Fang Gong is indeed the Minister of Revenue; regarding the people's livelihood, Wei Mou admits he is inferior.
After listening to Old Fang’s analysis, Wei Zheng readily admitted his inferiority.
Hahaha, all my esteemed officials have their own strengths, so Duke Wei need not worry about it.
Li Shimin was amused; it was rare for the steadfast Duke Wei to admit defeat.
In that case, we shall proceed according to the proposal of the Marquis of Liaodong. As for the price, it will be calculated based on the market price of rice during autumn harvest, plus a fifty percent premium.
King of Hejian, this matter must be published in the newspaper. Send a copy to me after it's printed!
Your Majesty is wise! A blessing for the Great Tang, a blessing for the people!
After Li Shimin made the final decision, the ministers bowed in unison.
Hahaha, all of you may rise!
No matter how wise I am, I still cannot do without the support of all my esteemed officials.
For Li Shimin, who prided himself on being a wise ruler and aspired to be a sage, such words of flattery were incredibly sweet.
Of course, he could certainly distinguish between sincerity and insincerity. For example, at this moment, the officials were undoubtedly sincere.
After all, this was an endeavor that truly benefited the common people.
Once the ministers had risen, Li Shimin turned his gaze to Fang Er, his expression one of great satisfaction. His earlier displeasure at Fang Er's tardiness had completely vanished.
As long as he could get things done, even being late was acceptable!
The Tujue and the sweet potato, these are all merits of the Marquis of Liaodong. I intend to promote his rank. What are your opinions, esteemed officials?
Your Majesty, the nomadic tribes of the grasslands have always been a great threat to the Central Plains.
Therefore, I believe he could be enfeoffed as a Duke!
Upon hearing Li Shimin inquire about the rewards for Fang Er, Yuchi Jingde, like an elder brother, stepped forward to voice his strong support.
Your Majesty, this minister believes that the Marquis of Liaodong is still young. A Duke of the second rank would suffice.
Wei Zheng, who had just been praised by Li Shimin in his heart for being sensible, stepped forward to express his opinion, which was quite in line with Li Shimin's thoughts.
This child is only eighteen and already a Duke. There is still plenty of time ahead. If he achieves further great merits, how shall he be rewarded?
To have no further rewards is not good for either the Emperor or the minister!
Your Majesty, this minister concurs with Duke Wei's view. A Duke of the second rank is sufficient.
Even Li Jing, who had always held Fang Er in high regard, stepped forward.
Yuchi Jingde glanced at Li Jing, then at Wei Zheng. Damn it, when did these two start seeing eye to eye?
Fang Er tugged at Yuchi Jingde's sleeve, signaling him to remain silent, and then stepped forward himself.
Your Majesty, regarding Duke or similar titles, let's dispense with them. In my humble opinion, perhaps a Duke of the county would be best?
Hmm?
Wei Zheng was stunned.
If Fang Er hadn't made such a move, a Duke of the second rank was practically guaranteed. Yet, he had proposed a demotion himself?
Actually, Fang Er's thoughts were shared by others. Rising too quickly was not a good thing. In the end, he wouldn't end up being some "Prince of Equal Rank," would he?
That would be absurd!
I'm not planning to rebel or anything. Why climb so high? As long as there's food and drink, isn't that enough?
Ahem! Since you put it that way, my boy, I shall comply with your wishes!
Draft an imperial decree!
Fang Anzhi pacified the grasslands, his great merit spanning a thousand autumns. He is hereby enfeoffed as the Duke of Shenyang County.
Furthermore, he is promoted to Guanglu Dafu and appointed Grand General of the Zhenguo!
Addendum: In response to the requests of the various tribes of the grasslands, a trading post shall be established in Shenyang City. Trade matters shall be fully managed by Fang Anzhi, with the Ministry of Revenue providing assistance!
That's all. As for the silver and silks, I presume you have no shortage of them, so I shall economize.
Your subject, Fang Anzhi, receives the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!
Fang Er bowed and then retreated to the pillar, leaning against it.
After these matters were concluded, the Minister of Rites stepped forward to speak.
Reporting to Your Majesty, the Khitan envoy arrived in Chang'an yesterday and requested an audience. They are currently waiting outside the palace.
Summon them!
Yes!
Eunuch Deng stood in his place and shouted loudly towards the hall.
Summon the Khitan envoy to enter the hall!
Summon the Khitan envoy to enter the hall!
Summon the Khitan envoy to enter the hall!
The imperial guards outside repeated this command like a relay race, from inside to outside, all the way to Chengtian Gate.
Before long, Fang Er saw a stout man, about forty years old, with a bald head surrounded by a fringe of hair, walk in.
Your humble subject Yelü Yangwei pays his respects to the Emperor of the Great Tang!
May the Great Tang's grace spread to the four seas and prosper eternally!
You are dismissed! What is the reason for the Khitan King sending you here?
Li Shimin, who had been somewhat casual before, sat up straight on the dragon throne, exuding immense authority, as Yelü Yangwei entered.
My King has sent your humble subject to present tribute gifts and a state letter. I request that the Tang Emperor peruse it!
Yelü Yangwei took out two pieces of sheepskin from his懷 and held them above his head with both hands.
Eunuch Deng walked over, took the sheepskin, inspected it, and then handed it to Li Shimin.
After receiving the sheepskin, Li Shimin examined it carefully and then casually set it aside.
This matter requires deliberation with my ministers before I can provide you with a response.
Ministry of Rites, escort him and see that he is well-accommodated, without any breach of etiquette.
Yes, Your Majesty.
The Minister of Rites extended his hand to Yelü Yangwei: Envoy, please!
Your humble subject takes his leave!
After Yelü Yangwei bowed, he followed the Minister of Rites out of the Liangji Hall and headed outside the palace.
Once his figure had disappeared from view, Li Shimin addressed his ministers.
The Khitans have presented thirty thousand sheep and ten thousand cattle and horses, requesting to be incorporated as a prefecture of the Great Tang. What are your views, esteemed officials?
The ministers were taken aback for a moment, and then the entire hall burst into laughter.
Hahahahaha!
Your Majesty, it seems the Khitan King has soiled his trousers!
Hahaha, indeed. Their neighbors on both sides have had their kingdoms annihilated. I imagine they have had trouble sleeping soundly lately!
Your Majesty, this minister believes that since they have come to us willingly, it would be improper not to accept them!
Fang Er, however, felt a twinge of disappointment. He had originally planned to find an excuse to deal with the Khitans once he arrived in Shenyang. He hadn't expected this Khitan King to strike first with such a move!
Well, this tactic was too powerful, so powerful that it left him with no reason to attack.
Duke of Shenyang County!
Li Shimin called out to Fang Er.
Fang Er was momentarily stunned before realizing that he was being addressed.
Damn it, this new title still feels a bit unfamiliar.
Your subject is present!
Since the Khitans are willing to submit, you shall grant them some convenience upon your arrival in Shenyang.
Li Shimin's heart was filled with joy.
Goguryeo was no more.
The Tujue were no more.
The Khitans had submitted.
Tubo was being fought.
Nanyue was being fought.
Considering this round of campaigns, the territorial area of the Great Tang had more than doubled!
Your subject obeys the imperial decree!
Very well, the morning court concludes here. Disperse!
Your subjects respectfully bid farewell to Your Majesty!
Fang Er bowed along with the other officials, watching Li Shimin descend the imperial steps and walk towards the rear hall.
ps: Sixth update, four more chapters to go! I'll give it my all!