Zhang San, please behave yourself!
Chapter 672 - 614: Whatever reward you want, just say it!

Chapter 672: Chapter 614: Whatever reward you want, just say it!

The procession entering the city stopped when it reached Stone Buddha Temple.

Emperor Kaihuang got off the carriage with Empress Dugu and went to Stone Buddha Temple to pray for the souls of the fallen soldiers.

Recently, King Jin had specifically held a ritual service at Stone Buddha Temple to bless the fallen soldiers.

Hearing that the great army was returning in triumph, King Jin sent a letter to Emperor Kaihuang and Empress Dugu, informing them that he had prayed for the fallen soldiers at Stone Buddha Temple and had prepared a lot.

Thus, Emperor Kaihuang had the army enter through Yanxing Gate, so they could pass by Stone Buddha Temple en route and offer incense for the fallen soldiers.

Of course, for Emperor Kaihuang, this visit to Stone Buddha Temple was not simply for praying for the fallen soldiers.

This time, he had come to Stone Buddha Temple to meet a very important person as well.

So, after offering incense, Emperor Kaihuang was in no hurry to leave, but instead went to pay respects to an elder from his own court who was here.

"Wisdom Immortal Zen Master, it has been a long time since we last met."

Upon seeing the Wisdom Immortal Zen Master, Emperor Kaihuang placed his palms together and greeted him gracefully.

The Wisdom Immortal Zen Master glanced at Emperor Kaihuang, and after returning the greeting, he smiled and said, "Emperor Kaihuang, you manage endless affairs every day. If you seek out this humble monk, it must be for something important."

Emperor Kaihuang knew that he couldn’t hide anything from this teacher who had taken care of him since he was young.

"The great war should lead to great governance. But this time, I truly do not know what to do. After all, aside from Longwang Road, which has been much more stable these years, the other three paths in the north have seen endless warfare. I worry that prosperity in the north might attract the Tujue to head south, yet I also worry that relentless military preparation might lead to aggressive warfare. It’s most difficult to choose between the two."

Upon hearing this, the Wisdom Immortal Zen Master laughed.

"Emperor Kaihuang, this poor monk does not understand court politics or the livelihood of the people. But there is one thing I do know."

"What is that?"

"The world does not belong to any one person. The world belongs to all its peoples."

Emperor Kaihuang nodded thoughtfully, suddenly realizing that it had been a long time since he had considered problems from others’ perspectives rather than always from the perspective of Emperor Kaihuang.

"Thank you, teacher."

...

The next day, at the Imperial Court, after the civil and military officials paid their respects to Emperor Kaihuang, they began to report on how the Crown Prince had managed the state in his absence.

At this time, many ministers stepped forward to praise the Crown Prince’s actions during his regency.

Emperor Kaihuang listened to the ministers’ reports with a cheerful smile, very satisfied.

Although his injury from the battle appeared to have little effect on him, Emperor Kaihuang was all too aware of how greatly his injuries actually affected him.

If there was a successor whom he could trust, it would be a good thing for him at this time.

After hearing everyone’s praise for Crown Prince Yang Ce, Emperor Kaihuang started to summon the heroes of the Longyun Path battle.

Of course, although many had distinguished themselves in the Longyun Path battle, it was not possible for all the commanders to accompany him back to the Capital, such as Changsun’s family, who did not follow Emperor Kaihuang back.

Furthermore, even Li Xuanmin did not return to the Capital with Zhang San.

According to Zhang San, Changsun Bubai and his faction were not well-regarded within the Imperial Court to begin with, and following him back might easily lead to being targeted by the Crown Prince.

Instead, they chose to remain in Longyun Path and take advantage of the period of recovery to develop their power.

Therefore, Changsun Bubai and the others did not return.

And the first one Emperor Kaihuang addressed was Bai Dushu.

"Generals, your contributions in this battle are indispensable. In particular, General Bai Dushu, it was during combat with you that the Khan Wugu Li of Tujue was shot and killed. Your role was significant in intimidating Tujue. Tell me, what reward do you desire?"

Bai Dushu immediately knelt on one knee, cupped his hands, and said, "I report to Emperor Kaihuang, your humble general is... is... is from the Demon Clan."

As soon as Bai Dushu spoke, an uproar erupted in the Imperial Court.

Especially for Chief Qian Shanxiu of the Town Demon Office, his entire being went numb!

Every day I fight tooth and nail against the Demon Clan, and now you’re telling me the ones we relied upon to fight the Tujue are the Demon Clan?

"How is this any different from after the great victory on Longyun Path when you told Li Moxian that the largest contributor to the battle was the Saint Heir of the Heavenly Punishment Sect!?"

"My hometown is on Longwang Road in the territory of the Five Immortal Clans. I hope Emperor Kaihuang can allow more members of the Demon Clan to join the Imperial Court. We demons are not outsiders; we too wish to contribute to this country and hope to earn everyone’s recognition, becoming true citizens of the Great Sui."

Hearing this, Emperor Kaihuang couldn’t help but burst into hearty laughter.

The reason why Emperor Kaihuang first asked Bai Dushu was precisely because he knew Bai Dushu was from the Demon Clan.

"Very well! My Great Sui should not only belong to the human race but should be the Great Sui of this entire world!"

"I now appoint you, Bai Dushu, as the Deputy Military Envoy of the Divine Martial Army and confer upon you the title of Northern Immortal Earl. I grant you permission to relocate members of the Five Immortal Clans from the Northeast and even other Demon Clans under your command. I allow you to establish a settlement for the Demon Clan in the northern region of Longyun Path. As long as the Demon Clan abides by the laws of the Great Sui, I even permit you to form a demon force within the Divine Martial Army!"

Bai Dushu had thought that Emperor Kaihuang might only reward him as an example, but he never expected to be granted land for the Demon Clan to dwell and even be allowed to form a demon army!

It can be said that this represented immense trust both for himself and the Demon Clan.

"Thank you, Emperor Kaihuang!"

Although many officials present, especially some from the Confucianism faction, really wanted to object.

Historically, Confucianism has always been the most opposed to matters concerning demons, devils, ghosts, and gods.

So whenever Mohism promoted the reverence of ghosts and gods, Confucianism had to step out and denounce them.[Note 119]

Now that a member of the Demon Clan was directly conferred an earldom, the Confucians naturally felt as uncomfortable as if none of four children were their own.

But at this moment, the Confucians, well-versed in schemes and intrigues, dared not openly contradict Emperor Kaihuang.

After all, the first general that Emperor Kaihuang specifically enquired about was rewarded so generously, it stood to reason that there might be more surprises to come.

Should everyone come forward to oppose now and Emperor Kaihuang agrees to it,

but later Emperor Kaihuang announces something completely unacceptable, everyone would come out to oppose in unison; that could easily irritate Emperor Kaihuang, resulting in him dismissing their opinions altogether.

So, while the Confucian officials were feeling uncomfortable, they could only hold it in for now.

Awaiting the subsequent rewards from Emperor Kaihuang.

After speaking with Bai Dushu, Emperor Kaihuang continued with a smile, "Wang Junwu, you haven’t been rewarded for your part in the conquest of Northern Qi before. You’ve made extraordinary achievements this time as well. Tell me, what do you desire?"

Wang Junwu chuckled and stepped forward, kneeling on one knee and cupping one fist in the other before Emperor Kaihuang.

This moment, Wang Junwu had been waiting for far too long.

"The war is over, and I wish to settle down. I hope Emperor Kaihuang will grant me a marriage!"

Upon hearing this, many in the court laughed.

After all, with Wang Junwu’s current status, position, and merits, there wasn’t a woman he couldn’t marry if he wanted to.

But he insisted on Emperor Kaihuang granting him a marriage.

At this point, Wang Junwu’s request made many officials think that he certainly was a straightforward warrior.

A marriage grant?

With your current status and position, it’s probably the least of your needs!

Some sneered at Wang Junwu’s request.

Others thought Wang Junwu was simply foolish.

Even Emperor Kaihuang couldn’t help but laugh, thinking that aside from fighting, Wang Junwu indeed seemed not too bright in other areas.

"Alright then! Do you have a lady in mind? Speak her name, and I’ll decide for you!"

"I wish to ask for the hand of Princess Qionghua in marriage!"

Emperor Kaihuang: ?

All officials: ???