Rewards for merit and punishment for demerits are the qualities that an emperor must possess.
Sweet potatoes were planted for two seasons and the harvest was huge. The facts are there.
The contribution made by Li Qinzai is considered certain and indisputable.
How could Li Zhi pretend to turn a blind eye to such a huge contribution? A meritorious official who has served the country for hundreds of years cannot just be rewarded with some gold, silver and cloth, right?
The truth is before the king and his ministers, the reward is too light and cannot be justified.
Today, Li Zhi summoned all the important ministers of the court into the palace and laid the groundwork for a long time in front of everyone. He emphasized again and again the importance of sweet potatoes to the Tang Dynasty.
What for?
In order to give Li Qinzai a title.
A very troublesome problem is that Li Qinzai is too young. He is only in his twenties, but now he has been awarded the title of County Marquis. Being granted the title of Marquis at this age is a bit too much, and few people have heard of it since ancient times.
The only one who can compare with it is probably Hou Huo Qubing, the champion of the Han Dynasty.
Counting the days, it was only two years ago that Li Qinzai was granted the title of County Marquis. Just two years later, he was about to be promoted to a noble title again.
The higher the title goes, the more he becomes the county prince.
A county official in his twenties, can you believe it? Huo Qubing has never been so prosperous.
Li Zhi had already anticipated the huge resistance there would be in the DPRK for Li Qinzai's promotion.
This was the purpose of summoning the important ministers today and preparing for them for a long time.
Li Zhi wanted to convince them by presenting facts and reasoning.
The Han Dynasty had a Huo Qubing, so why can’t our Tang Dynasty have a Li Jingchu?
Huo Qubing was awarded the title of Champion Marquis at the age of eighteen. Although it was an exception, it was not the standard. No one stipulated that he could not surpass him.
There was Li Qinzai in the Tang Dynasty. He really made so many contributions to the country, especially the introduction of sweet potatoes, and his merits were immeasurable. Why couldn't he be promoted to county official? Just because he was young and lacked qualifications?
In fact, after Li Zhi laid the groundwork for a long time, the officials already understood his intention.
The crowd was silent, and many people still looked unhappy.
Yes, age and qualifications are important. When a person lives to this age, his thoughts often become conservative and decadent, and age and qualifications become a magic weapon for them to block those who come after him.
The courtiers present were either prime ministers or ministers, but only a few of them had titles.
I have been fighting and fighting in the court all my life, and even when I am old, I have not been able to obtain a title, even if I have not even received a baron, why should a young man in his twenties be granted a title of marquis and duke, and ride on a rocket?
Like running upwards?
This isn't fair!
Although Li Zhi laid out the facts and made sense, no one in the crowd expressed their opinion.
At this time, Xu Jingzong finally stood up.
In his heart, Xu Jingzong actually didn't want Li Qinzai to be the Duke of Jin County. This is too ridiculous. He was granted the title of Duke in his twenties. Why the hell shouldn't you be granted the title of King in ten or twenty years?
However, sycophants often have a valuable quality, that is, they regard the emperor's likes and dislikes as their likes and dislikes.
It doesn't matter what you think, what matters is that you follow the emperor's will.
Besides, Xu Jingzong was granted the title of Duke of Gaoyang County as early as the second year of Xianqing's reign, and his title was quite high. He would not be too jealous of Li Qinzai's title of County Duke.
Don’t worry about scarcity, but worry about inequality. Isn’t that what human nature is like?
Seeing Xu Jingzong stand up and express his position, Li Zhi's eyes lit up.
You are indeed my right-hand man, and my love for you is not in vain.
With Xu Jingzong's statement, Li Zhi suddenly felt more confident.
"Xu Xiang's words are reasonable. Haha, my Tang Dynasty has always made clear rewards and punishments. If you make meritorious deeds, you should be rewarded. If you make mistakes, you must be punished. This is an ironclad rule."
After Li Zhi finished speaking, he quickly glanced around the rest of the people and said calmly: "If I turn a blind eye to this unparalleled achievement, it will not only chill the hearts of the heroes, but also damage the imperial power."
"In the future, if I raise my troops to conquer the barbarians and pacify the world, who will be willing to fight to the death for a faint king with unknown rewards and punishments? Who will be willing to risk their lives and perform meritorious service for me?"
As soon as these words came out, the expressions of everyone present changed.
What Li Zhi said was a bit harsh, but I have to admit that it does make sense.
The only reason to blame is that the person who accomplished this great feat was too young, which is really unbelievable.
At this moment, Li Zhi's expression was very determined, as if he would not give up until he agreed, but the ministers really didn't want to agree.
Xu Yushi, the left prime minister, turned his attention to Li Ji and suddenly smiled and said: "Li Jingchu has made such unparalleled achievements. Your Majesty has obtained this pillar. It is a blessing to the country. In addition to the young people who dare to fight and fight, it is also thanks to the good education of Ying Gong that the Li family has this
Qilin'er, your merits are even greater. I wonder what your noble views are?"
Everyone present looked at Li Ji after hearing this.
Li Zhi and Xu Jingzong secretly cursed the old man in their hearts.
The ball was kicked to Li Ji inexplicably.
Li Ji, who had remained silent, finally opened his eyes, stroked his beard and said slowly: "I am already in my twilight years. The misfortunes, blessings, favors and disgrace of my descendants are their own business. Everything Qin Zai has done in these years is his own."
When it comes to making decisions, the old minister doesn’t have any control over it. It’s really shameful to say that it’s upbringing.”
As he spoke, Li Ji suddenly said: "Of course I understand what Mr. Xu Zuoxian means. Your Majesty, I will give you the proposal for promotion. I think it is better to postpone it..."
Master Xu Yu was stunned for a moment, then turned pale and said: "Mr. Ying, this... Your Majesty, I have absolutely no intention of doing this. I just want to ask what Gong Ying's opinion is. Whether you want to be promoted or not, it's all up to your Majesty to make your own decision. I have nothing to say."
Li Zhi curled his lips.
Alas, the ball was kicked back again.
Not only did he return the kick, he also took a shot.
He is worthy of being an old fox from the Three Dynasties, and his moral conduct is much higher than that of Master Xu Yu.
Xu Yushi broke into a cold sweat, but he just asked a casual question. How could Li Ji interpret it as objection?
We are all decent people, and even if we don't agree with Li Qinzai's promotion, we will never say it out loud. Blocking someone's future is like killing their parents, which will offend the entire Li family to death.
The situation seems to have changed a little, and Li Zhi will certainly not let go of this opportunity to make a comeback.
So Li Zhi nodded and said slowly: "Since Xu Zuoxiang has objections, I will follow Ying Gong's opinion and postpone the discussion of this matter. Haha, Xu Zuoxiang's concerns are indeed reasonable. Jingchu is still younger after all. It is reasonable and polite."
If we don’t agree, let’s talk about it in a few years.”
Cold sweat broke out on Master Xu Yu's forehead more and more.
At this moment, he really wanted to slap himself in the face. What kind of arrogance could he be playing when he was full? Everyone present was an old fox for many years. Who was not more arrogant than him?
Now I'm fine, I was inexplicably blamed by the Emperor and the British Duke who teamed up.
When did I say I objected? This word reached Li Qinzai's ears. With that guy's bastard temper, if he knew that I was blocking his future, he would be surprised if he didn't set fire to my mansion.
His expression suddenly changed, Master Xu Yu said sternly: "Your Majesty, I believe that Li Qinzai must be promoted to nobility, not only because of his meritorious service, but also because of his meritorious service, Your Majesty should make his rewards and punishments clear, so that he will not be criticized by the world.
It can establish the imperial power in the hearts of the world's scholars and the soldiers of the three armies."
"I believe that Li Qinzai must be promoted to a noble title, and I can't wait any longer!"
Li Zhi's face was expressionless, but the corners of his mouth were trembling slightly. He was trying his best to restrain himself from laughing.
The two prime ministers made their stance clear, and the remaining ministers...
What else are the ministers struggling with? What else can they do besides agree?
Regardless of whether he is young or has relatively few qualifications, he has indeed made great contributions. In terms of merit alone, being promoted to county magistrate is not an exaggeration.
My grandfather is still here, so it would be a bit disgusting to talk about age and seniority.
So after several ministers looked at each other, they saluted together and said: "I would like to share the opinions of the left and right ministers. Li Qinzai's meritorious service is so great that he cannot be rewarded unless he is promoted to a noble title."