Chapter 1256: Return to the Capital

The conversation between Zhao Pu and Song Qi ultimately ended in discord, with Song Qi leaving in a huff after leaving behind several documents requiring cross-review.

Their thoughts and working styles differed vastly. Song Qi had his own integrity and convictions—in his position, he would attend to his duties and worry for his country.

After this conversation, Song Qi became even more certain that despite their similar backgrounds, the two of them were ultimately not cut from the same cloth. Zhao Pu was shrewd and capable, but in Song Qi's view, he catered too much to the Emperor's wishes.

Though somewhat embarrassed by Song Qi, Zhao Pu felt displeased but maintained a composed demeanor, handling official business and examining the documents Song Qi had transferred with particular care.

"Chancellor!" Secretariat Drafter Hu Zan replaced Zhao Pu's tea with a fresh cup.

When Zhao Pu took charge of the Hall of State Affairs, it was natural for him to promote his own confidants—both for convenience in handling affairs and for control. The Hall of State Affairs had four Secretariat Drafters, and Hu Zan was one of them. Having followed Zhao Pu for many years, a jinshi degree holder, well-trained and smooth to use, when Zhao Pu rose to power, he was promoted along with him.

"What is it?" Satisfied with Hu Zan's diligent and humble demeanor, Zhao Pu set down his work, took the teacup, savored a sip, and only then asked.

Hu Zan immediately reported in a low voice: "Chancellor Song has written a memorial and sent it by fast horse to the field headquarters!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Pu immediately understood, shook his head, and sighed with some helplessness: "This Song Qi, why is he so stubborn, insisting on defying His Majesty's will?"

A shrewd glint flashed in Hu Zan's eyes as he said: "These past few days, Chancellor Song has repeatedly made evasive and dispirited remarks, not optimistic about the northern expedition—it's practically open defiance of imperial edicts, going against His Majesty's will, and sowing confusion..."

Hearing Hu Zan's pointed words, Zhao Pu's brows immediately furrowed, and he silenced him with a single glance. After a moment's thought, Zhao Pu said: "I think, if people's minds are already settled, what is there to fear from sowing confusion? You officials should put away such thoughts, focus on proper matters, and attend to your duties diligently, lest you delay great affairs!"

"The Chancellor's instruction is correct!" Hu Zan's expression tightened at once, realizing that Chancellor Zhao seemed to have no such intention, and he became even more humble.

"Has there been much discussion here at the central government these past few days?" Zhao Pu asked.

Hu Zan said: "Regarding the northern expedition, there are indeed differing views and opinions!"

Zhao Pu's face immediately stiffened, turning stern as he said: "Pass the word down—this is a critical moment. Everyone in the central government should concentrate on their duties. The great decision has been made. Do not let personal biases and dissenting views delay official business! His Majesty is about to return to the capital. If he sees this discord, how will we answer for it!"

"Yes! This official will notify everyone immediately!" Hu Zan responded at once.

Emperor Liu was about to return, and with such great military operations underway, the various ministries and offices of the court felt like children facing the imminent return of a stern parent—inevitably tense. Zhao Pu was the most concerned among them.

"Chancellor, this official presumes to ask—what are your thoughts on the northern expedition?" After hesitating, Hu Zan spoke.

"What, do you have doubts too?" Zhao Pu looked at him.

Hu Zan replied: "To be honest with the Chancellor, while I cannot fully agree with Chancellor Song's concerns, some of his considerations are indeed reasonable. In the past, whenever the court faced major matters, His Majesty would summon the high ministers, the heads of various departments, to pool wisdom and discuss collectively before making decisions.

This time, however, a matter as great as the northern expedition was decided without consultation, with direct edicts to prepare—it truly seems headstrong and somewhat hasty..."

Hearing his thoughts, Zhao Pu's expression barely changed. He merely studied Hu Zan for a moment before sighing: "What you can see, how could I not understand? It's just that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures!"

Zhao Pu cut off what Hu Zan wanted to continue saying, and instructed seriously: "All I can tell you is—don't carry any psychological burden. Faithfully and thoroughly carry out the tasks His Majesty has assigned. As for everything else, don't overthink it. It's not for you to consider!"

"Yes!"

After Hu Zan withdrew, Zhao Pu couldn't help but shake his head and sigh again. In truth, how could Zhao Pu be entirely without concerns? It was just that, unlike Song Qi, his relationship with Emperor Liu was clearly much closer, and he understood Emperor Liu better.

He could sense that Emperor Liu's mind was made up and absolutely immutable. Under such circumstances, going against the imperial will would only prove futile and earn no favor.

Zhao Pu's attitude was partly due to the pressure of Emperor Liu's increasingly obstinate personality, but also because Zhao Pu had already noticed that after more than twenty years on the throne, having pacified the realm and developed the Great Han Empire to its current extent, Emperor Liu seemed to have no further aspirations.

Aside from the oft-mentioned goal of creating a Kaibao golden age, there was only the northern expedition against Liao—eliminating the Great Han's last powerful enemy. If the Emperor lost his goals and his drive, that would hardly bode well for the nation.

At present, the upheaval in Liao was a rare opportunity—it hit exactly what Emperor Liu wanted. Under such circumstances, all Zhao Pu could do was lend his full support, assisting Emperor Liu as much as possible in achieving the northern expedition's objectives.

As for someone like Song Qi, endlessly voicing his concerns and displaying his patriotic worries—aside from wasting words, it accomplished little. On the other hand, in Zhao Pu's view, launching the northern expedition did not carry such great risk. Song Qi and the others were overthinking their worries. Though somewhat hasty, compared to the previous northern expedition, the Great Han's national strength was greater, with fewer internal troubles and external threats—success was not impossible.

It was precisely on this basis that Zhao Pu supported it and catered to it. In matters of such military and national importance, Zhao Pu would not act rashly—he had basic sense of responsibility.

"We respectfully welcome His Majesty back to the palace!"

In Kunming Hall, Emperor Liu strode in with large steps. Seeing Empress Fu with several consorts, Ladies of Beauty, and young princes and princesses who had remained in the palace, Emperor Liu beamed with joy, stepped forward to personally help up the elder Lady Fu, and said: "Finally back!"

"All of you, rise as well!" Emperor Liu flicked his dragon robe and said to the others.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

On the journey back to the capital, there was the whole family, and here in the palace, there was this flock of beauties and family as well. Scanning briefly, Emperor Liu turned his attention to the younger Lady Fu, the Virtuous Consort, took his fifteenth son Liu Xuan from her arms, weighed him, and said: "Quite a good weight. Can he talk yet?"

Hearing Emperor Liu describe her son that way, the younger Lady Fu was somewhat displeased, furrowing her delicate brows: "He's not even a year old—just babbling!"

Emperor Liu chuckled, spun the infant around in his hands a few times, making him giggle, before returning him to the younger Lady Fu. Then he said to everyone: "I have returned to the palace, and you've all seen me. Don't crowd around the Empress here—go back and rest!"

After dismissing everyone, it was time for intimate exchange between emperor and empress. Having traveled day and night, Emperor Liu was genuinely tired, and he washed away the dust of travel attended by the elder Lady Fu.

"During the half year and more that I was away, I've put you to the task of guarding the palace—thank you for your hard work! Nothing has gone wrong in the palace, has it?" Taking the hot towel the elder Lady Fu had personally wrung out, Emperor Liu said gently.

The elder Lady Fu remained as gentle as ever, saying: "All is naturally well in the palace. But what of you—traveling far to that bitter, cold, barren land. Is your health well?"

"I'm as strong as can be! If not for the sudden turn of events, I might already be at Yumen Pass by now, bringing spring breeze and care to the garrison soldiers there..." Emperor Liu straightened his chest, showing off his robust bearing.

Seeing this, the elder Lady Fu couldn't help but smile, then sighed softly: "You needn't hide it from me. Spending the winter in Liangzhou—your legs must have been terribly hard to bear!"

Emperor Liu's expression changed: "Who's been spreading idle talk?"

"What, are you going to blame me for inquiring about your news?" The elder Lady Fu looked directly at Emperor Liu.

The elder Lady Fu's phoenix eyes were piercing. Emperor Liu averted his gaze, chuckling softly: "Just afraid you'd worry! These legs of mine, though they've become a chronic ailment, don't hinder anything important!"

Removing Emperor Liu's shoes and socks, placing his feet in the water basin, and personally scrubbing his feet, the elder Lady Fu said: "You asked earlier if I had any matters. Thinking carefully, there are indeed a few things!"

"What matters can't you handle directly yourself?" Emperor Liu looked surprised.

The elder Lady Fu said: "The marriages of Liu Jia, Liu Jian, and Liu Xing have been delayed for quite some time now. Liu Xing is also nearly seventeen!"

"Liu Xing is still young—no rush to marry her off!" Emperor Liu immediately reacted: "But Liu Jia and Liu Jian, those two sisters, it seems they can be betrothed now. Do you have any suitable candidates?"

Emperor Liu now had eight daughters. His eldest daughter Liu Jia and second daughter Liu Jian were both born in the sixth year of Qianyou, already of marriageable age. Combined with Emperor Liu's previously expressed intentions, the meritorious officials and nobles were all watching closely.

"This matter can't be decided by me alone!" The elder Lady Fu looked at Emperor Liu.

Emperor Liu nodded, thought for a moment, and said: "The Princesses of our house certainly can't be married off to some idle rich wastrels. You are the Empress—you make the initial selections!"

The elder Lady Fu had no objection to this, and added: "Next month is the Jiaqing Festival. Does the palace need to prepare celebrations?"

"The court will have great matters at hand—I have no heart for this. We'll skip it; next year we'll see!" Emperor Liu said directly. His mind was on the northern expedition, and he was unwilling to spend much effort on his own birthday.