Well, this was just great. He had rejected advances before, and now, with Siniang and the others expected to arrive in a few days, to break his resolve at this point would an he had endured for so long in vain. Why go through all that suffering!
When inspecting the construction site, General Zheng would sotis feel a touch of remorse for his excessive cruelty towards the wild people captives. Then, he would raise his head, and a gust of wind would sweep away his self-reproach.
「The days passed by, uneventfully.」
「Until one day, a contingent of n in magnificent official robes, flying dragon banners, rode up to the gates of Snow Sea Pass.」
The journey all the way from Yanjing had not been easy. They had been forced to rush relentlessly; to say they were rely travel-worn would be an understatent. For these eunuchs, who rarely rode horses, it was indeed an ordeal.
But, compared to their two predecessors who had dashed their heads against the stone lions and died, HEH, what was a slightly longer journey? It was nothing!
Announcing the Imperial Edict was a matter of the Imperial Court's prestige. Therefore, after being t by the mounted scouts from Snow Sea Pass, the envoys paused. This was partly to allow the scouts to ride back and inform Zheng Fan, so he could prepare to receive his enfeoffnt. And partly, they themselves needed to freshen up, wash their faces, and change into clean garnts from their travel packs.
Thus, when the edict-proclaiming delegation truly appeared outside Snow Sea Pass, the Pass gates were imdiately thrown open. Two detachnts of Shengle Cavalry rode out in formation, and the ramparts of the Pass were also lined with soldiers.
An incense altar table was set up in the center of the gateway. Soon after, General Zheng, clad in full armor, slowly rode out from the Pass.
The eunuch charged with proclaiming the edict raised the Imperial Edict in his hand. By his side stood a young Vice-Minister from the Ministry of Rites.
"General Zheng Fan of Shengle, receive the Imperial Edict!"
Zheng Fan dismounted, strode forward slowly, and ca to stand behind the incense altar table. With a flourish of his cape, he knelt.
"Long live His Majesty the Emperor! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand tis ten thousand years!"
Instantly, the cavalryn on horseback held their sabers horizontally before them. Following Yan Army tradition, n on horseback did not perform the kneeling salute. However, the soldiers garrisoning the walls all knelt in unison, acclaiming:
"Long live His Majesty the Emperor! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand tis ten thousand years!"
The edict-proclaiming eunuch took a deep breath and unfurled the Imperial Edict.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: General Zheng Fan of Shengle, loyal and devoted to the state, has repeatedly rendered distinguished service..."
What followed was a long preamble. It was, in essence, a highly formulaic recitation of praises. Such official rhetoric was much like listening to formal reports in later tis; regardless of the specific matter, this lengthy middle section could always be employed. The only difference lay in the specific comndations: civil officials would be praised for their moral integrity, military officers for their valor and courage. Older officials might be lauded for their steadfastness, likened to an 'old pine,' while younger ones would be hailed as 'talents of the nation.' Otherwise, there was little difference.
However, Zheng Fan was waiting for the final pronouncent.
"...Therefore, the forr General of Shengle, Zheng Fan, is hereby appointed Commander-in-Chief of Snow Sea Pass and ennobled as Lord Pingye! By Imperial Command!"
Commander-in-Chief of Snow Sea Pass—that was to be expected. After all, since Lord Jingnan had put in a word, Zheng Fan found it hard to believe the Imperial Court would disregard his request.
But to be directly ennobled as a Lord? That was sothing Zheng Fan hadn't anticipated. It was well known that Yan State was extrely parsimonious with bestowing noble titles. Even the imperial princes, who held the title of Wang (Prince) by birthright, would collectively submit a morial requesting the revocation of their princely titles once one of their brothers ascended the throne.
This ant that his title, Lord Pingye, was just one rank below Marquis Pingye. The Yan Emperor was truly magnanimous.
"Your servant thanks Your Majesty for this profound grace!"
Zheng Fan spread his hands open and raised them above his head to receive the edict.
The eunuch placed the Imperial Edict into Zheng Fan's outstretched hands and said with an ingratiating smile, "My Lord, you may rise."
Zheng Fan rose to his feet, held the Imperial Edict aloft, and looked around.
At that mont, a roar erupted, several tis more fervent than their earlier cries of "Long live His Majesty":
"Hail, Lord Pingye!"
"Hail, Lord Pingye!"
"Hail, Lord Pingye!"
The Shengle Army—no, from now on, they would have to be called the Snow Sea Army. The Shengle Iron Cavalry, too, would be renad the Snow Sea Iron Cavalry.
This army felt little sense of belonging to the Yan Emperor, the Imperial Court, or even Yan State itself. Their loyalty was pledged to Zheng Fan alone.
「As night fell.」
Zheng Fan hosted a banquet in his private manor, inviting all the military commanders. At the head table, only the Eldest Prince and the aforentioned eunuch were seated.
The Yan Emperor would surely have a private Imperial Edict for his eldest son, Zheng Fan thought, so he didn't disturb them. He focused instead on encouraging the various ranks of military officers to drink. Only much later did he go in to share a toast with the Eldest Prince and the eunuch.
The Eldest Prince would probably set off back to the capital the next day. He would likely be traveling with this eunuch, and Zheng Fan had already prepared two gifts for them. In truth, neither of them was short of money. However, for individuals of their standing, such gifts were perceived more as a token of respect.
Lord Zheng had genuinely drunk a bit too much that day and had to be supported by Fanli back to his inner chambers to rest.
"Water... water... water..."
After unceremoniously dumping his lord on the bed, Fanli considered his task complete. He walked out of the private courtyard, not thinking to fetch any sobering-up soup or pour so tea.
Just then, Ke, who lived in an adjoining chamber, heard the sounds and ca over. Seeing Zheng Fan lying drunkenly on the bed, she hurried closer to check on him.
"Siniang... Siniang... I'm thirsty... water..."
Soon, a cool liquid moistened his lips and flowed smoothly down his throat. The sensation of thirst vanished instantly, replaced by an incredible sweetness.
"You're really not coming with ?"
The Eldest Prince and Jin Shuke were walking side by side outside the Pass walls.
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