“... Appoint Wei Yuan as the Military Commissioner of Western Pacification, granting him authority over all military affairs, and bestow upon him the privilege of entering the court with half-ceremonial respects. So ordered[1]!”

The resonant voice echoed across the realm of Qingming. The young nobles standing behind Wei Yuan wore dazed expressions, and the Palace of Absolute Beginning cultivators in the distance were similarly baffled. It was because the post Wei Yuan was bestowed was… a lot higher than they were anticipating.

After listening to the decree until the end, Wei Yuan knelt on one knee and responded, “Many thanks to His Majesty!”

Zhao Tong rolled up the royal decree and handed it to Wei Yuan. He also took Wei Yuan’s hand while doing so and said with a chuckle, “Remember this, Wei Yuan: when you meet the king in the future, you must address him as His Holiness the Holy King, not His Majesty.”

Wei Yuan hurriedly replied, “Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch Zhao!”

He used the salute as a pretext to withdraw his hand without appearing impolite.

Zhao Tong said, “To only pay half the ceremonial respects upon entering the court—you are the only one to receive this honor among the high-ranking officials of our Great Jin! From now on, you are also a high upper second rank official.”

Wei Yuan hurriedly replied, “You flatter me, Eunuch Zhao. I shall rely on your continued guidance in the future!”

Zhao Tong glanced at Wei Yuan and smiled. “You have your own connections within the court, Military Commissioner Wei. There isn’t much where I can be of use. However, I find you...