Chapter 230: Jing Sheng Di: Minister Heng, What Do You Think?

Inside the Qian Qing Gong,

Prince Nan'an originally did not wish to speak, but upon hearing the Jing Sheng Di's inquiry, he could only step forward.

Prince Nan'an thought for a moment, his expression steady, and after deliberation, clasped his hands and said:

"I have been patrolling the borders, and am not well versed in court affairs, so I dare not voice random opinions."

"However, in my view, the Prince of Beijng and the ministers all make reasonable points."

"Bestowing a First Rank Duke could reward the Champion Marquis for his northwestern achievements, and granting a Third Rank Duke to both father and son would also be a fine story of Your Majesty's care for his subjects."

"As for the specifics of the ennoblement, I leave the firm decision to Your Majesty; I have no objection."

Prince Nan'an's words were airtight, revealing only one stance: complete support for the Jing Sheng Di's view.

In principle, he and Jia Jing share the same martial merit, and the Prince Nan'an's residence and the Jia Mansion both belong to the founding lineage, having always been close allies.

He should, like the Prince of Beijng, support re‑ennobling Jia Jing.

Yet precisely because of this, he must avoid any suspicion of bias.

He differs from the Prince of Beijng, Shui Rong, who is merely an idle commandery prince with little real power, and can speak freely without much restraint.

Besides being a prince, he is also the sole Second Rank Jianwei General in the court.

He not only holds military authority over part of the southeast, but also commands considerable influence within the army, making him ill‑suited to get too close to Jia Jing.

Moreover, regarding granting Jia Jing the Right Second Rank Biaoqi Grand General title, to be frank, he feels somewhat uneasy.

Originally he was the only Second Rank General in the whole court; now another is to be ennobled, and the newcomer would outrank him, which leaves him with a bitter feeling.

Nevertheless, regardless of these reasons, he has firmly decided to offer no subjective opinion in this discussion.

Jing Sheng Di frowned at the words, then turned his gaze toward Zhang Tingyu, who was concealed behind Li Guangdi, and asked:

"Minister Heng, why are you standing so far inside! Step forward!"

"I recall that when I last ennobled Zi Jie, you said that strength is cultivated by law, weakness and chaos arise from indulgence, and a wise ruler therefore administers proper rewards and punishments, not benevolence alone."

"What is your opinion now on Zi Jie's ennoblement?"

Zhang Tingyu felt a chill at the words, realizing that no matter how he hid, he could not escape!

Jing Sheng Di deliberately quoted his previous remark, clearly not without reason, but because he was dissatisfied with the ministers' counsel on father‑and‑son joint ennoblement.

Zhang Tingyu slowly stepped forward, thought for a moment, and in a deep voice said:

"Reward merit, punish crime; with clear rewards and punishments, the realm can be governed."

"My view remains that rewards must be given and punishments must be trusted. The Champion Marquis, as a foremost martial hero of the court and a pillar of the state, deserves his title by merit, without criticism!"

Zhang Tingyu likewise offered an ambiguous statement, not specifying how to ennoble, only that it should follow military merit.

The reason Zhang Tingyu gave no clear opinion was chiefly that he could not gauge the Jing Sheng Di's intentions.

Indeed, Minister Fang's counsel on father‑and‑son joint ennoblement is a very good suggestion.

It both clarifies rewards and punishments and leaves room for Jia Jing, which best serves the imperial balance of power.

Although there is an element of civil officials subtly restraining martial merit, it is nonetheless a sound approach.

Yet Jing Sheng Di did not give direct approval; instead he also asked the Prince Nan'an for his view.

This move clearly shows his displeasure with Minister Fang's proposal, seeking another to voice the answer he wishes to hear.

But to grant a First Rank Duke and a Right Second Rank Biaoqi Grand General—what immense authority that is!

Such a move is unwise for the court, for Your Majesty, and for the ministers; it leaves Zhang Tingyu at a loss for words.

Although he often aligns with Jing Sheng Di's wishes, some words truly must not be spoken carelessly!

Your Majesty is now elated by the string of victories from the northwest, but Zhang Tingyu is not intoxicated by them!

He worries that if he supports re‑ennoblement today, and someday Jing Sheng Di regains sobriety and wishes to retract, he would become a scapegoat!

While Zhang Tingyu was pondering, Jing Sheng Di did not spare him as he had the Prince Nan'an, but pressed on:

"Minister Heng is correct! If rewards and punishments are not trusted, edicts cannot work. So, in your view, how should the ennoblement be handled?"

Zhang Tingyu's complexion shifted slightly, his ashen eyebrows trembling.

The phrase 'If rewards and punishments are not trusted, edicts cannot work' was also his own counsel last time; he did not expect Jing Sheng Di to cite it now to prod him.

Zhang Tingyu could not help but mutter inwardly:

"I do know what you wish to hear, but I cannot say it!"

"Moreover, I have spoken many lines; why does Your Majesty single out only these two!"

Despite his inner grumbling, Zhang Tingyu could not refuse to answer the Jing Sheng Di's question, nor could he remain vague.

Zhang Tingyu straightened his expression, bowed, and said:

"Your Majesty! I think both the Prince of Beijng and Minister Fang make valid points. Perhaps we should compromise between the two!"

"Grant Jia Zi Jie a Second Rank Duke, and extend grace to his father as well. Perhaps… we could even give Jia Zi Jie a slightly special title."

Zhang Tingyu, out of helplessness, proposed this compromise!

As is well known, when the nation cannot decide, the best solution is compromise!

Since a First Rank Duke or a Third Rank Duke is unsuitable, why not grant a Second Rank Duke!

Fearing Jing Sheng Di might still be dissatisfied, he also suggested a distinctive duke title for Jia Jing.

The Da Han duke title naturally differs from that of a marquis.

Marquis titles are usually two characters, such as Jingwu Marquis, Linchuan Marquis, Zhongqin Marquis, and so on.

Duke titles, however, are a single character, like Cao Duke, Cheng Duke, Ning Duke, Rong Duke, etc.

This mirrors the difference between commandery princes and blood princes: the former usually have two‑character titles, the latter one.

Of course, this is customary, but not an absolute rule.

【9】 Jing Sheng Di considered Zhang Tingyu's words, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and said:

【10】 "Then let us first discuss the title; the Champion Marquis earned his merit in the northwest, a feat that benefits the state and endures for ages."

Jing Sheng Di thought about Zhang Tingyu's words, neither saying agreement nor disagreement, but said:

"Then let's first discuss the ennoblement title; the Champion Marquis was established for military merit in the northwest, this merit is of great importance to the state and beneficial for posterity."

"There must be a suitable title to spread throughout the realm and awe the four barbarians. All of you are well‑studied officials; discuss it together."

"The core factors considered when choosing a title for an ordinary duke are the conquered territory and the nature of the achievement."

"The conquered territory, needless to say, is the northwestern grasslands."

"And the nature of the achievement, Emperor Jing Sheng Di also made clear, should focus on the state and benefit future generations."

"This is a merit of pacifying the grasslands and expanding the frontier, not a merit of enthroning, nor a merit of quelling rebellion; that must be taken into account."

"When Emperor Jing Sheng Di said this, the hall fell silent again."

"A moment later, Fang Congzhe thought for a while, held his jade tablet, and stepped forward to report:"

"'Your Majesty! I think it would be better to confer the title Duke of Shuo.'"

"'The Book of Documents – Yao Canon says: "Establish in the Shuo region, called Youdu." In the Tang dynasty there was also a Shuo region Military Governor, the core garrison defending the northwestern Turks and Uighurs.'"

"'The Marquis of Guanjun achieved this merit in the northwest; Langjuxu Mountain lies at the far north of the Da Han Empire. Granting the title Duke of Shuo aptly reflects the nature of the achievement.'"

"'Although the title Duke of Shuo is concise and powerful, it feels a bit plain.' Prince of Northern Tranquility Shui Rong, also a learned man, immediately pointed out the flaw."