Rewards Bestowed at Home

Yang An had excellent eyesight.

At a glance, he spotted Old Mrs. Li among the crowd. She was crying the loudest and rolling around on the ground the most vigorously.

Her old face, originally powdered white,

was now covered in dirt, pitch-black like coal from all the rolling.

Yang An thought to himself.

Could it be that this officer is bullying them?

Although he did not care much for Old Mrs. Li, the village head had been very good to his family. Both out of emotion and reason, he could not just pretend he did not see this.

With this in mind,

Yang An walked over to the large tree and hesitantly asked, Dare I ask, sir, what are you doing...

Before Wu Tong could answer,

Old Mrs. Li saw Yang An walking over.

Her already frightened, pale face turned even whiter. She suddenly sprang up from the ground.

Grabbing Yang An's clothes,

she feigned madness and shouted, The Zhao family's silly Erniu! Are you out of your mind coming here?! These military lords are here to raid that Yang boy's house! What if they raid my home along with his? Hurry and call that little Yang brat over! Make him confess to his crimes! Don't let him implicate this old woman!

Though she shouted such words,

the frantic look in Old Mrs. Li's eyes conveyed only three words: Run away quickly.

There are just such contradictory people in the world.

They aren't particularly good, nor are they truly bad. Ordinarily, they might constantly pick fights with you and look down on you, but when it actually comes to kicking you while you're down, they can't bring themselves to do it.

Like a toad, they don't bite, but they are disgusting.

It was quite exasperating.

Old Mrs. Li was exactly this type. Even though she held deep prejudices against the siblings Yang An and Yang Ning, they had still lived in the same neighborhood for over a decade.

If Yang An were to spend a few years in the Yunzhou prison,

she would probably hang up lanterns, celebrate, and cheer with joy. But when it actually came to the Yang family facing a raid and executions, the old lady felt uncomfortable in her heart.

Of course, the most important thing was that if Yang An ran away now,

her family wouldn't be implicated by association.

Naturally, Yang An was unaware of all the internal drama going on in Old Mrs. Li's mind. After hearing her words, a massive question mark seemed to pop up above his head.

Huh?

The Princess's subordinates came to raid my house?

Yang An felt this situation was growing increasingly bizarre, and he looked at the silver-armored officer in disbelief.

Meeting Yang An's gaze,

Wu Tong, who was lying on the ground, awkwardly yet politely released the howling old lady from his grasp.

Acting as if nothing had happened,

he climbed up from among the old ladies scattered on the ground, straightened out his majestic armor, and said to Yang An, Young Master Yang, I am Wu Tong. We met briefly at the Yunzhou prison.

Yang An nodded. I remember you, sir. It's just that, what are you doing... He pointed to the old ladies all over the ground.

Wu Tong replied, Oh, I'm just playing around.

Playing...

Yang An's mouth twitched. You certainly have quite the mood for it, sir...

Wu Tong burst into hearty laughter.

Beside them, Old Mrs. Li was shocked.

She never expected that Wu Tong actually knew Yang An.

Then, her helping Yang An escape right in front of his face just now...

Old Mrs. Li slumped onto the ground, desperately pounding the dirt and howling, It's over! It's over! Now we're really going to be implicated!

Not knowing what kind of fit she was throwing,

Yang An certainly didn't believe the Princess's people would come to raid his house. He asked Wu Tong, Sir, do you have business with me?

Wu Tong smiled. Brother Yang, you and I are about the same age. There's no need for 'sir' this and 'sir' that, just call me Wu Tong. I came here on behalf of my father to deliver the imperial court's commendation to you. Look at the chests over there; I brought all the court's rewards along.

He had heard from Qin Guo'er that he had been granted a noble title.

But Yang An hadn't expected the reward to arrive so quickly. He asked in confusion, Doesn't granting a title require reporting to Chang'an? How was it approved in just half a day?

Wu Tong laughed, Brother Yang, you are mistaken! Our Great Xia ranks by military merit. Soldiers and commoners alike can be granted titles for beheading enemy troops or capturing bandits.

If every title had to be reported to Chang'an for approval, how could the officials in Luoyang ever manage? Therefore, only titles of Grand Master and above need to be reported to Luoyang. The rest can be awarded by the respective prefectures and counties.

Speaking of this,

Wu Tong winked and said playfully, Of course, an ordinary person's title wouldn't be approved on the same day; at the latest, it would take over a month. But how could ordinary people compare to Brother Yang? Your title naturally received special treatment.

Yang An understood.

Her Highness the Princess was still exerting her influence.

At this point, Yang An finally figured out the whole story.

However, there was still one thing he didn't understand. He glanced at the silver armor on Wu Tong's body and the murderous-looking iron cavalry.

Usually, imperial commendations are delivered by officials from the Ministry of Rites. Why did Brother Wu Tong come bearing swords and spears? Yang An asked.

Wu Tong puffed out his chest. Doesn't this look much more impressive!

It was impressive.

Very impressive indeed.

Everyone thought it was a house raid, how could it not be impressive?

Suppressing the urge to be speechless, Yang An invited, My house is just ahead. Please follow me, Brother Wu Tong.

Thank you, Brother Yang.

The two returned to the squad of silver-armored soldiers. Seeing that Yang An didn't have a horse, Wu Tong had his subordinates free up a horse for him.

The horses ridden by these silver-armored soldiers were not ordinary.

They were not covered in iron plates, but rather natural silver armor that felt incredibly cold to the touch. Even more remarkably, their four hooves burned with silver-white flames, making them look even more extraordinary.

Yang An mounted the horse.

Sitting among the silver-armored soldiers,

looking at the stern faces of the soldiers on his left and right, why did he feel like a prisoner being escorted...

On the way home,

Yang An felt grateful for Princess Anle's kindness. In Great Xia, having a noble title and not having one were worlds apart.

Without a title, one was like an ant before an official.

They could crush you to death at will.

But with a title, at the very least, they couldn't act recklessly out in the open.

Take the incident with Sun Ming, for example. Because Yang An had no title, Sun Ming could arrest him casually. But before building an ironclad case, he couldn't arrest Li Yan, who had a title.

When Assistant Prefect Wu killed Sun Ming,

he also had to produce a stack of arrest warrants with the ink barely dry as evidence to finalize the case directly.

Now, with a title protecting him,

Yang An completely didn't have to worry about Lin Yeping bringing the Yunzhou army over to crush his family without evidence.

Touching the Foundation Establishment resources in his clothes,

Yang An sighed.

He just felt that he owed Princess Anle more and more, and he completely couldn't understand what her ultimate goal was.

Thinking back to the arrogant look on that dog of a woman's face when she told him to lick her feet,

Yang An frowned.

Could it be she really wants me to be her dog?

Riding side by side with Yang An, Wu Tong noticed his gloomy expression and asked curiously, What's wrong, Brother Yang? You've received a reward, yet you don't look very happy. Is something weighing on your mind?

Yang An thought for a moment and asked Wu Tong obscurely, Brother Wu, if someone gave you money, or gave you a lot of benefits, and asked you to be their dog, would you be willing?

Wu Tong said with great joy, I'd be willing! Why wouldn't I be? Running into such a good thing, how could I not be willing?

Why?

Think about it. As long as you agree, it directly solves the two great problems in life: 'money is hard to earn, and shit is hard to eat.' I simply couldn't refuse it at all.

...

Brother Wu makes a good point...

Yang An felt that this person's brain might not be quite normal, so he focused on leading the way and stopped talking to him.

After the two of them and the squad of silver-armored soldiers left,

the old ladies who had just been rolling on the ground still hadn't recovered their senses.

Weren't they here to raid the house?

How did it turn into reading a commendation order?!

Getting rewarded for going to jail?!!

No, I have to go see this!

The old ladies loved watching a spectacle the most. Seeing that the danger had passed, they scrambled up from the ground and followed the procession toward the Yang family's home.

Old Mrs. Li, who had been completely in despair.

Upon hearing that they weren't there to confiscate their property, she first breathed a sigh of relief, then felt uncomfortable again. A reward? Why should they be rewarded? After recovering her wits, she also hurriedly followed along.

At the Yang family home.

Li Yan asked Yang Ning with concern, "Madam, are you feeling any better now?"

Lying in bed, Yang Ning nodded.

Her high fever had broken a while ago, and she no longer felt any physical discomfort.

It was just baffling.

Several extremely profound incantations had suddenly appeared in her mind, as if taking root in her brain, impossible to forget.

They surfaced clearly whenever she closed her eyes.

In addition to that, a persistent thought in her heart kept urging her to quickly go and tell Erlang these incantations.

Having lived this long.

Yang Ning had never experienced anything so bizarre, and she inevitably felt uneasy.

Several times, she wanted to ask Li Yan about it.

But just as the words reached her lips, another intense feeling welled up, warning her that this matter was of utmost importance and must not be known by anyone, not even Li Yan!

If she spoke of it, it would bring disaster to the family.

It would bring misfortune upon Li Yan.

Harboring such a secret in her heart with no one to discuss it with, Yang Ning eagerly hoped for Yang An's quick return.

So she could confide in him.

Thus, she anxiously pressed, "Why isn't Erlang back yet?"

Li Yan replied with a smile, "Madam, you've asked five or six times already. Don't worry! I left the prison together with Erlang, and he has Miss Keke with him. Nothing will happen to him. I reckon he'll be back any moment now."

Just as he finished speaking.

"Sister, Brother-in-law, I'm back!" Yang An's shout came from outside the door.

"Finally back!"

Li Yan and Yang Ning both breathed a sigh of relief.

Yang Ning, whose body had mostly recovered, got out of bed and went out with Li Yan to welcome him.

However, as soon as the couple walked out into the courtyard.

They saw that aside from Yang An, there was a squad of silver-armored soldiers in the courtyard.

These soldiers were all solemn and majestic.

Holding swords, spears, crossbows, and shields, their formation was strict, and their silver armor exuded a chilling, murderous aura that inspired awe and fear!

And Yang An was right in the middle of them!

Li Yan: !!!

Yang Ning: !!!

Yang Ning's blood ran cold, and Li Yan instantly tensed up, thinking the imperial court had sent people to arrest them again.

Once or twice is enough, but not a third time.

Being bullied time and time again.

Li Yan and Yang Ning's taut nerves were on the verge of collapsing. Just as they resolved to fight to the death with these people.

They saw the leading silver-armored officer cup his hands very politely and say to them, "You two must be Li Buliang and Lady Li, correct? Congratulations to you both. Li Buliang and Brother Yang have made a great contribution. The imperial court has specially granted a reward. Please step forward to receive the decree."

Hmm?

A reward?

Wasn't this formation here to confiscate their property?

To arrest people?

To behead them?

Li Yan and his wife were instantly stunned.

Seeing them standing there blankly like wooden figures, Yang An hurried to their side, gently poked their waists, and quietly reminded them, "Don't just stand there, hurry up and receive the decree, Brother-in-law, Sister!"

The two finally came back to their senses.

Still in a daze, they followed Yang An in cupping their fists and bowing down.

Wu Tong cleared his throat.

He unrolled the commendation order and began to read it aloud.

"Li Yan and Yang An of Yunzhou wiped out a fourteen-man bandit gang, which included two ninth-rank martial artists, achieving outstanding merits. The imperial court specially grants the following rewards: For the primary merit, Li Yan is granted the noble title of Zan Niao and appointed as an eighth-rank Judicial Administrator, to take office within five days. For the secondary merit, Yang An is granted the noble title of Shang Zao, and additionally rewarded with one hundred taels of gold, one thousand taels of silver, and ten qing of fertile land, to manifest their loyalty and bravery."

Li Yan: ???

Yang Ning: ???

The two were even more bewildered now. Yang Ning, in particular, suffered a massive shock to her worldview. Her younger brother killed people, and not only did the court not hold him accountable, but they were actually rewarding him?

Her brother got a noble title, and her husband actually got a promotion?

Wu Tong smiled and said, "Li Buliang, hurry and receive the decree, as well as your official uniform!"

Hearing his name called.

Li Yan recovered his wits slightly. The silver-armored soldiers had already brought the official uniform in front of him. As he subconsciously reached out to take it, he saw the rhinoceros embroidered on the eighth-rank military official uniform.

His outstretched hand paused.

Others might not be clear about the matter at the Wang Family Bank.

But Li Yan's heart was as clear as a mirror.

Wang Gou'er, Zheng Huaiyi, and those local ruffians were all desperately killed by Yang An alone. This merit was fought for by Yang An with every slash and thrust, and it had nothing to do with him!

This third-rank Zan Niao title and this official uniform.

Clearly belonged to Yang An!

On what grounds could he accept them?!

Li Yan was incomparably righteous. He raised his head, ready to tell the truth in front of everyone.

Yang An cried out inwardly that this was bad.

Once this matter was exposed, their family would definitely be targeted by Lin Yeping!

With quick reflexes.

Yang An gave Li Yan a push before he could speak the truth and interrupted, "Brother-in-law! This is what you deserve, hurry up and receive the decree!"

Although Li Yan was righteous, he was not stupid.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have become the commander of the Buliangren.

Seeing that Yang An intentionally wanted him to receive the decree, and understanding Yang An's intentions, Li Yan, although full of shame, still accepted the decree.

Having delivered the decree.

Wu Tong considered his errand finished and said to Yang An and the others, "This lower official's task ends here. I will not disturb you all any longer. Farewell."

"Brother Wu, please wait!"

How could Yang An let someone make a trip for nothing? He took out a silver ingot from his chest, stepped forward, and stuffed it into Wu Tong's sleeve. "Brother Wu has worked hard. My home is humble and lacks tea, so please buy a cup of tea on your way back."

Wu Tong's eyes lit up.

Gripping Yang An's hand, he said gratefully, "From today onward, Brother Yang is my, Wu's, sworn brother, my dearest family and friend!"

Not expecting such a huge reaction.

Yang An felt a bit strange. "It's just some silver money, isn't it? Brother Wu, there's no need for this."

But Wu Tong sighed, "Brother Yang, have you ever heard of a miracle?"

Yang An shook his head, "Could it be that Brother Wu has seen one?"

Wu Tong nodded, "A month ago, I went to the Entertainment Bureau to escort a courtesan. During the tea gathering, I unexpectedly ran into my father. I was beaten severely by him, kicked out of the house, and he cut off my silver for the month, giving me nothing to eat or drink."

"I was left with only three copper coins on me."

"Driven to a dead end, in order to survive this month, I took these three copper coins and entered a casino."

There were too many things to roast.

So much so that Yang An didn't even know where to begin. He said, "Could it be that Brother Wu had excellent luck, won back some silver, and managed to hold out until now?"

Wu Tong said, "I lost it all."

Yang An: ...

He took out another large silver ingot from his money pouch.

And stuffed it into Wu Tong's hand.

If it weren't for the crowd, Wu Tong would have directly knelt down to Yang An. He was endlessly grateful and said, "Brother Yang, I won't say any more. From today on, you are my second parent! If you have any orders in the future, just say the word, and I will brave ten thousand deaths without hesitation!"

They couldn't just passively wait for the Cui and Lin families to harm them forever. Yang An said, "I actually do have a matter to trouble Brother Wu with."

Wu Tong said, "Brother Yang, please speak freely."

"Earlier, when the men in black killed the disciples of the Zheng family, they seemed to be looking for some ledger. It might be a clue. Could I trouble Brother Wu to help me investigate the backgrounds of the Zheng and Wang families, and who they have close interactions with?"

"A trivial matter, leave it to me."

"Thank you for your trouble, Brother Wu."

After the two finished speaking, Wu Tong, who had barely survived this month by relying on his tough astrological destiny, pocketed the silver and left full of joy.

The old ladies gathered in the Li family courtyard, as well as the crowd that had rushed over to watch the commotion upon hearing the noise, instantly boiled over with excitement. "Young Master Yang has been granted the title of Shangzao! To receive a second-class noble rank at such a young age!"

Old Mr. He, his face glowing red, laughed heartily and said, "When Yang Erlang passed the scholar exam at the age of ten, I predicted that he was absolutely no ordinary child. Now it seems I was right! A teenage Shangzao! Erlang is definitely the most promising youth in our neighborhood!"

The crowd said with deep envy, "Li Buliang is also incredible! He actually received the rank of Zanniao! Our Wanshou neighborhood originally only had the village headman holding the Zanniao rank, and now there is another one. The Li family is going to prosper from now on!"

"Why are you still calling him Li Buliang? He is now Military Advisor Li! An eighth-rank official!"

"The most fortunate one has to be Lady Yang. With such a good brother and a good husband, her bitter days are finally over."

"Sigh, speaking of the young women in our Wanshou neighborhood, who is as virtuous as Lady Yang?" an old lady sighed with emotion. "Every year during the holidays, she always remembers us unattended old women and brings us rice, flour, grain, and oil. Besides her, who else cares about us? Such a kind-hearted person deserves to enjoy these blessings!"

In the crowd.

Looking at the several boxes of rewards placed in the Yang family courtyard.

Old Mrs. Li's eyes turned red with jealousy.

Just a moment ago, when Wu Tong read out those rewards, she was already feeling terribly uncomfortable.

Now, hearing others discussing it like this.

Her heart grew even more sour.

Since when did Yang An become the most promising kid! When you were sitting under the big willow tree earlier, you didn't say that!

Old Mrs. Li squeezed in among a few old women.

Feigning indifference, she said, "It is just a Gongshi noble rank, it is nothing special. Besides, didn't Yang An get this rank relying on Li Bu... Military Advisor Li? It is not his own true ability."

The few old women who usually surrounded her.

At this moment, they only glanced at Old Mrs. Li and stopped flattering her. They did not even pay attention to her, turning their faces away to follow the crowd to congratulate the Yang siblings and Li Yan.

Old Mrs. Li was left hanging there.

Completely out of place with the crowd, her face turned livid, and she almost died of anger.

"These snobs!"

Unable to bear this grievance, she ran home shedding tears.

...

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Another large chapter of nearly five thousand words.