Chapter 907

Rongguo Prefecture, west corner gate.

Jia Zheng, having served as an official for many years, naturally had discernment; the carriage’s curtains of bright yellow silk, gilded dome, and embroidered five-clawed divine dragons could belong only to the imperial coach.

He remembered that ordinary imperial edicts were delivered via single- or double-horse bright yellow silk palace carriages, ridden by eunuch messengers and officials, to underscore the solemnity and divine authority of the imperial command.

But today’s imperial edict carriage was unusually grand: three horses pulled it to signify importance, the dome was gilded, and five-clawed dragons were embroidered upon it.

Behind the carriage marched two squads of imperial guard cavalry, their presence majestic and imposing, nearly matching the escort of the emperor himself—such a display was far beyond what a routine summons warranted.

Jia Zheng had heard that Jia Cong had defended the outskirts of Shendu City, defeating thousands of enemy cavalry with a small force; though his military merit was considerable, it hardly seemed to merit an imperial procession.

Yet the emperor had shown such extraordinary favor to Jia Cong—truly, the imperial grace was boundless. Jia Zheng, with Baoyu and Jia Huan in tow, hurriedly ordered Lin Zhixiao to open the main gate of Rongguo Prefecture to receive the imperial envoy.

Rongguo Prefecture, being a duke’s residence, kept its main gate closed daily; it was opened only for the wedding of a direct heir or the reception of an imperial edict, to signify solemnity.

He asked whether the Rongxi Hall had been prepared with the incense altar; Lin Zhixiao replied that half an hour earlier, the Ministry of Rites had sent word—all ceremonial items and implements for receiving the edict were already in place.

Jia Zheng, reassured, watched as the carriage halted before the main gate of the western compound: first alighted Deputy Director of the Imperial Household Guo Lin, then came Minister of War Gu Yan.

…

Jia Zheng was likewise startled; Guo Lin had delivered edicts here before and was a familiar face—his presence as deputy director of the inner court was already a mark of great honor.

But now even Minister of War Gu Yan had come—this was the head of one of the Six Ministries. The gravity of this edict delivery meant Jia Cong’s battlefield achievements had truly won the emperor’s heart.

Jia Zheng, having led Rongguo Prefecture for half a lifetime and seen much of the world, was perplexed by this scene, yet he stepped forward to greet Guo Lin and Gu Yan.

Gu Yan smiled: “Lord Jia, this official and Eunuch Guo have come under imperial decree to bestow the edict upon Marquis Weiyuan Jia Cong. Please lead us to the main hall to receive it on behalf of your household.”

Jia Zheng hurriedly replied: “Your Excellency Gu and Eunuch Guo, your joint arrival is an immense honor—pray enter the main hall, Rongxi Hall.”

Once inside Rongxi Hall, they saw the incense altar and candles already arranged. Gu Yan unrolled the yellow silk scroll and began to read:

By the grace of Heaven and the mandate of the Emperor, it is decreed:

Since ascending the throne over sixteen years ago, I have labored with my ministers to serve the state, and the realm has known great peace.

The Mongol Yuan, with their treacherous hearts and wicked intentions, have plotted to seize the Han dynasty’s lands, seized cities, slaughtered the people—deserving the wrath of gods and men alike.

Now, Marquis Weiyuan Jia Cong, obeying the imperial command as Deputy Commander of the Divine Mechanism Division of the entire campaign against the Mongols, has shown loyalty, courage, wisdom, and profound strategic foresight, fearless of death.

On the twentieth day of the first month of Jiazhao Sixteen, at the outskirts of Shendu City, with only a few thousand brave soldiers, he defeated tens of thousands of elite Mongol troops, achieving extraordinary merit in the campaign.

Our nation now has a famed general and extraordinary talent, safeguarding the capital’s peace, risking his life to break through enemy lines, enduring deadly battles, his valor unmatched among the three armies, his achievements surpassing all contemporaries.

Therefore, I appoint him as a Rank-4 Xuanwei General, promote him to Deputy Regional Commander of the entire campaign against the Mongols, promote him to Rank-4 Director of the Firearm Bureau, and bestow upon him the honorary title of Vice Minister of Works. So decreed.

…

After reading the edict, Gu Yan handed the yellow silk scroll to Jia Zheng with both hands and said: “Lord Jia, please receive the edict on behalf of your household—the official military report has already been urgently dispatched to Beisan Pass.”

Jia Zheng, having seen the imperial procession and the joint presence of Gu Yan and Guo Lin, had anticipated this edict was extraordinary—but even so, its magnitude stunned him beyond words.

He had never imagined that Jia Cong’s victory outside Shendu City would earn such imperial favor: not only was he appointed Deputy Regional Commander, but his rank had been raised two grades at once.

Even after promoting Jia Cong to Rank-4, the emperor deemed it insufficient—he added the honorary title of Vice Minister of Works. The imperial grace is boundless, the emperor’s favor is absolute, the emperor’s favor is absolute!

Jia Cong will not even turn sixteen for several months, yet he is already so high in rank and prestige; in the future, he will not fall short of Rongguo’s ancestors—indeed, he may surpass them. Truly remarkable…

Jia Zheng trembled as he received the edict, his joy and excitement overflowing; he could only cry, “Thank the Emperor’s boundless grace,” while imagining the glory that would flood the Jia household once the news spread.

Gu Yan had always held Jia Cong in high esteem; their private friendship ran deep. He had once promoted Jia Cong to Assistant Regional Commander of the Nine Provinces, enabling Jia Cong to achieve merit in Liaodong.

He knew well Jia Cong’s humble origins, and he deeply admired Jia Zheng for his kindness and protection of Jia Cong since childhood; his tone toward Jia Zheng was warm and familiar.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Jia Zheng, Gu Yan and Guo Lin took their leave. Jia Zheng saw them off to the gate, watching until their carriages vanished far down the road—still, he felt as if in a daze.

…

Baoyu and Jia Huan had followed Jia Zheng throughout; yet their reactions were starkly different: Jia Huan’s eyes gleamed with admiration and envy, plainly visible.

Baoyu, however, was pale, his brow furrowed, his face filled with grief and revulsion; only when Jia Zheng turned did he quickly mask his expression and return to composure.

When the imperial carriage had disappeared from sight, Jia Zheng finally came to himself, still glowing with joy, and turned to his two sons—his heart sank.

He said: “You have both witnessed today’s scene. A true man must strive hard, achieve merit, and bring honor to his family—only then is his life not wasted!”

Jia Huan, having seen the grandeur of the edict ceremony, though unfamiliar with bureaucratic ranks, understood that Jia Cong had become a general and a vice minister—truly magnificent—and he was deeply envious.

Hearing Jia Zheng’s words, his face flushed: “Father’s words are etched in my heart. I dare not compare myself to Third Brother Cong, but I will study diligently and bring honor to you!”

Baoyu stared at Jia Huan in shock—he could not believe his half-brother had become so shameless, spouting flattery so easily, truly nauseating.

Jia Zheng smiled: “Well said. Your sincerity is excellent. Last night I tested you on a few passages; though you’ve only recently entered the Imperial Academy, your bearing and speech have already improved.”

Jia Zheng turned to Baoyu and saw his pale face, wandering eyes, nervous demeanor, devoid of any noble spirit or graceful bearing—only timidity.

He frowned: “Baoyu, what of you?”

Baoyu struggled for a long time, then stammered: “I… I will study hard too, and someday bring honor to… to the family.”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than his stomach churned violently—he nearly vomited, but dared not, with his father standing before him.

As the saying goes, no one knows a son better than his father. Jia Zheng saw clearly that Jia Huan was eager to study, while Baoyu’s words rang hollow—he felt even greater disappointment.

But today was a great joy for the household—not the time to scold his sons. He merely gave a faint hum and went to the inner quarters to deliver the good news.

…

Rongguo Prefecture, Rongqing Hall.

Half an hour earlier, Jia Mu had just sent word to Jia Zheng when Lin Zhixiao at the second gate arrived with news: officials from the Ministry of Rites had sent word that the imperial court was sending an edict to the household.

Jia Mu’s face lit up with smiles; the noblewomen of various marquis and duke households rushed to congratulate her. Jia Mu ordered Yuanyang to wait at the second gate and return with news as soon as possible.

Less than a cup of tea later, Yuanyang returned beaming: “Great news, Old Madam! The imperial court has sent a bright yellow imperial carriage—its procession is magnificent.

Minister of War Gu himself delivered the edict, accompanied by Deputy Director Guo. Third Master Cong has been appointed Deputy Regional Commander, promoted to Rank-4 Director of a bureau, and granted the honorary title of Vice Minister of Works.”

Yuanyang did not understand bureaucratic ranks, but her memory was sharp, her speech clear and crisp, her voice melodious; though she could not recite the edict verbatim, she conveyed its most vital points perfectly.

No sooner had Yuanyang finished speaking than the half-dozen noblewomen in the hall, who had been chattering among themselves, fell into an eerie silence—so quiet a pin could be heard dropping.

After a moment, Lady Li of the Zhongjing Marquisate laughed: “Lady Jia, what fortune you have! The Jia family has produced a sixteen-year-old Rank-4 official, a true vice minister—no opera dares to sing such a tale.

The Jia ancestors’ blessings run deep; with a son like Jia Cong—a rare phoenix—able to top the imperial examinations and join the Hanlin Academy, or charge into battle and command ten thousand troops—truly extraordinary.”

Lady Xu of the Chengyang Marquisate laughed: “Old Madam, I’m green with envy. Why can’t our Liu family raise such a son? Your fortune, Old Madam, I could never hope to match.

Last year your household produced a fifteen-year-old Hanlin Academician; this year, a sixteen-year-old Rank-4 official. Who knows what joy next year will bring? Just thinking of Jia Cong is astonishing.”

…………

Yingchun, Daiyu, Tanchun, and the other sisters heard the news and beamed with delight; Xichun cried out: “Third Brother is so powerful! Third Brother is now a great general!”

Shi Xiangyun was also elated: “Auntie, aren’t all Six Ministry vice ministers Rank-3? Third Brother has only just been promoted to Rank-4—how can he hold the title of vice minister?”

Lady Li of the Zhongjing Marquisate, born into an official family and having served half a lifetime as a marquis’s wife, naturally understood bureaucratic hierarchy; she laughed: “You silly girl, you know only half the story.”