Chapter 287

The solemn resonance of presenting captives at the ancestral temple had not yet completely faded, and the following day's regular court session became another focal point drawing everyone's gaze.

Translation: The solemn aftermath of offering captives at the Imperial Ancestral Temple had not yet fully faded, and the next day's regular court became another focus of universal attention.

We need to keep it concise but faithful. Let's produce: "The solemn aftermath of offering captives at the Imperial Ancestral Temple had not yet fully faded, and the next day's regular court became another focus of universal attention."

Today, we are not dealing with routine matters.

Translation: Today, they were not handling routine state affairs.

Everyone understands that today is the day of rewarding merit and punishing fault, a pivotal moment that will determine the fates of many and set the power balance of the new regime.

Translation: Everyone knew this was the day to confer rewards and punishments, a critical moment that would decide countless fates and establish the new dynasty's power structure.

Within the Hall of Purple Majesty, the mood is solemn, with an undercurrent of excitement.

Translation: Within the Hall of Purple Harmony, the atmosphere was solemn yet tinged with excitement.

Civil and military officials line up on either side, dressed in fine robes, their faces solemn.

Translation: Civil and military officials stood in two rows, their attire splendid, their expressions solemn.

All eyes are fixed on the vermilion steps, where the young emperor sits upon the dragon throne.

Translation: Everyone's gaze was focused on the steps above, where the young emperor sat enthroned on the dragon throne.

Chen Wen now wears a more formal crimson gauze robe, topped with the Heaven-Reaching Crown whose bead curtains drape down, partially obscuring his face but enhancing his inscrutable majesty.

Translation: Chen Wen today changed into a more formal crimson gauze robe, wearing the Heaven-Reaching Crown with pendulous beads that partially veiled his face, yet made his imperial aura more inscrutable.

His calm gaze sweeps over the officials below, noting every expression—whether eager, tense, or composed.

Translation: His calm gaze swept over the officials below, taking in their expressions of anticipation, tension, or composure.

Officials, rise.

Translation: "All officials, rise."

His voice, filtered through the bead curtains, bears an unquestionable authority.

Translation: His voice, transmitted through the beads, carried an indisputable authority.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Translation: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The officials rise and stand with hands clasped before them.

Translation: The officials rose and stood with hands lowered in attendance.

The hall is so silent you can hear the soft rustle of robes.

Translation: The hall was so quiet that the faint rustle of clothing could be heard.

The Jinzhou campaign succeeded through heavenly aid and ancestral blessings, with soldiers fighting valiantly and civil and military forces united, ultimately defeating the formidable foe and enhancing our state's glory.

Translation: "In the Battle of Jinzhou, relying on the protection of Heaven and Earth and our ancestors, the soldiers gave their all, civil and military united, finally defeating the strong enemy and exalted our nation's prestige."

Chen Wen begins to speak slowly, his voice reverberating across the spacious hall.

Translation: Chen Wen spoke slowly, his voice echoing in the vast hall.

If we do not reward merit, how can we encourage future service? If we do not punish fault, how can we deter others?

Translation: "If merit goes unrewarded, how can we inspire the future? If fault goes unpunished, how can we warn others?"

Today, we will grant rewards and mete out punishments based on the joint report of the Secretariat, Ministry of Personnel, and Ministry of War.

Translation: "Today, we shall confer rewards and punishments according to the joint report of the Privy Council, Ministry of Personnel, and Ministry of War."

His gaze shifts to the Hanlin scholar standing in attendance beside him.

Translation: He turned his gaze to the attending Hanlin scholar.

Read it.

Translation: "Proclaim."

The Hanlin scholar bows, steps forward, unfurls the gold‑thread‑embroidered imperial edict, and reads it aloud.

Translation: The Hanlin scholar bowed, accepted the order, stepped forward, unfolded the imperial edict brocaded with gold thread, and began to read it aloud.

The decree states: 'I have received the Mandate of Heaven to rule the world. Rewarding merit and punishing fault is the constant law of the state. The triumph at Jinzhou is truly owing to the combined wisdom and strength of all…'

Translation: "The edict reads: I have received the Mandate of Heaven, to govern all under heaven. Rewarding merit and punishing crime is the constant law of the state. The victory at Jinzhou is indeed due to the collective wisdom and strength..."

The edict opens by establishing its tone, lauding accomplishments, and reaffirming the significance of reward and punishment.

Translation: The edict's opening sets the tone, praising achievements and reiterating the importance of rewards and punishments.

We then move into the actual awarding of titles and rewards.

Translation: Immediately thereafter, the substantive conferment of titles and rewards began.

The first name announced is Shi Dun.

Translation: The first name called was Shi Dun.

The Northern Garrison General Shi Dun, loyal and valiant, accepted his post in peril, held Jinzhou against vastly superior forces, keeping the city intact; in the counterattack he personally braved arrows and stones, taking prefecture after prefecture, shaking the northern lands. For his extraordinary service he is promoted to Grand General of the Northern Garrison, granted the title of Upper Pillar of State, created Prince of Liang with a fief of three thousand households, awarded one thousand taels of silver, five hundred bolts of silk, and given a vermilion‑inscribed iron certificate guaranteeing hereditary succession.

Translation: "General Shi Dun of the Northern Frontier, loyal and brave, received the command in crisis, held Jinzhou against forces many times stronger, preserving the city; in the counteroffensive, he personally braved arrows and stones, successively capturing prefectures and counties, shaking the northern borders. His merits are outstanding; he is promoted to General of the Northern Frontier, granted the title of Upper Pillar of State, ennobled as Prince of Liang, with a fief of three thousand households, awarded one thousand taels of gold, five hundred bolts of silk, and a vermilion-script iron charter, hereditary without end!"

A hushed gasp runs through the hall.

Translation: A low intake of breath rippled through the hall.

The rank of Northern Garrison Grand General is already the pinnacle for military officers; Upper Pillar of State is the highest merit rank; Prince of Liang is a superior dukedom with a wealthy fief, plus the vermilion‑inscribed iron certificate that guarantees prosperity for his heirs.

Translation: "The rank of General of the Northern Frontier is already the highest for military officials; Upper Pillar of State is the first class of merit nobles; Prince of Liang is a superior-rank duke, with a rich fief, plus the vermilion-script iron charter securing wealth and honor for his descendants."

This award is certainly not trivial.

Translation: This ennoblement is certainly not light.

This both recognizes Shi Dun's exceptional battlefield exploits and demonstrates absolute confidence in him as Chen Wen's earliest and most trusted ally.

Translation: This both affirms Shi Dun's outstanding battlefield achievements and expresses absolute trust in him as Chen Wen's earliest and core cadre.

Shi Dun strides forward, having donned a brand‑new suit of armor today that makes him look even more imposing and mighty.

Translation: Shi Dun stepped forward in long strides, today wearing a brand-new set of armor that made him look even more stalwart and mighty.

He drops to one knee, his voice booming like a bell:

Translation: He knelt on one knee, his voice like a great bell:

Your humble servant Shi Dun thanks Your Majesty's great favor! I will devote my very life to repay Your Majesty's trust, forever guard the northern frontier, and protect our Great Chen!

Translation: "Your subordinate Shi Dun thanks Your Majesty's great favor! I will devote my liver and brains to the ground to repay Your Majesty's trust, eternally guard the northern frontier, and protect Great Chen!"

Chen Wen gives a slight nod.

Translation: Chen Wen gave a slight nod.

Beloved minister, please rise. The tranquility of the northern border depends on you; I hope you will not let me down.

Translation: "Beloved official, please rise. The peace of the northern borders rests on you; I hope you will not disappoint my expectations."

Your humble servant will obey the command!

Translation: "Your subordinate will obey the edict!"

Shi Dun rises, returns to his place, his back ramrod straight, his face alight with excitement and honor.

Translation: Shi Dun rose, returned to his rank, his back ramrod straight, his face glowing with excitement and honor.

Now come the awards for the civil officials.

Translation: Next came the conferment of titles for civil officials.

As Minister of Revenue and head of the Department of State Affairs, Zhang Cheng coordinated logistics, allocating grain and weapons to ensure strong rear support so frontline soldiers had no worries; he stabilized the court and pacified the populace, his service vital to the state. He is further honored with the title of Grand Preceptor of Rites, created Prince of Liang with a fief of two thousand households, awarded eight hundred taels of silver, and four hundred bolts of silk.

Translation: "Grand Councilor, concurrently Minister of Revenue Zhang Cheng, who coordinated the rear, allocated provisions and armaments, ensuring strong support so frontline troops had no worries; stabilizing the court and pacifying the people, his service is to the state. He is additionally granted the title of Grand Preceptor, ennobled as Prince of Liang, with a fief of two thousand households, awarded eight hundred taels of gold, four hundred bolts of silk."

Zhang Cheng steps forward calmly, bows respectfully, his voice as steady as ever:

Translation: Zhang Cheng stepped forward steadily, bowed in salute, his voice as calm as ever:

I, Zhang Cheng, thank Your Majesty's great favor. This is simply my duty; I dare not claim credit. I will only exhaust my modest abilities to continue serving Your Majesty and our Great Chen, managing affairs well.

Translation: "I, Zhang Cheng, thank Your Majesty's great favor. This is merely my duty; I dare not claim merit. I will only exhaust my modest abilities to continue serving Your Majesty and managing the affairs of Great Chen."

Chen Wen gazes at this old comrade who followed him from obscurity and is now the premier of Great Chen, feeling a deep emotion.

Translation: Chen Wen looked at this old brother who had followed him since humble beginnings, now the premier of Great Chen, and felt moved.

Minister Zhang, you have labored hard; this vast realm still needs your careful attention.

Translation: "Zhang Cheng, you have worked hard. This vast realm still requires your careful attention."

I would not shrink from even ten thousand deaths.

Translation: "I would not shun ten thousand deaths."

Next is Wang Ru.

Translation: Next came Wang Ru.

As Vice Censor‑in‑Chief and Vice Minister of Personnel, Wang Ru, who upholds integrity, oversees officials, fears no powerful nobles in wartime, purges corrupt governance, pacifies localities, and unites the people's hearts—his merit intangible—is promoted to Vice Director of the Secretariat, equal to the Secretariat‑Chancellery, created Duke of Langya Commandery with a fief of fifteen hundred households, awarded six hundred taels of silver, and three hundred bolts of silk.

Translation: "Vice Censor-in-Chief, concurrently Deputy Minister of Personnel Wang Ru, who upheld integrity, supervised officials, during wartime feared no nobles, purged corruption, pacified localities, united the people's hearts, her service is intangible. She is promoted to Assistant Minister of the Door, concurrently Grand Councilor, ennobled as Duchess of Langya Commandery, with a fief of fifteen hundred households, awarded six hundred taels of gold, three hundred bolts of silk."

Wang Ru steps forward, dressed today in dark court robes, her bearing cool and competent.

Translation: Wang Ru stepped forward, today dressed in dark court attire, her demeanor cool and efficient.

I, Wang Ru, thank Your Majesty's great favor. I will certainly uphold impartiality, impeach the unlawful, select the worthy and employ the capable, to purify the atmosphere and not betray Your Majesty's trust.

Translation: "I, Wang Ru, thank Your Majesty's great favor. I will uphold impartiality, impeach unlawfulness, select the virtuous and capable, to purify customs, and not betray Your Majesty's trust."

Her promotion from Vice Censor‑in‑Chief to the Council of State, making her a true premier, undoubtedly signifies the greatest recognition of her ability and loyalty.

Translation: Her promotion from Vice Censor-in-Chief to the Council of State, becoming a true premier, undoubtedly represents the highest recognition of her ability and loyalty.

Chen Wen gazes at her, a barely perceptible flash of approval in his eyes.

Translation: Chen Wen looked at her, a fleeting hint of approval crossing his eyes.

"Minister Wang's integrity and spirit are well known to me. I hope you and Minister Zhang will work together in unity to uphold the state."

Translation: "Wang Ru, your integrity I have long known. I hope you and Zhang Cheng will work together in harmony to support the state."

"I will obey the command."

Translation: "I will obey the edict."

Qian Gui's award focuses more on his covert responsibilities.

Translation: As for Qian Gui's ennoblement, it emphasizes his covert front.

As Marquis of Jing'an, Vice Director of the Secretariat, and Commander‑in‑Chief of the Surveillance Directorate, Qian Gui—who anticipates developments, eradicates internal spies, and cuts off the enemy's intelligence—made an exceptionally great contribution to the Jinzhou victory. He is further honored with the title of Grand Protector of the Heir Apparent, promoted to Prince of Jing State with a fief of two thousand households, awarded seven hundred taels of silver, three hundred fifty bolts of silk, and granted the privilege of free movement within the imperial city and the right to submit memorials directly to the throne.

Translation: "Marquis of Jing'an, Vice Director of the Privy Council, concurrently Commander-in-Chief of the Inspection Bureau Qian Gui, who perceived opportunities early, purged internal traitors, severed the enemy's senses, made an exceptionally great contribution in the Jinzhou War. He is additionally granted the title of Grand Tutor to the Heir Apparent, promoted to Prince of Jing, with a fief of two thousand households, awarded seven hundred taels of gold, three hundred fifty bolts of silk, and also granted the right to move freely in the Imperial Capital and to submit memorials without restriction."

Qian Gui steps forward calmly; his award seems less flashy than those of Shi Dun and Zhang Cheng, but the added title of Grand Protector of the Heir Apparent and the right to submit memorials directly to the throne clearly show the emperor's great trust and reliance on him.

Translation: Qian Gui stepped forward calmly; his ennoblement appears less conspicuous than Shi Dun's or Zhang Cheng's, yet the addition of Grand Tutor to the Heir Apparent and the privilege of unrestricted memorials undoubtedly show the emperor's great trust and reliance on him.

"I, Qian Gui, having received the edict, give thanks. The Surveillance Directorate, from top to bottom, must be like Your Majesty's sword in hand, cutting down all evil spirits."

Translation: "I, Qian Gui, receive the edict and thank Your Majesty. The Inspection Bureau, from top to bottom, will be like Your Majesty's sword in hand, cutting down all demons and monsters."

"Well said."

Translation: "Good."

Chen Wen answered with only one word, yet it held a thousand meanings.

Translation: Chen Wen replied with only a single word, yet it contained myriad meanings.

The award for Minister of Works Zhao Lao Nian carries a clear technical commendation.

Translation: The ennoblement of Minister of Works Zhao Lao Nian carries an evident technical commendation.

Minister of Works Zhao Lao Nian, ingenious and original, devised the 'Disturbing Crystal' devices, overcoming the enemy to win victory; at the decisive battle of Jinzhou he preserved the Works Department's position, his merit enduring for ages. He is further honored with the title of Junior Tutor to the Heir Apparent, created Marquis of An'yu with a fief of one thousand households, awarded five hundred taels of silver, and two hundred bolts of silk. Moreover, all funds, grain, and materials required by the Works Department's Institute of Investigation are to be prioritized by the Ministry of Revenue and not delayed.

Translation: "Minister of Works Zhao Lao Nian, ingeniously inventive, crafted the 'Disturbing Crystal' devices, securing victory over the enemy; in the decisive battle at Jinzhou he preserved the Works Division's position, his merit enduring through the ages. He is additionally granted the title of Junior Tutor to the Heir Apparent, ennobled as Marquis of Anyi, with a fief of one thousand households, awarded five hundred taels of gold, two hundred bolts of silk. Moreover, all funds and materials needed by the Works Division's Investigation of Things Institute are to be prioritized for allocation by the Ministry of Revenue, without delay."

Zhao Lao Nian became excited, his old face flushed red, almost staggering out of the line, his voice trembling a bit:

Old... old minister Zhao Lao Nian, kowtow thanks to Your Majesty's heavenly grace! Old minister... old minister will definitely lead those kids, continue to study, definitely will make more and better useful gadgets, to repay Your Majesty, to repay Great Chen!

His plain, even somewhat coarse words drew knowing smiles from many officials in the hall, and the atmosphere relaxed a bit.

Chen Wen also rarely showed a faint smile.

"Minister Zhao is a national treasure; the Investigation of Things Institute is your battlefield, and I expect you to achieve new merits."

"Old minister... I obey the edict!" Zhao Lao Nian kowtowed heavily, then, with the support of his colleagues beside him, rose shakily.

The fallen Han Tong was posthumously awarded the titles of Grand Marshal and Upper Pillar of the State, with the posthumous name "Zhongwu", receiving the utmost honor and mourning.

His descendants were given generous pensions, and his eldest son was granted a hereditary high office.

Li Hong was formally appointed as General of Pacifying the North, his rank raised to Marquis of the Interior, tasked with integrating Hebei's military and civil affairs and monitoring the Khitan.

Zhang Yongde, Wang Pu and other former officials who submitted to the Later Zhou also, according to their merits, received rich rewards—either promotion and ennoblement, or grants of gold, silk, fields and mansions—thoroughly binding them to Great Chen's war chariot.

Furthermore, all officers and soldiers who participated in the Battle of Jinzhou, from generals down to ordinary troops, according to the size of their merits, received corresponding promotions, reward silver, cloth, or land.

For the dead and wounded, pensions were doubled, and local governments properly settled their families.

Chen Wen deeply knew that the true supporters of this victory were these ordinary soldiers.

Only by letting them share the fruits of victory could the army maintain vigorous fighting spirit and loyalty.

The entire ennoblement process lasted nearly two hours.

After the imperial edict was read, the officials in the hall, whether rewarded or not promoted, were mostly emotionally stirred.

The clarity of rewards and punishments, the breadth of coverage, and the heaviness of the effort all far surpassed any previous dynasty.

This clearly conveyed a signal: in the new dynasty, as long as you have ability, are willing to serve, and achieve merit, you will never be buried, and will surely receive abundant returns.

"All ministers."

Chen Wen's voice sounded again, pulling everyone's thoughts back.

"The rewards are finished; I hope you all avoid arrogance and impatience, and each attend to your duties."

"Today's Great Chen is created by our united hearts and concerted effort."

"The future prosperous age requires us to be diligent and conscientious, jointly pioneering."

"I hope you all encourage each other!"

"We, your subjects, solemnly follow Your Majesty's teachings!"

"I am willing to die for Your Majesty!"

"I am willing to die for Great Chen!"

A response like mountains shouting and seas roaring rose in the Hall of Purple Clarity, filled with vigorous spirit and firm conviction.

Seeing the officials before him filled with fervent emotion, Chen Wen knew that after this unprecedented scale of ennoblement, a new power structure—centered on him, integrating the original followers, the capable officials who submitted from the Later Zhou, and the newly risen military meritocrats—had initially solidified.

The framework of the Great Chen dynasty became more solid.

After the court dispersed, Chen Wen returned to the inner palace, shed his heavy ceremonial robes, and changed into ordinary attire.

He walked to the window and gazed upon the magnificent Bianliangcheng outside the palace city.

The ennoblement concluded, and hearts coalesced.

But the burden on his shoulders did not lessen in the slightest.

Domestic affairs needed deepening, external threats remained, and the mystery of the world's truth was even more like a sword hanging over his head.

The Fortune Momentum vortex within his body, as the dynasty stabilized and this great award brought cohesion, seemed to condense and thicken a bit more.

The Growth Progress Bar continued to accumulate slowly but steadily.

The road must be walked step by step.

Now, it is time to turn our gaze toward the broader sky, and toward the enemy lurking in the dark.