The Twin Pillars of the Empire

The Imperial Capital was buzzing with energy, more so than the previous day. Whether in the lower or upper districts, the streets were crowded with people going about their business, filled with a sense of liveliness.

Regardless of what the court officials might have been thinking, for most of the common citizens, wasn't a grand victory over the southwestern barbarians something worth celebrating?

However, inside the Imperial Palace's Hall of Government, the atmosphere was markedly different.

"Silence! Silence!"

"This is the Imperial Hall, not a marketplace! You are officials of the court—how can you conduct yourselves with such disorder? Today, we are here to discuss the rewards for General Selene. Let's reach a consensus so we can present it to His Majesty."

"But we can't reward her so heavily! I object!"

"I second that! General Selene's actions have caused massive slaughter, which has surely angered both heaven and the people!"

"I believe no reward is warranted—instead, she should be severely punished!"

Unsurprisingly, those opposing were mainly from the faction of former Minister Chory, the so called "Clean Stream" faction. They advocated for peaceful coexistence with the various tribes on the border and opposed any reckless military action.

When the southwestern barbarians first began their uprising, some officials even proposed abandoning Patrypol Province to appease the "people of the world," arguing that the Empire, vast as it was, could afford to lose a border province or two.

"Nonsense! We're out there fighting while you pampered scholars sit here whining and complaining!"

"Appease the 'people of the world'? More like appease the barbarians! I suspect you're all in league with them—traitors!"

On the other side, the military officers couldn't tolerate these slanderous attacks on Selene, and many Imperial generals were enraged, stepping forward to mock and scold the Qingliu faction.

The tension in the hall escalated, and if not for the traditional taboo against military officials meddling in state affairs, a brawl might have broken out.

...

On the day the victory was announced, even though the Emperor was bedridden, he was so overjoyed that he immediately declared three days of national celebration, lifting the curfew, and the entire capital was filled with revelry, with men and women singing and dancing in the streets.

After twenty years on the throne, the Emperor had spent half of his reign dealing with the treacherous southwestern barbarians, who were constantly betraying and then pledging allegiance to the Empire. Numerous campaigns had been launched against them, all to no avail, leaving him deeply frustrated.

Now that Selene had wiped them out, no expression of joy could capture the Emperor's elation.

He then ordered the court to discuss the rewards for Selene.

Selene's campaign against the southwestern barbarians had been a tremendous success. She had led her forces across nearly ten thousand miles, in a campaign lasting over three months, capturing tens of thousands of prisoners and causing the deaths of at least 300,000 barbarians.

The southwestern barbarians were now so terrified of her that even their children would stop crying at the mention of her name.

While the lands outside the Empire's southwestern border were filled with wails of despair, the border provinces were celebrating as if it were the New Year.

Some towns and counties near the border even organized large-scale public celebrations to commemorate the Empire's victory over the southwestern barbarians.

The barbarians had been dealt such a heavy blow that they wouldn't dare attack for decades, allowing the common people to finally enjoy some peace.

No one in the southwestern provinces had anticipated that Selene's campaign would go so smoothly, nor that it would yield such spectacular results.

Selene had led her troops deep into the heart of the barbarian territories, crushing all resistance, exterminating entire tribes, and capturing their leaders. The three major barbarian tribes had been completely annihilated in a short span of time!

This was the greatest military victory the Empire had seen since the chaos five hundred years ago, a victory that swept away a century of decline in the Empire's external military campaigns!

Before the campaign, Selene was merely a well-known general in the Imperial Guard, her fame confined mostly to the capital.

But after this battle, Selene's reputation would spread throughout the entire Empire, elevating her status to be on par with that of General Budo, who defended the capital.

In the songs and stories told by countless people, Selene and Budo became known as the "Twin Pillars of the Empire."

In the streets and taverns of the capital, the tales of Selene's southern campaign were on everyone's lips, from wandering poets to storytellers.

As time passed, from the northern frontier forts to the southern islands, from the elderly to young children, everyone spoke of Selene's achievements and looked forward to the Empire's next "Golden Age."

However, they did not realize that this was merely the final flash of glory before the Empire's eventual decline.

With her achievements, Selene's residence in the capital's upper district became a hub of activity, with wave after wave of visitors, and even some ordinary citizens, unable to enter the upper district, gathered outside its gates to bow toward her mansion before leaving.

The southwestern barbarians had earned such deep hatred.

Of course, while Selene gained immense prestige from this campaign, the real beneficiaries appeared to be the Emperor and Minister Honest.

With Selene's victory, Honest's position as Minister was further solidified, and the Emperor was assured of his legacy. In his eyes, Selene was still his "loyal and capable general"—whether he believed it or not, he had no choice, for his time was running out...

...

Meanwhile, as the court was embroiled in heated debate, the two regents, Budo and Honest, had made their way to the Emperor's bedchamber. Led by the attendants, they entered the room together.

As they stepped inside, Budo's movements grew increasingly careful, as if afraid of disturbing the Emperor.

"Ah... It's my two loyal ministers." The Emperor, contrary to his usual state, was lucid and in high spirits. He held the victory report in his hand and even let out a hearty laugh.

But seeing this, Budo couldn't help but feel a deep sadness, knowing that this was merely the Emperor's final burst of energy before the end.

"Your Majesty," the two said in unison.

"Ahem... My loyal ministers, how much longer before Selene returns to the capital?" the Emperor asked eagerly.

"Your Majesty, General Selene's forces are already on their way back. By now, they should have passed through Patrypol Province, but it will take at least two more months before they arrive in the capital," Budo replied.

"Sigh... It seems I won't live to see the moment of her triumph." The Emperor's eyes briefly showed a hint of regret, but he quickly composed himself and asked, "What have you decided regarding the rewards for General Selene?"

"Your Majesty, I propose we grant her a noble title!" Honest suggested at the right moment.

Here it was—the true purpose behind Honest's actions. Promoting Selene's military rank was one thing, but if she claimed to be from a hidden noble family, why not offer her a noble title? This would not only satisfy Selene but also reduce her presence in the capital, appeasing Budo while securing Honest's own power.