After finishing lunch, his father Chen Jianmin went for a nap, as he still had to supervise the construction at the villa in the afternoon.
Chen Jiuyang and his mother Zhang Xiuzhen washed dishes together in the kitchen. After finishing, Chen Jiuyang picked up a plastic bucket and a towel and began cleaning the house inside and out.
In the distance, five people sat at a table, with a golden document on it.
These five people were the Provincial Sword Holder of Feng Province, the Chief Constable of the Six Gates in Ziyang County, the Magistrate of Ziyang County, the Prefect of Fengcheng, Yun Tiancheng, and a middle-aged man in official robes who exuded great authority.
Yun Tiancheng smiled and said, "After meeting him, what are your thoughts, Lord Kou Huazhou of the Ministry of Rites in Longjing?"
"He is quite a remarkable person," Kou Huazhou's voice was deep and magnetic, with a hint of admiration in his eyes. "At such a young age, he possesses so much, yet he is not arrogant. The first thing he did upon returning home was to have a meal with his parents, help his mother with the dishes, and personally clean his own house."
"If this were to spread, who would believe this is the same Chen Shashen who, refusing to yield, slew nearly two hundred Eastern Ying masters?"
"A young man full of chivalry, with bones scattered in foreign lands; not wishing to die in a foreign land, he has good potential."
"His resurrection has placed a great burden on our Ministry of Rites and thoroughly offended the King of Zhennan. However, his character is excellent, and the title of Marquis Xuanyang can be bestowed upon him."
"I shall proceed to finalize his enfeoffment as Marquis Xuanyang and then return to the capital to report for duty."
With that, Kou Huazhou rose and walked away across the water. The Chief Constable of the Six Gates in Ziyang County and the Magistrate of Ziyang County followed closely.
The moment Kou Huazhou moved, Chen Jiuyang seemed to sense it. He put down the towel and bucket he was holding and slowly walked out of the house, onto the lake.
Chen Jiuyang saw three people standing on the river, all in official robes and with extraordinary bearing.
Chen Jiuyang immediately realized that although the name of Marquis Xuanyang's mansion had been established outside his door, the formal enfeoffment document had not yet been issued.
Regarding the enfeoffment ceremony, Chen Jiuyang had learned from his master, Marquis Feng Han. He surmised that one of these three people represented the central government of Longjing, and the other two were the highest officials of this region.
Chen Jiuyang immediately cupped his fists in greeting but remained silent.
Kou Huazhou nodded slowly, then his deep voice rang out, "Chen Jiuyang, a resident of Qingzhu Village, Ziyang County, Feng Province, Long Kingdom, heed the decree!"
"...In the Sharp Blade Legion... in the Apocalypse Legion... for meritorious service to the nation, after unified review and approval by the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of War, and the central government of Longjing, you are hereby enfeoffed as Marquis Xuanyang!"
Immediately, the document in Kou Huazhou's hand floated into Chen Jiuyang's.
Kou Huazhou looked directly at Chen Jiuyang, "Do you know why the enfeoffment ceremony must be conducted on the water?"
Chen Jiuyang replied, "Water is the source of life, and water represents the hundreds of millions of citizens of Long Kingdom. My standing on the river tells me that water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it."
"Indeed," Kou Huazhou nodded slowly. "Long Kingdom is currently in a period of peace and prosperity, but there are still villains, powerful families, and martial arts sects causing trouble, harming the common people. As a Marquis, you must protect the local populace and ensure that ordinary people live and work in peace, free from harm by wicked individuals."
"As a Marquis, while you enjoy privileges, you must not harm ordinary citizens. Violators will be executed by the Sword Holders. What is a Marquis? It means to mount a horse quickly, symbolizing rapid progress, and also signifies a future of prosperity and wealth. However, in today's Long Kingdom, a Marquis must rush to the scene to handle any unrest in the area immediately."
"Do not forget your original intention as a Marquis, and remember it well."
"I have said all I need to say. Marquis Xuanyang, I hope you will conduct yourself wisely. The rest will be explained to you by the local civil and military leaders."
With that, Kou Huazhou turned and slowly departed.
Chen Jiuyang cupped his fists and watched Kou Huazhou leave.
Then, the Magistrate of Ziyang County stepped forward and congratulated him with a smile, "Marquis Xuanyang, congratulations on becoming the first Grand Master enfeoffed as a Marquis in Ziyang County. I am Hong Baichuan, the Magistrate of Ziyang County."
"Greetings, Magistrate Hong."
Chen Jiuyang cupped his fists.
Then another person spoke, "I am Liu Hanguang, the Chief Constable of the Six Gates in Ziyang County."
Chen Jiuyang cupped his fists, "Greetings, Constable Liu."
Liu Hanguang said, "Marquis Xuanyang, today is just a brief meeting. You are the Marquis of Ziyang County, and we will have many dealings in the future. Magistrate Hong has many matters to discuss with you. I have official duties to attend to, so I will not disturb you further."
With that, Liu Hanguang turned and left.
Hong Baichuan looked at Chen Jiuyang with a smile, "Marquis Xuanyang, I have reviewed your information. Have you considered making some economic contributions to Ziyang County and benefiting the local people?"
Chen Jiuyang smiled and said, "Magistrate Hong can speak freely."
Hong Baichuan said, "Ziyang County has a population of 300,000 and is a major grain-producing county in Feng Province, with much fertile land. Your master, Marquis Feng Han, produces the Pure Yang Qi Replenishing Pills, which require many medicinal herbs. I have roughly reviewed these herbs. If Marquis Xuanyang leads the investment, Ziyang County can allocate a large area of land for you to cultivate these herbs."
"Increasing the economy of Ziyang County will drive employment and wage increases, which will also attract more talent to develop in Ziyang County."
Chen Jiuyang said without hesitation, "There is no reason to refuse this. I am not very knowledgeable in this area. I will have my wife come and discuss this with Magistrate Hong in a few days?"
"If I can contribute to my hometown, it would be my honor. I have no reason to refuse."
Hong Baichuan chuckled, "May I ask which of Marquis Xuanyang's wives it is?"
What most ordinary people envied about those who were enfeoffed as Marquises was the ability to marry seven wives.
Even before Chen Jiuyang was enfeoffed as a Marquis, Hong Baichuan had noticed his presence and discovered that all of Chen Jiuyang's women had impressive backgrounds.
Chen Jiuyang said with a wry smile, "I will bring my wife to visit Magistrate Hong in a few days to discuss this matter."
"Hahaha, excellent!" Hong Baichuan clapped his hands and laughed, "Then I shall await your good news."
With that, Hong Baichuan turned and left.
When Chen Jiuyang's enfeoffment document was delivered to him, the entire Feng Province was notified of the formal establishment of Marquis Xuanyang.
Many were surprised that Chen Jiuyang had returned to Fengcheng so quickly, and without any prior notice.
Subsequently, the news spread, causing a stir and unrest among the populace. Chen Jiuyang's phone was immediately flooded with calls, and he was forced to turn it off.
Then, people from various factions came to visit, offering congratulations and gifts, seeking to strengthen their relationship with Chen Jiuyang.
Marquis Feng Han was the fastest to arrive at Chen Jiuyang's home. The privilege of being enfeoffed as a Marquis allowed him to travel by helicopter.
He directly brought several of Chen Jiuyang's women from Fengcheng.
Ji Lengyue had already returned to cultivate at the Shu Mountain Emei Sect. The people who arrived were Marquis Feng Han, Yao Zixuan, and Lin Yuexian.
Subsequently, Yao Qianhe, Deng Zun, Fang Bahua, and others also arrived at Chen Jiuyang's home.
The simple rural bungalow of Chen Jiuyang's family immediately became lively, sparking great curiosity among all the villagers in Qingzhu Village.