Chapter 185: Nobility Titles

Chapter 185: Noble Titles

Emperor Wuming ordered the civil and military officials to take their seats first while he took Yu Zhangxing to the Imperial Hospital, where they got bad news.

The chief physician said carefully, "Lord Yu’s leg won’t fully recover. If he doesn’t walk too fast, no one will notice. For now, I can only prescribe some restorative medicine." The chief physician spoke carefully, noticing Emperor Wuming’s grim expression, which only deepened his unease.

Yu Zhangxing went still upon hearing this. He had still held a sliver of hope that his leg could be fully healed, but now that hope was dashed. Though disheartened, he pulled himself together.

"No need for formalities, Lord Yu. Please have a seat." Seeing that Emperor Wuming remained silent, the chief physician had Yu Zheng sit down and remove his upper garment. The physician sighed at the sight of Yu Zheng’s arm.

"General Yu’s hand will be fine. The military doctors treated it well. Now, he just needs some restorative medicine."

His arm had already scabbed over, and the treatment had been thorough.

Yu Zheng said, "Thank you, Physician."

War is cruel. His commander and deputy had been injured, and neither would ever return to the battlefield. Emperor Wuming’s heart ached looking at Yu Zhangxing’s leg and Yu Zheng’s hand.

Yu Zhangxing and Yu Zheng had already accepted this reality on their journey back. Yu Zhangxing even tried to comfort Emperor Wuming, saying, "Just being alive is fortune enough."

Emperor Wuming had ascended the throne in his youth and was no naive idealist. He trusted deeds, not words. He said, "Everything you have done for the Great Yan Dynasty, I remember in my heart."

"Now, let us proceed to the victory banquet. Wiping out the barbarians, that long-standing threat, is well worth celebrating," Emperor Wuming declared.

Yu Zhangxing and Yu Zheng obeyed and followed Emperor Wuming into the banquet hall.

This time, officials did not bring their families. The Marquis of Changyang, who held a noble title, could still attend the victory banquet—especially since he was Yu Zhangxing’s father. Second Master Yu had also come. The two men radiated gloom. Some officials had meant to congratulate them, but sensing the somber mood, they refrained from toasting.

Their eldest sons had gone to war and returned—one without a hand, the other with a limp. How could they celebrate?

Both were the proud firstborn sons of their families.

Zheng Shanci sat aside, nursing a few drinks, his heart heavy. Yu Zhangxing was his brother-in-law, and Yu Zheng was his elder cousin. Both were outstanding men, and seeing them return like this was unbearable for Zheng Shanci.

The heartache didn’t hit him all at once. It was comparing them to their past selves that made it all the more regrettable. Lan Yi still did not know about this, and Zheng Shanci couldn’t bear to think how upset Yu Lanyi would be when he found out.

Emperor Wuming returned with the Yu brothers and made a speech, announcing the rewards for the soldiers. However, the rewards for Yu Zhangxing and Yu Zheng had yet to be disclosed.

The banquet carried on with eating and drinking. When the Marquis of Changyang saw Yu Zhangxing approach, he suppressed his emotions and said, "Just come back alive—that’s all that matters."

Second Master Yu patted his eldest son’s shoulder. "You’ve done the Yu family proud. Well done!"

Yu Yu and Yu Liao blinked back tears at Yu Zheng, only to be glared at by their elder brother.

After the banquet, Zheng Shanci sought out Yu Zhangxing.

"Brother, how’s your leg?" Zheng Shanci asked with concern in his eyes.

"It’s fine. As long as I don’t walk too fast, there won’t be any issues," Yu Zhangxing replied with a smile.

"You worked hard gathering provisions in the capital. Every delivery arrived on time." Yu Zhangxing’s success had also relied on the support from the rear.

Zheng Shanci felt as if he had been praised by an elder. "I’m glad I could help, Brother."

"I’ll go ahead. When you have time, bring Lan Yi to the marquis’ residence." Speaking of Yu Lanyi, Yu Zhangxing found himself missing his younger brother.

Zheng Shanci agreed. Upon returning to his residence, he told Yu Lanyi about Yu Changxing's condition.

Yu Lanyi's eyes instantly reddened, and tears fell like rain.

"I want to see my elder brother..." Yu Lanyi said.

Zheng Shanci accompanied him as they took a carriage to the Marquis of Changyang's residence. When Yu Changxing returned home, An Geer and the two children were overjoyed to see him. Yu Changxing ruffled the children's hair but said nothing.

"It's good that you've returned safely," An Geer forced a small smile.

Yu Changxing stepped forward and embraced him. "While I was away, you took care of everything at home. You've worked hard."

"It was my duty," An Geer replied, sliding his arms around Yu Changxing's waist and nestling against his husband.

By the time Yu Lanyi arrived at the marquis' residence, he was still weeping. The gatekeeper didn't stop him, and he rushed straight to the main hall, where he saw Yu Changxing sitting in a chair, staring at him in mild astonishment.

"Lan Yi, why have you come so late—" Yu Changxing's words were cut short.

Yu Lanyi burst into tears and threw himself into Yu Changxing's arms without hesitation. Instinctively, Yu Changxing caught him, ensuring he wouldn't fall.

"Brother... elder brother... does your leg still hurt?" Yu Lanyi sobbed into his chest.

Mr. Yu, overcome with emotion, covered his face, his eyes reddening. An Geer had already put the two children to bed earlier, but upon hearing Yu Lanyi's question, he couldn't help but wipe his tears with his sleeve.

Yu Changxing's heart melted.

"I'm fine. At least I came back alive."

After crying for a while, Yu Lanyi pulled away from Yu Changxing's embrace, having soaked a large spot on his robes.

"You're not a child anymore, yet you're still so impulsive," Yu Changxing chided gently. "It's so late, and you even dragged Shan Ci here with you."

Yu Lanyi remained silent, his reddened eyes fixed on Yu Changxing.

Yu Changxing said nothing more, and Mr. Yu called for tea. Seeing this, Zheng Shanci guided Yu Lanyi to sit down.

The Marquis of Changyang sighed. "Since you're here, I might as well tell you—I intend to pass my title to Changxing and live out my days in leisure."

Yu Changxing recoiled in surprise. "Father, why make such a decision so suddenly? You're still young."

Titles were usually passed down only when the father was on his deathbed.

"This position was always meant to be yours sooner or later. What difference does it make?" The Marquis of Changyang smiled. "I'm passing it to you now for the sake of the Yu family's future."

The Marquis waved for the servants in the hall to leave, then had the doors closed and posted trusted guards outside.

"Our family's title is hereditary for three generations. By the time it reaches you, it will be the third generation."

(Note: In the Great Yan Dynasty, titles could be inherited for three generations—a rare imperial privilege. This system ensured that power did not become overly concentrated within one family.)

Zheng Shanci understood that since the Wei and Jin dynasties, hereditary titles had been divided into perpetual inheritance and limited inheritance. A three-generation hereditary title meant the rank remained unchanged for three generations—a special imperial favor.

In the Great Yan Dynasty, there were no perpetual hereditary titles; the maximum was three generations. Limited inheritance prevented excessive concentration of power and reduced corruption and extravagance.

For example, in the Duke of Ying's household, Yu Lanyi's uncle, the Duke of Ying, was the last of the three generations. The next heir would be his eldest cousin, He Tong, who would inherit the title as a marquis.

Though the Marquis of Changyang ached for his eldest son's wounds, he remained rational, assessing the political landscape and making the best arrangements to secure the family's future.

"You and Yu Zheng have both distinguished yourselves. If you weren't from the same family, His Majesty would have rewarded you long ago. But since both of you are from the Yu family, His Majesty must consider the implications," the Marquis spoke with clarity. "I am a marquis. If His Majesty rewards you, the best option would be a title. The same goes for Yu Zheng. That would mean our family would hold three peerages, along with a connection to a ducal house and a son-in-law serving as Grand Secretary. What would the courtiers, His Majesty, and the Crown Prince make of that?" Listening to this, Zheng Shanci thought to himself—like fine wine, age brings wisdom.

"Now that I’ve passed the title to Changxing, this is for the best," said the Marquis of Changyang. "You and Yu Zheng—one with a wounded leg, the other without a hand—the Emperor has taken notice—he pities you both."

Take full advantage while the Emperor still feels sorry for you.

Only because they were family could the Marquis speak so bluntly. The Marquis of Changyang planned to submit a memorial to Emperor Wuming the next day.

Yu Lanyi returned with Zheng Shanci, and after washing up, the two went to bed. Yu Lanyi was still hazy about noble titles but knew the Marquis of Changyang had their best interests at heart.

"Zheng Shanci, Father thinks so far ahead," Yu Lanyi whispered under the covers.

Zheng Shanci turned and playfully booped Yu Lanyi’s nose. "Your father’s been in court for years—he’s sharper than most."

Yu Lanyi grew sad again thinking of Yu Changxing. "Big Brother won’t have to leave again. Now that the barbarians are crushed, the Great Yan Dynasty will be safer along the borders."

Zheng Shanci kissed Yu Lanyi's forehead to comfort him.

Yu Lanyi wiped his tears, on the verge of crying again.

Zheng Shanci licked the tears off his face. Yu Lanyi looked at him with misty eyes and scolded, "Are you insane? Who licks someone’s tears?"

Yu Lanyi bit his lip, fighting back tears.

Zheng Shanci cleared his throat—Yu Lanyi looked adorable crying—"I... I’m sorry."

Yu Lanyi smacked his arm a couple times before settling.

"Big Brother will always be my big brother," Yu Lanyi said.

Zheng Shanci nodded.

...

With matters settled on this side, Yu Zheng returned home. Cui Ge’er had been all smiles at first, but when he saw his husband missing his left hand, his smile died, and he gaped at Yu Zheng.

"What happened to your hand?" Cui Ge'er asked.

Yu Zheng explained briefly, but Cui Ge'er didn’t take it in. He reached out to tug at the empty sleeve of Yu Zheng’s left arm and burst into loud sobs.

"I told you not to go to war—look at you now..."

Yu Zheng hugged Cui Ge'er, assuring him it was fine, but Cui Ge’er sobbed like a child.

He’d hoped Yu Zheng would make a name for himself and bring home a title, but instead, his perfectly healthy husband had come back maimed. Cui Ge'er would rather he had never gone.

Yu Guang bit his quivering lip, swiping at his tears.

In public, Yu Zheng had to keep up a general’s stoic front, never showing weakness. But at home, his husband and son saw him as their pillar—and as someone fragile, deserving of their heartache.

Yu Zheng’s heart ached; in front of Cui Ge'er, he no longer needed to be strong.

...

The Marquis of Changyang moved fast. The next day, he submitted his memorial, which cleared the Grand Secretariat and reached Emperor Wuming’s Panlong Hall.

Propped up at his desk, Emperor Wuming read the memorial and smirked. The treasury was flush, the barbarians crushed—his biggest headaches were gone. That morning, he’d told his ministers to put forward candidates to govern the conquered lands, with their proposals due tomorrow.

At the Marquis’s memorial, he let out a chuckle.

"Let Changxing inherit the title of Marquis of Changyang, then I shall rename it to Longevity Marquis, so he may stay by my side for a long, long time." Emperor Wuming chuckled at the thought of officials addressing Yu Zhangxing as Longevity Marquis.

Emperor Wuming still felt a mix of caution and appreciation. The Marquis of Changyang truly understood his difficulties and had everything figured out so quickly. When a subject was this sharp—Emperor Wuming smirked faintly and approved.

After reviewing memorials in the Grand Secretariat, Zheng Shanci returned to the Ministry of Revenue for tea. A clerk brought ice, which indeed made things much cooler.

"Lord Zheng, would you like a bowl of chilled jelly dessert? His Majesty has decreed that all four grand secretaries be rewarded with a bowl each. Lord Wei and Second Grand Secretary Xiao are too old to handle the cold, so they declined."

"I'll have one."

The clerk promptly brought Zheng Shanci a bowl of chilled jelly dessert. After eating it, he felt much refreshed. The jelly, flavored with hawthorn, was quite appetizing, and the sweet rice wine was plentiful.

Once finished, servants took the bowl away. Zheng Shanci swiftly reviewed the Ministry of Revenue's memorials. There was nothing unusual—some prefectures reported droughts, so he got relief supplies ready, awaiting the Imperial Commissioner.

For overseeing the barbarian territories, Zheng Shanci recommended several capable young officials, believing they deserved opportunities. Many in officialdom just got slicker and lazier as they aged.

Few were as strict with themselves as Chief Grand Secretary Wei, Second Grand Secretary Xiao, or Grand Secretary Lei.

Gazing at the blazing sun outside, Zheng Shanci spotted a petition from the Ministry of Justice requesting new torture instruments.

The Ministry of Justice’s equipment and prisons had aged. Minister Nie had intended to request funds last year, but with the campaign against the barbarians draining the treasury dry, he hesitated to ask.

Now, with Great Yan's great victory and the army bringing back looted treasures from barbarian cities, noble mansions, and royal treasuries—two-fifths went to Emperor Wuming’s personal vaults, the remaining three-fifths to the state treasury—Zheng Shanci approved the funds.

"Lord Zheng, merchants from the Jiangnan Textile Bureau have arrived. Who should receive them?" Vice Minister Fan asked.

Zheng Shanci replied, "Let Director Zhao and Secretary Yu handle it."

A few days later, Zheng Shanci bought pork hocks for the kitchen to prepare pork knuckle rice.

Xiao Ping'an and Yu Lanyi were enjoying the shade under a tree when the boy spotted the hocks and ran over. "Not trotters!"

"We’re having pork knuckle rice today. I’ll take these to the kitchen first."

Xiao Ping'an wanted pork foot soup.

"I’ll take you to a restaurant tomorrow for some," Yu Lanyi declared casually.

Xiao Ping'an whooped.

In the kitchen, Zheng Shanci explained the recipe: "First, brown the pork. When stewing, they should be tender enough to pierce easily with chopsticks, then reduce the sauce over high heat."

The cook noted it down.

"Rest assured, my lord, you’ll have pork knuckle rice by evening. I’ll also prepare side dishes and mung bean soup."

Zheng Shanci added, "And a dish of ginger-infused duck."

The cook readily agreed.

After Zheng Shanci left, the cook examined the hocks. "Who'd have thought his lordship had such culinary insight? These are well-chosen too."

"Many specialty dishes in the dining hall were his ideas. He has a gift for food," a kitchen maid remarked.

The cook nodded and began preparing the hocks.

As Zheng Shanci exited the kitchen, an excited gatekeeper nearly bumped into him. "My lord, wonderful news! The Marquis has been promoted to Duke Zhenguo!"

The "Marquis" referred to here is Yu Zhangxing. After Yu Zhangxing became the Marquis of Changyang, he submitted a petition to the Emperor to appoint Yu Hebai as his heir, which was approved. When Ye Yunchu learned that Yu Zhangxing had petitioned to make his own son the heir, he was filled with envy.

His son Yezi was still born out of wedlock.

Zheng Shanci had anticipated that Emperor Wuming would elevate his elder brother's noble rank, but when the moment finally arrived, he was still overjoyed for him.

"My lord, the eldest son of the second branch has also been granted the title Marquis Yongyi, both hereditary for three generations."

Emperor Wuming had been exceedingly generous. Zheng Shanci let out a sigh of relief.

Zheng Shanci had the doorkeeper repeat the news to Yu Lanyi and Xiao Pingan.

Yu Lanyi said wistfully, "At least big bro and cousin’s struggles paid off."

Titles were hard-won—the bedrock of a family’s prestige. Yu Zheng had secured a title for himself, making the Yu family a house with two noble titles.

"Uncle’s been made a Duke!" Xiao Pingan exclaimed in admiration.

Yu Lanyi patted Xiao Pingan’s head.

"Your uncle and cousin are great heroes."

That evening, they had braised pork rice for dinner. Xiao Pingan adored pork trotters, but this braised pork rice? Even better.

"Dad’s always got the tastiest ideas—I’m here for all of them," Xiao Pingan said as he quickly finished his meal.

Yu Lanyi also had two bowls, his eyes gleaming shrewdly. "This dish is truly excellent. We could sell it at the food stall."

"Tomorrow, have the chef teach the recipe to the staff at the food stall. Twenty-five coppers a bowl."

Yu Lanyi gave a satisfied nod, and Xiao Pingan grinned in agreement. Now with his allowance, he could grab a bowl whenever he craved it and even treat his friends.