mesbooks Chapter 2302 Posthumous Conferment
Chapter 2302 Posthumous Conferment
Chu Ning's voice choked with emotion. He gripped Han Xing's cold hand tightly, as if trying to transfer his strength and warmth to him, each word a solemn promise, like a vow.
"Rest assured, Minister Han! I will never easily change the national policy because of your passing!"
"We must first stabilize the domestic situation and allow the people to recuperate. When everything is ready next spring, we will then launch a northern expedition against the Tang Dynasty!"
"I agree!"
Upon hearing Chu Ning's clear and solemn promise, Han Xing's extremely tense and almost broken mental strings seemed to finally relax.
In his murky eyes, which were fixed intently on Chu Ning, the last glimmer of stubborn light flickered like a candle in the wind.
It swayed gently for a moment, and then, slowly, slowly, it went out.
But just before the light went out completely, a faint yet remarkably clear arc struggled to climb up the corners of his dry, ashen mouth.
It was a smile.
A relieved, contented smile, as if the greatest wish of his life had been fulfilled.
The smile on that dying face looked so strange, yet so deeply moving.
It was as if all the pain, all the perseverance, and all the worries found their final release and liberation in Chu Ning's promise, "I promise you."
The smile froze in time.
Immediately afterwards, the arm that had been gripping Chu Ning so tightly, as if supported by its very soul, suddenly lost its strength.
The cold, withered fingers slowly and weakly loosened their grip.
Han Xing's head tilted slightly to one side, and his last, extremely faint breath quietly ceased.
His chest no longer rose and fell.
She lay completely and quietly on the brocade quilt.
Only the relieved smile on his lips remained frozen there, as if telling of his final satisfaction and lack of regret.
Inside the carriage, there was a deathly silence.
Only the smell of medicine permeated the air silently.
Chu Ning remained in a half-squatting position, tightly gripping the hand that had lost all strength and gone completely cold.
He looked at Han Xing's peaceful yet lifeless face, and a great grief overwhelmed him like a tidal wave.
Finally, unable to bear the heavy soreness in her eyes, hot tears uncontrollably streamed down her face, dripping onto their clasped hands and onto the cold brocade mattress.
"Han Qing... may you rest in peace."
He murmured softly, his voice hoarse, filled with endless sorrow and grief.
Outside the carriage, Xue Huaide, Zhao Yu, Ma Chao, Guan Yu and others had already arrived. Through the carriage curtain, they seemed to sense something and all lowered their heads in silence.
Feng Mulan also stepped out of the phoenix carriage and quietly gazed at the stopped carriage, her phoenix eyes filled with solemnity and sorrow.
The morning light completely dispelled the thin mist, shining upon the returning army and the carriage carrying the final words and peace of a loyal soul.
A veteran with outstanding achievements burned out his last bit of light and heat on his victorious return journey.
He transformed his loyalty to the monarch and his concern for the country into his most poignant final words before passing away peacefully.
His death was not only the end of his life, but also a wake-up call.
At this moment when the great battle had just ended and people's hearts were turning to change, the words struck Chu Ning and all the important ministers of Chu, reminding them of the difficulties ahead and the weight of their choices.
Chu Ning held that already cold and stiff hand, and remained silent for a long time in the cramped and dimly lit space of the carriage.
Grief, like a cold, heavy lead weight, pressed down on his heart, almost suffocating him.
The contrast between Han Xing's relieved smile and his ashen, lifeless face lingered in his mind.
This old minister, with the last flame of his life, completed his final and most poignant remonstrance.
Finally, Chu Ning slowly and very gently placed Han Xing's hand back on the brocade quilt, and carefully tidied up the slightly messy blanket on his body, as if afraid of disturbing the final rest of this meritorious veteran.
He stood up, and although his eyes were still red, the grief on his face had been replaced by a deep and resolute solemnity.
He took one last, deep look at Han Xing's remains, as if trying to etch the image of this loyal minister into his heart. Then, he resolutely turned around, lifted the carriage curtain, and walked out.
The rising sun was a bit dazzling, shining on his dark armor and cloak, reflecting a cold, hard sheen.
Outside the carriage, Xue Huaide, Zhao Yu, Ma Chao, Guan Yun, Feng Mulan, and several high-ranking generals and civil officials who had rushed over upon hearing the news were already standing solemnly, their faces filled with sorrow, heads bowed and silent.
A heavy and oppressive atmosphere permeated the air.
Chu Ning's gaze slowly swept over the crowd. His voice was slightly hoarse from his earlier sobs, but it was exceptionally clear and steady.
With unwavering decisiveness, they broke the suffocating silence:
"General Han Xing was loyal and brave throughout his life, fought for the country, and made outstanding contributions."
"Today, on the way back in triumph, he succumbed to his injuries from overwork and unfortunately passed away. This is a great loss to our Great Chu. I... am deeply saddened by the loss of my trusted lieutenant!"
He paused briefly, took a deep breath as if gathering some kind of strength, and then issued his decree in a formal, declarative tone:
"Issue my decree:"
"Han Xing is posthumously granted the title of Duke Zhongguo, a hereditary title that will be passed down forever, so that he may enjoy the emperor's favor forever!"
"He is posthumously granted the title of 'Zhongwu' (忠武), to commemorate his loyalty to the emperor, his patriotism, and his outstanding military achievements!"
"His eldest son, Han Ding, shall immediately inherit the title, be granted the title of First-Class Light Cavalry Captain, and enter the capital to serve as the Commander of the Imperial Guards, so as to show that I will not forget the descendants of meritorious officials!"
"Award the Han family five thousand taels of gold, thirty thousand taels of silver, one hundred bolts of Shu brocade, one bushel of pearls from the East China Sea, and one thousand acres of fertile land in the suburbs of the capital."
"Furthermore, a decree of imperial authority is granted, which, except for the crime of treason, will exempt the Han family for three generations from the death penalty!"
"The Ministry of Rites is hereby ordered to immediately select a site in the capital and construct a mausoleum for General Han with the rites due to a Duke, ensuring it is solemn and dignified."
"In the prefectures and counties along the route of his coffin, local officials must hold roadside memorial services, and soldiers and civilians must all stand in solemn silence to pay their respects!"
This series of honors and arrangements was of a high standard and showed great favor, far exceeding that of ordinary meritorious officials.
Being posthumously granted the title of Duke and having the hereditary title is already an extreme honor, while the posthumous title "Zhongwu" is one of the highest praises for a military general.
The generous reward given to Han Xing's family, along with the granting of an iron certificate granting them immunity from death, further demonstrates Chu Ning's deep sorrow for Han Xing and his desire to protect the families of meritorious officials.
Upon receiving the decree, the surrounding officials bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise! General Han's spirit in heaven will surely be grateful for Your Majesty's great grace!"
Chu Ning nodded slightly and continued, "Zhao Yu, immediately use the fastest channel of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to send a message by carrier pigeon to the capital and deliver it directly to Deng Hongwen, the Minister of Rites!"
"After receiving the decree, he was ordered to immediately suspend all non-essential matters and personally oversee the preparations for the state funeral of Duke Zhongguo and General Zhongwu Han!"
"All procedures shall be carried out in accordance with the highest ducal rites, without the slightest negligence or oversight!"
"The necessary funds, provisions, and materials shall be allocated by the Ministry of Revenue immediately, without delay!"