nycdaug Chapter 274 Rewarding Officers
Chapter 274 Rewarding Officers
Military music filled the Qianqing Palace as Shen Lian, dressed in a military uniform, strode in with his son, Shen Junze.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" The officers knelt down and shouted.
"All soldiers, rise!" Shen Lian waved his hand.
"You've all worked hard. I've seen and remembered your achievements. Keep up the good work for another two years, and once the country is pacified, I will reward you with the titles of dukes and marquises!" Shen Lian said with a smile and a nod.
"Now that Your Majesty has shown us mercy, we are willing to use our sincere hearts to overcome all obstacles and protect our dynasty's stability, so as not to fail Your Majesty's expectations!" the officers shouted in unison.
"Okay, okay! Let's begin!" Shen Lian nodded in satisfaction.
Xiao Dezhang opened a royal edict and read it aloud;
"It is God's destiny, the emperor decreed:
Sa Zhenbing, having long served on the frontier, has repeatedly distinguished himself in battle. In the campaign against Japan, he fought bravely and commanded skillfully, rendering great service to the nation. I commend his loyalty and courage, and hereby appoint him Admiral of the Navy, bestowing upon him one hundred taels of gold, one hundred bolts of silk, and five hundred mu of fertile land. I hope you will continue your efforts, safeguarding the nation and living up to my expectations. This is hereby proclaimed throughout the land, so that all may know. So be it.”
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" Sa Zhenbing kowtowed in gratitude.
"Minister Sa, please rise! I hope you will continue your efforts, remain humble and prudent, lead the navy well, and achieve new successes." Shen Lian nodded and waved his hand.
"Thank you, Your Majesty,"
"Shen Zimeng (Shen Xiaohu changed his name to avoid the taboo of the Emperor Emeritus; he aspired to be like Huo Qubing, so he adopted Huo Qubing's courtesy name), Zhang Dingchao, and ten others were appointed as Lieutenant Generals in the Army."
"Zhang Tieniu, Mo Biao, and eighteen others are hereby appointed as Major Generals in the Army..."
Shen Lian has conferred titles upon two generals, ten lieutenant generals, and twenty-one major generals this time. This is considered the largest centralized conferment of honors upon generals to date.
These people not only received silver certificates, but also rewards of silver, silk, and land. The generals were deeply grateful and swore to serve His Majesty to the death.
After the awards were bestowed, Shen Lian also took a group photo with all the generals, which was quite ingenious.
Finally, Shen Lian kept Shen Zimeng behind to talk.
"How are you doing? Are you settling in well in the Northeast?" Shen Lian asked as they walked.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fine." Shen Zimeng nodded.
"How are the troops' preparations going?"
"Your Majesty, please put down your command. Everything is ready. The brothers are all eager to teach those Tartars a lesson! They're just waiting for Your Majesty's order, and we'll wipe out those disobedient bastards for you," Shen Zimeng said confidently.
"Alright! But remember this: you must abide by the imperial court's ethnic policies and never indiscriminately kill innocent people. Understand?"
Shen Lian had to give him a warning; the kid's temper had grown increasingly bad in recent years, and his men were always the most bloodthirsty in every battle. Because everyone knew about his relationship with Shen Lian, the entire army covered for him.
Since the matter didn't escalate to the imperial court, Shen Lian turned a blind eye.
"Yes!" Shen Zimeng quickly agreed.
"Let's go! I've asked Consort Shu to prepare some wine and dishes as a welcome feast and a farewell gift for you!" Shen Lian led Shen Zimeng toward the back hall.
Shen Zimeng, Lai Fu, and the others all grew up in the General's Mansion, and Xiao Yue'er also entered the General's Mansion at a very young age. They all had a deep bond.
Shen Zimeng brought back many precious gifts to the capital this time, including ginseng, deer antler, sable fur, and pearls. Each member of the harem received one, but the largest and best gift was given to Xiao Yue'er. This made Shen Lian feel somewhat uncomfortable.
Three forces have now subtly emerged within the military. The first is comprised of generals who originally came from the Imperial Guard, and these are the largest group, most of whom hold high positions. They naturally have close ties with the Empress and the Crown Prince.
The other faction consisted of those who came from the former general's mansion, led by Shen Zimeng and Lai Fu. They were also close to generals like Shen Daowu, who were from their hometown in western Hunan. These individuals held important positions, and their influence was considerable.
You can tell who they're close to just by how Shen Zimeng treats Xiao Yue'er!
The rest were Jiao Long, Mo Biao, Zhang Tieniu, and others who rose to their positions through military merit, as well as the soldiers who surrendered and those who graduated from military academies.