If you traveled back to ancient times, while others ate Guanyin clay, you would actually have giant

Although Zhou Wu participated in the previous wars between Da Zi and Gao Li, as well as other national wars, he was merely involved. This tremendous achievement was shared among many meritorious individuals, so no one person could claim a huge share of the credit.

But this time was different. Zhou Wu single-handedly completed the war of annihilation against Fusang. If the court really shamelessly claimed to have provided support, it would only be throwing a large group of elderly, weak, sick, and disabled people who could not be settled to the South China Sea.

As for the other military equipment and provisions, they were all raised by Zhou Wu himself, without asking the court for a single penny.

It was precisely because of these circumstances that Li Tiancheng was in a dilemma.

Most of the court officials felt that Fusang was like a chicken rib to the Great Dragon—tasteless to eat, but a pity to throw away. If it weren't for Zhou Wu, many people might not even know about Fusang.

"Your Majesty, I believe that Zhou Wudang should be richly rewarded for this matter."

Gu Xinyuan said with a serious expression, which surprised Li Tiancheng. He thought the other party would play the emotional card, but he didn't expect him to be so businesslike and righteous.

"Oh, tell me your reasons."

"Your Majesty, I believe this matter is of great importance and cannot be measured simply by interests. Now the people of Great Long know that Zhou Wu has conquered Fusang, and Fusang is now part of our Great Long territory. Whether Fusang brings us any benefit or advantage or not is no longer important."

Gu Xinyuan paused at this point, then looked up at Li Tiancheng.

"continue."

Li Tiancheng was indeed intrigued by Gu Xinyuan's words; he also wanted to know what was more important than national interests.

Having received instructions from the other party, Gu Xinyuan continued speaking.

"Your Majesty, the hearts of the people..."

"People's hearts?"

Human nature? It had been a long time since he had heard this word. Li Tiancheng fell into deep thought.

"Yes, Your Majesty. This expedition to Japan was entirely funded by Zhou Wu. The court can set a good example for future generations of officials to learn from and emulate. Otherwise, the officials and the people will feel disheartened."

Gu Xinyuan's words were quite clear: Zhou Wu had contributed his own money and effort to help the country conquer a large area of ​​land and made great contributions. If the court did not reward him properly, who would dare to risk their lives for the court in the future?

Li Tiancheng immediately understood the deeper meaning behind it. He had been hesitant, but made a decision right away.

"I understand."

. . . . . . . .

A few days later, it was time to bestow rewards.

The civil and military officials, divided into two camps, stood in the main hall.

Zhou Wu had received the notice a few days ago, and today he dressed up early and waited outside the hall.

“Announcing, the Grand Commander of the South China Sea, Marquis of the South China Sea, Zhou Wujin Hall.”

Sure enough, not long after, the eunuch came out and announced that Zhou Wujin should enter the palace.

"Your subject, Zhou Wu, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

"Xuan."

"promise."

Li Tiancheng waved his hand, signaling the eunuch to read out the imperial edict of bestowal of honors.

"By imperial decree... Zhou Wu, Grand Commander of the South China Sea, who has conquered Japan and relieved the nation's worries, is hereby appointed Grand Commander of the Eastern Region."

Zhou Wu was immediately displeased. He hadn't expected any real reward, but wasn't this title of Grand Commander of the Eastern Pole too perfunctory? He was doing a good job as Grand Commander of the South China Sea, and now he was being transferred to the Eastern Pole? A place he'd never even heard of. Was this a demotion in disguise?

Gu Xinyuan and Lu Da, standing to the side, also looked extremely grim; it seemed their conversation with the emperor had been in vain.

The other ministers, on the other hand, looked smug; this was exactly the result they wanted.

In recent years, Zhou Wu has received too much favor from the emperor, and at a young age, he has reached a peak that many people cannot surpass in their entire lives.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Despite his dissatisfaction, Zhou Wu still had to kowtow to thank the emperor. However, Li Tiancheng noticed the displeasure on Zhou Wu's face.

"Zhou Wu, aren't you curious about where the Easternmost Point is?"

Seeing Zhou Wu's dissatisfied expression, Li Tiancheng felt a mischievous urge to play a trick on him.

"I do not know, but I will follow the arrangements of the court and Your Majesty. Even in remote and impoverished places, I will do my utmost."

Listen to this, listen to this. Anyone who came here could hear the underlying meaning and dissatisfaction in Zhou Wu's words.

"If you don't want to know, then forget it."

Li Tiancheng suppressed a laugh.

"Your Majesty, I have fought in all directions for so many years. I dare not say that I have traversed every inch of the Great Dragon's land, but I have certainly traveled through most of its rivers and mountains. This easternmost region is something I am quite curious about."

Gu Xinyuan had already guessed something was wrong when he heard Li Tiancheng ask the question. Li Tiancheng couldn't possibly have assigned Zhou Wu to a small, unknown place for no reason. In addition, Li Tiancheng took the initiative to ask the question, so Gu Xinyuan guessed that there must be something fishy going on.

"Oh, the Easternmost Land is the new name I have given to Fusang."

"Wow~~~"

"What? Fusang is the easternmost point?"

"Then Zhou Wu wouldn't..."

The ministers, who had been quietly watching the spectacle from the sidelines, instantly erupted in uproar.

It took Zhou Wu a while to realize that this wasn't a demotion in disguise, but a meteoric rise to power.

Zhou Wu stared wide-eyed, unsure of what to say or do, because the reward was beyond his wildest dreams.

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely not the case. Fusang is an isolated land overseas, and its area already exceeds that of Gaoli. Such a reward is excessive."

"His Majesty..."

"His Majesty...."

Among the civil officials, many ministers who had grudges against Zhou Wu jumped out and voiced their opposition.

Li Tiancheng had anticipated this, so he wasn't in a hurry and simply watched their performance quietly.

After a long while, the opposing ministers, seeing that the emperor had not spoken, quietly looked up to observe and saw that the emperor was looking at them with a mocking expression, which startled them.

"You object? Then tell me your reasons."

Seeing that the opponents had all stood up, Li Tiancheng slowly began to speak.

"Your Majesty, I believe that although Zhou Wu has made meritorious contributions in the eastern expedition to Fusang, he is still young. It is really inappropriate to let him hold sole power in the Eastern Capital."

"Your Majesty, the Eastern Pole is so vast, how can we allow one person to hold power?"

"His Majesty...."

The ministers who opposed the proposal began to state their reasons, and Li Tiancheng responded to each of them after they had finished.

"I remember you said before that the Eastern Pole cannot be divided, otherwise it will repeat the mistakes of Japan."

"Uh~~~~"

"And you, you've said to me many times that Fusang is a tiny place, how come you're exaggerating it now?"

"this...."

It seems that Li Tiancheng had already prepared a response, and he retorted to each of the ministers who had spoken earlier.

Only now did everyone realize that His Majesty had made thorough preparations.

"Does anyone have anything else to say?"

Li Tiancheng asked hypocritically.

But at this point, who would dare to stand up?