Chapter 762 - 367 Reluctant Farewell_1
On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Duke Liang, who had been waiting anxiously, finally received the Emperor’s decree. He was appointed as the provisional Admiral of the Navy. Although the rank was not as high as that of his son, he was still very satisfied. After all, one must eat one bite at a time, and this was a step forward; everything would get better. Duke Liang, reinstated to a position of trust, was filled with boundless enthusiasm and determination to accomplish great deeds and regain imperial favor.
This development made some uncomfortable. Despite his flawed integrity, Duke Liang was essentially promoted under the guise of demotion, still trusted by the Emperor. Being sent to build the Navy on the coast would entail hardships for a while, but once accomplished, it would be a great achievement, and promotion would be imminent.
Upon receiving news, relatives and friends brought congratulatory gifts, including the Qian family.
The New Year passed with feasting and toasting, receiving and sending off guests. On the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, the Yamen opened, and work resumed as usual.
At the first morning court session of the new year, Crown Prince Zhu Sujin presented a memorial. He began by extensively praising Emperor Qianwu for establishing a dedicated naval force and developing maritime military power, a wise decision that strengthened the coastal defense.
He also expressed concern for the Emperor, who was worried day and night about the need for a substantial amount of silver to build the Navy. The Crown Prince appreciated the Emperor’s benevolent heart—he wanted to strengthen the military without increasing the burden on the people. He, too, was restless and, after much thought, came up with a solution. He was willing to lead by example and donate ten thousand taels of silver to contribute modestly to the construction of the Navy.
In the end, he earnestly requested the Emperor to issue a decree encouraging capable ministers, merchants, and gentry of the Great Qian Kingdom to contribute to the cause. He made it clear that donations were not to be forced and should not affect one’s living circumstances; the amount should depend on one’s ability and willingness. However, the names of those who donated more should be recorded in the book of merits and be remembered in history. Those who donated a significant amount, whether merchants or gentry, could be awarded idle official positions, and could even be granted the title of Earl...
After the Crown Prince’s memorial was presented, the Emperor praised him highly, nodding in agreement and saying, "The Crown Prince has such a breadth of mind, which greatly comforts me."
Seeing the Crown Prince lead by example, Liang Jinzhao and Qian Manjiang immediately stood out to respond, each willing to donate eighty thousand taels of silver. Then Elder Fu declared his willingness to donate eighty thousand taels, and Prince Shou was also willing to donate one hundred thousand taels...