The good news from the Northern Frontier quickly spread throughout the capital.
Da Mao, who personally decapitated Tuo Hele, instantly became famous. Duke Cao, Fu Lingyun, was already contemplating how to ask for the return of his fifty thousand troops.
Meanwhile, Lu Nianfu held a letter from home. Situ Yan had said he would be returning to the capital soon. Calculating the time, it was the third day after the great victory, and the urgent dispatch had already reached the capital, so he should be arriving soon as well.
The next day, Li Furui read out the imperial decree of rewards during the morning court.
In addition to rewarding the army, Emperor Changwu enfeoffed Ren Tianyu as the Marquis of Zhenbei, and Mao Pengyi was appointed as the Great General of威武 (Wei Wu).
After the imperial decree was read, someone jumped out to object.
Ren Tianyu had served on the border for many years with no achievements. How could he be granted a marquis title just for winning one battle? It was too unfair to others.
Emperor Changwu glanced over and saw that the objector was indeed a civil official. Just as he was about to speak, Ouyang Wen stepped forward, "Censor Fang, as everyone knows, the border is harsh and cold. How is serving on the border described as 'no achievements' in your mouth? Must soldiers die on the battlefield to demonstrate their worth?"
"Young Duke, do not twist my words. This subordinate absolutely did not mean that." What a joke. If he agreed with that, wouldn't it be equivalent to offending all the military officials?
Ouyang Wen asked, "Then what did you mean?"
Censor Fang was speechless.
Ouyang Wen knelt, "Your Majesty is wise. This subject believes that Your Majesty's actions have given value to the blood spilled by the border soldiers, and also shown others Your Majesty's regard for meritorious officials. Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live."
Cheng Beiyu followed suit and knelt, "This subject seconds the motion."
Marquis Qiying said coldly, "Young Duke, if this precedent is set, in the future, if someone wins a battle, they will demand a marquis title. How many can the court possibly bestow?"
It was as if the title of Marquis was so cheap.
Ouyang Wen's voice turned cold, "Marquis Qiying, in this battle, Ren Tianyu led the army to annihilate over fifty-eight thousand enemies and captured more than twenty thousand. General Da Mao bravely slew the renowned Northern Frontier general Tuo Hele. Is such a victory not enough to be granted a marquis title?"
An army of eighty thousand was a significant loss even for Da Yin, let alone for a small frontier nation.
Emperor Changwu struck the imperial table, bringing the matter to a conclusion before more people joined the argument.
Marquis Qiying, Jian Huaiming, was indignant. Damn it, there was another marquis in the capital. If this continued, how much influence would his title as Marquis Qiying have in the future? He glanced sideways at Situ Jue, who had remained silent, and became even more annoyed.
Such useless trash, and he wouldn't even offer a word of support.
His resolve to give up on Situ Jue became even firmer.
As for Situ Jue, he was wondering who this Ren Tianyu was. If he could find leverage against him and bring him under his control, why would he need to fear Jian Huaiming anymore?
Lu Nianfu was not interested in the turmoil in the court, but she still compiled all the information, waiting for Situ Yan to return to the capital to investigate himself. She then sent people to guard the city gates and kept the small kitchen fires burning day and night, for fear that he might arrive in the middle of the night and not have a hot meal.
Of course, she also did not forget to talk about him in front of her son, occasionally taking out a large portrait of Situ Yan and teaching the child to recognize his father.
Unfortunately, the first thing Situ Yan did upon arriving in the capital was to go to the post station to wash and change, and then proceed to the palace to meet the emperor. He had originally intended to sneak home, but he encountered an acquaintance at the city gate.
Emperor Changwu was very pleased to see his long-absent son, "You've lost some weight. Little Li Zi, fetch some tonics from the storeroom for Prince Rui to replenish his health."
Situ Yan naturally did not refuse.
After the father and son chatted for a while, Emperor Changwu brought up the main topic, "Now that you have returned, what are your plans, Seventh Son?"
"Father, I wish to go to the Ministry of War."
"Why do you want to go to the Ministry of War?"
"Father, I went to Hui Ge and the Northern Frontier and realized how weak our Da Yin's soldiers are. I request to be sent to the Ministry of War to train soldiers, to properly loosen their muscles and bones."
Emperor Changwu waved his hand, "We will discuss this matter another day."
"Father, I believe it is imperative to make the soldiers strong and robust."
"The Minister of War is loyal to the Crown Prince. If you rashly meddle with his affairs, are you planning to fall out with the Crown Prince?"
Situ Yan frowned.
Emperor Changwu continued, "Since you know to conceal your achievements and lie low, you should also know that the influence of the Crown Prince and Prince Ning cannot be touched for now."
"Could it be that we just watch the Minister of War neglect his duties?"
"I have noted this matter."