Liu Hong, sitting on the dragon throne, frowned slightly upon hearing so many people object, and his gaze flickered towards the General.
He Jin also hung his head, clearly a bit embarrassed to contend for the Champion Marquis title.
The main reason was that this marquis position was extraordinary, its honor already comparable to that of the Grand Tutor.
Few marquises in the entire Han Dynasty could compare, so many people would not allow such an appointment to be made so easily.
Moreover, Liu Jin was indeed quite young, and in terms of merit, it was truly difficult for him to assume this marquis title; even if he did, he would be unworthy of the position and would instead be ostracized by his military colleagues.
Seeing this situation, Liu Hong could only suppress his desire to quickly promote Liu Jin.
Although he was the Emperor of the Han, when it came to appointing officials, he still had to consult with his ministers; if he appointed recklessly, the court would become even more chaotic.
He lightly coughed, looked at the civil and military officials in the court, and slowly asked!
“If that is the case, then how about enfeoffing Liu Jin as General Zhenbei? What do you all think?”
Many aristocratic families and high-ranking officials frowned upon hearing this, seemingly wanting to object; the General Zhenbei position was not low, and in their hearts, it was naturally best if it was not bestowed.
He Jin did not give the aristocratic families a chance to react and immediately stepped forward, saying loudly!
“Your subject believes General Zhenbei is acceptable.”
Those from the General's Mansion faction all stepped forward to express their approval; although they could not recommend the Champion Marquis, having a General Zhenbei was still very helpful for their General's Mansion.
The aristocratic families, high-ranking officials, and other officials all looked at Yuan Wei, Yang Biao, and others, wanting to inquire whether they should step forward to refute.
Yuan Wei and the others shook their heads, clearly not wanting to contend further on this matter.
It was just a General Zhenbei, which they could still tolerate.
Moreover, judging by the situation, it was clear that His Majesty and the General were determined to secure this position.
Continuing to contend would have no effect and would instead incur the General's resentment, who would then also come out to oppose their faction.
Liu Hong, sitting on the dragon throne, nodded when he saw that no one objected, a smile on his face, and said loudly!
“If that is the case, then enfeoff Liu Jin as General Zhenbei, to be stationed in the north of Bing Province, to prevent invasions by the Xianbei and Xiongnu.”
“As for the other meritorious generals and soldiers, the court officials will decide on their own.”
After saying this, Liu Hong’s voice continued!
“My beloved ministers, do you have anything else to report? If not, let us adjourn the court.”
After waiting for a moment, there was no response.
The eunuch standing nearby immediately shrieked in a high-pitched voice, asking loudly!
“Adjourn court!”
All the civil and military officials bowed with clasped hands!
Officials began to slowly walk out of the main hall one after another.
He Jin walked out with an arrogant expression, like a victor, chest held high, surrounded by the crowd.
As he passed by these officials, his face showed disdain.
As long as he had Liu Jin establishing merits and gaining fame outside, he would always remain unshakeable in the court.
In Luoyang City, inside the main hall of the Yin Family mansion!
Upon hearing the news, Yin Wei burst into boisterous laughter that echoed throughout the mansion.
He paced back and forth in the hall, appearing very excited and thrilled.
He muttered to himself!
He was indeed not mistaken; that convenient son-in-law was truly a dragon among men. How long had it been, and he was already recommended by the imperial court as General Zhenbei.
That was one of the Four Garrison Generals! Within the entire general system, he was already at a high level, his status comparable to the Nine Ministers.
Higher than him were only the Four Expeditions, Four Directions Generals, Wei General, General of Chariots and Cavalry, General of Agile Cavalry, and the General.
After the excitement, Yin Wei slowly returned to normal, feeling somewhat satisfied but still not showing it too overtly.
He only hoped that his daughter and son-in-law would be safe and sound.
Soon, the news swept through Luoyang City like a storm.
Within just three days, even the common people on the streets knew that Liu Jin had quelled the Xianbei rebellion, intimidated the north, and was appointed General Zhenbei by the imperial court.
For a time, Liu Jin’s reputation in Luoyang City was very prominent, and many young ladies from aristocratic families showed admiration and affection.
In a bustling inn, several scholars were sitting and chatting, discussing Liu Jin, who had been so spirited recently.
Suddenly, a voice came!
“I never expected that in this time of national crisis, a young general would emerge, who, with a small number of troops, could defeat the Xianbei, resolve the northern danger, and alleviate the court's current predicament.”
“I wonder what everyone thinks, can this person turn the tide and save the collapsing empire?”
The several scholars sitting nearby shook their heads upon hearing this, saying!
“Although this General Zhenbei is young and has achieved many merits, he indeed has outstanding qualities.”
“But he truly lacks the strength to bear the responsibility of a pillar of the nation.”
A middle-aged scholar sitting nearby, with a calm expression, slowly said!
“I have a different view. You must know that General Zhenbei is still young, and he has already demonstrated such excellent military capabilities. In the future, he may very well become a pillar of the nation.”
Several people frowned upon hearing this, glancing at the middle-aged scholar, whose clothes were very ordinary.
A young man in brocade robes, with a look of disdain, spoke unceremoniously!
“I say, Zhong De, you are too fanciful. There are countless heroes in the world. Compared to many talented scholars, this Liu Jin merely got lucky, sided with the General, and gained the Emperor's favor, which is why he was continuously promoted.”
“Otherwise, with his identity as a borderland warrior, he would have long been farming in some remote corner, and his name would not have spread throughout Luoyang City.”
“But his luck is only so much. To continue climbing higher, he must rely on true ability. How can he, with his borderland origins and warrior's courage, ever enter the halls of refined society?”
Cheng Yu frowned upon hearing this, looked at the person in front of him, and said coldly!
“General Zhenbei, having risen through military prowess, naturally relies on his courage as a warrior to shed blood on the battlefield, establish merits, and gain the recognition of His Majesty and the court's high-ranking officials.”
“In your eyes, it has become something not worth mentioning, which is nothing more than jealousy of his talent and how, at a young age, his name has resounded throughout the world, while you, despite being well-read, are not given important positions. Truly a laughable bunch.”
Upon hearing this, several people's faces instantly darkened, like cats whose tails had been stepped on. They pointed at Cheng Yu and shouted coldly!
“You… you, Zhong De, are no better.”
“You are also well-read, yet you are not given important positions in the court. What right do you have to speak of us?”
“That General Zhenbei only ascended to a high position by sheer luck. I ask, among the talented people in the world, whose ability is not stronger than his?”