Chapter 1303: New Title

"Minister Xu, Minister Xu, what's wrong?" Other officials in the Cloud Realm Bureaucracy cried out in alarm and rushed to help him. However, far fewer people responded compared to the overwhelming support he had received just moments before. Such was the cold reality of officialdom; everyone could see that with the impeachment failing, he was doomed. Crucially, Zu An had now gained the powerful backing of Yan Xuehen, and with the Crown Princess's favor, he could practically act without fear of consequences from now on. There seemed no chance for Xu Yu to recover. Zu An naturally felt no sympathy; if he had lost this time, his fate would have been even worse.

In the scrying mirror, the Emperor still expressed concern for his subordinate: "Someone, help Minister Xu down and summon a physician to treat him." Soon, Xu Yu's associates clumsily escorted him away.

Next, the Emperor asked in a deep voice, "What do you all think would be an appropriate reward for Sir Zu's great contributions?"

Sang Hong felt a chill in his heart. The Emperor had acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, as if the dramatic impeachment just witnessed had nothing to do with him. Yet, anyone with discernment knew that without the Emperor's tacit approval, such an impeachment would never have been initiated. From what Sang Hong knew of the Emperor, if he truly intended to reward a subordinate, he would never speak so ambiguously. Instead, he would at least set a general direction, allowing the ministers to discuss the details.

As expected, all present were shrewd individuals who had discerned the Emperor's true attitude. They exchanged glances, and for a moment, no one uttered a word.

At that moment, Bi Linglong's clear voice rang out: "Sir Zu has saved countless common people and averted a massive disaster for all of humanity. I believe such a meritorious deed warrants a ducal title, at the very least." According to the unwritten rules of the imperial court, generally only descendants of the imperial family could be granted kingly titles. For non-royal subjects, a ducal title was already the pinnacle of a minister's career. She knew, of course, that this was not entirely realistic. However, by asking for an exorbitant amount, she created room for negotiation.

Indeed, an official quickly stepped forward and said, "In just a few months, Sir Zu has risen from commoner to baron, and then swiftly to viscount. If he were to be promoted to duke all at once, his speed of ascension would be truly astounding."

Bi Linglong coldly retorted, "The reason our Great Zhou Dynasty is unconquerable is precisely because we believe in rewarding merit. To use the speed of promotion as an excuse would surely discourage others who serve the nation." Many ministers rolled their eyes, thinking, "So many people have accomplished so much, but who among them has ever risen as quickly as Zu An?"

Bi Qi, fearing his daughter was drawing too much resentment, cleared his throat and spoke: "Sir Zu's achievements certainly deserve reward, but he is too young. To ascend to the peak in one leap would not be beneficial for a minister. In my humble opinion, it would be better to promote him to Earl."

Sang Hong was secretly impressed. Indeed, he was an old fox in politics; his words offended no one, and even Zu An would feel the wisdom and guidance behind them.

The Emperor nodded. These words were indeed close to his own thoughts: not rewarding Zu An for his great achievements was unacceptable, but too great a reward would displease him. An Earldom seemed just right. "Then let him be promoted to Earl," he said. "You may now discuss the matter of his title."

Upon hearing the Emperor grant Zu An the title of Earl, the group from Cloudmount Commandery cast envious, jealous, and hateful glances at him. Among them, some might have held higher official positions, but none could match his noble rank. To become an Earl at such a young age was surely unprecedented in the entire history of humanity. Noble titles differed from official posts; they not only granted fiefdoms from which taxes could be collected, but they could also be passed down through generations. Of course, with the exception of certain hereditary "iron-hat" princes whose titles never diminished, most noble ranks would be downgraded with each successive generation. However, an Earldom was still sufficient to be passed down for several generations, representing immense wealth and prestige and offering a significant advantage in forging marital alliances within true aristocratic circles.

Zu An was also pleased, not because of the Earldom itself, but because he could finally shed the title of "Cuckold Baron." Although the concept of a "cuckold" might not exist in this world, he still found it unsettling.

At this point, the high-ranking ministers discussed for a while and quickly reached a conclusion: "Conveniently, Grand Ji City recently reported an influx of migrating commoners. Perhaps we could grant Grand Ji City as Sir Zu's fiefdom."

The Emperor nodded. "That is excellent. Then let Zu An be granted the title of Earl of Grand Ji. I am weary. The court is dismissed."

Bi Linglong, of course, knew that Grand Ji City was quite barren. Due to banditry and its harsh geographical environment, it was practically deserted, with nine out of ten households empty. The so-called migrating commoners were, in fact, merely refugees. The Pei family proposing such a fiefdom was purely an attempt to dig a substantial pit and spite Zu An. Unfortunately, before she could object, the Emperor's decree was issued, making it impossible to change. "Even if Grand Ji City is a bit poor, at least it's an Earldom; that's not bad," she could only console herself.

Zu An, however, was dumbfounded: "Earl Grand Ji?" First "Phoenix Man," then "Cuckold," and now "Earl Grand Ji"? Why couldn't his noble titles ever be normal? This is outrageous!

As the Emperor left the court, the assembled officials bowed in respectful farewell. Zhu Xie Chixin gave Pei Mianman a meaningful glance but ultimately did not expose her identity. With Zu An, the true lord, present, it was highly inconvenient. Since the Emperor had given no indication, he naturally dared not act on his own accord.

After the ministers departed, Bi Linglong appeared before the scrying mirror, looking at Zu An as if she had more to say, but finally stated, "Sir Zu, do not disappoint His Majesty's great favor."

Zu An knew she had much she wanted to tell him, but in such a public setting, private conversations were naturally inappropriate, so she could only speak under the guise of official business. "Thank you for your guidance, Crown Princess. Your servant will certainly dedicate himself body and soul until death," Zu An said with conviction. Those around them visibly brightened, silently repeating his words. They thought, "This fellow looks like a roughneck, yet he can utter such cultured words, flattering so elegantly. We truly underestimated him before." Bi Linglong's cheeks flushed slightly. What this fellow said was clearly not directed at the Emperor, but rather intended for her... Her heart pounded at the thought. Fearing that so many people present might notice her reaction, she merely nodded slightly and hurried away.

Following this, a group of officials came forward to congratulate Zu An on his promotion to Earl, and Zu An casually dealt with them. Soon, feigning weariness, he returned to his room to rest. Many who had previously participated in the impeachment were naturally somewhat embarrassed and took the opportunity to excuse themselves.

Sang Hong found an opportunity to enter Zu An's room. "Ah, Zu An," he said, "I have weathered decades in politics, but my emotions have never fluctuated as wildly as they did today."

"I was too impulsive, making you worry, Uncle," Zu An said, bowing in apology. He knew that during his absence, he had left a mess that Sang Hong had painstakingly tried to patch up.

Sang Hong opened his mouth, but then gave up. "Never mind, at least the outcome was good. However, what concerns me more now is something else: why does His Majesty seem to harbor ill will towards you?"

Zu An understood why he said this, as all the signs today indicated that the Emperor was indeed targeting him. He was also curious, wondering if the secret realm matter had been exposed. But that didn't make sense.

"Perhaps it's because I was too harsh on King Qi recently, and he intends to sacrifice me to appease the King Qi faction's backlash," Zu An said, finding it inconvenient to explain the secret realm events. "Plus, the matter of the Phoenix Nirvana Sutra has always been a thorn in his side."

"Most likely," Sang Hong nodded, then his expression suddenly turned very strange. "By the way, why did Sect Master Yan speak up for you? You two aren't... romantically involved, are you?"

"Pfft..." Zu An was drinking tea and nearly spat it all out. "Uncle, don't guess wildly. I might not care, but Sect Master Yan values her reputation greatly."

Sang Hong was about to say something when his expression suddenly became odd. "Ahem, you've had a tiring journey. Get some good rest. I'll take my leave now." With that, he fled as if escaping.

Zu An was curious until he saw Yan Xuehen standing at the doorway, her face cold as frost. He immediately understood. "Haha, what a coincidence!"