at Luo Cheng and said, "This kid is really handsome, almost as good-looking as Zilong."

Zhao Yun also noticed Luo Cheng—both were dressed in white robes and silver armor, with similar temperaments, and looked like twins when they stood together.

Yuchi Gong, with his dark face and bushy beard, stood next to Qin Qiong. One was black, the other white; one fierce, the other steady; they complemented each other perfectly.

Shen Wansan, on the other hand, was all smiles, his face radiating the idea that "harmony brings wealth," making him look just like a businessman.

……

When Liu Ce walked in, everyone stood up and bowed: "My lord!"

Liu Ce walked to the main seat and sat down, first introducing the newcomers: "Gentlemen, these are the heroes I befriended during my travels."

He pointed to Yuchi Gong: "This is Yuchi Gong, also known as Yuchi Jingde. He is exceptionally brave and skilled in using double whips."

Yuchi Gong clasped his hands in greeting: "Yuchi Gong greets everyone!"

The voice was loud and clear.

He then pointed to Luo Cheng: "This is Luo Cheng, Luo Gongran, whose marksmanship is unparalleled and whose courage is unmatched by ten thousand men."

Luo Cheng clasped his hands in a graceful gesture and said, "Luo Cheng greets everyone."

Then, pointing to Shen Wansan: "This is Shen Wansan, a business genius who can turn stones into gold."

Shen Wansan smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Shen Wansan, I hope you will all take good care of me in the future."

Finally, pointing to the ten second-rate talents: "These ten are all good at governing the local area, and are proficient in civil administration, food supply, law, and military training."

The ten people said in unison, "Greetings, everyone!"

The people behind greeted each other.

The military officers were very interested in Yuchi Gong and Luo Cheng—Yuchi Gong had a dark face and a steel beard, making him look fierce; Luo Cheng had a fair face and was handsome, but his eyes were sharp.

The two stood there, one in black and one in white, a striking contrast.

Zhang Fei approached Yuchi Gong and said, "General Yuchi, how about we have a match another day?"

"I'm available anytime."

Meanwhile, Zhao Yun and Luo Cheng were already chatting.

Both men wore white robes and carried silver spears; they stood together like brothers.

"General Luo is skilled in martial arts."

Zhao Yun, sensing Luo Cheng's imposing presence, exclaimed in admiration.

"General Zilong is no less impressive," Luo Cheng said with a smile.

"Shall we have a friendly spar another day?"

"I couldn't have gotten it."

Shen Wansan then discussed business strategies with his advisors.

He spoke eloquently about the silk, tea, and porcelain of Jiangnan, captivating Guo Jia completely.

"Mr. Shen," Guo Jia asked curiously, "you said you'd invest in Youzhou... what kind of investment?"

Shen Wansan smiled and said, "Youzhou is sparsely populated but rich in resources. Fur products, medicinal herbs, warhorses... all are good businesses. Moreover, with the Marquis here, the political situation is stable, making it a good time to invest."

That's a brilliant remark; it both praises Youzhou and flatters Liu Ce.

Liu Ce secretly praised: As expected of Shen Wansan, he knows how to talk.

After introducing the newcomers, let's get down to business.

On the left sat civil officials: Zhao Peng, Wang Xiu, Zhou Yi, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, Jia Xu, Chen Gong, Tian Feng, and Ju Shou.

On the right are military generals: Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Qin Qiong, Cheng Yaojin, Lü Bu, Yuwen Chengdu, Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, Huang Zhong, Yu Jin, Zhang He, Yan Liang, and Wen Chou.

There were also newcomers: Yuchi Gong, Luo Cheng, Shen Wansan, and ten second-rate talents—Liu Ce gave them simple and easy-to-remember names: Wen Yi to Wen Wu, Wu Yi to Wu Wu.

The scene was absolutely spectacular.

Liu Ce cleared his throat and took out two imperial edicts from his sleeve.

The hall fell silent instantly.

Everyone stared at the two yellow imperial edicts.

"Guan Yu, receive the imperial decree!" Liu Ce announced loudly.

Guan Yu was taken aback, then quickly realized what was happening. He strode into the hall, knelt down, and said, "This humble general receives the imperial decree!"

His voice was loud and clear, filled with excitement.

Liu Ce unfolded the first imperial edict and began to read:

"An imperial edict was issued in the eighth month of the first year of the Zhongping era:" Guan Yu was renowned for his loyalty and bravery, and was known for his courage and decisiveness. He followed Liu Ce, the Marquis of Champion and General of Chariots and Cavalry, in the campaign against the Yellow Turbans, repeatedly thwarting the rebels' advances and accumulating numerous military merits.

In the Battle of Guangzong, he braved arrows and stones, charging into battle and beheading the rebel leader Zhang Liang... His meritorious service was outstanding, and I greatly admire him.

I hereby issue this edict: Guan Yu is hereby enfeoffed as Marquis of Hanshou, appointed General Who Subdues Bandits, and granted a fief of three hundred households. He shall diligently perform his duties, continue his efforts, and assist Liu Ce in pacifying the prefectures and counties… This is hereby proclaimed throughout the land, so that all may know my will.

August of the first year of Zhongping After the reading was finished, the hall fell silent.

Then, with a "boom," it exploded.

"Marquis of Hanshou! Marquis!"

"A fief of three hundred households! That's a real fief!"

Congratulations, General Guan!

The military officers were green with envy.

In the Han Dynasty, it was not easy to be granted a title of nobility; one could only be granted one with great merit.

Although the title of Marquis of Ting was the lowest rank of marquis, it was still a marquisate! With this title, Guan Yu officially entered the ranks of the nobility.

Guan Yu was stunned and didn't react for a long time.

Zhang Fei panicked: "Second Brother! Receive the imperial decree!"

Guan Yu then came to his senses, raising his hands above his head, his hands trembling slightly. As he received the imperial edict, his voice choked with emotion:

"This humble general... thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness! Thanks to my elder brother for your guidance!"

Liu Ce helped him up and laughed, "Second brother, this is what you deserve... The fire attack at Changshe... the slaying of Zhang Liang at Guangzong... weren't those all great achievements?"

Guan Yu nodded emphatically, his eyes slightly red.

He came from humble beginnings, making a living by selling dates, and never imagined that one day he would be ennobled and appointed as a general.

All of this was thanks to my older brother.

"Big brother..." He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but a thousand words stuck in his throat, and in the end only two words came out, "Thank you."

Liu Ce patted him on the shoulder: "We're brothers, no need to be so polite."

Guan Yu walked back to his seat, and Zhang Fei slapped him on the shoulder:

"Second brother! That's impressive! Marquis of Ting! You're the first among us brothers, besides our eldest brother, to be granted a marquisate!"

Guan Yu rarely smiled: "It's all thanks to my elder brother's help."

Then the second imperial edict was read aloud: "Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Qin Qiong, and Cheng Yaojin, receive this edict!"

The five people stepped forward in unison and knelt in a row.

Liu Ce continued reading:

"An imperial edict was issued in the eighth month of the first year of the Zhongping era:" Zhang Fei was exceptionally brave and valiant; Zhao Yun was loyal and diligent; Dian Wei was fierce and unmatched; Qin Qiong was decisive and resolute; and Cheng Yaojin was resourceful and cunning. These generals followed Marquis Liu Ce in suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion, fighting valiantly at the forefront, breaking through passes and breaching fortifications, their meritorious service is truly invaluable.

I commend their loyalty and bravery, and hereby issue this imperial edict: Zhang Fei was appointed General of Valiant Might, Zhao Yun as General of Auxiliary Army, Dian Wei as General of Deflection, Qin Qiong as General of Unfettered Wilderness, and Cheng Yaojin as General of Subduing Waves.

Each of them diligently performed their duties, strived to achieve merit, and assisted Liu Ce in pacifying the world... This is proclaimed to the world so that all may know my will.

August of the first year of Zhongping The five men received the imperial edict and expressed their gratitude in unison.