Shennong Dao Master-Chapter 1160 - 11: Emperor Wu’s Rewards, Maxed Out?! (Da Zhang)

Chapter 1160: Chapter 11: Emperor Wu’s Rewards, Maxed Out?! (Da Zhang)

The High Priest position was taken over by Wei Hong, who is the elder brother of Wei Xuancheng.

Ji Bochang remains the Sky-reaching Priest, with his rank promoted by one level, scattered promotion by one level, and merits by three levels.

The Chief Engineer role was assumed by the former Military Supervisor of Ju Zi Palace, Lu Ying, with Chen Ju as the Junior Director.

Tong Wensheng became the Left Minister, and Fan Aolin the Right Minister.

Ji Mengjun was promoted to the Eight Ranks Dance Master, moving from Vice Hall Master to Hall Master of the War Dance Hall.

The positions and ranks of Luo Hou King have reached their peak, but no problem, there’s still scattered titles and merits to bestow. Luo Hou King still has family, needing to fill all honorary titles, with a long road ahead. If necessary, Emperor Wu is fond of creating new terms.

...

When it was Zhao Xing’s turn for the imperial awards, it went beyond everyone’s expectations.

"Duke Divine Might Zhao Xing, promoted by two ranks, appointed as second-rank Minister of Agriculture Supervisor and Minister of Agriculture Official."

Minister of Agriculture Official? When did a second-rank Minister of Agriculture Official appear?

Everyone was puzzled and confused.

But soon after, a detailed explanation of the Minister of Agriculture Official was found in the Minister of Agriculture Supervision system.

Second-rank Minister of Agriculture Official is positioned after Grand Minister of Agriculture Liu Tianning, but before Wang Tianzhi.

And it clarified for the second-rank Minister of Agriculture Official: the chief subordinate to the Grand Minister of Agriculture.

Essentially, Emperor Wu forcibly elevated one among the previously equal-ranking Junior Ministers of Agriculture, unjustifiably raising the status of the Minister of Agriculture Official by half a level.

Although somewhat surprising, it didn’t cause much stir because Zhao Xing holds high prestige and influence in the Ministry of Agriculture. Even placed before Ling Tianchen, Wang Tianzhi, and Qiu Yuanshan, nobody opposed it.

Next was the conferral of ’Duke Junyi.’

"What on earth is ’Duke Junyi’?"

All ministers were dumbfounded once again.

The reading Right Minister Fan Aolin had no choice but to elaborate again, explaining the concept derived from the "Six Harmonies" in the Book of Rites.

After listening, the ministers had subtle expressions, and their gazes toward Zhao Xing became peculiar.

Even Zhao Xing himself was a bit surprised.

He hadn’t expected Emperor Wu to create a ’Duke Junyi’ for him.

But it didn’t stop there.

Right Minister Fan Aolin continued: "Proclaim ’Heavenly Doctor,’ grant a first-rank longevity."

The grand hall remained silent.

But Zhao Xing clearly heard the uproar in everyone’s hearts.

Eyes filled with envy shone like sunlight on his back.

Zhao Xing also sighed with emotion; good days had arrived.

Unlike Emperor Jing’s stinginess, Emperor Wu was completely different, often extending long life to valued ministers.

He originally held a third-rank position as Spirit Mountain Envoy, but now he directly became a second-rank Minister of Agriculture Official, and Emperor Wu even granted him a first-rank longevity based on the scattered first-rank title.

Originally a First-class Marquis, now he is a Duke.

Mr. Zhao was somewhat overwhelmed with such favor.

"Your servant gratefully thanks the imperial grace!"

"May our Emperor’s life be eternal!"

Zhao Xing shouted sincerely this time.

He truly hoped for Emperor Wu’s eternal life.

Among the other treasures recited by Fan Aolin, there were three rare items, including a warship, vestment robe, and shoes.

After all the conferrals were announced, a golden beam of light enveloped the grand hall.

"Boom~"

A baptism of National Fate.

Zhao Xing’s lifespan was directly extended to the theoretical limit of the first rank.

The residual fortune hadn’t ended, further consolidating his eighth fork of fortune.

After receiving his rewards, Zhao Xing returned to the ranks of the courtiers.

The conferral of ranks for all officials lasted seven days to conclude.

Ji Che then hosted a banquet inside the Imperial Palace for the officials, eating and drinking for half a month, only then ending the whole conferral ceremony.

...

Start of Winter, First Year of Yuan Shou, Fengjing, Minister of Agriculture Supervision.

Liu Tianning sat at the principal seat of the Grand Minister of Agriculture, with Zhao Xing seated at the first position on the lower left, and the remaining nine Junior Ministers of Agriculture arranged sequentially.

According to Emperor Jing’s period, there were not just this few direct subordinates to the Grand Minister of Agriculture; there were more than thirty.

But that was wartime, with numerous affairs to handle.

Now in a time of peace, including Zhao Xing, there were only ten.

Of course, these ten were directly appointed by Emperor Wu.

As Grand Minister of Agriculture, Liu Tianning can recommend candidates at his discretion and expand the scale of subordinates according to needs.

"There are so many first and second-rank Ministers of Agriculture, but those who can become Junior Ministers of Agriculture, including me, are only ten." Zhao Xing observed around. "The most powerful Minister of Agriculture officials are all seated here."

Without power, even a Minister of Agriculture in the Fate Palace Realm couldn’t do much, but as Junior Minister of Agriculture, he could command the Minister of Agriculture officials of the Nineteen Provinces, a single order could affect countless lives! It might lead to the rise of many families or the decline of many others.

"Gentlemen." Liu Tianning began to speak: "With the new monarch ascending, the Minister of Agriculture Supervision should focus on maintaining stability."

"The top priority is to elevate talents and appoint the virtuous."

Liu Tianning’s first order was to immediately begin the selection of officials within the Ministry of Agriculture system.

Because since the ninety years of Yongzhi, the official selection in Great Zhou had stagnated like a stagnant pool.

Except for the promotion of lower-rank officials, which was still somewhat normal, middle to high-rank officials hadn’t moved in a long time; this was abnormal, so Liu Tianning, upon assuming position, would quickly restore it to normal.

Once the Agricultural system returns to normal, other departments can operate smoothly.

"I plan to recommend to His Majesty an additional three to nine Junior Agricultural Officers." Liu Tianning said, "Half civil, half military, if any of you have suitable candidates, you may submit them to me."

Ling Tianchen was the first to speak: "May I ask the Grand Minister of Agriculture, does this candidate have any faction requirements?"

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh~

The others’ attention shifted immediately.

Liu Tianning said: "No faction division, only talent matters."

This set the tone, regardless of Heavenly Time, Earth Advantage, or Self; as long as there is talent, promotion is obtainable.

Ling Tianchen nodded and did not continue to speak.

Because he wouldn’t randomly recommend; it needed careful consideration.

"The second matter, gentlemen, is to select talents and recommend third-rank Minister of Agriculture officials."