During the Han Dynasty, there were various military titles for generals.

Apart from the permanent title of “Grand General,” most other titles were often temporarily suspended after wars ended.

However, given the current state of turmoil, these military titles are now in regular use.

Above the title of “General Suppressing the Rebels” were many others, including the Grand General He Jin, General of Agile Cavalry Dong Chong, General of Chariots and Cavalry He Miao, and the temporarily vacant position of General of the Guards.

These four military titles were often given to relatives of the emperor, except in special cases like the campaign against the rebels in Liangzhou led by Huangfu Song and Zhang Wen.

So, it was a great surprise and honor for Qiao Yan to receive the title of “General Suppressing the Rebels.”

This meant that among the current four governors of the provinces, she was the youngest yet held the highest status with both the title of county marquis and general.

Except for Liu Yu, who might gain prestige by becoming the Grand Tutor next year, no one else could surpass her.

If Liu Bian or Liu Xie ascended the throne as historically expected, neither would have much time to grant titles to generals and governors.

The other would grant titles with less legitimacy, making Qiao Yan’s title of “General Suppressing the Rebels” even more valuable.

Once chaos ensues, this title, initially given by Liu Hong as a symbolic reward, would become her legitimate basis for opposing and suppressing rebels.

Additionally, if the rule allowing only generals with specific titles to open their own administrative offices changed, she could appoint officials under her command when her provincial governor’s office positions were filled.

This decree from Liu Hong was not just a tool, but an additional weapon for her.

Though many ideas flashed through Qiao Yan’s mind, she maintained a respectful and surprised demeanor as she accepted the decree from Bi Lan.

“I will not disappoint His Majesty’s trust. I will take it as my duty to eliminate external threats and stabilize the borders,” Qiao Yan said.

After rising, she asked Bi Lan, “Would you like to accompany me to see the overturned chariot?”

Qiao Yan aimed to maintain normal relations with the other palace attendants, but Bi Lan was special.

Despite the ease of contacting Ma Jun due to Ma Lun, talents in mechanics were always valuable.

Bi Lan’s skills were used by Liu Hong to build copper automata and water wheels, but in Qiao Yan’s hands, they could achieve much more.

Since Bi Lan delivered the decree, it was a good opportunity to strengthen their relationship.

Before leading Bi Lan to the inspection site, Qiao Yan had already made arrangements to ensure there were no plows or iron rakes in the fields they would pass through.

Fortunately, it was already April, and the fields were lush with seedlings, so these tools had been temporarily removed, preventing any embarrassment.

Thus, what Bi Lan saw was a scene even greener than the farmland in the three auxiliary areas (the central provinces).

The farmers worked peacefully, clearly not putting on a show for the arrival of the emperor’s envoy.

He couldn’t help but praise, “Marquis Qiao is not only skilled in archery and horseback riding and adept at commanding troops, but even the agricultural achievements in this region can be considered among the best.”

Thinking about this place being in Bingzhou, which people from Luoyang regarded as a remote area, Bi Lan’s praise became even more sincere.

He paused for a moment, looking at the overturned water channel in the fields.

Some thoughts didn’t need to be voiced; Qiao Yan understood what was on his mind.

As eunuchs, they served as valuable tools in the emperor’s grasp of power.

Even if they had no heirs to continue their lineage, they likely did not just want to enjoy their wealth and power during their lifetimes; they didn’t want to end up like Wang Fu, whose corpse would be left unattended.

If they could leave a mark in history in a way that benefited the people, it would indeed be a remarkable thing.

But Liu Hong only used his unique creations as decorations or for amusement, unlike Qiao Yan, who was concerned about the welfare of the common people.

When Bi Lan left Jinyang, he felt somewhat reluctant.

He started thinking about whether he should come up with some special inventions after returning to Luoyang to do something tangible for Qiao Yan.

With this thought in mind, he even forgot that his task of announcing the decree should have included receiving a reward from her.

Naturally, Qiao Yan would not remind him of this.

Overall, everyone was in a state of mutual happiness, so there was no need to give her staff an additional task of managing expenses from the treasury.

Qiao Yan had a mindset that the emperor hadn’t given any rewards, so she didn’t need to return any either.

However, after sending Bi Lan off, she turned and met the teasing gaze of Xi Zhicai.

“Seeing through it but not mentioning it is what a competent official should do, wouldn’t you agree, sir?” Qiao Yan said.

Xi Zhicai cupped his hands in salute and said, “Spiritual satisfaction is still satisfaction. Marquis, your brilliance is beyond my reach. I merely want to offer my congratulations once more.”

“For what reason?” Qiao Yan asked.

“This new town around Baidao River is now effectively your private property,” Xi Zhicai replied calmly.

Indeed!

With this approval, the area in northern Bingzhou specifically managed by her was now fully established.

From Baidaokou, Wugao, Wuyao, and Liangcheng along the southern foot of the Yinshan Mountains, extending 300 miles south, there was hardly any population within Bingzhou’s borders.

This area, irrigated by the Yellow River tributaries, containing salt lakes and Dahe, as well as coal and iron ore deposits for her to exploit, was truly a treasure trove.

With the establishment of a border fortress at Baidaokou, military farms in this wasteland could officially be set up.

Sowing in April was not too late!

Historically, the nearest name for this new city in this era would have been Dongshouxiang City.

However, given Qiao Yan’s consideration of the grassland’s strategic importance, she decided it should not be named that.

So, she considered either following the naming convention of Wuyao, Wugao, and Wuquan, calling it Wuchuan, or, as she decided in terms of her territorial control, naming it—

Suiyuan City.

This was a name that had appeared in later eras for this place.

This name, like Shouxiang City, also implied pacification and control but was much more subdued.

Although Lu Bu thought the name was a bit modest, when Qiao Yan appointed him to oversee the construction of the new city from Yanmen, he was visibly eager.

Just four months ago, when he last came to the Bingzhou provincial government, he was a mere civilian, having resigned from his county official position.

He couldn’t have imagined that in less than half a year, he would have fought enemies beyond the border and received the post of Commandant of Yunzhong County.

“During the establishment of Suiyuan City, I hope you will temporarily stay in Leping,” Qiao Yan said, gesturing for him to sit.

Before Lu Bu could ask why he needed to go to Leping, she continued, “I have high expectations for Suiyuan City. I have already sent experienced farmers to measure the arable land in Baidao River. I plan to build the city walls with cement and green bricks, similar to the walls of Guyang Road. As the person in charge, if you know nothing about this and yet have been promoted so quickly, it will be difficult for others to accept.”

Lu Bu thought carefully and agreed that Qiao Yan made a valid point.

If he only had martial prowess, he wouldn’t deserve a high position.

After all, he had been defeated by Zhang Liao and, despite holding the title of Commandant of Yunzhong County, he would still be under Zhang Liao’s command if military action was needed.

To govern a city, he needed the corresponding skills!

Qiao Yan continued, “You will stay at the Leping Academy for two months. I will arrange for special instructors to teach you, ensuring that when you resume overseeing the construction of Suiyuan City, you will be well-versed in all the project details. What do you think?”

With the appointment letter of Commandant of Yunzhong County still in his hand, Lu Bu had no reason to refuse.

Then, Qiao Yan added, “I heard you have a daughter who is eight years old. It’s time for her to start her education. Why not send her to the academy as well? Recently, Governor Guo mentioned that he plans to send his son Guo Huai there too, so they can enroll together.”

Lü Bu agreed without hesitation.

Who was Guo Yun? He was from the prestigious Guo family of Yangqu!

If someone with such a background chose to send his son to Leping Academy, it showed his trust in Qiao Yan’s ability to educate.

If his daughter could receive such an education, even if she didn’t have a legendary career like Qiao Yan, becoming a female official under Qiao Yan, similar to Cai Yan, would be a good outcome.

However, after stepping out of the provincial government building, a serious thought struck him.

Wouldn’t that mean he and his daughter would be studying at the same academy?