Chapter 215: Discussing Merits and Rewards

The lingering echoes of the enthronement ceremony had not yet fully dissipated, and within the Chongzheng Hall there already permeated an atmosphere different from the celebration—more pragmatic and tense.

Today is not a grand court assembly, but a core meeting of senior officials personally presided over by Emperor Chen Wen.

Its agenda is of utmost importance—discussing merits and rewards, to establish the power structure of the new dynasty.

Upon the imperial case lay a draft of the ennoblement and rewards list preliminarily drafted by Wang Pu and Zhang Cheng.

Chen Wen's gaze swept over the few individuals standing solemnly in the hall: Wang Pu, Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Shi Dun, and Qian Gui.

As well as Han Tong and Zhang Yongde, who had been specially summoned.

These seven individuals will form the initial power core of the new dynasty.

"Please, be seated."

Chen Wen's voice broke the silence.

He picked up the list, but did not immediately open it.

"The realm cannot be won by one person alone; the state requires the virtuous to jointly maintain it."

"Today's meritorious officials are tomorrow's pillars."

"All of you have shared hardships with me, jointly founded the enterprise, or in times of danger pledged allegiance and achieved the feat of supporting the heavens."

"Today's discussion need not be restrained; you may speak freely."

He first looked toward Wang Pu and Zhang Cheng.

"Master Ze Ping, Zhang Cheng, I have already examined this draft of the ennoblement list; its framework is excellent."

"Please, the two of you, read it aloud to everyone first."

"Your servant obeys the edict."

Wang Pu and Zhang Cheng rose, with Zhang Cheng taking primary responsibility for the reading.

His voice resonated clearly in the hall, each title and each official appointment.

each pertaining to personal honor and disgrace and the future direction of the court.

"It is proposed to enfeoff Shi Dun as Marquis Zhongwu, appoint him as Commander of the Imperial Guard's Infantry and Cavalry, and let him actually command the forces of the forbidden army;"

"It is proposed to enfeoff Qian Gui as Marquis Jing'an, appoint him as Vice Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs, concurrently holding the post of Commander of the Inspection Bureau, and let him overall oversee intelligence, apprehension of treason, and suppression of rebellion throughout the realm;"

"It is proposed to promote Zhang Cheng to Silver Blue Luminary Grand Master, serving as Minister of the Department of State Affairs, while heading the Ministry of Revenue, overseeing civil administration and finance;"

"It is proposed to promote Wang Ru to Vice Censor-in-Chief, concurrently serving as Vice Minister of Personnel, and let her oversee inspection and evaluation of official conduct;"

"It is proposed to enfeoff Han Tong as Duke of Xing, bestow upon him the honorary title of Senior General, and let him retain his post as Commander of the Palace Guard;"

"It is proposed to enfeoff Zhang Yongde as Duke of Wei, bestow upon him the honorary title of Minister of Works, and let him retain his post as Commander of the Imperial Guard's Infantry and Cavalry;"

"……"

The list is not long, but it covers the core of military and civil administration.

Shi Dun, Qian Gui, and other early followers received the highest marquisates and substantive positions of authority;

Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru grasped great power in administration and supervision;

while Han Tong and Zhang Yongde were granted the lofty ducal titles and honorary additions.

At the same time, symbolically significant military posts were retained to show tolerance and appeasement.

Upon completion of the reading, the hall fell into silence.

Shi Dun cracked a grin, obviously quite satisfied with actually commanding the forbidden army;

Qian Gui's expression remained unchanged, but a glint flashed in his eyes;

Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru, however, wore solemn faces, deeply aware of the great responsibility on their shoulders;

Han Tong and Zhang Yongde exchanged a glance, each able to see the complex emotions in the other's eyes;

The ducal rank, highest among subjects, far exceeded their expectations as surrendered generals;

Retaining their original posts, although their substantive authority might be largely taken by Shi Dun, they were given ample face;

Han Tong stepped forward first, making a deep bow;

"Your Majesty's great kindness, I… am moved to tears!"

"However, I have newly submitted, yet to establish any merit in the new dynasty; receiving such a heavy title, I truly feel apprehensive."

"I beg Your Majesty to withdraw this order; I wish to serve as a minor general, laboring for Your Majesty like a dog or horse, to atone for past faults with merit!"

Zhang Yongde followed closely after.

"I concur."

"Your Majesty's magnanimity, we have received it gratefully."

"Yet rewarding merit and punishing fault are the law of the court."

"We have not established new merit; we truly dare not accept such generous rewards."

This is the expected modesty, and also a kind of probing.

Chen Wen gave a slight smile, raising his hand in a gesture of support.

"Two generals, there is no need for excessive modesty."

"With Zhanzhou stabilized and Bian Liang orderly, I am able to be free of internal worries and smoothly assume the central authority."

"This is the great achievement of supporting the heavens!"

"If not for the two generals' deep understanding of righteousness, beneath Bian Liang city"

"there would inevitably be bloodshed; who knows how many soldiers would die unjustly, and how many commoners would suffer."

"This achievement surpasses a hundred thousand strong troops; how could it not deserve the ducal rank?"

His tone was sincere, his gaze sweeping over Han Tong and Zhang Yongde.

"I am not a stingy and ungenerous ruler; I also know that the two generals are pillars of the state."

"The new dynasty has just been established, with myriad affairs awaiting revival; to the north powerful barbarians eye us, within the realm petty troublemakers remain unsettled—this is precisely the time to employ talent."

I hope the two generals can set aside past grudges, work together with Shi Dun, Qian Gui and others, jointly safeguard the state, and for this world open another era of peace and prosperity.

These words both affirmed their merits, pointed out their crucial role, and gave them full respect and expectations for the future.

Han Tong's body trembled slightly, he no longer hesitated, and together with Zhang Yongde he lifted his robe and knelt.

We, your subjects, kowtow in thanks for Your Majesty's heavenly grace!

We will surely exert our humble abilities, be loyal to Your Majesty, and refuse to shirk even ten thousand deaths!

Good, please rise quickly.

Chen Wen nodded satisfied, his gaze turning to Shi Dun and Qian Gui.

Shi Dun, the Forbidden Army is the foundation of the state; regarding organization and training, you should seek advice often from the two generals, Han and Zhang.

But there is one point: military discipline must be strict, rewards and punishments clear; I want an army capable of fighting and obeying orders, not a rabble.

Shi Dun clasped his fists, his voice like a great bell.

Your Majesty, rest assured!

I will surely lead the troops well; whoever dares to cause trouble will not be tolerated by military law!

Qian Gui.

Chen Wen looked at him.

The post of Deputy Chief of the Privy Council will allow you to act more conveniently.

The Inspection Bureau's eyes must see farther, not only fixed on Bian Liang but also Hebei and Hedong.

Even to more distant places, whenever there is any sign of movement, especially anything related to the Iron Crow Army, I want to know immediately.

I understand, Your Subject.

Qian Gui spoke concisely, but the sharpness in his eyes showed he had fully understood.

Finally, Chen Wen looked toward Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru.

Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru.

Civil administration and governance are the foundation of establishing a state, and also key to winning the people's hearts.

I bestow upon you two an important task, hoping you can take the effective methods we used in Chan Prefecture and our base, combine them with the situation of the world, and implement them.

The process will inevitably be difficult, touching many entrenched interests, but this concerns the fate of the nation; it must be done, and done well.

Zhang Cheng took a deep breath, and together with Wang Ru he bowed deeply.

We, your subjects, will surely not betray Your Majesty's great trust; we will devote ourselves completely, orderly administer the realm, ensure smooth governance, and let the people live in peace.

The arrangement of the core cadre is now settled.

Chen Wen skillfully balanced the original followers and the veteran officials, ensuring that key powers—military authority, intelligence, administration, supervision—remained firmly in the hands of the absolutely loyal core.

As for Zhao Kuangyin...

When Chen Wen mentioned that name, the atmosphere in the hall froze for a moment.

His crime deserves death.

But I, newly ascended to the throne, if I arbitrarily execute a great general, fear it would chill the hearts of those who surrender.

For now, detain him under strict guard.

When the situation stabilizes, then proceed with disposal.

He paused, a flash of cold light flickering in his eyes.

The Iron Crow Army will certainly not accept defeat; they will surely seek new agents and opportunities.

What we must do is quickly put our internal affairs in order, leaving them no opening to exploit.

The meeting concluded, and the officials departed having received their orders.

Chen Wen sat alone on the throne.

One can feel that, with the initial establishment of this new dynasty's core cadre and the clarification of the power structure...

The machinery of the state begins to revolve around this new core of his, slowly but powerfully setting into motion.

The road ahead remains full of thorns, but at least he has firmly grasped the reins to drive this carriage.