Chapter 146: Rewards and Balance

The victory report of the great triumph at Gaoping, carried by swift couriers, spread in all directions at the utmost speed.

Naturally, it also reached the capital of the Later Zhou, Bian Liang.

The victory report contained detailed and solid information.

It not only summarized the brilliant victory over the Northern Han–Khitan allied army.

It also vividly described how Military Governor Chai Rong, undaunted in crisis, personally braved arrows and stones to steady morale.

And how Commander of the Jing'an Army Chen Wen served as a midstream pillar, broke the enemy in battle, and turned the tide.

"Praised as 'my Wei and Huo,'" though not directly written in the victory report!

But the details of his rescuing the sovereign and defeating the enemy already let any discerning person feel the trust and esteem Chai Rong held for Chen Wen.

Inside the Bian Liang imperial palace,

The young Hidden Emperor Guo Rong (the Hidden Emperor of Later Han) looked at the victory report in his hand, his feelings complex and hard to express.

As emperor, with a great victory on the borders and the strong enemy repelled, he ought to have been delighted.

But as a ruler increasingly sensitive to power and deeply wary of strong regional commands,

the information revealed in this victory report, however, made him feel as if sitting on pins and needles.

Chai Rong's prestige, after this battle, will surely rise to the zenith!

And that Chen Wen, who suddenly appeared, actually possesses such ability!

Rescuing the emperor and defeating the enemy, he has indeed become the top fierce general under Chai Rong's command.

The expansion of Chan Prefecture's power is now unstoppable.

"Your Majesty, the Military Governor of Chan Prefecture, Chai Rong, has submitted a memorial requesting merit for his subordinates."

The Grand Councilor presented another document with bowed body, his tone cautious.

The Hidden Emperor received it and quickly skimmed through.

In the memorial, Chai Rong requested rewards for the meritorious soldiers in an orderly, reasonable manner.

And listed first was none other than "Commander of the Jing'an Army, Acting Militia Commander of Chan Prefecture, Chen Wen."

The memorial enumerated his achievements, requesting a high rank and promotion of his official post.

So that he could more effectively oversee the defense and military-civil affairs of Linhe, Thus entries: Thus entries: Anping, and Luochuan counties.

The wording was sincere, leaving little fault to be found from either public or private perspectives.

"What do you all think?"

The Hidden Emperor gently placed the memorial on the imperial desk, his gaze sweeping over the senior officials present, such as Su Fengji and Shi Hongzhao.

Some of them had close ties to regional commands, while others were deeply wary of excessive military power.

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Chan Prefecture's great victory, its momentum soaring, if the rewards were too harsh,

it would not only chill the hearts of the frontline troops, but could also push the already aloof Chai Rong completely into opposition.

But if we accede to his request, it would be tantamount to acknowledging and strengthening the power of the Chan Prefecture clique.

Especially that Chen Wen, who might truly soar to prominence and become another overbearing regional military strongman.

Weighing the pros and cons, present stability is ultimately more important.

Finally, after a discussion that was not overly heated, the Imperial Court's decree was swiftly issued.

For such a decisive great victory, the rewards must be generous—this is both a show of face and a necessity.

When the decree was transmitted to the Zhou army's great camp at the Gaoping front, the entire army rejoiced.

Inside the commander's great tent, Chai Rong personally read the award decree to Chen Wen and the other meritorious officers.

"……Commander of the Jing'an Army, Acting Militia Commander of Chan Prefecture, Chen Wen, loyal and brave by nature, with far-reaching discernment."

"In the Battle of Gaoping, he advanced courageously, shattered the vanguard, defeated the enemy, his merit surpassing all armies……"

"Specifically promoted to Founding County Marquis, with a fief of eight hundred households!"

"Granted the rank of Silver Blue Grand Master (honorary post), and promoted to Defense Commissioner of Chan Prefecture (official post)."

"Still serving as Commander of the Jing'an Army, overseeing the military and civil defense of Linhe, Thus entries: Thus entries: Anping, and Luochuan counties, permitted to act at his discretion! ……"

Hearing this, the officers in the tent all showed looks of envy and congratulations.

Founding County Marquis!

This is a genuine high rank; possessing the qualification of Grand Marshal marks his formal entry into the upper nobility.

Although the Silver Blue Grand Master is an honorary post, its rank is extremely high, displaying honor.

And the post of Defense Commissioner of Chan Prefecture is especially crucial!

The Defense Commissioner outranks the Militia Commissioner, usually commanding the military of a prefecture or several prefectures, wielding great authority.

Although Chen Wen's authority remains mainly over his original three counties,

but with the title "Defense Commissioner of Chan Prefecture," his legitimacy and authority will greatly increase!

Integrating resources and mobilizing troops will become more legitimate and proper.

The right to "act at his discretion" further grants him great autonomous decision‑making power within his jurisdiction.

This almost fully meets Chai Rong's request in his memorial; the Imperial Court, in this award, shows a rare "generosity."

"……The other officers, such as Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Shi Dun, Qian Gui, and Zhao Dayan, each received rewards—either ennoblement, promotion, or generous gifts of silk and silk, all according to merit……"

After the reading was finished, the tent thundered with cheers. Chen Wen led the awarded officers in bowing to express gratitude.

"We, the humble subordinates, thank Your Majesty's great kindness! We will surely exert our utmost to repay the nation's grace!"

After the ceremony, the officers dispersed, each immersed in the joy of the rewards.

But Chen Wen was kept behind by Chai Rong alone.

"Wen Zhong……"

The smile on Chai Rong's face faded somewhat, carrying a hint of deep meaning.

The Imperial Court's conferment of titles and rewards this time is indeed generous.

Chen Wen understood tacitly, and said in a low voice.

My lord, rest assured, this subordinate understands.

This is the grace of His Majesty and the Imperial Court, and also the merit of your lord's strenuous efforts.

This subordinate will never become conceited over a few petty titles and offices.

In the three counties' territory, the foundations have just been laid, all affairs await revival; now is the time to settle the mind, calm the spirit, and devote oneself to development.

Chai Rong nodded in satisfaction.

It couldn't be better that you think so.

The tree that stands out in the forest will be blown down by the wind.

Now your fame spreads abroad; who knows how many eyes are watching you. Bian Liang... may not be entirely at ease either.

Only by laying an unshakable foundation, holding strong troops, and bestowing benefits upon the people can one stand invincible.

This post of Defense Commissioner is precisely to let you act more freely.

This subordinate will surely not disappoint your lord's expectations!

Chen Wen solemnly promised.

He well knew that behind this seemingly glorious bestowal lay the pressure that Chai Rong bore for him, and even greater expectations.

His territory and forces were able to expand legally, but correspondingly, the responsibilities and potential risks also grew greater.

Carrying the Imperial Court's edict of bestowal and Chai Rong's instructions, Chen Wen returned to the Jing'an Army Camp.

The news had long spread; the entire army, from top to bottom, shared in the honor.

With the commander ennobled as a marquis and appointed as a general, these followers naturally rose in rank as well.

Chen Wen immediately summoned all core cadres, implemented the bestowals one by one, and simultaneously announced the upcoming arrangements.

Marquis...

Zhang Cheng had just opened his mouth when Chen Wen raised a hand to stop him.

In the army, the old title is sufficient.

Chen Wen's expression remained calm.

The bestowal is honor, and also responsibility. The Imperial Court and your lord have placed great hopes upon us; we must not slacken in the slightest.

His gaze swept over the crowd.

The matter of consolation must be implemented as soon as possible; not a single cent may be withheld! The wounded must be given full medical treatment!

Of the seized supplies, aside from the portion to be turned over, the rest shall all be stored in the warehouse as capital for our future development.

The vacancies left by fallen soldiers must be promptly filled by selecting the best from captives and refugees, with strict training.

Zhao Lao Nian!

He looked at Zhao Lao Nian, who was in charge of the artisans' construction.

Make preparations; upon returning with me to the defense zone, the primary task will be to reinforce the city defenses, construct waterworks, and restore the official roads.

I have a new construction blueprint for you.

Qian Gui, the Inspection Bureau must be expanded; not only must it monitor external affairs, but within the three counties, official conduct and popular sentiment also require attention.

Orders were conveyed clearly and distinctly, without the slightest bit of impatience despite the great honor.

All received the orders with solemnity; they knew this was not an end, but a more arduous beginning.

Chen Wen stood outside the tent, looking at the bustling, vibrant camp before him.

In his hand he held the edict symbolizing honor and authority; his gaze was profound.

Founding County Marquis, Defense Commissioner of Chan Prefecture... his title was established, his domain demarcated.

Next, it was to turn this paper authority into tangible reality.

The time had come when no one could easily shake this power.

And the Ability Granting trump card will play an even more astonishing role in future farming and strengthening the troops.