"Yellow sand wears golden armor after a hundred battles, Lou Lan won't return until it is broken …"
Wei Zheng suddenly spoke up for Li Zexuan in the Imperial Court, which was indeed unexpected. However, Li Er, who was sitting at the head of the table, did not pay attention to this. He muttered Li Zexuan's poem twice, and if one looked closely, they would find that his eyes were actually shining!
After a while, just as the officials in the Imperial Court were still discussing and whispering to each other, Li Er finally spoke.
"There is no need to discuss this matter anymore! The battle of Feiniao Capital was started by the Wo Nation. First, they attacked the Tang Empire's merchant ships, then they assassinated the Tang Emperor. They should be punished! Xiao Gong's actions were all for the sake of the Tang Empire's people. Even if he had overstepped the bounds, a general is outside and does not obey military orders. We cannot punish a meritorious official because of this!
The journey to the south was full of dangers. Xiao Gong alone shouldered the heavy responsibility and brought back a large amount of food, spices, and money for the Imperial Court at a very low cost. He really deserves great credit for his hard work! I have decided to reward Xiao Gong with 200 households, 10 pairs of elephant tusks, 50 tiger skins, 100 rolls of silk, 5,000 taels of silver, and 2 million taels of money! "
After such a long discussion, Li Er finally made the final decision. The noisy crowd in the Imperial Court suddenly quieted down.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Li Xiaogong hurriedly bowed to express his thanks.
Cheng Yaojin and the others said happily, "Your Majesty is wise!"
Cui Shanfu was so angry that he frowned, but at this time, he did not dare to say anything. He did not want to anger Li Er again.
He heard Li Er continue.
"The compensation for the soldiers who died in the battle will be increased by one level. The Ministry of Civil Affairs will send a special person to compensate the civilian who died in the battle. Among them, the civilian who survived, Meng Youliang, loudly warned at the critical moment and prevented the merchant ship from falling into the hands of the bandits. Moreover, this person is extremely loyal and brave. At the moment of life and death, he forcefully changed the direction of the burning ship and saved the main fleet. I have decided to confer him the title of Grade 8 Xuanjie Commandant. He will be rewarded 100,000 taels of silver and 100 rolls of silk! Feng Zhihua, a merchant on the same ship, is a man who values friendship and righteousness. In the face of danger, he is not flustered. The title of 'Righteous Merchant' shall be bestowed upon him! "
When Li Zexuan heard this, he was secretly happy for Meng Wenhao's father. This man who was like a pillar of the family had finally used his own life to support his family. It was really not easy! Although the rank of an eighth-grade official was small, it was still an official position. In the future, their family would not be easily bullied by others.
This was just a reward for two nameless soldiers, and the rewards were insignificant. Naturally, the ministers in the court would not object. Some of them even felt that Li Er should not have brought this kind of small matter to the court. It seemed like he was making a mountain out of a molehill.
"Lantian County's Li Zexuan, who created the compass, presented the sea map, and helped the fleet return safely. Although he didn't personally participate in the voyage, his contributions in the rear cannot be erased! Moreover, it was you who suggested that the fleet go south to trade. Now that the fleet has brought back such a large amount of goods and money for my Great Tang, your contributions cannot go unnoticed ~! In addition, you invented the paper machine, leveled the price of paper, presided over the compilation of the 《Great Tang Dictionary》, and enlightened tens of thousands of people. Your contributions to the present generation will benefit the future generations. We have decided to reward you with these contributions. You will be conferred the title of Marquis of Yong 'an, with a fief of Lantian and 600 households ~! "
Regarding Li Zexuan's official position, Li Er had been deliberately suppressing it. Previously, Li Zexuan had made many contributions, but Li Er did not reward Li Zexuan. He felt that Li Zexuan was still too young, and if he were to reward him too much, it would be overpraising him!
But later on, Li Er felt that Li Zexuan's abilities and views were becoming less and less like those of a teenage brat. Thus, Li Er decided to stop suppressing it and directly promote Li Zexuan from county's county's Marquis to Li Zexuan!
Of course, this one step was truly one step. At least within the next ten years, Li Zexuan's noble rank would not be able to rise any further. Otherwise, he would quickly reach a point where he could not rise any further. Li Er wanted to leave this talent to Li Chengqian!
"This subject thanks Your Majesty for the great favor!"
When the ministers heard Li Er's reward, they were all stunned. Li Zexuan took advantage of the moment when others were stunned to go forward and thank him.
Logically speaking, he did not care if his Marquis title could be promoted in the next few years. His original dream was to become a Marquis in the Great Tang. Now that his dream had come true, he naturally had to cherish this opportunity. As for the title of Duke above Marquis, he did not even think about it. To him, one Marquis was enough!
"Your Majesty, this …"
Almost at the same time, Wei Zheng also opened his mouth. It seemed that he wanted to object, but seeing Li Zexuan accept the reward so quickly, he could only swallow the words that were on the tip of his tongue. His expression was very ugly.
Li Er indifferently glanced at Wei Zheng, but did not ask for details. He waved his hand and said, "The matter of the reward ends here! Officials, if there is anything, please submit a memorial. If there is nothing, the court is dismissed! "
The officials looked at each other. After the establishment of the Great Tang, Marquis titles were extremely rare. But now, Li Er had so casually rewarded a founding Marquis. No matter how they looked at it, this was very imprudent.
But once the domineering Li Er made up his mind, there was no room for discussion. They could only secretly glare at each other.
Zhangsun Wuji pursed his lips, seemingly itching to make a move. But after thinking for a long time, he did not say anything.
On the other hand, Cheng Yaojin was beaming with joy, as if he was the one being rewarded by Li Er.
After waiting for a while, seeing that no one objected, Li Er was just about to announce that the court was dismissed when he saw a person walk in. Who else could it be but Xiao Yu?
"Beloved Official Xiao, why have you returned? Could it be that the matter at the docks was resolved so quickly? "
Li Er asked curiously when he saw Xiao Yu hurrying over.
How could eight hundred and eighty thousand dan of grain be transported in such a short time? Xiao Yu bitterly smiled and cupped his hands.
"Your Majesty, now that the autumn harvest has just passed, Chang 'an's granary can only hold a few hundred thousand dan of grain at most. So, this old official has returned to ask Your Majesty if we should transport the excess grain to Luoyang along the canal."
Only then did Li Er come to a realization. Actually, he could not be blamed for not thinking things through. He did not expect Li Xiaogong to bring back so much grain. Otherwise, he would not have asked Xiao Yu to make an extra trip.
"Mm! Let's do as Beloved Official Xiao says. Use the fleet to transport the excess grain to Luoyang's Hanjia Granary! "
If there was a locust plague next year, he could transfer grain from Chang 'an and Luoyang at the same time! That was what Li Er thought.
"This official obeys Your Majesty!"
Xiao Yu replied and cupped his hands before leaving.
Li Er looked at the officials in the hall and said loudly, "Since there is nothing else, the court is dismissed!"
Just like that, the morning court finally came to an end after many twists and turns! Li Zexuan returned with a full load!
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