The eighth year of Zhengyong, fifth day of the eleventh month.

Xu Mujun led his personal guard south, killed the Tuoba Clan elder Tuoba Huanmie, killed the chief of Vajra Hall at Tianlong Temple, Fa Jiang, and killed the mysterious cultivator Ban Yuan Lao Dao in Nanyue County.

Liang Hongyu of the Shushan Sword Sect fled in panic.

At the same time, defeated the rebels in Nanyue County, and also arrested his own son Xu Xuanwu, ordered Chen Zhong and Chen Yi to escort Xu Xuanwu back to the Capital City.

As for himself, he entered Nanzhao alone!

The news returned to the Capital City, shaking the Imperial Court.

The eighth year of Zhengyong, tenth day of the eleventh month.

The Great Court.

Lu Xiangqing was the first to speak: “Your Majesty, Grand General Xu is unparalleled in loyalty and courage, he quenched the rebellion in Nanyue County, personally capturing the traitor Xu Xuanwu, such loyalty is… witnessed by heaven and earth!”

“Please confer a title upon Xu Mujun!”

“Please confer a title upon Xu Mujun!”

“Please confer a title upon Xu Mujun…”

Dozens of ministers lined up, bowed, and said.

Zheng Yi spoke: “What title could be conferred?”

Currently, Xu Xuanwu is already Chief of the Cabinet, Grand General, Grand Marshal, Great Pillar, Mangzhou State Governor, Grand Protector, his rank is already the highest for a subject, what more could be conferred?

Lu Xiangqing said: “Title him as Grandmaster, confer nobility!”

“Confer nobility?”

Those below began to discuss, once nobility is conferred, it’s a great honor, shared with the nation.

Given Xu Xuanwu’s current status and achievements, at the very least, he would be granted the title of Count, perhaps even Marquis or Duke wouldn’t be unwarranted.

And once this happens, Xu Xuanwu’s status would immediately differ from many ministers.

From then on, any official, no matter who, would have to bow first upon seeing Xu Mujun.

Moreover, the nobility of the Great Yu Country was largely conferred at the founding of the nation.

After the founding, especially in the last hundred years, very few people have been given nobility.

Even if it was conferred, it only went to Barons, Viscounts and the like, and it wasn’t hereditary but only lasted one generation.

If now Xu Mujun is granted nobility, and if it becomes hereditary, then it truly would be shared with the nation.

As long as the Great Yu Dynasty exists, the Xu Mujun family will forever be nobility!

An entire family would require the support of the Great Yu Dynasty.

After some thought, Zheng Yi said: “Grand General has labored for greatness, loyal and unparalleled, confer… first-class Marquis, as Loyal and Brave Marquis, hereditary title!”

As soon as the words fell, the ministers below began to murmur.

“First-class Marquis? Loyal and Brave Marquis!”

“This title seems a bit unmatched to the Grand General’s military achievements…”

“Hiss! Do you know anything? The world is in chaos now, and His Majesty relies on Grand General Xu for support, if he is granted the title of Duke today, what about the future?”

“True, once there is nothing left to confer, it would be troublesome…”

“We shall call the Grand General Marquis from now on…”

“You understand nothing! Hereditary title! That’s a hereditary title!”

“Our Great Yu has established the nation over three hundred years; aside from a few Lords and Marquis in the early years with hereditary titles, others only decrease gradually.”

“Xu Xuanwu has already been dismissed, what use does a hereditary title have?”

Facing the murmuring diplomatic chorus below, Zheng Yi was unresponsive and continued:

“Additionally, appoint Xu Mujun as Grandmaster, enter court without haste, be addressed without name, ascend with sword and shoes!”

“Wow…”

This time, even more ministers were shocked, and the murmuring grew louder.

“His Majesty is too generous towards the Grand General, don’t you think.”

“Enter court without haste, addressed without name, ascend with sword and shoes, what comes next, could it be the Nine Bestowments?”

“How is that possible! His Majesty is in the prime of life, once Xu Mujun receives the Nine Bestowments, wouldn’t that mean conferring a non-royal prince!”

“His Majesty wouldn’t be so muddled, besides, these are just honors granted to Grand General Xu, Grand General Xu is loyal and unmatched, he would never be disrespectful towards His Majesty!”

“Still just a Marquis, yet His Majesty trusts him this much, once more merits are gained, he might be granted a Duke…”

The ministers discussed fervently, but Zheng Yi didn’t concern himself.

The right to enter court without haste, be addressed without name, and ascend with sword and shoes are special imperial privileges granted to esteemed ministers, or royal privileges.

Enter court without haste: historically, any minister had to bow and walk quickly with small steps when approaching the emperor. Walking out of the Imperial Palace with head held high and long strides certainly wasn’t allowed.

But with the privilege of “enter court without haste,” there wasn’t a need for quick steps anymore.

Smooth steady steps were also a privilege.

Addressed without name: historically, officials had names as well as courtesy names.

For example, Cao Cao, courtesy name Mengde; Liu Bei, courtesy name Xuande; Sima Yi, courtesy name Zhongda; Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming, and so forth.

Cao Cao could be called Cao Mengde, and Zhuge Liang could be called Zhuge Kongming.

From the idiom “directly call one’s name,” it is clear that calling someone’s name was very impolite.

Yet when ministers sought audiences with the emperor, they first waited outside the palace gates, until the herald announced them to the emperor, allowing audiences. After ministers acquired the honor of “addressed without name,” it wasn’t that ministers could bypass the emperor’s permission and burst into the palace directly, but rather the herald wouldn’t directly call their names but refer to their official titles.

For instance, once Xu Mujun attained this honor, when seeking audience with Zheng Yi, the herald would need to refer him as “Grand General Xu requesting an audience” or “Grandmaster Xu requesting an audience.”

Instead of “Xu Mujun requesting an audience.”

This, was an honor, also a privilege!

Third, ascend with sword and shoes: Sword refers to weapon, shoes refer to footwear.

In the Imperial Palace, only the Imperial Guard and the Emperor were allowed to bear weapons; other ministers weren’t permitted to carry weapons when seeking an audience with the emperor.

Moreover, ministers weren’t allowed to wear shoes when seeking audience with the emperor.

Upon receiving the honor of ascending with sword and shoes, ministers could enter and exit the Imperial Palace carrying weapons and wearing footwear.

Thus, it could be proven that the status of ministers who obtained these three privileges was exalted.

The ministers only discussed, but none opposed.

After all, the merits Xu Mujun made this time were indeed significant.

Leading the personal guards south to Nanyue, not only did he kill several innate powerhouses under the rebel king, but he also personally captured his son, Xu Xuanwu, who was one of the largest rebel forces in the south.

You must know, at that time, Xu Xuanwu had occupied Nanyue County, devoured Yunzhou, and coveted Yuezhou as a powerful rebel king.

If given time to swallow Yuezhou, then the three southwestern states could connect and overlook Shuzhou.

In this way, Xu Xuanwu’s forces could become the foremost rebel king.

But now, under the sole leadership of Xu Mujun, Xu Xuanwu’s ambitions were extinguished, and his vast forces crumbled.

With such great contributions, merely a Marquis is already too low a rank.

Zheng Yi said, “Embroidered Uniform Guard, do you have the latest news on Nanyue County and the Grand General?”

Tang Cheng stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, according to the latest intelligence, after quelling Xu Xuanwu’s rebellion, Grand General Xu has fully absorbed his Dragon-soaring Army.”

“And many soldiers who followed Xu Xuanwu have also turned their backs and rallied other county soldiers to guard Yunzhou.”

“Subsequently, Grand General Xu entered Nanyue County, killed the Heimiao Tribe leader, released the Baimiao Tribe High Priest Elder Chenyue, who temporarily commanded Nanyue County.”

“Afterwards, Grand General Xu himself continued south, entering Nanzhao Country’s territory.”

“Nanzhao Country is located south of Nanyue County, with towering mountains and ridges. We have few spies there, so there’s no latest intelligence.”

Zheng Yi asked, “Who is the current commander guarding Yunzhou and Nanyue County?”

“Grand General Xu’s personal guard, Guanshan.”

“Appoint Guanshan as Admiral of Yunyue, overseeing the military affairs of Yunzhou, Yuezhou, and Nanyue County, and to cleanse rebels within the territory!”

“Yes!”

A Ministry of War official stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, the General of Yunzhou is Miaoo Xiu, but Miaoo Xiu is currently guarding Cang Pass in Yongzhou, so…”

“Since it is wartime now, with Yunzhou returned to the Imperial Court, it should be treated specially. After the war, we will reallocate.”

“Understood!”

Zheng Yi took a deep breath and then said, “Gentlemen! The matter of Yunzhou is settled. Once Guanshan pacifies the rebellion in Yunzhou, he can lead the Yunzhou champion south into Shu to join forces with Cui Xiawu’s army to quell King Shu’s rebellion!”

“Order General Jin Peng and North Sea Navy’s General Meng Guang to work together to eradicate the Jingzhou navy.”

All ministers respectfully said, “Your Majesty is wise!”

Zheng Yi continued, “Liu Cheng’en, issue the decree.”

“Understood!”

“Great Yu’s imperial army, fight bravely against the enemy, and I will duly reward you.”

“Those who first climb, charge the enemy lines, cut down generals, or capture flags will be richly rewarded!”

“Your Majesty is wise!”

At this moment, an eunuch hurriedly ran from the side hall but quickly stopped upon seeing Your Majesty was still presiding over the Grand Court, constantly glancing this way.

“Court is dismissed!”

Zheng Yi stood up, and the many ministers waited quietly for Your Majesty to leave before slowly exiting.

“Your Majesty.”

The little eunuch quickly hurried over, and Zheng Yi asked, “What happened, why so nervous?”

“Your, Your Majesty…”

The little eunuch stammered, “The, the Empress has fallen while admiring flowers in the Imperial Garden.”

“Her abdomen is in excruciating pain, and there’s blood leakage. The Imperial Physician said…”

Before the little eunuch could finish, Zheng Yi immediately hurried towards the Harem.

Liu Cheng’en rushed to catch up, urgently shouting, “Prepare the carriage for Kunning Palace!”

Saying this, he gave the little eunuch a slap, gritting his teeth, “Next time something like this happens, inform me first, understand?”

“Y-yes, yes…”

The little eunuch hastily said, “That’s what Godfather said, but it was Lord Lu Jinhai from Kunning Palace who ordered me to directly inform Your Majesty…”

“Lu Jinhai?”

Liu Cheng’en followed closely behind Zheng Yi, whispering, “Someone from the Lu Family, it seems Lord Lu should also know.”

Outside the Imperial Palace, Lu Xiangqing, sitting in a sedan chair, said in surprise, “What did you say? Lin’er fell?”

“How is that possible!”

“The Imperial Garden is swept daily by eunuchs, how could anyone fall?”

“Lin’er has a foundation in Martial Dao, even if pregnant, she couldn’t easily fall.”

“Could it be… someone wants to harm my grandson?”

He furrowed his brows slightly and said softly, “Send a message to the Harem, let them remind Your Majesty.”

“Understood!”

The Lu Family, being a noble family, besides Empress Lu Lin’er, certainly has other Noble Ladies and Beauties in the Harem.

After giving these instructions, Lu Xiangqing hesitated for a moment before letting his servants carry him away.

Soon, his figure arrived at a secret residence.

After making those around him hide, Lu Xiangqing opened the door and walked in.

Inside the residence, a middle-aged man seemed to be waiting for a long time.

“Uncle Lu, you sure made this nephew wait so bitterly!”

The middle-aged man had a round face, his smiling eyes almost squinting into a line.

“Nephew Xiankai, I’ve already said that I won’t get involved in your actions, why are you still pestering?”

Lu Xian Kai chuckled, “Uncle, we’re both part of the Lu Family. That young Emperor Zhengyong is pushing too hard, are you still going to help him?”

“Return to the family and join us. Now our Lu Clan has occupied most of Jizhou, with all the state counties surrendered, having more than 300,000 troops.”

“We haven’t yet marched north to attack the Capital Region, just to force Emperor Zhengyong to abolish his reform.”

“As long as he is willing to abolish the reform, our Lu Family will still be his subjects, right?”

Lu Xiangqing shook his head, “You all are not opponents for the Emperor.”

“Hmm?”

Lu Xiangqing, unwilling to continue explaining, said, “Go back and tell the family, Lin’er is pregnant and about to give birth; we need to place bets on both sides.”

“Once Lin’er gives birth to a Prince, our Lu Family, no matter what, will remain undefeated.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep