"The flying artifact in this man's hand is truly extraordinary," Genghis Khan said slowly. "With such a thing, I shall become invincible.
No enemy will be able to stand against me. My armies will advance without obstruction."
Yelu Chucai inclined his head. "Congratulations, Great Khan."
Genghis Khan nodded, clearly pleased. Then he stroked his beard and continued.
"How should I reward him? First, I could grant him a few slaves. Then perhaps some gold and silver treasures.
What do you think? You are from the Central Plains, like him.
If I recall correctly, you once said you are a descendant of Yan and Huang.
You should know what men like him desire."
Yelu Chucai remained silent for a moment before answering.
The Khitan people, from whom he descended, had ruled the Central Plains centuries earlier. During the Liao Dynasty, Khitan rulers had greatly admired Han culture and Confucian learning.
The Liao aristocracy frequently called themselves descendants of Yan and Huang, seeking legitimacy through Chinese tradition.
Even Emperor Taizu of the Liao Dynasty had once claimed descent from Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty.
When the Liao state was first established, it even referred to itself as China, and during state rituals, Confucius was honored first.
Moreover, Yelu Chucai's own mother was from a pure Han family. From childhood, he had studied Confucian classics and received a traditional Han education.
In his heart, he naturally regarded himself as part of the broader cultural heritage of the Central Plains.
Yet, the Song Dynasty had never accepted the Khitan claim.
Since the Northern Song era, Khitan rulers had often been mocked for claiming Han ancestry.
Nevertheless, after both the Liao and Jin dynasties conquered the Central Plains, they increasingly adopted Han administrative practices and Confucian ideals.
Yelu Chucai himself hoped that the Mongol Empire would eventually govern using Confucian principles, bringing stability and order to its rapidly expanding territories.
However, persuading Genghis Khan to adopt such policies remained difficult.
After a brief pause, Yelu Chucai spoke.
"If Your Majesty wishes to reward him according to Central Plains custom, the highest honor would be to grant him the title of Marquis and appoint him to a high administrative office."
Genghis Khan frowned slightly.
"Marquis?" he repeated.
He thought for a moment before continuing.
"Muqali is currently attacking the Jin Kingdom.
Many Han people have joined his campaign and have already been granted the title of Ten-Thousand-Household Marquis.
That seems appropriate. When this man achieves military merit, I shall also grant him the title of Han Shi Marquis."
Yelu Chucai opened his mouth, intending to explain further, but ultimately remained silent.
The title Genghis Khan referred to differed greatly from the traditional Central Plains concept of nobility.
Although both were called "Marquis," the Mongol Ten-Thousand-Household system was primarily a military-administrative arrangement, not a hereditary noble title sanctioned by imperial authority.
Furthermore, these titles were often temporary, granted during wartime to encourage cooperation among local elites. Once conquest was complete, their status could easily be altered or revoked.
In contrast, a true marquis title in Chinese tradition carried enduring prestige. It was recorded in official history, passed down to descendants, and honored in ancestral temples.
Yet Genghis Khan had little interest in such distinctions. He did not seek to become emperor after conquering the Jin Dynasty, believing instead that the title of Great Khan surpassed all others.
Moreover, he had little enthusiasm for Confucian governance.
Yelu Chucai knew that pressing the matter further would achieve nothing.
Genghis Khan, having reached his decision, spoke again.
"First, give him four slaves. Then grant him two chests of gold and silver."
After returning to his tent and parking his vehicle nearby, Chen Rong finally let out a long breath.
This meeting with Genghis Khan had gone far better than he had dared hope.
Not only had he successfully demonstrated several modern items, but he had also strengthened Genghis Khan's belief in his mysterious identity.
The Khan now viewed him as someone possessing divine or supernatural knowledge.
That alone was a powerful advantage.
The next step would be to deepen that trust and gradually secure a higher position within the Mongol camp.
Chen Rong stepped outside and inspected the small patch of earth beside his tent.
The pepper, tomato, and cucumber seedlings he had planted were beginning to sprout. He carefully watered them, crouching low to avoid damaging the fragile leaves.
These crops might seem insignificant, but they represented something far greater — control over food supply, influence over logistics, and ultimately, leverage within the Mongol hierarchy.
After finishing, Chen Rong returned to his tent and lay down on the felt bedding.
He was exhausted.
The events of the day — the tense audience, the demonstrations, the constant need to maintain his fabricated persona — had drained him completely.
Within moments, he fell asleep.
At dawn the following morning, several Mongol soldiers were already waiting outside Chen Rong's tent.
"Mr. Chen!" the leading officer called respectfully. "By order of the Great Khan, we have come to deliver your rewards — gold, silver, and slaves."
Chen Rong stepped outside, still rubbing sleep from his eyes.
At a signal from the officer, several soldiers carried two heavy wooden chests into the tent.
When they opened them, Chen Rong saw gold ornaments, silver ingots, jade pieces, onyx, and various finely crafted jewelry.
Even Chen Rong, who came from a modern world, could not help but feel impressed.
Gold, after all, remained gold in any era.
"These two chests are the Great Khan's gift," the officer said. "There are also several slaves outside, likewise granted to you."
The soldiers glanced at Chen Rong with unconcealed envy.
Receiving treasure without military merit was rare. Moreover, rumors about Chen Rong had already spread throughout the camp.
Some claimed he had seen gods.
Others said he possessed flying artifacts that shone with divine light.
The previous night's events had caused a stir among generals and even attracted the attention of Genghis Khan's sons.
Chen Rong had become the subject of widespread discussion.
"I will accept the gold and silver," Chen Rong said. "But the slaves… forget about them."
He had no use for slaves.
Besides, the idea made him uncomfortable.
The Mongol officer shook his head.
"This is the Great Khan's command. It cannot be refused."
Chen Rong fell silent.
In Mongol tradition, accepting rewards was mandatory. Refusing them would be seen as disrespect toward the Great Khan himself.
After a moment, Chen Rong sighed.
Perhaps they could help tend the crops.
Extra labor would not hurt.
"Very well," he said.
Chen Rong followed the soldiers outside.
Four individuals were crouched together in the cold wind, shivering. Their clothing was thin, and their faces bore the exhaustion of long hardship.
From their appearance, they seemed to be from the Western Regions.
After delivering the slaves, the officer placed his hand over his chest, bowed slightly, and departed.
Chen Rong stood there, momentarily stunned.
Where was he supposed to put them?
He certainly could not invite them into his tent.
Nor did he feel safe leaving them unsupervised nearby. If they rebelled, he would be defenseless.
Fortunately, the remaining Mongol soldiers quickly took action. Using prepared wood, they constructed a crude enclosure beside Chen Rong's tent — resembling a livestock pen.
They then drove the four slaves inside, spreading straw on the ground as bedding.
Chen Rong stared, conflicted.
This was… harsh.
They were being treated like animals.
Yet, this was the Mongol camp. Such treatment was not unusual.
"Mr. Chen," the leading soldier said, stepping forward. "The four of us have been assigned as your personal guards by the Great Khan.
We are responsible for your safety. If you require anything, you may command us. We will also watch these slaves for you."
Chen Rong felt a surge of relief.
At least he would not be left alone.
"Are they from Khwarezm?" Chen Rong asked.
"Yes, sir."
Khwarezm.
That meant they were likely captives from the recent Mongol campaigns in Central Asia.
"Ask them what they did before," Chen Rong said.
He wanted to know their backgrounds. Skilled individuals could be far more useful than ordinary laborers.
The soldier nodded and turned toward the four frightened figures, preparing to question them.
Chen Rong watched quietly, already considering how these unexpected rewards might fit into his growing plans.