Chapter 292: Inheriting the Title, Saying Farewell to Emotion

When Left Army Commander Chen Yi spoke these words, Emperor Jia Zhao and Peng Runan both looked at him simultaneously.

The topic of bestowing titles was too sensitive; everyone knew Emperor Jia Zhao was stingy with noble ranks, often saying military merit was required to earn such honors.

Perhaps at the time of his ascension, the Four Kings and Eight Dukes had followed the Retired Emperor as their leader, viewing this new sovereign with cautious observation.

Having suffered greatly under the constraints of the noble clans, the emperor had always been extremely cautious about granting military titles and noble ranks.

Aside from the initial enfeoffment of a group of loyal ministers like Marquis Shi Ding upon his ascension, no new military titles had been granted for years afterward.

It was not until six years ago, when Liang Liang Chengzong defeated the Mongol Tumang tribe five times, achieving unprecedented military merit in the Jia Zhao era, that he was first enfeoffed as Count of Pingyuan, then promoted to Marquis of Pingyuan after his fifth victory.

This was a rare honor in the Jia Zhao era; since then, with no major border conflicts, no general had been granted a military title for merit.

Now, with Left Army Commander Chen Yi suddenly raising the matter of enfeoffing Jia Cong, Emperor Jia Zhao's lips twitched slightly, as if with mockery.

Chen Yi inherited the title of Duke of Qi, a peer of Jia Daisan among the Four Kings and Eight Dukes, and one of the few among the Eight Dukes who had not downgraded his inheritance.

Though in recent years he had grown cunning and reclusive, keeping a low profile within the Five Armies Command, his heart may not have let go of the former glory of noble rank.

Seeing Jia Cong, a descendant of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes, achieve military merit, he now harbored thoughts of championing the old nobility.

But the heir apparent is someone else—what a pity.

These old fools, left to rot in the Five Armies Command, still refuse to die inside.

Chen Yi had intended to use this remark as a way to gracefully retreat,

when Emperor Jia Zhao asked Guo Lin: "Who is the current heir of Lady Rongguo Mansion?"

"Jia Lady Lian has not studied, nor served in the military; he holds no official post, having merely purchased a fifth-rank Vice Prefect title."

"Your Majesty speaks truly: Jia Cong has shown the talent of a great general and possesses the qualification to inherit ancestral titles, but as I understand, he is the illegitimate son of the eldest branch of Lady Rongguo Mansion."

Emperor Jia Zhao sneered and said: "Of the Ning and Rong mansions, only this boy Jia Cong has any promise."

"What merit has he earned? Does he have military qualifications? What is his current rank?"

Emperor Jia Zhao, upon hearing Chen Yi's suggestion, merely smiled and said: "When the Jia family once held two dukedoms, it was for monumental service in founding and securing the state—only then did the former emperor grant them special favor."

Though Jia Cong has achieved extraordinary merit this time, it cannot be compared to the deeds of Ning and Rong's ancestors; Jia She of Lady Rongguo Mansion has already inherited the ancestral title. To grant two titles within one family would be too conspicuous."

Bestowing military titles has nothing to do with civil officials, and since he knows the emperor's attitude toward noble ranks, he naturally would not wade into this murky water.

In my view, Jia Cong has the qualification to inherit a title, but for the merit of creating a new one, caution is still required."

The heirs of the other Four Kings and Eight Dukes were at least sent to the Nine Borders for several years of hardening—even if they never faced battle, they still gained some prestige, if only superficially.

Both Chen Yi and Peng Runan caught the unspoken implication in Emperor Jia Zhao's words: that aside from Jia Cong, the rest of the Jia family were useless.

But since he had spoken, he still had to respond a little, or it would seem too obvious.

Chen Yi, upon hearing this, paused in surprise; in this age of peace, Jia Cong's military achievement was exceedingly rare.

Guo Lin quickly replied: "Your Majesty, the current heir of Lady Rongguo Mansion is Jia Lady Lian, the eldest legitimate son of Jia She."

…

How could he possibly achieve the extraordinary merit of Ning and Rong's ancestors? According to the emperor's words, enfeoffment was likely impossible.

Emperor Jia Zhao naturally knew Jia Cong was an illegitimate son, but had no clear memory of who the heir of Lady Rongguo Mansion was.

A man worthy of inheriting a title, unable to study, and forced to buy his official rank.

When Peng Runan heard Duke of Qi Chen Yi suddenly raise the matter of enfeoffment, he immediately fixed his gaze downward, eyes on nose, nose on heart.

This is what is meant by military qualification—making the inheritance of paternal rank seem more legitimate.

The Jia family of Ning and Rong, once the foremost of the Eight Dukes, was once so illustrious; now it has declined to this, even skipping the pretense.

Chen Yi, however, was old and crafty, sensing the emperor's dissatisfaction in his words.

He said: "In the past, the former Marquis of Rong, Jia Daisan, knowing his sons' natures, submitted a final memorial before death, earnestly requesting that the eldest son inherit the title and the second son inherit the household."

The Li Guo Mansion, due to the eldest son's frail health and inability to carry the family, petitioned for the second son, Liu Biao, to inherit the title; thus, among noble families, exceptions in inheritance were not uncommon."

Emperor Jia Zhao smiled slightly and said: "Duke of Qi speaks wisely, but though Jia She was unworthy, Daisan still allowed the eldest son to inherit the title."

Ultimately, one must not overstep the boundaries; any exception in inheritance requires, unless the heir commits a grave crime beyond legal pardon,

merely a petition from the family itself, with the palace granting approval at its discretion. If Lady Rongguo Mansion wishes to petition to change its heir, I shall gladly approve it—what harm is there?"

…

Upon hearing this, Duke of Qi Chen Yi was stunned: the emperor merely wished to stay out of it, sitting back to watch the drama unfold, letting Lady Rongguo Mansion start the struggle over the heir himself.

In noble circles, there are no secrets; Chen Yi knew well that Jia Cong was deeply disliked by the Dowager Lady of Lady Rongguo Mansion and had grown up struggling within the household.

Jia Lady Lian, the eldest legitimate son of Lady Rongguo's eldest branch, was said to be greatly favored by the Dowager Lady; thus, the Jia family would never petition to change the heir.

Must he now humiliate himself by going to plead with them? Not only was he not at that level, but if he truly went, the Dowager Lady would surely spit in his face and throw him out.

Chen Yi now regretted raising the matter of Jia Cong's enfeoffment, trapped into silence by the emperor's words.

Emperor Jia Zhao said calmly: "I cannot speak on this matter, lest I be accused of exerting undue influence over noble families."

Yet Duke of Qi's suggestion is not without merit—I cannot ignore it entirely…"

Duke of Qi Chen Yi's spirits, which had sunk to the bottom, slowly rose again; he was puzzled: had the emperor changed his mind?

Guo Lin, go inform my ninth younger brother and have him send an official from the Imperial Clan Court to negotiate this matter with the Jia family. Remember: this stems from the court's deliberation on merit from the Yafu Pass victory.

It is not my imperial will—let the family decide for itself; do not force them. When you deliver this message, do not distort my intent, or I will not forgive you!"

Guo Lin shuddered and quickly replied: "Your servant dares not disobey; I shall deliver your exact words."

Below, Peng Runan nearly laughed aloud, but forced himself to hold back.

Beside him, Chen Yi's face was filled with embarrassment—he now understood clearly: he had been used as the emperor's pawn.

The "ninth younger brother" Emperor Jia Zhao mentioned was the Grand Director of the Imperial Clan Court, Prince Prince Zhongshun.

Whether or not the Jia family agreed to change the heir, it made no difference to Emperor Jia Zhao.

If the Jia family refused, the status quo would remain.

If they agreed, Jia Cong would receive an unexpected favor and naturally owe gratitude to the emperor—not to Chen Yi at all.

This was precisely why Emperor Jia Zhao had stressed not to pressure the Jia family: any hint of coercion would taint the emperor's reputation.

The entire scheme originated from one phrase: "the court's deliberation on merit."

The emperor bore no responsibility whatsoever.

It was as if Jiang Taigong fished, waiting for the willing to bite.

No wonder these old men, kept in the Five Armies Command for years, were treated like monkeys by the emperor.

In cunning, all these old men combined could not match the emperor's mind.

…

Juede Lane, Lady Rongguo Mansion, Mengpo Study.

Jia Zheng and several literary guests were examining a beautifully bound calligraphy piece, discussing it enthusiastically.

Before Jia Cong's northern journey, Jia Zheng had seen Jia Cong's calligraphy of the poem "Xizhou Ci" in Tan Chun's chamber and greatly praised it.

Thus, Jia Cong wrote out the poem "Linjiangxian," personally bound it, and presented it to Jia Zheng for critique; Jia Zheng was naturally deeply pleased.

He treasured Jia Cong's calligraphy as a priceless treasure; according to him, Jia Cong composed this "Linjiangxian" at the Zhujiang Tower in Jin Ling, where it had once caused a great sensation.

Thus, this poem had long since spread across the land, hailed as an unsurpassable masterpiece of the Da Zhou literary world.

It was said that Jia Cong's own hand-written copy existed in only two places in the world: one in the hands of Prince Ning, the other in Jia Zheng's—quite rare indeed.

These literary guests all knew that Jia Zheng's most admired grandson was Jia Cong, and his most disappointing son was his own biological child… Jia Baoyu.

Now, seeing Jia Cong's calligraphy, who would not flatter? Besides, Jia Cong's calligraphy had reached the level of a master; outside, it was now known as the "Jia Yuzhang style."

Among them, Ji Ji Haogu, who had a keen eye for calligraphy, shook his head and said: "Esteemed Sir, observe: Cousin Cong's script is elegant, refined, ancient yet harmonious."

Compared to what I saw years ago, it has now reached the pinnacle of mastery—truly astonishing. In my view, among today's calligraphers, few could rival it."

Jia Zheng, beaming, laughed: "Though I greatly admire Cong's writing, you must not overpraise him.

Cong is still under twenty; his path is long. Excessive praise breeds complacency—that is not good, lest it ruin him."

Shan Shan Pinren, seeing Ji Ji Haogu lavish praise on Jia Cong's calligraphy, would not be outdone.

He said: "Esteemed Sir, with Cousin Cong's heavenly talent, he need not endure the hardships of the Nine Borders.

If he remains at home, devoted to calligraphy and poetry, his name will surely endure through the ages; the Jia family's literary tradition will be admired by all."

Jia Zheng stroked his beard and smiled: "Brother Shan, you are too indulgent. One must still harbor thoughts of country and state. In my view, I wish to nurture the Jia family's literary seeds.

But this boy Cong has too much ambition—he could never sit still at home. I do not wish to confine him; if he can carry on the ancestral legacy, that is well enough."

As they spoke with great enthusiasm, Jia Zheng's personal servant rushed breathlessly into the study.

Jia Zheng frowned at once and snapped: "Why the haste? What kind of conduct is this?"

The servant, ignoring Jia Zheng's anger, beamed and said: "Master, good news!

A palace eunuch has entered the mansion, bearing the emperor's decree to bestow gifts upon Third Master Cong—he is nearly at Rongxi Hall, saying Third Master has achieved great merit in Liaodong, and even the foremost merit!

The Imperial Clan Court has also sent an official to Rongqing Hall to pay respects to the Dowager Lady.

Jia Zheng was overjoyed: Cong had only been on the Nine Borders for a few months and had already achieved military merit!

The literary guests all rushed forward to congratulate him, their flattery pouring forth endlessly.

Jia Zheng, glowing with pride and vigor, hurried toward Rongxi Hall, surrounded by Shan Shan Pinren and the others like stars around the moon.

(End of Chapter)