The atmosphere of the banquet was pushed to a climax.

Everyone present was excited about the magnificent blueprint for the future of the Tang Dynasty.

However.

A hint of deep thought flashed across Zhuang Zhou's eyes.

He knew very well that to truly realize the dream of unifying the world.

There are still countless difficulties and obstacles to overcome, and countless unknowns to explore.

For example, the beginning of the Age of Discovery will be a great feat.

But this also requires a lot of national support.

Li Er looked at Zhuang Zhou, his heart filled with expectation and trust:

"Zhuang Zhou, I know you are a genius with great ambitions.

But now you don't take up an official post, which is really a regret for our court.

How about this? Considering your contributions to the Tang Dynasty, I will promote you to a higher rank."

As he spoke, all the civil and military officials in the hall had already quieted down.

Of course they knew that His Majesty was about to announce an edict.

"Zhuang Zhou, listen to my orders!"

Um?

Zhuang Zhou was slightly stunned. Is this going to be another conferment?

Li Er glanced at the ministers and finally waved his hand solemnly.

Then the Doctor of Imperial Conferment came forward and solemnly read the imperial edict:

"Disciple:

Zhuang Zhou, Marquis of Lantian County, was promoted one level to Duke of Lantian County and granted the title of Shang Zhengyi Dafu.

This decree has been issued and everyone should obey it.

The eighth year of Zhenguan, December 19th.

After the Doctor of Imperial Households finished reading it, all the officials came together to congratulate him.

Obviously.

This has all been discussed long ago.

But this still surprised Zhuang Zhou.

You know, he was conferred the title of Marquis of Lantian County at the beginning of this year.

In the blink of an eye, it was already the end of the year and Lantian County was in power.

This promotion is a bit too fast.

This is also another level of promotion, which means you will become a county duke.

However, for people like Zhuang Zhou who do not want to be officials.

Being able to become a county magistrate is the end of the road.

For Zhuang Zhou, titles are secondary.

The key point is that his salary in Lantian County has increased a lot.

Thinking of this, Zhuang Zhou hurriedly said:

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward!"

Li Er smiled and nodded:

"I know you don't like gold, silver, or money either. Tell me what you like, and I'll give it to you."

Just as Zhuang Zhou was about to speak, Li Er spoke first:

"Forget about 'Preface to the Lanting Poems' and talk about something else!"

Zhuang Zhou shook his head helplessly. The first thing he thought of was the original "Preface to the Lanting Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion".

But now Zhuang Zhou has gathered a lot of things in his hands.

He really doesn't care about ordinary things.

After thinking about it, what should I order?

"By the way, Your Majesty, I remember you have a chess set made of mutton-fat jade, right?"

As soon as Zhuang Zhou said this.

Li Er, who was originally smiling, was stunned for a moment, and then his face darkened.

Okay!

How dare you bring that up!

Li Chengqian saw this and hurried over and said:

"Master Zhuang, that jade chessboard is my father's most beloved possession.

The entire chessboard is made of Kunlun goat fat jade.

Each chess piece is made of the finest mutton-fat jade and is meticulously carved by dozens of craftsmen.

It is priceless and can be called a rare treasure unparalleled in the world."

Zhuang Zhou was slightly stunned after hearing this.

But then a mischievous smile appeared on his face.

This is not good, I don’t want it!

However, since it is Li Er’s favorite thing, Zhuang Zhou still has to pretend.

"Since it is something that Your Majesty loves, I'd better forget it and not take it away, so as not to embarrass Your Majesty."

Li Er looked at Zhuang Zhou's half-smile and felt a little amused.

You little bastard, you actually try to play such tricks on me.

Now, in front of all the officials, I have already spoken.

Except for the Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion, anything can be mentioned.

They have already mentioned it, so how can we not give it to them?

The emperor’s words are as good as gold!

Li Er pondered for a moment and gritted his teeth:

"Well, since you like it so much.

Then I will reluctantly give up this jade chessboard and give it to you!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole room was in an uproar.

Even Li Chengqian was a little surprised.

I didn't expect that Zhuang Zhou could really get this jade chessboard from His Majesty.

Zhuang Zhou was overjoyed and quickly thanked him:

"Thank you for your gift, Your Majesty. I will definitely treasure it and use it to pass on the family line in the future."

Hearing about the continuation of the family line, Li Er smiled and waved his hand:

"Well, my dear ministers, let's end today's banquet here!"

After saying this, he looked at Zhuang Zhou and said:

"Zhuang Zhou, please come with me. I have something to discuss with you."

“Okay!”

Zhuang Zhou nodded, then followed Li Er out of the banquet hall.

Outside the banquet hall, the moonlight was like water.

A breeze blew by, bringing a bit of chill.

Zhuang Zhou followed Li Er into the imperial study, and a hint of curiosity arose in his heart.

What kind of important matter could it be that made Li Er discuss it with him alone in such a serious manner?

Enter the imperial study.

Li Er dismissed his attendants, leaving only him and Zhuang Zhou.

He walked to the desk, sat down slowly, pointed at a world map on the table, and said in a deep voice:

"Zhuang Zhou, come and see."

Zhuang Zhou walked forward and saw the world map marking the territory of the Tang Dynasty and the locations of the surrounding countries.

He looked carefully and found some new routes on the map, which seemed to be sailing routes.

He was moved. Could it be that the important matter Li Er mentioned was related to the great voyages of discovery?

Li Er saw that Zhuang Zhou had noticed the changes on the map, so he said:

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