However, the benefits of this imperial edict are also obvious. His power has increased, and the scope of his troop deployment has also expanded significantly, which will facilitate a swift defeat of the enemy and restore peace to the people as soon as possible.
Thanks to Pei Han's tireless efforts, Qingzhou's troops, weapons, and provisions were plentiful, and the capable new generals, such as Wu Dazhuang, were very effective. Furthermore, the officers and soldiers throughout the Gannan region had long admired Pei Han's reputation for treating the people with kindness, resulting in extremely high cooperation. This brutal war, which lasted for half a year, ultimately ended in victory for the Gan Dynasty.
When the news of the victory reached the capital, none was happier than the current emperor.
The emperor, who ascended the throne as a child, has grown up and grown tired of playing childish games with eunuchs and guards. He is now in a stage where he is full of enthusiasm and admires heroes.
Pei Han's previous achievements in suppressing bandits were not taken seriously by him. He had never thought much of those messy mountain bandits and did not believe they could cause any trouble. He believed that anyone could wipe out those bandits.
But this time is different; this time, Pei Han is facing a powerful and well-equipped barbarian tribe.
In his memory, it was always the barbarians who robbed their people and property, killed their people, and ran away after looting. This was the first time someone had defeated them openly and fairly and even killed the barbarian leader. It was truly exhilarating!
In the current emperor's heart, Pei Han suddenly gained weight, transforming from an indistinct official into a mighty general riding a horse.
When Pei Han returned to the capital in triumph and reported back to the emperor, his heroic figure, extraordinary speech, and handsome yet dignified appearance instantly won the emperor's favor.
The emperor, contrary to his usual behavior, became diligent and studious, and concerned about state affairs. He pulled Pei Han aside and talked about everything from the scenery of the southwest to the details of the bandit suppression, and then inquired in detail about the details of the battle. It wasn't until the palace gates were about to be locked that the emperor reluctantly let Pei Han leave the palace.
Afterwards, the emperor not only bestowed great rewards upon Pei Han, granting him the title of Marquis of Wu'an, but also promoted and rewarded the meritorious generals reported by Pei Han. He also personally issued an edict appointing Pei Han as Minister of War and concurrently Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, officially transferring Pei Han back to the capital and back to the center of power.
From then on, Pei Han became the emperor's most favored minister, and his position in the court was unshakeable.
Ironically, this emperor was quite loyal and protective of his own. Once he included Pei Han in his inner circle, he immediately took note of Pei Han's unusual demotion years ago and was determined to avenge his beloved minister.
What happened next was predictable: the once-powerful eunuch Jia Ren was quickly overthrown and purged. Years later, the sins he had committed became his own executioner's blade, sending him to his death.
Pei Han's official career was smooth sailing, and he rose rapidly through the ranks. His colleagues who had been on good terms with him and had also suffered unfair suppression also gained confidence and pride.
Even Min's father, Min Yi, and Min Ze received varying degrees of protection. The most obvious change was that no one dared to make things difficult for them anymore, and everyone greeted them with a smile.
Unfortunately, Lord Pei didn't enjoy the benefits of being the eldest son for long. His body, weakened by years of indulgence in wine and women, finally gave way. Less than two years after Pei Han returned to the capital, Lord Pei passed away.
According to the tradition of this dynasty, Pei Han should resign and observe three years of mourning. However, the emperor was very unwilling. He felt that Pei Han was much more interesting than those rigid old scholars, so he wanted Pei Han to continue to serve while wearing mourning clothes.
The former chief minister repeatedly advised him that for the sake of Pei Han's reputation and future career, he absolutely had to observe mourning, otherwise Pei Han would inevitably be branded as unfilial and despised by the world.
Upon hearing the severity of the consequences, the emperor had no choice but to back down and, as was the precedent, issued an edict ordering Pei Han to observe a year of mourning.
Since it was ordered that he observe a year of mourning, no one in the world had anything to say, and the matter was settled.
In addition, because Pei Han earned the title of Marquis of Wu'an through military merit, the original title of Earl of Cheng'an was inherited by Pei Han's eldest son, Pei Ji.
The extremely rare occurrence of two noble titles in one family during this dynasty has once again become a hot topic of conversation in the streets and alleys of the capital.
In fact, this topic had already sparked a heated discussion after Pei Han was ennobled. However, at that time, Pei Han lived in the newly bestowed marquis's mansion by the emperor and did not live with the old Marquis Cheng'an, so people's feelings were not so direct.
Things are different now; these two noble families now live together, so the discussion is naturally even more heated.
The most indignant people about this were Pei Yun and Pei Qian. They were convinced that since Pei Han had already been granted a title, and even a marquisate which was higher than that of the Earl of Cheng'an, the earldom should have been given to Pei Qian.
But as soon as the imperial decree was issued, their fantasies vanished. Pei Yun and Pei Qian were so angry that their faces contorted, and they smashed almost everything they could in the room.
The two maids outside the door were completely oblivious to the noise.
The current Marquis's residence is just an empty shell. Pei Yun and Pei Qian didn't smash anything of value. They could smash whatever they wanted, and they couldn't be bothered to care. It would just be a bit of a hassle to clean up later.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
