Suppliers from both worlds have dominated the world since Datang!

Chapter 452: Great Navigation Plan!!!

The atmosphere of the banquet was pushed to a climax.

Everyone present was excited about the magnificent blueprint for the future of the Tang Dynasty.

however.

A hint of deep thought flashed across Zhuang Zhou's eyes.

He knew very well that he wanted to truly realize his dream of unifying the world.

There are still countless difficulties and obstacles to overcome, and countless unknowns to explore.

For example, the beginning of the Age of Discovery will be a great feat.

But this also requires a lot of national support.

Li Er looked at Zhuang Zhou, his heart full of expectation and trust:

"Zhuang Zhou, I know you are a genius with great ambitions.

But now you are not taking up a government post as an official, which is really a pity for our court.

How about this? Considering your contribution to the Tang Dynasty, I will give you a promotion."

As he spoke, all the civil officials and military officers in the hall had already quieted down.

Of course they knew that His Majesty was about to announce an edict.

"Zhuang Zhou, listen to my orders!"

Ok?

Zhuang Zhou was slightly stunned. Is this going to be another conferment?

Li Er glanced at the ministers and finally waved his hand solemnly.

Then the doctor of the Ministry of Conferment stood up and solemnly read the imperial edict:

"Disciple:

Zhuangzhou, Marquis of Lantian County, was promoted one level in rank, and was promoted to Duke of Lantian County, and was granted the title of Shangzhengyi Dafu.

This decree is issued and should be obeyed.

The eighth year of Zhenguan, December 19th.

After Doctor Si Feng finished reading it, all the officials came together to congratulate him.

obviously.

This has all been discussed long ago.

But this still surprised Zhuang Zhou.

You know, he was conferred the title of Marquis of Lantian County at the beginning of this year.

In the blink of an eye, it is already the end of the year and it is Lantian County.

This promotion is a bit too fast.

This is also another level of promotion, that is, the rank of Duke of a County.

However, for people like Zhuang Zhou who do not want to become an official.

Being able to become a county magistrate is the end of the road.

To Zhuang Zhou, the title is secondary.

The key is that his salary in Lantian County has increased a lot.

Thinking of this, Zhuang Zhou said hurriedly:

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward!"

Li Er smiled and nodded:

"I know you don't like gold, silver, or money either. Tell me what you like, and I'll give it to you."

Just as Zhuang Zhou was about to speak, Li Er spoke up:

"Forget about the "Lanting Xu", talk about something else!"

Zhuang Zhou shook his head helplessly. The first thing he thought of was the original work of "Preface to the Lanting Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion".

But now Zhuang Zhou has already gathered a lot of things in his hands.

He really doesn't care about ordinary things.

After thinking about it, what should I order?

"By the way, Your Majesty, I remember you have a chessboard made of mutton-fat jade, right?"

As soon as Zhuang Zhou said this.

Li Er, who was originally smiling, was stunned for a moment, and then his face darkened.

Ok!

How dare you bring that up!

Seeing this, Li Chengqian hurried over and said:

"Master Zhuang, that jade chessboard is my father's most beloved thing.

The entire chessboard is made of polished Kunlun goat fat jade.

Each chess piece is made of the finest mutton-fat jade and is meticulously carved by dozens of craftsmen.

It is priceless and can be called a rare treasure unparalleled in the world.”

After hearing this, Zhuang Zhou was slightly stunned.

But then a mischievous smile appeared on his face.

This is not good, I don’t want it!

However, since it is Li Er’s favorite, Zhuang Zhou still has to pretend.

"Since it is your Majesty's favorite thing, I'd better forget it and not take it, so as not to embarrass your Majesty."

Li Er looked at Zhuang Zhou's half-smile and couldn't help feeling a little amused.

You little rascal, you actually try to play such tricks on me.

Now, in front of all the officials, he has already spoken.

Except for the Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion, you can mention anything.

Now that they have mentioned it, is it okay not to give it to them?

The emperor’s word is as good as gold!

Li Er pondered for a moment and gritted his teeth:

"Well, since you like it so much.

Then I will reluctantly give up this jade chessboard and give it to you!"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole hall was in an uproar.

Even Li Chengqian was a little surprised.

I didn't expect that Zhuang Zhou could really get this jade chessboard from His Majesty.

Zhuang Zhou was overjoyed and thanked him quickly:

"Thank you for your gift, Your Majesty. I will definitely treasure it and use it to pass on the family line in the future."

Hearing about the continuation of the family line, Li Er smiled and waved his hand:

"Well, my dear ministers, let's end the banquet today!"

After saying this, he looked at Zhuang Zhou and said:

"Zhuang Zhou, please come with me. I have something to discuss with you."

"Good Le!"

Zhuang Zhou nodded, then followed Li Er out of the banquet hall.

Outside the banquet hall, the moonlight was like water.

A breeze blew by, bringing a bit of chill.

As Zhuang Zhou followed Li Er into the imperial study, he couldn't help but feel a little curious.

What kind of important matter could it be that made Li Er discuss it with him alone so seriously?

Enter the imperial study.

Li Er dismissed his attendants, leaving only him and Zhuang Zhou.

He walked to the desk, sat down slowly, pointed to a world map on the desk, and said in a deep voice:

"Zhuang Zhou, come and see."

Zhuang Zhou walked forward and saw the world map marking the territory of the Tang Dynasty and the locations of surrounding countries.

He looked at it carefully and found some new routes on the map, which seemed to be sailing routes.

He was moved. Could it be that the important matter that Li Er mentioned was related to the great voyages of discovery?

Li Er saw that Zhuang Zhou had noticed the changes on the map, so he said:

"Zhuang Zhou, ever since I received the world map you gave me, and heard you talk about the world situation, I have been very interested in it.

I have always wondered when the Age of Exploration would begin, when we would send fleets to sail overseas and explore the unknown world.

However, this matter is of great importance and requires someone who understands and can take charge of the overall situation.”

After hearing this, Zhuang Zhou was shocked.

Ok!

Li Er really has a great navigation plan.

"Your Majesty, did you ask me to come here to discuss the great voyage?"

"correct."

Li Er smiled and said:

"If the world is as vast as the map you presented, this will undoubtedly be an unprecedented opportunity for me, and will also be a huge challenge.

So, I want to hear your advice!"

This is of course what Zhuang Zhou wants to see. The Tang Dynasty's army unified the world, which is an exciting thing no matter how you look at it.

So he said without hesitation:

"Your Majesty, I suggest that the court establish a special Office of Navigation and create the position of 'Governor of Navigation'.

He was in charge of all the maritime territories of the Tang Dynasty and was responsible for planning and directing the launch and promotion of the great voyages.

The purpose of its establishment is naturally to explore unknown seas for the Tang Dynasty, expand territory, and promote the glory of Chinese civilization."

"well said!"

After hearing this, Li Er showed a satisfied smile on his face.

He patted him on the shoulder and said:

"I knew you wouldn't let me down.

Next, you should tell me in detail how to implement this great navigation plan.

Until you finish, you won’t be able to leave the palace tonight.

If we agree, I can also reward you with something good."

"Okay!"

Zhuang Zhou smiled slightly and continued:

"Your Majesty, regarding this great voyage plan, I suggest that preparations be made in the following aspects:

The first is to strengthen naval construction and improve shipbuilding and navigation technology.

The second is to select and train a group of officials and soldiers who have sailing experience and understand overseas customs and practices.

The third is to strengthen diplomatic relations with overseas countries and ensure safety during voyages.

Fourth, prepare sufficient supplies and funds to provide solid support for long-distance voyages. "

After hearing this, Li Er nodded repeatedly to show his agreement.

He looked at Zhuang Zhou deeply, his heart full of admiration:

"Good. Tell me, what else do you want?"

Zhuang Zhou said, "Oh!", and looked at the inkstone he had been eyeing for a long time, and said with a smile:

“Your Majesty, I like the bloodstone inkstone on the desk.

Can you send me..."

"of course can."

"Your Majesty, I haven't finished speaking yet."

"Then go on."

"Can you give me five, six, seven, eight... ten or twenty dollars?"

Li Er: "???"

"If your majesty thinks it's okay, could you also give me a few dozen jade wolf-hair brushes?

in addition……"

Seeing that Zhuang Zhou seemed to want to say something, Li Er quickly raised his hand and made a gesture to silence him.

Then he pointed in the direction of the door and squeezed out a word with a smile:

"roll!"

"Good Le!"