Chapter 280 The life story of Qin Keqing, Duke of Zhenbei!
After Dai Quan finished speaking, no one dared to question him.

No one dared to falsely report such a huge achievement as capturing 110,000 prisoners, let alone that it was reported by the fifth-level Yangshen Patriarch of the Gexian Sect.

Among the foreign envoys.

The faces of Burma and Siam turned terribly pale in an instant.

Daqian’s southern expedition was nominally aimed at conquering Westerners, but they had not yet directly torn their relations.

That is why the envoys from the two countries are standing here today.

When Westerners first extended their tentacles into Southeast Asia, the two countries originally wanted to rely on Daqian, the nominal suzerain state.

Let’s drive away the wolf and swallow the tiger.

It was not until Jia Cong went south that he made it clear that he intended to annex the Southeast Asian countries.

In addition, after the Far Eastern Combined Fleet suffered heavy losses at sea, Westerners relaxed their oppression of Siam and Burma.

Instead, it caused the two countries to secretly lean towards the West.

Now that the coalition forces of Oirat and Tatar have been defeated, there are no more hidden dangers in the north of Daqian.

You can focus all your energy on the south.

For the envoys of the two countries, this was like a bolt from the blue.

……

“Hahaha!”

“Good! Good! Good!”

People’s sorrows and joys are not the same, and the envoys of the two countries were in mourning.

Emperor Shunde felt extremely refreshed, and the pressure he had been under for more than a month was instantly swept away.

He praised three times in a row, then turned to look at Lin Ruhai.

“Ru Hai, you gave me a big surprise today!”

After Daiyu had made an engagement with Jia Cong, the Queen summoned her into the palace many times in order to win her over.

Emperor Shunde also saw him from afar once at a grand banquet.

But he never expected that he would be able to reach the fifth level of strength so quickly.

Although surprised, the strong rise of Jia Cong and Baochai has made the company’s strength grow by leaps and bounds.

It’s not hard to accept.

In the fourth year of Shunde, Jia Cong was eight years old!
It is now the seventh year in Shunde, and Jia Cong is only twelve years old at most.

Yet, he possesses such terrifying strength, and anyone with a bit of common sense can guess that he has an unparalleled opportunity.

It’s no longer a secret!
“Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. I was just following the orders of Marquis Jing’an.”

Lin Ruhai bowed and spoke humbly, and Emperor Shunde waved his hand upon hearing his words.

“In the fourth year of Shunde, during the autumn hunt in Xishan, I ask Marquis Jing’an to come to the court to help.”

“In the past two years, Marquis Jing’an has made many remarkable achievements, quelled internal dangers, and promoted education.”

“Externally, we fought wars in the south and the north to expand our territory.”

“The two great protectorates of Andong, Annan, and Zhenla…”

“They will all be important tax collection areas for the imperial court!”

“Today, even the wife of Marquis Jing’an, who has not yet married into the family, has started fighting for the country before she even reached the age of marriage, and has made such great military achievements.”

“I have heard that if a country wants to prosper, it must have the help of great sages.”

“Since ancient times, there has never been a precedent for women to serve as officials in the court, but today I am prepared to break this rule.”

“What do you dear ladies think?”

After Emperor Shunde finished speaking, he looked at his ministers.

Daiyu’s contribution is real!

The terrifying strength is real.

After hearing this, even the old-fashioned pedants among the court officials had to consider their families, if not themselves.

No one dared to stand up and express opposition.

They all shouted in unison.

“Your Majesty is wise!”

“it is good!”

“Xia Shouzhong, draft the decree!”

“Since ancient times, the prosperity of a country has relied on the efforts of loyal ministers and good generals. Lin’s daughter Daiyu suppressed the White Lotus cult and fought against foreign enemies.”

“Women are as brave and resourceful as men.”

“I want to break the ancient convention!”

“Confer the title of Lin Daiyu, the first-class Duke of Zhenbei!”

“The Right Commander of the Front Army Commandery is granted the title of General of Cavalry and the title of Guard!”

“The title of Duke Zhenbei will be inherited by both men and women in the future.”

……

Titles, official positions, ranks, and honors!
With an imperial edict from Emperor Shunde, Daiyu’s status was directly raised to the top position in the court.

If it were someone else, rising from a commoner, especially a woman, to a top position overnight, it would certainly attract a lot of opposition and criticism.

However, the ministers in the palace did not react excessively to this.

Even think it should be so.

After all!
The existence of the fifth realm has long surpassed the secular court!

Daqian ancestral system!

Those who are in the third realm can be granted the title of Viscount without any merit!

Those in the fourth realm can be granted the title of marquis without any merit!

However, after so many years since the rule was established, there has not been anyone from the fourth realm willing to accept the imperial title!
Not to mention the fifth realm!

When it comes to rewarding Daiyu, it’s no longer about what Daiyu lacks, but rather about what the royal family has.

……

“Lord Lin!”

“Your Lin family has been a prominent family in Gusu since the previous dynasty. After Taizu started the uprising, they gathered local warriors to join them and were granted titles of nobility for their merits!”

“After my father issued an edict, the title was extended to another generation. This family has been a marquis for four generations, but by your generation, the title has just been lost!”

“Today, I will extend your Lin family’s title to five generations, making it a family of marquises for nine generations!”

“Xia Shouzhong, draft another decree!”

“Lin Ruhai has educated talents for the country and made great contributions to the country.”

“Marquis Jingwen!”

“The title is passed down for five generations, and no future generations may deprive it of its title!”

“Grand Secretary of the Jin Wenhua Palace, Minister of the Cabinet!”

Another imperial edict was issued.

Marquis Jingwen!
Including the previous four generations!

Even if it is a family of marquises for nine generations, it is still a beautiful story in history books.

Not to mention the positions of Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace and Regent of the Cabinet, which are similar to those of prime minister.

The Cabinet’s Chief Minister, Lord Li, has been in the political arena for many years. It is only logical and reasonable for him to retire and return to his hometown, even if it is to avoid suspicion, in the next three to five years.

This arrangement by Emperor Shunde was undoubtedly a notice to the court officials, and Lin Ruhai’s position as the next prime minister of the cabinet was decided in advance.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

“My dear, the Lin family now has the title again.”

“The continuation of this bloodline must be put on the agenda as soon as possible.”

“Whether it’s the daughter of a noble or a royal family member, I will personally arrange a marriage for you, my dear minister!”

Lin Ruhai was different from others. He was originally the confidant of Emperor Shunde.

Whether in terms of talent or means, he is the best in the court.

Now my beloved daughter has even been promoted to the fifth realm.

to be frank.

Emperor Shunde still felt like he was in a dream at this moment.

Even if we go back thousands of years.

There has never been such a good thing as a fifth-level person directly serving the imperial court.

Under such circumstances, even in the solemn occasion of the New Year’s Day court meeting, Emperor Shunde acted as if he was in private.

He made a half-serious joke in an attempt to get closer to Lin Ruhai.

“I thank your majesty for your kindness…”

But when Lin Ruhai heard this, he could only smile bitterly in response.

Even before Jia Cong’s rise to power, if Lin Ruhai wanted to remarry, there were many noble families willing to marry him.

It’s a pity that Lin Ruhai didn’t have such an idea at all.

He was content with just raising Daiyu.

Even now that he has entered the court to serve as an official, it is only to repay the kindness of Emperor Shunde in the past.

“Retreat!”

Emperor Shunde smiled and nodded, then announced the adjournment of the court.

……

imperial study room

After the New Year’s Day court meeting, Emperor Shunde returned to the imperial study.

I had some tea and snacks to fill my stomach.

Then Xia Shouzhong walked in.

“His Majesty……”

“Jia Zhen of Ningguo Mansion is dead.”

“Did he die today?” Emperor Shunde paused for a moment and said, “What a coincidence.” “It’s a good thing for him. He lived a few more days.”

“Your Majesty, it was not the Imperial City Division who took action.”

“Marquis Jing’an had asked Mr. Hu to teach Jia Zhen a lesson before.”

Emperor Shunde nodded upon hearing this.

“How’s the investigation going on with the matter I asked you to investigate?”

“Your Majesty, the Imperial City Bureau’s spies have sneaked into Ningguo Mansion with your Majesty’s token.”

“Butler Wen from the Marquis of Jing’an’s mansion did not show up to inquire about the matter.”

“I secretly visited many old people in Ningguo Mansion.”

“After investigation, it was found that the adopted daughter of Qin Ye, the official in charge of the Ministry of Works, was not Princess Yongping, but Princess Jiayun!”

Emperor Shunde had three sons!

Among them, the eldest son was born to Queen Zhou, and was the legitimate son.

Apart from these, the only one who could be considered a legitimate daughter was Princess Jiayun.

However, during the Kaiyuan period, not long after he was born, he mysteriously disappeared in the palace.

For the sake of face, the royal family announced to the public that he had died young.

“During the investigation, I discovered the presence of the evil White Lotus Sect.”

“In the past, Princess Yongping was sent away by Crown Prince Li in advance, and later Princess Jiayun was also kidnapped.”

“For some reason, he appeared in the orphanage and was adopted by Qin Ye. In addition, the Jia family has been taking good care of Qin Ye since then.”

“Another marriage is arranged…”

“Only the powerful people in the capital would think that Princess Jiayun is Princess Yongping.”

“I have already asked the Ziweisi priest to come and test the bloodline.”

“It’s just that the specific details have been lost for too long, and the White Lotus Sect has cut off all the clues, so the Imperial City Bureau can’t find out either.”

“I beg your Majesty to forgive me!”

Xia Shouzhong said this as he knelt on the ground and apologized.

“Jiayun…”

“It’s a good deal for Jia Zhen. In the end, he was allowed to live a few more days!”

Emperor Shunde threw the teacup in his hand to the ground, gritting his teeth.

Xia Shouzhong lowered his head deeply as much as he could and tried his best to remove himself from the sense of existence.

The Imperial City Bureau has investigated the affairs of Ningguo Mansion thoroughly during this period.

This kind of dirty matter is of great importance to the royal family and can even be called a scandal. Even knowing about it is a huge sin.

For this purpose, Xia Shouzhong has cleared out many of his subordinates who knew the truth.

……

“Your Majesty, do you want the Imperial City Department to make arrangements to help Princess Jiayun recognize her ancestral roots?”

Xia Shouzhong waited until Emperor Shunde had almost vented his anger.

Only then did he speak nervously.

“Jia Rong is timid and cowardly, he is not good at either literature or martial arts, how can he be worthy of my princess?”

“Order the Imperial City Office to take my token and let Jia Rong be punished.”

“And Jia Jing from Xuanzhen Temple outside the city…”

“Forget it. Let Jia Jing live a few more days and order the Imperial City Bureau to keep an eye on him secretly. Maybe we can find a few more clues that were lost that year.”

Emperor Shunde took a deep breath.

“I see that the newspaper says that Jiayun and Jia Cong have a close relationship?”

“Your Majesty, I have checked with the Imperial City Department.”

“Princess Jiayun and Xiao Dong’er, Marquis Jing’an’s personal maid, were like sisters.”

“Later, Xiao Dong’er found Marquis Jing’an, and that’s when Mr. Hu took action.”

“Xiao Dong’er prepared a courtyard for Her Royal Highness the Princess in the Marquis’s mansion, after Mr. Hu taught Jia Zhen a lesson.”

“Her Royal Highness the Princess spends most of her time in the Marquis’ Mansion.”

“Now I have practiced the Xuanmen technique and entered the realm.”

“That’s fine…”

Emperor Shunde tapped the table lightly.

She is a princess of a country and the legitimate daughter of the queen.

Having a sisterly relationship with a maid, or even being taken care of by a maid, is an extremely shameful thing.

But that also depends on whose maid she is and what her status is.

Even from the fact that Emperor Shunde did not show any surprise when he heard the name Xiao Dong’er, it can be seen.

This little girl, whom Jia Cong loved the most, was not only a top-ranking official in the powerful families of the capital, but was also regarded as a top-ranking official by the emperor.

“It’s better for Jiayun to be in Jia Cong’s house than in the palace.”

Thinking of the grand formation in Jia Cong’s mansion, and the rumored elixirs needed for various spiritual practices.

Emperor Shunde shook his head. Even he was reluctant to give such training conditions to a princess.

Moreover, if you really get along with each other for a long time, you will develop feelings for each other.

Emperor Shunde would wake up laughing even in his dreams.

“Let’s do this for now. Let the people from the Imperial City Bureau deal with Jia Rong and then withdraw from Ningguo Mansion. When the time is right, I will recognize Jiayun again.”

“Slave understands!”

……

缅甸
Deep in the mountains and forests, a large army was marching with difficulty.

It was the army that had marched southwards and was led by Duke Dingguo Zhang Yuan.

However, after being plotted against by the Burmese and Westerners, the army was defeated and fled north.

The Burmese took advantage of the situation and chased them down.

They had no choice but to flee into the mountains. After gathering the defeated soldiers, there were only less than 50,000 people left.

The system is incomplete and the supplies are insufficient.

Leading to low morale.

“Report!”

“General, the Burmese army is chasing us from behind!”

“There are at least 100,000 people!”

Just then, the spy from behind came running over in a hurry.

The one leading the army now is Zhang Yuan’s former deputy general Wu Ping, a descendant of Fuping County.

Fortunately, after escaping into the mountains, the Westerners were unwilling to go any deeper, leaving only the Burmese to chase them alone.

Only then did the army avoid annihilation.

However, over the past month, the Burmese have been haunting us.

The daily harassment made the army exhausted and left them with no time to breathe.

In addition, there were many trees in the mountains and forests, so the daily march was no more than thirty miles.

Liu Zhong knew that it was the opponent’s strategy to tire out the troops, but he had no way to deal with it.

“Burmese sons of bitches!”

“Finally I can’t wait any longer!”

After hearing the information from the messenger, Sun Wuping punched the tree trunk next to him hard.

The head of the noble family from the Kaiyuan lineage couldn’t help but swear at this moment.

“Since you won’t let me live!”

“Then no one can expect to have an easy life!”

“Even if I die, I will knock out one of his teeth!”

He glanced at the soldiers around him, whose morale was low and many of them were covered in blood.

Sun Wuping gritted his teeth and circulated his martial arts energy.

The sound echoed in the mountains and forests.

“Pass this general’s order!”

“Prepare for war, the Burmese will not let us go!”

“Today, there is only death and no life!”

“But I will be the first one to rush in. Even if I die, I will let these Burmese people see the blood of us Daqian men!”

Sure enough, after some words.

The low morale suddenly rose.

Many soldiers held their weapons tightly.

Not long after, just as the army was getting ready, a noisy shouting and charging sounded in the distance.

This was accompanied by various shrill screams.

Sun Wuping immediately realized that something was wrong and quickly ordered people to go and investigate.

“General, general!”

“Suddenly a troop appeared and intercepted the Burmese pursuers!”

“Our reinforcements are coming!”

At this moment, a scout stationed on the periphery ran back with excitement on his face.

“Reinforcements?”

Sun Wuping was slightly stunned and then overjoyed.

“Brothers, reinforcements have arrived, follow me and kill them!”

……

(End of this chapter)