However, despite Chunyu Qiong and Zhang Rang being utterly shocked, one fact could not be changed—

Previously, the imperial edict that Zhang Rang had detained might have had some leeway, but now that it had been publicly read out by the Central Regular Attendant Bi Lan,

There was no room for any further changes to this edict that rewarded the meritorious for quelling the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

Marquis of Huaili, Marquis of Qiantang, and Marquis of Leping.

These were the highest titles granted by Emperor Liu Hong.

In the imperial edict for Qiao Yan, Liu Hong did not hold back his words of praise.

Terms defining steadfast loyalty, strategies and foresight, and victories from afar—evaluations deserving of a great general—along with the phrase “one who is renowned across the land should be greatly rewarded,” composed this title-bestowing decree that transcended gender constraints.

Most striking of all was the concluding phrase, “Respect!”

Zhang Rang, familiar with past imperial edicts to gauge Liu Hong’s intentions, knew that even in titles for county marquises, this phrase “Respect!” was rarely seen.

In previous instances where it had appeared, it signaled extraordinary expectations from the emperor for the recipient.

For example, when Deng Yu, a famed founding general of the Eastern Han Dynasty and the leader of the twenty-eight generals of Yuntai, was appointed Grand Tutor and granted the title Marquis of Can with ten thousand households after Emperor Guangwu ascended the throne, the edict had used such wording.

At that time, Deng Yu was about to confront the Chimei Army after crossing the river into Guanzhong, and Emperor Guangwu had high hopes for him, as expressed in the edict.

Now, this phrase appeared in Qiao Yan’s title edict.

Zhang Rang couldn’t help but ponder what kind of expectations Liu Hong had for this girl who had yet to reach adulthood.

Did he hope she would enhance the Han Dynasty’s legitimacy through her eloquence,

or did he expect her to make significant contributions with her intellect on the granted land of ten thousand households?

Or perhaps, as was typical of this emperor’s unpredictable ways, he simply added the phrase on a whim without much thought?

Regardless of Liu Hong’s intentions, the surprise of Qiao Yan’s title overshadowed the subsequent news mentioned in the edict.

Below the three county marquises were four more appointed as village marquises.

Huangfu Song’s Protecting Army Sima, Fu Xie, who fought bravely at Changshe and distinguished himself in battles in Jizhou under Huangfu Song, received the title of village marquis.

The other three were—

Cao Cao, who held the position of Cavalry Commandant and supported Huangfu Song, personally entering the city gates during the Battle of Guangzong.

Tian Yan, who risked his life to deliver critical information during the Battle of Changshe and whose family also contributed to quelling the Yellow Turbans in Yanzhou.

Xue Fang, the clan leader of the Xue family, who defended Dong’e and assisted in pacifying Yanzhou.

As for why it was Xue Fang who received the title and not Cheng Li, and why Tian Yan was granted a marquis title rather than a regular official position, Qiao Yan could somewhat infer Liu Hong’s intentions.

It seems that at this time, Liu Hong had not yet received Liu Yan’s embryonic proposal regarding the governor system.

Being an intelligent emperor, Liu Hong might be using this opportunity to test whether granting titles to powerful families could curb their ambitions to annex populations and lands.

Qiao Yan had little contact with Xue Fang of the Xue family, but she knew the eldest son of the Tian family, Tian Yan, quite well.

Moreover, Tian Yan’s straightforward nature was evident in his expressions, making it easy to discern his thoughts at this moment.

When Qiao Yan approached him, he did not hide his admiration for her.

To be honest, when Tian Yan risked his life to send out the joint operation letter, he had moments of regret.

After all, he couldn’t be sure if Qiao Yan’s promise of “eternal fame” was just an empty vision.

However, being on the battlefield already, he had no choice but to press on, even if his initial decision was made in a moment of heated enthusiasm.

But now…

Tian Yan felt as if he were dreaming.

The wholesale distribution of marquis titles by the Emperor was significant, but there was a fundamental difference between lesser-established powerful clans and being a marquis of the Han Dynasty.

This was a recognition of social class!

Although the number of households in his marquisate was far fewer than those of Fu Xie and Cao Cao, it was more than enough to satisfy him.

It was also enough for the Tian family!

He almost wanted to rush up and shake Qiao Yan’s hand but realized that such an action would be overly aggressive and inappropriate.

He awkwardly pulled his hand back and said, “It is thanks to your strategy that the Tian family has reached this point. The Tian family will repay this great favor with our entire clan.”

He had been calling Qiao Yan “Master” since she served as military advisor to Liang Zhongning and hadn’t changed the address since.

Then he thought of something and added, “No, now I should address you as the Marquis of Leping.”

“However, can you tell me why the title of marquis was given to me and not my father?” Tian Yan scratched his head in confusion.

Even though the title of marquis fell to the Tian family, it was indeed odd for the son to be ennobled while the father remained a commoner.

Tian Yan’s uncle had made similarly significant contributions.

“The Emperor’s intentions are not for us to speculate,” Qiao Yan replied.

“Indeed, indeed… that makes sense,” Tian Yan said, though he couldn’t help but grin foolishly.

In contrast to Qiao Yan’s calm demeanor, he felt he was being overly excitable.

She had just been granted the title of County Marquis, with the authority to establish her own fief, yet she didn’t display the same giddiness.

It was no wonder she received such high praise from the Emperor even before meeting him formally.

It wasn’t just Tian Yan who thought Qiao Yan was composed.

Cao Cao thought so too.

As Qiao Yan finished subtly inquiring about the Tian family’s plans from Tian Yan and was heading towards the camp, she happened to encounter Cao Cao, who was also walking outside.

According to the Han Dynasty’s hierarchy, Qiao Yan, with her title of Marquis of Leping, held a status akin to the commanding flag in the camp, second only to Huangfu Song and Lu Zhi.

Even Cao Cao had to show her respect.

But Qiao Yan began with a casual “Uncle,” setting the tone for a private conversation, so Cao Cao did not insist on formalities.

“I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you yet, Uncle,” Qiao Yan said, “Not just for becoming a village marquis, but for being appointed Chancellor of Jinan.”

Cao Cao asked, “Why is your congratulations different from others?

The Chancellor of Jinan and Cavalry Commandant both wear silver seals and blue ribbons.

With the remnants of the Yellow Turban Rebellion still a threat, the position of Chancellor of Jinan is not easy.

In contrast, the position of Cavalry Commandant, a metropolitan official, comes with the support of the Yulin Cavalry. It’s merely a lateral move.”

“Uncle, judging by your tone, aren’t you particularly satisfied with this position?” Qiao Yan retorted, “Don’t deceive me because of my youth.”

Indeed, while the positions of metropolitan official and Chancellor of Jinan are similar in rank and insignia, the advancement of Han officials differs from that of court eunuchs.

Being closer to the Emperor is not always better; it’s often beneficial to have the experience of governing a county as a governor.

The Chancellor of Jinan’s salary and authority are equivalent to that of a governor, making him the highest administrative officer in the State of Jinan.

If an average person were placed in this position, they might indeed prefer the path of metropolitan officials.

But this was Cao Cao, which made it a different story.

Qiao Yan continued, “Uncle, you have the talent for governance, not just military prowess.

General Huangfu’s promotion from Assistant General to Cavalry General is his path.

But I see your path leading to the Three Excellencies and Nine Ministers of the central court.

If you can demonstrate your capabilities as the Chancellor of Jinan, you will undoubtedly be promoted within five years.”

“The lingering effects of the Yellow Turban Rebellion still pose a threat.

In my opinion, Uncle, that can’t be your true feelings. If it weren’t for the chaos, how else would you have the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities?” Qiao Yan said.

Cao Cao stroked his beard and laughed heartily. “The Emperor’s praise for your strategic insight and judgment is indeed the highest compliment one could receive.

For someone as perceptive and discerning as Marquis Qiao to speak of my potential for advancement, what virtues do I possess to deserve such recognition?”

He pondered for a moment and then asked, “Speaking of promotions, it’s not just me who has been elevated. How many others have you predicted to rise?”

The latter half of Cao Cao’s sentence was spoken in a lower tone, almost as if he were gossiping rather than inquiring.

Qiao Yan also lowered her voice in response. “Uncle, since you recognize me as your junior, I naturally speak more freely with you.”

The implication was that she would not discuss such matters about others.

In fact, Qiao Yan truly only saw Cao Cao’s promotion prospects as promising.

Huangfu Song’s prowess in warfare was unparalleled among his peers in the late Han Dynasty, and his Deputy Commander Fu Xie was exceptionally brave.

However, the Grand General position was occupied by He Jin, leaving Huangfu Song with only the title of General of the Left, which, despite its prestige, was limited.

Although he reached this position in the fifth year of Zhongping, his straightforward nature and lack of political tact meant that his rise was more out of necessity than merit.

Before this, he had been demoted due to slander from Zhao Zhong and Zhang Rang, losing six thousand households from his fief and being relegated to the position of Marquis of Duxiang.

Lu Zhi had the ability to lead troops but was almost indifferent to fame and fortune.

He preferred scholarly pursuits over military campaigns, so maintaining his position was sufficient, with no need for further advancement.

As for Liu Bei, he had significantly improved his status compared to his original post as the county magistrate of Anxi County.

Because Lu Zhi had not been demoted, Liu Bei’s achievements were accurately recorded, making him the Military Advisor of Qinghe County, filling the vacancy in Jizhou’s officialdom.

However, a peculiar situation arose one or two years after the suppression of the Yellow Turbans.

Emperor Liu Hong, known for his meticulous calculations, ordered a review and selection process to weed out officials appointed due to military merit.

Liu Bei, unlike Cao Cao, lacked a prominent family background.

Even with his exceptional interpersonal skills, which Qiao Yan deeply respected, his prospects for advancement as the Military Advisor of Qinghe County seemed bleak without causing any dramatic incidents or resigning in protest.

Advancement would be challenging.

Cao Cao, unaware of these unspoken thoughts of Qiao Yan, simply thought that acknowledging her as his niece had not been in vain.