Chapter 46: with translation of chapter title

At this moment, Jia Jing had indeed entered the imperial palace, led by a eunuch to go see Emperor Jing Sheng Di!

Walking inside the palace city, Jia Jing looked around.

All that met his eyes were palace buildings with flying eaves and interlocking brackets, vermilion walls and dark tiles, exceptionally solemn, magnificent, and grand.

On the roads inside the palace, palace maids, eunuchs, guards, and the Feathered Forest Guard hurried past, each in orderly fashion, without any noise.

"General Jia, come with me quickly! His Majesty is already waiting!"

The eunuch leading the way saw Jia Jing glancing around as he walked, and with a smile on his face softly urged him.

If an ordinary person had entered the palace and behaved so rudely, he would have already stepped forward to reprimand them.

But Jia Jing was no ordinary person; before coming, Eunuch Xia had repeatedly instructed: under no circumstances should General Jia be slighted, for he is a favorite minister close to the emperor's heart.

"The imperial court is profound; I momentarily forgot myself, causing you to laugh, Eunuch!"

Jia Jing gave a slight smile, quickened his pace to follow the eunuch's steps, and the two headed toward Qian Qing Gong.

In just a moment, Jia Jing and the eunuch arrived at the steps before Qian Qing Gong.

Looking ahead, he saw that several people were already standing on the steps.

The foremost person wore a bright yellow dragon robe, donned a crown, bore an exalted posture, and looked down with a smile.

The several people behind him were clad in purple robes, their expressions solemn, surrounding the leader like stars encircling the moon.

Jia Jing's expression turned serious, his heart filled with awe, guessing that this must be Emperor Jing Sheng.

He never expected the emperor to come out to the hall's exterior to greet him—such an honor!

The guiding eunuch had already knelt on the ground, shouting loudly: "Greetings to Your Majesty! Long live the emperor, long live, long live forever!"

Jia Jing also hurriedly performed the rites, saying: "Your subject Jia Jing greets Your Majesty!"

Emperor Jing Sheng gazed at Jia Jing in his military attire, then made a move that caused everyone present to change expression.

Only to see Emperor Jing Sheng quickly stride down the steps, approach Jia Jing, seize his hands, and help him rise.

"Beloved minister, no need for ceremony; I have long wished to see you. Now that I have, I am truly delighted."

For the Son of Heaven to descend the steps—what a sign of favor!

At this moment, Jia Jing's heart also warmed; Emperor Jing Sheng's treatment of him left nothing to be said.

On the front lines, he had continuously received rewards and often received edicts of encouragement.

Although he had continually earned merit, Emperor Jing Sheng had never slighted him; at a young age he held a fourth-rank position, steadily promoted and ennobled, largely due to the emperor's backing.

This time, returning to the capital to meet the emperor, Jing Sheng even came out of the hall to greet him, descended the steps to support him—his treatment could not be called anything less than favor.

Jia Jing spoke with gratitude:

"Two years ago, Your Majesty's discerning eye plucked me from obscurity; you have often encouraged me, and your trust has only grown."

"Relying on Your Majesty's heavenly might, I have exerted my modest abilities and finally achieved victory in Liaodong, fulfilling my mission."

Emperor Jing Sheng held Jia Jing's hand and examined him up and down.

He saw Jia Jing tall and straight, wearing a bright silver lion helmet, clad in snowflake fish-scale armor, with an impressive appearance.

His whole being exuded the vigor of a seasoned soldier, his gaze calm, his countenance stern.

Of course, his face also bore the dust and weariness of the long journey back to the capital.

"Heroic in bearing and noble in appearance, truly worthy of being a fine son of our Da Han Empire!" Emperor Jing Sheng exclaimed.

This was no mere polite remark from Emperor Jing Sheng.

Rather, it was after inheriting the martial legacy of Zhao Yun, Lu Bu, and Xiang Yu,

that Jia Jing's physique and appearance were transformed, with subtle changes to his looks and even more so to his bearing,

making his entire person conform closely to the golden ratio; to say he is heroically outstanding is no exaggeration.

Gong Dingzi and others nearby watched the emperor's affectionate attitude toward Jia Jing with complex expressions, feeling a tinge of envy.

Emperor Jing Sheng said nothing more outside, took Jia Jing's hand and walked into the hall, saying:

"Let us go inside to talk; I imagine you must be weary from your long journey."

"To serve Your Majesty and labor for the state, I dare not speak of fatigue!" Jia Jing replied respectfully.

"Had it not been for the winter season, when False Qing could hardly mobilize troops, I would not dare to recall you so lightly." Emperor Jing Sheng sighed.

"False Qing originally intended to send troops from the grasslands and Liaodong to rescue Yin Yue, but after I captured and killed Yin Yue, both forces withdrew!"

"Now Liaodong has General Nian and General Yue in command; Your Majesty need not worry!"

Jia Jing stepped back half a pace, using skillful strength to support Emperor Jing Sheng as they ascended the steps, with several cabinet ministers following behind.

Emperor Jing Sheng sighed and said:

"Liaodong may be tranquil for a few months, but court affairs are myriad and fraught with problems everywhere—how could I not be worried?"

Jia Jing nodded and said:

"Your Majesty bears the weight of all under heaven, cares for the world, labors daily—I know this! Yet state affairs are complex, not achieved in a day; Your Majesty must still look after your dragon body."

Thus they conversed while walking, all the way back to Qian Qing Gong.

After Emperor Jing Sheng reseated himself at the long table in the hall, Jia Jing stood together with Niu Jizong and the Duke of Zhao on the right side.

"Grant him a seat! Bring tea and refreshments for Beloved Minister Jia!"

Emperor Jing Sheng ordered Xia Shouzhong nearby.

Jia Jing hastily bowed and declined:

"How could a humble subject sit in peace before Your Majesty and the esteemed officials!"

Although Emperor Jing Sheng sincerely offered a seat, seeing Jia Jing so observant and respectful filled his heart with great satisfaction!

"He can fight in battle and is not arrogant—I have not misjudged him!"

"You are no mere child; just now I have already consulted with the ministers to reward you for your victory at Jizhou City."

"We have decided to promote you one rank, granting you the title of Third-Rank Junior General Who Pacifies the East, and simultaneously bestowing upon you the title of Marquis Jingwu. Now you are a high-ranking military official of the court, a marquis of a region, truly a pillar of the state!"

Jing Sheng Di said with a smile.

Jia Jing hurriedly performed the salute again and said:

"I, who lead troops in battle, am merely doing my duty! Your Majesty has repeatedly bestowed favors upon me, and your kindness weighs heavily on me; I ought naturally to serve the court and share the ruler's worries. How could I be made a marquis for such trifling merit? I beg Your Majesty to withdraw this order!"

Jia Jing certainly wasn't opposed to gaining office and rank; receiving promotions and rewards had always been his core principle.

However, having just returned to the capital, he was unfamiliar with the court's affairs and people,

therefore, his plan was to be a bit more cautious in his conduct for now, first get a clear picture of the situation, then make plans.

Obviously, his attitude of respectful courtesy proved effective.

Not only did Jing Sheng Di's attitude toward him become more amiable, but even ministers Li Guangdi and Chen Tingjing, seeing his repeated humility and modesty, grew more approving of him.

Originally there were some worries that the emperor's excessive favor would make him arrogant, but now it appears he is indeed a loyal and reliable subject.

Only Zhang Tingyu's gray‑white brows furrowed slightly, his aged gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny!

Is this genuine respect, or is it treachery disguised as loyalty?

At the height of his military achievements, yet he could be so cautious—it makes one have to be wary!

"Beloved minister, there's no need to decline! If rewards and punishments are unclear, nothing can be accomplished! If we slight those who have merit, who will then serve our dynasty on the front lines?" Jing Sheng Di urged solemnly.

Jia Jing also couldn't refuse again, otherwise it would seem he thought the ennoblement too low, revealing his great ambition!

Immediately, a look of gratitude appeared on his face, and he said:

"I thank Your Majesty for your favor; I dare not spare my liver and brains in repaying your grace!"