Zhang San, please behave yourself!
Chapter 700 - 640: What Reward is Desired?

Chapter 700: Chapter 640: What Reward is Desired?

In the imperial court, the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Household continuously reported on the repair status across the Longyun Path.

After all, when Great Sui waged war against Tujue, it was actually not well prepared.

Therefore, not only did many citizens lose their homes and loved ones, but the destruction wrought by the Tujue people also led to the annihilation of villages.

To help the people of Longyun Path, especially those in the north survive this winter, both a large amount of food was needed for sustenance and the construction of houses to prevent them from perishing in the snow and wind.

Once these two departments had finished their reports, naturally, many ministers stood out and began to say how grateful the people of Longyun Path were to Kaihuang and praised Kaihuang’s wisdom.

The ministers from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Household glanced at the ministers who had just spoken, their faces displeased.

So we do the hard work, and then when it’s time to flatter, you step in?

What kind of people are they!

However, this was of no concern to Kaihuang; after all, isn’t praising oneself still praise?

And while Kaihuang was smiling, Minister of War Wen Chudao stood out.

"Reporting to Kaihuang, the war along Longyun Path has ended, and in this battle against Tujue, we emerged completely victorious, much due to Kaihuang’s wise leadership. However, the efforts and bloodshed of all the soldiers also cannot be dismissed. While the refugees in the northern part of Longyun Path have been settled, the awards for many soldiers in this war have not yet been implemented. I fear that if word of this spreads, it might tarnish Kaihuang’s illustrious reputation."

Upon hearing this, Kaihuang’s brows furrowed.

Of course, he liked to hear the populace singing his praises.

But the hearts of the soldiers below were even more important!

Kaihuang glared and looked around the imperial court, angrily saying, "Where is Kong Youde, the Minister of Rites? Get over here..."

Kaihuang had just started speaking when he remembered, Kong Youde had just been dragged out and beheaded not long ago.

His entire family was beheaded.

"Hmm... Is the Ministry of Rites only working when the former Chief of Staff is in action, and everyone else is just freeloading? Who else’s awards have not been confirmed yet?"

At this moment, the ministers from the Ministry of Rites looked at one another, and basically, no one spoke.

However, a young official from the Ministry of Rites saw an opportunity and took his chance to stand out.

"This humble official, Principal Officer Xue Yong of the Ministry of Rites, reports that the awards for all soldiers have been confirmed and approved by the Ministry of Household. The only ones not confirmed are for Northern Immortal Earl Bai Dushu, Distant Army Marquis Wang Junwu, and Marquis Beyond the Law Zhang San. On one hand, their food holdings are undecided; on the other hand, the previous Minister of Rites had been suppressing this matter continuously, and us lower officials couldn’t intervene."

Upon hearing this, Kaihuang understood the implication.

Initially, he had agreed to enfeoff Zhang San first, followed by the other awards.

Now with the Ministry of Rites blocking the process of enfeoffment, it was as if Zhang San had never received his awards.

"Hmph!"

Kaihuang snorted disdainfully, unable to comprehend why these people always engaged in such petty schemes.

Such trivial schemes might indeed fool and manipulate some unaware folks, but in truth, they couldn’t cause any harm to Zhang San!

Thinking this, Kaihuang glanced at the Crown Prince below and asked, "Crown Prince, what do you think should be done about this matter?"

The Crown Prince immediately stood up and spoke righteously, "For those who serve the country and its people, we naturally cannot let them be disheartened. Your humble son thinks that we should immediately confirm the food holdings and implement the awards. Moreover, because these awards have been delayed for so long, we should even increase them."

The Crown Prince’s words seemed indisputable.

But the Crown Prince knew that Zhang San had already made enemies with Confucianism.

Now, rather than letting Zhang San become a noble and lifting him higher,

a person, when elevated too high, must inevitably lose his balance and then fall.

Kaihuang saw this as a minor test for the Crown Prince, but unexpectedly found that the Crown Prince’s breadth of mind had broadened considerably since before, bringing some comfort to his heart for a time.

"Someone, summon these three people."

Soon, Wang Junwu and Zhang San were called over.

As only Wang Junwu and Zhang San entered, Kaihuang immediately asked, "Where is Northern Immortal Earl, Bai Dushu?"

Zhang San stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Reporting to Kaihuang, due to northern construction on Longyun Path, it’s not only about the civilians, but even the Divine Martial Army should seize this opportunity to build defense works, even rebuilding the heavily damaged Great Wall from previous wars. Only by doing so can we better withstand any future invasions by the Tujue. Previously defending against the Tujue, Bai Dushu personally commanded and is most familiar with the terrain of the Great Wall, so he has already requested permission from the Minister of War to return first to the north on Longyun Path to oversee the repair of the Great Wall."

Kaihuang nodded slightly, feeling that although Bai Dushu is from the Demon Clan, he really is quite commendable, knowing how to diligently serve me.

"Then, which of you two knows more about Bai Dushu?"

Zhang San continued, "It is I, your servant. Apart from currently being Bai Dushu’s superior officer in the Divine Martial Army, privately, Bai Dushu’s fiancée and the woman I admire are first cousins. It turns out, we two are also relatives in the future."

Kaihuang smiled faintly and said, "I see, previously your rewards were delayed by Kong Youde, so the matter of ennobling you as marquis and earls was never settled. This time I summoned you three partly to confirm the food supplies so that you can’t back say I am stingy. Additionally, since this matter has been delayed too long and you three are indeed heroes of this great battle, you deserve some compensation and rewards. Zhang San, since you have a good relationship with Bai Dushu, he is ennobled as Northern Immortal Earl with a grant of five hundred households. What other reward would you choose for him?"

Zhang San, upon hearing this, his eyes twinkling, smiled and said, "Reporting to Kaihuang, although Bai Dushu is from the Demon Clan, he has loved reading since childhood, and even took ’reading’ as part of his name. This truly reflects the educational achievements of Kaihuang, and even more so demonstrates the Confucian ideal of universal education. In my view, why not also bestow the title of Immortal Scholar General upon Bai Dushu? On one hand, it highlights the grandeur of the Great Sui’s inclusiveness, and on the other, it showcases the profound cultural depth of Huaxia."

Upon hearing this, Kaihuang thought it made sense.

More importantly, this reward is just a title, no money spent!

What a saving!

"Very well, confer on Bai Dushu the title of Immortal Scholar General. Starting from Fourth Rank."

"Your servant thanks Kaihuang on behalf of Bai Dushu."

At that moment, the expressions of the Confucian ministers in the court were disgustingly clear.

Confucianism rejects the Path of Ghosts and Gods, yet Zhang San appointed a member of the Demon Clan from the Path of Ghosts and Gods as Immortal Scholar General.

From now on, mentioning Confucianism will likely entail mentioning this Demon Clan general.

And mentioning this Demon Clan general will entail mentioning Confucianism.

Disgusting!

Too disgusting.

Kaihuang then inquired about Wang Junwu’s needs, and Wang Junwu’s request was rather modest: he did not want a land grant but simply asked to marry Princess Qionghua.

This matter Kaihuang had actually forgotten amidst his busy schedule, so he then agreed and said he would inquire upon returning.

Lastly, Kaihuang’s gaze fell on Zhang San.

To be honest, Kaihuang did not want to ask Zhang San.

Because he was quite worried that this youngster might take advantage of the situation to make outrageous demands.

But he couldn’t just not ask.

"Zhang San, what reward would you desire?"