Chapter 22

Standing at the door of the classroom, Xiaoming took a deep breath and firmly gripped the secret letter from his mother.

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Ligong, which means increasing the fief, is a very common way to reward someone. It involves increasing the land and income.

Shangzhuguo is a rank of merit, specifically for those who have distinguished themselves in battle. It is somewhat like the "Combat Hero" title of later generations, ranging from first to third class. Shangzhuguo is considered a special-grade combat hero, enjoying the treatment of a second-rank official. Early in his career, Qin Qiong single-handedly charged into the enemy ranks and killed an enemy general, earning the title of Shangzhuguo. Luo Shixin fought for eight days in the Battle of Ming River, which was enough to earn him the title of special-grade combat hero.

The position of Youxiao Wei Jiangjun is different. During the Tang Dynasty, the Fubing system was used, with the Sixteen Wei Grand Generals overseeing the national Fubing forces, combining the Fubing and the imperial guards. In peacetime, the Youxiao Wei Jiangjun could command two to three thousand troops guarding the capital. In times of war, with the identity of a Zuowei Wei Jiangjun, Luo Shixin could sit as a deputy commander, gather the troops under his command, and lead a force of two to three thousand soldiers into battle.

This is a position of real power and authority. In the Tang Dynasty, those who held such positions were usually in their forties or fifties, and almost all were battle-hardened generals. Luo Shixin, at the age of twenty, held the position of Zuowei Wei Jiangjun, which was unprecedented.

Not only did it mean that Luo Shixin was promoted from a local general to a capital general, but he also became the youngest of the Sixteen Wei generals. Moreover, with the authority of a Youxiao Wei Grand General, there was always the possibility of a permanent promotion.

In fact, given Luo Shixin's achievements, it was reasonable for him to enter the Sixteen Wei. However, the Sixteen Wei were too important, tasked with "defending the center and guarding the capital." Entering the Sixteen Wei meant entering the core of the Li Tang military.

For a twenty-year-old young man with no family background or connections to enter the core of the Li Tang military, it would be suspicious if there were no ulterior motives.

Luo Shixin himself was also surprised and had some doubts. However, with the appointment issued, his promotion and wealth were already determined. Other matters could be discussed later. He bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Below Luo Shixin was Luo Yi. In the campaign against Liu Heita, he first broke through Liu Heita's brother Liu Shishan's army at Xuhé and then completed Li Shimin's encirclement strategy, capturing multiple cities. His second-place ranking was well-deserved. However, as a border general, Luo Yi could not enter the court without being summoned and was not in their group, so he was set aside for the moment.

Next, Qin Qiong, Cheng Yaojin, and others also received reasonable rewards.

The only one who did not receive any reward was Li Shimin. Li Shimin was in an extremely awkward position, with no reward at all, so he only received verbal praise, with no mention of any commendation.

After the rewards were distributed, Li Yuan held a banquet in the East Hall of the Taiji Palace to entertain the meritorious officials, with the Crown Prince Li Jiancheng presiding over the banquet.

As they moved to the East Hall of the Taiji Palace, Cheng Yaojin suddenly rushed forward and punched Luo Shixin in the chest.

"Good kid! You're climbing higher and higher, leaving us brothers far behind."

Luo Shixin did not dodge, allowing the punch to land on his chest. The punch looked fierce but was actually light.

Luo Shixin laughed, "No matter how high I climb, I'm still your little brother, Cheng Laoge. What are you worried about?"

"That's true! Even if you become a chancellor, you're still my little brother. But don't try to fool me... You have to treat us to a meal! You got the most rewards." Cheng Yaojin gritted his teeth and added, "At the Drunken Immortal Pavilion in Chang'an, we'll drink the Thousand Days Drunken."

"Deal!" Luo Shixin readily agreed. The Drunken Immortal Pavilion was one of the largest taverns in Chang'an, and the Thousand Days Drunken was a famous and expensive wine.

However, given the rewards he had received today, Luo Shixin could easily afford it.

"That's what I call a brother!" Cheng Yaojin pulled Luo Shixin aside and whispered, "Don't refuse the Crown Prince's reward."

Luo Shixin was taken aback, scratching his head in confusion. Was he going to be drawn into the conflict between Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin so soon?

It was only the fifth year of Wude!

Luo Shixin shook his head and entered the East Hall of the Taiji Palace.

"General Luo, please take your seat!" As the Crown Prince, Li Jiancheng personally arranged the seating in the hall.

Luo Shixin had the opportunity to closely observe the somewhat tragic Crown Prince Jiancheng. Li Jiancheng inherited his father's genes, with a broad and high forehead, straight nose, and tightly pursed lips, exuding both grace and bravery, full of masculine charm.

Luo Shixin glanced at Li Shimin, who was already seated at the head of the table. Comparing the two, he found that the brothers looked very similar, both with enviable appearances. Perhaps due to years of campaigning, Li Shimin's skin was a bit darker, and his demeanor was more decisive and strong, while Li Jiancheng was more refined and gentle.

It was certain that such a person would not be as incapable as portrayed in TV dramas. It was just a matter of the victor and the vanquished.

"Generals, you have fought bravely for the Tang Dynasty, subduing the enemy and achieving great merit! I, Li Jiancheng, on behalf of the Tang Dynasty, offer you a cup of wine to thank you for your dedicated service!" Li Jiancheng stood up, bowed to all sides, and drank the full glass of wine in one gulp, leaving not a drop.

"Liu Heita colluded with the Turks, allowing them to plunder and forcibly collect grain, causing great suffering to the people! I, Li Jiancheng, on behalf of the people of Hebei, offer you another cup of wine to thank you for rescuing them from their plight." Li Jiancheng repeated the gesture, drinking another full glass of wine in one gulp.

"Liu Heita has caused chaos in Hebei and oppressed the people. I, Li Jiancheng, wish I could personally execute this villain. However, my abilities are limited, and I cannot match your bravery and wisdom. I can only support you by preparing supplies. This cup is a personal thank you to you, for relieving my anger!" Li Jiancheng drank the third full glass of wine, leaving not a drop.

Three cups of wine, representing the Tang Dynasty, the people, and himself!

Li Jiancheng's gentle and refined appearance contrasted with his generous and grand actions, capturing everyone's attention.

"Your Highness, how generous!" Even Cheng Yaojin, who had already drunk three cups of wine, could not help but praise him.

Which general on the battlefield likes to be fussy?

"Three cups of wine, well said! I, Shimin, am filled with enthusiasm. I will borrow these three cups of wine to offer my respects to you all, and to those who have sacrificed for the Tang Dynasty. It is because of you that the Tang Dynasty has reached this point today."

The hall was filled with the brilliance of the generals, but the two men at the head and the second seat shone even brighter.

Luo Shixin swallowed, the aura of these two men was too powerful.

It was rare for one person to be so remarkable, but now there were two, and they were evenly matched. It would be strange if they did not clash to the death.

PS: I am still in ninth place, with a small gap between the front and back. I can faintly smell the chrysanthemum fragrance. Fellow readers, give it your all and burst the chrysanthemum above.

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