The Humble Family's Daughter Has A Spatial Pocket!-Chapter 1075 - 898, Promoted to Commander

Beijing, Imperial Palace.

In the grand hall of Qianqing Palace, the Emperor was discussing with Yang Chenghua, Wu Jingyi, and others, about the recent fierce battle between the Yuezhou naval forces and the Wokou pirates, when the memorial submitted by Xiao Yeyang was delivered.

The Emperor began reading the memorial in front of the court officials, and upon learning that Xiao Yeyang had recaptured the Dan River, he stood up joyously and exclaimed ’good’ three times in succession.

Seeing this, Yang Chenghua and Wu Jingyi, among others, smilingly asked, "Your Majesty, what brings you such joy?"

The Emperor looked at Yang Chenghua and several others, then sat back on the dragon throne and said, "Yeyang has taken back the Dan River from the hands of the Xiliao people."

Upon hearing this, Wu Jingyi immediately laughed and said, "Your Majesty is wise to have dispatched such a talented military leader as Princely Heir Xiao to Xiliang. In less than a year, he has recaptured the Dan River that was forcibly taken by the Xiliao people, which is indeed a cause for celebration."

Yang Chenghua and the others hurriedly echoed in agreement, praising the Emperor’s sage judgment and keen insight.

Although the Emperor knew that these old foxes at court were flattering him, he was indeed very pleased.

Xiao Yeyang had taken the fall for him, having been demeaned and sent to Xiliang, and the Emperor had always felt somewhat guilty. Now, with the recapture of the Dan River being a great merit, he could rightfully make amends.

"Yeyang also mentioned in his memorial, next year he plans to establish the largest military horse breeding ground in Daxia at the Gan State Guard, to meet the Imperial Court’s needs for horses."

Yang Chenghua immediately opened his mouth and said, "Your Majesty, Princely Heir Xiao’s action is a great deed. Every year, the Imperial Court spends a huge sum of money purchasing fine horses from the northern barbarians. If Princely Heir Xiao can indeed establish our own Daxia military horse breeding ground, then we can save this money, which is a good thing for the country and the people."

The Emperor nodded, "I was thinking the same. You all tell me, with Yeyang recapturing the Dan River and establishing a military horse breeding ground, how should I reward him?"

Wu Jingyi glanced at Yang Chenghua, stepped forward with a smile and said, "Your Majesty, Princely Heir Xiao was previously a third-rank Commander in the Jinling Guard. Now that he has achieved military merits, he deserves a promotion and recognition. The position of Commander of Gan State Guard has been vacant, why not promote Princely Heir Xiao to Commander?"

The Emperor ’hmmed’ in agreement, then added, "Yeyang also mentioned in his memorial that the Xiliang Border Army has been passively defending, allowing the bold Xiliao people to dare to cross the border and slaughter towns. What do you think about this matter?"

Upon hearing this, the faces of Yang Chenghua and the others grew serious.

They knew life was tough for the people of Xiliang, but they didn’t expect it to be severe enough to result in massacres.

The Emperor asked Eunuch An to bring a map and pointed at the Gan State Guard, saying, "After Yeyang went to Gan State Guard, he established three military strongholds along the defensive lines bordering Xiliang."

Wu Jingyi looked at the map and nodded, "This is a good move. With three military strongholds, the pressure on the Border Army’s patrols is relieved, and they can effectively target intruding Xiliao people and provide mutual support."

"Your Majesty, in my opinion, the other guard stations bordering Xiliang can also take such measures," he suggested.

Yang Chenghua showed approval, but he said, "Establishing military strongholds is indeed good, but... the cost must be substantial. Moreover, once the strongholds are built, the number of stationed soldiers may increase, which will undoubtedly add to the Imperial Court’s expenditure on military pay."

The Emperor thought for a moment, "Yeyang’s wife brought back a kind of grain called corn from the south. It’s said to be suitable for cultivation in Xiliang, and its yield is quite decent. As long as it is widely adopted, the Border Army’s food and salaries can become self-sufficient."

Upon hearing this, Yang Chenghua and the others showed signs of movement.

The Crown Princess is indeed... a great support to her husband! If they really solve the problem of food and clothing for the people of Xiliang, Xiao Yeyang will be able to stand firm in Xiliang.

Originally, they thought that Xiao Yeyang, being in Xiliang, would not even be able to take a single step forward, let alone struggle. Yet in less than a year, he has made significant accomplishments.

The Emperor continued, "Defense of the border cannot be neglected, and the idea of establishing military strongholds is feasible."

Knowing that the Emperor had already made up his mind, Yang Chenghua and the others no longer spoke any words of dissent, "Your Majesty is wise."

The next morning, during the early court session, the Emperor spoke of Xiao Yeyang’s recapture of the Dan River and the plan to build the Daxia military horse breeding ground, and then publicly announced the promotion of Xiao Yeyang to the position of Commander of Gan State Guard.

The eunuch bearing the imperial edict left Beijing on horseback that very day, and along with the appointment edict, there was also a military order for Xiao Yeyang to arrange the construction of the military strongholds.

After the court session, many officials congratulated Prince Ping, and even Yan Zhigao was surrounded by several officials, who congratulated him on Xiao Yeyang’s achievements.

...

Fang Residence.

After obtaining a seventh-rank sinecure at the Imperial Household Department, Feng Shuo returned to his residence without his usual visit to see his pregnant concubine; instead, he went directly to Yan Yile’s courtyard.

Seeing Feng Shuo approaching, Yan Yile was momentarily stunned before rising to greet him, "Why has my husband come to my place?"

A flicker of unease crossed Feng Shuo’s face, but he quickly composed himself and walked over to take Yan Yile’s hand and sit down together, smiling, "I have been terribly busy these past days, and that’s why I haven’t visited you. Are you angry with me for that?"

Yan Yile snorted: "Yes, you have been too busy, busy every day with your Jie Yuhua whispering sweet nothings to each other."

Hearing this, Feng Shuo felt a surge of irritation.

If it were any other Madam, upon seeing her husband taking the initiative to improve their relationship, she would definitely seize the opportunity to reconcile. Yan Yile, on the contrary, brought up what should not be mentioned, utterly lacking tact.

Taking a deep breath and thinking of Xiao Yeyang, who was demoted to Xiliang and within a year promoted to a full third-rank Commander, and considering that he might still need the support of the Yan Family, Feng Shuo could only appease Yan Yile with a forced smile.

Feng Shuo was able to humble himself, and in no time, he had coaxed Yan Yile into a cheerful mood.

For the following few days, Feng Shuo stayed to rest at Yan Yile’s place.

The day before his day off, Feng Shuo brought up Xiao Yeyang, "The promotion of my brother-in-law should be properly celebrated with a visit to the Yan Family, congratulating my Uncle and Aunt."

"Moreover, it’s been a long while since we gathered with my second brother and his wife. I’ll be off tomorrow, it’s a good time for me to accompany you to the Yan Family."

Yan Yile’s smiling face suddenly stiffened, as she looked up at Feng Shuo, who was smiling gently at her.

Such a gentle smile, she hadn’t seen for a very long time.

Yet, looking at this smile now made her feel cold.

...

Having reclaimed Dan River, Xiao Yeyang waited until the city walls were initially completed before returning to Ganzhou City.

By then, it was already December.

Conveniently, the day after Xiao Yeyang returned to the city, the Imperial eunuch arrived with the decree.

Commandant Office.

Under the eyes of all the officers of the military establishment, Xiao Yeyang received the imperial edict promoting him to Commander.

On the same day he received the order, Xiao Yeyang sent messages to all officers under the jurisdiction of every thousand-household and hundred-household units, instructing them to report to Ganzhou City within three days.

Xia Jianren sneered, "This is a new official asserting his authority with three measures!"

Fan Tong countered, "Why would you call him new? Didn’t Mr. Xiao take over Ganzhou Guard as soon as he arrived?"

Xia Jianren snorted, "Back then everyone was cautious because of his status as the Prince’s son. They didn’t hold him accountable. Now it’s official."

Fan Tong shook his head, "Enough. I think Mr. Xiao has done quite well. He brought us high-yield grain varieties and reclaimed Dan River. I respect him as a Commander; no need for your sour grapes."

Watching Fan Tong leave, Xia Jianren furrowed his brows, unsure if Lord Wei knew about this. Never mind, better to seal a letter and inform Lord Wei.

Three days passed in a blink. freēwēbnovel.com

In the largest council hall of the military establishment, Xiao Yeyang sat in the seat of honor, gazing at the officials seated below. Without preamble, he ordered Xia Jianren to be bound.