It was the first day of April in the tenth year of the Xuanli calendar. The rain that had been lingering in Jinling City for many days finally dissipated, and the long-lost golden sunshine spread all over the ground.
The court meeting had ended, and Emperor Xuan summoned Yan Beixi, Dong Kangping and Ning Taifu to the imperial study to discuss matters.
"According to the intelligence sent from the southwest these days, the defeat of Bandit Xue is a foregone conclusion. He is now besieged within Jianmen City, and his captivity is imminent. I have summoned you here today to discuss several matters privately."
"First, the Western Frontier Army exists in name only. We need to rebuild it. Who should lead it?"
"Secondly, I heard in a private letter to me that the Zhongyu clan and the Yuyu clan in Linzi City, east of Jiannan Road, made great contributions to the victory of this battle... Each of these clans contributed three million taels of silver and recruited nearly three hundred thousand soldiers. That's quite something!"
Emperor Xuan stroked his beard and added with deep emotion, "Who says merchants are obsessed with profit? In the face of such a major issue, I actually think merchants have a heart for serving the country. I've thought about this matter over and over again, and it's a good opportunity to promote merchants in conjunction with the new policy, and to elevate their status. I hope merchants around the world will follow the example of the two families, Zhong and Yu, and make money without forgetting the country's concerns. I think such merchants deserve strong support!"
Yan Beixi and others looked up at Emperor Xuan. Naturally, they did not object to this opinion, but they knew that from now on, a new era was opening in an unstoppable manner.
With state public opinion endorsing businessmen, the previous class status will inevitably change!
Among the four classes of scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans, if we look at this, merchants will at least be ranked after scholars.
This fits perfectly with the principle that Fu Xiaoguan once proposed, which is to focus on economic development. Then the implementation of the new policy will be like a torrent, and no one can stop it.
"Thirdly, Officer Fu personally went to the battlefield this time, enduring near-death experiences. His Divine Sword Brigade 3 even annihilated Xi Hua's 130,000-man army at Qipan Pass... My head is aching. How should I reward him?"
Emperor Xuan glanced at the three of them and said, "Come on, let's talk."
This... Fu Xiaoguan was just conferred the title of Viscount, is he going to be conferred the title of Earl right away?
Yan Beixi and the other two looked at each other, feeling that this matter was quite tricky.
We have worked hard all our lives but haven't even earned the title of baron. Could it be that Fu Xiaoguan has been promoted to a higher level in just two or three months?
The three of them also felt a headache. Yan Beixi put the question aside for the time being and said, "In my opinion, the post of General of the Western Frontier Army is most suitable for Fei An."
Grand Tutor Ning frowned slightly, "The Fei clan... has done something rebellious. This old minister thinks Huo Huaijin, the son of the Prince of Zhenxi, would be a more suitable candidate for the position."
"Huo Huaijin is still a bit young. Although the Fei clan has done some rebellious things, Fei An's loyalty to Your Majesty has been tested. He fought bravely in the Eastern Frontier Army and assisted the Crown Prince in making great military achievements. He previously served as the Grand General of the Southern Frontier Army and has a deep understanding of the frontier army.
This is what I think. I already have 400,000 troops in Jiannan and Nan. Excluding those who want to leave, I estimate that the number is not far from 300,000. Add to that the surrendered troops from the western border, and we can form an army to take over the western border defense. Your Majesty, please consider this."
Emperor Xuan pondered for a moment and nodded slightly. "Fei An is my classmate. If I didn't trust him, I wouldn't have sent him to Jiannan... This matter is settled. Fei An is appointed General of the Western Frontier Army. Now, how should we reward the Zhong and Yu families?"
These two are two of the five great business families of the Yu Dynasty. I think they are definitely not short of money. Such merchants have been suppressed for a long time. What they crave is fame...
"How about having Your Majesty write two plaques in person and have the imperial envoy deliver them?" said Taifu Ning.
"Is this... too light?"
"If Your Majesty thinks it's too light, please grant me another calligraphy work."
Emperor Xuan thought about it and decided that he would be rich now and could not be so stingy when he was spending. But they offered three million taels of silver. If the reward was too little, it would be inappropriate, but if it was too much, I would feel sad. I could not give the reward, but I had to let them feel my great grace… When the Ryukyu embassy was established, the Ryukyu people sent me two Ryukyu women, who were extremely beautiful, but I could only watch.
It's painful to watch. The soups that Queen Shang has cooked for me these days don't taste as good as before. Well, it would be a disaster to keep them in the harem. It's better to give them to the heads of these two families!
Having made up his mind, Emperor Xuan smiled knowingly and said, "Good, this is settled. Now, tell me how you will reward Fu Xiaoguan."
This is the real headache. Today, Fu Xiaoguan is the Minister of Commerce and the Governor of Wofeng Road. He already holds the title of Viscount. If he is made an Earl today, since this kid has just turned eighteen, wouldn't the title of Duke be just around the corner?
"...In my opinion, it would be better to just let it go this time?" What else could Yan Beixi say?
But Taifu Ning shook his head. "This battle was settled so quickly, thanks in no small part to your contribution. Think about it, if Xi Hua's troops had captured Qipan Pass and joined forces with the Xue bandits, could General Fei's 400,000 new soldiers have stopped them?"
Even if they could stop him, how many people would die? If they failed to stop him and let Xue the thief enter Jiannan East Road, how much damage would it bring to Jiannan East Road?
Therefore, I, the old minister, believe that the humble official deserves a reward, and a generous one at that! "
Old Taifu Ning took a breath, bowed to Emperor Xuan, and said, "Isn't the position of Assistant Minister of State Affairs now vacant? I think you, my Lord, have the ability to take on this position!"
As soon as these words were spoken, not to mention Yan Beixi and Dong Kangping, even Emperor Xuan was shocked. From the second-rank assistant minister, he was only half a step away from becoming the prime minister of a country... It's too high, and Fu Xiaoguan is too young, it won't work!
Emperor Xuan shook his head and rejected the proposal. "It's not that I think he's incompetent. He hasn't taken care of the Wofeng Road yet. It will take up a lot of his energy. The Ministry of Commerce is currently preparing to set up commercial bureaus across the country. He needs to at least ensure the normal operation of the Ministry of Commerce.
He's only eighteen years old, and if he takes on the position of Vice-Chancellor, I'm afraid he'll be crushed!"
"Then... I'll just have to confer another knighthood."
"Then confer the title of Earl upon Fu Xiaoguan!"
Emperor Xuan made the final decision. "When I return to the court, I will grant you the title of Earl of Ding'an in front of all the civil and military officials! And the fiefdom will be…Linjiangxia Village!"
As soon as Emperor Xuan finished speaking, Eunuch Jia walked in with a document in his hand and a happy face.
"Your Majesty, victory news! Great victory on the front lines!"
Emperor Xuan was delighted. He took the victory report and laughed heartily: "The battle in the southwest is over. The heads of the thieves Xue and Xi are on their way to Nanjing..."
But then his smile slowly faded, "Rebellious son! You still don't give up!"
"Quickly convey my order, and have the official Fu arrest Yu Wenshu and bring him to justice!"
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