To prevent her from working, they simply sent her to the Governor Mansion to begin her enlightenment and study.
Another ten days or so had passed.
[Cultivation Technique: National Guardian Dragon Spear. Hua Jin (small achievement)]
[Progress: 1855/2000]
In a little while, he would reach Great Success in Hua Jin, and then it would be time to attempt the Meridian Passage.
After breakfast in the morning, someone came to notify them, asking them to gather at the Military City.
"Qian Xun, what are you doing?!"
Chen Sansi acutely sensed that the White Horse between his legs was throwing a tantrum.
"Alright, it's my fault."
Once the main pet understood his intention, Chen Sansi quickly realized that Qian Xun was angry because he had broken his promise. He had agreed to give it some Spiritual Grain when they crossed the river, but he ended up eating it all himself.
"I'll give it to you tonight, okay? Stop being capricious now, let's get going."
Chen Sansi urged on, and before the horse's hooves could even kick off, he saw another familiar face.
Zhaozhao said sarcastically, "You really are forgetful of old friends, aren't you? You've been back for so many days and haven't even thought to visit my lady."
"I was just about to."
Chen Sansi had promised to share intelligence with the other party and had also asked for help in finding materials for bows and arrows. Not to mention the matter of the Incense, he had been planning to visit anyway.
He said, "Would you ask your lady to wait for me tonight? And you, girl, speak more respectfully to me from now on, otherwise, be careful I leave a scar on your face again."
Zhaozhao initially wanted to retort, but remembering that this fellow really would do such a thing, she deflated immediately: "Just you wait; I'll have my revenge sooner or later!"
She left a fierce remark and scurried away.
Chen Sansi couldn't be bothered with her and rode Qian Xun to the military camp to report.
All the soldiers of the Reserve Camp had already assembled early at the Martial Arts Arena.
The cleanup operations in Ming State had also been thoroughly settled.
Lu Ji and others returned on the same day.
Was the day for their recognition and reward ceremony.
The Chief Eunuch Hou Bao stood atop the high platform, reading the imperial decree himself.
Every surviving member of the remnants of the Reserve Camp received a reward.
The last one called was Chen Sansi.
"Promote Chen Sansi to the third-rank post of General Huai Yuan, to hold the office of Assistant General."
The group of people kneeling below were murmuring in their hearts.
Their lord had made great contributions, why such meager rewards? Not even gold, silver treasures, or medals?
Before they could find it strange, they heard Hou Bao continue:
"Additionally, assign Chen Sansi to await orders in Liangzhou and to choose a date to enter the capital for his investiture!"
To enter the capital for investiture!
How grand must the reward be?
To require a trip to the capital?
Entering the capital for an audience with the Emperor, and receiving an edict for investiture were completely different concepts.
"Brother Chen, it seems you really might ascend to the heavens in one leap..."
Yan Changqing thought to himself with emotion.
After the imperial decree had been read, everyone bowed their heads together.
"We thank Heavenly Grace, long live the Emperor! Long live, long live, may he live forever!"
Chen Sansi found a gap and spoke up: "I want to ask about the rewards for Vice Admiral Yu Song and Captain Qian Cheng."
Mr. Hou thought for a moment and replied: "That man disobeyed orders on the battlefield. If it weren't for Mr. Chen's heroic efforts, Ming State might have faced destruction!"
"At that time, the situation was not suitable for attacking Yangchun Prefecture; it was definitely not deliberate disobedience."
Chen Sansi explained, "Besides, this strategy was decided after our discussion. If someone has to be accused of disobedience, then we all share in that disobedience!"
Lu Shuhua was the first to corroborate: "Mr. Hou, what General Chen is saying is true."
In fact, they had also disagreed with crossing the river at the time, it was purely under pressure that they disobeyed.
But by now, they all deeply admired General Yu Song.
"Mr. Hou, General Yu was utterly loyal to Dasheng, he deserves a reward!"
Xie Sishu said, "His family, wife, and children also need an explanation!"
"Please clear General Yu's name!"
Those kneeling on the ground, if they had official positions, were essentially all advocating for Yu Song.
Only Yan Changqing remained silent.
Chen Sansi spoke earnestly: "If it weren't for Vice Admiral Yu's decision to risk his life storming Luotian Pass and intimidating Liang Ji from Mei Mountain, we couldn't have achieved our ultimate victory!"
"Our household is aware of this,"
Hou Bao said in his high-pitched voice: "It is precisely for this reason that the court has decided not to punish him. Otherwise, disobedience merits decapitation, and if it led to serious consequences, even executing his entire family would not be too extreme... If Mr. Chen really cannot bear this, you could always give him some silver coins in private."
Chen Sansi spoke earnestly again: "This is not a matter of silver coins. Vice Admiral Yu didn't go to Luotian Pass for material gains."
"Mr. Chen, I appreciate your sense of righteousness, but you must understand something: disobedience is disobedience, it's a fatal rule. Though it didn't cause a negative outcome this time, what if everyone in the future follows suit, believing that disobeying orders might earn them great contributions? Wouldn't that throw the entire military into chaos during battles?"
Mr. Hou paused, then lowered his voice and continued: "If it is as you say, Mr. Chen, and the strategy to disobey was decided by you, let me be blunt—if it weren't for Vice Admiral Yu taking the brunt of the blame, even you would be punished."
"Mr. Chen, do not speak further."
Hou Bao interrupted: "If you are truly unsatisfied, Mr. Chen, you may write a petition through the Ministry of Communication, and then submit it to the Cabinet. No matter how earnestly you appeal to me, I cannot make this decision for you."
Chen Sansi felt a complex mix of emotions.
Yu Song had disobeyed orders.
Yet nothing was mentioned about Sha Wenlong and Cao Fan, who had attempted to kill him...
On the contrary, their act of splitting the forces was considered meritorious. As for why they didn't cross the river altogether, it was explained as a cautious military move, not daring to risk the entire army's annihilation.