These gentlemen are all high-ranking officials in the court, each one more cunning than a monkey.

In recent days, they have heard many rumors about Sun Jian from the common people, but they can only let such supernatural matters go in one ear and out the other. They know about them, but they will not say them out loud.

It's one thing for rumors to circulate, but at least as key figures in the government, they wouldn't engage in indiscriminate flattery or wild speculation like ordinary people.

This thing is a double-edged sword; whether used well or poorly, it can have a significant impact and pose a hidden danger to Sun Jian.

Sun Jian is now a pillar of the nation, and we should do everything we can to protect him.

This was the consensus among Yao Tianzheng and others.

After exchanging pleasantries, Li Gancheng began to inquire about the distribution of improved seeds after the disaster.

Yao Tianzheng and relevant officials elaborated on each point.

People were initially worried that after the locust plague, they wouldn't be able to distribute the seeds.

Because people who are starving to the point of collapse will eat the grain seeds.

But this time it's different. The people have been given a chance to catch their breath because of this locust plague, and a new round of sowing is expected to begin in full at the beginning of next month.

In short, both domestically and internationally, things are moving in a positive direction.

Crown Prince Li Gancheng laughed heartily and said "good" three times.

"Okay! Okay! Okay!"

"Brother Sun has lived up to Father's expectations this time. He deserves the greatest credit for disaster relief. It is no exaggeration to say that he turned the tide and saved the collapsing edifice!"

Upon hearing what Crown Prince Li Gancheng said, everyone nodded in agreement.

"Indeed! Your Highness is right. Mr. Sun's contribution to suppressing the locust plague is immeasurable and can be as clear as the sun and moon. He saved hundreds of millions of people from suffering and relieved them from dire straits. I believe that after returning to the capital to report, His Majesty will surely bestow a title and honor upon Mr. Sun based on his merits!"

"Yes, yes, yes! His Majesty will definitely bestow a title and rank upon Mr. Sun... He certainly will! He's sure of it!"

"That's right, this case of controlling the locust plague is a model for all time and will be recorded in history!"

"Once Mr. Sun is granted the title of Marquis, and his disaster relief case becomes a model for all dynasties, we can also be remembered in history and benefit from his legacy! Hahaha!"

Listening to the discussions and opinions of the crowd, Zhuang Qishi, Sun Jian's teacher, looked gratified.

He stroked his graying beard with an air of smug pride, feeling incredibly proud of himself.

Sun Jian's achievements were recorded in history and became a model for all time, so his teacher naturally benefited as well.

Regardless of whether he actually taught Sun Jian or not, at least a century later, when people talk about Sun Jian, they will not forget to mention that he was Sun Jian's teacher.

Which official doesn't hope to be remembered in history, and who doesn't hope to be praised by future generations?

Zhuang Qishi now believes he has done nothing, yet enjoys such treatment all to himself.

That feeling was incredibly comfortable.

At this moment, he continued, following the crowd's words: "Haha, yes, what the ministers say is correct. My disciple's achievements are extremely rare in all dynasties. There is no doubt that he will be granted a title and rank after returning to the capital."

When Zhuang Qishi said this, Li Gancheng, Yao Tianzheng, Mi Zhu, Xing Kang and others did not think anything of it.

After all, Sun Jian was indeed Zhuang Qishi's student in name only.

Although the instruction lasted only one day, etiquette should not be neglected.

The civil officials held this view because of the ideas they had been taught since childhood.

But the military generals didn't think so.

Li You and Li Mu, in particular, cast disdainful glances at Zhuang Qishi when they heard his remarks.

You call yourself a disciple?

What did you, old Deng, teach Mr. Sun in all of this?

The only time the Crown Prince's sand table exercise was conducted, he was even taught a lesson by his own students...

Before praying for rain, he addressed Sun Jian as "Master," but now that Sun Jian has achieved fame and success, he has changed his address to "Disciple."

You old codger, you really know how to pat yourself on the back! Your skin is as thick as a city wall!

Although they thought this way, Li You and Li Mu would not actually say it out loud. After all, they all came from the same lineage, and it was enough to look down on him for this kind of thing. There was no need to make everyone lose face.

Sun Jian didn't care about Zhuang Qishi's words, but he was somewhat puzzled by what everyone was talking about about bestowing titles and honors.

"To be granted a title and rank?"

Sun Jian was somewhat surprised, as he had never studied these things in his two lifetimes.

He already has enough titles to his name.

He first served as the Crown Prince's tutor, and later became the Commander-in-Chief of the Tiger Guard.

Before the disaster relief efforts, he was appointed Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate by Emperor Ganwu.

If I were to take on a few more positions, wouldn't I be overworked?

The royal family is treating us like cattle!

Fortunately, Yao Tianzheng explained the parts that Sun Jian didn't understand.

It turns out that being granted a marquisate and a noble title is completely different from being given an official position or military rank.

Take Yao Tianzheng as an example. His official position was Governor of Yongzhou, in charge of the political and social affairs of the entire prefecture. His military position was Governor-General of Yongzhou, commanding 130,000 Yongzhou soldiers.

Such status and power were among the highest in Da Gan. He served Da Gan for his entire life, making countless contributions, but his title was only that of a Marquis.

The ranks and classifications of marquises varied depending on the historical context and region.

If we were to rank the marquis titles in Da Gan, there would be roughly five types.

The lowest rank was Guannei Hou, followed by Che Hou, Ting Hou, Xiang Hou, and Xian Hou.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, only a handful of people, less than eight, have been granted titles and ranks.

Of course, the eight people mentioned here are those who are still alive; those meritorious officials who were posthumously honored can be excluded.

Perhaps Sun Jian was that ninth person!

In order to be granted a title and rank in the Great Gan region, one must make a tremendous contribution to the country, and one's achievements must be recorded in history.

Take, for example, the current prime minister, Lin Xuanfu. Although he is second only to the emperor, his noble rank is still lower than Yao Tianzheng's. He is merely the lowest-ranking Marquis within the Pass.

Perhaps Lin Xuanfu will be posthumously granted the title of Marquis of Chengting, but at least for now, it is clearly unrealistic for him to receive a title during his lifetime.

"I see!"

After listening to Yao Tianzheng's explanation of the nobility, Sun Jian finally understood.

The reason Sun Jian asked these questions was because he didn't understand them. The topic had come up, and he just asked casually, not because he was interested in them.

In Sun Jian's view, it was not important whether the emperor granted him a marquisate or not, because he simply did not care about these empty honorary titles.

Having it would be better, but not having it wouldn't matter much; it wouldn't affect Sun Jian at all.

...

The banquet continued, with everyone toasting each other in round after round.

Not long after, one of Crown Prince Li Gancheng's trusted guards entered the tent to report.

It is said that Chunqiong, the magistrate of Gaoling County, learned that His Highness the Crown Prince was holding a banquet here to entertain the officials and Lord Sun. As the magistrate of the county, he also wanted to thank Heaven, His Majesty, and Lord Sun. Therefore, he specially offered fine wine and venison for the banquet.

"Hehe, Magistrate Chun of Gaoling County is quite quick with his information."