As the party passed through the city gates, Meng Qingshan sat on horseback and looked into the distance, immediately spotting the county magistrate and his Secretary waiting at the end of the street.
The magistrate wore official robes and a black gauze hat, his face brimming with unconcealable delight.
The moment he saw the party enter the city, he hurried forward at a trot to meet them.
Meng Qingshan, Wang the General, and the others dismounted one after another.
Wang the General even deliberately slowed his steps to follow behind Meng Qingshan.
Meng Qingshan strode toward the magistrate and was about to cup his hands in salute when the magistrate caught him by the arm.
"Good, good, good! Black Wind Stronghold occupied Yellow Mud Ridge for decades, a thorn lodged deep in Jade Mountain City's heart. Today, with the aid of Meng the Constable and all you heroes, it has been wiped out in one stroke. This is truly a great blessing for Jade Mountain City and its people! On behalf of everyone in the city, I offer you my deepest respect and gratitude!"
The Secretary followed close behind, holding a rolled proclamation. He stepped forward and announced loudly, "By decision of the county magistrate, Constable Meng Qingshan is hereby granted the title of 'Jade Mountain City Martial Strategist General' and rewarded with ten taels of gold and ten bolts of silk in recognition of his achievements. In addition, Wang the General and all the officers and soldiers made indispensable contributions. All shall receive generous rewards to honor their merits."
In the Great Sheng Dynasty, there was a clear distinction between official posts and honorary titles.
Titles such as "Jade Mountain City Martial Strategist General," prefixed with a place name, were invariably considered honorary titles rather than formal official posts.