Chapter 400: The Demon Lord Junzhu's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 403: Three Imperial Edicts

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

And An Wangfei, watching Qianqian play with them, also felt great joy in her heart. After all, Qianqian had grown up with them since childhood, and there was a deep bond between them.

Just as everyone was chatting and laughing merrily, suddenly a sharp, thin eunuch's voice rang out: "The Emperor and Empress have arrived!" This voice was like a clap of thunder, startling everyone present.

Everyone hurriedly rose, all returning to their own seats, then knelt in unison to salute, their movements neat and uniform, as if they had rehearsed many times.

The Emperor and Empress slowly entered the hall together, their steps steady and solemn, the splendid robes on their bodies flashing with dazzling light.

Behind the Emperor followed a crowd of concubines; they all kept their heads lowered, not daring to look directly at the Emperor and Empress, merely standing there quietly, awaiting the Emperor's decree.

After the Emperor and Empress sat firmly in their respective seats, the Emperor smiled and said: "Today is a welcoming banquet; everyone need not be so restrained, quickly rise." His voice was gentle and magnanimous, giving people an inexplicable sense of peace.

Hearing this, everyone thanked him for the grace and rose, then carefully sat back in their own places. The whole scene, though slightly solemn, also revealed a festive atmosphere.

After everyone was seated, the Emperor suddenly stood up; his gaze swept around, finally landing on everyone.

His voice was resonant and powerful, echoing through the entire palace: "Presumably everyone already knows, the Yan Family Army has returned in triumph, Dachang has won a great victory over Nan Liang! Henceforth, the Five Kingdoms become Four Kingdoms; this is all the Yan Family Army's glorious military merit! Therefore, We specially hold this welcoming banquet here to reward the Yan Family Army's brave officers and soldiers. Today, no one need be constrained; drink to your heart's content!"

The Emperor's words had just fallen when Eunuch Sun shouted loudly: "The banquet begins!"

Following Eunuch Sun's shout, a group of palace maids in gorgeous attire entered lightly in single file like dancing butterflies. They held exquisite dishes in their hands, the fragrance overflowing, making mouths water.

There were also those dancing girls with graceful figures and fluttering movements; they presented a visual feast with their light steps and beautiful postures, adding much joyous atmosphere to the banquet.

After the dancing girls finished a dance, everyone had also eaten and drunk their fill. At this time Eunuch Sun paced to the front, smiling at everyone and saying: "Various lords, presumably everyone has eaten about enough. Next comes today's main event!"

Before his words fell, everyone's gazes concentrated on Eunuch Sun without prior agreement.

A little eunuch was seen holding a tray, carefully walking forward. On the tray lay a bright yellow imperial edict, appearing exceptionally solemn under the candlelight.

Eunuch Sun unhurriedly picked up the edict, cleared his throat, and read aloud in a loud voice: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Dachang and Nan Liang have long been at odds, and Yu Zhou, as a vital border defense, its importance is self-evident.

However, Yu Zhou Inspector Lin Shu not only failed to fulfill his duty as the head of a province, but colluded with Fu Zhou Inspector Dan Jiajie, communicating with the enemy and selling out the country, disregarding the lives of the people of Our Dachang Kingdom. Such crimes are truly intolerable to heaven!

Now We specially order that Lin Shu and Dan Jiajie be beheaded in three days, and their nine clans implicated; within nine generations they may not enter court as officials, to warn others. Respect this!"

After Eunuch Sun finished reading the edict, a burst of "The Emperor is wise" cries rose from below the dais. Immediately after, a little eunuch presented another tray; Eunuch Sun picked it up again and shouted loudly: "Yan Wang, receive the edict!"

Hearing his name, Yan Wang hurriedly rose from his seat, walked quickly before Eunuch Sun, knelt on both knees, and respectfully received the edict.

Eunuch Sun held the edict, cleared his throat, then slowly began to read: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees." His voice reverberated in the banquet; everyone held their breath and listened quietly.

"An Wang's Fourth Young Master Yan Wang, exceptionally intelligent, possesses the ability to lead troops; in this campaign his performance was outstanding, his merit undeniable. Not only did he successfully capture the traitor, he also led the Yan Family Army to take Nan Liang in one stroke, establishing glorious military merit.

Therefore, We specially confer on Yan Wang the title of Pingding King, hoping that in the future he can pacify All Under Heaven and safeguard the stability of Our dynasty's rivers and mountains."

Eunuch Sun read to here, paused slightly, then continued: "We specially bestow ten thousand taels of silver, one thousand taels of gold, twenty qing of good farmland, ten pieces of rare treasures, ten pieces of antiques and calligraphy paintings, to highlight his achievements. Respect this!"

Upon hearing this, Yan Wang immediately shouted loudly: "Your subject receives the edict!" His voice was resonant and firm, filled with gratitude to the Emperor and pride in his own achievement. Then he raised his hands high, and Eunuch Sun carefully placed the edict into his hands.

Eunuch Sun smiled at Yan Wang and said: "Pingding King, quickly rise; you have worked hard." After Yan Wang thanked Eunuch Sun, he stood up, holding the edict, and returned to his own seat.

Just then, a little eunuch brought up another edict. Eunuch Sun took the edict and continued reading loudly: "Tang Qi, step forward to receive the edict!"

Hearing his name, Tang Qi immediately stood up, walked quickly to the center of the imperial court, likewise knelt to receive the edict: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Zhenbei Marquis's son Tang Qi, in the battle between Dachang and Nan Liang, took the lead, fearless and brave; as Deputy General, he assisted the Pingding King in leading troops on campaign, repeatedly establishing military merit; his achievements are remarkable, truly a pillar of the state.

Now We specially appoint Tang Qi as Pingnan General, bestow a General's Mansion, one hundred taels of gold, one thousand taels of silver, ten qing of good farmland, to highlight his merit. Respect this!"

Tang Qi, hearing the edict, hurriedly knelt, respectfully raised both hands, received the edict, then shouted loudly: "Your subject receives the edict, thanks the Sovereign for the great grace!"

Eunuch Sun handed the edict to Tang Qi, smiling and saying: "Hope the Pingnan General in the future not only pacifies the Nan Liang rebellion, but makes even more contributions for the country!"

Tang Qi hurriedly kowtowed in thanks, respectfully replying: "Your subject respectfully obeys the edict, will certainly exert all ability to serve the country!"

Finished speaking, Tang Qi held the edict, slowly rose, then walked quickly down the steps and returned to his own seat.

Immediately after, Eunuch Sun picked up the last edict, slowly unfolded it, and read loudly: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: In this campaign, numerous officers and soldiers all performed bravely, with remarkable merit.

We have already, according to the list drawn up by the Pingding King, made corresponding rewards. After the banquet ends, the Ministry of Rites will distribute them uniformly.

There are also numerous brave and fearless officers and soldiers who, for the country and the people, unhesitatingly sacrificed their lives. We feel deep sorrow for this, difficult to put aside.

Therefore, We decide to give special rewards to all martyrs who gave their lives for the country. Their families will receive one hundred taels of silver, to comfort their pain of losing loved ones, and hope this money can help them live a peaceful life.

In addition, among Nan Liang's soldiers many chose to surrender to Dachang. For these sincerely submitting people, We decide to grant them Dachang household registration, to be handled by the Hubu.

At the same time, if they are willing to continue devoting themselves to military service and serve the country, they may all join Dachang's army, continuing to contribute their strength to the country's prosperity and peace. Respect this!"