Soon, news of the Grand Duke, the Three Dukes, and the Nine Ministers visiting Gongshu Mansion together reached the ears of many powerful and influential families in Luoyang.
Everyone began to inquire about who this suddenly appearing Gongshu Lian was, and why he could attract so many high-ranking officials to gather in the mansion.
Soon, the group learned several key pieces of information: increased iron production, tea, refined salt, and most importantly, a reward of a thousand gold pieces and the title of Marquis of a Thousand Households!
For a time, the name Gongshu Lian resounded throughout the officialdom and elite class of Luoyang.
No one expected that Gongshu Lian, who was just a craftsman before, would suddenly become such a sought-after figure.
Just as everyone was marveling at the scene, the living room of Gongshu Mansion was filled with laughter and chatter as everyone smacked their lips, savoring the fragrant tea and engaging in pleasant conversation.
Even after the third cup was finished, the group showed no sign of leaving, their conversation filled with praise for the tea and salt.
Seeing everyone's fondness for tea and refined salt, even the slow-witted Gongshu Lian finally realized what was happening. He apologized to everyone and hurriedly went to the back hall.
Looking at the gifts bestowed by the emperor, Gongshu Lian immediately ordered his servants to divide the remaining tea leaves into ten equal portions, and then prepared thirty boxes of refined salt and thirty jars of imperial wine.
"Your presence today is truly an honor to my humble abode! Please accept these gifts to atone for any shortcomings in my hospitality!"
Then, under the expectant gazes of everyone, Gongshu Lian ordered the servants in his mansion to bring out the tea, refined salt, and imperial wine.
"Haha~, Dr. Gongshu, you're too kind! In that case, it would be impolite of me to refuse! Haha~!"
Upon seeing the items laid out before him, Cao Song accepted them without hesitation.
Although the others were not as direct as Cao Song, they did not refuse Gongshu Lian's kindness. After exchanging a few polite words, they left in good spirits.
After Cao Song happily brought the items home, he immediately sent someone to inform Li Mao and the others, instructing them to visit Gongshu Lian with their thanks and gifts.
In Cao Song's view, although Chen Fan and others also liked tea and refined salt, they would not go so far as to visit him personally. Among those people, he and Xi Zhi were probably the only ones who were simply looking to gain some benefits.
The fact that they all went to Gongshu's residence without prior arrangement can only be explained by the fact that they may have all received a hint from the emperor.
This was the emperor promoting Gongshu Lian or the craftsmen, and Cao Song, as a staunch supporter of the emperor, naturally had to do his part.
Upon receiving Cao Song's notification, Li Mao and the others dared not delay and personally visited Gongshu Lian with gifts, followed closely by the others.
For a time, Gongshu Lian's mansion was bustling with activity, with officials and dignitaries coming and going in an endless stream. Even the gatekeepers responsible for receiving guests were amazed by what they had seen.
It wasn't until late at night that Gongshu Lian saw off the last group of guests. He returned to the back hall and looked at the mountain of gifts that the officials and noble families had brought. Gongshu Lian couldn't help but feel a deep sense of emotion!
The next day, officials gathered in front of Chongzheng Hall, all whispering about the events of the previous day, most of which concerned Gongshu Lian.
Aside from the matter of being granted a title, the most important thing was about tea, refined salt, and imperial wine.
They were also very curious about what kind of wonderful thing it was that could attract the affection of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers.
Just then, Zhao Zhong arrived before the officials with several eunuchs.
"The time has come; all officials, enter the hall!"
With a shout from Zhao Zhong, several eunuchs pushed open the palace doors.
Subsequently, civil and military officials, led by Chen Fan and Dou Wu, entered the hall in turn.
As soon as the officials entered the hall, they felt a wave of heat hit them.
"What's going on? Why is it so warm?"
"Yes, it feels like springtime!"
Feeling the temperature inside the Deyang Palace, the officials couldn't help but discuss among themselves.
"Gentlemen, I think I've discovered something incredible—this thing is constantly dissipating heat!"
"This looks like a coal stove! And it burns coal inside?"
Soon everyone noticed the coal stoves that had suddenly appeared in the hall, glowing red-hot and constantly dissipating heat.
"His Majesty is holding court; all officials, please be silent!"
Just as everyone was praising him, Liu Hong slowly walked out from the back hall.
"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"
"Gentlemen, you may dispense with the formalities!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After the greetings were completed, Liu Hong smiled as he looked at the rosy cheeks of the officials, then nodded to Song Dian beside him.
Song Dian understood, and immediately stepped forward and shouted loudly, "If you have something to say, speak now; otherwise, the court is adjourned!"
"I have something to report!"
No sooner had Song Dian finished speaking than Yuan Feng was the first to stand up.
Liu Hong looked at Yuan Feng and asked in a deep voice, "What matter did the Minister of Works report?"
"Your Majesty, I have some incredibly joyous news to report today..."
Yuan Feng then reported to Liu Hong about the matter of increasing iron production through the refining of Gongshulian.
It further emphasized how he and Gongshu Lian overcame numerous difficulties, worked day and night, and devoted themselves wholeheartedly to achieve this success.
Liu Hong, sitting on the throne, couldn't help but beam with joy, and then looked at the civil and military officials in the palace.
"Excellent! Gongshu Lian and Sikong have truly made invaluable contributions! Such a great achievement deserves a rich reward! I wonder what you gentlemen think is appropriate for their honors?"
No sooner had Liu Hong finished speaking than a censor stepped forward and bowed to him. Liu Hong looked over and saw that this man was a protégé of the Yuan family.
"Your Majesty! I believe that Dr. Gongshu's contribution to increasing iron production is immense, and it will greatly benefit our Han Dynasty both now and in the future. This is an unparalleled achievement, and he should be granted the title of Marquis of a Thousand Households!"
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