Chapter 438: Prince of Ancheng

Yuwen Yong, seated on the Dragon Throne, leaned forward slowly, his dragon robe falling into fine folds with the movement; when his gaze fell on Chen Yan, a gentle expectation added, and he earnestly instructed: "Sir Chen, you must not forget your original aspiration, increase your loyalty and caution, bear the weight of a Pillar of the State, fulfill the duties of a Head of the Office, protect our Great Zhou's rivers and mountains, and bring peace to our common people."

"If border troubles arise in the future, I will still place great hopes on you, hoping you will achieve further extraordinary deeds to assist me in accomplishing the great peace."

When his words fell, a flash of strange color passed through his eyes.

This young emperor, confident that someone as wise as the Duke of Wei could discern his expectations.....

Yuwen Yong's strategy was also clear: to win favor and draw them in step by step, with no hint of haste.

Yuwen Hu rose slowly from the side behind the throne, his gaze landing on Chen Yan; first he solemnly nodded, then spoke, his voice steady and strong: "Your Majesty is correct!"

After speaking, his eyes deepened further, and his tone added a measure of expectation and satisfaction: "Duke of Wei, you will have to shoulder more responsibilities and bear heavier burdens in the future!"

Chen Yan knelt on both knees, his purple official robe spreading with the movement; the dark‑embroidered cloud pattern on the hem shimmered faintly in the light.

He pressed his hands together before him, his back still as straight as a pine; when he lifted his eyes, his gaze burned brightly as he looked toward the throne and loudly thanked: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Thank you, Grand Chancellor!"

He paused, his Adam's apple rolling slightly, and his tone added a resonant firmness as he declared his loyalty: "I will keep the teachings firmly in mind! I will devote myself entirely to Great Zhou and to Your Majesty, until death!"

Grand Chancellor, father!

Chen (the speaker) is almost dying of love for Grand Chancellor, father!

The best father, none other!

Chen Yan: Loyalty!

Yuwen Yong leaned slightly forward, his voice less formal than in the court, more intimate as ruler and subject: "Duke of Wei, I do not want you to die!"

After speaking, his fingertips lightly tapped the throne's armrest, his gaze fixed on Chen Yan's upright kneeling posture, his admiration unmasked, his tone growing more earnest: "What I want is for you to achieve new merits for Great Zhou and for me!"

He paused, feeling his display was a bit too obvious, and added: "Do not betray the Grand Preceptor's cultivation of you!"

Only fathers are the best in the world; a child with a father is like a treasure!............ Chen Yan hummed joyfully in his heart, slowly rose, lifted his hand to gently gather the hanging hem, his gaze constantly fixed on the throne, his sincere and steadfast resolve becoming ever clearer, and then loudly replied: "I obey the command!"

If the circumstances and timing were appropriate, Chen (the speaker) would truly want to sing this to Grand Chancellor, father, to let him know his foster son's gratitude.....

Yuwen Hu leaned against the throne, his gaze on Chen Yan's face, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the jade belt of his python robe, his mouth quietly curving a faint yet genuine smile, the fine lines at his eyes soaked with satisfaction.

When one's own child is accomplished, who can not be proud and boastful?

Yuwen Yong raised his hand and lightly waved at the inner attendant, signaling him to continue reading.

The inner attendant, seeing this, immediately bowed, steadied the imperial edict in his hands, cleared his throat, and announced, "Crown Prince of Jin, Yuwen Ze, you are hereby conferred!"

It's my turn......... When Yuwen Ze heard his own name, his previously tense back instinctively straightened, his face filled with uncontrollable excitement and anticipation, his eyes shone astonishingly, yet also carried a hint of nervousness about making a mistake.

He briskly stepped out of the line, stood firm, bowed slightly, his voice trembling with barely perceptible excitement yet still loud and strong: "I am here!"

The inner attendant read: "Heard of the steadfast minister, the nation's backbone; the loyal and brave man, the state's bulwark. As for you, Yuwen Ze, you are naturally resolute and courageous, talented and profound, having inherited the family teachings early, also mastering strategies, experienced in court affairs, consistently diligent and cautious."

"In Hezhou, the displaced people rose in rebellion, disaster spreading to the western frontier; the rebel group 'Tongtian Society' seized the opportunity to create chaos, burning and looting prefectures, leaving the populace displaced. At that time, the Duke of Wei commanded the western border forces; you were ordered to assist him, co‑manage military affairs, plan logistics, leaving no strategy unaddressed. All matters of provisions transport, scout reconnaissance, troop organization were handled personally, ensuring the great army had no worries. During the campaign against bandits, you followed the Duke of Wei into dangerous terrain, made decisive judgments on the battlefield, led bravely, ultimately captured the bandit leader, flattened the Tongtian Society's nest, and restored peace to Hezhou!"

"Then the Tuyuhun, emboldened by distance, amassed six thousand cavalry to raid our borders, their arrogance swelling. You received the imperial decree to command troops, donned armor yourself, led the three armies, marching thousands of miles. When encountering the enemy you were the first to charge, when facing danger you led the soldiers, fighting dozens of battles of varying scale without ever faltering. Seizing the victory, you pursued, striking directly at their Royal Court awaiting below the city; wherever your military might reached, the enemy's morale collapsed. The Tuyuhun Khan, shaken by your bravery and strategy, sent envoys to beg for peace, offering horses, cattle, ceding border lands, swearing allegiance, forever becoming a vassal, daring not to rebel again. This campaign expanded territory and secured the frontier, glorifying Great Zhou's heavenly might!"

"You, at such a youthful age, have achieved unparalleled merit; your loyalty and diligence are commendable, your bravery and resolve exemplary. I greatly appreciate it, and hereby bestow upon you the title Prince of Ancheng, a fief of three thousand households; grant you the rank Head of the Office, equal to the Three Ministries, allowing you to appoint your own officials; add the title Pillar of the State, and award you one hundred catties of gold!"

The court officials gazed at the still youthful figure, silently thinking to themselves: "The Crown Prince of Jin is indeed the youngest Pillar of the State..."

Only it was not as shocking or unexpected as before.

After all, he is the Grand Preceptor's own son and only child; any title bestowed is entirely reasonable!

Pei Xun twirled the fold of his court robe, his gaze followed Yuwen Ze on the steps, his eyes full of understanding, then glanced at Yuwen Hu on the throne, murmuring in his heart: "The Crown Prince's command to counterattack Tuyuhun, strike the Royal Court, expand territory, and sign the treaty beneath the city, indeed gives the Grand Preceptor enough reason to grant him a princely title!"

As a confidant, Pei Xun knows better than anyone that the Grand Preceptor had long intended this, but lacked an opportunity and a pretext to block public opinion.....

Now everything falls naturally into place!

No one can find any flaw...

Wang Xiong's gaze fell on Yuwen Ze nearby, his eyes full of envy, and he couldn't help but sigh inwardly: "How wonderful to have a brother like Chen!"

He had personally witnessed the entire process of the Crown Prince being fed achievements, even being guided hand‑by‑hand by Lord Chen Yan, eliminating all risk...

There wasn't a single instance where "A Xiong" was just a nickname!

Dou Luling, after listening, looked at Chen Yan's upright figure, involuntarily sighed, a hint of melancholy hidden in his brow, thinking to himself: "Deploying to the frontier is good, but it's a pity there was no chance to follow Brother Chen into battle and obtain such easy, smooth achievements......."

He wore a distinctly regretful expression.

Deploying to the frontier has pros and cons; indeed the sky is high for birds to fly, the sea vast for fish to leap, yet one can no longer fight under Lord Chen Yan's command...

After all, only those who have followed know how exhilarating it is.

He is a great elder brother and leader; no one returns empty‑handed.

"Good child!"

Yuwen Hu silently praised in his heart, his gaze meeting Chen Yan's.

The two exchanged a smile.

An unspoken understanding.

He did not raise this child in vain; in every aspect he saves himself worry.....

Yuwen Heng placed his hands behind his back, his knuckles unconsciously tapping the hem of his python robe, a calculating glint in his eyes, murmuring to himself: "I must also let A Yan this child help me train A Xiang properly....."

Seeing A Ze's success and conferment, saying I'm not envious would be false.

However, it's not too late now; our own A Xiang can also gradually follow and train......

Prince of Ancheng? Head of the Office, equal to the Three Ministries? Pillar of the State?.......... Yuwen Ze was first stunned, then quickly recovered, bowed and thanked: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

These three bestowals far exceeded his expectations.....

Almost on par with A Xiong, and even slightly surpassing him.

After all, A Xiong's title has already reached its peak, unable to be further elevated.....

Yuwen Yong stared at Yuwen Ze, loudly instructing: "Prince, you must inherit the Grand Preceptor's will, serve Great Zhou, serve our Yuwen imperial clan, and achieve new merits!"

As he spoke, a calculating glint flashed in his eyes......

If the opportunity arises, he will also place his trusted younger brother beside the Duke of Wei, to train while further polishing his battle achievements.