Southern Ming Rebel Army

Chapter 212: Generous Reward

After the various agencies of the Suzhou Governor's Office were settled in Jinling, it was already April. During this period, Meng Jun had been discussing with the shogunate for several days in order to reward military generals. During this period, Meng Jun also wrote to Han Xiong and Lin Shiqi to ask for their opinions. The two were located in the south and the north, respectively, but the letters they replied were similar. They both said that the king should make his own decisions.

Finally, Meng Jun took out the title system of the Ming Dynasty and used it, the three-rank title system of Duke, Marquis, and Earl, and added Viscount to the already abandoned two ranks of Baron and Viscount, making a four-rank title system of Viscount, Earl, Marquis, Duke, and so on.

At the same time, Meng Jun overcame all objections and established an eight-level military merit system, intending to encourage soldiers to fight bravely and reward military merit. Although everyone was skeptical, they did not refute it.

Eight levels of military merit system, first level military merit, Tiance Medal.

The conditions for obtaining this medal are to kill the enemy commander or command a large-scale battle to a decisive victory. If you win this medal, you will be promoted to a higher rank, promoted in military rank, granted a large piece of land, and have a son.

Second-class military merit, Tiger Guard Medal.

If the conditions are met and one leads the troops to turn the tide in an important battle or to win a decisive victory, one will be awarded this medal, promoted in military rank, conferred a title, and given gold, silver, and treasures, or granted land and a son.

Third-level military merit, Eagle Medal.

Conditions for obtaining: being extremely brave in an important battlefield, being the first to reach the top, beheading the general, and capturing the flag. If you win this medal, you will be promoted in military rank, be granted a title, and be granted a large amount of money, land, mansion, and a son.

Fourth-level military merit, Leopard Strategy Medal.

To obtain this medal, you must lead your troops to perform outstandingly in an important battlefield, break through the enemy's formation, or hold your own formation without being broken by the enemy. If you win this medal, you will be promoted in military rank and be awarded a certain amount of money.

Only the fifth level of military merit can earn medals for most ordinary soldiers and middle and low-level officers. Being the first to kill the general and seize the flag is truly a life-or-death struggle.

Fifth-level military merit, Medal of Bravery.

To obtain the medal, one must cut off 20 enemy heads in one battle on an important battlefield. In this way, one will be awarded this medal, promoted in military rank, and be rewarded with gold, silver, and a certain amount of land.

Sixth-level military merit-Bear Medal

The conditions for obtaining this medal are outstanding performance on the battlefield, participation in important battles and contributions, and the number of beheadings is not less than ten. If you win this medal, you will be promoted in military rank and given certain material rewards.

Seventh-level military merit, Medal of Fortitude

The conditions for obtaining it are to hold the position in the war, or bravely kill the enemy, protect your comrades, and behead no less than five times. If you win this medal, your military rank will be promoted by one level, and you will be given a certain amount of money as a reward.

Eighth level military merit, Medal of Fierce Martial Arts.

The conditions for obtaining it are to perform well in battle and behead at least three levels, or to behead an enemy scout, the level of which can be reduced by one level. The recipient of this medal will be given certain material rewards and priority in promotion to military rank.

After the military merits were compiled, Meng Jun immediately ordered the shogunate to start making medals, which would be used to reward the brave men in the army.

Meng Jun thought about it alone for a long time, and finally decided to promote Lin Shiqi, Han Xiong, and Yang En to the rank of marquis, and Qian Biao, Wang Fugui, Huang Cheng, Bai Yongfu, Zhao Yongping, Gao Yi, Meng Bian, and Yang Can to the rank of earl. For the time being, everyone's title is an unlettered title.

Guo Hu, Du Yonghe, Wu Shunchang, Xiao Mingzuo, Chen Lei, Wu Zhifan, Zhang Chengsheng and Song Wuque were conferred the title of viscount.

As news spread that the shogunate was conferring titles and establishing a system of military merit, the generals and soldiers naturally cheered, but many civil officials and scholars sensed a sense of uneasiness.

Dengwangshan's claim to be king was already an act of self-reliance. Although the Yongli court later issued another decree to confer the title of king, people with discerning eyes had already seen the weakness of the Ming court. This time, they conferred titles on many subordinates and established a military merit system. This was not just a loss of face for the court again. Some people were worried about this, fearing that civil strife would break out again and ruin the current good situation.

At this time in Jinling City, Zeng Daowei was determined to sneak up to Meng Jun. Although he had this intention, Zeng Daowei, who was already in his twilight years, had no experience in lurking and could not hide his emotions. As soon as he heard the news that Meng Jun was conferred a title, he ignored the objections of his staff, booked a restaurant, and hosted a banquet for the gentry of Jinling.

Among them were Lu Zhenfei, Liu Zhongzao, Zhang Kentang, Zeng Ying, Liu Jiyan, as well as Nanjing officials and gentry Qian Qianyi, Zhao Zhilong, Duke of Wei Xu Yunjue, Wang Duo, as well as Duke of Baoguo Zhang Guobi, Zhang Gongri, Li Zushu and others.

These officials and gentry in Nanjing were feeling uneasy, but when they first heard that the Ming commander-in-chief was inviting them to a banquet, they were overjoyed and accepted the invitation one after another.

After everyone sat down and drank three rounds of wine, Zeng Daowei said worriedly: "The King of Zhou regards the country's famous instruments as nothing, arbitrarily grants titles, and tampers with the military system. I am uneasy. This must be the instigation of the scoundrels. I want to advise the King of Zhou not to do this. I wonder what you think."

Qian Qianyi felt bitter when he heard this. Here he came again. He thought it was a good thing, but it turned out to be a gathering of people to oppose King Zhou. Most of the others frowned, and the scene was silent for a while, and no one responded.

Zhao Zhilong was the first to stand up and shouted, "The King of Zhou is the pillar of the sky. What he did is not something that ordinary people like us can comment on. I have important matters to attend to at home, so I'll leave first." After saying that, he was the first to run away, taking two steps at a time and quickly walking out of the restaurant.

Qian Qianyi also stood up and bowed to Zeng Daowei, saying, "Commander-in-chief, I am exhausted, so I will go ahead."

Afterwards, Lu Zhenfei, Liu Zhongzao, Zhang Kentang, Zhang Gongri, Li Zushu and others said goodbye and left.

Zhao Zhilong walked out of the restaurant and looked at the scene inside. He gulped and thought to himself, "What the hell, is it trying to use its head and the sword to see which is harder?"

At this time, there were only five people left in the restaurant: Zeng Ying, Liu Jiyan, Duke of Wei Xu Yunjue, Wang Duo, and Duke of Baoguo Zhang Guobi.

The Duke of Wei glanced at everyone and said, "Haha, Commander-in-Chief is concerned about state affairs, and I admire you very much. But King Zhou's actions must have deep meaning, and I can't say much. I'll be leaving first, and next time, Commander-in-Chief will have time, you can come to the Duke of Wei's Mansion to have a chat." After saying that, he took a deep look at the five people at the table, then turned and left.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the remaining few people said goodbye and left, leaving Zeng Daowei alone. At this time, the staff came over and whispered to Zeng Daowei: "Boss, with such a big fanfare, I'm afraid no one will reveal their true feelings."

Zeng Daowei smiled complacently upon hearing this, stroked his beard, and said softly: "Haha, this old man is just stirring up trouble, those who are interested will come looking for me."

The aide remained silent upon hearing this. He did not think Zeng Daowei would have a chance of winning against Meng Jun. Who was Meng Jun? He was a warrior who had experienced battles and bloodshed. He was not one of the court's factional struggles. He could kill people with his words. If you made him angry, he would send troops to surround him and kill them with his swords. No strategy would work.

What Zeng Daowei didn't know was that several servants quietly dispersed, and soon, a secret letter was delivered to the desk of Meng Bian, the Qingluan Guard. After reading it, Meng Bian did not dare to delay and quickly submitted the secret report to Meng Jun.

After reading the secret report, Meng Jun covered it on the table and said, "This man is corrupt and old. I have no intention of killing him. I will expel him tomorrow."

Meng Bian whispered, "Your Majesty, why don't you let it go for a while, and when it decides to make a move, capture and kill it in one fell swoop."

Meng Jun was a little moved when he heard this. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Probing people's hearts, they can't stand the test. Jinling has just been settled, and I don't want to cause any more chaos."

"Your Majesty, I have already secretly planted spies in each mansion. If there is any disturbance, they will be informed. If we let it go, I am afraid the harm in the future will be even worse." Meng Bian said anxiously.

Meng Jun pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "Okay, then you should pay close attention to it and make sure it doesn't lead to a disaster!"

"Yes!" Meng Bian said firmly.