Free Web NovelChapter 1317: Chapter 10 Where Rewards Know No Bounds
Marquis of Gaochang, Tian Xili, with just a glance one could tell he was a refined-looking middle-aged man. Slightly thin and dressed immaculately, there was nothing particularly eye-catching about his appearance.
At this moment, his hands were folded in front of him as he calmly watched the young man in the square.
In such a situation, with all eyes on him, he still stood tall with his head held high and a composed demeanor. The innate confidence and calmness was admirable.
Truly, the younger generation is to be feared.
The territory of Jiang Wang, Green Sheep Town, lies within the region of Sunshine County, and the Governor of Sunshine County, Tian Antai, is his, Tian Xili’s, son. As long as nothing outrageous occurs, their relationship shouldn’t be too bad.
Indeed, when it comes to it, Tian Antai and Jiang Wang had shared military camaraderie on the Qi Yang battlefield, fighting side by side.
Jiang Wang even went to Seven Stars Valley for training! Back then, the Tian family did provide some preferential treatment, though it was out of respect for Zhongxuan Sheng. But it could also be considered a kindled connection.
Thus, his state of mind was very peaceful.
Speaking of which, at this Yellow River Gathering, among the three prodigies representing their country in battle, two were related to the Zhong Xuan Family. Jiang Wang’s friendship with Zhongxuan Sheng was known to all in Qi, and Zhongxuan Zun is the direct descendant of the Heavy Mystery.
And these two prodigies both made a splash on the Guanhe Platform.
Lately, the Zhong Xuan Family had become the most attention-grabbing noble house in Daqi.
The absence of Zhongxuan Yunbo from the ceremony could only be interpreted as a decision for a low profile.
In recent years, Zhongxuan Yunbo’s public appearances have diminished, a message in itself. The old Marquis was seriously injured on the battlefield in his early years and has no hope of reaching God Descending Realm; now over a hundred years old, his vitality is waning. The position as the heir to the Zhong Xuan Family should be solidified by now. It’s currently a time of reducing his own influence, but it seems that a decision has yet to be made about his successor.
One is Zhongxuan Zun, the other is Zhongxuan Sheng. If he were Tian Xili, he would also find it difficult to choose. Truly a happy dilemma!
Within the talented Zhong Xuan Family, Zhongxuan Mingguang really stands out like a sore thumb. He arrived today all dressed up, telling everyone that if his son Xuan Zun had just joined the Outer Building, Dou Zhao would definitely not have been a match; if he could have had just two more months to properly tutor him, clinching the top place would be as easy as reaching into a bag to take something. Although his son was tied for second, he’s practically first, and so he should also count as having won the top place...
He endlessly repeated these words, even muttering them in Tian Xili’s presence.
He seems to think that by talking this way he can carve out some advantage for his son, blissfully unaware that he’s only inviting ridicule.
Though one might spare a Buddha’s face, not even a monk’s face, Tian Xili followed along with a few polite words out of sheer decorum, but inwardly he was genuinely annoyed.
His gaze shifted slightly. Almost unintentionally, it met with a pair of eyes filled with a cold glint.
The owner of these eyes had a commendable appearance, dressed appropriately and standing upright. Despite his placid expression, the malice in his eyes was unmistakable—it was none other than Liu Yingqi, the Count of Xuanhuai.
Tian Xili smiled amicably.
The resentment of a defeated dog isn’t worth mentioning.
The Liu family was unable to stand on its own and eventually had their wedding engagement with the Yan family terminated. It was supposed to be an amicable separation which left goodwill intact; the Yan family might have been inclined to offer help in the future. Yet Liu Yingqi pestered the younger Yan Fu and played the fool, making a spectacle that embarrassed everyone. This had long since become a joke among the Qi nobility. freēwebnovel.com
His daughter could forget about marrying into the Yan family, and even lesser aristocratic families would not take her now.
If she were a woman with talent, like Qi Xiao, binding in a marriage contract wouldn’t be necessary, nor is there a need to rely on anyone else’s family. Some even managed to hold up their own family’s fortunes without help. But that Liu Xiuzhang, she hadn’t shown any particular brilliance.
At most, she was just stronger than that waste Liu Xuanhu?
Therefore, Tian Xili’s smile became even more sincere.
Such a smile was undoubtedly very irritating to Liu Yingqi, who then coldly shifted his gaze away.
Dang~ Dang~ Dang!
If only you could keep smiling like this forever. Amid the chime bell music, he thought to himself.
At this very moment, the tribute ceremony was reaching its climax.
Zhongxuan Zun, who had already been honored, and the Commander Cao Jie, who had led the team, had both stepped aside to not overshadow today’s protagonist.
Only Jiang Wang, who had won the Guanhe Platform, stood alone and silent in the center of the square.
Behind him lay the solemn The Imperial Ancestral Temple, and before him was the Great Qi Emperor.
The Great Qi officials and nobles, old and young citizens, were on his left and right sides, all eyes on him.
The bronze chime bells were played by the court musicians, rendering an imposing melody.
Hearing the sound, there seemed to be divine light before one’s eyes.
Feeling its rhythm, it was as if the tide of the sea echoed in one’s ears.
It was as if rain was falling, falling into a vacant valley.
It was as if the wind was passing, sweeping through ten thousand ravines.
The vastness and grandeur of the world were all inching closer in the sounds.
Every note was played at the most solemn point.
Every tone was dignified and majestic, utterly flawless.
The piece was named "Feng Yuan."
It was one of the most solemn sacrificial melodies of the Great Qi court.
"Feng Yuan" means to revere the Heavenly Dao.
Played today, it also carried the meaning of offering tribute and invoking ancestors.
Extol the heroic deeds before the ancestral temples of Great Qi through the ages!
Amidst the solemn sacrificial music, the chief ritual officer holding the imperial decree approached the cinnabar steps—the deputy ritual officer for the ceremony was the one who announced the decree for Zhongxuan Zun earlier.
Clad in a solemn and complex ceremonial garment, they moved with ritualistic steps, every move impeccable.
Facing Jiang Wang, and also facing the Imperial Ancestral Temple behind him.
Unfolding the imperial edict, with a dignified and reverent expression, their voice, each word round and full, hit just the right note—
"We have heard: For millennia, talent needs nourishing by wind and rain; and the pillars under the vast lands, should be carved by the sun and moon. Thus, traverse the Star River, bask in the heavenly light, walking above the Nine Heavens.
In the lands of Qi, there is one named Jiang Wang, a fine jade among mortals.
Merely nineteen years of age, his years yet fleeting.
Yet in national battles he boasts cutting down generals and seizing flags, and in the presence of the throne he displays courageous valor in saving Our chariot.
In governing his fief, he earns the peace of the people, hanging the green badges, repeatedly solving major cases.
At the imperial martial display, his fame confirmed as the premier. Competing with progenies of heaven, he emerged as the leading champion!
Splendid indeed.
May he raise Great Qi’s proud spirit aloft for all under heaven to behold!
With a single sword that cleaves the void, he has made a name in the human world.
Ascending to unfurl banners in the heavens, through the ages shall his glory be known!
With no need for wind or rain already propping the skies, a talent unsurpassed in the world!
Requiring no chisel and hammer to be fully formed, is he not the work of heaven!
Gracefully bestowing the title, Son of Qingyang, appointing him as a Grade-3 Golden Mace Samurai, granting permission to carry a sword at court!
The sun and moon already shine bright, illuminating the treasured radiance.
Bestowed with Ruyi Immortal Clothes, let them drape over the body of this valiant man.
Superior Dao Techniques of the Yellow Steps, freely chosen from the Inner Mansion treasury.
A thousand Prime Stones, ensuring no concerns over provisions.
A residence, hence with no worries of trivial matters.
You must diligently persevere, and We too will always esteem you!"
The music of "Paying Homage to the Origin" fades gradually away.
Across the plaza, the gazes people directed towards Jiang Wang were equally eager!
This ennoblement, excessively generous! ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
An advancement in title, as justice dictates, nothing much to discuss; those Dao Techniques and Prime Stones are also customary. A mansion within Linzi City, indeed can be considered generous.
But the title of Grade-3 Golden Mace Samurai is what truly evoked envy.
The Golden Mace Samurai is a ceremonial post. Certainly, by name, it entails duties of imperial ceremonial guard and protection. Yet not everyone is afforded the chance to serve in rotation before the Emperor.
Take for example, Donghua Scholar Li Zhengshu, who just by frequently visiting the Donghua Pavilion, holds what a transcendental status in Qi Court!
How many have broken their heads competing for such a position, but it can all be dismissed as trivial.
But this Grade-3...
A Grade-3 official post expects a cultivation at the God Descending Realm as a threshold.
Jiang Wang is currently only at the Inner Mansion Realm, theoretically, he should only qualify for a Grade-5 official. Having a Fourth Grade Green Badge was already an exception granted to him; the gap between Grade-4 and Grade-3 is akin to a chasm!
This is virtually a meteoric rise!
Though the Golden Mace Samurai is a ceremonial role, this rank signifies that henceforth, he can sit on an equal footing with other Grade-3 officials. More importantly, once his cultivation rises in the future, no barriers remain for him to assume an official post that matches his rank!
The title of Grade-3 Golden Mace Samurai alone was enough to evoke covetousness, but among the distinguished officials and nobles present, it wasn’t too shocking.
Yet the edict appended one more phrase, "granted permission to carry a sword at court"!
This is neither an office nor a title, nor does it come with salary, but it represents the utmost favor from Emperor Qi!
Considering Jiang Wang’s cultivation and youth, there’s already nowhere higher for him to be promoted to, no further titles to be had. Emperor Qi, in expressing his reward, could only show his favor in other ways.
In the current court, there are but a few allowed to carry a sword at court.
Merely the Imperial Court Advisers of the Political Affairs Hall, the Nine Soldier Commanders of the Military Affairs Hall, along with the noble imperial kin and world-stabilizing powerhouses, totaling no more than thirty.
Yet Jiang Wang, at just nineteen years of age, is already among them!
This is not without expectation!
In the Great Qi Administrative Hall or Military Affairs Hall, the Son of Heaven apparently reserves a place for Jiang Wang.
Such is the extent of the reward!
