Novel Full Chapter 358 - 357: Following Heaven’s Mandate, Decreed by the Holy Emperor
Chapter 358: Chapter 357: Following Heaven’s Mandate, Decreed by the Holy Emperor
The venue for the rewards ceremony was at the entrance of the palace hall.
Here, the terrain was broad, with a dragon carved in the center, exuding a majestic aura.
Shen Han, accompanied by others from the Tianyi Institute, respectfully awaited there at 7:00 AM.
Those who had traveled together to the Ten Nations Grand Competition had also arrived today.
Seeing Shen Han, they all nodded and smiled in greeting.
Though they had not been together for long, interacting with Shen Han was quite pleasant.
When Shen Han spoke, he was considerate of the feelings of those around him, leaving a good impression on everyone.
And as for a woman like Lan Qingxue, her eyes shone slightly when she looked at Shen Han.
Shen Han donned a new set of brocade robes, looking even more dashing than before.
People say, beauty is seven parts looks and three parts attire.
No matter how handsome or beautiful one’s appearance, dressing up can indeed make a significant difference.
Dean Tianyi, seeing this, had a mischievous smile on his face and patted Shen Han.
Encouraging Shen Han to go and look at those fairies.
Shen Han could only quietly remind the dean, feeling somewhat helpless…
Approaching 7:00 AM, more and more people gathered outside the grand hall.
High officials of the court, nobles, and dignitaries were all qualified to observe.
Shen Han glanced around, having never met most of the ministers present in court.
However, among the gathering on the right, he noticed a few unpleasant figures.
Shen Qingshan, Shen Lingyong, Shen Lingsheng…
The Shen Family, surprisingly attending today.
Shen Han hadn’t expected that the Shen Family would come to witness today’s rewards ceremony.
Shouldn’t the Shen Family only wish for his downfall?
Why would they care to see him being rewarded today?
Looking over, his second uncle, Shen Lingyong, met his gaze, a smug smile on his face.
Shen Han frowned slightly, puzzled by the meaning behind this smile.
Could it be that he has some leverage over me?
Why such complacency…
Thinking it over, Shen Han still couldn’t figure out what he might have over him.
He felt it was just senseless.
Today’s rewards, Shen Han had long been notified.
His Holiness would, on account of his merits, find a way for him to inherit the Shen Family’s title.
At that time, Shen Han and the Great Wei Emperor would perform a duo act, naturally leading to inheriting the title.
Of course, given the merits, it’s not just a simple inheritance of the title.
With hereditary titles, each generation inherits a rank lower.
In Shen Qingshan’s generation, he was a Marquis.
Logically, upon generational succession, when the grandchild inherits, the Marquis becomes a Count.
The Great Wei Emperor used this as a reward, allowing Shen Han to inherit the Marquis title, without descending in rank.
Shen Han was actually eager to see the expressions of those in the Shen Family, who once scorned him, upon hearing this.
Originally, Shen Han thought he would only hear from others about the Shen Family’s reaction to the news.
Unexpectedly, the Shen Family chose to come themselves.
And he wondered, later, what sort of expression his smiling second uncle Shen Lingyong would have.
Smiling so radiantly, he wouldn’t end up crying, would he?
The rewards ceremony began.
From the moment the Great Wei Emperor stepped in, everyone present became solemn.
Music began to play around them, lending the ceremony a sense of reverence.
In the rites of law, the establishment of Great Wei was under divine mandate.
The nation’s prosperity was also deemed the will of heaven.
Thus, achieving this merit and receiving this reward aligns with divine will.
The dragon statue above, the Great Wei Emperor personally offered sacrifices to heaven, not delegated to anyone else.
Everyone followed the Great Wei Emperor’s actions, collectively offering sacrifices to heaven.
From today’s events, it seemed Minister Yingtian, Chu Du, had lost any chance of overturning his fate.
After the sacrificial rites, the ceremony proceeded to the rewards.
An attendant beside His Holiness stepped forward, holding a document, and began to read aloud: “By divine mandate, the Holy Emperor decrees…”
The documents read by the Great Wei Emperor generally came in three forms.
The edict, the decree, the admonition.
The admonition served as a warning.
Its reading here was to admonish all that the Great Wei Emperor was rewarding them.
Yet, having received such rewards, they must not become arrogant.
Instead, they must avoid arrogance and impatience, strive for further achievements, and not grow complacent.
Hearing the admonition confirmed the rewards were secure.
The document began by praising those who attended the Ten Nations Grand Competition.
Though many felt somewhat embarrassed, unable to face it.
After all, they knew just how poorly they performed in the competition.
Receiving such praise felt undeserved.
As the first document was read, each person’s name and their rewards were announced.
However, Shen Han’s name was not among them.
After it was read, a team of palace attendants carried the rewards.
These rewards were selected from items won during the competition.
At the very least, they included precious nourishing items.
Hearing their names called, everyone stepped forward to express gratitude, then claimed their rewards.
No one complained about the rewards being insufficient, considering that other than the winner, avoiding punishment was already fortunate.
After the rewards for the participants, it was the turn of the leading teacher, and those accompanying guards and attendants.
Though they tried to contain themselves, they couldn’t help but smile.
Especially those attendants.
They were merely ordinary people, having never even encountered the Martial Path.
Receiving a reward today meant they would be revered within their families, even recorded in their hometown’s chronicles.
For practitioners, the rewards were generous.
But for these ordinary people, it was a fortune that could last a lifetime.
Buying some land back home would mean a happy and prosperous life.
Many, after receiving their rewards, would discreetly glance at Shen Han.
Noticing Shen Han’s attention, they would then slightly bow to express their gratitude.
With these rewards given, the next document to be read marked a significant difference.
The document began by announcing the crimes of Minister Yingtian, Chu Du.
Misrepresenting, falsifying divine intent, framing talented youths of Great Wei.
Deemed treasonous, deserving extreme punishment, to be executed after autumn.
Though long predicted that Minister Yingtian would meet a grim fate, hearing it still shocked the crowd.
After the announcement, the main event followed.
Shen Han’s reward was destined to be substantial.
After a moment, the attendant held the document high, reading loudly.
[Student of Tianyi Academy, grandson of Marquis Yun’an, Shen Qingshan, Shen Han.
Of dignified appearance and unmatched bravery, holding in his heart the might of Great Wei, he defeated the strong competitors of other nations with his faith.
Displayed our Great Wei’s divine nature throughout the world, and revealed our Great Wei’s majesty among all people.
Even when falling into the traps of petty men, he still cherished the nation’s grace.
In consideration of this, by divine mandate, richly reward him.
His portrait is to be placed in the Celestial Language Pavilion for all people to view and remember.
Gifted over a hundred rare materials, to nurture the talent of youth.
His rank, elevated to Viscount, to be inherited continuously, respect this decree!]