Chapter 364: Hereditary Loyal and Valiant Duke, Supreme Commander of the National Military!
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When he arrived, Lin Beifan wasnt in a hurry. When he went back, he remained indifferent.
In this manner, aboard a luxurious ship, while appreciating the scenery along both sides of the river, he leisurely made his way to the capital city.
For the great generals, it was also an exceedingly rare leisure vacation. They spent over a month enjoying sightseeing, without much fighting, yet they managed to achieve great success and gain credit, making many colleagues envious.
With an involuntary gaze towards Lin Beifan, a decision formed within someones heart.
Next time such an opportunity arises, they must join in, stubbornly persist, and no one will be able to stop them.
In the court, the Empress looked at Lin Beifan and the others returning with great satisfaction.
This time, all of you esteemed ministers have accomplished a distant expedition. In less than a month, you have incorporated Darro into our territory, increasing our population by over ten thousand. This is an achievement of expanding our borders. You all shall be richly rewarded! General Sunzuo, where are you?
A general stepped forward confidently, answering loudly, Here!
Your deeds in this expedition merit a promotion by one rank, elevating you to the fourth rank of the court officials.
The Empress named each one, bestowing titles and rewards. Even the lowest rewards included half-rank promotions, as well as gifts of fertile lands, gold, silver, and jewels, each one significant. Everyone who received rewards was delighted, expressing gratitude for the Empresss generosity.
Finally, it was Lin Beifans turn. The most significant contributor to this operation was now Lin Beifan, who had already become the Prime Minister of the court and also the Loyal and Valiant Duke. His official rank had nearly reached its peak, and everyone was curious about what rewards the Empress would bestow.ed minister, once again youve brought surprises to Us! The Empress spoke with a contented tone, In just a year and a half, when you had just ascended the court, you initiated the ambitious Swallowing Python Plan, creating favorable conditions for our Great Wu to subdue Darro. Now, youve led the troops to subjugate Darro, nearly without any cost, greatly expanding our borders. We are extremely gratified and joyful! Therefore
The Empress raised her voice, saying, We still confer upon you the title of Loyal and Valiant Duke! However, we shall add the words Hereditary in front of it!
The expressions of the officials in the court changed one after another! For it was known that there was a significant distinction between being a Loyal and Valiant Duke and a Hereditary Loyal and Valiant Duke.
The Loyal and Valiant Duke is primarily an honorary title, indicating that this individual has achieved significant military accomplishments for the court and thus earned the courts favor. However, if this person were to resist or refuse the title, it would not be bestowed upon them.
On the other hand, hereditary Loyal and Valiant Duke is not only an honor but also a privilege. The term hereditary indicates that the title can be passed down through generations, from father to son, and so on. Holding this title allows one to continuously receive the courts stipends while enjoying substantial power. It also changes the starting point for officials entering the court.
As long as the country remains intact and one avoids committing major offenses, future generations can live comfortably.
Since the founding of Great Wu, there havent been more than five Hereditary Dukes. And now, Lin Beifan is the only one. Yet, considering the vast accomplishments he achieved in expanding the borders, granting him a hereditary title seems quite reasonable.
Lin Beifan exclaimed, Thank you, Your Majesty!
Dont rush to thank me, theres more! the Empress said with a smile.
Lin Beifan was bewildered; what more could there be? Everything had already been achieved!
The Empress spoke loudly, Since the beginning of the year, Prime Minister Lin has led troops into battle five times, always emerging victorious and achieving remarkable military feats! His strategic and combat abilities are unmatched, and he has contributed greatly. Therefore, starting today, I appoint Prime Minister Lin as the Supreme Commander of the National Military, overseeing all military affairs and only reporting to the Emperor!
With this proclamation, the officials were left stunned and astonished! Lin Beifan was already the Prime Minister, and now he was also the Supreme Commander. He held both political and military power. Who else in the world could balance and control him?
Lin Beifan was perplexed, Why are you so certain, Your Majesty?
With Lin Beifans gaze fixed on her, the Empress smiled slightly, Based on my intuition!
Lin Beifan:
Isnt this reason a bit childish?
Your Majesty, can you be more rational and not act so infatuated? Dont burden me so much!
Receiving too much, its not fulfilling! Lin Beifan struggled, Your Majesty
Prime Minister, you need not say more! The Empress waved her hand gracefully, Whether you want to be the Supreme Commander or not, you must be it. Royal orders cannot be defied. Do you wish to rebel against orders?
Lin Beifan was so infuriated he felt faint, his face turning pale. So now, in addition to political affairs, he also had to handle military matters. Was the Empress trying to exhaust him to death?
Thinking of the endless work ahead, the fatigue and toil, he felt like dying! Why is it so difficult to just be a corrupt official who slacks off?
The Empress seemed to see through Lin Beifans thoughts and said with concern, Prime Minister, I have no one else to rely on; I can only inconvenience you.
Lin Beifans eyes welled up with tears, Thank you for understanding, Your Majesty! The officials of the court felt a sense of unease from him, a discomfort throughout his body.
What kind of inconvenience is this?
Clearly, its an opportunity they couldnt hope for even in eighteen lifetimes! If this is considered an inconvenience, let me bear it!
The decision was already made, and the civil and military officials could only accept it. Congratulations to Prime Minister for another promotion! No, we should now address you as Supreme Commander!
The Supreme Commander, the top figure in both military and political matters, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Great Wus history!
Well rely on Prime Minister for guidance in the future!
Lin Beifan waved his hand in despair, saying, No need for congratulations. I feel sad and distressed. I was actually thinking of finding a place to drown my sorrows in wine. Do any of you have a recommendation?
The officials were riled up, their faces turning green in an instant! A stampede of a myriad of thoughts rushed through their minds!
Seated on the dragon throne, the Empress almost burst into laughter, exclaiming loudly, Prime Minister, if you wish to drink, Ill accompany you!
No need, Your Majesty. I can handle it myself. The Empress raised an eyebrow, Prime Minister, are you looking down on me? Are you refusing to give me face?
With a pained expression, Lin Beifan said, Your Majesty, as they say, people have different intentions. I drink to drown my sorrows, while Your Majesty drinks to celebrate. Its probably best if we dont drink together. Otherwise, I might become sentimental and feel more sorrowful as I drink.
The Empress finally couldnt hold back and burst into laughter, saying, Alright, alright! I wont make things difficult for you!
Just then, an elderly eunuch shouted, Your Majesty, the envoy from the Great Yan Empire has come to pay respects!
Lin Beifan was slightly taken aback. An envoy from Great Yan? Were they trying to establish diplomatic efforts to make up for their lack of strength?