Chapter 102: Ennobled as Champion Earl, the Entire Army Shook!

But before that, you must return to Huizhoucheng to deliver a message for me.

Tell them I’m unharmed in the army; once the war is settled, I’ll come see them immediately. See that they’re properly settled, Zhu Ying said.

At these words!

Xiao Han immediately bowed: “Your servant receives the order.”

“Thank you,” Zhu Ying smiled faintly.

Just as Xiao Han was about to withdraw.

“Report!”

“General!”

“A unit of Imperial Guard has arrived from Yingtian.”

“Seems to carry imperial edicts.”

Another personal guard rushed into the general’s residence, excitedly saying.

“Did they pass by the Grand General?” Zhu Ying asked.

“Replying, General.”

“The Grand General has come too.”

“He is now outside the general’s residence.”

The guard replied at once.

“Let’s go.”

Hearing Feng Sheng had arrived, Zhu Ying dared not hesitate—he immediately strode toward the courtyard.

The other officers followed in quick succession.

Xiao Han, though visibly nervous, hurried out after them.

Outside the general’s residence.

Feng Sheng stood at the front, guarded by a cohort of personal guards.

Beside him stood over a hundred black-armored Imperial Guards in red cloaks.

Their attire clearly marked their rank distinctions.

The Great Ming Imperial Guard—the Empire’s most elite troops.

“Your servant pays homage to the Grand General.”

Zhu Ying immediately bowed deeply to Feng Sheng.

“We pay homage to the Grand General.”

All officers and soldiers behind Zhu Ying likewise bowed.

Seeing Zhu Ying, Feng Sheng’s eyes held a look of satisfaction.

As a founding general of Great Ming, he deeply approved of seeing new talent emerge.

“Rise.”

Feng Sheng smiled slightly.

“Thank you, Grand General,” Zhu Ying said at once.

Then, seeing the Imperial Guards beside Feng Sheng, he added: “Grand General, what is the matter? Why have the Imperial Guards come?”

In his heart:

Zhu Ying had already guessed: “The blood-stopping formula must have taken effect. Though I didn’t ask for reward, not asking is the greatest request—Old Zhu’s boldness won’t let him withhold it.”

“Considering the time…”

“Now that the Imperial Guard has arrived, they must be here to bestow rewards upon me.”

“I wonder what reward this will be. Since it’s not battlefield merit, it won’t be a promotion in rank—likely only a noble title upgrade,” Zhu Ying thought silently.

“General Zhu.”

“The Crown Prince’s envoy from Yingtian brings good tidings.”

“But the specifics—I myself do not know.”

Feng Sheng smiled, then turned to the Imperial Guard’s Battalion Commander beside him.

“This is General Zhu Ying,” Feng Sheng said.

“Thank you, Grand General.”

The Imperial Guard Battalion Commander bowed in thanks.

Then stepped forward with purpose.

Unfurled the imperial edict held in his hands.

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Crown Prince’s decree:”

“Zhu Ying, Deputy Commander of Danning Frontier Forces and Marquis of Xian, mindful of the nation’s suffering and the lives of his comrades, disregarded personal gain and presented the miraculous medicine that saves lives. Verified by the Taiyi Academy, this medicine shall save countless Great Ming soldiers. This feat is immense—countless future soldiers shall live because of it.”

“This merit!”

“General Zhu offered it for Great Ming, asking for nothing in return.”

“Yet,”

“Great Ming cannot slight any meritorious subject.”

“Therefore,”

“I elevate Marquis Zhu Ying to the hereditary title of Earl, granting him an annual stipend of three hundred shi, and the right of hereditary succession for his descendants.”

“Bestow five thousand gold pieces; grant a general’s residence in Danning Fucheng; grant twenty maidservants and twenty servants.”

“Though young, General Zhu displays the command of a champion—loyal, righteous, and fearless!”

“Therefore,”

I bestow upon him the honorific title of “Champion,” ennobling him as [Guānjūn Bó].

“Let this title reflect General Zhu’s merit! Let it serve as inspiration!”

“May General Zhu continue to serve the nation with future deeds and achievements.”

“This is the decree.”

The Imperial Guard Battalion Commander’s deep voice drew the attention of surrounding officers and soldiers; as his words spread:

Countless soldiers turned their gazes toward Zhu Ying.

Even Feng Sheng, a Duke, could not remain unmoved.

His gaze at Zhu Ying was filled with astonishment—and at the edict itself.

“The Emperor and Crown Prince’s grace is too great.”

“They’ve granted the title ‘Champion.’”

“Champion Earl—the future Champion Marquis.”

They are truly shaping Zhu Ying into the army’s model commander.

“To bear the name ‘Champion’—for any Han Chinese warrior, who could refuse such a title?”

“With this title, Zhu Ying’s future position in the army is now unshakable.”

Feng Sheng thought silently.

After decades in court, Feng Sheng knew exactly what “Champion” meant.

“Champion Earl.”

“The title ‘Champion’ as a noble designation.”

“It’s this title.”

Zhu Ying himself was stunned.

He never imagined:

The title “Champion” had been bestowed upon him.

Earl!

This was no mere Marquis or Viscount—it was a title that could be honored with a name, the dividing line between nobility and commoners, true aristocracy.

He now held the right to refuse kneeling before the sovereign.

He need not kneel before even his superiors.

Unless it was a grand sacrifice or grand court assembly.

“The highest honor for a Han Chinese warrior—the title ‘Champion.’”

At this moment,

Zhu Ying’s face bore shock, his heart thrummed with indescribable excitement.

For such a title to be granted to him—how could he not be moved?

As a Han Chinese man, no one could refuse this honor.

It was a supreme distinction that would immortalize his name—the honor of becoming the army’s model, the glory of Han heritage.

The meaning of this title was immense.

“Champion Earl, receive the decree.”

The Imperial Guard Battalion Commander spoke to Zhu Ying with deep respect.

Hearing this,

Zhu Ying snapped back to awareness.

With solemn demeanor, he stepped forward, cupped his hands, and received the edict.

“Your servant Zhu Ying thanks the Emperor’s boundless grace, thanks the Crown Prince’s boundless grace.”

"I will never let His Majesty or the Crown Prince down."

Zhu Ying said with solemn gravity.

"Count Champion."

"The mansion and servants granted by His Highness have already been arranged by the Danning Prefecture."

"Once Liaodong is pacified, Count Champion may take up residence in Danning," said the Embroidered Uniform Guard Company Commander.

"Thank you for your trouble."

Zhu Ying bowed in thanks.

"Grand General."

"Count Champion."

"The imperial edict has been fully delivered."

"I shall return to Yingtian to report my duties."

The Embroidered Uniform Guard Company Commander clasped his fists in salute.

Then he mounted his horse.

One hundred Embroidered Uniform Guard cavalry swiftly mounted and departed, swift and decisive.

"Count Champion."

"Have you felt the boundless grace of the Emperor?"

Feng Sheng stepped forward, his expression grave.

"Grand General."

"Your servant has felt it."

"This title and rank is too heavy."

"So heavy that I fear I may not be able to bear it," Zhu Ying said slowly.

"Having received this title, you must strive all the harder."

"This honor is too exalted; your future burdens will be great."

"Work hard."

Feng Sheng spoke with deep emotion.

He had seen it clearly.

Though the title would elevate Zhu Ying’s prestige to great heights, it came at a cost—this title meant "Champion," and represented the standard for the entire Great Ming army.

In simple terms:

From now on, Zhu Ying must never lose!

"Rest assured, Grand General."

"Your servant will defend this title with his life," Zhu Ying replied solemnly.

"Enough."

"With the ability you’ve shown, you truly deserve it."

"But you must be even more cautious from now on."

"You broke three cities in ten days—well done."

"I won’t interfere with your military campaign."

"I shall return to the main camp."

Feng Sheng smiled and did not linger.

He turned, mounted his horse, and departed under the protection of his personal guards.

Clearly,

he had come along with the Embroidered Uniform Guard to deliver the edict.

Since the imperial court bestowed such a lofty title upon Zhu Ying, it was natural for him, as Grand General, to accompany the mission.

After Feng Sheng left,

Chen Heng, Zhang Wu,

and the many personal guards and Danning frontier troops all looked at Zhu Ying with fervor and awe.

Nearly all were delighted for Zhu Ying, yet also stunned.

Their general had been granted a marquisate—and not just any marquisate, but Count Champion.

Any soldier who had joined the army would know the meaning of "Champion."

Any soldier who had entered military service would know the significance of the words "Champion" to the warriors of Huaxia!

"Congratulations, General!"

Chen Heng was the first to recover, bowing deeply to Zhu Ying and shouting loudly.

"Congratulations, General!"

Zhang Wu and Liu Lei immediately snapped back to awareness and offered their congratulations.

Then,

the surrounding personal guards and frontier troops were filled with excitement.

"Congratulations, General!"

"Congratulations, General..."

"Count Champion!"

"Count Champion!"

"We soldiers are Count Champion’s..."

A wave of shouts echoed through the city, littered with corpses and blood.

The name "Count Champion" rang through the heavens, reverberating across the void.

To every soldier of the Danning frontier army, it was a profound reverence and admiration for Zhu Ying.

To soldiers of other armies, perhaps the feeling was less direct, but to the Danning frontier troops, Zhu Ying was their hero.

He had forged the prestige of the Danning frontier army.

With his own strength, he had made the Danning frontier army famous across the land and inscribed its name in Yingtian.

Zhu Ying led them into battle, always charging ahead, never questioned—every soldier fully trusted him.

Because Zhu Ying’s battlefield achievements were earned through real blood and sacrifice.

"Our General has become Count Champion—with 'Champion' as his title."

"By the way, I really chose the right path."

"If I hadn’t chosen to become a personal guard back then, I’d probably still be a Company Commander."

"But now, I’m the commander of a marquis’s personal guards—with boundless prospects ahead."

Liu Lei’s face glowed with excitement.

As for taking a gamble,

who could match him?

When Zhu Ying still held no high rank, Liu Lei abandoned his position as Company Commander and directly joined Zhu Ying’s personal guard.

At that time, Zhu Ying was only a Garrison Commander.

And now?

His status was incomparably higher than before.

He had risen to Vice Commandant.

He had been granted the rank of Marquis.

And not just any marquisate—the highest honor a military officer could receive.

Such an opportunity was not available to everyone, yet Liu Lei had seized it firmly; as long as he followed Zhu Ying, his future was limitless.

"By the way,"

"I really made the right choice."

"Luckily, I was on gate duty that day—otherwise, I never would have had the chance to meet General Zhu."

"I must hurry back and tell those two the good news."

"They’ve always thought I mistook someone—now, with General Zhu’s confirmation, they can rest easy." Xiao Han’s heart was also filled with excitement.

He never imagined that as a city gate guard, he would witness such a grand event today.

He had seen the Grand General, and witnessed firsthand the moment when Zhu Ying, the War God of the Danning frontier army, was ennobled.

Liaodong!

Lan Yu’s camp.

"How is Zhu Ying’s offensive progressing?" Lan Yu asked Chang Mao.

"Though I look down on the brat, he truly commands troops well—his forces are more than half our size, yet their advance is faster. In just ten days, they’ve already taken three cities," Chang Mao said with a grim face.

"Our army of nearly one hundred thousand cannot match their less than fifty thousand?"

Lan Yu frowned, deeply displeased.

"Zhu Ying attacks cities with cavalry, then infantry occupies them."

"Each time, he leads the assault personally—hence the rapid city-breaking."

He personally led the troops to assault every city, so the walls fell with extreme speed.

Moreover, the Yuan forces have hindered their advance, but ultimately cannot stop them.

It’s just unclear how he breached the city.

“Cavalry tactics to break a city—never seen before,” Chang Mao said gravely.

“Tieling is the strategic hub of Liaodong; all grain and supply logistics for the Northern Yuan in Liaodong are routed through Tieling. Once seized, it will be a great achievement.”

“Liaodong can be secured within months at most.”

“This achievement.”

“We absolutely cannot let Zhu Ying claim it,” Lan Yu said sternly.

“I will urge all officers and soldiers to launch a full-scale assault,” Chang Mao immediately nodded.

Just then!

“Report!”

“We’ve just received a report from Zhu Ying’s unit.”

A personal guard stepped in quickly, his expression grave.

“What is it?”

Lan Yu asked at once.

“The imperial court has issued an edict, granting Zhu Ying rewards, and… and…”

The guard hesitated, clearly aware this matter was enormous—and that his general held no fondness for Zhu Ying.

To speak it might provoke thunderous rage.

“And what?” Lan Yu demanded immediately.

“His Majesty has elevated Zhu Ying to the rank of Marquis and granted him the title ‘Guanchun,’” the guard replied at once.

“What?”

Lan Yu and Chang Mao both widened their eyes, disbelief and fury etched on their faces.

“Marquis Guanchun?”

“How could he possibly deserve the title ‘Guanchun’?”

“A child—how could he bear the name ‘Guanchun’?”

“His Majesty has truly lost his senses. The title ‘Guanchun’ is not something to be bestowed lightly!”

“It represents the highest honor for any warrior of Huaxia. How could such a title be granted?”

“Does Zhu Ying even deserve it?”

Lan Yu said, his face filled with rage.

Beside him, Chang Mao’s expression was equally grim.

His father was a founding general, and many other founding generals held prestigious titles—but none had ever received the title ‘Guanchun’!

To them,

being passed over for such a revered title filled them with fury and bitter resentment.

Why?

They even wanted to ride back to Yingtian and demand of His Majesty why he granted Zhu Ying such a title.

“His Majesty has truly lost his mind.”

“The Crown Prince should have stopped him.”

“Guanchun!”

“Such a lofty title—how could Zhu Ying possibly deserve it?”

“No.”

“I must submit a memorial to His Majesty. This title must not be granted to Zhu Ying.”

“He doesn’t deserve it.”

“Not just us—we all from Huaixi must submit memorials. The title ‘Guanchun’ must never fall into Zhu Ying’s hands,” Chang Mao added angrily.

Hearing this,

Lan Yu nodded heavily: “Yes, that is right.”

“I will write my memorial at once, and have my brothers write theirs too. I refuse to believe His Majesty will completely ignore our petitions.”

“The title ‘Guanchun’ represents the divine warrior of Huaxia.”

“Though Zhu Ying has won some battles, they are minor deeds—how can they compare to our founding merits? How can they match our decades of campaigning for the Great Ming?”

“What right does he have to this title?”

“He doesn’t deserve it.”

“Moreover, this title is too great. If Zhu Ying later leads troops to defeat, it will be a grave blow to the Great Ming. We cannot allow this.”

“Indeed.”

“That must be it.”

“We cannot let him succeed…”

Clearly,

Lan Yu and Chang Mao had reached the same conclusion.

“Should we inform Zhao Yong and the others first?”

“We’ll all write our memorials, then send them all to Yingtian together.”

“With so many military commanders petitioning, I refuse to believe His Majesty will remain unmoved,” Chang Mao said.

“Yes.”

Lan Yu nodded heavily: “Send messengers at once to tell Zhao Yong and the others to write memorials and join us.”

…

Meanwhile,

Beiping Prefecture!

“Marquis Guanchun.”

“Granted the title ‘Guanchun.’”

“Father and Brother are truly bold in their moves.”

“This surpasses any official appointment.”

“Throughout history!”

“Which warrior has not fought for the title ‘Guanchun’?”

“In the Warring States, they fought for Wu’an; after Han, they fought for Guanchun.”

“By granting this title, Father and Brother have placed Zhu Ying as the new standard-bearer of the military.”

“This position is too heavy.”

Zhu Di said slowly.

“Indeed, it is a grand gesture.”

“Granted the title ‘Guanchun.’”

“The imperial grace is boundless!” Yao Guangxiao could not help but sigh.

“This man can no longer be won over.”

“Father and Brother have bestowed such profound favor.”

“This title is worth more than countless treasures. What more could a warrior possibly desire?”

“Today’s Marquis Guanchun—tomorrow’s Marquis Duke Guanchun—someday, Duke Guanchun.”

“The moment this title was bestowed, this boy became irrevocably bound to the Great Ming.”

“Unless I ascend the throne, he will be my mortal enemy.”

“‘Guanchun’ signifies fierce valor—and unyielding loyalty,” Zhu Di thought, his heart filled with complex emotion.

Now,

he finally understood the brilliance of his father and brother in Yingtian.

Though they had never met Zhu Ying, they had granted him supreme honor.

Under such profound grace,

a scholar would die to repay it.

“Nothing is settled. Nothing is certain.”

“Your Highness should remain hidden for now.”

“There is no need to dwell on this.”

“Too rigid breaks easily.”

“This boy now holds boundless imperial favor—and with it, inevitable hostility from Huaixi.”

“Your Highness need only watch the show.”

“This boy may not survive the coming storm.”

Yao Guangxiao smiled with old, calculating cunning.

…

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(End of chapter)