After the army was ready to set off, Li Qin ordered everyone to disperse the various tribes of the surrendered Tatars during the march, so that they would not gather together.
Then he called Zhou Wentong over and said:
“We are all on the same side, so when you handed over Zero Single Batur’s head, I did not reward you immediately.”
This time, you led your army on a major flanking maneuver, launching a surprise attack on the Tatar Khan's camp and killing the Tatar chieftain Lingdan Batur in battle.
He deserves the most credit.
"Once I return, it's certain that I'll be promoted from Earl to Marquis."
Upon hearing Li Qin's words, Zhou Wentong was immediately overjoyed and said to Li Qin:
"This humble general thanks you for your position, but I would never dare to claim the greatest credit."
In this battle, I faced off against the Tatar army. If I hadn't risen to power, I wouldn't have been able to succeed.
"The one who should be credited with taking command is the one who deserves the most credit for defeating the Tatars this time."
Li Qin nodded as he listened to Zhou Wentong's words; he understood the situation quite well.
Li Qin then immediately helped him up and said.
"Whether or not you are the one who made the greatest contribution, this marquisate is yours. And since you are only a marquis, you will have many more opportunities to make contributions in the future."
I told you, you have the makings of a founding duke.
"This humble general thanks you for your high regard, sir."
As Zhou Wentong spoke, he bowed to Li Qin again.
Li Qin looked at Zhou Wentong in front of him and said:
"Alright, you may leave now. When you get back, draft a report listing the soldiers who performed well this time and submit it to me."
"Yes, a higher position. However, since you have made the greatest contribution in this campaign against the Tatars in the north, His Majesty should also bestow a title upon you."
After all, you are our commander-in-chief, and you have made the greatest contribution. If you don't bestow titles upon you, how will we face ourselves in the future?"
After listening to Zhou Wentong's words, Li Qin remained silent for a moment, his meaning quite clear.
You should promote yourself. If you don't, they won't have any room for advancement.
Moreover, he mentioned imperial rewards, which means that their intention was not to persuade him to become emperor as before.
Instead, one should take a half-step ahead, elevate oneself further, and leave room for others to advance.
Li Qin felt that Zhou Wentong's advice made a lot of sense.
If he doesn't move up, with him above him keeping him in check, the internal promotion opportunities will be squeezed.
So their meaning is quite clear: they want us to continue to leave them room for promotion.
In response to Zhou Wentong's words, Li Qin waved his hand and said he would consider it, then dismissed him.
Li Qin watched Zhou Wentong's departing figure.
He began to keep thinking about this matter in his mind.
This time he defeated the Tatars' southward advance and killed the Tatar Khan.
This is an achievement that has been rare for hundreds of years.
Most importantly, there were quite a few generals who made contributions alongside him this time.
He had already bestowed titles upon a group of people during his last campaign in Shanxi, but because he was already a Duke, he was not granted any more titles.
With themselves pressing down on them from above, they can't seal it too high.
Many of them now want greater opportunities for growth.
My first thought was that I could climb higher.
Many generals were prepared to directly place him on the throne.
This will maximize his potential for growth.
However, he knew that he was not yet ready to be emperor.
He faced calls from below for him to advance further.
My position in the court should also be reshuffled.
Becoming emperor is impossible.
Why not let Zhu Qizhen use this as an excuse to grant himself a title of king?
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