Chapter 1298: New Title

"Minister Xu, Minister Xu, what's wrong?" His colleagues in the Yunzhong officialdom cried out in alarm, rushing to support him. However, their number was significantly smaller compared to the earlier surge of support. Such was the cold reality of officialdom; everyone had already realized that this impeachment had failed, and Xu Yu was certainly not headed for a good outcome. Crucially, Zu An had secured the powerful backing of Yan Xuehen, coupled with the Crown Princess's favor. From now on, he could practically do as he pleased, leaving Xu Yu no chance of recovery.

Zu An felt no sympathy whatsoever; if he had lost this battle, his fate would have been far worse.

In the reflection of the video mirror, the Emperor still expressed concern for his subordinate: "Someone, help Minister Xu down and fetch a doctor to treat him."

Xu Yu's cronies quickly and frantically escorted him away.

Next, the Emperor asked in a deep voice, "What do you all suggest as a suitable reward for Minister Zu's significant achievement?"

Sang Hong felt a chill creep into his heart. The Emperor had acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened from start to finish, as if the dramatic impeachment had nothing to do with him. Yet, anyone with discernment knew that without the Emperor's tacit approval, the impeachment proceedings would never have begun. From his understanding of the Emperor, if he genuinely intended to reward a subordinate, he would never speak in such ambiguous terms. Instead, he would at least set a general direction, leaving the details for the ministers to discuss.

As expected, the officials present were all astute; they immediately grasped the Emperor's underlying intentions. They exchanged glances, and for a moment, no one dared to speak.

At that moment, Bi Linglong's clear voice rang out: "Minister Zu has effectively saved countless common people and averted a colossal disaster for the entire human race. I believe such a meritorious deed would warrant even a dukedom."

According to the imperial court's unwritten rules, only royal descendants were typically granted the title of King. For a non-royal subject, being granted a dukedom was already the pinnacle of an official's career. She knew, of course, that this was unrealistic. However, by asking for an exorbitant amount, she created room for negotiation.

As predicted, an official promptly stepped forward and remarked, "In just a few months, Minister Zu has already ascended from a commoner to a baron, and soon after to a viscount. If he were to be elevated to duke right now, his promotion speed would be utterly astonishing."

Bi Linglong retorted coldly, "The very reason our Great Zhou Dynasty is invincible is our principle of rewarding merit. To use promotion speed as an excuse would only discourage others who serve the nation."

Many ministers subtly rolled their eyes, thinking, *So many people have achieved so many merits; who among them has been promoted as quickly as Zu An?*

Concerned that his daughter was attracting too much animosity, Bi Qi cleared his throat and interjected, "Minister Zu's achievements certainly warrant reward. However, he is still too young; a sudden leap to such high status would not be beneficial for a subject. In my humble opinion, elevating him to an Earl would be more appropriate."

Sang Hong listened, secretly impressed. Bi Qi was truly an old fox in politics; his words offended no one. Even Zu An, upon hearing them, could perceive the sincere guidance behind his advice.

The Emperor nodded. Bi Qi's words aligned closely with his own thoughts; it would be unreasonable not to reward Zu An for his great service, yet too grand a reward would displease him. An earldom struck the right balance. "Then let him be promoted to Earl," the Emperor declared. "You may now discuss the matter of his title."

Upon hearing the Emperor bestow an earldom upon Zu An, the officials from Yunzhong Commandery cast envious, jealous, and resentful glances his way. While some of them might hold higher official positions, their noble titles paled in comparison to his. To become an Earl at such a young age was truly unprecedented in the entire history of the human race. Unlike official posts, noble titles came with a fiefdom from which taxes could be collected, and they could also be passed down through generations. While most titles would degrade over generations (unless they were hereditary "iron-hat" princedoms), an earldom was significant enough to last for several generations, representing immense wealth and prestige. It also offered a distinct advantage in arranging marriages within true aristocratic circles.

Zu An was equally pleased, though not primarily because of the earldom. Rather, he was relieved that he could finally shed the moniker of "Green Hat Viscount." Even though the concept of a "green hat" didn't exist in this world, the term still made him feel uneasy.

After a period of discussion, the high-ranking ministers in the imperial court reached a conclusion: "Daji City recently reported an influx of migrating commoners. Perhaps we could designate Daji City as Minister Zu's fiefdom."

The Emperor nodded. "That sounds excellent. Then, Zu An shall be enfeoffed as the Earl of Daji. I am weary. Court dismissed."

Bi Linglong, of course, knew that Daji City was quite barren. Due to previous banditry and its harsh geographical environment, it was practically deserted; the "migrating commoners" were, in reality, little more than displaced wanderers. The Pei family had proposed such a fiefdom purely to vex Zu An, setting a considerable trap for him. Unfortunately, before she could even object, the Emperor's decree, once spoken, was unalterable. "Though Daji City is rather poor," she mused, trying to console herself, "at least he's an Earl, which isn't bad."

Zu An, however, was dumbfounded. "Earl of Daji?" First "Phoenix Man," then "Green Hat Viscount," and now "Earl of Daji"? Why couldn't his noble titles ever be normal? This is ridiculous!

As the Emperor departed the court, the officials bowed respectfully to see him off.

Zhuxie Chixin cast a meaningful glance at Pei Mianman but ultimately chose not to reveal her identity. With Zu An, the primary subject, present, it was highly inconvenient to do so. Moreover, since the Emperor had shown no indication, he naturally dared not take matters into his own hands.

After the ministers had departed, Bi Linglong appeared before the video mirror, looking at Zu An. She seemed to hesitate, as if wanting to say more, before finally uttering, "Minister Zu, you must not disappoint His Majesty's immense grace."

Zu An knew she had many things she wished to tell him. However, in such a public setting, intimate conversations were naturally impossible, so she resorted to speaking through official channels. "Thank you for your guidance, Crown Princess," Zu An stated firmly. "Your subject vows to serve with utmost devotion until his last breath."

Those around him visibly brightened, silently repeating his words to themselves. *This fellow looks like a roughneck,* they thought, *yet he can utter such cultured words. Even his flattery is refined. We truly underestimated him.*

Bi Linglong's fair face, however, flushed slightly. She knew he wasn't speaking about the Emperor; he was clearly intending to... Her heart pounded wildly at the thought. Fearing that the many people present might notice her reaction, she simply gave a slight nod and hurried away.

Afterward, a procession of officials came forward to congratulate Zu An on his promotion to Earl, and he handled their felicitations casually. Soon, citing exhaustion, he returned to his room to rest. Many who had participated in the impeachment previously felt naturally awkward and seized the opportunity to excuse themselves.

Sang Hong found an opportune moment to enter Zu An's room. "Ah Zu," he began, "this old man has navigated the political arena for decades, but my emotions have never surged and plummeted so drastically as they did today."

"I was too impulsive, Uncle, and caused you worry," Zu An said, bowing in apology. He admitted that his absence had left a mess that Sang Hong had tirelessly tried to manage.

Sang Hong opened his mouth to speak but ultimately gave up. "Never mind," he sighed. "At least the outcome is good. But what concerns me more now is something else: Why would the Emperor despise you?"

Zu An understood why Sang Hong spoke as he did; all indications today pointed to the Emperor being behind the attempts to target him. He was equally curious, wondering if the secret realm incident had been exposed. But that didn't make sense. "Perhaps it's because he's been too harsh on King Qi recently, and he intends to sacrifice me to appease the King Qi faction's backlash," Zu An explained, finding it inconvenient to detail the secret realm incident. "Also, the matter of the Phoenix Nirvana Sutra might still be a thorn in his side."

"Most likely," Sang Hong nodded, his expression suddenly turning peculiar. "By the way, why did Grandmaster Yan speak on your behalf? You two aren't... having an affair, are you?"

"Pfft..." Zu An, who was drinking tea, nearly spit it all out. "Uncle, don't jump to conclusions. It's one thing for me, but Grandmaster Yan is very particular about her reputation."

Sang Hong was about to say something else when his expression suddenly shifted awkwardly. "Ahem, you've had a long and tiring journey," he coughed. "Get some good rest. I'll be leaving now." With that, he practically fled the room.

Zu An was still curious when he saw Yan Xuehen at the doorway, her face set in a frosty expression. He instantly understood. "Haha, what a coincidence," he said.