Chương 496: Conferring the Title of Duke

He knew that His Majesty had chosen him.

He had drunk too much and acted crazy in the military camp, even dismantling the tents and making a huge fool of himself.

His Majesty is teaching him a lesson.

"Your subject Cheng Yaojin thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!" He kowtowed three times, each time with a solid thud as his forehead struck the gold brick.

After the document was read, the Imperial Censor stepped forward with a gilded tray, on which were placed six heavy gold seals and six purple ribbons.

The golden seal gleamed with a warm luster under the candlelight, and the purple ribbon was bright and dazzling.

The gold seal was made of pure gold, with a tortoise-shaped knob and inscriptions bearing the titles of the individuals. The seal was engraved with a dragon-tortoise knob, symbolizing the noble status of the Duke.

The purple ribbon is a purple silk ribbon tied to the seal, symbolizing a noble status. The purple ribbon with two colors is the standard for the seal of a duke.

Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Qin Qiong, and Cheng Yaojin all accepted the seal with both hands and solemnly pressed it to their chests, as if it were not a seal, but a symbol of their brotherhood over the years, a fruit watered with blood and sweat.

Guan Yu held the golden seal, his fingertips trembling slightly.

He recalled the oath the five of them swore when they became sworn brothers in Zhuojun: "We do not ask to be born on the same day, in the same month, in the same year, but we ask to die on the same day, in the same month, in the same year."

Now that the eldest brother has become emperor, and they have been granted the title of duke, all those vows have been fulfilled.

Zhang Fei held the golden seal, his eyes red-rimmed, and secretly wiped the corners of his eyes with his sleeve.

He recalled his days in Zhuojun. Who could have imagined that one day he would be standing here, receiving the title from his elder brother, the emperor?

Holding the golden seal, Zhao Yun was filled with emotion.

Dian Wei took the golden seal, his hands trembling.

He was so strong that he could easily lift a cauldron weighing hundreds of kilograms, but this small golden seal was so heavy that he almost couldn't hold it steady.

Qin Qiong took the golden seal and ran his fingers over the dragon and tortoise patterns on it.

Cheng Yaojin took the golden seal, secretly weighed it in his hand, and rolled his eyes—hmm, it's heavy enough! I'll take it back as a family heirloom for my son!

"Your subjects, Guan Yu/Zhang Fei/Zhao Yun/Dian Wei/Qin Qiong/Cheng Yaojin, thank Your Majesty for your great favor!"

The six people spoke in unison, their voices resounding throughout the palace.

The Grand Herald stepped forward, carrying a blue-lacquered box wrapped in white thatch, and said in a deep voice, "Receive this land to establish your state!"

The six men accepted the earthen box with both hands, bowed deeply once more, their foreheads pressed against the cold gold bricks for a long time, their voices trembling with barely perceptible sobs: "We, your subjects, dare not fail to repay you with our lives!"

"The six dukes express their gratitude!"

The six men bowed again and kowtowed, shouting in unison, "Your Majesty, we thank you for your great kindness!"

The sound resounded throughout the entire Deyang Palace, and the officials on the red steps outside the palace echoed with shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" The sound shook the heavens.

"Rise," came the master of ceremonies' voice.

The six dukes rose and took their seats in turn at the dukes' seats on the east side of the hall.

After Cheng Yaojin sat down, he secretly took out the golden seal and weighed it in his hand, whispering to Qin Qiong, "Second Brother Qin, it's really heavy! Pure gold! My son will have something to play with now!"

Qin Qiong shook his head helplessly and ignored him.

Cheng Yaojin then hid the golden seal in his sleeve, patted it, and was quite satisfied.

After Zhang Fei sat down, he straightened his court robes and whispered to Zhao Yun, "Zilong, do you think my attire today is imposing enough?"

Zhao Yun smiled slightly: "Third Brother, you look very impressive today."

Zhang Fei stroked his beard with satisfaction.

...

Next is the Duke of the County.

Liu Yu held the imperial staff and read the strategy aloud. His voice was deep and resonant, demonstrating his profound knowledge.

Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Xu Da, Xue Rengui, Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, Jia Xu, and Zhang Liao walked to the area in the hall where they were to receive their titles. They all lifted the hems of their court robes, knelt down, and kowtowed.

They did not share the same sworn brotherhood with His Majesty as the Dukes of the Six Kingdoms, but their contributions were no less significant.

Fang Xuanling was in charge of all officials and formulated regulations. From Youzhou to Luoyang, and from Luoyang to the whole country, every decree came from his pen.

Du Ruhui was quick-witted and his collaboration with Fang Xuanling was seamless.

Xu Da was a brilliant strategist, and he was involved in every major battle, from north to south and from east to west.

Xue Rengui's eastern expedition against Goguryeo... fought so fiercely that the foreign tribes trembled in fear.

Xun Yu oversaw the rear, transporting grain and recommending talented individuals, thus relieving Liu Ce of any worries about the rear.

Guo Jia devised countless ingenious strategies, his plans were flawless...

Xi Zhicai was resolute and resourceful, honest and prudent, and did not covet fame or fortune. He quietly accomplished countless great things.

Jia Xu was well-versed in military strategy and possessed a wealth of ingenious plans, capable of turning the tide of battle with a single scheme.

Zhang Liao was exceptionally loyal and righteous, and he led the northern expedition against the Xianbei...

Liu Yu picked up the first policy document and read it aloud:

"In the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, on the day of Renshen... Fang Xuanling was appointed Duke of Qinghe, with the following decree:" I have pacified the three northern borders and unified the world... How could I have achieved this without the help of my trusted advisors?

Fang Xuanling was a man of profound wisdom and far-sighted strategy. Since I raised my army, he was the first to participate in the strategic planning, leading all officials, establishing regulations, and managing all affairs of state, working tirelessly day and night. He devised plans from afar, achieving victory in the imperial court, his merits surpassing those of civil officials, and his virtue benefiting the entire world.

Now, Xuanling is hereby granted the title of Duke of Qinghe, with a fief of 8, 000 households and a real fief of 2, 000 households. He is also bestowed with a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a purple ribbon.

This proclamation is hereby issued to the entire realm, so that all may know. So be it.

Fang Xuanling kowtowed, accepted the policy document and the imperial seal, his eyes slightly moist.

Liu Yu picked up the second policy document:

"In the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, on the day of Renshen... Du Ruhui was appointed Duke of Fufeng, with the following decree:" In matters of state and military affairs, decisiveness is of utmost importance. In suppressing rebellions and stabilizing the country, I have encountered many difficulties, and I have relied on your swift and accurate judgments to resolve them without any delay.

Therefore, Du Ruhui possessed exceptional insight and understanding of political affairs. He and Fang Xuanling worked together to assist in governance and achieve great things. All matters concerning military deployment, criminal justice, rewards and punishments, and the appointment and removal of officials were decided by Du Ruhui, and his appropriate measures won the hearts of the court and the people.

Now, Ru Hui is hereby granted the title of Duke of Fufeng, with a fief of 8, 000 households and a real fief of 2, 000 households. He is also bestowed with a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a purple ribbon.

This proclamation is hereby issued to the entire realm, so that all may know. So be it.

Du Ruhui received the policy document, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He and Fang Xuanling worked together for many years, one planning and the other making decisions, their collaboration was seamless.

Now that both of them have been granted the title of Duke, the "strategic duo" has achieved their goal.

Liu Yu picked up the third policy document:

"In the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, on the day of Renshen... Xun Yu was appointed Duke of Yingchuan, with the following decree:" Yingchuan is full of extraordinary talents, and you are the most outstanding among them...

Therefore, Xun Yu possessed perfect virtue and was renowned throughout the land. He held a position of great responsibility for several years, pacifying the rear, transporting provisions, and recommending countless talented individuals. This allowed me to focus on my campaigns without worrying about the west; his merit was immeasurable.

Now, Yu is hereby granted the title of Duke of Yingchuan, with a fief of 8, 000 households and a real fief of 2, 000 households. He is also bestowed with a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a purple ribbon.

This proclamation is hereby issued to the entire realm, so that all may know. So be it.

Xun Yu took the policy document.

He was loyal to the Han Dynasty his whole life, and now that he saw Liu Ce revitalize the Han Dynasty, he finally felt relieved.

He deserves the title of Duke of Yingchuan.