Chapter 65
The news of this battle spread swiftly throughout the land, leaving everyone utterly stunned!
Good heavens, the Foolish Emperor actually made it back safely?
People thought he was marching to his doom, but he returned in triumph! Not only did he rescue the troops in the Mo Kingdom, but he also infiltrated the Shang Kingdoms capital city, took the Shang Kingdom Emperor and numerous high-ranking officials hostage, and in the end, even carted off the national treasury!
He didnt even spare the Shang Kingdom soldiers weapons and armor, plucking them clean!
This Foolish Emperor is too lucky; every move he makes seems foolish, yet somehow he always turns misfortune into fortune. The heavens are truly unfair!
Indeed, someone like him should have been taken away by now!
Everyone shook their heads and sighed, feeling both envious of Lin Beifan and scornful of the incompetence of the Shang Kingdom.
After all, he was known throughout the world as the foolish Emperor!
If you cant even defeat a foolish emperor, and he has plundered your stronghold, taking all your wealth, and even the Emperor and the nobles have been taken hostage, what use is your country?
Due to the overwhelming and harsh criticism, the Emperor of the Shang Kingdom and others were verbally abused to the point of shutting themselves away.
Meanwhile, the Emperors of the neighboring nations began to contemplate.
The Shang Kingdom couldnt even defeat that foolish Emperor, which was a sign of utter failure. Perhaps they could also
It was said that all of the Innate masters of the Shang Kingdom had been slain, and the armor and weapons of their 400,000-strong army had been taken away. Their military strength was greatly diminished, presenting a perfect opportunity bestowed by heaven!
The Xia Kingdom and that foolish Emperor, although detestable, possess a formidable military force and are not easily defeated.
However, we can still bully the Shang Kingdom a bit.
Thus, among the various nations, a turbulent undercurrent began to stir.
At this time, Lin Beifan had already returned to the imperial court.
The first matter of business upon attending court was to reward the meritorious officials.
Where is General Chai Yuxin of the Western Garrison?
I am here!
Chai Yuxin, clad in a suit of womens armor, walked out with her head held high and her chest puffed out, looking valiant and spirited.
Lin Beifan spoke loudly, Previously, the General of the Western Garrison led 100,000 elite troops into the Mo Kingdom, annihilating the forces of three nations, and achieved tremendous merit! At the same time, when I faced a crisis, you led a lone army deep into the Shang Kingdom to rescue me, demonstrating outstanding loyalty and bravery! Moreover, during the campaign, you led from the front, slaying the Shang Kingdoms Innate, and helped us capture the Shang Kingdom Emperor, returning safely!
Therefore, I have decided to promote General Chai to a second-rank general, bestowing upon you the title Fengwu (Dance of the pheonix) and command of 200,000 elite troops to be known as the Fengwu Army!
In addition, I reward you with ten thousand taels of silver, a Phoenix Blazing Spear, and a set of Flowing Light Armor!
Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great kindness! Chai Yuxin happily accepted the decree.
She stealthily gave Lin Beifan a meaningful glance: The rewards are good; your sister here likes them very much!
Where is the General of the Nation, An Lushan?
Your servant is here!
An Lushan walked out with his head held high and a confident stride.
While We have been on campaign, General An has guarded the nations gates, not allowing foreign enemies to cross the border by even a step. Very commendable! Therefore, We reward you with ten thousand taels of silver!
Thank you for Your Majestys great benevolence! An Lushan said joyfully.
Although he was not promoted or given a noble title, receiving money was also quite good.
After all, his position was already quite high, and it was not easy to get a promotion. Without some extraordinary contribution, there was no talking about moving up.
Following that, Lin Beifan continued to bestow rewards on the meritorious officials.
Lin Beifan was very generous, and many people received promotions.
Even every returning soldier received a reward of one or two silver pieces, equivalent to two months of military pay.
For those who died on the battlefield, their families were given a consolation payment of five taels of silver.
After the awards ceremony, Lin Beifan looked around the somewhat empty court and felt somewhat uneasy; there were too few talented individuals.
Among all the civil and military officials, there were only a handful who could truly be considered talented.
Originally, it was just a makeshift troupe, so playing around like that was no problem.
But as the population grows and there are more and more things to deal with, doing things the old way just doesnt work anymore.
Take Heshen, for example. He is now the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, but hes also taking on tasks from the Ministry of Works, so busy that he barely touches the ground with his feet.
If he werent a martial artist, he would have collapsed from exhaustion by now.
And theres An Lushan, who is currently doing the work of both a general and the Ministry of War.
Military affairs are so numerous that he often cant keep up.
Therefore, Lin Beifan felt that it was time to cast a wide net for talent.
Ministers, as the nations population increases and affairs grow day by day, we can no longer carry on as before! Hence, I have decided to recruit wise and talented individuals from all over the land to serve me! Lin Beifan got straight to the point.
The court officials exchanged glances, nodding slightly with a trace of joy on their faces.
The Emperor calling for people was a good thing, indeed!
After all, the nations population had doubled, and the volume of governmental affairs had more than doubled. Relying solely on the few of them was somewhat overwhelming.
Bringing in some new people would also lighten their load.
Your Majesty, shall we hold an imperial examination?
Lin Beifan shook his head: The imperial examination is too slow, and passing the imperial examination does not necessarily mean finding the talent I need! Therefore, I have decided to open a call for the wise. Anyone who believes they have talent can recommend themselves, and I will personally interview them!
Everyone looked at each other again, the Emperor personally conducting interviews?
Is he so capable?
After all, his headd sometimes becomes muddled!
At this moment, Lin Beifan added: Moreover, when recommending the wise, do not avoid relatives! If you have suitable candidates, you can also recommend them! If they truly are talented, I will naturally appoint them to important positions.
TLN: Thanks for another review!
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