Chapter 1818: The Evolution of a Noble Family

As Liu Yang explained, the gloating expression on Emperor Liu's face faded considerably, and the secret delight brought by the contrast between domestic prosperity and foreign turmoil also diminished greatly.

After a moment of deliberation, he gave a cold laugh: "It's only because you returned safely and smoothly. Otherwise, no matter what Persia or the Arabs, empires or dynasties, I would send troops to crush them all!"

This was Emperor Liu's customary assertiveness, but the concern revealed within it still moved Liu Yang deeply. He clasped his hands and replied: "Fortunately, we were blessed by Your Majesty's protection—alarming but not dangerous!"

Emperor Liu raised his hand and said to the only outsider present, Marquis Zhiyuan, Guo Liangping: "Minister Guo, you have worked hard this time. Being able to bring Liu Yang and Wen Haishun back safely—this merit, I have noted it well!"

Upon hearing this, Guo Liangping hurriedly rose, his face full of shame: "Your Majesty, I dare not claim any credit. Allowing the two princes to fall into danger was due to my inadequate planning. I feel it is a great sin. Though the two princes were blessed by heaven, thinking back on it still fills me with lingering fear!"

"Marquis Zhiyuan is too modest!" Liu Yang said upon hearing this, then clasped his hands toward Emperor Liu: "Had Marquis Zhiyuan not sent troops to reinforce us and defeated the pursuers, we could hardly have escaped safely!"

Hearing this, Emperor Liu's impression of Guo Liangping naturally improved further. He raised his hand to stop Guo Liangping, who still wished to modestly decline, and after thinking for a moment, said: "Over these past ten-plus years, Minister Guo has spared no effort and braved dangers to expand the territory of the Great Han, spreading our might far and wide, greatly enhancing our national prestige and boosting our people's morale. Your contributions are truly indispensable!

This second westward voyage was even more arduous—crossing vast oceans, enduring countless hardships, fully displaying the caliber of the Great Han's shield and bulwark. I am not one to let merit go unrewarded. Speak—what do you desire? Whatever you ask, I shall not refuse!"

Upon hearing these words, Guo Liangping answered almost without hesitation: "Your Majesty's grace in promoting and rewarding me could never be repaid in a lifetime. I can only devote myself wholeheartedly, holding nothing back, and serve the state with loyalty. How dare I harbor any extravagant demands?"

Emperor Liu had been observing Guo Liangping's reaction the whole time. Only when he heard this reply did he withdraw his gaze, and at the very instant his eyes moved away, Guo Liangping felt as though the pressure on him had lightened.

In truth, if Emperor Liu truly wanted to reward him, he could simply have said so directly—why ask? And once he asked such a question, it naturally required careful handling. Guo Liangping, evidently, had maintained his sobriety and composure, neither getting carried away with joy nor growing arrogant over his achievements.

As for Emperor Liu's side, the "negative records" and impeachment memorials he had received concerning Guo Liangping were by no means few. And most of them pointed to one issue: arrogance over one's achievements and arbitrary self-will.

After a moment's deliberation, a smile once again appeared on Emperor Liu's face: "Over the past years, you have been leading troops, training soldiers, and undertaking distant voyages of expansion—you have done very well. Now, it is time to entrust you with even more important responsibilities. I want to add to your burdens. Lin Renzhao retired not long ago—it's fitting that you take over his position, return to court to serve as Deputy Commissioner of Military Affairs, and oversee naval affairs!"

Facing this appointment from Emperor Liu, it would be false to say he was not delighted. Nevertheless, Guo Liangping still strove to suppress the joy in his heart and solemnly bowed: "Thank you, Your Majesty! I shall devote myself wholeheartedly to the task, even unto death!"

Hearing his declaration, Emperor Liu smiled and waved his hand at him. Within the power structure of the Great Han, the Bureau of Military Affairs formed its own system, and within the Bureau, the navy likewise stood as a distinct entity.

And internal struggles within the navy had never been few—their intensity rivaling the power struggles at court. Guo Liangping, as a true-blue member of the Southern faction, had now become a leading figure, having completely taken up the mantle of his father, Guo Tingwei.

The appointment as Deputy Commissioner of Military Affairs also brought a temporary ceasefire to the navy's factional strife. For Guo Liangping, it marked his formal entry into the peak of both life and official career. Even his father, Guo Tingwei, had never held this position—though of course, Guo Tingwei had already retreated to the second line before the navy's status was greatly elevated and the court specially established a deputy deputy commissioner to manage it.

But Emperor Liu's favor clearly extended beyond mere promotion. He continued: "Issue the decree—promote Marquis Zhiyuan to Second-Class Marquis Zhiyuan, and bestow the golden fish tally, ceremonial robes, silver saddle, and white horse!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" At this point, Guo Liangping could no longer contain himself. He knelt directly to the ground and prostrated himself fully in thanks.

One should know that his father Guo Tingwei's title, Marquis of Haian, was first-class, but when passed to his second brother Liangheng, it was only a second-class marquisate. Now, he too was a second-class marquis of the Great Han. The key point was that this was earned through his own efforts—truly inspiring.

It could be imagined that from now on, the Guo clan's political standing would leap forward. His Guo family now had two marquises in one household—even if they could not compare to the top-tier nobility, they surpassed most of the meritorious aristocrats. More critically, some noble families had gradually declined over the long years. Though they retained their titles and honors, their influence was steadily draining away. Especially after the founding generation withered, not many descendants could manage the household and develop it well.

As for their Guo family, though their influence was limited to the navy and they still faced considerable competition, having such a base of support was no small feat for a political faction. However small their power, having this patch of ground and maintaining it for the long term was something many noble families sought but could not obtain.

"Congratulations, Marquis Guo!" At this moment, everyone present offered ceremonial congratulations to Guo Liangping.

Liu Yang, however, gave Guo Liangping an extra glance. Over the past years, he too had received no small amount of negative reports about Guo Liangping, but he had not truly developed any ill feelings toward him.

There were some aspects of Emperor Liu that Liu Yang had learned—namely, that one could not fully trust the memorials from below or the words of bureaucrats. At the very least, before investigation confirmed them, one needed to maintain a measure of skepticism.

Such was the case with Guo Liangping. This man might be somewhat arrogant and overbearing when abroad, but considering his circumstances and the difficulties he faced, certain matters became understandable.

Conquering the seas, venturing south and west, pioneering new frontiers—how could that be easy? At least, it was not something those bureaucrats who sat comfortably at court and only spoke from hearsay could appreciate.

And even if Guo Liangping's style was somewhat forceful and rough, his abilities were undeniably outstanding. Liu Yang could hardly help feeling appreciative of talent. He did not believe the rumors that anyone could achieve what Guo Liangping had achieved.

Being a general on the frontier was different from being an official at the center—different environment, different responsibilities. If Guo Liangping was smart enough, he would moderate his ways in the future. And judging from his performance, he might be a ruthless man, but he was certainly not a foolish one.

Of course, the most important point was that Guo Liangping was truly favored—Emperor Liu genuinely admired him. As long as the imperial favor remained, no one could do anything to Guo Liangping.