Right and proper

Husband, do you think we should send someone to the Capital City?

Truth be told, Gao Yuan really didn't want to send anyone; he was afraid of catching bad luck, but after all, he was still nominally a subject of the Great Qian, and he had his own agenda.

We definitely have to go. Not only must we send someone, but we should also have Commander Liu send someone. I'm counting on our Emperor to give the Annan Circuit a legitimate and justified status.

Zhao Xiyao smiled enchantingly; she had already seen through her Husband's intentions from his smile.

You really do seize every opportunity to take advantage. I think it would be better to have The Emperor promote your title and rank. You can't let that Mao Biao hold you down.

Hehe, this matter is naturally left to our Zhao Xiyaos informal address to handle. I'll just go and offer congratulations in a proper manner.

Soon, Gao Zhong and Wan Sanqian took some rare timber and a batch of furs and boarded a seagoing ship bound for the Capital City.

Gao Yuan and Zhao Xiyao had carefully selected these gifts; they were all things that were not easily liquidated in chaotic times. As for gold and silver, he was not willing to part with any of it.

Timber—this might be very valuable in Jiangnan or the North, but in the Southwest, it was truly everywhere. The firewood Gao Yuan and his people used daily might very well be rare timber, the kind that people in later generations would use to make beads.

As for the furs, they were truly worthless in the Southwest. In such a hot place, wearing furs—weren't they afraid of getting heat rash?

As for the documents from Gao Yuan and Liu Rengui, naturally, they couldn't brag about how good things were here. Instead, they were filled with complaints:

This damn place was hot, people were lazy, and there was fighting day and night. He had just wiped out Khmer and beaten Toungoo, suffering heavy losses.

He hoped The Emperor could empathize with his subordinates and allocate some troops, weapons, and armor. Of course, it would be even better if he could provide some grain and fodder.

Seeing the gifts sent by Gao Yuan and Liu Rengui, The Emperor was quite satisfied, especially with the white tiger skin, which he liked particularly well.

However, when he heard that the two were actually crying poverty and wanted some benefits, The Emperor couldn't help but lose his composure.

Don't they know that I have just arrived in the Capital City and need money everywhere? Where would I get the money and grain to allocate to them?

At this moment, looking at that tiger skin again, watching the open tiger mouth, he felt as if it were about to bite a piece of flesh off him.

If he didn't like it so much, he would have been ready to draw his sword and stab the tiger skin to shreds.

After The Emperor finished venting, Chief Eunuch reminded him:

Your Majesty, Servant thinks that Commandery Duke Gao and Commander Liu have made great contributions and were the first to send people to offer congratulations. If you do not reward them, I fear it will chill their hearts.

The Emperor stared, glaring at the gray-haired old eunuch beside him. After a long while, he confirmed that this old fox was not a traitor, and then he said unhappily:

Reward them? What do I have to reward them with? Should I stop building the palace, stop repairing the city defenses, or stop paying military salaries and stipends?

Chief Eunuch revealed a mysterious smile, leaned into The Emperor's ear, and whispered:

Your Majesty can confer titles and official ranks. Anyway, it doesn't require the imperial court to pay a single cent in salary, nor does it require the court to give up an acre of fiefdom.

The Emperor had been blinded by anger, but now he suddenly realized this was a truly practical and good idea, and he couldn't help but laugh.

Hahaha! Chief Eunuch, you really are an old fox. That's right, I'll confer titles on them. Anyway, it's just a title without substance, and it doesn't cost a penny. What rank should I confer on them?

Chief Eunuch rolled his eyes and replied:

Your Majesty, Servant believes that the son-in-law currently has high prestige in the Southwest and should not be rewarded too heavily; rather, his subordinates should be rewarded more. For people like Liu Rengui and Xia Luqi, Your Majesty should reward them heavily to win them over. Perhaps they can be used by the court in the future, and even if not, it can sow discord between them and Gao Yuan.

The Emperor was very satisfied with Chief Eunuch's answer. He lowered his head and pondered for a while before speaking:

Chief Eunuch, draft the edict...

Gao Zhong and Wan Sanqian did not expect that their mission to the Capital City would be completed so easily; the edict of ennoblement was issued in just three days.

Zhao Xiyao remained the Pacifying the South Grand Princess, in overall charge of all military and political affairs of the Southern Yunnan, Zhongnan, and Annan Circuits, acting on behalf of the heavens and having the authority to act as circumstances required.

Gao Yuan was granted the title of General Huaihua, Third Rank Upper, Pillar of State, and Grand Master of Palace Leisure with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon. His title remained unchanged; he was still the Duke of Xicheng Commandery.

Liu Rengui was titled General Guidé, Third Rank Lower, Grand Master of Silver Ceremony with Purple Ribbon, and enfeoffed as the County Duke of Wanxiang. His official position remained Military Governor of the Zhongnan Circuit.

Xia Luqi was titled General Zhongwu, Fourth Rank Upper, Marquis of Guchang County, and appointed Governor of Leizhou Prefecture.

Liao Hua was titled Commandant of Zhechong, Fourth Rank Upper, Marquis of Angkor, and Military Governor of the Annan Circuit.

With this chaotic round of conferments, Gao Yuan's civil and military officials all received an officially recognized rank and status, which could be considered legitimate and justified.

As for actual benefits—troops, money, grain, or rewards—not a single hair was given.

However, Gao Zhong and Wan Sanqian were already very happy. The mission entrusted by their lord was accomplished. The two visited the Capital City and the surrounding Trading Firms, bought three or four hundred young maids, and then embarked on the journey home.

Gao Yuan and The Emperor had both achieved their goals, so the result was naturally gratifying to all. For this reason, Gao Yuan later sent some bear skins to his brother-in-law.

This operation made The Emperor suspect whether his brother-in-law really had rebellious intentions.

At this time, the Southern Yunnan, Zhongnan, and Annan Circuits were filled with joy everywhere.

Everyone knew that following Gao Yuan meant living a good life, but they didn't expect to live a good life so quickly.

In Yongzhou, in the backyard of the government office, Xian Xing raised his wine cup.

Come, sister, brother toasts you a cup.

He was truly overjoyed today. Previously, he was nominally the provincial inspector of Lianzhou, a high-ranking official, Fourth Rank Lower.

In fact, to put it bluntly, he was just a lackey under Feng Pu, but now it was different. He was now a bona fide Governor of Yongzhou appointed by the imperial court, a military position of Third Rank Lower.

Xian Ying raised her wine cup and clinked it with Xian Xing's.

Brother, I can guarantee that as long as you follow Gao Yuan well, your future will definitely be more than just a Third Rank Lower.

Xian Xing revealed a playful smile.

Sister, are you so optimistic that your lover will be able to seize the world in the future?

Xian Ying blushed at his teasing words.

Brother, you... do not talk nonsense.

Since ancient times, beauties have loved heroes. It is normal even if you fancy him.

Thinking of this, Xian Ying suddenly lowered her head, feeling a little disappointed.

Yes, he is a great hero, but I am already a withered flower, how can I be worthy of him?

With our sister Ying's beauty, which man would not be moved? Besides, aren't Lady Zheng and Lady Song also...

Seeing Xian Xing speaking more and more excessively, Xian Ying hurriedly covered his mouth.

Brother, you have drunk too much. How can you discuss the two ladies in private?

Xian Xing immediately realized he had spoken out of turn and quickly tried to make amends.

My fault, my fault. I have no restraint after drinking a little. But sister Ying, if you really miss him, just go to Guchang.

Xian Ying nodded and then shook her head.

But I dare not, I am afraid...

Hey, what are you afraid of? You are from our Xian Family. Is there anyone in this world you aren't worthy of? Just go boldly. You have brother and Uncle Mu supporting you behind your back.

Looking at her brother's firm gaze, Xian Ying finally plucked up the courage to make a decision.

Okay, after the New Year, our family will move the business to Guchang.

That night, the woman lay on the bed, recalling that incomparably handsome and heroic face, as well as his tall and straight figure, and his incomparably domineering words.

She couldn't help but feel a little hot and agitated, and her pair of snow-white jade legs kept tossing and turning.