Chapter 1439: 1434: It’s Safer with Her Protection

The next morning, the Duke of England dressed in his court attire and entered the palace. Today is the grand court audience.

Normally, only officials of the fifth rank and above attend court meetings, but for the grand court audience, all officials in the capital of the ninth rank and above must attend.

There is usually a grand court audience when a major event occurs or on the first day of the new year.

The Duke of England walked slowly forward, and all the officials waiting outside the palace gates respectfully lowered their heads and saluted as he passed.

At the proper hour of the rabbit, the officials were already standing outside the palace gates.

With the sound of the morning drum, the palace gates opened, and the officials formed two lines to walk inside.

Civil servants in one line, military officers in another.

The Duke of England was at the forefront of the military officers, with Jiang Youzhi leading the civil servants.

Officials below the sixth rank were not qualified to enter the main hall and could only stand outside.

The officials stood on both sides of the main hall, the Emperor entered and sat on the dragon throne, the eunuch snapped the whip three times, and the morning court began.

Everyone was aware that today’s morning court was primarily about merits and rewards.

This war expanded the territory to a size larger than the original realm of Great Chu.

Such achievements are akin to founding a new empire, reaching a point where rewards are challenging to confer.

The Duke of England first stepped forward and handed over the Commander’s Seal.

The Commander’s Seal allows the mobilization of troops across the realm; with the war ended, it must naturally be handed back to the Emperor, as tradition dictates.

The eunuch carefully received the Commander’s Seal and presented it to the Emperor, who gave a nod without further attention.

Then the Emperor spoke: "This time, in the annihilation of Da Jin, which took two years and doubled the territory of Great Chu, the Duke of England and General Lin Shuo have accomplished meritorious deeds."

"All the soldiers have contributed and deserve to be rewarded based on merit."

After speaking, the Emperor gestured to Mei Hanlin.

Mei Hanlin, holding the decree that had been prepared long ago, stood on the steps below and read aloud.

"Since ancient times, emperors have relied on military ministers to settle the realm..."

"Duke of England Jiang Zhongxing is granted the title of King Qi of Great Chu, hereditary and unalterable, with a reward of ten thousand taels of gold..."

"General of Cavalry Lin Shuo is granted the title of King Yan of Great Chu, hereditary and unalterable..."

The officials standing below had some understanding; the Duke of England and General Lin’s enormous achievements meant that being granted the title of king was inevitable. However, Great Chu does not have a feudal system, so even though they are granted royal titles, there are no domains. The titles are more about status, of course, the stipend will be greater.

Normally, a noble’s favor ends after five generations.

For instance, if Jiang Zhongxing is granted the title of King Qi, then his future heirs like Jiang Youzhi would inherit a lesser title as Duke Qi, and You Er would be Lord Qi, followed by a Marquis, and Earl.

After five generations, the title would no longer be passed on.

The officials especially envied the four words that come after being granted the title of king: hereditary and unalterable.

Hereditary and unalterable means that as long as Great Chu exists, Jiang Zhongxing’s descendants can inherit the title for generations, and will always be King Qi.

This shelter for future generations is the best reward.

Next came the rewards for the various generals, everyone was promoted and rewarded with gold, silver, and jewels.

Jiang Che and Lin Ziqi were also granted the rank of fourth-grade General Guide and Cloud General.

Congratulations echoed throughout the court, and everyone looked at the two young generals with envy.

These two young men are now generals, and will be kings in the future; the key is both are still under twenty, and if anyone could secure them as a son-in-law, they’d hit the jackpot!

Once Mei Hanlin finished reading, the newly appointed King Qi Jiang Zhongxing stepped forward, "Your Majesty, I have a petition."

"Having fought for years, living in the harsh elements, my health has suffered numerous ailments, and I fear I need prolonged rest. May Your Majesty grant permission for me to resign from the position of Commander of the Imperial Army."

Holding out a memorial with both hands, the eunuch promptly took it and presented it to the Emperor.