Hearing Ye Tian's words, Qian Renxue gave a bitter smile.
Had she succeeded in persuading him?
She sighed softly.
Although her ultimate goal wasn't achieved, her efforts weren't entirely in vain.
While Ye Tian didn't agree to serve by her side, his words indicated he wouldn't align himself with other factions.
This was undoubtedly good news for Spirit Hall.
When it came to Ye Tian, one couldn't demand too much.
With this in mind, Qian Renxue, already prepared for such an outcome, nodded lightly. She extended her delicate hand again and smiled, "Then, I'll thank you in advance."
Ye Tian chuckled and extended his broad palm to lightly bump her wrist. "No need to be polite."
He thought this would end their conversation, but then he noticed a faint smile on Qian Renxue's lips.
"I've always been someone who repays kindness promptly. When I return to Heaven Dou City, I'll inform Emperor Xue Ye to grant you the title of Earl of the East Sea. This way, you can officially contact me through established channels."
"In the future, your advice will reach the imperial court directly, without concern for breaches of etiquette or law."
Ye Tian frowned at her words.
So this was what Qian Renxue had been waiting for.
Becoming a noble, especially an earl, wasn't an easy matter.
Such a rank came with the right to govern a provincial territory, requiring annual reports to the Emperor in Heaven Dou City.
For him, a noble title meant numerous restrictions.
Everything he did would be under countless watchful eyes.
This would drag him out of the shadows and into the glaring sunlight.
"Can I refuse?" Ye Tian asked, locking eyes with Qian Renxue's beautiful gaze.
"You've refused many times before. Finally, there's something I can decide on my own. So, no, you can't refuse," Qian Renxue replied with a soft smile.
She turned gracefully and descended the staircase without waiting for Ye Tian's response.
Ye Tian, still standing there, sighed as he watched her retreating figure.
As expected of Qian Renxue—he had underestimated her.
Her mind was as unfathomable as her stunning beauty.
"Did your conversation go well?"
Sitting casually on the sofa, Ning Fengzhi looked up as Qian Renxue descended the stairs and asked.
"Mm."
Qian Renxue nodded.
"I've decided to promote Ye Tian to Earl and involve him in the governance of the Silvis Province."
"What? Ye Tian's advancement is too much. Your Highness, you must reconsider."
Ning Fengzhi widened his eyes, frowning slightly.
In his view, promoting Ye Tian to Earl was utterly absurd.
The Earl title wasn't something handed out like trinkets.
The entire Heaven Dou Empire had only about a hundred earls.
Each earl's family had made monumental contributions to the Empire.
For Ye Tian's merit in saving the Crown Prince, even a baron title would already be a special favor.
It was worth noting that Ning Fengzhi himself, despite being the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Crown Prince's tutor, held a status equivalent to an earl but hadn't been officially granted the title.
This showed just how significant noble titles were to an empire.
Without proven achievements, granting titles recklessly undermined the Empire's credibility.
"Skipping over the ranks of knight, baron, and viscount to directly grant an earl title would be hard to justify to the other nobles," Ning Fengzhi warned.
Nobles were a nation's backbone, a vital resource.
None of them would tolerate unmerited rewards.
"It could even undermine Your Highness's authority."
As a teacher, Ning Fengzhi was thorough in pointing out the implications to Qian Renxue.
However, Qian Renxue remained unfazed.
"Ye Tian's abilities make him more than qualified to be an earl."
"Besides, he saved my life. Think of this as compensation."
Ning Fengzhi had no way of understanding Ye Tian's true importance to her.
Of course, she wouldn't explain further, as doing so would only expose Ye Tian to unnecessary danger.
Her decision to grant him the title of Earl wasn't out of gratitude.
It was a calculated move to bind Ye Tian to her faction.
Though she had infiltrated the Heaven Dou Empire for decades, those who genuinely pledged loyalty to her and Spirit Hall were few and far between.
Ye Tian was undoubtedly a breakthrough.
If he accepted the noble title, his intelligence and capability would naturally lead to further contributions.
With some maneuvering from her, Ye Tian could soon wield considerable influence over the Empire.
Power shapes one's thinking. Even if Ye Tian initially resisted gaining power, his subordinates wouldn't let him hold back.
Everything would inevitably drive Ye Tian into her camp.
This was an open, transparent strategy—sometimes, achieving one's goals required seemingly underhanded methods.
Hearing Qian Renxue's explanation, Ning Fengzhi pursed his lips, his frown unrelenting.
He clearly disagreed.
At that moment, Ye Tian descended the stairs.
When Ning Fengzhi saw him, he gave him a long, penetrating look.
This confused Ye Tian, but he quickly grasped the situation based on the room's atmosphere.
It was undoubtedly about the title.
Coincidentally, Ye Tian had no interest in becoming an earl. Ning Fengzhi might even serve as his excuse to refuse.
Before Ye Tian could speak, Ning Fengzhi addressed him directly.
"Ye Tian, while it's true you saved the Crown Prince, you must understand that your contributions don't warrant an earl title."
"Furthermore, you're not even a soul master. Do you truly believe you can match the responsibilities of an earl?"
Failing to persuade Qian Renxue, Ning Fengzhi shifted his efforts to Ye Tian, hoping he'd have some self-awareness.
"Your words are truly enlightening, Sect Master Ning!" Ye Tian feigned a deeply moved expression, almost shedding tears. "I'm unworthy of such a high position."
"This title—I absolutely cannot accept. If you wish to reward my service to the Crown Prince, a monetary reward would suffice. It'd help secure my future livelihood."
Ye Tian's supposed gratitude was, of course, feigned.
But it was enough to deceive everyone present.
He had zero interest in this so-called earl title.
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi gave a satisfied nod of approval.
The young man seemed self-aware, recognizing the insurmountable gap between commoners and nobles and choosing not to covet beyond his station.
Being a noble wasn't easy—someone like Ye Tian, with no strength or background, would only invite envy and danger.
Whether he could survive the daily assassination attempts was another question entirely.
In this regard, Ye Tian displayed considerable wisdom, earning Ning Fengzhi's admiration.
Perhaps he could consider giving Ye Tian an opportunity to serve as the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's representative in the East Sea City node.
However, Qian Renxue's expression darkened.
Her hard-won victory had been undone by Ning Fengzhi in an instant.
But letting such a valuable asset slip through her fingers was out of the question.
In her eyes, no one was more critical than Ye Tian.
(End of Chapter)
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