Chapter 213: Awards, Land Exchange, Promotion, and the Fortune Golden Dragon! (6K)

The awarding procedure had long been pointed out by Jia Pu.

Upon returning on the twenty-fourth of the second month, Zhao Xing and the others had to do three things every day: bathe and change clothes, burn incense to dispel evil, and wait for the awards.

Once the awards arrived, they would not need to be in a frantic rush.

During the flight into the sky, many envious gazes from below were cast upward.

Because only generals with over a million battle merits received such treatment: being guided to the Tianxin Hall for worship.

Those at the eighth or ninth rank, with low battle merits, basically just received a commendation document issued by the Haizhou Military Department, and the distribution of rewards from the Soldier Realm's Grotto-Heaven was all that was needed.

Yangcheng was very large; among the ten stationed armies, there were quite a few with over a million battle merits.

Zhao Xing glanced casually and discovered that nearly a thousand people were ascending into the sky together, most of whom were sixth rank, with seventh rank being a minority.

Zhao Xing's current realm had also reached the early stage of the Sixth Rank's Tian Gang Realm.

He had previously entered seclusion in the Spirit Sacrifice Hall specifically to break through before the awards.

If one did not reach the sixth rank, then during this awarding, the great power of the nation's fortune would help him advance, wasting part of that great power on the realm, leaving less to be distributed onto lifespan and fortune.

The fighting ended at the end of the twelfth month; by now it was mid-second month, and Zhao Xing's breakthrough to the early stage of the Tian Gang Realm was considered smooth.

"Voom~"

The flight speed was very slow; the appearance of this Jin Guang was meant to make those below envious and give face to those above.

Moreover, each Jin Guang would enlarge the appearance of the guided person in the sky.

After everyone entered the hall, a sound would be emitted, reaching everyone's ears, equivalent to turning on the "Global Megaphone" of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

After a quarter of an hour, Zhao Xing and the others were finally all absorbed into the Tianxin Hall.

After entering the Tianxin Hall, the procedure was the same as previous promotions: first bow to the Taizu and the Wen Emperor, then see the Jing Emperor seated high upon the Wang Zuo.

The Jing Emperor still appeared as a giant, but compared to when awarding ninth-rank officials, Zhao Xing could now see his full form clearly.

The Tian Di Mian Fu worn by the Jing Emperor consisted of three parts: the Mian Crown, the Mian Robe, and the Pendant Accessories.

First was the Mian Board on the Mian Crown, called "??", long in shape, slightly rounded at the front edge, and square at the rear, metaphorically representing the round sky and square earth.

The jade tassels hanging from the front and rear edges of the Mian Crown were like a curtain, just enough to obscure part of the Emperor's face.

Doing this served two purposes: first, to maintain the Emperor's mystery; second, to require the Emperor not to always stare at foreign lands, but to lower his head and look more at domestic conditions. The phrase "see but not see" originated from this.

The pendant accessories called "Chong Er" hanging on both sides of the Mian Crown metaphorically signify that those adorned with them should not hear slanderous and flattering words; the phrase "turn a deaf ear" was derived from this.

The entire Mian Crown was black; this was the configuration for the Son of Heaven attending court. If personally leading an expedition, one would wear the Tian Di War Helmet, don the Ren Huang Armor, and wield the Ren Huang Sword.

The Imperial Mian Crown was paired with the Tian Di Xuan Yi; the upper garment and the two sleeves had a black base.

Embroidered with dragons, phoenixes, qilin, and other auspicious beasts.

The belt was white; the "?? Chang" was red; brown and white separated the "?? Chang" into two parts, representing Heaven and Earth respectively.

The Jing Emperor was in a kneeling-sitting posture, with both hands placed on the areas of the "?? Chang" representing the "Heaven Department" and the "Earth Department," symbolizing the holding of Heaven and Earth!

The Tian Di Mian Fu was also decorated with patterns; the upper garment patterns were painted, while the lower garment patterns were embroidered. Among the patterns, the Twelve Symbols were the most precious; no other Wang Hou, ministers, or common people were allowed to embroider the Twelve Symbols.

The Twelve Symbols of the Tian Di Mian Fu were mountains, sun, moon, stars, fire, dragon, axe, rice, sea waves, drums and music, black birds, and temples, symbolizing the Emperor's achievements and virtues.

Zhao Xing only saw the Jing Emperor's lips and nose bridge, unable to see his full facial features.

However, whether one could see or not actually did not matter.

The Imperial Mandate of Heaven caused the Jing Emperor's appearance to vary greatly in the hearts of every subject.

Once one became Emperor, no one knew what his true appearance was.

But when seen in a formal setting, one could immediately know this was the Emperor.

After one glance, everyone lowered their heads slightly, no longer gazing directly at the Imperial Majesty.

After bowing to the Jing Emperor came a show-off procedure: praising merits.

"Hu Jiao Army, Wei Hong."

From the Wang Zuo, Jin Guang rippled, and a solemn voice transmitted.

"Your subject is here!"

A person stepped out in the hall and knelt to the ground.

"In the third month of the seventeenth year of Jing Xin Era, you led the army to utterly defeat the barbarian 'Tian You Tribe', beheading one hundred and fifty-seven enemy chieftains and forty-eight thousand seven hundred and twenty enemy soldiers..."

The Jing Emperor began to recount in detail the merits Wei Hong had established.

At the same time, a solemn voice also transmitted from the outside world.

"... Hu Jiao Army's Wei Hong, with outstanding battle merits, is promoted three ranks, advanced to the Hou Jue title, and enfeoffed as 'Jian Gong Hou'."

"Granted two million seven hundred and eighty thousand mu of land, a fief of two thousand seven hundred and eighty households, awarded the 'Zhi Yong' paired swords, and two Blue Dragon Leopards... advanced to Gong Yi Da Fu, with five merit levels added to honor his achievements!"

When praising merits, only the most outstanding battles were briefly mentioned, but the enfeoffment, rewards, and grants were all stated in full, forming a very long string.

Wei Hong's battle merits were two million seven hundred and eighty thousand, insufficient to be enfeoffed as a Wu Hou, so he was enfeoffed as a Third-Rank Hou Jue.

For a Third-Rank Hou Jue, the title was usually named after the fief, but there were distinctions; if it was to commend achievements and contain the Emperor's expectations, like Wei Hong, it would be enfeoffed as Jian Gong Hou.

This was one tier higher than those named after the fief; although there was no substantial difference, this was a form of glory.

"Your subject Wei Hong, bows to thank the Imperial Grace; may Your Majesty live forever and boundless!"

After a pause, the Jing Emperor called the next person.

"Helian Lie!"

"Your subject is here!"

"In the sixth month of the seventeenth year of Jing Xin Era..."

The waiting time was very long; Zhao Xing also listened carefully.

Those who could enter the Tianxin Hall had now all reached the Hou Jue threshold, though some had titles that were rather mediocre or even funny.

For example, one named 'Zhang Ping' had a Hou Jue title named after his fief, and that county was located in the 'Bagalulu' County of the Jiu Tian Ying Yuan Fu.

The Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture had not yet had time to rename this county, so this person was enfeoffed as 'Marquis Bagalulu'.

No one would mock him, because most marquis titles were like this; not just this time, many marquis titles of the Great Zhou were strange and peculiar.

Generally, when encountering such tongue-twisting or very long titles, one does not address them directly by the full title, but rather by prefixing the surname to 'Marquis', or by using a shortened form.

For instance, this Zhang Ping would be called 'Marquis Zhang' or 'Marquis Ba', while subordinates would address him directly as 'My Lord Marquis'.

Idle marquis of the Great Zhou walked everywhere, only the first and second-rank Wu Hou held some weight. Because Wu Hou were basically generals with actual power; once enfeoffed, they would inevitably hold great authority, and they must pass the Fifth Rank threshold, with first-rank marquis usually being Fourth Rank.

As for non-royal family members being enfeoffed as Kings, that was rare; only those in the upper three ranks had the opportunity.

Commandery Princes among the royal Wangshi Sect were quite numerous, while Kings were equally rare.

It was only during the period of the Great Zhou's collapse that they became rampant, but by then, the title of King carried no more bonus; being enfeoffed yielded little luck nourishment, and was even a burden.

"Shenwei Army, Zhao Xing."

When Zhao Xing's name was called, it was already the morning of February 27th.

"Your subject is present."

Zhao Xing stepped out of the line, knelt on the ground according to the procedure; at this moment, no bowing was required. One had to wait until the enfeoffment and rewards were finished before kowtowing, meaning the head must touch the ground.

Old Master Zhao had no psychological burden; he only hoped the Great Boss, Emperor Jing, would not bestow some strange and peculiar title.

"On June 25th of the 17th year of the Jingxin Era, you killed the enemy chieftain Pati of the Sha Clan, saving the Town-Sea Army's supply city from peril."

"In July of the 17th year of the Jingxin Era, you completed a total of thirty-four advancement missions, planted Blood Origin Fruits and Heart Worm Grass, and met the needs of the Eastern War Zone..."

"On August 27th of the 17th year of the Jingxin Era, you infiltrated Huolong Pass and successfully retrieved the rare spiritual seed 'Earth Fire Lotus'..."

"In September of the 17th year of the Jingxin Era, you cultivated a Fifth-Rank Earth Fire Lotus, providing materials for Fire-Repelling Magical Robes for the grand army."

"In September, you crossed the Flame Mountain with the army and destroyed the 'Round Moon City' inside Huolong Pass..."

"In December of the 17th year of the Jingxin Era, you broke the Soul-Confusing Formation and provided military supplies for the 140,000-strong grand army..."

"Zhao Xing of the Shenwei Army, your military merits are outstanding. You are promoted three ranks, advanced to the Marquis rank, and enfeoffed as 'Marquis Yuanrang'!"

"Granted land of 165,000 mu, and a fief of 1,650 households."

"Awarded one 'Hu Jun' command baton, two Green-Eyed Dragon Lions, one Qilin Flying Boat, and a pair of Jade Ruyi..."

"Advanced to District Council Physician, added six merit ranks, to honor your achievements!"

After Emperor Jing finished speaking, Zhao Xing immediately kowtowed and shouted loudly: "Your subject Zhao Xing, kowtows to thank Your Majesty's grace; may Your Imperial Majesty live forever and boundless!"

On February 28th, Zhao Xing came out of Tianxin Hall, finally ending this long ceremony of enfeoffment and rewards.

This was merely the court worship and merit-praising segment; the enfeoffment and rewards were for the noble rank, the loose rank, and the loose official position.

The true official position enfeoffment would still come later, formulated by the Military Realm, the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture Military Department, and the Shenwei Army's main general, then entering the Divine Temple once more to receive the nation's luck enhancement.

There were still many specific details; for instance, Zhao Xing now owned 160,000 mu of land, but this land could not all be inferior fields.

Additionally, the items Emperor Jing awarded—the 'Hu Jun' command baton, two Green-Eyed Dragon Lions, one Qilin Flying Boat, and a pair of Jade Ruyi—were all extra gifts.

The official robes, sash seals, and all equipment for becoming a Sixth Rank official still needed to be reconfigured.

For an official of the middle three ranks, the procedure was much more complex.

However, regardless, a small goal had finally been achieved.

"What a fine Marquis Yuanrang! Congratulations, congratulations." After Zhao Xing flew down, many people came to congratulate him.

Among them were his old friends from the Geography Institute, Zhuang Ziqing and Cao Shuang, as well as Han Bing, Wang Ji, and Che Shihai.

"'Rang' means abundant crops and thriving prosperity; it fits your style quite well, Big Brother," Che Shihai praised.

"The Green-Eyed Dragon Lion is a cave-heaven strange beast! Having them as mounts would be too cool!" Cao Shuang said enviously, "I have only seen them twice."

"The Qilin Flying Boat is also non-saleable; it is a symbol of status and glory. Just by displaying this official demeanor, when you go to those small county towns in the future, the local magistrates will have to kneel to welcome you."

"Damn it, treat us, treat us," Zhuang Ziqing said. "Hurry up and treat the brothers to a big feast."

"Among the sixteen-year Agricultural Bureau reserve forces of the Ten Yang Cave-Heaven, only Zhao Xing fared the best; now he is a Sixth Rank official and has become a Marquis."

This matter was certainly worth a grand celebration; among the entire reserve force, only Xia Jing and Zhao Xing had surpassed one million military merits and were enfeoffed as Marquis.

Talents like Shi Yong and Fu Ying from back then could not reach Zhao Xing's height.

"No problem," Zhao Xing smiled. "Once I finish these few days, I will hold a banquet at the Eighteen Locust Willow Courtyard; you all must come then!"

After the enfeoffment, there was still much to do, starting with the issue of the fief.

Zhao Xing found Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Xia Jing to discuss.

Old Chen's title was Marquis Yuanzhen, and Long Xiao's title was Marquis Yunxiao.

Chen Shijie's rank reached the lower part of the official Sixth Rank, and Long Xiao was the same.

Because both of their previous formal ranks were the upper part of the official Seventh Rank, now they had both been promoted three ranks consecutively.

Xia Jing's starting point was the same as Zhao Xing's; back then, completing the mission meant the lower part of the official Seventh Rank, and now, promoted three ranks consecutively, he reached the upper part of the Vice Sixth Rank.

The previous temporary positions were all temporary promotions by the main generals of their respective armies; they only conferred authority without elevating the status level.

"The enfeoffed land will be formulated jointly by the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture and the Haizhou Army Department, reported to the thirty-three Kings of the Military Realm for review. Once submitted, as long as there are no violations of regulations, it usually will not be sent back."

"As far as I know, most of this time's Marquis fiefs are placed in the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture, with a minority in the interior. The land grades are converted by proportion; that depends on luck," Xia Jing spoke first, as he was most clear on this matter.

"Is there any manipulated space inside?" Zhao Xing asked.

Xia Jing nodded: "Yes."

"For people like you and me, who are not Marquis enfeoffed with a fief tied to the title, we are one step higher and have room for negotiation."

"If the fief and the title are bound together, then there is no way; there is no choice."

Zhao Xing nodded: "Can I exchange everything to the interior?"

Xia Jing asked strangely: "Why do you want to exchange everything over?"

"Although in the short term the land is not as good as in the interior regions, in the long run, our Great Zhou is at the height of its power. The Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture will become a fertile land in the future."

"Because by then, policies will inevitably shift towards the Yingyuan Prefecture to carry out large-scale development, and these lands will all appreciate in value."

Long Xiao and Chen Shijie also looked at Zhao Xing strangely.

They never imagined that Great Zhou would suffer such a crushing defeat this time, ultimately losing half of the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture as well.

Now it is a great victory; in less than two years, we have expanded our territory by over ten thousand li!

In a few more years, perhaps the Southern Barbarians will be annihilated. At that time, the Yingyuan Prefecture will surely increase in value. Why would we want to exchange it?

Zhao Xing had originally intended to make up some excuse to brush them off, but since these three were quite close to him, he shared a bit of his true thoughts: "You only see the great victory and only consider this single outcome. Have you considered other possibilities?"

"What do you mean?" Xia Jing frowned, asking, "Do you think the Great Campaign against the Barbarians will end in defeat? Our dynasty has experienced a millennium of accumulation under Emperor Wen, and the current Sovereign has governed with diligence for several hundred years, producing generations of talent with a strong army and powerful horses. I truly cannot imagine any possibility of defeat."

"But what if?" Zhao Xing said, "Take history as a mirror. The Central Land of Shenzhou has always possessed only the eighteen provinces. What if our dynasty also fails to conquer the Southern Barbarians?"

Seeing Xia Jing about to argue again, Zhao Xing waved his hand, saying, "Do not rush to argue with me. I am merely stating that there is a possibility. If we place all our land within the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture, we would suffer a massive loss."

"An estate of one or two thousand households is a considerable sum of money every year. If it is lost, the imperial court will not compensate us again."

"I do not lack money," Xia Jing pondered, "but since you say so, I will exchange half of mine for land in the interior. This is easy to arrange. Currently, many people wish to have a foothold in the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture. If you wish to exchange, speak directly to me. Yang An's words may not carry as much weight as my father's."

"I want to exchange everything, preferably in the eastern part of Haizhou," Zhao Xing said.

"The east? Do you intend to become an Island Lord?" Chen Shijie asked in surprise, "It seems you have long been drawn to coastal cities."

When they were in Gucheng, Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie had discussed the female deity Biya Yuanjun. At that time, Zhao Xing had mentioned Zixiao Island and asked if the *Water Book* was kept there.

"It is not necessary to become an Island Lord. I have simply never seen the great ocean and wish to go there to see it," Zhao Xing said. "Old Chen, you should exchange your land there as well. Above the great ocean, weather patterns change frequently. You know this; weather patterns spanning a century, or even a millennium, mostly occur over the sea."

"Perhaps if we exchange to the East Sea region, we might encounter treasure."

Chen Shijie looked at Zhao Xing's eyes, nodded, and said, "Very well. After all, it is merely an estate; it truly does not matter where it is. So I will exchange there as well. Hereditary Prince, when you handle the operation, is it possible to bind my land and Zhao Xing's together?"

Long Xiao immediately said, "And me, and me! How did you two forget me? I also want to exchange and join you."

"Brother Long, are you not exchanging for your hometown?" Xia Jing asked in surprise. "It is a fine opportunity to return home in glory."

Long Xiao shook his head, saying, "My hometown, Pingze County, was submerged by a great flood at the end of the Dingxin Era. My mother died in the flood, and my father contracted consumption. Later, he took me to live with my uncle, but he passed away in the tenth year of the Jingxin Era."

"Most of my relatives are gone. I have only one elder sister, who has married into another commandery. I would indeed like to return home in glory, but my hometown must still exist first."

"With no hometown and no acquaintances left, who would you show off to? The air?"

Xia Jing could not help but want to laugh, yet he felt this was a sad matter and should not be laughed at, so he forcibly held it back.

"All three of you want to exchange to the East Sea region? Brother Zhao, are you not exchanging some land to Nanyang Commandery?"

Zhao Xing shook his head, saying, "No need. I will simply buy some land in Gucheng when the time comes."

In truth, Zhao Xing had no intention of buying land in Gucheng.

When the time came, he would also move Zhao Zheng, Lady Cai, and Zhao Ruide away.

This was because when Liang Wang rebelled, all regions of Haizhou would suffer disasters, not only from war but also from natural calamities.

A direct royal prince rebelling in Haizhou would have a massive impact on the nation's fortune. At that time, Haizhou would be in turmoil. Although it would be suppressed in just two short years, one must fear the collateral damage.

To the east of Haizhou lies the East Sea. Zhao Xing remembered that area would not be affected. Besides, he intended to work there in the future, so it was best to exchange his land there early.

"In that case, I will also acquire a piece of land there," Xia Jing said, stroking his chin. "I always feel that following you will make one rich. Although I do not lack money, hahaha."

Exchanging fiefdoms is only feasible during this period.

Afterwards, if the campaign against the Southern Barbarians goes poorly, the value of the land in the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture will drop significantly, and no one will be willing to exchange.

Exchanging now, many will be willing to agree, simply to eat the expected policy dividends.

After the exchange, perhaps one piece of land could expand into ten. Naturally, many people would be willing to make such a deal!

With the fiefdoms resolved, the matter of official posts remained.

After the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Prefecture sought Yang An's opinion, Yang An then sought Zhao Xing's opinion: "Preliminarily, you are to be promoted to the 'Guard Commander' of the lower Sixth Rank."

"Zhao Xing, do you have any thoughts?"

"I leave it entirely to the General's decision," Zhao Xing said, clasping his hands.

Yang An, the one with the severed arm, smiled and said, "Very well, then that shall be the official post."

The responsibilities of this position are flexible and varied; one can do anything. In the future, when transferring Zhao Xing, no formal procedures will be needed; he can be moved wherever needed.

Chen Shijie will be the 'Army Administration Commander' of the official Sixth Rank, lower, and Long Xiao will be the 'Rites Commander'. All three can command armies independently.

The military assigned official posts to these three, all vaguely implying a desire to continue using them in subsequent wars.

But Zhao Xing did not care about this. He knew that the eighteenth year of Jingxin would not increase the intensity of the war; training soldiers was still required.

He could also gain some military merit, raising his merit rank and personal rank. At that time, there would be plenty of ways to extricate himself.

Showing loyalty to the imperial court now, speaking with lofty righteousness, could also pave the way for his future method of escape.

With the official posts finalized and reported to the Three Kings, the final review was quickly approved.

Zhao Xing arrived at the temple within the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven to complete the final step of his promotion—receiving the baptism of the nation's fortune.

The familiar Tianxin Hall, the familiar assembly of hundred officials.

This time, upon entering that golden and brilliant palace, Zhao Xing discovered his body had grown much taller.

Looking back, the officials of the lower three ranks were endless, with no end in sight.

Looking forward, although the number of officials in the middle three ranks remained vast, at least there was no feeling of crowding; it was no longer an endless expanse.

"Boom~"

The Jing Emperor, seated on the Wang Zuo, waved his hand, and a dragon-shaped Jin Guang enveloped Zhao Xing within the palace.

"Fortune Golden Dragon! This time it is going to be a big one!" Zhao Xing felt a chill in his heart.

The Fortune Golden Dragon entered his body, first probing Zhao Xing's cultivation realm and his cultivation foundation.

But this time, Zhao Xing's Life Soul was already of the Sixth Rank, and his cultivation foundation was incredibly solid; nothing could be added to it.

Thus, the Fortune Golden Dragon merely made a symbolic tour through his Origin Dantian and Sea of Consciousness before rushing into Zhao Xing's Life Palace.

"Hum~"

The Land of the Life Palace was desolate, but at this moment, it was gilded by the Fortune Golden Dragon.

Invisibly, Zhao Xing's fortune and lifespan were altered.

It lasted for a long time before the Fortune Golden Dragon shot away with a "whoosh."

Zhao Xing looked at this Fortune Golden Dragon, revealing reluctance.

But soon he bowed to thank Emperor Jing and exited the temple.

The moment he walked out of the temple, Zhao Xing glanced back.

"If I learned the Fangwaizong Sect's secret arts to lock this Fortune Golden Dragon away and refine it, I wonder how much benefit that would bring."

"Pity. To play this way in this era is simply asking for death."

In the Emperor Jing era, stealing fortune was forbidden because the Great Zhou was still at its zenith. Learning Fangwaizong heretical arts to steal fortune?

You would die suddenly, your soul scattered! And your nine clans would be exterminated!

By the Wu Di era, there was no need to steal, for Wu Di was not as stingy as Emperor Jing; he gave much of his own accord.

Only in the dynasties after Wu Di was it the time to steal the Great Zhou's fortune.

By then, Old Master Zhao would surely hold a high position, making it unnecessary to fear consequences.

"Rising from the lower three ranks to the middle three ranks this time, my Life Soul received not a single bit of improvement; all the gains were in Fortune and Lifespan."

"I do not know how it was distributed," Zhao Xing thought silently.

What he wanted this time was actually more Fortune, because the Heavenly and Earthly Spiritual Elegance of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven was arriving soon.

With increased Fortune, the Heavenly and Earthly Spiritual Elegance obtained would inevitably be greater.

By then, he would be able to find more good things.

"Return first."

Zhao Xing did not check immediately; instead, after moving far from the temple, he returned to the Eighteen Locust and Willow Courtyard before opening the panel to examine the changes after his promotion.