Chương 497: Conferring the Title of County Duke

Liu Yu picked up the fourth policy document:

"In the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, on the day of Renshen... Jia Xu was appointed Duke of Wuwei, with the following decree:" Just as there are no fixed formations in warfare, water has no fixed shape. One who can adapt to the enemy's changes and achieve victory is called a master strategist.

Therefore, Jia Xu was deeply versed in military strategy and came up with countless ingenious plans. Since he came to serve me, he has repeatedly offered brilliant strategies, and his plans were flawless. He retired after achieving great success, making him the epitome of wisdom.

Now, Xu is hereby granted the title of Duke of Wuwei, 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.

Jia Xu accepted the strategy document expressionlessly, still maintaining his aloof demeanor.

But those who know him well know that he is actually quite happy. The title of Duke of Wuwei is enough for him to live comfortably in his old age.

Liu Yu picked up the fifth policy document:

"In the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, on the day of Renshen... Xu Da was appointed Duke of Jiujiang, with the following decree:" Having Xu Da is to me what Emperor Gaozu had Han Xin.

Therefore, Xu Da was prudent and resourceful, and his military strategy was divine... He pacified the north, swept away the warlords, and his achievements surpassed those of other generals, yet he was neither arrogant nor boastful. He was truly a model of a famous general.

Now, Feng Da is hereby granted the title of Duke of Jiujiang, 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.

Xu Da accepted the document with a calm expression.

He has never liked to show off, but this honor was indeed hard-won.

Liu Yu picked up the sixth policy document:

"In the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, on the day of Renshen... Xue Li was appointed Duke of Hedong, with the following decree:"... He charged into enemy lines alone, unstoppable, truly a match for ten thousand men!

Therefore, Xue Li was the bravest in the army, and his spirit was boundless. In the eastern expedition against Goguryeo, he captured dozens of cities... In every battle, he always took the lead, breaking through the enemy's defenses and never suffered a defeat.

Ren Gui is hereby granted the title of Duke of Hedong, 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.

Xue Rengui received the policy document, and a surge of emotion welled up in his heart.

Liu Yu picked up the seventh policy document:

"In the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, on the day of Renshen... Zhang Liao was appointed Duke of Yanmen Commandery, with the following decree:" The peace of the North depends on you alone.

Therefore, Zhang Liao, a valiant warrior of Yanmen... followed my campaigns and repeatedly distinguished himself in battle...

Now, Liao is hereby granted the title of Duke of Yanmen, 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.

Zhang Liao took the document, his expression resolute.

His greatest wish in life was to guard the frontier, and now not only has it been fulfilled, but he has also been granted the title of Duke. What more could he ask for?

Liu Yu picked up the eighth policy document:

"In the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, on the day of Renshen... Guo Jia was appointed Duke of Weiyang, with the following decree:" Warfare is based on deception, and its essence lies in the mind. Since I raised my army, I have relied on your ingenious strategies to repeatedly defeat powerful enemies.

Therefore, Guo Jia possesses unparalleled wisdom and strategic acumen, and his insight into matters is crystal clear. Since joining my service, his plans have been flawless, and his actions have always been timely and appropriate. For several years, he has accompanied the army on campaigns without ever suffering a defeat; he is truly my Zhang Liang.

Now, Jia is hereby granted the title of Duke of Weiyang, 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.

Guo Jia took the strategy document with a smile on his lips.

Liu Yu picked up the ninth policy document:

"In the first month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Shenwu, on the day of Renshen... Xi Zhong was appointed Duke of Changshe, with the following decree:" A great building is not constructed from a single piece of wood; a great undertaking relies on the efforts of many wise men.

Therefore, Xi Zhong was resolute, resourceful, and well-versed in governance. He was of pure and cautious nature, and did not covet fame or fortune. For several years, he diligently performed his duties, and his contributions were invaluable.

Now, Zhi Cai is hereby granted the title of Duke of Changshe, 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.

Xi Zhicai took the policy document and whispered, "I am ashamed."

After the document was read, the Imperial Censor stepped forward with a gilded tray, on which lay a heavy gold seal and a purple ribbon.

The nine people accepted it with both hands and solemnly placed it against their chests.

Fang Xuanling accepted the golden seal, his eyes slightly red.

......

Guo Jia accepted the golden seal, and unusually, he put away his playful smile and respectfully bowed.

Jia Xu accepted the golden seal, his expression unchanged, revealing neither joy nor anger.

But he had already begun to plan in his mind: the Duke of Wuwei, with a fief of eight thousand households and an actual fief of two thousand households.

Yes, that's enough.

That's enough to support my whole family.

They can also save some money to buy some land.

However, His Majesty said that land cannot be acquired, so let's buy a house instead.

It seems that housing prices in Luoyang have risen again...

"The nine dukes express their gratitude!"

The nine men bowed and kowtowed simultaneously, shouting in unison, "Your Majesty, we thank you for your great favor!"

The sound resounded through the hall once again, and the officials on the steps outside the hall echoed with shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" The sound shook the heavens.

...

Next up is the county magistrate.

Liu Yu continued to hold the imperial staff and read the policy.

With so many people this time, Liu Yu's voice was a little hoarse. He secretly took a sip of tea and continued reciting:

"Lü Bu, Duke of Jiuyuan County, with a fief of 6, 000 households and a real estate of 1, 000 households. He was granted a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Yuwen Chengdu, Duke of Yongshi County, with a fief of six thousand households and a real fief of one thousand households. He was granted a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Yuchi Gong was granted the title of Duke of Shanwu County, with a fief of 6, 000 households and a real fief of 1, 000 households. He was bestowed with a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Huang Zhong, Duke of Wan County, was granted a fief of 6, 000 households and a real estate of 1, 000 households. He was bestowed with a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Gongsun Zan, Duke of Lingzhi County, with a fief of 6, 000 households and a real fief of 1, 000 households. He was granted a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Zhang He, Duke of Mo County, was granted a fief of 6, 000 households and a real estate of 1, 000 households. He was bestowed with a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Yu Jin, Duke of Juping County, with a fief of 6, 000 households and a real fief of 1, 000 households. He was granted a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Xun You, Duke of Yingyin County, was granted a fief of 6, 000 households and a real estate of 1, 000 households. He was bestowed with a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Cheng Yu, Duke of Dong'e County, with a fief of 6, 000 households and a real estate of 1, 000 households. He was granted a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Xu Shu, Duke of Yangdi County, with a fief of 6, 000 households and a real estate of 1, 000 households. He was granted a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Chen Gong, Duke of Dongwuyang County, with a fief of 6, 000 households and a real fief of 1, 000 households. He was granted a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Tian Feng, Duke of Julu County, was granted a fief of 6, 000 households and a real fief of 1, 000 households. He was bestowed with a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Ju Shou, Duke of Guangping County, was granted a fief of 6, 000 households and a real fief of 1, 000 households. He was bestowed with a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Shen Wansan, Duke of Wucheng County, with a fief of 6, 000 households and a real fief of 1, 000 households. He was granted a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

"Lu Bing, Duke of Haiyan County, with a fief of 6, 000 households and a real fief of 1, 000 households. He was granted a silver seal with a tortoise-shaped knob and a blue ribbon."

The fifteen men walked to the conferment area in the hall, lifted the hems of their court robes, knelt on both knees, and kowtowed.

Liu Yu, holding the imperial staff, read the edict aloud in a loud voice, reciting each name and bestowing each title.