After the bestowal of titles and honors was completed, Tian Feng took out another imperial edict of appointment and presented it to Chu Qian.
"His Majesty and the court have decided to name the occupied Anxi land Yizhou, and you will serve as the first governor of Yizhou."
We, your humble servants, will be responsible for assisting Chu Yi Prefecture in handling local government affairs!
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your kindness!"
After bowing once more towards the direction of the Han Dynasty, Chu Qian respectfully accepted the imperial edict of appointment.
Then Chu Qian smiled and looked at Tian Feng, Ju Shou and the others, "You have all come from afar and must be tired. I have already ordered people to prepare a banquet in the rear to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey!"
"In that case, thank you very much, Governor Chu Yi!"
Tian Feng and the others did not refuse Chu Qian's invitation.
Putting everything else aside, just considering the merits established by Chu Qian and others, this face should still be given no matter what.
Subsequently, under Chu Qian's arrangement, the officials, students, craftsmen, and others who had come with Tian Feng and others also walked towards the back of the port.
Through continuous expansion and improvement over the past year, the area behind the port has been developed into a commercial base integrating accommodation, trade, warehousing, and supply.
"Chu Yizhou, you are truly skilled. You have managed to make this place so prosperous in such a short time. I am truly impressed."
Walking on the newly built street, looking at the houses in the style of the Han Dynasty on both sides, as well as all kinds of shops and merchants coming and going, Tian Feng couldn't help but praise with admiration.
"Haha, Minister Tian, you flatter me. I merely ordered people to collect some taxes, maintain order, and specify the architectural style."
The construction and development of this place were all driven by the merchants who came and went; after all, commerce drives prosperity!
"Chu Yizhou is right. Commerce drives prosperity, and only by vigorously promoting commerce can we ensure the long-term stability of this place!"
Tian Feng echoed earnestly, saying that although Chu Qian made it sound simple, governing a region is not something that can be done with just words. There are many troublesome matters involved, and it would be difficult to coordinate various things without putting in a lot of hard work.
Ju Shou, who was following behind, spoke up: "By the way, could Chu Yizhou tell us more about the situation here?"
"good!"
Chu Qian nodded, then said slowly, "Currently, apart from a few ports along the coast, there are fifty-two cities under our actual control."
These cities cover an area roughly the same as Liaozhou, with about 100 million mu of arable land, though most of it is wasteland that needs to be reclaimed. The remaining land consists mostly of mountains, forests, and mining areas.
Including the original inhabitants and newly resettled migrants, the total population is around ten million.
Zhang Zhao stepped forward again and asked, "What is the attitude of these people towards our Han Dynasty?"
Chu Qian smiled and said, "I am managing these people in accordance with the administration and taxation system of the Han Dynasty."
This enabled these people to have food to eat by farming and money to earn by working.
Therefore, they readily accepted the rule of the Han Dynasty, and many even hoped to join the Han nationality, becoming true Han citizens so they could serve the Han Dynasty!
Upon hearing Chu Qian's explanation, Tian Feng and the others took notes earnestly and began to consider their next governance strategy.
Before long, Chu Qian led his group to an open space in the center of the base.
At this moment, a round table large enough to accommodate three thousand people for a banquet had been set up in the open space.
Behind the open space, hundreds of kitchen staff and service personnel were busily working.
At the front of the banquet, nearly a hundred Parthians dressed in Hanfu stood quietly, waiting for Tian Feng and his entourage to arrive.
These people were all individuals of considerable status and prestige in the nearby cities.
Leading the group were Kemolai and Daruk, who had long since pledged allegiance to the Grand Master.
These two men had previously led 30,000 troops each to purge 52 cities in southern Parthia.
All nobles and landlords who sided with Parthia or refused to accept Han rule were violently eliminated by them.
It can be said that without their help, the various management policies of the Han Dynasty could not have been implemented so quickly, and the Han Dynasty could not have gained the people's recognition here.
Therefore, these two guys have now become staunch supporters of the Great Han, and naturally they take the arrival of the Great Han angels very seriously.
Upon seeing Chu Qian and his group approaching, Kemolai and Daruk bowed and quickly went to greet them.
"We, Kemolai and Daruk, greet the angels and wish His Majesty the Emperor and the Han Dynasty a long life!" As soon as they approached, the two bowed deeply to Tian Feng and the others in unison.
"You two may dispense with the formalities!"
Tian Feng also stepped forward with a smile, helped the two up, and said gently, "His Majesty is aware of what you two have done."
His Majesty is pleased with the help you have provided and has even sent me with an imperial edict of reward to you!
As he spoke, Tian Feng took out another imperial edict, held it high in his hand, and announced loudly, "By order of the Emperor, Kemolai and Daruk shall receive this edict!"
"I am acting under imperial decree!!"
Kemolai and Daruk also knelt down excitedly before the imperial edict in Tian Feng's hand.
Those Parthians standing behind them followed suit and knelt down as well.
Tian Feng then opened the imperial edict and read aloud: "The way to govern a country lies in employing people; the way to employ people lies in rewarding and punishing them; clear rewards and punishments are the only way to ensure long-term success."
Although Kemolai and Daruk are subjects of a foreign state, they are sensible and righteous, and have devoted themselves to the cause of our Great Han, making great contributions. I should reward them handsomely.
He was granted the title of Marquis of Linshan, a third-class noble title, which his descendants could inherit in perpetuity. He was also awarded ten thousand taels of gold and a thousand bolts of silk, and concurrently served as a staff member of the Yizhou Prefecture, in charge of the education and civilization of the Parthians.
Daruk was granted the title of Marquis of Kenan, a third-class nobleman. His descendants could inherit this title in perpetuity. He was also awarded ten thousand taels of gold and a thousand bolts of silk. At the same time, he was appointed as a staff officer of the Yizhou Prefecture and in charge of military affairs in Parthia.
I hope that you two will serve the Han Dynasty with all your heart and soul!
Tian Feng's voice, strong and powerful, clearly reached everyone's ears.
"Your Majesty, we thank you for your divine grace!"
Kemolai and Daruk also excitedly kowtowed in gratitude towards the Han Dynasty.
They never expected that the emperor would not only preserve their right to rest in peace, but also grant them the title of marquis, which could be described as an immense favor.
The Parthians behind them couldn't help but cast envious glances at Kmolley and Daruk.
You should know that a marquis, in Parthia, would be among the top nobles.
As the saying goes, "a log establishes trust," and the Han Dynasty's generous reward also stirred the ambitions of the other Parthians.
Now that Parthia is in ruins and needs rebuilding, it is the perfect time for them to serve. As long as they are willing to put in the effort, they might even be able to earn a title and experience the life of a nobleman.
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