By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decreed:
There was a Wang Yan in Jiankang, eighteen years of age, deeply versed in righteousness. He abandoned Chen and joined Sui...
Wang Yan was granted the title of Founding Marquis of Jiangning County, with a fief of... an actual taxable estate of... and command as Cavalry General of Great Plains...
Wang Yan had been made a marquis after a single battle!
This was an unquestionably prestigious founding county marquisate. In earlier times, it would have been called a ranked marquis; before Emperor Wu of Han, it would have been called a thoroughgoing marquis—not some dime-a-dozen marquis within the passes.
After seeing off the men who had come to deliver the decree, Wang Yan cupped his hands toward Yang Guang.
"Thank you for Your Highness's patronage."
"You earned it yourself." Yang Guang waved a hand. "Also, I spoke to Father Emperor and Mother Empress about Qionghua. When we return to court next year, we'll see then."
Wang Yan nodded in understanding. After all, he was marrying their daughter. Yang Jian and Dugu Qieluo had yet to meet him, so naturally they had to see what sort of man he was.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"You're a general now, at least. Carry yourself with some dignity."
"You jest, Your Highness. I will always be Your Highness's retainer, serving at Your Highness's side."
Yang Guang laughed heartily. "Flatterer."
"Everything I have was given by Your Highness. Your Highness is my great benefactor. A mere soldier rising to the rank of marquis after one battle—without Your Highness's support, how could I have achieved what I have today? One must never forget the one who dug the well after drinking its water, Your Highness. Even if I speak favorably of Your Highness, it is not flattery. I'm