Between a Grand General who held real power and a duke who received only revenues from a fief, with no actual authority, even a man thinking with his backside would know which to choose in these troubled times.
Yuan Shao was furious inwardly, but none of it showed on his face. He said expressionlessly, "The Marquis of Wen slew Dong Zhuo and campaigned against Yuan Shu. His achievements surpass those of all his contemporaries. Why should we not make an exception and grant him a dukedom?"
"But..." Tian Feng wanted to continue persuading him, but Yuan Shao interrupted first.
"Whether the Marquis of Wen should be granted a dukedom is not for us subjects to decide. Let us leave it to His Majesty's sacred judgment."
Yuan Shao knew perfectly well that if he continued insisting, Tian Feng would never let the matter rest and would argue every last detail with him. He simply tossed the question to Liu Xie instead.
Having already received Yuan Shao's instructions, Liu Xie naturally had to follow his wishes.
He made a show of nodding and said, "Hmm... I find the Grand General's reasoning sound. For such achievements, the Marquis of Wen shall be appointed General of Agile Cavalry and further ennobled as a county duke. As for his revenue households and fief... they shall remain in Wen County."
Tian Feng was instantly at a loss for words. He sighed and said no more.
Yuan Shao turned a friendly smile toward Lü Bu, wanting to see what an expression of tearful gratitude he would wear.
Yet Lü Bu's reaction was nothing like what he had expected.
Why... is he so calm?
Upon learning that he had been appointed General of Agile Cavalry and further ennobled as Duke Wen, Lü Bu showed no excitement. Instead, he