Chương 495: Conferring the Title of Duke

Six figures, six brothers who have fought side by side for many years, moved in unison, as if they had rehearsed countless times.

Situ Fang Xuanling, holding a staff, slowly descended the eastern steps.

His court robe swept across the blue bricks, making a soft, rustling sound.

The staff was made of the finest bamboo, wrapped in bright yellow silk, and topped with three strings of white jade beads, symbolizing the emperor's authority.

He walked to the incense table, stopped, took a deep breath, picked up the first document written in cinnabar from the table, and unrolled it.

The hall was so quiet that the faint sound of candle wicks burning could be heard.

Fang Xuanling's voice was as loud as a bell, and every word clearly resounded throughout the entire Deyang Palace:

"On the day of Renshen in the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, the Emperor sent Fang Xuanling, acting on behalf of the Grand Minister of Works, to bestow upon Guan Yu the title of Duke of Jin. He said:" Alas! I believe that every king of antiquity has loyal ministers to help him achieve great things. You, Yun Chang, swore brotherhood with me in Zhuojun, vowing to live and die together, our bond as strong as that of brothers. You are my second brother.

Your righteousness is as high as the heavens, and your courage surpasses that of the three armies... Since I raised the army, you have quelled the Yellow Turban Rebellion, pacified the Wuhuan, conquered Goguryeo, defeated the Xianbei, and broken Dong Zhuo. Your prestige shakes the land, and your achievements are unparalleled.

I hereby enfeoff you as the Duke of Jin, with a fief of ten thousand households and a real fief of three thousand households... I bestow upon you a golden seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a purple ribbon.

You shall all respect this! Assist me in bringing peace to the realm; uphold loyalty and righteousness, and pass on blessings and prosperity to your descendants. Respect this!

Guan Yu's hands trembled slightly as he accepted the document, his forehead touching the ground once more.

"Your subject Guan Yu thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!" The voice was not loud, but it carried a firm strength.

Guan Yu, kneeling on the ground, had slightly reddened phoenix eyes, but still showed no other expression.

Only those who know him well know that this second master is currently burning with passion, as if his heart is on fire.

...

Fang Xuanling picked up the second document, walked up to Zhang Fei, and read it aloud:

"On the day of Renshen in the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, the Emperor sent Fang Xuanling, acting on behalf of the Grand Minister of Works, to bestow upon Zhang Fei the title of Duke of Yan. He said:" Alas! I rose from humble beginnings, and with the help of my brothers, I quelled the chaos. You, Yide, swore brotherhood with me in Zhuojun, vowing to live and die together, our bond as strong as that of brothers, you are my third brother.

You are as fierce as a tiger, your spirit surpassing ten thousand men. From suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion, you charged into battle, invincible and unstoppable; in the eastern campaign against Goguryeo, you captured several cities in succession, conquering every city you attacked and winning every battle you fought...

I hereby enfeoff you as the Duke of Yan, with a fief of ten thousand households and a real fief of three thousand households... I bestow upon you a golden seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a purple ribbon.

You shall all respect this! Guard against your violent and impetuous nature, soothe and guide your soldiers; cherish brotherhood, and together defend our land. Respect this!

When Zhang Fei heard the phrase "restrain from violent and impetuous nature," he secretly stuck out his tongue, which made Zhao Yun, who was standing next to him, unable to help but curl the corners of his mouth.

Zhang Fei thought to himself: "Brother is telling me to be less angry. I'll try my best."

Then he thought to himself: Where did I, Old Zhang, just explode? I just raised my voice a little!

Zhang Fei took the document with both hands, his forehead touching the ground once more.

"Your subject Zhang Fei thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"

...

Fang Xuanling picked up the third document and walked up to Zhao Yun:

"On the day of Renshen in the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, the Emperor dispatched Fang Xuanling, the Grand Minister of Works, to bestow upon Zhao Yun the title of Duke of Dai. He said:" Alas! The world is in chaos, and thus, loyal and brave men emerge. Your son, Zilong, swore brotherhood with me in Zhuojun, and our bond is like that of blood brothers; he is my fourth brother.

You are courageous and resourceful. From suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion, you repeatedly made military achievements, earning the name Zhao Zilong of Changshan, which struck fear into the hearts of the enemy. In the campaigns against the Wuhuan, Goguryeo, and Xianbei, you were always the vanguard, charging into battle, breaking through enemy lines, slaying generals and capturing flags, and never suffering a defeat.

I hereby enfeoff you as the Duke of Dai, with a fief of ten thousand households and a real fief of three thousand households... I bestow upon you a golden seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a purple ribbon.

You should respect this! Maintain a cautious heart... uphold loyalty and righteousness, and be a model for all ages. Reverence!

Zhao Yun accepted the edict with both hands, his eyes slightly reddening. He bowed deeply, his forehead pressed against the cold gold brick, and said in a clear voice, "Your subject Zhao Yun thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"

He recalled the first time he met Liu Ce in Changshan... Now, he was the Duke of Dai.

...

Fang Xuanling picked up the fourth policy document and walked up to Dian Wei:

"On the day of Renshen in the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, the Emperor sent Fang Xuanling, acting on behalf of the Grand Minister of Works, to bestow upon Dian Wei the title of Duke of Chen. He said:" Alas! The ancient evil one has now appeared in you. You, Evil One, swore brotherhood with me in Zhuojun, and our bond is like that of brothers; you are my fifth brother.

You possess the strength to lift a tripod, and your courage is unparalleled. From the suppression of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, you were always the first to charge into battle, leading from the front. From defeating Dong Zhuo and pacifying the Central Plains to the campaigns against the Wuhuan and Goguryeo, you were always the vanguard, slaying generals and capturing flags, invincible wherever you went.

During the northern expedition against the Xianbei, you served as the commander of my personal guards, protecting me day and night, without ever failing.

I hereby enfeoff you as the Duke of Chen, with a fief of ten thousand households and a real fief of three thousand households. I also bestow upon you a golden seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a purple ribbon.

You shall all respect this! Protect my health and safety, be the pillars of the nation; pass on your valiant spirit, be brave generals for future generations. Respect this!

Dian Wei knelt upright, his eyes wide open.

He didn't quite understand those literary phrases, but he understood the words "Duke of Chen".

Dian Wei kowtowed earnestly, his forehead striking the gold brick with a resounding thud: "Your subject Dian Wei thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"

...

Fang Xuanling picked up the fifth policy document and walked up to Qin Qiong:

"On the day of Renshen in the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, the Emperor dispatched Fang Xuanling, acting on behalf of the Grand Minister of Works, to bestow upon Qin Qiong the title of Duke of Ji. He said:" Alas! I have gathered heroes from all over the land to accomplish great things together. Your uncle, Shubao, is the bravest among the three armies...

He came to me in Zhuojun, and has been wholeheartedly devoted to me ever since, prioritizing righteousness and the nation above all else.

From suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion to conquering the Wuhuan and Goguryeo, and from defeating the remnants of Dong Zhuo's forces, you always charged into battle, leading from the front, and slaying over a hundred generals. In the Northern Expedition against the Xianbei, you led your iron cavalry to a great victory, making a significant contribution to the overall victory of the army.

I hereby enfeoff you as the Duke of Ji, with a fief of ten thousand households and a real fief of three thousand households... I bestow upon you a golden seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a purple ribbon.

You shall respect this! Be loyal to the country and assist me in securing the state; be diligent in your duties and you will forever retain your position and emolument. Respect this!

Qin Qiong accepted the document with both hands and kowtowed deeply.

"Your subject Qin Qiong thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!" His voice was steady and powerful, without the slightest tremor.

But those who know him well know that his hands are trembling.

...

Fang Xuanling picked up the sixth document and walked up to Cheng Yaojin:

"On the day of Renshen in the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, the Emperor sent Fang Xuanling, acting on behalf of the Grand Minister of Works, to bestow upon Cheng Yaojin the title of Duke of Lu. He said:" Wow! Good fortune is coming, and great achievements are sure to follow. You are Zhijie, generous and righteous... You have returned to me in Zhuojun, you are astute, you understand the times and destiny, you wholeheartedly assist me, and your loyalty is as clear as the sun and moon.

You led the campaigns against the Yellow Turbans, Wuhuan, Goguryeo, and the remnants of Dong Zhuo, and pacified the southern provinces, achieving victory in every battle. You are my fortunate general, invincible in every campaign.

I hereby enfeoff you as the Duke of Lu, with a fief of ten thousand households... and a real fief of three thousand households. I also bestow upon you a golden seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a purple ribbon.

You should respect this! Abstain from excessive drinking, strictly adhere to propriety and law; maintain a loyal and righteous heart, and share in peace. Respect this!

Cheng Yaojin knelt on the ground, and when he heard the words "lucky general," his mouth stretched almost to his ears in a wide grin.

I thought to myself: A lucky general? That's a good term! From now on, if anyone says that I, Old Cheng, am just a braggart, I'll tell them that I am a lucky general! See, it's written on the imperial edict!

Upon hearing "abstain from alcoholism," he blushed and scratched his head.