Li Kexiu knew the Song dynasty's system for bestowing royal titles well. The number of royal titles was tightly controlled.
The highest rank was King, such as King of Qin, Prince of Jin, King Chu, and so on. Those granted such titles were generally either princes greatly favored and potentially able to inherit the throne, or certain special figures. For example, Chai Zongxun had been made King of Zheng, Meng Chang King Chu, Li Yu King of Wu, and Qian Chu King of Deng. These men had all once been genuine emperors. After being defeated by the Song dynasty and surrendering, they received corresponding royal titles.
Of course, certain ministers who rendered unparalleled service could also be granted royal titles. Zhao Pu had been posthumously named King of Han, Cao Bin King of Han, and Wang Anshi King of Shu. Yet without exception, all of them received those titles only after death. Not one had enjoyed such an honor while alive, much less possessed his own fief and army.
The second rank was Heir King. These titles were generally passed down through Imperial Clan Royal Titles and had nothing to do with those of other surnames.
The third rank was a commandery king, such as Commandery Prince of Runan and Commandery Prince of Qinghe. These titles were generally bestowed upon imperial sons and grandsons as well. The practice of granting commandery king titles to non-clan officials began with Tong Guan. Before that, ministers could not be granted a title higher than Duke while still alive.
At first, Li Kexiu had thought he would be thanking heaven and earth if he could obtain a Duke's title. If he could be made Commandery Prince of Guangling—Guangling being Yangzhou's ancient name—his ancestors' graves would be smoking. Who would have thought Wan Qixie would