Ming Dynasty: The Crocodile King of Han Prince Zhu Gaoxu's Family

Chapter 459 Dragon Scale Pavilion

"Xingjian, today, I personally tie this precious sword, which symbolizes the Emperor's disciple, to your waist."

"I hope that in the future you can also use this strong spine to support the nation!" After personally tying the sword to Fang Xingjian's waist, Emperor Zhu Zhanhe gently patted Fang Xingjian's shoulder and said with emotion.

In an instant, countless scholars and officials along the imperial road were filled with envy! After all, in this feudal dynasty, to be treated with such courtesy by the emperor was simply the pinnacle of life! Even the historical anecdote of King Wen visiting Jiang Ziya three times to earn him a place in the annals of history couldn't compare!
Therefore, at this moment, countless people under the imperial road wished they could replace Fang Xingjian!
"Your Majesty." At this moment, perhaps deeply moved by Emperor Longwu's earnest hopes, Fang Xingjian was momentarily choked with emotion. He even forgot to bow to Emperor Longwu!
However, Zhu Zhanhe didn't mind this minor detail at all. After all, he had just won over another top-tier general! It was a very worthwhile deal!

"Come, Xingjian, today you will also serve me for a while!" Seeing Fang Xingjian lost in his emotions, Zhu Zhanhe knew that if he continued, the other party would probably make a fool of himself. So, without hesitation, Zhu Zhanhe directly arranged for Fang Xingjian to serve him!

The three top-ranked students from the liberal arts department stood on either side of the dragon throne.

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Upon hearing Emperor Longwu's words, Fang Xingjian seemed to have received a divine revelation. With a solemn expression, he gripped the sword at his waist and stepped to the right of Emperor Longwu's throne.

At this moment, Fang Xingjian, standing to the right of the dragon throne, cautiously scanned his surroundings with eyes as sharp as a tiger's, as if he were in a frenzy, ready to fight anyone to the death at any moment! Only when he saw the majestic figure sitting on the dragon throne did his eyes reveal a devout expression like that of a believer on a pilgrimage!

The following process was also very simple: the chief steward, Xiao Xizi, announced the identities of the second and third place winners in the martial arts examination.

"In the fourth year of the Longwu reign, I passed the imperial examination in the martial arts category, ranking second in the first class, and was granted the title of Jinshi. My hometown is Lancang Province, Qinglan Prefecture, Nanbang County. I am a student of the first class of Longwu Martial Arts Academy, formerly known as Fei Hu!"

"In the fourth year of the Longwu reign, Zhao Jizu, a student of the first class of the Imperial Examination in the Martial Arts category, was awarded the title of Jinshi (进士) and was born in Binh Khe Province, Dala Prefecture, Hora County. He was a student of the Longwu Military Academy."

Similar to the process for the second and third place winners in the civil service examination, after each of them expressed their gratitude below the imperial road, a small eunuch holding a light red flower for the imperial examination led Yuan Feihu, the second place winner in the military examination, and Zhao Jizu, the third place winner in the military examination, one by one from the left and right sides of the imperial road to the Emperor Longwu.

Similarly, the eldest prince Zhu Qiyu bestowed a silver sword on Yuan Feihu, the second-place winner in the martial arts examination, and a brass sword on Zhao Jizu, the third-place winner. After Emperor Longwu gave the two a few words of encouragement, the eldest prince Zhu Qiyu bowed and personally tied the swords to their waists.

Finally, Emperor Longwu arranged for the two top scholars (second and third place in the martial arts examination) to stand behind Fang Xingjian on the right side of the dragon throne. With that, all three top scholars from the martial arts examination had finished their audience with the emperor!
Sitting upright on the dragon throne, Zhu Zhanhe turned his head left and right, looking at the six civil and military officials standing on his left and right sides respectively, and felt a surge of pride in his heart!

Then, following the same procedure, the Grand Steward Xiao Xizi announced the list of the seven scholars who were ranked second in the martial arts examination on the imperial road.

"Your Majesty, we thank you for your grace!" Finally, the seven students of the second class of the Martial Arts Academy respectfully kowtowed to Emperor Longwu on the dragon throne in front of the imperial road to express their gratitude.

After the second-class scholars finished expressing their gratitude and rejoined the ranks of the military academy, the main task of this grand court assembly was considered to have been successfully completed.

As for the remaining ten students who ranked in the top three in the martial arts examination, the only response was a simple statement: the list would be posted after the court session.

"Is there any other minister who has something to report?" Emperor Longwu, seated at the top of the imperial road, looked up at the sun that had already risen halfway into the sky, glanced at the ministers and students below the imperial road, and asked again.

"Father, I have something to report!" Just as Zhu Zhanhe finished speaking, the eldest prince, Zhu Qiyu, who had been standing by his side, silently walked up to his father, Emperor Longwu, and solemnly bowed.

"Yu'er, do you have something to say?"

"Tell me about it!" Zhu Zhanhe said with a look of great interest after seeing his son step forward.

At this moment, Xia Yuanji, standing at the forefront of the civil officials' ranks, also wore a satisfied expression. After all, his grandson had performed admirably in today's scene, displaying humility, politeness, and composure, while also exuding imperial majesty! Under Xia Yuanji's eager gaze, Zhu Qiyu began to present his report.

"Some time ago, I heard that Your Majesty had the idea of ​​building the Lingyan Pavilion."

After court, I pondered for a long time, and although I felt that Father Emperor's construction of the Lingyan Pavilion was a wise and prudent move to govern the country.

However, my Dragon Kingdom is newly established, how can we borrow the names of the former dynasty's buildings! And how can we display the majesty of my Dragon Kingdom!

Moreover, Father Emperor's actions are a meritorious deed for all time.

Therefore, after much deliberation and seeking advice and verification from various sources, I have drafted a memorial on the construction and would like to present it to Your Majesty for your review. As Zhu Qiyu spoke, he took out a memorial from his sleeve, respectfully held it up, and with a slight bow, calmly explained his analysis.

"Oh? Yu'er has ideas about the Lingyan Pavilion that I want to build?"
"Bring the memorial here!" Zhu Zhanhe immediately turned his head and had Xiao Xizi present the memorial to him. Then, Zhu Zhanhe calmly opened the memorial his son had written and carefully read through it.

"Good!" Just a moment later, Zhu Zhanhe closed the document in his hand, looked at his son with a satisfied expression, and shouted his approval.

"Yu'er, please tell all the officials your thoughts on building the Lingyan Pavilion for our Dragon Kingdom, and also listen to your suggestions!" Looking at the group of officials on the imperial road who were eagerly waiting and full of curiosity, Zhu Zhanhe asked his son to speak about his ideas on building the Lingyan Pavilion so that everyone could listen carefully and give their opinions!
"Your subject obeys the decree!" Upon hearing his father's words, Zhu Qiyu knew that this was an opportunity for him to shine in public. He certainly wouldn't miss such a chance!

Immediately afterward, Zhu Qiyu bowed to his father, the emperor, and then turned to face the assembled officials below the imperial road.

"Cough cough~!"

Dear officials:

My great Dragon Kingdom has been established for many years, and all of you ministers are the backbone of my Dragon Kingdom in all aspects!

"This time, Father Emperor is following the example of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty in establishing the Lingyan Pavilion to record the achievements of all the officials, so that future generations can admire them!" Zhu Qiyu raised his hand high and bowed to his father on the dragon throne behind him, explaining the purpose of establishing the Lingyan Pavilion in the Dragon Kingdom.

After his imposing tiger-like eyes swept over the assembled officials below the imperial road, Zhu Qiyu continued to speak.

"Although Father Emperor intends to emulate the previous dynasty in establishing the Lingyan Pavilion, the name of this pavilion should avoid any association with the predecessors!"

I pondered for a long time about the name of this pavilion, and finally decided on Dragon Scale Pavilion.

This means that the Dragon Kingdom is the kingdom of the true dragon, and all of you ministers are the protective scales of our Dragon Kingdom!
"Of course, I am still young. If my thoughts are not thorough enough, or if any of my ministers have other suggestions, you may submit a memorial to the throne!" Zhu Qiyu first explained the name he had chosen for the newly built pavilion, and then humbly invited his ministers to offer their suggestions on the name.
But in reality, none of the ministers present were fools who would offer any opinions on the Crown Prince's memorial at this time, or after the court session had ended!

After all, everyone knows that the current Grand Secretary is Zhu Qiyu's maternal grandfather! Qian Zhongcai, a high-ranking general in the court, is Zhu Qiyu's father-in-law! Since the eldest prince himself said that he came up with the plan and ideas after consulting with many people, it basically means that the plan has been approved by the cabinet and the military!
In this situation, who would dare to voice their opinions? Would they directly oppose the military and the cultural management group? That's practically suicide!

(End of this chapter)