Yuan Rong smiled and said: "I see. According to this, after the Northern Expedition succeeds, the fate of Dou Kui and his gang will be over?"
Qi Ning did not speak, but he understood in his heart that if the little emperor had a soft heart in the past, then after this change, he would obviously no longer trust others.
Xiao Shaozong once gained the emperor's trust and even participated in major military affairs, but in the end it was this royal family member who had the emperor's trust who rebelled. This must have been a big blow to the little emperor.
The Northern Expedition has not ended, but is at an extremely critical juncture. At this time, if the emperor launches a purge, it will definitely cause violent turmoil in the court. Xiao Shaozong's rebellion has already caused a shock to the court. , if the situation is worsened, the Northern Expedition will inevitably be in trouble due to the turmoil in the court situation.
Of course, it is impossible for the emperor to trust Dou Kui and his gang, but he will certainly not attack these people at the moment.
But since they were suspected by the emperor, the final fate of Dou Kui and others was actually determined.
"By the way, how is the trade progress in the East China Sea?" Qining didn't want to continue discussing the situation with Yuan Rong, so he changed the topic: "You are the governor of Haibosi. If trade in the East China Sea is delayed for one day, a lot of white goods will be lost. Fancy money."
Yuan Rong said: "The young master is injured. I didn't want to mention official matters today. Since the young master wants to ask, then... Haha, I will report it to you." After thinking for a moment, he said: "It's already June. It was originally planned that the first fleet would set sail at the end of August, and the wind was just right to go south. However, due to Xiao Shaozong's incident, many things have been delayed. However, the East China Sea has not been affected too much. Due to the impact, a large amount of cargo has been shipped to the East China Sea. Although it has been delayed for a few days, if nothing happens, it will still be possible to sail in early September."
"Don't underestimate the trade with Nanyang." Qi Ning sighed with emotion: "Not only can it add a lot of money to our Chu treasury, but it can also maintain friendly relations with the countries of Nanyang. If we can bring our Central Plains culture to Nanyang Spread it and let them accept our culture, which can at least ensure peace and tranquility on the southern sea." After pondering for a while, he continued: "Using the East China Sea as a trading port, we can even open the sea to allow Nanyang people to come to Dachu for trade in the future. , this is not only mutually beneficial, but also can support the commercial prosperity over the East China Sea, which is also beneficial to the local people."
Yuan Rong nodded and said: "In the past, the trade in the East China Sea was directly controlled by the Donghai Family, and outside forces could not get in. Now the trade is controlled by the imperial court. Although the supply of goods is now provided by merchants designated by Haibosi, in the future The fleet is getting bigger and bigger, the trade is getting more and more prosperous, and there are bound to be more and more people involved in it.”
"As I said before, those merchants who provide money have the right to supply goods for several years." Qining said: "But such rights will not last forever."
Yuan Rong said: "They all know this. After a few years, it is natural to still have high quality and low price. Whose goods are good and cheap will be used." He smiled and said: "Businessmen are the smartest. After setting up Haibosi, , Those merchants know that the East China Sea is no longer monolithic, so many people have made preparations for a rainy day, and many merchants have already prepared to set up shop there, just waiting to participate in the trade in the future. "
Qi Ning smiled and said: "This is a good thing. Yuan Rong, as long as you do this one thing well in this life, it will be enough to leave your name in future generations."
"When the trade is fully developed in two years, I plan to go to Nanyang in person to see the customs and customs there." Yuan Rong said: "It's a pity that the young master will only get busier and busier, otherwise we will go to Nanyang together." , but it’s also a beautiful thing.”
Qining laughed and said, "You are a drunkard and don't care about drinking."
Yuan Rong stood up and said: "Young Master, I won't disturb you too much today. I will prepare a banquet for you after you recover from your injury!"
Before Qi Ning could say anything, he saw Han Shou running in hurriedly and said anxiously: "My lord, someone is coming from the palace. The emperor has a decree."
"Is there a decree in the palace?" Qi Ning was startled and frowned, "What is the decree?"
"It's that Eunuch Fan." Han Shou said: "Eunuch Fan said that the eunuch was going to the front yard to greet him. He also asked the eunuch if he could get up?"
Yuan Rong said in surprise: "Is it Fan Dehai? I thought he had been killed by Xiao Shaozong." Xiang Qining said: "Young Master, Fan Dehai is the most trusted eunuch by the emperor. Since he came to announce the decree in person, this decree I’m afraid it’s unusual.”
At this time, Ximen Zhanying also entered the room. When he saw Yuan Rong, he clasped his fists and saluted Yuan Rong. Seeing Yuan Rong, Ximen Zhanying was startled. Ximen Zhanying immediately remembered that he was not an official of the Shenhou Mansion now, but a member of the Jinyi Qi family. The wife of the family was a little embarrassed and leaned over, then she said to Qining: "Ms., Eunuch Fan is waiting in the yard. Can you... get up?"
As long as Qi Ning didn't move violently, there wouldn't be any big problem. This was the first order given to him by the palace after the rebellion was suppressed. Qi Ning didn't know what the emperor meant, so he said: "Zhan Ying, help me get dressed." , I’ll go get the order!”
Ximen Zhanying and Han Shou helped Qining stand up together, and then helped Qining put on his robe. Considering Qining's injury, they did not dare to move too much, let alone too fast. After struggling for a long time, Qining After finally packing up, Ximen Zhanying helped him down to the front yard. At this time, everyone in the house had gathered in the yard.
Qi Ning saw Fan Dehai and several young eunuchs waiting in the courtyard. He hurriedly stepped forward and cupped his hands and said, "My father-in-law, I kept you waiting for a long time!"
Fan Dehai had already come forward, holding an imperial edict in his right hand, and asked with concern: "How is the Duke's injury? Is it okay? It's still early, so there's no rush."
Qi Ning smiled and said: "It's nothing serious. I feel relieved to see that my father-in-law is safe and sound."
Fan Dehai said gratefully: "Thank you, the Duke. The traitor Xiao Shaozong had the Za family imprisoned. They have really suffered a lot these days, but fortunately this miserable life has been left. If the Duke had not decided to rebel, the Za family would have lost their lives." There is absolutely no guarantee." He said softly: "Is it convenient for the Duke to accept the order now?"
"No problem, no problem." Qi Ning knelt down to receive the order. Fan Dehai smiled and said: "There are two orders. The first is an oral order. If the Holy One has an order, the Duke can just stand and receive the order." He coughed and then He said sternly: "The Emperor has spoken to inquire: Qining, how is your injury?"
Qi Ning was startled, but still said respectfully: "Everything is well with you. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern."
"I know that you have been recuperating these days and have difficulty moving, let alone kneeling, so my decree has not been carried out." Fan Dehai said solemnly: "Don't blame me for not visiting you. What happened to me these days There are a lot of them. I will naturally talk to you after your injury recovers. I estimate that you should have no problem getting out of bed and walking now, and it shouldn’t be too much of a problem to forcefully kneel down, so I will give you this decree today. , after receiving the order, you can rest for a few more days, wait until your injuries have recovered, and then come back to the palace to express your gratitude."
These plain words came out of Fan Dehai's mouth, and they were also dictated by the emperor. Everyone looked at each other, some wanted to laugh but didn't dare, and could only lower their heads.
After coming out of the palace that day, Qi Ning had never communicated with the emperor. But when he heard these words, he felt very cordial and said, "I accept the decree!"
Fan Dehai then said with a smile: "My lord, there is a second decree, my lord, you...!"
Qi Ning knew what Fan Dehai meant. After Ximen Zhanying and Han Shou helped Qining kneel down, they also knelt down. A group of people in the courtyard also knelt down immediately. Fan Dehai then unfolded the imperial edict and preached: "The emperor's edict says : I have an unworthy and rebellious minister, Xiao Shaozong, who does not care about the king's kindness, and conspires to rebel and bring disaster to the country. The dynasty and the country are hanging by a thread. In times of crisis, the protector of the country Qi Ning is not afraid of hardships and dangers, and protects the country and the king. His loyalty and courage are evident. Sun and Moon, whose meritorious deeds are unparalleled, and who have such loyal and courageous pillars, are the great fortune of Chu, the fortune of the people, and my fortune. Today, I specially promote Qining, the protector of the country, to the title of King Yiheng. Kudos to this!"
Qi Ning was shocked when he heard the words "King Yiheng". He raised his head suddenly, but Fan Dehai was already smiling and said: "Your Majesty, please accept the decree and thank me!"
At this time, not only Qining was surprised, but everyone present was also shocked.
Since the founding of the Chu Kingdom, there have been many famous ministers and brave generals, as well as many royal family members. However, even among the royal family members, only King Xiao Zhang of Huainan has been granted the title of king, let alone one with a different surname.
The four hereditary marquises of the founding of the country were all people with outstanding merits, but except for Sima Lan who was later promoted to a duke, the other three were only hereditary marquises until their death.
Qining is only twenty years old, and he has only been involved in court affairs for two short years. After inheriting the title of Marquis of Jinyi, he was later promoted to the title of Protector of the Country. The title of Lord Protector has not yet been worn. Today, a decree came down , directly became a prince from a duke.
This kind of long enhao dynasty can be said to be unparalleled since the founding of the dynasty.
Seeing Qi Ning's shocked expression and saying nothing, Fan Dehai lowered his body and said softly: "Your Majesty, since the founding of the country by Emperor Taizu, no one with a different surname has been awarded a royal title. Your Majesty is the first to do this. It also shows that the Emperor has Your Majesty's great love. Your Majesty must never let down this great kindness." He had already rolled up the imperial edict in his hand and handed it to Qi Ning.
Qi Ning looked at the imperial edict in front of him, but did not reach out to receive it. He pondered for a moment and then said: "Eunuch, I really don't dare to accept this edict from the emperor!"
"Your Majesty, the Emperor guessed that you would say this." Fan Dehai said with a smile: "The Emperor said that you must accept this decree, otherwise it will be a crime of resisting the decree, and the Prince is aware of it."
Qi Ning hesitated for a moment, with a solemn expression, and finally raised his hands and accepted the decree. No reward came from the palace for several days. Qi Ning thought that Long Tai was cheating again, but who knew that he would actually drop such a shocking blow? of rewards.
A group of servants kneeling behind Qining were all extremely happy.
Being a servant of the prince's palace naturally has a higher status than being a servant of the Duke.
Han Shou was also happy. Since the young Duke has been promoted to the title of king, the number of fiefs will naturally be greatly increased, and the quality of life in the palace will surely be improved to a higher level in the future.
"In addition, the emperor means that since the prince has been granted the title of prince, this mansion is not suitable." Fan Dehai said: "The largest mansion in the capital now is the former Huainan Prince's Mansion. It has been repaired and it can be used as the prince's residence." In addition, the former Sima Mansion is also very spacious and can be slightly expanded and used as a royal palace. I wonder what the prince means? If there is a place you like, the Ministry of Industry will send someone to repair it immediately. At the latest It must be completed in three months, and then the prince can move over."
Qi Ning said very resolutely this time: "Eunuch, I have been given the honor of being a king. I no longer dare to accept the title, and I will never dare to receive the prince's palace again. This Duke's Palace is where three generations of the Qi family live, and I have no intention of moving away." Heart, please father-in-law, please report back to the emperor, I will regard this place as my palace and will not go anywhere."