With Liu Yun's explanation, the gloating expression on Emperor Liu's face dissipated a lot, and the feeling of joy brought about by the contrast between the prosperity of the country and the fiery life abroad also became much duller.
After pondering for a moment, he smiled coldly: "That means you have returned safely and smoothly. Otherwise, no matter how much they attack the Persian empire, I will send troops to wipe them out!"
This was Emperor Liu's habitual strength, but the caring shown in it still moved Liu Yun. He cupped his hands and said, "Fortunately, your majesty has protected me, and I am not in danger!"
Emperor Liu raised his hand and said to the only outsider present, Uncle Zhiyuan Guo Liangping: "Guo Qing, you have worked hard this time and were able to bring Liu Yun and Wen Hai back safely. I will remember this contribution!"
Hearing this, Guo Liangping stood up quickly and said with a look of shame on his face: "Your Majesty, I really don't dare to take credit. It was my lack of thinking that put your two highnesses in danger, and I felt that it was a great sin. Although your two highnesses are blessed by God, I still feel that I have done something wrong." I still feel scared after thinking about it!”
"Uncle Zhiyuan is so humble!" Hearing this, Liu Yun said, and then raised his hand to Emperor Liu: "If Uncle Zhiyuan hadn't sent troops to respond and defeated the pursuers, it would be difficult for me and others to escape safely!"
After hearing this, Emperor Liu naturally had a better impression of Guo Liangping. He stretched out his hand to stop Guo Liangping, who was still trying to decline modestly. He thought for a moment and said: "For more than ten years, Guo Qing has worked tirelessly and risked his life to open up frontiers for the Han Dynasty. Expanding territory, spreading prestige far and wide, greatly increasing the prestige of our country, and inspiring the hearts of our people are indeed indispensable!
On this second voyage to the west, we traveled across vast oceans and endured untold hardships, fully displaying the splendor of our great Han Dynasty. I am not someone who refuses to reward merit, tell me what you want, but I will grant you anything you ask for! "
Upon hearing this, Guo Liangping said almost without thinking, "Your Majesty has spent his whole life to repay the kindness he has shown to his ministers. He can only do his best, hold nothing back, and be loyal to the country. How dare you ask for anything extravagant?"
Emperor Liu had been observing Guo Liangping's reaction, and after hearing what he said, he withdrew his gaze. The moment he looked away, Guo Liangping seemed to feel the pressure on his body lightening up.
In fact, if Emperor Liu really wanted a reward, he would just ask him, so why bother asking him. Once a question is asked, such a question must be handled with caution. However, Guo Liangping obviously remains sober and calm, and does not get carried away or take credit for himself.
As for Emperor Liu, he had received quite a lot of "bad records" and impeachment memorials about Guo Liangping. Most of them point to one problem, taking credit and being arrogant, arbitrary and self-absorbed.
After pondering for a moment, Emperor Liu put a smile on his face again and said: "In the past few years, you have been leading troops to train, sailing and pioneering, and you have done a good job. Now, you should be entrusted with more important responsibilities, and I want to give you You add to the burden, Lin Renzhao retired not long ago, and it just so happens that you take his place and return to the court as deputy privy envoy, in charge of naval affairs!"
Faced with Emperor Liu's appointment, it would be false to say that he was not happy. However, Guo Liangping still tried hard to suppress the joy in his heart and solemnly bowed: "Thank you, Your Majesty! I can only do my best until my death!"
After hearing his statement, Emperor Liu smiled and waved his hand towards him. In the power structure of the Han Dynasty, the Privy Council was considered to be its own system, and among the Privy Council, the Navy was also unique.
There have always been many struggles within the navy, and their intensity is no less intense than the power struggles in the court. As a southerner with a strong roots, Guo Liangping has now become a leader, completely taking over from his father Guo Tingwei. mantle.
The appointment of the deputy privy envoy also brought a temporary halt to the factional disputes in the navy. For Guo Liangping, he has officially reached the pinnacle of his life and career. Even his father Guo Tingwei has never held this position. Of course, before the navy's status was greatly improved and the imperial court appointed deputy deputy privy envoys for management, Guo Tingwei has already retreated to the second line.
However, Emperor Liu's reward was obviously more than just a promotion in position. He followed up by saying: "The imperial edict has granted Uncle Zhiyuan of the Jin Dynasty as the second-class Marquis of Zhiyuan, and he has given him a goldfish talisman, a robe, a silver saddle, and a white horse!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" At this time, Guo Liangping couldn't hold himself any longer and knelt down directly on the ground, bowing to the ground and thanking him.
You should know that his father Guo Tingwei's Marquis of Hai'an was a first-class Marquis, but when he passed it on to his second brother Liangheng, he was only a second-class Marquis. Now, he is also the second-class marquis of Han Dynasty. The key is that he has worked hard for it himself, which is really inspiring.
It is conceivable that from now on, the political status of the Guo family will be improved by the Feiyue family. His Guo family is also a double noble family. Even if it is not comparable to those top nobles, it is still higher than most nobles. More importantly, some nobles have gradually fallen into decline over a long period of time. Although they retain their honors and honors, their influence is constantly being lost. Especially after the entrepreneurial generation dies, it is really difficult for future generations to manage their families and achieve good development. many.
As for the Guo family, although their influence is limited to the navy and they have many competitors, it is not easy for a political faction to have such a basic base. No matter how small the power is, having such a three-acre land and maintaining it for a long time is something that many noble families can only dream of.
"Congratulations to Marquis Guo!" At this time, everyone present also congratulated Guo Liangping politely.
Liu Yang took another look at Guo Liangping. In the past few years, he had also received a lot of negative comments about Guo Liangping, but he didn't really have any bad feelings.
There are some aspects of Emperor Liu that Liu Yang has learned, that is, he cannot fully believe the following memorials and bureaucrats' rhetoric. At least, he needs to retain a trace of doubt until they are investigated and implemented.
This is the case with Guo Liangping. This person may be a bit arrogant and domineering outside, but if you consider his situation and the difficulties he faces, some things can be understood.
It is not that easy to conquer the sea, go south to the west, start a business and expand the country, at least not those bureaucrats who live in the court and can only hear hearsay can understand.
Even though Guo Liangping's style is a bit strong and rough, his abilities are indeed outstanding, and Liu Yang will inevitably have a love for talents. He doesn't believe the rumors outside, and any other person can achieve Guo Liangping's achievements.
Being a general outside is different from being an official in the central government. The environment and responsibilities are different. If Guo Liangping is smart enough, he will restrain himself in the future. Judging from Guo Liangping's performance, he may be a ruthless person, but he is definitely not a fool.
Of course, the most important first point is that Guo Liangping is really favored and Emperor Liu really appreciates him. As long as the Holy Grace is still there, no one can do anything to Guo Liangping.
