111 The First Official Meeting After the War (Unedited and Unproofread)

One month after the defense of Gaoting had concluded, Yang Jie and the cadre team finally settled all matters, large and small, concerning the tribe.

During this month, each cadre diligently fulfilled their duties, leading the entire tribe back onto a steady path.

Agriculture resumed production, ten orphanages were completed, the Black Flag Army’s camp began systematic training, and the first batch of coal and copper supplied by the Lizardfolk was delivered to the camp. Everything was improving, moving steadily in a positive direction.

[Technology: Fire Method Copper Smelting (Completed)]...

After a month, the fire method of copper smelting was finally accomplished. As the name implies, it involved smelting copper with intense fire. Due to the associated air pollution, Yang Jie arranged for this process to be conducted in the northern part of Horseshoe Mountain, where copper smelting was centralized.

The fire method was the earliest copper smelting technique, essentially a chemical reaction between CuS and O₂.

As for the more well-known wet method of copper smelting, although more convenient, it was impossible under current conditions due to the absolute absence of elemental iron.

One hour later, in the conference room.

This was the first formal meeting since the end of the Gaoting defense, and the cadres had arrived early, whispering among themselves as they awaited the start.

Wendy followed Yang Jie into the office. Accompanying them was Xia Rong, who, as the representative of the Lizardfolk, was attending a high-level Ratfolk meeting for the first time.

Most cadres were already well acquainted with Xia Rong, so no formalities were exchanged. Yang Jie did not require Xia Rong to introduce herself. Instead, he had her and Wendy—a Lizardfolk and a Ratfolk—take seats on his left and right, respectively.

Once Yang Jie sat down, the room quickly fell silent.

“Ahem, today marks our first meeting since the war’s end. First, allow me to introduce the foreign ally seated to my left. I believe most of you are already familiar with her, but I must say a few words.”

Yang Jie glanced at Xia Rong and continued,

“This is Xia Rong, chieftain of our allied Lizardfolk. She has provided tremendous aid to the Ratfolk during post-war reconstruction.”

Having spoken, Xia Rong rose and gave a slight bow, formally greeting the assembled cadres.

The room responded with sustained applause. The Lizardfolk’s support was deeply appreciated and recognized, and the applause reflected the high regard in which they were held as allies.

“There are two main items on today’s agenda: first, the commendation ceremony for those who fought in the defense, and second, the future direction of the tribe.”

Seeing the moment was right, Yang Jie continued.

“The victory in the Gaoting defense was the result of everyone’s joint efforts. Now that the empire has been officially established, I will conduct a one-on-one ennoblement ceremony today.”

As soon as Yang Jie finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from the room.

Yang Jie had adopted a constitutional monarchy—a highly open and free political system. Throughout history, nearly every constitutional monarchy has followed a unique model.

“Sharidi, for your merits in defending the nation, I hereby confer upon you the title of Duke!”

Old Sha rose with an unreadable expression and approached Yang Jie. Yang Jie took a pin from Wendy and fastened it onto Old Sha’s coarse garment.

These pins were exchanged through the system. Yang Jie currently had over 20,000 honor points. Simply redeeming one duke’s pin required 1,000 merit points, while ranks of marquis, count, viscount, baron, and knight required 1,000, 800, 600, 400, and 200 merit points, respectively.

These noble titles not only increased the loyalty of the cadres but also had the potential to activate their hidden attributes.

In short, the ennoblement system was a specialized means to cultivate and develop cadres.

Old Sha, Victor, Johnny, and Snitch were awarded the title of Duke—two civil and two military leaders, perfectly balanced. The remaining cadres were ranked accordingly, with exceptionally outstanding warriors receiving even special promotions.