Chapter 571: Bestowed Duke of Yun, Granted Senior Pillar of State, Promoted to Left Guard Grand General, Granted a Fief of One Thousa

Yuwen Ze closely followed, slightly bowing, his tone solemn, and loudly echoed: "I, junior Yuwen Ze, by my father's command, have come to welcome Lord Wei's return to Chang'an!"

Wei Heqing also bowed in salute, eyes full of admiration and respect, and loudly said: "I, nephew Wei Heqing, have come to welcome Third Uncle home!"

As the three finished speaking, a thousand elite palace soldiers behind them simultaneously raised their hands in a marching salute, the crisp clank of armor ringing, the uniform sound echoing across the Wilderness, shaking the dry grass: "We salute Lord Wei!"

The wave of sound, carried by the wind, spread, bearing an indescribable solemnity and reverence, reverberating up and down the high slope.

Wei Shaokuan stood where he was, watching the display, his pupils narrowing slightly, a few ripples stirring in his heart, clearly not expecting such honor.

As Chen Yan bowed in salute, his peripheral glance silently swept over Wei Shaokuan, scrutinizing the legendary general before him.

Wei Shaokuan, though his temples were frosted with age and his face etched with the marks of time and wind, still stood upright.

His back was straight as a pine, his eyes sharp and steady, showing no sign of senility.

Instead, he exuded a vigor tempered by countless battlefields.

Chen Yan thought silently: "Is this the Wei Shaokuan who, beneath Yubi City, was carried into the martial temple by King Gao, and with just a few rumors eliminated one of the North Qi's three heroes?"

"Such bearing, truly worthy of a contemporary famed general!"

"Even after years of frontier hardships, his spirit remains outstanding!"

(Old Wei: King Gao, lead the brothers in another charge!)

The one before me, able to return to Chang'an, not continuing to guard the desolate Yubi, wasting years, all thanks to his repeated petitions to Grand Preceptor father…

Because Chen (someone) needs to plug the loophole, avoid hidden dangers, and incidentally seize Pu Liu Ru's qi flow!

After all, historically that person, who left the biggest impression on Chen Yan, was the one who, before dying, defended Pu Liu Ru and quelled the backlash from the Yuwen Clan…

As Yuwen Ze bowed, his gaze fixed on Wei Shaokuan, eyes full of unabashed reverence and admiration, murmuring: "Is he truly the Wei Shaokuan who, with just Yubi, single‑handedly blocked the Qi divine army of one hundred thousand?"

Wei Yingxue hid behind her father, only peeking out half her face, her clear eyes cautiously scanning the people before her.

Her gaze first brushed Yuwen Ze and Wei Heqing, then was deeply drawn to the leading Chen Yan, unable to look away.

The man before her was heroic and handsome, upright as bamboo, his brows and eyes blending steadiness with sharp elegance, exuding an aura that stirred the heart.

Several degrees more outstanding than her father's description.

A blush flared on her cheek, she quickly lowered her head, lightly pressed her red lips, her heartbeat quickened involuntarily, her fingertips subtly twisted her skirt, and she thought silently: "Is this heroic, handsome gentleman my future husband?"

Wei Shaokuan came to his senses, watching the bowing Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze before him, and hearing the thousand palace soldiers' orderly greetings behind, his heart a swirl of emotions.

Chen Yan is the Grand Preceptor's right and left hand, both civil and martial, with brilliant battle achievements.

It would not be an overstatement to say he is a being above ten thousand yet below the three.

Yuwen Ze, on the other hand, is the Grand Preceptor's son, of noble status.

Both are pivotal figures within Chang'an, and now both have come to greet by the Grand Preceptor's order; this honor far exceeds expectations.

He inhaled deeply, suppressed the turmoil within, slowly raised his hand in a clasped‑fist salute, bowed to the two, his tone full of emotion, sighing: "What virtue or ability do I possess to be so valued by the Grand Preceptor, and to trouble you both to come personally to greet me!"

"Such an honor, I truly cannot bear!"

Having said that, he straightened, his gaze falling on Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze, eyes full of emotion.

Wei Shaokuan knew clearly that if the Grand Preceptor did not truly value him, he would not readily dispatch such important figures to greet him!

He naturally understood this sentiment, his gratitude toward the Grand Preceptor deepening further.

Seeing this, Chen Yan was the first to straighten, a calm gentle smile appearing on his face, stepping forward, his tone respectful yet composed, saying: "Lord Wei, what do you mean?"

As his words ended, he slightly lifted his eyes, his gaze full of respect, loudly saying: "You, sir, have guarded Yubi for seventeen years, using a single city to repel the Qi State's massive assaults multiple times, securing Great Zhou's northern frontier, earning great battle honors, the people living peacefully, the borders safe…"

"All these are your merits; any honor you receive, you can bear!"

Yuwen Ze also straightened, nodding in agreement, his gaze solemnly fixed on Wei Shaokuan, earnestly saying: "Indeed, Lord Wei, A Xiong is absolutely right!"

"You are a founding hero of Great Zhou, an undisputed pillar of the nation; for many years, the people and officials of Chang'an have all held you in reverence."

"It is a junior's honor to have the chance to greet your return to Chang'an!"

Wei Shaokuan looked at the respectful postures of Chen Yan and Yuwen Ze, listening to their heartfelt words of respect.

He also glanced at the thousand palace soldiers standing solemnly like pines, warmth swelling in his chest.

Seventeen years of frontier hardships and grievances were all melted by this weighty honor.

He felt a slight sourness at his nose, his gaze toward Chang'an, where Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu's esteem lay, where his half‑life's yearning for recognition resides.

Then, slowly raising his hands, clasping fists above his head, his posture as upright as before, his voice resonant and earnest, with unmistakable emotion, he shouted from the heart: "Thank you, Grand Preceptor, for your great favor!"

The wave of sound, borne by the wind, drifted afar, full of sincere gratitude, echoing over the Wilderness.

Chen Yan stood aside, seeing this, a gentle smile curled his lips, his eyes full of understanding; when Wei Shaokuan lowered his hand, Chen stepped forward, his tone solemn yet relaxed, saying: "Lord Wei, there is an imperial decree!"

As his words ended, he lifted his hand and drew a delicate scroll from his bosom.

The scroll, wrapped in bright yellow silk, its edges embroidered with intricate cloud patterns, was the imperial edict containing the decree.

Upon hearing, Wei Shaokuan's expression hardened sharply, daring not a moment's delay; he bent his knees, slowly kneeling, his back still straight, his voice resonant and respectful, proclaiming: "I, Wei Shaokuan, receive the decree!"

Wei Yingxue, hidden behind him, was first startled, then quickly followed, kneeling with bent knees.

Her small hand pressed tightly to the skirt in front of her knees, her gaze full of solemnity, daring no hint of disrespect.

The family members and private soldiers accompanying Wei Shaokuan, seeing this, also knelt in succession.

Chen Yan, holding the edict, stood before the crowd, upright, his expression solemn, slowly unfurling the bright yellow silk, extracting the inner decree scroll, his fingertips lightly twisting the scroll's edge, clearing his throat, his gaze sweeping over those kneeling.

Then, loudly reading, his voice penetrating, each word and sentence clear to all: "Great Zhou Emperor decrees: Wei Qing, loyal and brave above the world, of unparalleled wisdom, has guarded Yubi for seventeen years, repelling strong foes at the frontier, fortifying the pass at Jin City."

"When the Eastern invaders pressed the borders, you remained calm in crisis, using few to defeat many, strengthening walls, blunting the enemy's edge, safeguarding our lands without danger, ensuring our people live without worry; such deeds are great, laborious and highly praised by court and commoners alike."

"In recognition of his long service, he should be elevated in rank and rewarded, to honor his loyalty and bravery."

"Now, Wei Qing is hereby bestowed the title Duke of Yun, granted Senior Pillar of State, promoted to Left Guard Grand General, and granted a fief of one thousand households. So be it!"

The decree finished, the Wilderness fell silent, only the wind still howling.

The kneeling Wei Shaokuan shuddered, his pupils snapping shut, the words of the decree echoing in his ears, especially the five characters "Left Guard Grand General", making his heart race, thinking in astonishment: "Left Guard Grand General?!"

This is far more generous than Yuwen Xin, and more imposing—a genuine promotion!

After the astonishment, an indescribable joy and excitement surged, his mouth unable to stop smiling, his eyes flashing bright light, full of joy and reverence for the Grand Preceptor, he couldn't help shouting: "Grand Preceptor truly lives up to the name, such a grand gesture!"

"Seventeen years of defending Yubi have not been in vain; such a favor of recognition is worth my whole life of devoted loyalty, I, Wei Shaokuan, would die a thousand deaths without hesitation!"

His figure trembled slightly, not from fear but from excitement.

Half a lifetime of battles and restraint now turn into honor and recognition, weighing heavily on his heart, filling him with a scorching fervor.

Wei Yingxue, kneeling behind Wei Shaokuan, heard the contents of the edict and was startled, her pupils shrinking, her petite chin lifting slightly, eyes full of disbelief, silently repeating in her mind, "Duke? Father has actually been bestowed the title of Duke of Yun!"

"And the Supreme Pillar of the State, that is the highest merit title in Great Zhou, not to mention the crucial post of Left Guard Grand General…"

Although she has long lived in the frontier's inner chambers, she has heard from her father about the hierarchy of court titles and offices, and instantly grasped the weight of this bestowal, quickly concluding in her heart, "Grand Preceptor intends to heavily employ father!"

Wei Heqing, standing behind Chen Yan, still wore a composed expression, unruffled, yet his heart had already blossomed with joy, full of excitement and expectation, silently exclaiming, "Our Wei clan of the Capital is about to flourish!"

With his own father and third uncle, one civil and one martial, seated in the court, and a bestowed marriage between his cousin and Brother Chen, how could there be no prosperity?

Wei Shaokuan suppressed the excitement in his chest, took a deep breath, bowed again, and with a resonant and earnest voice, gratefully proclaimed, "I, your servant, thank Your Majesty for the great grace!"

"Thank you, Grand Preceptor, for your generous favor!"

"I shall faithfully fulfill my duties, be loyal to Great Zhou, share the Grand Preceptor's worries, devote myself to the peace of the realm until death!"

Seeing this, Chen Yan's face showed a satisfied smile; he stepped forward, gently handed the edict to Wei Shaokuan, and said in a warm and respectful tone, "Duke Wei, please rise quickly!"

Having said so, he extended his hand and steadily supported Wei Shaokuan's arm.

With a slight exertion, he lifted Wei Shaokuan from the ground.

Supported by Chen Yan, Wei Shaokuan rose, still clutching the bright yellow edict tightly, the warmth at his fingertips spreading through the silk to his heart.

His stirring emotions had not fully settled; his eyes still held a hint of unabashed joy and solemnity.

He slowly lifted his gaze, his eyes landing on Chen Yan before him, carefully scrutinizing the young, handsome Chen Yan…

Under the jade crown that bound his dark hair, his brows and eyes were sharp and profound, possessing both the youthful vigor of a boy and the steady, fierce composure forged by battlefield experience.

His surrounding aura was restrained and weighty, showing no trace of the restless arrogance of youth.

The more he looked, the stronger Wei Shaokuan's admiration grew; unable to hold back, he slowly spoke, his eyes full of praise, exclaiming, "Chen Zhuguo, your name thunders in my ears!"

"I, in my years at Yubi, though far from the court, have often heard of your deeds…"

"Quelling rebellions, repelling foreign foes, never a defeat, your war merits shine brightly; such achievements, compared to those of the late Chen Lao Zhuguo, are hardly comparable!"

His words were full of admiration; Wei Shaokuan had once served under Chen Hu Lao Zhuguo for a time, knowing the prowess of that war god.

Yet Chen Yan, still young, has already established such a foundation, not at all inferior to his grandfather's former bearing; this ability and daring are truly admirable.

Hearing this, Chen Yan gently shook his head, his expression still composed, without any hint of complacency, and replied modestly and earnestly, "Duke Wei, you overpraise me!"

"I, the junior, merely happened to be in the right place at the right time; my few war merits are thanks to Your Majesty's trust, the Grand Preceptor's support, and the life‑risking service of my troops. How could I dare compare with my grandfather?"

"I am far behind my grandfather!"

"Grandfather fought his whole life, unmatched in loyalty and bravery, with far‑reaching strategy. I must learn from him, and seek counsel from elders like Duke Wei; there are still countless things to learn!"

Wei Shaokuan laughed aloud, his laugh bright and a bit bold, his tone full of praise, "Chen Zhuguo truly is modest!"

"Young and accomplished yet neither arrogant nor impatient, steady and restrained, truly the wind of his ancestors!"

Chen Yan, hearing this, showed a calm gentle smile, his gaze full of respect, and lightly nodded, "Duke Wei, your calling me 'Chen Zhuguo' is far too familiar…"

"If you do not mind, just call me 'A Yan'!"

Wei Shaokuan, hearing this, let a smile flicker in his eyes, nodded, his tone becoming even more friendly, and smoothly changed his address, "A Yan, the late Chen Lao Zhuguo lived a life of loyal bravery, laboring for the nation for half his life. Now you, a worthy grandson, inherit his mantle; if he in the afterlife were aware, he would smile in the nine springs!"

"Duke Wei, you overpraise!" Chen Yan clasped his fists.

As soon as the two finished speaking, Wei Heqing hurried forward, stood before Wei Shaokuan, clasped his fists, bowed, and in a tone full of admiration and respect, gently called, "Third Uncle."

Wei Shaokuan's gaze immediately fell on his nephew, carefully appraising the young man before him.

When he left Yubi years ago, Wei Heqing was still an ignorant child.

Now meeting again, he is a tall, handsome youth.

The childish naivety has faded from his brows and eyes, replaced by steadiness and competence; his aura is modest and restrained, clearly having grown much over the years.

Wei Shaokuan felt a warm emotion and sentiment, raised his hand to pat Wei Heqing's shoulder; his palm felt the solid strength there, and with a tone of satisfaction he said, "Heqing, many years apart, you have indeed grown into a fine young man!"

"Your build has also become sturdy!"

Wei Heqing slightly nodded, a gentle smile appearing, his tone tinged with nostalgia and emotion, softly replied, "Indeed, Third Uncle, when you left Yubi, I was just at your knee!"

Recalling the scene of departing the capital and seeing his nephew now, Wei Shaokuan felt a surge of emotion and melancholy, unable to hold back a slow sigh, his voice bearing the aged weight of time, he said, "In the blink of an eye, seventeen years have passed..."

"Third Uncle, you are already old!"

Seventeen years of frontier wind and frost have etched deep marks upon his face.

The black hair at his temples has long turned frosted, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening, time leaving a clear imprint on his body.

He recalled that when he left Yubi, he was still in his prime, full of vigor…

Now returning, he is nearing fifty, and cannot help feeling a touch of lament for the fleeting passage of time.

Wei Heqing stepped forward, his tone earnest and somewhat uplifting, "Third Uncle, you jest; you are in your prime, vigorous. Returning to Chang'an, you have again earned the favor of Your Majesty and the Grand Preceptor, being bestowed the title of Duke, and appointed to the post of Left Guard Grand General—truly an excellent age to contribute to Great Zhou's achievements!"

As his words ended, his tone shifted, a gentle smile appearing, he continued, "By the way, Third Uncle, Father, knowing you return to the capital today, has already prepared a lavish banquet at the residence; family and old friends have been waiting for a long time, ready to welcome you back!"

"Shall we set out for Chang'an now?"

Wei Shaokuan, hearing this, slowly waved his hand, a calm expression on his face, and said lightly, "No rush!"

Having said so, he slowly turned, his gaze landing on Chen Yan beside him, a hint of smile in his eyes, and in a friendly tone said, "A Yan, I will now introduce you to someone…"

【"Wei Shaokuan, who has guarded Yubi for seventeen years, defending the frontier against insult, his merits are great, his labor and achievements highly praised; the court and the realm all admire him. Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu lauds his achievements and issues a special edict to summon him back to Chang'an."】

"At that time, the Founding Emperor, holding the title of Supreme Pillar of the State, upon hearing of his return, personally led troops and went ten li outside the city to receive him."

"When they met, the Founding Emperor issued an edict, bestowing upon Wei Shaokuan the title of Duke of Yun, granting him the rank of Supreme Pillar of the State, promoting him to Left Guard Grand General, with a fief of a thousand households. Gold, silk, pearls, jade, slaves, and lands were given in countless numbers."

—《Wei History》· Biography of Wei Shaokuan】