"Second-Class Earl, Seventh Grade Merit."
"Remarkable."
"Lord Pei, why was advancing to the True Image Realm rewarded with a Second-Class Earlship?"
"Appear too slight, and one invites humiliation. This was a major event that set a precedent for our dynasty. His official rank need not rise, but his title and merit must be raised. Liang Qu was previously a Third-Class Earl; one step up naturally makes him a Second-Class Earl, does it not?"
"Lord Pei, you jest. You know that isn't what I'm asking..."
The morning court adjourned.
Like floodwater released through opened sluice gates, the officials streamed down the White Marble steps and spilled onto the square, gathering in twos and threes like puddles as they discussed the matter.
There had been no major affairs today. Any important matters had been dealt with days in advance, with plans already laid out. The only major event was Liang Qu's reward.
Quite a few people felt it was somewhat too "high."
Not his official post.
Huai River Waters General, Subordinate Fourth Rank—given his True Image Realm cultivation, it was more than justified, even somewhat low. Liang Qu had entered officialdom from his position as River Earl; his office had not been awarded solely because he advanced quickly and displayed the nation's might. He truly had merits to his name. Yet considering the status of the River Conservancy Office in Pingyang Prefecture, Subordinate Fourth Rank was already its highest possible rank. Any higher, and he would have to be transferred out of Pingyang—otherwise, who would listen to whom? Seventh Grade Merit was a bit much as well, though it was passable.
Merit was unlike official rank and noble title; its name outweighed its substance.
The key was the title.
Cultivation was one thing, but age could not be ignored.
When other Hunting