Daming: The system rejected my request for salted fish

Chapter 984

Raising the issue now was just a formality, so Zhu Yuanzhang responded immediately after Wei Wu finished speaking.

"This is the great talent of our Ming Dynasty and the cornerstone of its development. We approve it. Effective immediately, Sun Chang, a fifth-level researcher, will be promoted to a third-level academician."

"From now on, in addition to the Honorary Lords and the Merchant Lords, a new system of Engineer Lords will be established. Only those scientific researchers who have made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty will be granted titles."

"Sun Chang, a third-class academician, invented the electric motor and pioneered the development of war industry. He is specially granted the title of Earl of Engineering and the title of Earl of Zhan Gong!"

"The title of Gong Jue is granted for life and cannot be inherited. In addition, there will be a reward of 500 taels of gold, 3,000 taels of silver, 300 mu of fertile land, and 300 dan of food allowance."

Under normal circumstances, if the emperor suddenly announced a new system of titles, civil and military officials would definitely have objections.

But now, after Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, no one stood up, which was mainly due to what happened a few days ago.

Before rumors spread among the people, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned core ministers into the palace to discuss this matter.

Therefore, all those who knew about the bestowal of the title were warned not to speak carelessly on the matter.

Those who don’t know about this matter don’t even have the qualifications to know, let alone speak out against it.

So after Zhu Yuanzhang's words, the Hanlin Academy immediately began drafting the contents of the imperial edict.

At the same time, after Zhu Yuanzhang had bestowed the title on Sun Chang, he continued to look at Wei Wu and said:

"Marquis of Changle, Wei Wu, is a genius born of genius. He pioneered the art of controlling lightning and using it for the benefit of the people. His contributions have been immense and deserve a reward."

"Since entering the DPRK, we have eradicated the White Lotus Sect and made remarkable achievements in developing firearms, military equipment, steam engines, cement and other technological products."

"Now, in the war to the east to conquer Japan, we have defeated the enemy and captured their king, enhancing the prestige of our great Ming nation. We have also offered mountains of silver to enrich the national treasury."

As he spoke, Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand and waved, and then the eunuch beside him stood up holding a scroll of imperial edict.

"Marquis of Changle Wei Wu stepped forward to receive the order~!"

Upon hearing this, Wei Wu walked straight to the steps of the dragon throne without saying a word, bowed and said:

"Your Majesty, Wei Wu, accepts your order!"

As soon as Wei Wu finished speaking, the eunuch unfolded the imperial edict in his hand and read aloud:

"The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, decrees: I believe that the will of Heaven to protect the people must be supported by civil and military officials. The court will honor virtue and use ceremony to honor and reward with great honors."

"You, Wei Wu, during the Eastern Expedition to Japan, led a dozen guards with you, acting with loyalty and righteousness, overcoming the enemy and conquering Japan's Kyukoku Island with your wisdom."

"He later achieved remarkable feats, breaking into Kyoto, Japan alone, capturing Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and destroying hundreds of thousands of enemy troops. He assisted in planning and achieved great success for the country."

"Now, I appoint you as a loyal and devoted military official who upholds the state and supports its destiny. I promote you to the rank of Grand Master of the Imperial Household, Zuo Zhuguo, and grant you the title of Duke of Zhenguo."

"A reward of 10,000 taels of gold, 50,000 taels of silver, 500 hectares of fertile land, 5,000 dan of food allowance, and a Suzhou garden to be built from the imperial treasury and supervised by the Ministry of Works."

"In addition, the title of Duke of Zhenguo will be passed down through the generations, hereditary and uninterrupted. Furthermore, I will grant you a red-lettered iron certificate, ensuring your eternity with the country."

"Ah! The mountains and rivers serve as a whetstone, forever strengthening my loyalty; the inscriptions on bells and tripods will pass down my achievements to future generations. You must be as careful to the end as you were at the beginning, to protect your position and rank. I admire you!"

Although many people already knew that Wei Wu would be granted the title of Duke, the actual announcement of the decree still surprised them.

The Duke of Zhenguo, the Special Advancement to Guanglu Dafu, the Left Pillar of the State, and the salary of 5,000 dan, these rewards can no longer be described as high positions and generous salaries.

Needless to say, the Duke of Zhenguo was an unprecedented title in ancient times, and it was only once conferred by Emperor Huizong of Song on his son.

But you have to know that it was a title bestowed by the emperor on the prince, but Wei Wu was not of royal blood, which shows how great the favor he received was.

The second is the special promotion to Guanglu Dafu. The official rank of Guanglu Dafu is the first rank, but it does not have a corresponding official position.

It is just an honorary title for a casual official, but this kind of casual official is usually only given to close ministers who are extremely valued by the emperor.

Next is the Left Pillar of the State. As the name suggests, the position of Pillar of the State means the pillar of a country. This official position is divided into left and right.

In the Ming Dynasty, the left was respected, so it can be imagined how great a favor it was for Wei Wu to be granted the title of Zuo Zhuguo by the emperor.