In a resplendent hall of gold and jade, several hundred officials stood assembled.
Before them stood a young man of no more than seventeen or eighteen, clad in a dragon robe and studying the border war report in his hands.
Two eunuchs beside him held up a Xiongnu king's banner for display.
Had Li Yi been there, he would have recognized it at a glance—it was the banner he had seized from Luhu Wu, the Xiongnu Left Great General!
"Guan Xing is truly a fine general!"
The Emperor of Chen Kingdom set down the border report with satisfaction and looked over the civil and military officials before him.
"Guan Xing defended Wild Goose Pass and slew five thousand Xiongnu elites. Such merit must be rewarded!"
"My beloved ministers, do you have any suggestions?"
The Minister of Personnel, Cui Shi, stepped forward and declared in a ringing voice:
"Guan Xing currently holds the rank of Dafu. He may be raised two ranks, to Gong Dafu!"
"Furthermore, the position of commander at Wild Goose Pass has stood vacant for a long time. He may be appointed commander of Wild Goose Pass, placed in charge of all affairs there."
"The remaining rewards may be granted according to precedent."
Hearing Cui Shi, the Minister of Personnel, everyone nodded in agreement. Seeing no opposition, the Emperor of Chen Kingdom pondered briefly before accepting Cui Shi's proposal.
After the eunuchs drafted the commendation decree and the emperor personally stamped it with his seal, the young emperor suddenly added:
"I see from the report that this Xiongnu king's banner was seized by Captain Li Yi. Such merit must also be rewarded!"
"Minister Cui, what rank would be suitable to grant him?"
At those words, Cui Shi clasped his hands and fell into thought. Just then, an elderly