The decree did not come suddenly. When Li Qinzai came to the front yard dressed neatly, everyone in the Li family, from Li Siwen to the servants, had the same expressions as they should.
Obviously everyone has guessed that this is a reward edict.
Li Qinzai made great achievements in Goguryeo and paid a heavy price. It would be unjustifiable if Li Zhi said nothing.
Hurrying to the front yard, Li Qinzai found that the incense case had been placed in the middle of the front yard. Li Siwen, Li Cui, Cui Jie and others were all standing quietly in front of the incense case.
Looking at the person who announced the decree, Li Qinzai smiled.
An old acquaintance, Cui Sheng from Zhongshushe, Li Qinzai's eldest brother-in-law.
Cui Sheng was wearing a scarlet official uniform, holding a yellow silk in his hand, with a solemn look on his face.
Li Qinzai was a decent man, and greeted him warmly when he came up: "Brother,... you are still from Zhongshushe after all these years, why haven't you been promoted yet?"
Cui Sheng's eyelids twitched and he felt heartbroken when they met him. Can he recognize this brother-in-law?
"I am an angel. Lord Li County, please respect yourself. The imperial edict has arrived. Li Qinzai salutes to receive it."
Li Qinzai, supported by Cui Jie and Li Cui, bowed in the direction of Tai Chi Palace.
Cui Sheng unfolded the imperial edict and read a eloquent official parallel prose in a cadence.
There are things like "being careful day and night", "forgetting oneself and worrying about the country", "virtue is the only honor", "paying for one's achievements" and so on.
Let’s talk about Li Qinzai’s various achievements since the invention of the divine arm bow, focusing on Li Qinzai’s contribution on the battlefield of Goguryeo and the important role played by gunpowder firearms in the Eastern Expedition.
In the end, Cui Sheng paused and then read: "...The Jin Dynasty's title of 'Liaodong County Duke' was granted to thousands of households in the city. He was given a hundred taels of gold, a hundred pieces of silk, and an official residence in Chang'an City. The salty envoy heard about it.
, Qinzai.”
After Cui Sheng finished reciting the imperial edict, he slowly rolled up the yellow silk and held it in front of Li Qinzai with both hands. Then he realized that there was silence all around.
Li Siwen, Li Cui looked at Li Qinzai with joy, Cui Jie, Jinxiang and all the subordinates also expressed joy.
The award and promotion were expected by everyone, but when Cui Sheng read it out of his mouth, people were still surprised.
Li Qinzai felt shocked. He guessed that the "surprise" Li Zhi mentioned was probably his promotion to a noble title. After all, a prince in his twenties, unless he succeeded his father's title, would be promoted based solely on his personal ability and merit.
It is unique since the founding of the Tang Dynasty.
Seeing no response from everyone, Cui Sheng coughed twice.
Everyone just woke up from a dream. Someone in the crowd let out a cheer, and then stopped immediately.
Li Qinzai also coughed and saluted towards Taiji Palace: "My dear Li Qinzai, I would like to express my gratitude to the Emperor for his kindness."
Cui Sheng handed the imperial edict to Li Qinzai and looked at his brother-in-law with complicated eyes.
It's time to compare and compare things. He has been given the title of Duke at a young age, but he is still the scholar in the palace. Unless he cuts himself ruthlessly, there is no hope of promotion in this life.
Li Qinzai took the imperial edict, unfolded it and read it again. The four words "Liaodong County Duke" were very conspicuous on it.
Li Qinzai showed a look of enlightenment on his face.
Liaodong County is located in the northeast of the Tang Dynasty, adjacent to Goguryeo. Goguryeo also has Liaodong City, but it just has the same name, and they are not the same place.
However, after Goguryeo is destroyed, the Tang Dynasty will definitely re-divide the administrative areas of Goguryeo. At that time, the northwest of Goguryeo will be placed under the Liaodong County of the Tang Dynasty.
Of course, being called the Duke of Liaodong County is just a title. Li Zhi would certainly not be so generous as to give Liaodong County to him. Just as Li Qinzai was the Duke of Weinan County before, it does not necessarily mean that Weinan County belongs to him.
Just naming him the Duke of Liaodong has some political implications.
Before the enemy country has been conquered, I have decided to entrust the northwestern territory of Goguryeo to my ministers. I am asking you whether you are angry or not.
Also, the geographical location of Liaodong County happens to be adjacent to the nomadic tribes such as Mohe and Shiwei in the north, and these nomadic alien tribes happened to be the enemy troops who attacked Li Qinzai in Wugu City.
Li Zhi gave the county title to Li Qinzai, which probably meant that a gentleman would take revenge in ten years.
Li Qinzai did not forget, nor did Li Zhi, that Mohe Shiwei colluded with Goguryeo and raided the Tang army's camp behind the scenes. It was impossible to uncover this matter. After all, one day, when the Tang Dynasty was free, the accountant should be settled.
It has to be calculated.
The emperor of the Tang Dynasty did not just randomly find a place name and seal it. There was a profound meaning in it. Li Qinzai of the Jin Dynasty was named "Liaodong County Duke", which was probably decided by Li Zhi after scratching his head.
After reading the imperial edict, Cui Sheng forced out a smile: "Congratulations to Duke Li."
Li Qinzai studied his expression and said: "Brother, if you are more sincere, your smile will be uglier than your cry..."
Cui Sheng's smile froze, he snorted, turned around and left proudly without even smiling.
After Cui Sheng left, the people in the Li family finally cheered without any scruples.
"Fifth Young Master has been promoted to Duke!"
"Not long after, the fifth young master may be crowned Duke of Jin. He will become a true double master of the same family, and the Li family's business will prosper!"
Li Siwen was greatly relieved, stroking his beard and looking at Li Qinzai with a smile.
Mrs. Li Cui was so happy that she didn't know what to do. She tugged his ears hard, slapped him on the back of his head, and then stroked him painfully.
Cui Jie and Jin Xiang held his arms on the left and right.
"Congratulations, husband, for being promoted to the title of Duke." Cui Jie's eyes were full of tenderness and sweetness, as if she could squeeze out water.
Jin Xiang also hugged his arm and chuckled: "Congratulations to your husband for your promotion. Our family has enough titles. From now on, your husband will never lead an army on an expedition, okay?"
Li Qinzai pulled up his pants like a scumbag and swore: "Okay, I promise you."
Mrs. Li Cui looked at her son and two daughters-in-law, and became even more delighted. She said with a smile: "Young Lord, our family is too thin. After Qin Zai recovers from his injury, you will have to work harder."
The two girls bowed their heads shyly and hummed softly.
Li Qinzai felt something in his heart. He hadn't done anything for King Xiang for several months since he was injured, and he was feeling a little uncomfortable. Although his body didn't allow it,... they could move on their own.
Turning to look at Cui Jie, they had been married for many years and finally had a tacit understanding. Cui Jie quickly saw the evil intention in his eyes.
Cui Jie blushed and leaned into his ear and whispered: "Husband, don't think of bad things. You should be honest before you recover from your injury. Neither I nor Jin Xiang agree."
"I have a question about posture, and I would like to discuss it with the two ladies tonight..." Li Qinzai said seriously.
"Bah! Don't even think about it!" Cui Jie flatly refused.
…………
Li Qinzai had just returned to Chang'an, and many of the powerful children, relatives and friends did not know the news of his return. The next day, the news that Li Qinzai had been promoted to the rank of Duke spread throughout Chang'an City.
Everyone in Chang'an was shocked, and in an instant countless powerful and high-ranking officials came to visit him.
The British Duke's Mansion has not been so lively in many years. Starting from the morning, the side door of the Duke's Mansion has been opened wide. Butler Wu temporarily acts as a guest, standing outside the door and loudly announcing that so-and-so the Duke is here, so-and-so the founding lord is here, so-and-so is here.
The Prime Minister arrives and so on.
The guests are all high-ranking officials and they are very knowledgeable about etiquette and will never come empty-handed.
Looking at the lengthy gift list, Li Qinzai's eyes shone brightly. He had never been so excited when he was promoted to Duke by Li Zhi.