The anti-Qing movement began with the looting of the Eight-Nation Alliance.

Chapter 265 A Feast

Shen Lian's emphasis on scientific research and the generous treatment he received spread throughout the world. Inventors from all over the world, who had dreams but lacked the funds, flocked to him.

Although there were many swindlers or delusional people among them, Shen Lian provided free food and lodging to everyone who came.

Although these people are not qualified to enter the Royal Academy of Sciences, they can find a job to make a living if they want to.

At the same time, Shen Lian also instructed the Academy of Sciences to extend invitations to world-renowned scientists, inviting them to come and exchange ideas and give lectures.

These measures have made the Royal Society of Science renowned throughout the world, making it a place that everyone in the scientific community aspires to be.

Shen Lian felt that this was not enough; he wanted to offer something even more attractive, such as a noble title, to lure these people in.

Don't assume that people who do scientific research are free from ambition and fame; becoming an aristocrat is the dream of everyone in the world.

Even if we don't say that monarchy is the mainstream system in the world today, even in the 21st century, a noble status still puts one in a superior position.

"Before the banquet begins, I have some good news to announce! Proclaim the decree!" Shen Lian nodded with a smile.

"Nikola Tesla, heed my decree!" Li Lianying shouted, holding an imperial edict in his hands.

Tesla, who was listening intently to Shen Lian's speech, quickly got up, stepped forward, and knelt down in the hall.

"Your humble servant receives the imperial decree!"

"Edict conferring upon Nikola Tesla the title of Founding County Head."

According to heaven’s destiny, the emperor issued an edict:

I have been appointed by Heaven to rule over the four seas, and I have been diligent in protecting the nation and ensuring the well-being of the people. Although the world is now at peace, the prosperity of the country depends on the tireless efforts of my ministers and the hard work of all the people.

Nikola Tesla; possessing exceptional talent and exemplary virtue. He repeatedly presented invaluable artifacts to the court, greatly benefiting the nation's military; ...

I, the Emperor, mindful of their hard work and great achievements, and in accordance with ancestral custom, hereby bestow upon Nikola Tesla the title of Viscount of Anguo County, with a fief of one hundred households. I hope that you will uphold your original aspirations, adhere to your duties as a subject, and work even harder to achieve further merits for the prosperity of the nation and the well-being of the people.

According to custom, the relevant authorities should promptly bestow rewards and honors, and not fail to meet my expectations.

This is hereby proclaimed throughout the land, so that all may know! By Imperial Decree!

"Long live! Long live! Long live!" Tesla shouted, his voice trembling with excitement. He had never imagined that he would be made a viscount; it was far beyond his expectations.

"Please rise, my dear minister! I am well aware of your merits, and this title is well-deserved!" Shen Lian raised his hand.

"I value science, as everyone knows. I hope you will all give full play to your abilities and work hard in scientific research. Once you achieve great results, I will not hesitate to reward you with titles!" Shen Lian said, glancing at the crowd.

"We, your humble servants, will certainly devote ourselves wholeheartedly to our studies and live up to Your Majesty's great favor!" The group of scientists knelt down and shouted.

"Okay!" Shen Lian nodded in satisfaction.

A eunuch then brought over ceremonial robes and an official seal, and handed them to Tesla. He then led him to a side hall to change his clothes.

Shen Lian's Chinese imperial nobility system still adopted the ancient five ranks and fifteen grades. It was divided into five ranks: Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron. Each rank was further divided into three grades.

Tesla not only developed artillery sighting systems, but is now on the verge of mastering radar technology. He also guided the development of radio, electric motors, alternators and transformers, and high-voltage power transmission technology.

To make China far surpass the West in the field of electromagnetics, Shen Lian offered a first-class founding viscount title as a reward to this legendary man who was closest to God, but he felt it was still a bit too low.

But there's nothing we can do; many civil and military officials haven't been granted titles yet! For him to bestow a title upon a foreigner like this is already a very unusual thing.

In other words, all the trusted ministers understood the emperor's character; otherwise, it would have attracted much resentment.

Take it slow! Shen Lian believed that under his "guidance," Tesla would definitely bring him even greater and more surprises.

It would be only right to bestow upon him a marquisate later!

This is Tesla! He's like Qian Xuesen, the kind of person who wouldn't trade five divisions for him. He must hold onto someone like that tightly.

He has now set his sights on Einstein, who just published his quantum theory last year, proposing the light quantum hypothesis, and received his doctorate from the University of Zurich. He has already gained some fame in the scientific community.

Knowing that he was Jewish, Shen Lian had already invited him to come to Shandong University of Technology as a professor of physics through the Jewish Restoration Society.

However, he hasn't received a response yet. Shen Lian isn't in a hurry; he knows Einstein will leave Switzerland in a few years. He'll have plenty of opportunities to recruit him.

When Tesla emerged dressed in a retro, deep red python robe, the scientists were green with envy.

"Let the feast begin!" Shen Lian waved his hand. Hundreds of palace maids and eunuchs filed in, placing platters of delicious food on each person's table.

"My beloved ministers, let us raise our glasses together. I thank you all for your contributions to the empire and wish you all great success soon!" Shen Lian said, raising his glass after all the dishes had been served.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Everyone stood up, raised their cups, and drank them down in one gulp.

"I would also like to raise a glass to everyone. Thank you all for your outstanding contributions to our empire and the royal family." Nie Xiaoqian then stood up and raised her glass.

"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress!" the crowd shouted in unison, even more excited than before. Everyone knew that the Empress rarely attended banquets, so to receive a toast from her was an immense honor for everyone.

"In addition, I have prepared some small gifts to reward the families of all of you. I hope you will not find them offensive!" Nie Xiaoqian said with a smile after finishing her drink.

"Long live the Empress!" Everyone was overjoyed upon hearing this.

Disdain? Only someone with a screw loose would disdain such a gift. Countless princes and ministers would covet a gift from the Empress!