After Chu Qian left, Liu Hong took out paper and pen, pondered for a moment, and then wrote:
"Unyielding in spirit and unwavering in loyalty."
His loyalty surpasses that of Zhang Qian; he is a model of integrity!
After writing these few comments, Liu Hong looked up into the hall and shouted loudly:
"Someone come here!"
A young eunuch on duty outside the hall rushed in.
"Yes, Your Majesty! What are your orders?"
"I hereby issue an edict to the Imperial Secretariat: Chu Qian’s mission to the Xianbei has greatly enhanced the prestige of our Han Dynasty. His merits are immense, and I am deeply gratified!"
He was specially promoted to Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, in charge of all diplomatic affairs of the Han Dynasty!
In addition, he was awarded five hundred taels of gold, one hundred bolts of Shu brocade, one hundred jars of imperial wine, one thousand boxes of refined salt, and a luxurious mansion!
"promise!!"
"Furthermore, instruct Yin Xun to add this comment to the imperial edict and spread it far and wide!"
As he spoke, Liu Hong handed the page to Xiao Huangmen.
"This servant obeys!"
The young eunuch respectfully accepted the paper, and was shocked when he read the comments on it.
The reward worth tens of millions is one thing, but this comment alone is enough to make Chu Qian famous throughout the world.
He had served Liu Hong for so long, and he had never seen the emperor so generous to Mo Shang and the others.
Soon, the eunuch arrived at the Ministry of Personnel with Liu Hong's edict and the paper.
When the emperor learned of the reward bestowed upon Chu Qian, the people in the Ministry of Personnel were in an uproar.
Those younger people didn't care much about the rewards.
What they cared about were the emperor's four comments about Chu Qian.
The young officials in the Ministry of Personnel couldn't help but discuss it amongst themselves.
Guan Ning said, "Alas, this Chu Qian, originally a man of integrity who only knew how to engage in empty talk, has now soared to great heights!"
"Yes, such praise from the emperor is the greatest affirmation for him. This man has not only achieved both fame and fortune, but it is also possible that he will be remembered in history!"
Zhou Yi nodded, a hint of envy in his voice.
Ju Shou laughed and said, "I've heard about his deeds. Although he belongs to the purist faction, he is just as the emperor described him: upright and loyal!"
“Indeed, to overcome countless difficulties and obstacles and force Tan Shihuai to submit, this steadfastness is something we should all learn from!” Tian Feng echoed.
Ju Shou nodded, "Yuan Hao is right. Now that such a person has emerged from the Qingliu faction, it will surely arouse people's longing!"
It seems that His Majesty, besides praising Chu Qian's achievements, also intends to cultivate him into an object of emulation and admiration!
"Haha~ Gongyu is right. Now that we have Chu Qian as a role model, let's see which of those 'pure' people still has the face to spout nonsense!"
Guan Ning laughed loudly, clearly agreeing with Ju Shou's statement.
"Your Majesty's methods are truly brilliant!"
Everyone present was Liu Hong's confidant, and they naturally understood the emperor's intention in promoting Chu Qian in this way.
Soon, an imperial edict, lavishly worded and full of praise, was completed.
Liu Hong also dispatched Lü Qiang and over a hundred Imperial Guards to read the imperial edict, demonstrating the importance he attached to it.
The contents of the imperial edict and the emperor's comments on Chu Qian were quickly disseminated throughout Luoyang at Liu Hong's behest.
People are filled with envy for Chu Qian's success in gaining both fame and fortune, and they also yearn for it in their hearts.
Chu Qian's rise to power and his experiences have become a topic of conversation among people.
In no time, Chu Qian's name became a household name in Luoyang, and his popularity was no less than that of Mo Shang and Gongshu Lian before him.
Upon hearing this news, countless upright individuals, just as Tian Feng and others had predicted, were greatly encouraged.
Previously, whether in the imperial court or among scholars, they were subjected to extreme suppression and contempt.
Unable to speak freely and unable to outdo others in getting things done, those upright individuals felt powerless and frustrated.
Chu Qian's sudden rise to prominence has greatly enhanced the prestige of the Qingliu faction.
Countless young people from the Qingliu faction regarded him as an object of worship, and Chu Qian's status among the Qingliu faction rose rapidly.
"Ha! Another hero has been born!"
Upon hearing the commotion in the city, Liu Hong couldn't help but chuckle, clearly quite satisfied with his star-making plan.
"However... that's not enough, we need to add fuel to the fire!"
After whispering something to himself, Liu Hong began to ponder.
The reason he promoted Chu Qian in this way was not only to support Chu Qian's position within the Qingliu faction, but also, more importantly, to use Chu Qian's deeds to attract and inspire more young people to participate in his infiltration plan.
Therefore, we must further increase our publicity efforts to let more people know about Chu Qian.
"Jian Shuo!"
"Yes, sir!"
"The Grand Minister of Agriculture, Xi Zhicai, and Zhao Zhong are summoned to an audience!"
"promise!"
After receiving the order, Jian Shuo hurriedly ran outside.
After Jian Shuo left, Liu Hong took out paper and pen and began to write.
What he wrote was a preliminary plan for establishing a newspaper and newspaper office.
Not long after, just as Liu Hong finished writing, Yuan Feng, Xi Zhicai, Zhao Zhong and several others arrived together.
"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"
"No need for formalities, please sit!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After the three of them were seated, Liu Hong first looked at Cao Song and asked:
"Grand Minister of Agriculture, how is the printing plant doing lately? How many books can be printed each day?"
Cao Song thought for a moment and then said, "Your Majesty, the construction of the printing plant has been initially completed. After debugging, two printing production lines have been laid. Based on two hundred pages per book, it can print about three hundred books per day!"
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