Chapter 220: Rewarding, Land Exchange, Promotion, and the Fortunate Golden Dragon

Jia Pu had already briefed them on the reward process.

Since their return on February 24th, Zhao Xing and the others had been performing three daily rituals: bathing and changing into fresh clothes, burning incense for purification, and patiently awaiting their commendations. When the rewards finally arrived, they wouldn't be caught off guard.

As they ascended into the sky, numerous envious eyes gazed up from below. Only generals who had accumulated over a million military merits were granted this special privilege: an escort to the Heavenly Heart Hall for the formal commendation ceremony. For those of eighth or ninth rank, or with fewer military achievements, the process was simpler: the Pinghai Prefecture Military Department would issue a commendation document, and the Soldier Realm Grotto-Heaven would disburse their rewards.

Yangcheng was a vast city, and among its ten garrisons, a considerable number of individuals had achieved over a million military merits. Zhao Xing casually observed his surroundings and noticed nearly a thousand individuals ascending alongside him. Most were of the sixth rank, with only a small number from the seventh. Zhao Xing himself had now reached the early stage of the Sixth Rank Heavenly Gang Realm. He had secluded himself for cultivation in the Soul Offering area specifically to achieve this breakthrough before the commendation ceremony. Had he not reached the Sixth Rank, the immense power of the national destiny bestowed during the commendation would have been partly diverted to elevate his cultivation realm, consequently diminishing the benefits allocated to his lifespan and luck. The campaign had ended in late December, and by mid-February, Zhao Xing's breakthrough to the early Heavenly Gang Realm had proceeded quite smoothly.

A low hum reverberated. The ascent was deliberately slow, and the golden light was meant to evoke envy from those below while granting prestige to those being honored. Furthermore, each golden light magnified the image of the person it was escorting in the sky. Once everyone had entered the hall, voices would resonate, reaching all ears, akin to a 'server-wide announcement' throughout the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven. After about fifteen minutes, Zhao Xing and the others were finally fully drawn into the Heavenly Heart Hall.

Inside the Heavenly Heart Hall, the procedure mirrored previous promotions: first, bowing to the Great Ancestor and Emperor Wen, followed by an audience with Emperor Jing, who was seated high on his throne. Emperor Jing still appeared as a giant, but unlike when he was commissioning a ninth-rank official, Zhao Xing could now discern his complete form. Emperor Jing was adorned in the Imperial Robe of Heaven, comprising three main components: the imperial crown, the ceremonial robe itself, and its accompanying accessories.

The imperial crown featured a rectangular top board, known as the *yan*, which was slightly rounded at the front and square at the back, subtly symbolizing the traditional concept of a round heaven and square earth. Jade beads, suspended from the front and back edges of the crown, formed a curtain that partially obscured the emperor's face. This practice served two purposes: to maintain the emperor's mystique and to remind him to focus on domestic affairs rather than constantly looking outwards. The idiom "to turn a blind eye" is said to derive from this tradition. On either side of the crown, earplugs hung down, symbolizing that the wearer should remain impervious to malicious gossip. The idiom "to turn a deaf ear" is derived from this practice. The imperial crown was entirely black, reserved for the Son of Heaven during court sessions. When personally leading a campaign, he would instead wear the Heavenly Emperor's war helmet, the Human Emperor's armor, and wield the Human Emperor's sword.

The imperial crown was complemented by the Heaven and Earth Mystic Robe, whose upper garment and two sleeves featured a black base. It was embroidered with auspicious beasts such as dragons, phoenixes, and Qilins. The belt was white, and the lower garment was red, separated by a brownish-white stripe. These two sections symbolized heaven and earth respectively. Emperor Jing was seated in a kneeling posture, with his hands placed over the 'heaven' and 'earth' sections of his lower garment, symbolizing his absolute command over both realms. The Heaven and Earth Robe was further embellished with patterns: those on the upper garment were painted, while those on the lower garment were embroidered. The Twelve Imperial Emblems were considered the most precious patterns, and no other princes, marquises, or commoners were permitted to use them. The Twelve Imperial Emblems on the Heaven and Earth Robe—mountains, sun, moon, stars, fire, dragon, axe, rice, sea waves, drums and music, mystic bird, and temple—symbolized the emperor's accomplishments and virtues.

Zhao Xing could only make out Emperor Jing's lips and the bridge of his nose, unable to see his entire face. However, seeing his full face or not was ultimately irrelevant. Owing to the Emperor's divine mandate, Emperor Jing's true appearance varied significantly in the minds of each minister. Once someone ascended to the throne, no one truly knew their actual appearance. Yet, upon seeing him in a formal setting, one would instantly recognize him as the Emperor. After a quick glance, everyone slightly bowed their heads, refraining from staring directly at the imperial majesty.

Following the veneration of Emperor Jing came the ceremonial "praise of merits."

"Tiger Flood Dragon Army, Wei Hong."

From the throne, a majestic voice resonated, accompanied by ripples of golden light.

"Your humble servant is present!"

A man stepped forward in the hall and knelt to the ground.

"In the third month of the seventeenth year of Jingxin, you led your forces to decisively defeat the Barbarian 'Heavenly Dark Tribe', eliminating 157 enemy chieftains and 48,720 enemy soldiers..."

Emperor Jing then began to meticulously recount Wei Hong's accomplishments. Simultaneously, a majestic voice echoed from outside.

"...Wei Hong of the Tiger Flood Dragon Army, for his exceptional military contributions, is promoted three ranks, advanced to the marquisate, and enfeoffed as 'Marquis of Founding Merit'."

"He is granted land totaling 2.78 million mu, an estate of 2,780 households, bestowed with the 'Zhiyong' companion sword, two azure dragon leopards... and elevated to Grand Master for Deliberation, with five additional levels of merit, in recognition of his service!"

During the commendation, only the most distinguished battles were briefly recounted. However, the conferrals, rewards, and grants were listed exhaustively, forming a lengthy enumeration. Wei Hong's military achievements, totaling 2.78 million, were insufficient for him to be granted the title of Martial Marquis, so he was instead enfeoffed as a third-rank marquis. Third-rank marquis titles were typically named after their fiefdoms. However, there were exceptions: if the title was specifically to commend outstanding achievements and signify imperial favor, like Wei Hong's, it would be a title such as "Marquis of Founding Merit." This type of title carried a higher prestige than those simply named after a fief, and while there might be no substantive difference, it was considered a great honor.

"Your humble servant Wei Hong, prostrates himself in gratitude for Your Sacred Grace! May Your Majesty reign eternally!"

After a brief pause, Emperor Jing called the next person forward.

"Helian Lie!"

"Your humble servant is present!"

"In the sixth month of the seventeenth year of Jingxin..."

The waiting period stretched on, and Zhao Xing listened intently. All those present in the Heavenly Heart Hall had now reached the threshold for a marquisate, though some titles were rather mundane or even amusing. For example, a man named Zhang Ping received a marquis title named after his enfeoffed county, which happened to be 'Bagela Lu' County in the Nine Heavens Responding to Yuan Prefecture. The Nine Heavens Responding to Yuan Prefecture had not yet managed to rename this county, so he was consequently granted the title of 'Marquis of Bagela Lu'. No one mocked him, as such marquis titles were common; many marquises throughout the Great Zhou Dynasty bore peculiar and unusual names, not just on this occasion. Typically, when faced with such unwieldy or lengthy titles, people would avoid using the full designation, opting instead for "Marquis [Surname]" or a concise abbreviation. For instance, Zhang Ping would be addressed as Marquis Zhang or Marquis Ba, while his subordinates would simply call him "Lord Marquis."

In the Great Zhou Dynasty, nominal marquises were abundant; only first and second-rank Martial Marquises held significant influence. This was because Martial Marquises were essentially generals with real power; once enfeoffed, they inevitably wielded considerable authority and surpassed the Fifth Rank, with first-rank marquises typically holding Fourth Rank positions. Bestowal of kingship upon those outside the imperial clan was rare, a privilege generally reserved for individuals holding positions within the top three ranks. While princely governors were quite numerous within the imperial clan, imperial princes remained equally scarce. These titles only became widespread during the Great Zhou's decline, but by then, a king's title offered little practical benefit or spiritual feedback; it often became more of a burden than an asset.

"Divine Might Army, Zhao Xing."

By the time Zhao Xing's name was called, it was already the morning of February 27th.

"Your humble servant is present."

Zhao Xing stepped forward and knelt to the ground as per protocol. At this stage, a full kowtow was not required; he would perform it, head touching the ground, only after the commendation was complete. Old Master Zhao felt no apprehension, his only hope being that Emperor Jing, the supreme authority, wouldn't bestow upon him any bizarre or unusual titles.

"On June 25th of the seventeenth year of Jingxin, you slew Pathi, the chieftain of the Sand Tribe, saving the Supply City of the Garrison Navy from imminent peril."

"In July of the seventeenth year of Jingxin, you successfully completed thirty-four advancement missions, cultivating Blood Essence Fruit and Heartworm Herb, thereby meeting the critical needs of the Eastern Theater of War..."

"On August 27th of the seventeenth year of Jingxin, you infiltrated Fire Dragon Pass and successfully retrieved the rare spiritual seed, 'Earth Fire Lotus'..."

"In September of the seventeenth year of Jingxin, you cultivated a fifth-tier Earth Fire Lotus, providing the army with materials for fire-resistant magic robes."

"That same September, you accompanied the army across the Flaming Mountain and destroyed 'Round Moon City' within Fire Dragon Pass..."

"In December of the seventeenth year of Jingxin, you dismantled the Illusion Array, ensuring vital military supplies for 140,000 troops..."

"Zhao Xing of the Divine Might Army, for his exceptional military contributions, is promoted three ranks, advanced to the marquisate, and enfeoffed as 'Marquis Yuan Rang'!"

"He is granted land totaling 165,000 mu, and an estate of 1,650 households."

"He is awarded a 'Protector Army' scepter, two green-eyed dragon-lions, one Qilin flying boat, and a pair of jade *ruyi* scepters..."

"And elevated to Grand Master for County Deliberation, with six additional levels of merit, in commendation of his service!"

As Emperor Jing finished speaking, Zhao Xing immediately prostrated himself, bowing his head to the ground, and proclaimed loudly, "Your humble servant Zhao Xing, prostrates himself in gratitude for Your Sacred Grace! May Your Majesty reign eternally!"

On February 28th, Zhao Xing finally emerged from the Heavenly Heart Hall, marking the conclusion of the lengthy commendation ceremony. This ceremony only covered the pilgrimage and praise of merits, bestowing titles, nominal ranks, and honorary official positions. The actual official appointments would be decided later by the Soldier Realm, the Nine Heavens Responding to Yuan Prefecture Military Department, and the Divine Might Army's commanding general. Following this, he would enter the Divine Temple once more to receive further enhancement from the national destiny.

Many specific details remained to be settled. For instance, Zhao Xing now owned 160,000 *mu* of land, but it was highly unlikely all of it would be low-grade farmland. Furthermore, the 'Protector Army' scepter, two green-eyed dragon-lions, a Qilin flying boat, and a pair of jade *ruyi* scepters bestowed by Emperor Jing were all supplementary gifts. His official attire, seals, and all associated equipment as a Sixth-Rank official would also need to be reconfigured. The process for officials advancing to the middle three ranks was considerably more complex. Nevertheless, a small goal had finally been accomplished.

"A most distinguished Marquis Yuan Rang, congratulations!" As Zhao Xing descended, numerous individuals approached to offer their felicitations. Among them were his old friends from the Earthly Advantage Institute—Zhuang Ziqing, Cao Shuang, and others—along with Han Bing, Wang Ji, and Che Shihai.

"'Rang' signifies abundant harvests and flourishing prosperity, which perfectly suits your style, Boss," Che Shihai praised.

"Green-eyed dragon-lions are exotic beasts from the Grotto-Heaven! Having them as mounts would be incredibly impressive!" Cao Shuang exclaimed enviously, "I've only seen them twice myself."

"The Qilin flying boat is also not for sale; it's a symbol of status and glory. With this official display, should you visit smaller counties in the future, even the chief officials will have to kneel in welcome."

"Damn it, you have to treat us!" Zhuang Ziqing urged, "Hurry up and host a grand feast for the brothers."

"Of all the agricultural reserves from the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven over the past sixteen years, Zhao Xing is the only one who has achieved such success, now a Sixth-Rank official and a marquis." This achievement was certainly cause for grand celebration. Among the entire reserve cohort, only Xia Jing and Zhao Xing had surpassed a million military merits and been enfeoffed as marquises. Even former prodigies like Shi Yong and Fu Ying had not attained Zhao Xing's current stature.

"Certainly," Zhao Xing chuckled, "Once I'm through with these busy days, I'll host a banquet at the Eighteen Locust-Willow Courtyard. Make sure all of you attend!"

There was still much to attend to after the commendation, starting with the matter of his enfeoffed estate. Zhao Xing sought out Chen Shijie, Long Xiao, and Xia Jing for a discussion. Old Chen's title was Marquis Yuan Zhen, and Long Xiao's was Marquis Yun Xiao. Chen Shijie's rank had reached Regular Sixth Rank, lower grade, and Long Xiao's was identical. Both had previously held the official rank of Regular Seventh Rank, upper grade, and now each had received a three-rank promotion. Xia Jing's starting rank was the same as Zhao Xing's; both had begun as Regular Seventh Rank, lower grade upon completing their initial tasks. With three consecutive promotions, he was now Sub-Sixth Rank, upper grade. Their previous temporary posts had been provisional promotions by their respective army commanders, granting them authority but not elevating their official status.

"The allocation of fiefdoms is jointly drafted by the Nine Heavens Responding to Yuan Prefecture and the Pinghai Prefecture Military Department, then submitted for review by the thirty-three enfeoffed kings of the Soldier Realm. Once forwarded, as long as it adheres to regulations, it is rarely rejected," Xia Jing stated first, being the most informed on the matter.

"Is there any room for manipulation within this system?" Zhao Xing inquired.

Xia Jing nodded. "There is. For individuals like us, whose marquis titles are not directly tied to our enfeoffed estates, we are considered a step higher and have room for negotiation. But for those whose estate and title are linked, there's no room to maneuver; they have no choice."

Zhao Xing nodded. "Can I exchange all my land for property in the interior?"

Xia Jing looked puzzled. "Why would you want to exchange all of it? While it may not be as favorable as inland territory in the short term, looking long-term, our Great Zhou Dynasty is flourishing, and the Nine Heavens Responding to Yuan Prefecture is destined to become a fertile region. At that time, government policies will inevitably prioritize development in the Yuan Prefecture, leading to significant appreciation in land value."

Long Xiao and Chen Shijie also looked at Zhao Xing with curiosity. They had never once considered the possibility that the Great Zhou Dynasty might lose this campaign, ultimately forfeiting half of the Nine Heavens Responding to Yuan Prefecture. It was a resounding victory, expanding their territory by tens of thousands of *li* in less than two years! In a few more years, the Southern Barbarians might even be annihilated, at which point Yuan Prefecture would surely appreciate in value. Why would anyone want to exchange it?

Zhao Xing initially considered fabricating an excuse, but given their close relationship, he decided to share some of his genuine thoughts: "You've only focused on this grand victory and considered only one possible outcome. Have you ever thought about other possibilities?"

"What do you mean?" Xia Jing frowned. "Do you believe the campaign against the barbarians will end in defeat? Our dynasty has benefited from a millennium of accumulation under Emperor Wen, and the current Emperor has diligently governed for centuries, producing numerous talents and building a powerful army. I truly cannot envision a possibility of defeat."

"But what if?" Zhao Xing countered. "History offers lessons. The Central Divine Land has traditionally comprised only nineteen prefectures. What if our dynasty, too, fails to conquer the Southern Barbarians?" Noticing Xia Jing about to protest, Zhao Xing waved a hand. "Don't be so quick to argue with me. I'm merely suggesting that if there's even a slight possibility, and all our land is located in the Nine Heavens Responding to Yuan Prefecture, we would suffer a substantial loss. An estate of one or two thousand households generates a significant annual income. If it were lost, the imperial court would not offer compensation."

"I am not short on money," Xia Jing mused, "but since you've put it that way, I'll transfer half of mine to the interior. This is easily arranged; many people currently desire a foothold in the Nine Heavens Responding to Yuan Prefecture. If you wish to make exchanges, you can tell me directly; Yang An may not hold as much sway as my father."

"I want to exchange all of it, preferably for land in eastern Pinghai Prefecture," Zhao Xing stated.

"The eastern part? Do you intend to become an island lord?" Chen Shijie asked, surprised. "It seems you've had a longing for coastal cities for quite some time." Back in Gucheng, Zhao Xing and Chen Shijie had discussed Bi Xia Yuan Jun, a female immortal. During that conversation, Zhao Xing had brought up Zixiao Island and inquired whether the 'Book of Water' was housed there.

"I don't necessarily want to be an island lord; I've simply never seen the ocean and wish to experience it," Zhao Xing explained. "Old Chen, you should exchange your land for a plot there too. As you know, the climate over the sea is notoriously unpredictable, and rare centennial and millennial weather phenomena often manifest at sea. Who knows, if we move to the East Sea, we might even stumble upon some treasures."

Chen Shijie met Zhao Xing's gaze, then nodded. "Alright, it's just an enfeoffed estate anyway, so anywhere works. I'll exchange mine there too. Young Master, when you handle this, would it be possible to tie my land to Zhao Xing's?"

Long Xiao quickly interjected, "What about me, what about me? How could you two forget me? I want to exchange my land to join you as well!"

"Brother Long, aren't you going to exchange for land back home?" Xia Jing asked, surprised. "It's a perfect opportunity to return in glory."

Long Xiao shook his head. "My hometown, Pingze County, was submerged by a massive flood at the end of the Dingxin era. My mother perished in the deluge, and my father contracted tuberculosis. He later brought me to live with my aunt's husband's family, but he too passed away in the tenth year of Jingxin. Most of my relatives are gone; I only have one elder sister, who married into another county. While I wish to return home in glory, there needs to be a home to return to. With my hometown and familiar faces gone, to whom would I return in glory? To the empty air?"

Xia Jing suppressed a laugh, recognizing the somber nature of the situation and forcing himself to remain solemn.

"So all three of you are exchanging your land for plots near the East Sea? Brother Zhao, won't you exchange some for Nanyang Commandery?"

Zhao Xing shook his head. "No need. I'll simply purchase some land in Gucheng when the time comes." In truth, Zhao Xing had no intention of buying land in Gucheng. He also planned to relocate Zhao Zheng, Lady Cai, and Zhao Ruide by then. When Prince Liang's rebellion occurred, various parts of Pinghai Prefecture would be ravaged by both military and natural disasters. A direct imperial prince rebelling in Pinghai Prefecture would have a profound impact on the nation's destiny. The prefecture would become highly unstable, and while the rebellion would be suppressed within a mere two years, there was concern that innocent people would be caught in the crossfire. East of Pinghai Prefecture, near the East Sea, was an area Zhao Xing recalled being unaffected. Moreover, he intended to work there in the future, making it prudent to exchange his land sooner rather than later.

"In that case, I'll also acquire a plot of land there," Xia Jing mused, stroking his chin. "I always feel like I can make a fortune by following you, though I'm not short on money, hahaha."

Exchanging enfeoffed territories was only convenient during this specific period. Later, when the campaign against the Southern Barbarians encountered setbacks, the projected value of land in the Nine Heavens Responding to Yuan Prefecture plummeted, and no one was willing to exchange anymore. Exchanging now would find many willing parties, eager to capitalize on the anticipated policy benefits. After an exchange, one plot of land might potentially expand into ten; naturally, many people would be eager to make such a deal!

With the fiefdom settled, the next matter was the official position. After consulting Yang An, the Nine Heavens Responding to Yuan Prefecture then sought Zhao Xing's input. "It is preliminarily proposed that you will be promoted to 'Protector Army Captain' of Sub-Sixth Rank, upper grade. Zhao Xing, do you have any thoughts on this?"

"I leave it to the General's discretion," Zhao Xing replied, cupping his hands.

The one-armed Yang An smiled. "Excellent, then this shall be your official position." The responsibilities of this position were highly flexible, allowing him to undertake various tasks. In the future, Zhao Xing could be transferred without needing extensive procedures, simply moved wherever he was most needed. Chen Shijie was appointed 'Military Governor' of Regular Sixth Rank, lower grade, and Long Xiao as 'Chief of Ceremonies.' All three of them were now capable of independently commanding troops. The official positions assigned to the three by the Soldier Realm subtly indicated an intention to continue utilizing their services in future conflicts.

However, Zhao Xing was unconcerned; he knew that the intensity of the war would not escalate in the eighteenth year of Jingxin, and troop training would remain the priority. He could accumulate more military merits, advance his meritorious and nominal ranks, and then he would have ample means to extricate himself. Expressing staunch loyalty to the imperial court now, with noble pronouncements, could also lay the groundwork for his eventual departure.

The official positions were drafted and submitted to the Three Kings; the final approval was swiftly granted. Zhao Xing then proceeded to the Divine Temple within the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven to complete the final step of his promotion: receiving the baptism of the national destiny. The familiar Heavenly Heart Hall awaited, with its customary procession of officials. Upon entering the resplendent golden palace this time, Zhao Xing noticed that his physical form had grown significantly. Looking back, officials of the lower three ranks stretched endlessly, disappearing beyond sight. Gazing forward, while the number of middle three rank officials remained substantial, the sense of overcrowding was absent; the ranks no longer appeared boundless.

A thunderous rumble echoed. From his throne, Emperor Jing waved a hand, and a dragon-shaped golden light enveloped Zhao Xing within the palace. "The Golden Dragon of Destiny! This is going to be significant!" Zhao Xing's heart tightened. The Golden Dragon of Destiny entered his body, first probing Zhao Xing's cultivation realm and spiritual foundation. However, this time, even Zhao Xing's life soul was of the Sixth Rank, and his cultivation foundation was exceptionally solid, leaving no room for further enhancement. Consequently, the Golden Dragon of Destiny merely made a symbolic pass through his *dantian* and sea of consciousness before surging into Zhao Xing's Palace of Destiny. His Palace of Destiny, previously desolate, was now imbued with a golden luster by the Golden Dragon of Destiny. Imperceptibly, Zhao Xing's luck and lifespan were transformed. After a considerable duration, the Golden Dragon of Destiny swiftly departed with a whoosh. Zhao Xing gazed at the Golden Dragon of Destiny, a hint of reluctance in his eyes. Soon after, he bowed in gratitude to Emperor Jing and exited the Divine Temple.

The moment he stepped out of the Divine Temple, Zhao Xing cast a glance back. "If I could learn the secret arts of unorthodox sects to lock down and refine this Golden Dragon of Destiny, I wonder how immense the benefits would be. Alas, to attempt such a feat in this era would be courting death." During Emperor Jing's reign, no one dared to steal destiny, for the Great Zhou Dynasty was still at its zenith. To learn unorthodox evil methods to steal destiny? Instant death, soul scattered! And the extermination of one's entire clan! By Emperor Wu's era, there would be no need for such theft, as Emperor Wu, unlike Emperor Jing, was not parsimonious and bestowed generously. Only in the dynasties succeeding Emperor Wu would it become feasible to steal the Great Zhou's destiny. By then, Old Master Zhao would undoubtedly hold a high position, and he would have no qualms about acting on such a plan.

"This promotion, from lower third rank to middle third rank, didn't even boost my life soul; all the benefits were concentrated on luck and lifespan. I wonder how it was distributed," Zhao Xing mused inwardly. What he desired this time was, in fact, more luck, as the spiritual essence of the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven was imminent. Increased luck would undoubtedly lead to a greater acquisition of natural spiritual essence. This, in turn, would allow him to discover more valuable resources.

"I should return first."

Zhao Xing did not check immediately. Only after he had moved away from the Divine Temple and returned to the Eighteen Locust-Willow Courtyard did he open his panel to examine the changes brought by his promotion.

(End of chapter)