Chương 742: Name Discussion

Zhang Fei patted Dian Wei on the shoulder, laughing so hard he couldn't stand up straight:

"Old Dian, you're so talented! Hahaha, how did you even come up with that idea!"

Dian Wei was even more confused: "What's wrong? Doesn't it sound good?"

After laughing for a long time, the hall finally quieted down again, with everyone laughing so hard their faces were red and their necks were thick.

Liu Ce wiped his mouth and waved his hand: "Alright, alright. Anyone else have ideas? Let's continue."

Xi Zhicai stepped forward, his voice gentle and clear, though not loud:

"Your Majesty, I believe Lingxiao Pavilion is excellent. It is named after the phrase 'soaring straight to the heavens,' inheriting the legacy of the previous dynasty while also reflecting the new spirit of our dynasty, symbolizing the height of one's achievements, reaching straight to the highest heavens."

As soon as these words were spoken, someone immediately shook their head, stepped forward, and bowed:

"No, no, that's not right. Lingxiao, it sounds like a Taoist temple for cultivating immortality and refining elixirs. We are all heroes who fought with our own flesh and blood, it doesn't fit with that kind of otherworldly air."

If ordinary people pass by and think it's a place where gods are enshrined, they'll all go in to burn incense, which would be a laughing stock.

Upon reflection, everyone realized it did have a certain appeal and couldn't help but chuckle.

Then someone else jumped out and proposed the "Unification Pavilion," saying, "Unify the world and connect the nine provinces," to highlight the achievement of unifying the vast land.

Immediately, someone chimed in with a sarcastic comment: "Hunyi? It sounds like a cook kneading dough, all mixed together, sticky and messy, it doesn't sound good."

Another burst of laughter followed.

Some people call it Chenji Pavilion, which means that the North Star and all the stars surround the moon, symbolizing the orderly relationship between the emperor and his subjects and the eternal stability of the dynasty.

No sooner had he said that than someone retorted, "It sounds like the name of an observatory. What does it have to do with heroes?"

Some people call it Tuoyu Pavilion, saying that our territory far exceeds that of any previous dynasty, and that we should highlight our achievements in expanding our territory.

The military officers found it agreeable, but the civil officials frowned: "It's too biased towards military achievements; what about the civil officials and meritorious contributors?"

Another official, with a vivid imagination, stepped forward and suggested calling it the "Pavilion of Ten Thousand Generations," meaning "its merits benefit the present and its benefits last for generations."

As a result, he was met with a collective glare from the veteran officials, who puffed out their beards and stared at him.

"To speak of eternity so lightly is far too arrogant! Be careful what you say! Young people often speak without thinking!"

The young official shrank back in fright and quickly retreated, not daring to raise his head.

They argued back and forth, with civil officials demanding elegance and adherence to etiquette, military generals wanting to be loud and domineering, veteran officials adhering to ancient traditions, and young officials wanting to start anew. The argument was heated and lively.

Some were stroking their beards and panting, some were rolling up their sleeves and gesturing, and two people almost pulled out books to confront each other on the spot about whether "Bai Ze is indeed an ancient auspicious beast".

The Liangyi Hall was like a large teahouse, buzzing with activity, even more bustling than a vegetable market.

Liu Ce sat on the dragon throne, holding a teacup, watching the commotion below with a smile, without stopping it.

Anyway, everyone can speak freely; the more they argue, the more it shows that everyone cares.

Just as the commotion was raging, another civil official stepped forward. He was a middle-aged man with a loud voice:

"Your Majesty, I propose the Thousand Autumns Pavilion! It means 'meritorious deeds for a thousand autumns, and a name that will be remembered in history.' It is straightforward, profound, and easy to pronounce!"

It encompasses both civil and military achievements, showing no bias towards either, and its symbolism is excellent!

Immediately, someone in the group of military officers chimed in, "That's great!

'Thousand Autumns Pavilion,' it sounds auspicious! No beating around the bush!"

"Yes, it's much better than those other names like 'Ze' or 'Yun', it's easy to understand!"

Seeing that everyone was talking, Cheng Yaojin also squeezed out, his voice booming and deafening, drowning out the entire audience:

"Your Majesty! I also have a name! Our territory now extends to the Western Sea, and we have suppressed the wild wilderness in all directions. We should call it the Zhenhuang Pavilion to make it more impressive!"

"To pacify the four desolate regions and uphold our national prestige—it sounds incredibly powerful! It aligns perfectly with the spirit of our Han army!"

Upon hearing this, the military officers nodded in agreement, feeling that it resonated with them.

Yuchi Gong slapped his thigh: "That's it! Zhenhuang Pavilion! That's a great name! Even more imposing than Dingding!"

Zhang Fei chimed in, "I think that's fine too! It sounds fierce!"

The civil officials frowned in unison, and one of them muttered under his breath, "Too vulgar, too fierce. What kind of important building in the country has such a name... It sounds like the stronghold of a bandit king."

Guan Ning even closed his eyes, looking as if he found the words "unbearable to hear".

Just as another argument seemed imminent, Guo Jia leisurely stepped forward, fanning himself with a smile, his tone relaxed, almost joking:

"Your Majesty! I have a good name! It may be called Long'en Pavilion!"

The merits of these officials are all due to Your Majesty's discerning eye for talent and your effective leadership. Without Your Majesty, where would we be today? This name perfectly embodies Your Majesty's boundless grace and benevolence towards all your officials!

In my opinion, this is the best name!

The entire hall fell silent instantly.

Everyone instinctively looked at Guo Jia, their eyes filled with "Goodness!"

Can you really flatter someone like this?

I've learned a lot. Fengxiao is indeed a master.

This attack hit the dragon's scales squarely.

Liu Ce was amused, pointed at him and laughed, pointing his finger at him:

"You're kidding me, Fengxiao. This pavilion was erected for meritorious officials to commemorate their achievements, not my favors."

According to you, we might as well call it the "Monument to My Merits" and just inscribe my achievements directly. This name won't do; cross it out.

Stop with the nonsense and think of something serious.

Upon hearing this, Guo Jia chuckled twice, waved his fan, and retreated, showing no embarrassment whatsoever.

Anyway, the flattery was done, His Majesty smiled, and the goal was achieved.

Xi Zhicai, who was standing next to him, kicked him and muttered with a laugh, "You, you're never serious."

Guo Jia shrugged, looking indifferent.

After the laughter subsided, Fang Xuanling stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, I propose the Linfeng Pavilion. Both the unicorn and the phoenix are auspicious beasts, one representing civil affairs and the other military affairs, corresponding to the civil and military officials. It has both ancient charm and auspiciousness."

Du Ruhui followed suit and stepped forward: "I propose the Taijie Pavilion. Taijie refers to the Three Stars of the Terrace, which symbolizes harmony between the ruler and his ministers, and peace and prosperity for the country, carrying profound implications."

Chen Gong stepped forward and said, "I propose Jinglin Pavilion. Jing means great and bright, and Jinglin means the Qilin of a prosperous era. It inherits the ancient charm of Qilin Pavilion and also has the new style of our dynasty."

One name after another was presented, each with its own reasoning and significance, leaving the listener dazzled.

The eunuch stood by, pen in hand, taking notes until his hand ached, muttering, "Another one... and another one... that's more than a dozen now..."

Just as everyone was talking at once and their conversation was getting more and more scattered, Zhuge Liang, waving his feather fan, slowly stepped out of the ranks.

Zhuge Liang gracefully cupped his hands in greeting, his tone calm and his arguments clear:

"Your Majesty, I have a suggestion."

Since this pavilion represents the highest honor of our dynasty, it should be divided into different levels. A main pavilion could be set up to enshrine veteran generals who are accomplished in both civil and military affairs and have made great contributions to the country; then two separate pavilions could be set up, one for civil affairs and one for military affairs.

The civil affairs pavilion would be used to record wise and capable people who govern the country, and the military affairs pavilion would be used to record brave generals who expand the territory.

The Grand Secretariat is the highest honor, and only those who are founding fathers and have made unparalleled contributions can be admitted; the Branch Secretariats are next in rank, and anyone who has made great contributions can be admitted.

Such a clear hierarchy can also inspire future generations to give full play to their talents; those with literary skills can bring peace to the country, and those with military skills can defend the nation—all will have a promising future.

Liu Ce's eyes lit up instantly.

"Excellent! Kongming's idea is brilliant!" He slapped the armrest of the dragon throne, his tone full of approval.

"I was just thinking that it's not easy to rank the civil and military officials together, and there's bound to be controversy over who should come first. Separating them will make things much clearer. The Grand Secretariat, the Civil Secretariat, and the Military Secretariat will each have their proper place."

You've thought of everything.

The courtiers below nodded in agreement, finding the idea to be sound.

Civil and military officials each have their own pavilions, so there's no need for them to gather together to compare their abilities and avoid mutual resentment.