In the Jiade Palace.
The three dukes and nine ministers, all the scholar-bureaucrats in the court, had long been shocked.
Their heads were covered in cold sweat. They did not have the guts to interrupt Chen Mu and Liu Hong's conversation.?
This was because they did not have Chen Mu's ability to wipe out the foreign tribes, nor did they have his achievements and status. If they were to rashly interject, they would only be hated by Liu Hong and even be expelled from the imperial court.
Therefore, it was better to just listen to the conversation.
"Fifteen years!"
Liu Hong muttered to himself. Finally, he stood up and looked down at all the officials."Chen Mu, if you can destroy the Southern Xiongnu within two years, I will personally preside over your marriage. If you can destroy the Wuhuan within five years, I will confer you the title of General of the Flying Cavalry. If you can destroy the Xianbei in my lifetime, I will go beyond the ancestral system and confer you the title of the only Duke of the Great Han Dynasty, the Duke of Guarding Country.”
Yuan Kui stepped out of the ranks and knelt in the main hall. He said with grief and indignation,"Your Majesty, a duke is the prelude to becoming a king. We must not set a precedent!”
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
The Dahonglu Official stepped out and knelt beside Yuan Kui.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
The three dukes and nine ministers, scholar-bureaucrats, etc., all came out to agree.
Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, Cao Cao, Cai Yong, and the others were all kneeling on the ground, trembling with fear. It was obvious how afraid they were of Liu Hong's decision.
After Liu Bang founded the country, he issued a decree that the Han Dynasty could not be granted the title of king unless it was the Han Dynasty. Otherwise, the whole world would kill him.
Now, Liu Hong was going to confer Chen Mu the title of Defender Duke. This was the pace of a prince. They were shocked, angry, and afraid!
"You guys!"
Chen Mu's gaze swept across Jiade Hall. Only he and Liu Hong were left standing. The rest of them had bowed their heads.?
In his previous life, he had some understanding of the late Han Dynasty.
At a certain time, Cao Cao conferred the title of Duke of Wei and forced Xun Yu, who was loyal to the Han Dynasty, to die. Three or four years later, he conferred the title of King of Wei. This formed the final power of the Three Kingdoms. It could be seen how terrifying the existence of a Duke was.
"Chen Mu!"
Liu Hong's eyes were filled with ambition."I am the emperor of Great Han. I am a minister, and the king is the king. My promise is the Great Han's heavenly words. I have forged the national seal and made the duke's royal robes.”
"Good!"
Chen Mu's gaze was clear and determined.?
At this moment, he finally understood what it meant to be an emperor.
Even though he was fatuous, he still had ambitions in his heart. When he saw a trace of opportunity, he would still pursue the path to surpass the previous emperor.
"Zhen will wait for you in Luoyang.”
Liu Hong waved his sleeve and headed toward the study room with the Zhongxing Sword.
Today, in the Jiade Hall, the shocking bet between the Emperor and the Marquis would definitely shock the world and enter the annals of history.
Liu Hong knew that he did not have much time left. At most, he would not live for more than ten years. He wanted to become an emperor who expanded his territory.
Therefore, he had bet that Chen Mu wanted to become a duke, and he would be conferred the title of Marquis and Minister. This was beyond the ancestral system, and the Han Dynasty had not seen such a title for four hundred years. No ordinary person would give it up.
"Ha!"
Chen Mu chuckled as he looked at the officials on the ground. He turned around and left Jiade Hall.?
According to later records, Liu Hong died in the fifth month of the sixth year of Zhongping. Now, it was the eighth month of the sixth year of Guanghe. It had only been five or six years since then. He still had a long way to go before he could be conferred the title of Duke!
"Thief of the country!"
Yuan Kui looked at Chen Mu's back, his eyes filled with jealousy and hatred.?
Who wouldn't want to be conferred the title of Duke? However, it was beyond the ancestral system. Without great achievements, no one would dare to accept it.
If Chen Mu could really wipe out the Hu Tribe outside the Pass before Liu Hong passed away, he would definitely be looked up to by the people of the world and become the first Duke in the four hundred years since the founding of the Great Han Dynasty. This could no longer be described as an honor.
"Deacon Yuan, don't spout nonsense!"
Wei Wei Yang Biao's eyes were filled with fear as he said,""Chen Mu is His Majesty's favorite subject. He has ascended to the heavens in a single bound. If His Majesty were to know about the four words you said, I'm afraid the Yuan family would suffer!”
"Chen Mu, is he a favored minister?"
Cao Cao's eyes flashed with disdain.
From his point of view, Chen Mu was not a favored minister. He was a minister with actual military merits, just like Wei Huo. He was conferred the title of marquis at a young age, roaming the plains as if there was no one else around. He had done extraordinary things like killing Tan Shihuai and Ke Bineng.?
For such a capable person to be called a favored minister by Yang Biao was simply a slap to the faces of these court officials!
"Bo Ni!"
Lu Zhi stopped Cai Yong in front of the Cang Dragon Gate and said in a deep voice,""How did you get involved with someone like Chen Mu? What His Majesty said in the palace hall today was not a lie. The so-called marriage decree was also a seal placed on him to make your daughter suffer!”
Cai Yong sighed." This matter really has nothing to do with me. Two days ago, Zhang Rang came to the residence and revealed that His Majesty wanted to bestow a marriage!"”
Huangfu Song said in a deep voice," His Majesty wants to imitate Emperor Wu's betrothal to Wei Huo. Unfortunately, there are no suitable candidates in the imperial clan. That's why he chose Zhao Ji as a princess with another surname. She is the most talented woman in the world and the most brave warrior in the world. It's really a beautiful story. I hope that Chen Mu can really flatten the Southern Xiongnu in two years!"”
"This is a Life Tribulation!"
Cai Yong turned to look at the Jiade Hall and sighed," If Chen Mu can pass this trial, he will truly be like a hidden dragon rising into the abyss. He will become the only person in the 400 years of the Great Han Dynasty. If he can't pass this trial, Zhao Ji's life will be miserable!”
"Let's go!"
Lu Zhi shot a glance at Yuan Kui, Yang Biao, and the others who had walked out of the palace gates before leaving the Imperial Palace.
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