Free Web NovelChapter 212: The Emperor’s Reward, the Aristocracy’s Obstruction
Reorganizing the army and treating the people kindly.
These two actions allowed Long Chen to firmly establish his foothold in Chang’an City.
A few days later, Chang’an City returned to its previous state of peace.
Moreover, with Long Chen’s Dragon Family Army patrolling, the crime rate in the city greatly decreased.
The citizens’ faces finally showed signs of joy again.
In the palace.
The grand hall, splendid and magnificent, was vast, but the number of officials standing in two rows was no longer what it used to be.
Nearly eighty percent of the civil and military officials had died due to the Xiliang rebels’ invasion of Chang’an.
Even entire families were almost completely wiped out.
These Xiliang rebels, influenced by the propaganda of Li Jue and Guo Si, knew that the high-ranking officials in Chang’an were planning to invade their Liangzhou land soon.
They intended to take their wives and daughters, kill their fathers and mothers, and seize the wealth they had accumulated through hard work over the years.
This incited a burning rage within each of them.
They harbored great hatred for the nobles in Chang’an like Wang Yun and other prominent families.
Thus, when they met, it was like encountering a hated enemy, and their sharp blades were quickly dulled by constant use.
This led to significant losses for these noble families.
However, despite the severe losses, the core strength of the top families remained intact.
The reason was simple,
These families had secret places such as hidden chambers in their mansions, where they could hide during unbeatable disasters.
Moreover, with the support of private armies, the top families suffered great losses but were not crippled.
The ones who suffered the most were the mid-tier families, almost wiped out within Chang’an City.
Now,
Those standing in the hall were mostly Long Chen’s men, with a few from the top families.
On the left stood civil officials like Yang Biao, Guo Jia, and Yang Xiu. On the right were military generals like Lü Bu, Zhao Yun, Xu Chu, and Dian Wei.
Long Chen sat at the head, while on the dragon throne above them sat a young boy.
It was none other than the current emperor, Liu Xie.
"All of you, rise!" Liu Xie’s young voice echoed in the hall.
"Today, Long Chen has protected us with great merit and should be rewarded with a title!"
"What title or position do you seek, my loyal minister?"
Liu Xie asked cautiously.
Now, more than half of the people in the hall were Long Chen’s men, meaning the entire court was in his hands.
Liu Xie felt like an ant, easily crushed if Long Chen wished.
This was why he appeared so humble.
After experiencing Dong Zhuo’s tyranny and the campaign of the eighteen warlords against him, Liu Xie gradually understood these realities.
He realized he was just a puppet emperor, with no real power or imperial dignity.
He could only be manipulated by those in control.
Originally, he thought Yuan Shao, who initiated the campaign against Dong Zhuo, was loyal to the emperor. In reality, he only needed Liu Xie’s title for legitimacy.
*Sigh...*
Understanding this, Liu Xie knew how to interact with Long Chen.
He had to do his best to satisfy him. If he could meet Long Chen’s demands, things would be fine. If not, it would be no different from his time under Dong Zhuo.
"Please, Your Majesty, decide."
Surprisingly, Long Chen passed the decision back to Liu Xie.
The reason for this was mainly because Long Chen wasn’t overly concerned with these titles and positions. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
In this chaotic world, only having soldiers and generals in one’s hands mattered.
What good were high-ranking but empty titles?
Dong Zhuo, once the powerful Chancellor, was ultimately killed despite his high status.
Long Chen didn’t want to be ensnared by the desire for power, preferring to stay true to his principles.
He didn’t need to lose his way over these trivial matters.
Hearing this, Liu Xie was very surprised.
Any other general would have seized the opportunity to raise their rank as high as possible, but Long Chen did not.
Liu Xie couldn’t tell if Long Chen genuinely respected him or if it was just an act.
However, Liu Xie didn’t dwell on it. After a brief contemplation, he waved his hand and decreed:
"Then, how about conferring upon you the title of General of Agile Cavalry, Champion Marquis, and Governor of Yangzhou?" Liu Xie asked softly.
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present was stunned, especially the top aristocrats, who were left speechless.
It must be understood that the title of General of Agile Cavalry and Champion Marquis is legendary in the history of the Han Dynasty!
The General of Agile Cavalry is a first-rank official position. Although it is below the Grand General and the General of Chariots and Cavalry, it is still a position that all military officers dream of.
The reason Liu Xie did not immediately appoint Long Chen as Grand General was to have room for further promotion if Long Chen achieved more merits in the future. Otherwise, Liu Xie’s value would be exhausted quickly, and Long Chen might not care much about him anymore.
Appointing him to a lower position was also not possible. Long Chen was already a second-rank General Who Stabilizes the South. If he was given another second-rank position, Liu Xie feared Long Chen might draw his sword against him. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
Moreover, the title of Champion Marquis is an honorary marquis title from the Western Han Dynasty, meaning "the one whose achievements crown the entire army."
In the sixth year of Yuanshuo (123 BC), the renowned general Huo Qubing was conferred this title, which was specially established by Emperor Wu of Han. This demonstrates how prestigious this title is.
Finally, appointing Long Chen as the Governor of Yangzhou recognized Long Chen’s influence over the entire Yangzhou region.
This move also facilitated Long Chen’s future unification of Yangzhou, as many officials still acknowledged the emperor’s edicts.
Long Chen was about to express his gratitude for the emperor’s graciousness.
However, the officials representing the aristocratic families on the left side were displeased. They did not want Long Chen to dominate the court.
Such a reward would create another Dong Zhuo!
An elderly official with white beard stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, while General Long has some merits, he does not have such great achievements to deserve these rewards."
Upon hearing this, before Liu Xie could respond, Xu Chu and Dian Wei on the right side could no longer restrain themselves.
Xu Chu partially drew his sword, glared angrily, and shouted, "My lord has worked tirelessly for His Majesty and has rendered great service to the Han court. Does he not deserve such rewards?!"
Dian Wei echoed, "Exactly, who dares object?!"
Long Chen furrowed his sword-like eyebrows and sternly said, "Zhongkang, E’lai, this is the court. What are you doing?! Withdraw immediately!"
"Yes, sir."
"Understood..."
The two reluctantly returned to their ranks.
Liu Xie remained silent. Although young, he was shrewd. If the aristocratic families and Long Chen’s formidable force could balance each other, he would be the biggest beneficiary. This way, he could play a balancing act and navigate between the two forces.
Despite his young age, he had a good grasp of imperial strategy.
Another scholar in a Confucian robe stepped out and bowed, saying, "Yes, Your Majesty, while General Long has merits, they do not warrant such high rewards!"
