A first-class Baron, of the second rank.

Fan Xian pondered the weight of this title in his mind, worried that receiving it would stir up controversy. In truth, he was being overly cautious. Although the mission to Northern Qi wasn't overtly dangerous, it was still a tough assignment. At the beginning of spring, His Majesty had rebuffed Prime Minister Lin and Vice Minister Fan in court, forcibly kicking him out of Kyoto. Although Fan Jian was later promoted to Minister, granting Fan Xian a barony now would simply be seen as a second compensation to the Fan household, and no one would find it particularly surprising.

Moreover, since arriving in Kyoto, everyone knew that the main reason the Emperor appreciated the Fan family's young master was his so-called literary talent, which perfectly aligned with His Majesty's grand strategy of promoting literature and governance. Fan Xian had returned from Northern Qi with a carriage full of books, so His Majesty would naturally reward him.

Although Fan Xian's current position meant he didn't particularly care for a mere barony, granting a title ultimately came down to kinship and nobility, which would always be somewhat beneficial. He looked at his father and asked, "When will the decree be issued?"

The father and son had been talking in the study for half the day. Fan Xian recounted the less secretive parts of his mission, and whenever he was about to touch on matters related to the courtyard, Minister Fan preemptively waved his hand, telling him to skip over them.

In the end, Fan Xian had grown up in Danzhou and rarely interacted with his father after entering Kyoto. Most of their conversations took place in this simple yet unique study. As a result, their emotional connection was somewhat lacking. But for some reason, seeing the graying hair at Fan Jian's temples and recalling the prominent figures of Northern Qi who had faded with time, Fan Xian felt a touch of guilt amid the melancholy.

Director Chen was right: Si Nan Baron owed Fan Xian nothing; Fan Xian owed him a great deal.

"Tomorrow you'll enter the palace, and the decree will probably be announced," Minister Fan said, closing his eyes and enjoying the fruit juice Liu Shi prepared for him every night. "You did well this time in the north. Director Chen recommended you for merit, and His Majesty is very pleased."

Fan Xian thought that besides his own secret affairs, he hadn't really done anything for the court during this trip to Northern Qi. Even Yan Bingyun's return was just a matter of convenience and couldn't be considered an accomplishment. He forced a smile and said, "Actually, I didn't really do anything on this trip."

"Sometimes, doing nothing is truly doing well," Minister Fan slowly opened his eyes.

Fan Xian's heart tightened. He thought his father was going to take the opportunity to reprimand him for the incident outside Kyoto involving the First Prince. However, Fan Jian didn't mention it at all and instead changed the subject: "I've told you many times not to get too close to the Overwatch Council. I didn't expect you to ignore me and be tricked onto that old dog Chen Pingping's ship..."

Minister Fan seemed genuinely displeased at this point: "Safely guarding the Internal Treasury, in others' eyes, is such a rare opportunity."

Fan Xian smiled wryly, "I'd like to, but as you know, the Princess of Xin is unwilling to let go. Moreover, she was the one who started it. If I didn't join the Overwatch Council, how could I contend with such a person?"

Minister Fan sighed, realizing he hadn't considered this matter thoroughly enough, not anticipating the Princess's strong reaction. He waved his hand and said, "After all, she's His Majesty's younger sister, the Empress Dowager's most beloved daughter, and Wan'er's mother. Let the past be the past."

Fan Xian believed this. While he didn't believe his father was the type to swallow his grievances, he knew Fan Jian's loyalty to the royal family was unwavering. He only sought to secure his family's interests within permissible bounds. Moreover, Fan Jian had always strongly urged him to stay away from the Overwatch Council, not wanting him to get involved in the exceptionally complex and treacherous political struggles of Kyoto.

But... the Internal Treasury was about money, the court was about politics, and money and politics were always twins. It seemed his father hadn't fully understood this principle from the beginning. Nevertheless, Fan Xian was grateful for Si Nan Baron's concern and said, "Please rest assured, Father, I will be careful."

Fan Jian was somewhat pleased with his response and asked, "Only the truly strong are qualified to show weakness. The weak are inherently weak; there's no need for them to 'show' anything. Consider it yourself."

Fan Xian understood his father's meaning and smiled. He suddenly thought of something else and asked, "Father, after returning to Kyoto, can Gao Da and the other seven still follow me?"

Minister Fan glanced at his son, a hint of gentle amusement appearing in his usually stern eyes: "As you know, I only train and manage the Tiger Guards for the royal family. The real power of deployment lies in the palace. If you want to keep those Tiger Guards, I'll have to speak on your behalf in the palace, but I doubt His Majesty will agree."

Fan Xian smiled wryly. He was indeed reluctant to part with Gao Da and the seven long-sword Tiger Guards. Having such silent experts as bodyguards would greatly ensure his safety. On the grasslands outside Misty Crossing River, their combined seven-sword attack could even hold off Haitang without giving her an advantage. This level of strength was a step above even the swordsmen of the Overwatch Council's Sixth Bureau, let alone his original Qinian Group – his most loyal and trusted force. Although under Wang Qinian's training, they were gradually improving in intelligence gathering and other matters, their martial prowess was still lacking.

But he also understood that the Tiger Guards were usually assigned to princes as guards. For example, there were several in the Western Route Army's personal guard battalion, responsible for the First Prince's safety. Although His Majesty occasionally assigned Tiger Guards to certain ministers, it was always for special missions. For example, when his father-in-law, Prime Minister Lin, resigned and returned to his hometown, His Majesty sent four Tiger Guards to accompany him, to commend the Prime Minister's lifelong service to the country and ensure his safety on the road. After the specific task was completed, the Tiger Guards would return to Kyoto and disappear into those inconspicuous residences.

Fan Xian knew so much because Fan Jian was always responsible for handling these matters for His Majesty. Now that the delegation had returned to Kyoto, if the Tiger Guards continued to follow him, it would inevitably cause trouble if the royal family found out.

Minister Fan smiled, seeing the regret on his son's face. He thought that although this child had much of his mother's style and talent surpassing ordinary people, he was still just a young man. He couldn't help but remind him, "During the days you were away, that scholar named Shi Chanli often came to the residence to inquire about your well-being. I've met him a few times. He's indeed a talented person who doesn't show off."

Fan Xian was stunned, then immediately understood that his father, knowing he was determined not to request a reduction in power and leave the Overwatch Council, had begun to plan his career in the court. This was a reminder not to forget those protégés. Although his position in the hearts of the world's scholars was established, and the protégés left behind in the court by his father-in-law, the Prime Minister, could also assist, over time, it was always necessary to have some of his own people who could speak up in the court.

Understanding his father's thoughts, Fan Xian couldn't help but feel moved. But a man could never learn to express such feelings. He simply bowed deeply to his father.

Minister Fan waved his hand, telling him to retire to his room. Fan Xian thought for a moment that it was best not to bring up his sister's marriage too early. Such arrangements could only be made gradually. He respectfully withdrew from the room.

Watching Fan Xian's erect back as he left the study, Minister Fan couldn't help but reveal a hint of pride and comfort in his eyes. What more could a father ask for than to have such a son? He gently drank the last drop of fruit juice in the bowl, knowing full well that this child had long guessed something, but given his character, since the other party didn't say anything, it was naturally fine... The Fan family's future depended on this child.

Thinking of this, Minister Fan couldn't help but admire Prime Minister Lin, who had already distanced himself from the center of power in Qing Kingdom, thinking that the old fox was truly lucky. He had paid so much, worked hard for more than a decade, and all he had to do was give birth to a daughter to get it.

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In September, life was uneventful and boring, everything was fine, just lacking worries.

Fan Xian sat in his carriage, gently tapping the wooden lattice of the window, humming a song in a strange rhythm that others couldn't understand. Entering the palace was a serious matter for most officials, but he just found it boring. Having returned to Kyoto for the first time and reaching an agreement with his wife and father, he felt that there was temporarily nothing to worry about in the entire court, inside and outside Kyoto. After receiving his title in the palace, kowtowing, and sorting things out in the Overwatch Council, it seemed he would only be going back to Cangshan to practice cliff jumping again.

The fingers tapping the window suddenly froze. He suddenly remembered his sister's marriage and that Li Hongcheng was planning to hold a banquet on the Liujing River that night to welcome him. His expression immediately darkened. This uneventful and boring September was turning out to be a damn life after all.

……

……

Today was a grand court assembly. Early in the morning, many officials arrived outside the palace gate to wait. It was said that in earlier years, some senior officials, to show their diligence and loyalty to the Emperor, would begin preparing their court attire in the middle of the night and arrive outside the palace gate before dawn, just to wait for the sound of the palace gate opening. After these old officials retired, they would feel particularly uncomfortable if they didn't hear that creaking sound for many nights.

Now that the Sage Emperor was on the throne, he detested those who sought fame. Therefore, the officials didn't dare to arrive too early, but they didn't dare to arrive too late either. Someone came up with the idea that some of the great ministers booked seats in the teahouse at Xin Street Intersection. They would get up from their residences at dawn and wait in the teahouse's private room, having their attendants watch the palace gate from afar so they could accurately time their arrival to queue up.

The Overwatch Council's Supervisor had no official rank. Apart from that mysterious figure whom people had forgotten, Fan Xian was the first Supervisor since the founding of Qing Kingdom. Therefore, he still only held the rank of a fourth-grade official from the Imperial College. If it weren't for His Majesty wanting to hear the delegation's report, he would not have had the qualifications to attend court. So, he didn't have any court attire to spend half the day wearing. He departed from the Fan residence in the early morning, taking his time. By the time he arrived at the palace gate, he was much later than most of the ministers.

A prominent person was easily envied, especially a young upstart who had become so popular in Kyoto in just a year and a half. Moreover, this upstart had once torn the faces of most Kyoto officials, successfully ruining a Minister and driving another away. Like the soft-shelled turtle croaking and the turtle responding, when the rabbit died, the fox mourned. The crowd looked at the handsome Supervisor of the Overwatch Council yawning as he stepped down from the carriage, and their eyes held a bit more caution and three threads of disgust.

Fan Xian looked around and also sensed that the atmosphere was a bit off. These ministers were either Ministers of various departments or senior officials of some temple, all starting from the second rank. Whose wives didn't have titles, whose homes didn't have a few items bestowed by the Emperor? He was so young and yet he arrived later than these ministers... If he didn't have Minister Fan behind him, especially that old cripple, these true high-ranking officials of Qing Kingdom would have already started scolding him.

They naturally couldn't scold him now, but the ministers wouldn't give him a pleasant look either. They coldly glanced at him and turned their heads away with self-importance. Several ministers had been promoted by Lin Ruofu in the past and wanted to come forward and speak with Fan Xian, offering some encouragement. But seeing the disdainful eyes of their colleagues, they felt a bit of a headache and stopped taking the step forward, simply signaling a friendly greeting to Fan Xian with extremely gentle gazes.

Swept by these burning gazes, Fan Xian felt uncomfortable all over. But he still maintained a steady smile on his face, neither humble nor arrogant, cupping his hands to greet the ministers. As he cupped his hands, someone coughed twice behind him – Minister Fan had arrived later than usual today and hadn't come with his son. Fan Xian quickly went to meet him, carefully helping his father down from the carriage.

Minister Fan glanced at him and shook his head: "Your father hasn't gotten to that point yet."

Fan Xian smiled, also knowing that he had overacted slightly. Although Minister Fan looked somewhat displeased on the surface, the officials could see that the "old moneybag" was exceptionally happy today. That's right, he hadn't even let go of his son's hand as he led him over.

Since Minister Fan personally led him over, the ministers couldn't be self-important anymore and greeted each other one after another. In a short while, Si Nan Baron had personally led Fan Xian all over the place, introducing him to all the powerful ministers in the court. Fan Xian called out uncles, elder uncles, and old seniors one after another. The ministers looked at the smiling young man again and found him much more pleasing to the eye. The ministers who originally belonged to Lin's faction were even more enthusiastic, praising Little Fan for being young and promising, and so on.

But some ministers still looked on coldly, and although they bowed, their faces were extremely indifferent. After all, who in Qing Kingdom's court didn't know that Little Fan was most famous for his seemingly gentle, but actually treacherous, smile.

The Minister of Personnel, who had served through three dynasties, looked at the Fan family walking towards him and couldn't help but snort coldly: "Speaking of which, since the founding of this country, and even in the days of the Wei Dynasty, it's rare to see a family like Si Nan Baron's, where father and son attend court at the same time. Indeed, it's all smooth sailing."

Fan Jian chuckled and said, "The Emperor's grace is as vast as the sea, as vast as the sea." He seemed unable to hear the other party's mockery, giving all the glory to His Majesty. Fan Xian smiled slightly, knowing that he really had no room to speak in this kind of situation, so he simply remained silent.

……

……

At this moment, three eunuchs slowly walked out of the palace gate. The one in the middle was obviously of a higher status. He waved the horsetail whisk in his hand and said softly, "Esteemed sirs, you've worked hard. Please enter."

The ministers immediately stopped their greetings and unnecessarily straightened their court attire. They walked into the palace gate, presumably because they were used to it. They didn't even bother to look at the heavily armed Imperial Guards at the palace gate and the saber-wearing guards at the inner gate. In a moment, they passed the three eunuchs, heads held high, with the demeanor of being masters of the country.

Fan Xian was attending court for the first time, and it wasn't convenient for him to walk in the same row as his father. He had to pitifully drag behind the line, walking inside with the three eunuchs. The leading eunuch was still the familiar Eunuch Hou, but Fan Xian didn't dare to say anything to him softly at this time, let alone – without any trace of worldliness – hand him a silver note. So, he had to smile at him slightly as a signal.

Long after, Hou San'er was still thinking about this question: Why did he think from the beginning that Master Fan was a reliable backer? In the end, he attributed it to the fact that Master Fan's smile was very sincere every time he looked at him. Unlike other ministers, who were deliberately warm to him when they needed him, and at other times, although they also smiled warmly, there were always a few unclear, uncomfortable hints of contempt in their smiles.

—————————————————————————

Fan Xian was a bit nervous attending the court assembly for the first time, but he was standing at the very end of the civil officials' line, far away from the dragon throne. If it weren't for his domineering inner energy and keen senses, he probably wouldn't even be able to hear what the Emperor was saying. Knowing that the middle-aged man on the dragon throne would definitely pay attention to him, he still relaxed a bit and began to look at the interior decorations of the Taiji Palace.

Although he had entered the palace several times, most of the time he was in the harem talking to the ladies and accompanying Wan'er on excursions. The Taiji Palace was the main hall of the imperial palace. He had only seen it from afar a few times and hadn't had the opportunity to stand inside. After entering today, he found that it was nothing more than that. The beams were carved with dragons and phoenixes, the painting was exquisite, the red pillars were majestic, and the vast palace was filled with a faint fragrance. Bronze cranes and mythical beasts stood guard on the sides. But compared to the imperial palace of Northern Qi, which integrated natural beauty and richness in a clear and elegant way, it was ultimately inferior.

However, this hall had a unique atmosphere, seemingly the scent of power, rising from the dragon throne and inspiring awe in the hearts of the ministers.

It had nothing to do with the dragon throne. The middle-aged man sitting on the dragon throne was the source of this atmosphere. Although his palace wasn't as magnificent as Northern Qi's and his food wasn't as exquisite as Dongyi City's, everyone in the world knew that he was the most powerful man in this world.

The main topic of the court assembly naturally revolved around the First Prince and the delegation, but it wasn't about the incident of competing for the road outside the city. Even if the censors of the Censorate had the intention of making an issue out of this matter, they couldn't present a memorial today. It wasn't that the censors didn't have the ability to hastily write a memorial overnight, but rushing to present it would only reveal their intentions and displease His Majesty.

Today's court assembly discussed the future placement of the Western Route Army and the awarding of merits to the soldiers. The First Prince had already been granted the title of Prince, but his 100,000 soldiers still needed an explanation. This was brought up by the Privy Council, and no court official would object. Although His Majesty now placed great emphasis on literature and governance, Qing Kingdom was, after all, a valiant country founded on military force. No one would go against the military on this matter.

As for the delegation's matter, after reporting on the journey, the Court of State Ceremonial presented the national letter on behalf of the Northern Qi gift delegation and submitted the newly drawn map of the world. Looking at the gradually expanding territory of Qing Kingdom on the map, His Majesty, who had always seemed a bit too calm, finally showed a hint of fervor in his eyes.

The ministers were tactful and naturally shouted "Long Live the Emperor" and flattered him greatly. The senior officials of the Privy Council also stroked their beards proudly. These were the lands that the children in the military had won back with swords, spears, blood, and flesh...

At this time, not many ministers realized how much the officials of the Court of State Ceremonial, including Xin Qiwu and Fan Xian, and the Fourth Bureau of the Overwatch Council had contributed to the negotiation process. Even if they did realize it, they would deliberately ignore it.

Watching the heartfelt happiness of the ministers in the court, the corners of Fan Xian's lips couldn't help but curve into a smile. After all, he had also participated in this major event to some extent. He thought that if the Princess of Xin hadn't sold out Yan Bingyun, Qing Kingdom might have gained even greater benefits. However, the Princess of Xin's counter-attack in turning Xiao En back to Northern Qi had gradually led to internal strife and disunity between the ruler and his subjects in the Northern Qi court. This was also a very powerful move. Comparing the two, it was only a difference between short-term and long-term interests.

……

……

The most powerful middle-aged man in the world, after a wave of faint joy that he couldn't suppress in his heart, immediately regained his composure with extreme control. He rested his hand on his chin, smiled, and listened to the ministers' praises, but his eyes swept lightly towards the rear of the ministers' line. Seeing the smile on the little guy's face, his mood inexplicably improved.

He waved his hand. The scribes and the Grand Secretary, holding the imperial edict, began to chant the prepared decree in their high-pitched voices. Because the number of soldiers to be rewarded was too large, and it was necessary to consult the First Prince and the senior officials of the military, it would be delayed for some days. This edict was mainly for the rewards of the delegation members.

The hall suddenly became quiet. Everyone knew that there were only routine rewards after returning from a mission, and the ministers didn't care much. They just pricked up their ears to catch the name Fan Xian in the eunuch's high-pitched voice.

"... A first-class Baron, of the second rank."

The ministers breathed a sigh of relief and were relieved. It seemed His Majesty still had a sense of proportion. Regardless of their relationship with the Fan family, these ministers didn't want Fan Xian to be granted too high a title at such a young age. Everyone had different considerations and different positions, but their thoughts were very similar.

Xin Qiwu, Fan Xian, and the others had already knelt in the hall, kowtowing to thank the Emperor for his grace. Just as the ministers were preparing to hear the phrase "Report anything, otherwise, adjourn the court," His Majesty said from the dragon throne, "You few stay behind."

His Majesty's eyes rested on the high-ranking officials closest to the dragon throne. After Lin Ruofu resigned as Prime Minister, the court couldn't find a suitable candidate to replace him for a time. Therefore, the cabinet affairs were currently being handled jointly by several Grand Academicians and Ministers. His Majesty would often leave them behind to say a few more words after the court assembly these days. Today, the Crown Prince and the First Prince were also in the hall and would naturally be left behind to discuss a few matters. Therefore, the ministers didn't find it strange, greeted the Emperor, and retired from the hall one after another.

Then, these ministers heard a sentence that made them feel extremely jealous and envious.

"Fan Xian, you stay behind too."