The immortal of the Tang Dynasty, but the game starts at Xuanwu Gate?

The topic jumped quite a bit from Wen Daya's resignation to the bestowal of honors upon Chen Huai'an.

But no one seemed to think there was anything wrong with it, not even Wen Daya, the person involved, said anything.

Chen Huai'an had a bad feeling: "Your Majesty..."

"My dear minister, there's no need for further words!" Li Shimin raised his hand to stop him from speaking, and said in a serious tone, "Rewarding those who have rendered meritorious service is only natural."

"It was because of your advice that I was able to detect the Turks' plan early on, and thus made preparations in advance."

"You even brought out the curved plow, which benefits the country and the people, the long-handled sword, which can be called a battlefield artifact, and horseshoes."

"Such a great achievement, if I don't show any appreciation, what will the people of the world think of me?"

"Do you think I'm a petty monarch?"

Chen Huai'an: "..."

"Since everyone is here today, what do you think is a suitable reward for Huai'an?" Li Shimin looked around at his ministers.

Changsun Wuji immediately said, "Mr. Chen, you should be granted the title of Duke!"

"I second that!" Du Ruhui nodded. "Mr. Chen deserves immense credit for just one curved plow; add in the horseshoes, the long-handled sword, and other items, and it's perfectly reasonable for him to be granted the title of Duke!"

Fang Xuanling also said, "I think it's appropriate; Mr. Chen should be granted the title of Duke!"

In fact, these people all knew that Chen Huai'an's contributions went beyond this.

It was precisely because he brought down Pei Ji that Li Shimin greatly accelerated the process of consolidating his regime and regaining military power.

This allowed the Tang Dynasty to weather the Turkic attack without serious incident, and granting the title of Duke was not excessive at all.

Most of the other officials didn't have any objections, since Li Shimin must have thought the same way, as evidenced by the attitude of his confidants.

However, some people were dissatisfied but didn't say anything.

After all, the curved plow and those other things were real and genuine; they couldn't be faked, and everyone had to acknowledge their value.

"To confer upon him the title of Duke?" Li Shimin pondered. "That should be the case."

He thought for a moment, then stood up and said, "Huai'an."

Chen Huai'an opened his mouth, then stood up and bowed: "Your subject is here."

"You anticipated the enemy's moves, eliminated the wicked, and presented the curved plow, the long sword, and the horseshoes; your merits are immense."

"I hereby bestow upon you the title of... Duke of Anguo, which corresponds to your name, the expectations of your parents, and also reflects my hope that you will assist me in the future to bring peace and stability to the country!"

Li Shimin's tone was firm and brooked no refusal.

Chen Huai'an looked up and met Li Shimin's gaze, paused, then smiled and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you!"

"Your Majesty, I will certainly not fail your expectations."

"Good!" Li Shimin was very pleased. "Excellent!"

"Now, I will give you a title. Later, I will issue an edict to the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Rites, and the Ministry of Personnel to give you specific and substantial rewards."

Since things had come to this point, Chen Huai'an had nothing more to say and simply accepted it all.

From his arrival in the Tang Dynasty to the present day, he has long been mentally prepared for many things.

"Mr. Chen, congratulations!"

Changsun Wuji and others offered their congratulations.

This is a banquet, so there's nothing to be ashamed of.

Chen Huai'an accepted them all, behaving quite modestly.

"Your Majesty," Du Ruhui suddenly spoke up, "Now that the reward for the Duke of Anguo has been decided, it's time to discuss the matter of Minister Wen's resignation."

Li Shimin pondered for a moment and said, "Minister Wen, do you really want to resign from your position as Minister of Works?"

Wen Daya said frankly, "Your Majesty, I am indeed old."

"A new generation replaces the old; it is time for me to make way for younger, more capable people."

"Oh?" Li Shimin stared intently at him. "Judging from your words, it seems you have someone you favor?"

"To be honest, Your Majesty, I do have high hopes for someone."

"Who?"

"Duke Anguo, Chen Huai'an."

Chen Huai'an: ?

"..."

As soon as Wen Daya uttered her words, the officials at the banquet were all stunned, and even Li Shimin was momentarily speechless.

"Who?"

"Duke Anguo, Chen Huai'an!" Wen Daya emphasized again.

Li Shimin was completely bewildered.

He had originally thought that Wen Daya, being a former official of Li Yuan, would likely recommend another former official to the position.

Li Shimin understood his meaning and decided to go with the flow, thinking that since Chen Huai'an was unwilling to do it, it wouldn't be bad to promote someone else to fill the position.

Li Shimin never expected that Wen Daya would be so sensible, a level of maturity he had never seen before.

"good!"

After Changsun Wuji and the others realized what was happening, they said without hesitation, "The person that Minister Wen wants to recommend is also the person that we want to recommend."

"I'm sure I don't need to elaborate on the effects of the curved plow, the long-handled sword, and the horseshoes that Duke Anguo brought out earlier."

"The Duke of Anguo's abilities are obvious to all."

"In terms of knowledge, ability, and achievements, he is qualified to serve as Minister of Works."

Du Ruhui immediately stepped forward: "I second that proposal!"

"I second that!"

"I second that..."

Inside the banquet hall, a chorus of voices echoed in agreement.

Li Shimin sighed softly. He understood what Changsun Wuji was saying all too well.

In his view, Chen Huai'an was simply born to be the Minister of Works, and no one was more suitable than him.

The key issue is that people aren't really willing.

Li Shimin valued relationships, and Chen Huai'an had helped him too much; he didn't want to pressure him too much.

Seeing so many people recommending him, Li Shimin tentatively asked, "Huai'an, all the civil and military officials have recommended you for the position of Minister of Works. What are your thoughts?"

To Li Shimin's surprise, Chen Huai'an readily agreed: "Your subject is naturally willing."

"I am honored by your high regard and recommendation. I am humbled, but I do not want to miss such a good opportunity."

"I come from a humble background, and my parents have always placed high hopes on me, hoping that I will bring honor to our ancestors. Now that the opportunity is before me, I will shamelessly recommend myself."

Hearing Chen Huai'an's words, many people in the hall laughed.

As I said before, this is a banquet, so there aren't many taboos about what we say.

Besides, what they said was the truth, just a bit too blunt.

But being straightforward has its advantages; at least these words won't offend anyone.

Li Shimin was greatly surprised and hurriedly asked, "So, you're willing to become the Minister of Works?"

Chen Huai'an looked puzzled: "Why does Your Majesty say such a thing? Your Majesty is willing to trust me and entrust me with important responsibilities. I am overjoyed, how could I possibly be willing or not?"

Li Shimin: "..."

Damn it, that's not what you said before.

"..."