The five people who were called out stepped forward, and more importantly, among these five, aside from Qin Fang, the others were all guerrilla generals.

Many people looked at Qin Fang, as this lineup was quite peculiar.

Du Ke then said, “Since everyone is here, you might as well accompany me to meet the barbarian tribe leaders. After all, this matter also concerns you.”

“Yes.”

The barbarian tribes had many factions.

Not counting the smaller ones, there were five major tribes.

Among these five tribes, two had originally pledged allegiance, one maintained neutrality, and the remaining two had no intention of submitting.

Thus, this time, Du Ke was meeting with the leaders of the two major tribes that had pledged allegiance and the leader of the neutral tribe, a total of three individuals.

Although Qin Fang and the others didn’t understand the details, Du Ke did not elaborate, only stating that it was related to them, so they could only follow along.

Marquis Yonghe led them to the meeting tent and then sent someone to invite the three tribal leaders.

When the three tribal leaders arrived, they exchanged pleasantries with Du Ke.

Du Ke then said, “I have been ordered to handle the matter of your allegiance, and since you are eager to know, I won’t beat around the bush. Let’s get straight to the point.”

The tribal leaders responded, “Please speak, Vice Minister Du.”

Du Ke continued, “After you pledge allegiance, your tribesmen will become the citizens of our Qi Kingdom, enjoying the same treatment as our citizens while also bearing the same responsibilities. In summary, you will be Qi Kingdom people and no longer merely tribal members.”

The tribal leaders had no objections to this; becoming citizens of the Qi Kingdom and enjoying the same treatment while bearing the same responsibilities was the best outcome for them. “May I ask, Minister Du, how will His Majesty arrange for us?”

Du Ke replied, “His Majesty has designated several areas within Qi Kingdom as your settlement areas. Your two major tribes, along with the scattered smaller tribes you’ve counted, will have a total of 18,000 people.

These 18,000 people will be led to their settlements by the five generals across from you.

Of course, the 18,000 people will be settled in different locations. Once settled, you will be granted citizenship documents just like those of Qi Kingdom citizens…”

What Du Ke said was basically the same suggestion that Qin Fang had proposed earlier, but the court had provided more detailed information. “Do you have any objections to this?”

The two tribal leaders exchanged glances and ultimately said in unison, “We have no objections.”

They sincerely pledged allegiance to Qi Kingdom, so as long as the emperor did not mistreat them, they had no preference on how they were arranged.

They could also understand the emperor’s reasoning for dispersing them. “In that case, we thank His Majesty.”

Du Ke was also pleased with their promptness: “If that’s the case, each leader should return and organize your tribesmen. In half a month, you will bring your tribes here, and we will make specific arrangements.

During this time, our Yongzhou army will deploy 20,000 troops to ensure your safety in your tribes.”

This was to prevent them from being attacked by those unwilling to pledge allegiance.

“Yes.”

The two tribal leaders had no objections, while the neutral tribal leader thought for a moment, deciding to observe first. If the arrangements were good, he could still pledge allegiance later.

The three tribal leaders returned to the barbarian tribes with the 20,000 Qi Kingdom soldiers, who were personally led by Marquis Yonghe’s heir.

Du Ke then turned to Qin Fang and the other five.

Earlier, he had referred to these five as generals, but in reality, Qin Fang was merely a captain.

So after hearing Du Ke’s words, everyone understood that Qin Fang was about to be promoted.

Du Ke scanned the five and asked, “Which one is Qin Fang?”

Qin Fang stepped forward and said, “I am Qin Fang, Your Excellency.”

Du Ke squinted and carefully examined the young man in front of him. “Lift your head.”

Qin Fang raised his head.

His strong, chiseled features were very handsome; his deep-set eyes, full forehead, and prominent nose gave him an imposing presence.

Although he tried hard to maintain his composure, his tightly pressed lips revealed his nervousness.

Du Ke had seen countless people, and he could tell that someone like Qin Fang, at this age, had not encountered many situations and had only interacted with others in the military camp.

Therefore, whether this person was loyal or treacherous could not escape his eyes. “Qin Fang, His Majesty said you are quite good.”

Finally, as cold sweat broke out on Qin Fang’s forehead, he spoke.

Qin Fang was taken aback and quickly replied, “Thank you for the Emperor’s praise.”

He could hardly contain his excitement.

Did someone like him actually leave a name before the Emperor?

Du Ke smiled, “No need to be nervous. The plan you proposed regarding the accommodation of the surrendered tribes is very good. This plan was put forward by you, so you will also be involved in the arrangements. Therefore… Qin Fang, receive the imperial decree.”

Imperial decree?

“Long live the Emperor!”

Qin Fang and the others knelt down.

Du Ke declared, “By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor’s decree states: Qin Fang, the Thousand-man Commander of Yongzhou Army, is brave and resourceful, loyal and trustworthy, with noble character… He is hereby appointed as a General of Martial Virtue of the Fifth Rank.”

Qin Fang was stunned, trembling in place, kneeling dumbly and completely forgetting to react.

At that moment, his mind was blank.

Since entering the military camp, he had worked hard to practice martial arts, train diligently, and learn to read.

After getting married, he was even more diligent, hoping to achieve success and be worthy of Yanyan.

But now, he had suddenly become a Fifth-Rank General, and he found it hard to believe.

General Ao noticed and gave him a nudge. “Qin Fang.”

Du Ke said, “It’s alright; young people are bound to be a little excited.”

Qin Fang regained his senses and bowed deeply three times. “I will certainly devote myself to His Majesty and serve until death.”

Du Ke laughed heartily, pleased with the young man, whose eyes were red and swollen, and whose etiquette was somewhat unrefined.

He liked such honest and sincere people. “By the way, there is also a decree here for your esteemed wife.”

Generally speaking, when a husband is promoted, his wife also receives a decree.

However, sometimes, the Emperor might deliberately hold back.

In other cases, like Qin Fang’s earlier promotion to Thousand-man Commander, although it was given by the Emperor, the procedures were still handled by the Ministry of War, and the Emperor might not even remember such matters.

So it was even less likely for a decree to be given to the wife of a Thousand-man Commander.

Qin Fang received the decree again. “Thank you, Your Majesty, and thank you, Sir Du.”

Du Ke nodded in satisfaction. “Your position as Thousand-man Commander has become vacant; remember to arrange for someone to take your place. And you all…”

He looked at General Ao and the others. “You five have been ordered to arrange for the surrendered tribes and may bring along two Seventh-Rank loyal officers.

Additionally, you will take two hundred people from the Yongzhou Army. Furthermore, after you settle the surrendered tribes, you will also be tasked with two important responsibilities: one is to monitor the surrendered tribes, and the second is to act as the city’s garrison commander.

The garrison commander can organize a thousand troops; you will take two hundred, and the remaining eight hundred should be selected from the local common people.”

Qin Fang and the others replied, “Understood.”

Du Ke said, “You may leave; Qin Fang, stay behind.”

“Understood.”

Left alone, Qin Fang felt tense, awkwardly looking at Du Ke, unsure of what the Deputy Minister of War wanted to say.

Du Ke did not put him in a difficult position nor did he beat around the bush.

In his eyes, a person like Qin Fang wasn’t worth such subtleties.

So he spoke frankly, “Regarding the position of Thousand-man Commander, do you have any suitable candidates in mind?”

Qin Fang didn’t expect Du Ke to ask this.

He had just wanted to mention Han Zhen, but rationality stopped him.

For some reason, he paused for a moment and then replied, “Do you have anyone in mind, Sir?”

A mere Thousand-man Commander shouldn’t warrant the Deputy Minister’s attention, yet Du Ke had paid attention and even specifically reminded him.

So Qin Fang couldn’t help but think a bit more about it before asking.

Du Ke glanced at him. “What do you think of Wei Wu?”

Qin Fang’s heart sank; of course, he wasn’t suitable.

Compared to other aristocratic youths, Wei Wu was indeed a good candidate.

He was cooperative while on duty and was never spoiled or pampered, plus his temperament was quite good.

However, in terms of qualifications, he fell short.

In Qin Fang’s opinion, Han Zhen was more suitable to be the Thousand-man Commander.

However, since Du Ke had asked this, it indicated he wanted Wei Wu to take the Thousand-man Commander position.

But asking Qin Fang to say something good about Wei Wu went against his conscience.

Du Ke said, “Feel free to speak frankly.”

After filtering through his thoughts multiple times.

Qin Fang finally said, “As for the Captain, a Thousand-man Commander position, I believe Han Zhen is a more suitable candidate.

Han Zhen was a Hundred-man Centurion and competed with me for the Thousand-man Commander position, but lost to me by half a move.

He is exceptionally skilled and cautious. As for Wei Wu, given his character, he is not fit for the Thousand-man Commander position but could serve as a Hundred-man Commander to gain experience.

We can make a decision later. What do you think, Sir?”

Of course, if Du Ke insisted on Wei Wu as Thousand-man Commander, he had no way to stop it.

He was just making a suggestion; who could actually take the position was not up to him to decide.

Du Ke pondered for a moment. “Alright, we’ll go with your suggestion.”

Qin Fang held his breath, and upon seeing Du Ke agree, he finally relaxed. “May I ask, Sir, if you have any instructions regarding the officer candidates?”

Du Ke smiled again. “You can take two hundred people from your subordinates, and you can decide on the officer candidates yourself. This matter does not concern me.”

After all, a mere garrison officer for a county town was a small matter he wouldn’t manage.

Qin Fang replied, “Understood.”

Du Ke waved his hand, indicating, “Alright, you may go and make arrangements.”

Qin Fang replied, “Yes, I take my leave.”

Qin Fang respectfully left, and it wasn’t until he was outside that he felt as if he had just woken from a dream.

He pinched his thigh hard; the pain confirmed that this was not a dream.

He had been promoted; he was now a division general; he… could finally support his family.

Qin Fang joyfully jumped up, attracting the attention of other soldiers.

He cleared his throat and quickly left with a serious expression.

Upon returning to District 18, he immediately summoned the Ten Centurion under his command to hold a meeting.