Chapter 72: Advancement to a Higher Rank

Xi Hongxuan spoke with such certainty that Shen Zechuan looked at him sidelong. However, Xi Hongxuan was unwilling to delve deeper into the matter and merely said, "You don't have a proper residence right now, so it's inconvenient for Qi Huilian to stay with you. Why not leave him here with me?"

"You're talking nonsense like a madman. It might not be appropriate for him to stay with you either," Shen Zechuan said calmly. "What do you want with him?"

"According to my thoughts," Xi Hongxuan held up his hand like a knife, "it would be best to finish him off. It's best not to get entangled in those old matters. The more you know, the worse it is." Xi Hongxuan waved his 'hand knife' and looked at Shen Zechuan. "Are you refusing?"

"I naturally refuse," Shen Zechuan replied. "He's an old servant from the Yongyi era and knows much about Shen Wei. There's a use for keeping him around."

If Shen Zechuan had readily agreed, Xi Hongxuan wouldn't have believed him easily. Thus, he mixed seven parts truth with three parts deception to make Xi Hongxuan uncertain.

Sure enough, Xi Hongxuan no longer mentioned the matter of killing. He said, "You still want to investigate Shen Wei's case? You should've told me earlier, Lan Zhou. Why hide this from me for so long?"

"When have I ever hidden things from you?" Shen Zechuan smiled as he picked up the teapot, pouring tea for Xi Hongxuan. "Isn't this matter obvious? As long as Shen Wei's guilt isn't cleared, I can't live a decent life."

"He was convicted with solid evidence, and his infamy has already deeply rooted in people's hearts. Even if the charges are dropped, the public won't be convinced," Xi Hongxuan said. "Such a grave crime of selling the country for personal gain can never be fully washed away. A royal pardon alone won't do. There are countless rumors circulating, and Shen Wei has already been nailed to the stake of public opinion. Poor you, I can only advise you to let this go. It's impossible to explain!"

Shen Zechuan put down the teapot in silence.

Xi Hongxuan noticed the tension in the air and continued, "Now that you're an official Fifth Rank Jin Yi Wei, why should you bother about those idle rumors? Look up, you've done a good job this time, so you're likely to be promoted, right?"

Shen Zechuan replied, "It's still too early to tell. I haven't even settled into my role as the Southern Inspector. Rushing blindly for higher ranks might not be a good thing."

"Both of us need to be cautious this time; it's a life-threatening endeavor," Xi Hongxuan tucked his fox fur coat securely and said. "We must get to the bottom of this matter. They operate in the shadows while we're in the open. If we can't uncover the truth, we'll be vulnerable. This time, I was the target, but what about next time? Be vigilant yourself. I won't stay long today. Lan Zhou, let's meet at the mansion in a few days."

As Xi Hongxuan stood up, he surveyed their surroundings.

"I think the courtyard is fine. If you need money, just inform one of your brothers. Let's put today's incident behind us, shall we?" Xi Hongxuan chuckled, and Shen Zechuan echoed the smile. The two seemed to have reconciled without any lingering resentment, as if their previous exchange was merely playful banter.

After seeing Xi Hongxuan off, Qiao Tianya returned to the yard to find Shen Zechuan standing with his back to the main hall, wiping his hands with a handkerchief.

The slanting sun outside cast a crimson glow on Shen Zechuan's dragon robe. His slightly lowered neck appeared as fair as jade, and he meticulously wiped his slender, unblemished fingers. Despite them being clean, he seemed to detest the act intensely.

"Did he leave?" Shen Zechuan asked, turning his head.

"He got into the carriage," Qiao Tianya stopped a short distance from Shen Zechuan, not approaching further. Instead, he bent down to pick up crushed leaves from the ground, examining them for a moment. "He invited martial arts experts, yet no fight broke out. I suppose Master Ji Gang had taken precautions, and the Grand Tutor didn't resist."

"Master burned his face to conceal his identity, and it was wiser not to act impulsively," Shen Zechuan carefully folded the blue handkerchief. "Mr. Xi Hongxuan cannot remain in his hands for long. We need to devise a plan."

Qiao Tianya crushed the leaf without disturbing Shen Zechuan's contemplation. Suddenly, Shen Zechuan turned around, momentarily dazzled by the setting sun. Still, he didn't flinch or look away, instead fixing his gaze on the magnificent palace.

"Mandate of heaven..." Shen Zechuan murmured, then asked Qiao Tianya, "Who resides within those walls?"

Qiao Tianya followed his gaze and replied, "The Li family."

"No," Shen Zechuan's eyes were cold as he scoffed, "It's a deer—If Zhou loses its deer, all heroes may compete for it[1]. Today you say it's the Li family, but tomorrow I could claim it's any random person. Whoever sits upon that paramount dragon throne is the true heir."

Qiao Tianya prided himself on being unconventional, but he hadn't expected Shen Zechuan to speak so brazenly. Startled, he took a few steps back and gazed at the palace, saying, "Such rebellious words amount to disregard for the law."

"You know there are countless gentlemen in this world, each with unyielding integrity and unwavering loyalty," Shen Zechuan tucked the handkerchief into his sleeve. "Bian Sha Bo Lu Pingyan was known as the 'Wolf and Tiger of the Border City,' sacrificing his wealth to defend the frontier. Despite his noble title, he lived on salted vegetables and taro daily. As for Lu Guangbai, every time war broke out, military funds were always scarce due to his family's strained relations with the Eight Great Houses. Despite his distinguished military achievements, he has yet to receive a title. Is it truly fulfilling to be such a righteous and loyal minister?"

"One must first inquire about one's conscience before seeking satisfaction. To be a principled official, one must set aside personal interests. Feng Yisheng of the Sky-Locking Pass and his entire family died in battle for their loyalty. That is the epitome of righteousness."

The madness that Shen Zechuan had momentarily suppressed surged forth again. Standing tall, he laughed heartily, "Qiao Tianya, you aren't truly rebellious. You're a prisoner of convention, someone capable of being a gentleman."

Qiao Tianya said, "Master—"

The last glow of the sunset sank into the night, casting a gloom that veiled everything, while the withered branches of a pear tree cast ominous shadows on Shen Zechuan's upturned face.

"I believe that someone must play the role of a traitor in this world. I don't subscribe to the idea of fate being predetermined by heaven. If the day comes when a sword is at my throat, let alone Xi Hongxuan, I won't spare even Li Jianheng. The notion of bloodline and legitimacy that Xi Hongxuan preaches is nothing but a foolish dream to me. When the blade passes through the throat, everyone will die, regardless of whether they are a legitimate or a concubine-born child."

In the chilly night, a few mournful cries of crows echoed. Shen Zechuan turned to look at Qiao Tianya.

"My aspirations lie neither with the virtuous nor the righteous. Vengeance is a principle I adhere to, and thus, gratitude should be repaid as gratitude, and wrongs as wrongs. Today, I demand Xi Hongxuan's life for what he has done."

A gust of wind swept away the remaining leaves from the branches.

* * *

The impeachments from the Board of Censors were relentless, targeting Xi Hongxuan, Pan Xiangjie, Wei Huaixing, and even Hai Liangyi one after another. Cen Yu presided over the drafting of the charges, and fierce debates erupted in the court.

Li Jianheng had just awakened from an ailment and had been quiet these days. Sitting in the Hall of Reason to hear state affairs, he allowed them to argue their cases.

Hai Liangyi had been unwell before the epidemic and appeared even more frail recently. He never seemed to find a moment to rest. Hearing the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Finance bickering again, he couldn't help but cough violently.

Li Jianheng promptly said, "Venerable Lord, there's no need to rise. Please speak while seated."

Hai Liangyi bowed and covered his mouth with a handkerchief, composing himself before he spoke. "Yesterday, the cabinet submitted the list of rewards and punishments to His Majesty's desk. If the Emperor finds any discrepancies, you may reject it for further discussion by the cabinet."

Li Jianheng seemed distracted. Hai Liangyi had expected him to evade the matter, but to his surprise, the Emperor paused for a moment before saying, "I have read it, and there are indeed parts I don't fully understand. I would appreciate it if the Prime Minister could enlighten me."

The entire hall was stunned by these words.

Li Jianheng unfolded the document and said, "The Imperial Guards were instrumental in clearing the official drainage channels. Xiao Chiye is already the Commander-in-Chief of the Second Rank, so mere rewards of silver and jade are insufficient."

Hai Liangyi replied, "The expansion of the Fengshan Training Grounds this year has been funded by the Ministry of Finance, which can be considered his major expenditure waived for the year. In my opinion, the rewards are adequate."

Li Jianheng countered, "But he managed the distribution of medicine, isolation of patients, and the drainage project with great efficiency. None of these tasks are insignificant."

Hai Liangyi pondered for a moment and said, "His contributions are genuine, but these tasks couldn't have been accomplished solely by the Imperial Guards. If the favor shown to him is too great—"

"I wish to elevate his title," Li Jianheng closed the document, looking directly at Hai Liangyi. "He is the legitimate second son of the Duke of Libei. If he had gone to battle, he would already hold a title by now."

Hai Liangyi did not respond immediately.

Li Jianheng continued, "These past few days, as I've lain on my sickbed, these thoughts have occupied my mind. I am considering conferring upon Xiao Chiye the title of 'Duke of Settlement.' What do you think, Prime Minister?"

Hai Liangyi replied, "No, Your Majesty. Titles are not granted for non-military achievements. Although Xiao Chiye has made contributions this time, it is far from the point where he deserves a noble title. The Lu family of Qidong has a long history of military service, yet the veteran general, Lu Pingyan, was only granted the title of Marquis of Biansha. Xiao Chiye has neither stabilized borders nor defeated enemies. Bestowing him with a marquisate might not be well-received by the public."

"He had already proven his merit in protecting the imperial entourage during the hunting expedition at Nanlin; this time, he once again displayed unwavering courage in the face of crisis. The fact that the epidemic did not spread is indeed fortunate—this matter concerns the very stability of our capital city, Qudu. Can it not be counted as a meritorious deed? Lord Lu Pingyan of Bashan has repeatedly misappropriated border garrison troops without authorization; he has not been granted an advancement in rank, merely having his merits and demerits offsetting each other. Does my own life hold so little value?" Li Jianheng's eyes reddened as he covered his face, his voice choking with emotion, "Is it truly unacceptable to bestow upon him the title of Marquis as a form of commendation, considering it involves no augmentation of the Forbidden Troops nor the establishment of private authority, but merely an empty title?"

Prince Wei Huaigu had initially intended to impeach Xiao Chiye for privately diverting medicinal resources. However, seeing that the tide of public opinion was not in his favor, he changed his tune and said, "It is only reasonable for His Majesty to think so. Xiao Chiye's decisiveness and fearlessness in the face of crisis deserves commendation. But the Cabinet Minister speaks the truth. In my humble opinion, it would be fitting to first confer upon Xiao Chiye the title of 'Duke of Settlement' as a mark of honor."

"Nay," Hai Liangyi stood his ground firmly, "there is no such rationale. Your Majesty, should you confer a title upon Xiao Chiye today, it would chill the hearts of our veteran border commanders in the future. Military merit alone is the criterion for conferring nobility in our court."

Li Jianheng proposed, "Then we shall first confer a marquis title upon Lu Pingyan and promote him. Next, we'll elevate Xiao Chiye to the rank of viscount. Would the cabinet ministers still object to that?"

He declared the title on a whim, as if it were a child's play.

Hai Liangyi coughed violently, trying to speak up, but Pan Xiangjie beat him to it. Pan Xiangjie hastily said, "This humble servant believes it's a good thing. This is the first imperial conferment since Your Majesty ascended the throne – a great honor. Prime Minister, one should not always adhere rigidly to tradition. Now that he has indeed rendered meritorious service, what harm is there in making an exception just this once?"

Kong Qiu saw the aristocratic families all urging Li Jianheng in unison and couldn't help kneeling, saying, "Your humble servant agrees with the Prime Minister. Your Majesty, Lu Pingyan has exhausted himself defending the borderlands. If he is to be conferred a title, it shouldn't be done so hastily—"

"Hastily? I've asked for your opinions repeatedly, yet you still say I'm hasty!" Li Jianheng threw his sleeves back, rose, and pointed at Kong Qiu. "I see you obey the Prime Minister blindly in court. As a subject, who is your sovereign, and whose subject are you?!"

All the ministers knelt and chorused, "Your Majesty, please calm down!"

Kong Qiu immediately responded, "The Emperor is both my sovereign and father, and I follow His Majesty's commands without question! But bestowing a title beyond one's rank is indeed inappropriate!"

"Yet, I insist on conferring it upon him!" Li Jianheng wailed. "Throughout my trials and tribulations, Cao An has always been there to help me avert disasters. Now, you all object to granting him a title? If the elders in the cabinet have the final say in state affairs, then perhaps they should occupy the throne instead!"

These words were a thinly veiled threat against Hai Liangyi. Hai Liangyi stumbled as he knelt, covering his mouth to suppress a violent cough. He refrained from receiving officials privately or hosting banquets to avoid forming factions. He had poured all his efforts into guiding Li Jianheng, precisely to prevent others from pointing fingers at him. He was a trusted minister, not an arbitrary and overbearing one!

Seeing Hai Liangyi's weakened state, Li Jianheng didn't dare persist with his tantrum. He called for assistance to support Hai Liangyi while still insisting, "Regardless, Xiao Chiye must be conferred a title!"

After the commotion in the Mingli Hall, an imperial edict was issued a few days later, striking like a thunderbolt and eliciting petitions from all corners of the kingdom.

Lu Guangbai received the imperial edict in a border prefecture alongside his father, as Lu Pingyan was elevated to the rank of Marquis. Holding that sacred scroll in hand, he found himself momentarily at a loss for an appropriate expression.

The Lu family has been entrenched in this desert for generations. At the height of his power, Lu Pingyan was known as the "Border Wolf-Tiger," sharing prestige with Xiao Fangxu and Qi Shiyu. Despite his current ailments, he has yet to step aside from the forefront. Now, after enduring until the time of rewards, he finds himself making way for the younger generation.

Xiao Chiye was initially dozing off in his residence when he heard the imperial edict arrive. He got dressed and went out to greet it.

Upon finishing the imperial edict, Fu Man beamed and reached out to support Xiao Chiye, only to find the latter looking unwell and showing no intention of receiving the decree.

—This title of nobility cannot be accepted!

Hai Liangyi spoke the truth. Though Xiao Chiye had distinguished himself in protecting the emperor at the Southern Forest Hunting Ground and played a crucial role in this incident, those accomplishments were vastly different from actual military feats won on the frontlines.

Who was Lu Pingyan?

He was someone who was on a brotherly footing with his father, Xiao Fangxu!

If Hai Liangyi was humiliated to elevate Xiao Chiye, how could Xiao Chiye continue serving in the border garrisons in the future? How could he command respect from others? Most importantly, what would the Lu family think? How could the Xiaos and Lus still be brothers?

Capital, capital – they were trying to pin him, Xiao Chiye, down in Qidu. Li Jianheng had fallen ill, and it seemed he had gone mad!

Xiao Chiye's anger flared up, and he hadn't slept well. He yanked at his half-donned official robe, suppressing his rage. With an expressionless face, he said, "Inform His Majesty that Xiao Ceande is unworthy of such exalted favor and dare not accept this immense imperial grace or the noble title bestowed upon me."