Chapter 245: The Old Emperor's

Today.

It could be considered the first day that all the officials of this Protectorate took office together.

As the Sima of the Western Regions Protectorate, Ling Chen immediately attracted many people's gazes.

Some were envious; this son of a humble family had performed a "carp leaping over the dragon gate" here in Yanqi, suddenly entering the inner circle and becoming world-renowned. Others were indignant; what talent did this unknown kid have to shoulder such a heavy responsibility?

Especially those who had passed the Imperial Examination.

Back in the Longyan Dynasty, which of them wasn't a famous scholar or a widely renowned talent? The fact that the title of top scholar had been snatched away by a student from a humble family made it strange if they felt content.

Therefore...

Although Liu Zheng had already announced that Ling Chen was the undisputed Sima of the Protectorate, many people were still waiting to see a joke today.

Everyone was waiting for this guy, who had never governed even a single village or county, to make a fool of himself.

Unexpectedly...

His very first move was so bold and fierce.

Divert water to the Western Regions and take down Liangzhou?

Many people stared at this young man, dumbfounded. Was he a madman?

A few people were just about to retort.

At this moment, the Imperial Edict arrived fashionably late.

Qingyang Shuo and Liu Zheng exchanged a glance and led everyone outside to welcome it.

The one who came to read the Edict this time was no longer Grand Eunuch Zhou—after all, Grand Eunuch Zhou was no longer young; it was fine for him to hop around within the borders of the Longyan Dynasty, but if he were to come to the Western Regions, he might easily lose his life in the desert.

It was a young eunuch. Liu Zheng took a look and recognized him; he was a junior eunuch who followed behind Grand Eunuch Zhou.

As soon as this young eunuch saw Liu Zheng, he beamed with joy and said very humbly, "Prefect Liu, congratulations, congratulations! Imperial grace, what immense imperial grace!"

Liu Zheng was completely bewildered.

Suddenly, his expression changed slightly: "Official Huang, the Emperor isn't going to grant me a marriage, is he?"

The young eunuch surnamed Huang laughed and said, "Prefect Liu is truly clever. Isn't this a great joyous occasion? Do you know, Prefect Liu, that in the thirty-plus years since the Emperor ascended the throne, he has never granted a marriage to anyone? You, sir, are the very first!"

"Bang!"

Liu Zheng almost tripped, ten thousand alpacas galloping through his heart.

Had it really come to this stage?

Qingyang Shuo also smiled faintly.

Qin Zhangfeng, Jiang Xuan, and the others were snickering uncontrollably.

Liu Zheng was on the verge of tears, feeling incomparably melancholy.

He didn't want to get married!

The key was that he had absolutely no interest in these ancient "parents' orders and matchmaker's words." Even if he were to marry, it would be to someone he loved, someone he chose himself, not someone granted by others!

Political marriage.

In ancient times, it was common, and Liu Zheng also knew that given his current reputation, there would certainly be a "well-matched in social status" and "virtuous and gentle" woman to choose from. But he still felt strange about it in his heart...

He absolutely refused!

But whether he refused or not, the Imperial Edict had to be received.

Next, it was the same procedure.

Everyone knelt to worship and listen to the reading of the Imperial Edict.

During this process, Xie Chan, who had just taken office as Yulin General, almost lost her temper and refused to kneel. It was only after Xiao Tao pulled her that Xie Chan reluctantly knelt down.

The content of the Imperial Edict was very simple.

It was the long-overdue reward for Liu Dahao for taking Yanqi City and rebuilding the Protectorate. As well as for the promotion of the Imperial Examination System. The old Emperor seemed quite satisfied with these matters; this time he directly rewarded one hundred thousand gold, three hundred thousand bolts of silk and cloth, and one hundred thousand slaves!

Good heavens!

Liu Zheng gasped upon hearing this. For the current decaying Longyan Dynasty, which was under immense financial pressure, this was already a grand gesture.

The Marquis outside the pass was promoted to Marquis of Champions!

The third-rank Baron was promoted to a first-rank Baron.

As for Liu Zheng, there was no promotion in official rank—it seemed all the credit had been recorded under Liu Dahao's name again.

However...

A granted marriage!

This matter that gave Liu Zheng a headache had finally fallen upon him.

The old Emperor bestowed great imperial grace, intending to facilitate a good match for a young talent like Prefect Liu. Not only did he grant Feng Sanniang the title of Lady of Rank, but he also brought a roster for Liu Zheng... a roster of beauties?

Eunuch Huang looked envious and giggled, "Liu Dahao, the Emperor said that the Western Regions are initially pacified, and the Dayuan Kingdom can be dealt with slowly. During this year's Lantern Festival, Lord Liu and Prefect Liu must return to the capital to report on your duties! And by the way, settle this marriage that has attracted the attention of the whole world..."

Liu Dahao jumped up, grabbed Eunuch Huang's hand, and laughed heartily: "Very good, very good! Official Huang, do get some good rest, do get some good rest!"

As he spoke, he handed that "Roster of Beauties of the Current Dynasty" to Liu Zheng, and incidentally gave him an ambiguous look.

Liu Zheng was left between laughter and tears.

His old man had long been dying for him to get married.

Then, Liu Dahao took these eunuchs away to "rest." During this time, red envelopes and benefits were naturally indispensable.

In an instant.

The Protectorate was left with this group of people again, each looking at Liu Zheng with various expressions, one after another congratulating Liu Zheng on receiving such unique imperial favor in the world.

An imperial-granted marriage.

In ancient times, this was an extraordinary honor. It could be said that it brought glory to the family and ancestors; it was definitely a major event.

Moreover, since Xie Tianyao ascended the throne, he had never granted a marriage to anyone. This Prefect Liu was the first. It was clear that this was a sign that he was deeply trusted by the Emperor and was on the path to great success.

Liu Zheng smiled bitterly, not even looking at the "roster," but instead exchanged a glance with Qingyang Shuo.

A marriage decree?

For this matter to happen at this time, it is simply a "praise-to-kill" tactic against Liu Zheng!

Blessed with imperial favor?

Actually, that is not the case!

This is yet another move by the old Emperor Xie Tianyao, placing Liu Zheng into the vortex of power struggles within the Longyan Dynasty...

Just now, they had already learned of the Grand Academician's death by Admonishment that occurred in the Longyan Dynasty, and Liu Zheng understood in an instant that this must have been arranged by the old Emperor.

Regarding this, the scholars of the world might grieve for a long time.

But Liu Zheng viewed it very objectively.

In order to promote the Imperial Examination System, the death of one Grand Academician is simply not worth mentioning in the torrent of history... furthermore, the death of this Liu Yu will allow his name to go down in history.

Liu Zheng felt no ripples in his heart.

It is just that...

The pilot site for this Imperial Examination was actually set in Liangzhou?

Liu Zheng and Qingyang Shuo exchanged glances once again.

Then, they deliberately looked at Ling Chen.

That Ling Chen could no longer hold back at this moment, and said excitedly, "Young Master, this is a great opportunity for us to take control of Liangzhou!"

Everyone's spirits lifted.

If they couldn't hear what this meant by now, they would all be fools, and would have no qualifications to serve in this Protectorate.

Liu Zheng was very satisfied with Ling Chen's performance on this first day.

It was also clear to see.

The others had also slowly shifted from their initial skepticism to conviction regarding this Ling Chen—the Ten-Year Plan for water diversion, development, and strengthening the military that this young man brought forth was almost impeccable.

Liu Zheng and Qingyang Shuo were destined to return to Liangzhou.

The Western Regions needed someone who could truly carry the banner.

But Liu Zheng also understood.

Ling Chen's personality was too extreme; at this moment, he was clearly already feeling a bit complacent about his own plan.

He needed to be reined in.

Liu Zheng chuckled: "What does the Sima think? Between opening canals for water diversion and excavating a Grand Canal that irrigates the entire nation, which is better?"

"What?"

At this, it was not just Ling Chen.

Qingyang Shuo and the others also gasped in shock.

【Author's Note】

Thank you brothers for the New Year red envelope tips; Happy New Year, and may you prosper.