Old Zhu glanced at Zhu Xiong Ying and then said, "Marquis of the Seas? Our Ming Dynasty has many veteran generals. Although Zhang He has made great contributions, a title cannot be granted lightly. It requires the court to grant him a salary and public land!"
The veteran actor, the Crown Prince, immediately replied, "Your subject knows that titles should not be bestowed lightly. Vice Commissioner Zhang has rendered meritorious service. The Liaodong canal transport was difficult, and the supply of military provisions was often delayed. Vice Commissioner Zhang dredged the canal and sea transport, and our border troops have been able to meet their needs thanks to this. Based on his merits, he should be granted a marquisate!"
Old Zhu remained silent for a while, then said, "I'll think about this matter some more."
"Your Majesty, I, your humble servant, petition on behalf of Zhang He to be granted the title of Marquis of Navigation!" Zhu Xiong Ying knelt down and exclaimed loudly, "Grant him an iron certificate, allow hereditary succession, and a stipend of one thousand dan!"
Old Zhu looked troubled and said, "Marquis? How about Earl? Zhang He deserves an Earl in our Great Ming!"
Zhu Xiong Ying immediately adopted a displeased expression, bordering on roguish, "Grandpa Emperor, this is the first time I've petitioned for permission for my subordinates, Grandpa Emperor..."
Old Zhu glanced at Zhang He and said, "Consider yourself lucky. This time, we'll grant the Crown Prince's request and grant you the title of Marquis of the Seas!"
As if remembering something, Old Zhu quickly said, "Marquis Jiangxia, bestow upon him one hundred taels of gold and one thousand taels of silver! Alright, you may all leave!"
Zhou Dexing was on the verge of tears. Serving the Crown Prince was always good; he was sure to be valued, and the Crown Prince was willing to reward him. But the Crown Prince had actually managed to secure a marquisate for Zhang He, which was extremely rare. Although he knew the chances were slim, Zhou Dexing had originally thought that with the Crown Prince's help, his marquisate might even become a dukedom.
Still dazed, Zhang He didn't realize until he left the imperial city: "I'm the Marquis of Navigation?!"
Zhu Xiong Ying had no idea what Zhang He was thinking at this moment, and said with a bit of pride, "Grandpa Emperor, from now on you can play the bad guy and I'll play the good guy. It's time for me to cultivate my reputation!"
Old Zhu found it amusing and said irritably, "You're always saying such disrespectful things in front of us. We know you're just trying to make us laugh. But if other people heard you, they'd say you're unfilial!"
"Let him say it, I don't mind," Zhu Xiong Ying laughed, and said meaningfully, "If outsiders know what I've said, we'll just replace the eunuchs and maids."
Old Zhu couldn't help but laugh; he was extremely satisfied with this imperial grandson. Because this imperial grandson, deep down, was very similar to him in many ways.
"Grandfather, I have done you a favor today, and it is time for me to make some serious moves with my navy and maritime trade office." Zhu Xiong Ying said solemnly, "I have some things on my mind, but I am not sure yet. I would like to ask Grandfather to give me his advice."
Old Zhu nodded and said matter-of-factly, "Alright, tell us about it, and we'll give you our opinion!"
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