No one expected that the first Chinese knight to be knighted was a black man. Jim, a black mechanic who had escaped from slavery after the American Civil War, actually received the knighthood of Xiao Letian in the far east.
"I used my authority as the person in charge of the Chinese Provisional Preparatory Committee to issue a knighthood application to all the Chinese members present. Jim, an American citizen, voluntarily applied to join the Chinese ethnic group. I, Xiao Letian, guarantee that Jim has met the standards of a member of the Chinese ethnic group, and according to the His merits will be appropriately rewarded..."
"Mr. Jim has made great contributions to the Chinese financial industry, and even almost paid his own life... It is precisely because of the hard work and dedication of Jim and others that a solid foundation has been laid for the Ryukyu financial industry..."
"High wages can reward their labor, but high wages cannot reward their sincerity of sacrifice and dedication! I hereby send a knighthood application to all Chinese people and grant Mr. Jim a first-class baron, and the remaining four black craftsmen will be granted the title of third-class baron...Now Please show your hands and vote, 60% will pass!”
The more than 100 people in the hall are the earliest members of the Chinese ethnic group. Their votes can already represent the entire Chinese ethnic group. It seems that the smaller the number, the less authoritative they are. However, carefully analyze the profound background and influence of these people. With their strength, you will know that these more than 100 people are already a political force that can shake up the trend in East Asia. Their joint decision may not even be stopped by the Qing emperor.
The Japanese Bato team officials who had just been sworn in as Chinese were the first to raise their hands. Sakamoto Ryoma, Hyōtaro, Nohira Tai...these Japanese samurai who had become one with Xiao Letian were the first to raise their hands in agreement.
Of course they were the first to raise their hands, because they knew that they were considered outsiders to those Han people. Today the prime minister was going to perform a big show of buying horse bones for a thousand gold, how could they not support him.
Even black people can get titles, these Fuso warriors all take reassurance!
Followed by businessmen and Xiao Letian's powerful officials, they all voted with a show of hands. In the end, King Shangtai and his officials also voted with a show of hands.
The first title acceptance was approved with 100% unanimous vote.
This result is not unexpected at all. Xiao Letian had known this result for a long time. He knew very well that although he had established a relatively democratic and free structure, the worship of strong men and the great man plot in the hearts of Asians would not die out in a short time.
Your own prestige is the ballast stone that deters all different opinions. As long as you are in the Chinese ship, you will not be able to capsize it for the time being.
Six nobles, eighteen nobles, etc.! Jim, a craftsman and technician, could actually be rewarded with a sixteenth-class title. Although Baron was already the lowest first-class title, for a black man who had just escaped from slavery, such unexpected joy was enough to make him faint.
Jim and the first few black people who came to Asia cried with joy. They hugged each other and put their hands on the shoulders of the people next to them to form a ring. They sang tribal songs passed down by their ancestors, and walked happily with their feet. fell into a state of ecstasy.
Amidst the singing and dancing, tears rolled down. They retreated to the corner of the hall to celebrate alone. At that moment, they didn't care about anyone's eyes.
The knighthood completely ignited the enthusiasm of the people present. Even though the hour hand had pointed to eleven o'clock, people's spirits were high. Cup after cup of ginseng soup cooked in the big kitchen was eaten up in one gulp, and everyone drank with eagerness. His eyes were fixed on the Prime Minister.
Black people have been knighted, but what about us?
Xiao Letian would not disappoint everyone. He took out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and said with a smile, "I have been thinking about this piece of paper for a year, and it has rough edges... Now the Chinese Code has been If it’s established, he doesn’t have to hide in my arms anymore!”
"They are listed in no particular order. I'll read them randomly! The ones you read earlier don't mean you have a higher status, and the ones you read later don't mean you're lower down. Cheer up!"
"The head of the CIA's Northern Bureau...Chun Shisanniang is out! In view of your achievements, you are specially made a second-class earl! All Chinese members are asked to vote by a show of hands..."
I didn't expect that the second one would be a woman. Chun Shisanniang has been responsible for the intelligence work in the Zhili area. She has been involved in assassinations in the wind and rain more than a dozen times. She almost lost her life and received a reward from an earl. She deserves it.
Although the title of a woman was a bit off-putting to the men present, but considering the contribution of Thirteen Niangs, no one dared to say no, and everyone raised their hands in agreement.
"Very good, Thirteenth Mother, you are also a count now, countess! It's not easy! When you look back, the edict of knighthood and the title medal, and the noble ribbon will be awarded in a separate more formal ceremony. Don't worry! You have to hurry up for me. It’s time to make it…hahaha!”
Xiao Letian smiled and waved his hand to signal Thirteenth Niang to go down and rest, but he didn't expect this crazy woman's eyes to light up and tears to burst into her eyes. She actually rushed over and kissed Xiao Letian on the cheek.
Everyone present was shocked. How could this be a kiss? This was just raw gnawing! He bit Xiao Letian's cheek like a pig's trotter, and Xiao Letian gasped in pain.
The hall burst into laughter, and someone even whistled! Of course, Chun Shisanniang and Xiao Letian are not having an affair. Today, this crazy woman acted like this because she was too excited. When she saw the mark on Xiao Letian's face, she also blushed.
"I'm sorry, I...I'll go back and explain to the two ladies. Anyway, I won't let you kneel on the washboard!" After saying that, he ran away.
This is just a small episode, and the subsequent knighthood rankings are even more exciting.
The cattle shopkeeper of Sihai Company and the owner of Ryukyu Grain and Rice were both granted the title of third-class viscount to reward them for their efforts in purchasing grain for disaster relief and rewarding the army.
Sakamoto Ryoma was named a second-class earl, and Nohira Tai and Hyōtaro were jointly named a third-class earl to reward them for their bravery in leading the sword fighting team.
The important ministers of King Shangtai were awarded the title of third earl in succession.
Then came Xiao Letian's own direct subordinates, the Four Heavenly Kings who had outstanding achievements and were awarded the title of third-class Duke. This was already a prominent noble status second only to the prince. The veterans of the New Army present were all moved to tears.
Long Ye's contribution is not small, but it is not as good as the military achievements of the Four Heavenly Kings. He was named a second-class marquis. However, everyone knows that the marquis is only temporary. Once the Far East Volunteer Army becomes a force, Long Ye's title will definitely be renewed. There is no problem at all in being promoted to Duke.
Xiao Letian's award order was very detailed, and even Ye Qiu, Pang Chaoyun and others were canonized as barons. The long list basically covers everyone in the hall.
Until finally Xiao Letian turned his attention to his father-in-law, the old shopkeeper Fan Lian who had been resting in the corner of the hall with his eyes closed.
"There are two noble people who started my career. Without them, I, Xiao Letian, would not be where I am today! It's a pity that I don't have the right to reward one of these noble people, and the other one is right in front of me..."
"The general manager of Rakuten Bank, the general manager of Rakuten Bank, the head of the Ryukyu Account Department...also my father-in-law, Mr. Fan! I hereby apply to all members of the Chinese ethnic group to canonize Mr. Fan as a first-class public servant!"
