Chapter 24: Ninth‑Rank Military Officer: Jian in the Emperor

Actually, the official rank is hard to say. Jia Jing is still young, only twenty, and already a secondary fifth‑rank military officer; you should know that Jia Baoyu's father is only a fifth‑rank Assistant Director of the Ministry of Works.

According to the Da Han Empire's military officer system, military officers are harder to promote than civil officials.

The regular first rank is the Grand Marshal of all armies, usually held only when the emperor personally leads a campaign, and can command a million troops nationwide.

The secondary first rank is the Grand General, generally taken by a prince or the crown prince; few ministers can hold it.

The second rank includes the Cavalry Grand General, the Guard Grand General, and the Three‑Minister‑grade Grand General; this is the highest office an ordinary military officer can attain in a lifetime.

Back then, the noble lord of the Jia Mansion was a regular second‑rank Guard Grand General, overseeing the capital's defense and able to command hundreds of thousands of troops on the battlefield.

The third rank comprises the Four‑Campaign, Four‑Garrison, Four‑Peace, and Four‑Stability generals; such officers can be stationed in a region and command a hundred thousand troops. Today, General Nian Gengyao, who is stationed in Liaodong, holds the secondary third‑rank Four‑Peace General title.

The fourth rank includes the titled Zhonglang General and the miscellaneous Zhonglang General, each typically commanding thirty to fifty thousand troops as a regional commander. This also represents a senior military officer in the Da Han Empire.

As for the fifth rank, it is the Colonel! Jia Jing holds the position of Tiger Guard Colonel.

However, his colonel title is unusual; it is the foremost of the eight great colonel titles, usually granted to regular fifth‑rank officers, allowing command of over ten thousand troops, making him a mid‑high‑level military officer.

As for other positions such as guerrilla commander, assistant general, garrison commander, fleet admiral, chief of troops, Military Governor, and so on, they are more complicated, each with specific duties, so I won't detail them all here.

Although Jia Jing won a battle this time, considering he only commands a force of over ten thousand…

I estimate he can defeat perhaps ten thousand enemies and annihilate a few thousand; I reckon a promotion of one grade to regular fifth rank would be quite good!

A twenty‑year‑old regular fifth‑rank officer with real authority is extremely rare among the distinguished families of Shenjing.

Jia Mu spoke with a rather emotional tone.

When Jia Jing first left the mansion, she had said that before he achieved anything, he need not return.

She had thought that, given Jia Jing's regular eighth‑rank background, it would take at least five to ten years—

—to accumulate experience and victories on the battlefield before he could rise to a fifth‑rank military officer and then return to the Jia Mansion.

By then she would be over eighty, perhaps even deceased, and thus would not fear Jia Jing returning to cause trouble for her!

Who could have known Jia Jing would merit promotion so quickly, reaching regular fifth rank in just two years,

and might continue to rise, since the Liaodong campaign is not yet finished!

If he returns after a while, she'll have a real headache!

Jia Mu glanced at the well‑behaved Jia Baoyu beside her and thought to herself that her obedient grandson was the best—fortunate, obedient, and sensible.

Listening to Jia Mu's speculation that Jia Jing might be promoted to regular fifth rank, receiving a viscountcy or barony,

the people present, though they had their own guesses, were still greatly astonished.

There are so many intricacies in a military officer's promotion! If it weren't for the old lady's knowledge, I, a fallen household, would have learned nothing today…

Speaking of it, if it weren't for your keen eye that sent my third brother into the army, he wouldn't be where he is today! That's also how the old lady cultivates talent.

Feng Jie's eyes showed a hint of surprise, yet she still couldn't help praising Jia Mu.

It's often said that the mansion trains its maids and matrons, each one disciplined and sensible.

I didn't expect the mansion's education of its youngsters to be so effective—so young yet already achieving great deeds and soaring to fame. Not like the one in my family, who is like a wild horse untethered, roaming everywhere…

Auntie Xue, standing nearby, also laughed and praised Jia Mu, her expression genuinely emotional.

His aunt need not be impatient; boys mature later, and when they later understand how hard it is for you as parents, all will be well!

Jia Mu smiled gently and comforted Auntie Xue with a few words.

She still liked Auntie Xue, Lady Wang's younger sister,

not to mention that the Jia and Xue families are long‑standing friends, and that Auntie Xue has been here these days,

spending each day chatting, playing dominoes, and bringing her much joy.

Naturally, Auntie Xue didn't truly despise Xue Pan; her own son was, in her eyes, perfect, incomparable to others.

The hall's crowd, seizing Jia Mu's topic, chattered away, filling the room with laughter and merriment.

Only Jia She, Jia Jing's own father, stood nearby with a sullen expression, feeling quite indignant:

That unfilial illegitimate son only enjoys glory by leaning on ancestral prestige; he has no real talent!

I have sent people to Liaodong on several occasions, and he simply avoids them; it's downright audacious…

And then, at that moment,

Standing at the entrance of the Hall of Glorious Celebration, Xiao Jiaoer, dressed in a bright red festive double‑breasted jacket, his round cheerful face beaming,

hurried into the hall to deliver a message:

'Grand ancestor, the steward ahead says the envoy is already on the road; we should go to the Hall of Honor and Joy to prepare to receive the imperial decree!'

Xiao Jiaoer's voice rang loudly, causing everyone in the hall to fall silent for a moment.

Jia Mu nodded and addressed the crowd:

'The envoy is arriving quickly; we must not delay. Follow me to the Hall of Honor and Joy to await the decree!'

The Hall of Honor and Joy is the main hall of the Rong Guo Mansion; the imperial decree will be presented there.

'Yes! Grand ancestor!' the people replied in unison, following Jia Mu toward the Hall of Honor and Joy.

…

Hall of Honor and Joy,

Jia Mu and the others knelt on the ground; Xia Shouzhong took a gilt‑edged sandalwood tray, retrieved a scroll of the imperial decree, and read aloud:

'By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have heard that the way to found a nation lies in honoring virtue and rewarding merit; the key to appointing officials lies in selecting the worthy and encouraging ability.'

'You, Tiger Guard Colonel Jia Jing, loyal and brave, with innate talent and early diligence; having first taken up arms, you displayed meritorious deeds in quelling rebellion; thereafter, as chief instructor, you further contributed to border security strategies.'

'On the Liaodong battlefield you were loyal, courageous, and just; brave and strategic, quick‑witted and decisive, defending Jinzhou with over ten thousand troops, braving arrows and spears, repeatedly repelling enemy assaults.'

'You repelled the Khitan marauders outside the city gates, devising ingenious tactics, striking from inside and out, donning armor yourself, leading the charge of arrows and stones, slaying generals and seizing banners, in a single battle wiping out over thirty thousand foes.'

'You swiftly subdued enemy vanguards, raising morale, your achievements topping all units. You also organized camps, tended the soldiers, keeping watchfires calm, securing the borders. My heart is greatly pleased!'

'Hereby I confer upon Tiger Guard Colonel Jia Jing the secondary fourth‑rank Biao Yao Zhonglang General title, promoting him to the rank of first‑class son.'

'He shall command twenty thousand Liaodong cavalry, unrestricted, seeking battle opportunities, to raise our nation's prestige, and is hereby granted this command.'

You shall command the military affairs, issue strict orders, and ensure the troops' weapons remain ever sharp, so that Han's might spreads far.

Encourage with loyalty, hoping you exhaust your sincere devotion and remain steadfast without slackness. Respectfully accept my command, forever preserve your meritorious name. Additionally, you are granted a thousand jin of gold, ten fine horses, and a hundred gems!

Grandmother Jia, first‑rank national lady Jia Shi, with kind teachings without fault, taught her grandson the proper way, presents a brocade robe, a hundred jin each of mullet fish and deer meat, assorted fresh fruits—how admirable!

In front of the fragrant table, Xia Shouzhong, dressed in a large black robe, read the imperial edict with measured cadence, then, with a smiling face, said to Jia Mu:

Madam, please rise quickly to receive the edict!

Jia Mu respectfully received the edict and expressed thanks, saying:

Servant Jia Shi, on behalf of my grandson Jia Jing, thanks His Majesty for the vast heavenly grace!

The voice could not hide the excitement.

She did not expect that Jia Jing was bestowed a first‑rank son title and promoted to a fourth‑rank Middle Colonel.

With that, she instantly became a senior military general of the Da Han Empire!

Not to mention the title Piao Yao, a designation known to every martial‑honored family, like the champion marquis among marquises; its significance is extraordinary.

My grandson is truly dear to the emperor's heart!