"Brother Zu, congratulations!" Pu Duandiao and Jiao Sigun looked on with envy. Although they had both been promoted three ranks, it was only in terms of official position, not in terms of title.
Zaun was promoted from baron to viscount and received an additional 300 households of fiefdom—meaning he had the right to collect taxes from those 300 households. He had transformed from a low-ranking nobleman into a true nobleman recognized within his circle.
In the capital, when powerful families intermarry, they don't consider commoners at all. No matter how high your official rank is, you won't even be considered a baron, but a viscount is definitely enough, not to mention the kind with a proper fief.
Park Duan-diao asked, "By the way, what's Brother Zu's new title...?"
“It seems to be called Green…” Jiao Si Gun was about to answer when Zu An interrupted him.
"Alright, don't mention that name." Zu An's eyebrows twitched. Last time, he gave the emperor a "forgiveness hat." Although the emperor didn't know the meaning behind it, he felt that Zu An's expression was strange. In addition, he heard that Zu An had also given Sang Qian a green hat as a gift before. He thought that Zu An had a special fondness for this kind of thing. In addition, now that he had become a viscount, he casually named him "Green Hat."
When Zaun learned of this title, he almost burst out laughing.
Damn it, why do you always play this on me?
This name is even worse than "phoenix man" (a man from a poor background who achieves success).
“I still think the old ‘phoenix man’ sounded better,” Park Duan-diao said understandingly.
Jiao Sigun immediately retorted, "I think a green hat sounds more imposing. Just like those embroidered envoys who always wear red, people are afraid of them. That's the psychological suggestion that color gives people. From now on, Brother Zu should wear a green hat when he goes out, which will perfectly match his title. It would be best if people could associate the green hat with Brother Zu as soon as they hear it."
Zuan: "..."
If this is ever recorded in history books in the future, I'll be damned to death forever.
Seeing that the two were still arguing, he quickly changed the subject: "By the way, what is the rank of that Imperial Guard General?"
In addition to being granted the title of viscount, he was also granted the title of "Yulin Langjiang" (Imperial Guard General). However, the official system of palace guards was very complicated, and he couldn't quite figure it out for a while.
Park Duan-diao explained: "The palace guards are divided into many squads, each of which is called a 'royal'. The Yu Lin Lang Jiang is the officer in charge of the Yu Lin Lang, while the Yu Lin Lang are mainly responsible for guarding the various palace gates."
Zu An was taken aback, not expecting the emperor to give him such a crucial position.
After a little thought, he guessed the emperor's thoughts. Because his official position was that of an outside official, he had to leave the palace on time every day. However, his other identity as an embroidered envoy required him to stay in the palace for a long time. Previously, he had to leave the palace once a day and then switch back to the identity of an embroidered envoy to enter the palace.
If someone were to secretly investigate, they might find clues and deduce his relationship with Gold Medal Eleven.
Now that he has the title of Imperial Guard General, it is much easier for him to enter and leave the palace, and he no longer needs to leave the palace to perform every day.
"But wouldn't this official position make it very convenient for me to enter and exit all the palace gates? That dog emperor gave me this green hat to disgust me, so I'll just give him more in the future." Zu An's expression was strange, and then his old face immediately turned hot. Bah, am I such an upright and noble person?
"Brother Zu, why are you drooling?" Jiao Sigun asked in a puzzled voice.
"Really? Haha, you must have seen wrong." Zuan hurriedly wiped his mouth and laughed awkwardly.
"Brother Zu, I'm still a little uncomfortable!" Pu Duandiao hesitated for a long time before finally saying, "It's fine if the people from the Qi Prince's Mansion aren't announced, but why is Meng Pan posthumously honored? He's a shameless coward who deserted in the face of battle, yet he's also engraved on the Heroes' Monument and worshipped by countless families?"
Seeing his indignant expression, Zu An patted him on the shoulder and comforted him, "Who can blame him? He's a member of the Meng family. The Crown Prince still needs the Meng family's support, so the court can only prioritize the overall situation."
"But I just feel it's unfair that so many of our comrades who fought bravely and sacrificed their lives are being ranked alongside such a shameless scoundrel!" Park Duan-diao drew his long sword and slashed at a nearby stone slab. Because he used too much force, the sword broke in two, showing how angry he was.
Jiao Si Gun, standing to the side, said calmly, "That's how the world is. Those who understand, understand; those who don't, you won't understand even if I explain."
"I know your grandpa!" Park Duan-diao was already angry, and when he was being argued with, he finally couldn't hold back anymore, and the two started fighting.
Zu An chuckled, knowing that the two had a good relationship and that such playful bickering was common. He smiled and left the palace, as there were many people outside who wanted to see him.
Upon exiting the palace gates, he was stunned, for there were no crowds waiting to greet him as he had imagined, nor was there any scene of a beautiful sister-in-law sobbing and throwing herself into his arms.
He immediately realized that he had also been temporarily released, and the people outside naturally did not know when he would be released.
He shook his head, not minding at all, and decided to go home first. Come to think of it, he had been away from home for so long, and he didn't know if the maids and servants inside had run away.
Not long after he returned home, a servant was sweeping the floor at the door. He suddenly saw him and couldn't help but exclaim, "Your Excellency is back!"
Before long, the whole courtyard became lively. Maids, cooks, and servants all ran out and excitedly surrounded him.
Although there weren't many people, they added a strong sense of life to the entire courtyard. Zu An felt a warmth in his heart. All of this was arranged by Chu Yan. Each of them was the most considerate and capable employee that the Chu family had selected over the years. As for troublemakers like Cheng Shouping, she simply didn't send them over.
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