From a son-in-law to a favorite of the empress

Chapter 516

The meal was enjoyable, mainly because of several good news, one of which was the independence of the Military Equipment Bureau. The senior sister's emphasis on weapon manufacturing and technological innovation will directly promote the upgrading of Dajin's weapons.

In addition, the senior sister also realized that the Beijing Camp had been in decline for too long. Among the Three Thousand Camps, the Five Army Camps and the Shenji Camp, only the Five Army Camp can stand on its own, which is obviously not enough.

"The three major camps of the Beijing Camp were originally organized as the Shenji Camp with 30,000 troops, the Three Thousand Camp with 60,000 troops, and the Five Army Camp with 90,000 troops, totaling 180,000 troops."

"But the actual situation is that the Five Army Camp has only 60,000 troops, the Three Thousand Camp has only 40,000 troops, the Shenji Camp has only 10,000 troops, and only the Five Army Camp has real combat effectiveness."

At this point, Empress Zhaojing sighed, "It was impossible to reorganize the Beijing Camp in the past, because the nobles were too stubborn and kept singing against me, asking for money all the time."

"The situation is different now. I have completely mastered the power and am no longer restricted by these old stubborn people."

"The Beijing Camp must be strengthened, must be fully staffed, and must resume training. ”

“Junior brother, you need to do this. The governor of Beijing Camp should be the most important governor.”

Zhou Yuan nodded and said, “I understand. I will build Beijing Camp in the next two years, especially Shenji Camp.”

“They must learn the knowledge of military weapons and firearms, pass the assessment every year, and participate in actual military exercises.”

Empress Zhao Jing smiled and said, “I didn’t give enough money for many previous operations. This time, Senior Sister will be more generous. The reorganization and reconstruction of the Military Equipment Bureau and Beijing Camp will be fully funded by the national treasury.”

It seems that the confiscation of the property of Prince Fu’s faction has created a lot of benefits for Senior Sister. I’m afraid it’s not just as simple as more than 10 million taels.

Zhou Yuan said, "Big sister, I want to ask for an imperial decree..."

Empress Zhaojing said, "It's the imperial decree granting marriage, right? Big sister knows you, so she has prepared it for you. March 24 is an auspicious day. You, Xue Ningyue and Qu Ling will have a formal marriage on that day."

"The Ministry of Rites will give a special explanation. Xue Ningyue will marry the second room, and Qu Ling will marry the third room."

At this point, she couldn't help but smile and shook her head and said, "Little brother, don't marry the fourth or fifth room again in the future. Although no one dares to object, it's really not nice to say it out."

Zhou Yuan didn't care so much, but said happily, "Thank you, big sister, there are still 20 days, just enough time to prepare."

Empress Zhaojing narrowed her eyes and said, "Don't forget, big sister will also reward you for such a big victory... You will know when the time comes."

Zhou Yuan was sweating profusely when he heard it.

Forget it, my sister. The kiss in the carriage last time almost killed my whole family. I really don’t dare to ask for it this time.

Thinking of this, Zhou Yuan was in a trance again.

In the past, he was eager and obsessed with the reward from the senior sister.

After that time, there was only fear and fear.

In any case, he couldn’t go back.

After lunch, Zhou Yuan returned to the Zhongwu Marquis Mansion in a grand manner under the escort of the imperial guards.

Firecrackers rang and the people congratulated him. This was indeed his glorious moment.

Zhao Jianjia, with her big belly, went out to greet him with a group of maids and servants under the support of Ziyuan and Qingyuan.

Although the scene was lively, Zhou Yuan was really worried about Jianjia’s health, so he kept things simple and helped her into the door.

Zhao Jianjia’s face was full of smiles, her eyebrows were more gentle than before, and her eyes were more loving.

She smiled softly and said, "Husband, there's no need to support me. How can I be so delicate? It's not time yet."

According to the time, Jianjia got pregnant in July last year and was diagnosed in August. It's not eight months until now, early March, and it's indeed not time for delivery yet.

But with a big belly, Zhou Yuan naturally didn't dare to do anything rash, but carefully helped her sit down.

Zhao Jianjia smiled gently, looking at her husband who returned safely with attachment, with a happy light in her eyes.

Zhou Yuan's return gave the family a backbone, and everyone was very happy.

Ningyue specially cooked medicinal food, and Ziyuan was busy in the kitchen early in the morning. This welcoming banquet was grand.

Zhou Yuan was the first to share more good news: "The 24th of this month is the wedding date, and our mansion can have a good time."

Xue Ningyue's face suddenly turned red, shy but pleasantly surprised, she opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say, and her eyes were inexplicably red.

Zhou Yuan held her hand and chuckled: "Don't cry for a big happy event, write a letter to your uncle, tell him the good news, and let your aunt prepare for the wedding."

"I will send someone to deliver some necessary items in the next few days."

Xue Ningyue nodded blankly, couldn't help but lie in Zhou Yuan's arms, sobbing softly: "Finally… Ningyue is finally Brother Zhou’s person.”

In fact, she has been for a long time, but girls of this era need identity recognition too much.

Living here all the time, gossip is inevitable, and Ningyue has actually endured a lot of worldly pressure.

Although she doesn’t care, she can’t help being urged by her mother. Now the stone in her heart has finally fallen.

Zhao Jianjia smiled and said, “Sister Ningyue, congratulations, now we are real sisters.”

Zi Yuan and others understood and hurriedly congratulated.

This situation made Xue Ningyue a little embarrassed, and she blushed and said, “I…I…that…what should I say.”

She shyly asked Zhou Yuan for help.

Zhou Yuan touched her face and smiled, “No need to say anything, we are all family. "

He just liked Ningyue's simplicity and shyness. Even though she was very bold at times, she still couldn't change her nature.

The entire Zhongwu Marquis's Mansion was immersed in a lively and joyful atmosphere. Zhou Yuan didn't go anywhere. He just accompanied Jianjia and Ningyue and spent the most leisurely time.

On the third day, morning court.

Everyone knew who the protagonist was, and everyone's eyes were focused on this general who had made great contributions.

Zhou Yuan, wearing a marquis's dress, had already stood in the first row of military honors and saluted in unison.

Empress Zhaojing was obviously in a good mood and said softly: "Yang Qing, summarize the situation of this battle with the Eastern Tartars."

Yang Guozhong stood up and said solemnly: "Your Majesty, the summary is as follows."

"At the end of September last year, Nurhaci assembled a total of 140,000 troops from the Eight Banners Beile and brazenly attacked the important town of Jizhou in our Great Jin. The garrisons of Tianjin, Xuanfu and Jizhou totaled 200,000 people and fought a bloody battle with the enemy. ”

“After that, Jizhou Jiedushi Di Xianyong died heroically, 200,000 troops were almost wiped out, Jizhou was massacred, and 200,000 civilians were piled up like a mountain of corpses.”

Hearing this, the atmosphere in the court was already depressing enough.

Yang Guozhong continued: “After that, Nurhaci gathered his troops and moved south to Shanhaiguan. Our Laideng and Jizhou armies rushed to the front line to defend the last natural barrier with the Shanhaiguan defenders.”

“After three months of fighting, the casualties exceeded 140,000, but they still held on.”

“After that, Zhongwu Hou took the seal of the commander-in-chief and led five military camps to go out to guard Shanhaiguan, surprise attack Xinglinbao, bombard the enemy chieftain, and guerrilla hunt and kill, annihilating more than 50,000 enemies.”

“The Eastern Tartar fled in panic, and our army recovered Jizhou, won a great victory, and greatly boosted the national prestige. ”

The so-called summary is just a build-up of strength.

Empress Zhaojing stood up and said in a deep voice: "This battle is the first major victory of our Great Jin in many years. It can be said that we have swept away the decline and finally raised our heads."

"Crime should be punished, merit should be rewarded. The Great Jin will never tolerate treacherous ministers, nor will it mistreat loyal and brave people."

"Therefore, the cabinet is ordered to draft an edict. Qiu Huan, the former governor of the Beijing Camp, colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country, and surrendered to the Eastern Tartars. The evidence is conclusive and his crime cannot be redeemed by death. From now on, his property will be confiscated and his entire family will be executed."

"Zhou Yuan, the Marquis of Zhongwu, the Grand Commander of the Five Military Camps, and the Grand Marshal of the Eastern Expedition to Resist the Tartars, is loyal and courageous, wise and brave, and stood up in times of crisis. He dared to take on great responsibilities, destroyed the enemy's food and grass, bombarded the enemy chiefs, turned the tide, and supported the building when it was about to collapse. He boosted the prestige of our country and made outstanding contributions. I hereby confer the title of the third-class Duke of Weiguo, the post of the governor of the Beijing Camp, and grant him the red-lettered iron certificate and the golden medal to honor his meritorious service. "

Although this was expected, it still shocked the court officials. From the third-class marquis directly to the third-class duke, this is a hurdle that many people cannot overcome in their lifetime. Zhou Yuan only took seven or eight months in total, which was too fast.

A young duke at the age of 20, this almost means that he will have a huge influence in the Jin Dynasty for decades to come.

Several cabinet ministers looked at each other, and they couldn't help but feel a little worried. It's not a good thing for a young and powerful official to be a good thing.