December 30th, the sixth year of Jianning.

As night fell, all the eunuchs and palace maids in the palace began to busy themselves. Shadows darted about, and red lanterns were lit one by one under the eaves of the various halls.

Outside the palace, two bright lanterns were also hung in front of each household, forming patches of red light that echoed the lights inside the palace.

From afar, bathed in red light, the entire city of Luoyang resembled a red ship floating in the vast darkness of the night.

Following the custom of previous years, Liu Hong held a grand banquet in the palace and invited everyone to stay up all night to welcome the New Year.

Inside the Hall of Welcoming Spring, dozens of square tables, each seating eight people at a time, were still set up.

As in previous years, Liu Hong arranged for young generals such as Cao Cao, Xi Zhicai, Yuan Shao, Liu Bei, and Dian Wei to sit at the same table with him.

The difference this year is that, in addition to the officials and some famous figures, there are also some new faces at this year's banquet.

These new faces mostly come from the three colleges of engineering, agriculture, and medicine. Some are doctoral students or lecturers, while others are students.

The officials had some doubts about the arrival of these new faces, but they did not ask any questions or show any unusual expressions.

During the banquet, various songs, dances, and musical performances were staged in turn.

The wonderful performance captivated the audience, leaving them thoroughly entertained and mesmerized.

However, just half an hour before midnight, all the performers withdrew from the stage without prior arrangement.

Upon seeing this, everyone was slightly taken aback and looked at the emperor with puzzled expressions.

Liu Hong then stood up and said with a smile, "At this year's banquet, I have prepared a novel program for all of you!"

"A new show?"

Upon hearing this, the officials were slightly taken aback, exchanged glances, and all shook their heads in bewilderment.

Only a few people, including Cao Song and Yuan Feng, sat in their respective seats with smug expressions and without saying a word.

Liu Hong didn't keep them in suspense any longer, turning his gaze to the doctoral students, lecturers, and students from the three colleges.

"In recent years, the national governance of our Great Han has gradually improved, and the country is prosperous and the people are well-off. This is naturally inseparable from the joint efforts of all of you, but it also owes much to the various achievements of the three colleges of engineering, agriculture, and medicine. Do you agree?"

Upon hearing this, all the officials nodded in unison.

Now, as the three colleges grow stronger, the many good things they have researched have indeed brought tangible benefits to people.

The high-yield grains developed by the agricultural college filled the government granaries, and famines were rare in various regions.

The various machines developed by the engineering school greatly increased production efficiency and boosted economic income.

Medical schools research various drugs and medical techniques that have cracked various diseases, making people's bodies stronger and healthier.

These changes are evident to everyone and cannot be denied.

Liu Hong then said, “Since ancient times, those who have made contributions must be rewarded in order to ensure long-term stability. You have all worked diligently and conscientiously for the country, and I will not treat you unfairly.”

And these researchers, I certainly cannot be stingy with their resources.”

"Therefore, on this New Year's Eve, I will reward those who have worked hard, so that they may receive the fame, fortune and status they deserve!"

"Your Majesty is wise!!"

Upon hearing this, everyone stood up and praised the emperor's wisdom.

For the officials, they had worked hard on government affairs and gained official positions and a share of the royal business, so it was not unreasonable for the researchers to gain some fame and status.

After all, when researchers develop good things, the first to benefit are the imperial court and royal trading companies, which is entirely in their own interest.

Seeing this, Liu Hong smiled and nodded, signaling everyone to sit down, and then made a gesture to Zhang Rang who was standing to the side.

Zhang Rang understood and hurriedly walked towards the rear hall.

Before long, Zhang Rang came over again, followed by more than twenty palace maids carrying trays.

On those trays were an imperial edict and an exquisite medal.

Then, Zhang Rang picked up a scroll of imperial edict, unfolded it, and read aloud:

"Now, Marquis Moyang, Mo Shang, along with the staff of the Research and Manufacturing Bureau, is developing the curved plow, papermaking, glass, and various powerful crossbows and other sharp weapons..."

The imperial edict detailed the various achievements and contributions made by Mo Shang after he joined the Research and Development Bureau.

Finally, Zhang Rang loudly proclaimed, "The merits of Marquis Moyang are comparable to those of conquering new territories. Therefore, I hereby bestow upon him a First-Class Imperial Medal as a reward!"

As soon as Zhang Rang finished speaking, the hall erupted in an uproar.

In the past two years, with the implementation and improvement of the military merit system, in addition to the corresponding titles and official positions, a medal system has been added to reward those who have made meritorious contributions.

The medals are ranked differently depending on the merits performed.

Take, for example, the naval medals that Liu Hong previously awarded to Cao Cao and others. In the medal system, they were only in the second tier, not out of reach.

However, this First-Class Imperial Medal is undoubtedly the highest-ranking, most precious, and rarest medal in the Han Dynasty.

Receiving this medal signifies receiving the highest honor in the Han Dynasty.

Such an honor, if recorded in history books, would be worthy of being written about in great detail.

Thinking of this, everyone looked at Mo Shang with envy.

Mo Shang also stood up excitedly and followed closely to Liu Hong, bowing respectfully.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your divine grace!"

"My dear subject, you may dispense with the formalities!"

With a smile, Liu Hong helped Mo Shang to his feet: "This is all you deserve, my dear minister!"

As he spoke, under the envious gazes of everyone, Liu Hong took out the First-Class Imperial Medal and personally pinned it on Mo Shang's chest.

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