Chapter 1360: For the Crown Prince, Emperor Liu Was Truly Exhausted with Worry

"It seems you hold this man in high regard?" After Zhang Qixian withdrew, Emperor Liu kept Liu Yang behind for a conversation and asked.

Facing Emperor Liu's slightly curious gaze, Liu Yang nodded lightly and admitted: "Yes! Don't you think he's a rare talent?"

"Does the Great Han lack talent?" Emperor Liu said.

At the question, Liu Yang was somewhat surprised, thinking to himself that the Great Han did have no shortage of talent, but those worth cultivating and those he could use smoothly were few.

After a moment's thought, Liu Yang said: "After all, talent is hard to come by!"

"Since you value him so highly, and he has considerable achievements, he can be appropriately promoted. A mere county is somewhat beneath his abilities!" Looking at Liu Yang, Emperor Liu said calmly.

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Yang hesitated briefly, then replied: "Your son believes he should be given more experience. Though a county is small, it is the foundation. Promoting him rashly would only risk stunting his growth..."

Liu Yang's temperament was somewhat slow, often slow to catch on, but he was equally intelligent. Even though Emperor Liu had not said it explicitly, he could sense that Emperor Liu had some reservations about him bringing Zhang Qixian to an audience. Thinking it over carefully, it was indeed somewhat inappropriate.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu smiled and said: "Over all these years, the young talents and rising stars I've seen are too numerous to count. Though some have caught my eye, I rarely reveal it, simply sitting back and observing their results. You are the Crown Prince; you too must learn to sit still! As for someone like Zhang Qixian, his reputation is already great enough. What he needs is to settle down and govern earnestly. Being under constant public scrutiny is not necessarily a good thing!"

"Yes! Your son has been taught!" Liu Yang, seeming to have gained some insight, rose and bowed. Glancing at Emperor Liu and Noble Consort Gao beside him, he took the opportunity to take his leave.

Throughout the entire audience Emperor Liu granted Liu Yang and Zhang Qixian, Noble Consort Gao had sat quietly without speaking a word. It was only after Liu Yang withdrew that she said to Emperor Liu: "His Majesty truly instructs the Crown Prince with tireless earnestness!"

Emperor Liu turned his head to look at her, smiling faintly: "He has grown up now, and increasingly has his own opinions. Unlike before, who knows how much of my words he actually takes to heart!"

Over the years, as Liu Yang's position grew ever more secure, Noble Consort Gao had gradually receded into the background of the inner palace, no longer as active as before. After all, setting everything else aside, a Crown Prince who had held the position for over a decade would, under normal circumstances, be very difficult to unseat. Add to that his own qualities, the support of his maternal clan, and most importantly, the emperor's deep favor.

Of course, there was no shortage of hidden worries — namely, the matter of heirs. Among the imperial princes who had already married, aside from Liu Fang, only Liu Yang had yet to produce a child.

For this reason, Emperor Liu had taken note of it, feeling it was a problem. Of course, at present it was still a minor issue. Liu Yang was still young after all, and had only one woman, Lady Murong. Even if he truly proved unable to father children, one could still select someone from among the imperial grandsons to be adopted as heir. But even so, complications could easily arise. Though the imperial household appeared quiet on the surface, once it truly came down to succession to the throne and the struggle for the heir's position, even Emperor Liu would have a headache.

To be fair, Emperor Liu was certainly strong-willed, and friction over power between emperor and crown prince was common. But for his part, he absolutely did not wish for any problems in the succession. Though he had been steeped in power for years, on matters concerning the foundation of the state, he remained clear-headed and resolute in his stance.

In the early years, when the state was unstable, beset by internal troubles and external threats, and Emperor Liu was young and without sons, he had quietly cultivated Prince Yong, Liu Chenghsun, treating him as his heir. Later, after his sons multiplied and the Crown Prince was established, he likewise poured tremendous effort into nurturing the Crown Prince, doing extensive work around Liu Yang to consolidate his position.

Therefore, whether it was Liu Xu, Liu Xi, or even Liu Fang whom he had always favored, none of them ranked above Liu Yang in Emperor Liu's heart. His cultivation of his other sons was never meant to replace Liu Yang. If ever the day came when they threatened Liu Yang, or even made moves they ought not to make, Emperor Liu would absolutely not stand idly by.

"What's wrong, Your Majesty? What are you thinking about?" Seeing Emperor Liu suddenly sink into deep thought, Noble Consort Gao waited a moment before asking.

Snapping back to attention, Emperor Liu looked at the Noble Consort and said: "I was thinking about the grandson Liu Xi has given us. It's been so long and I still haven't seen him. I wonder what a cute little thing he looks like!"

Hearing Emperor Liu mention this, a trace of maternal tenderness appeared on Noble Consort Gao's face. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth but quickly faded as she said wistfully: "Without realizing it, I'm already of grandmother's generation..."

Seeing her slightly plaintive expression, Emperor Liu knew she was again lamenting her age. He said heartily to comfort her: "I too am a grandfather now. Growing old is the natural course of heaven — there's no need to dwell on it!"

It was still the same old story — for these women who had accompanied him for over twenty years, Emperor Liu might no longer be infatuated with their bodies, but the depth of his feelings could not be shaken by mere beauties and skeletons.

"Many thanks, Your Majesty!" Inside the imperial carriage, Zhao Kuangyin wore an expression of honor, carefully steadying his cup while Emperor Liu personally poured him wine.

As the years passed and he grew older, Zhao Kuangyin had become increasingly cautious before Emperor Liu. In the past, being granted a private audience with the emperor would fill him with honor and pride, but now he only felt an inexplicable, immense pressure.

Especially this time — he had commanded a great army in Liaodong, achieved brilliant results, and established magnificent merits. Yet even when summoned by decree for a private audience aboard the imperial carriage, he dared not show the slightest complacency. No other reason — four words: merit overshadowing the sovereign. Though he was far from that point, Zhao Kuangyin had strong political awareness and knew how to keep a low profile.

"Why is Minister Zhao so ill at ease?" What made Zhao Kuangyin so cautious was precisely Emperor Liu's half-smiling gaze, looking at him with a smile like a spring breeze.

Zhao Kuangyin replied: "Your Majesty condescends to bestow favor; your servant is deeply honored, and cannot help but feel awed!"

"Haha!" Emperor Liu shook his head and pointed at him: "Why so formal? We have known each other as sovereign and minister for over twenty years — no need for this!"

But the more Emperor Liu said this, the more cautious Zhao Kuangyin became. Seeing this, Emperor Liu paid it no mind and said: "I called you here for two things. First, to invite you to drink and converse freely!"

With that, Emperor Liu raised his cup in invitation, and sovereign and minister drank together. After drinking, he looked at him and said: "As for the second — take a look at this list!"

Emperor Liu produced a rather thick memorial: "This is a list of meritorious officers and soldiers of the Eastern Route Army drafted by the civil clerks. I want to hear your opinion!"

Taking it with both hands, Zhao Kuangyin paused for a moment, then respectfully handed it back, saying: "Your Majesty, promotions and rewards for officers and soldiers are naturally decided by the court. How could your servant have any opinion!"

"Take a look!"

Under Emperor Liu's gaze, Zhao Kuangyin had no choice but to open the list and peruse it. However, he quickly spotted a problem — it was obvious that commanders at every level were listed, yet he and Gao Huaide were nowhere to be seen.

Emperor Liu took a sip of wine and said leisurely: "The Eastern Route Army's brilliant achievements all rely on you and Gao Huaide's capable command. You should be credited with the foremost merit. Minister Zhao, how do you think I should grant rewards?"

Hearing these words, Zhao Kuangyin felt the pressure mount sharply. At his current position, his noble rank had basically reached its peak, and his office could hardly be elevated further. Thus Zhao Kuangyin had no excessive aspirations — ordinarily, generous gifts of money and silk, an increased official salary, and a few additional honorary titles would suffice.

But the key point was that the emperor had summoned him privately specifically to discuss this matter, which inevitably made Zhao Kuangyin overthink. Could it be that he had truly done something wrong and aroused the emperor's suspicion?

Emperor Liu watched Zhao Kuangyin, finding the shifting expressions on his face quite amusing. Finally, Zhao Kuangyin spoke respectfully: "Your servant has received Your Majesty's trust, been entrusted with a great army, established merit, and left his name in history. Your servant is already content and seeks nothing more!"

"How can merit go unrewarded? Otherwise, word would spread, and the world would say I mistreat my meritorious subjects!" Emperor Liu laughed.

"Your Majesty speaks too gravely!" Zhao Kuangyin always felt that conversing with Emperor Liu placed a heavy burden on his heart.

His expression growing ever more serene, Emperor Liu suddenly changed the subject: "Minister Zhao, you still have an unmarried daughter, don't you?"

Zhao Kuangyin was slightly taken aback, then replied: "To be honest with Your Majesty, your servant has had nine children in total, but half died young. Now only two sons and three daughters survive. The eldest daughter has just grown up; the second and third daughters are still young!"

Emperor Liu said directly: "I intend to form a marriage alliance with Minister Zhao!"

Hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin's spirits immediately lifted. Meeting Emperor Liu's gaze, he promptly replied: "Your servant bows in gratitude to Your Majesty!"

He understood now — this was perhaps the greatest reward for his Liaodong achievements. After all, being able to form a marriage alliance with the imperial house was absolutely a good thing for the Zhao family.

Once his emotions settled, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but ask cautiously: "May I ask which prince my daughter would have the honor of serving?"

Emperor Liu smiled faintly: "The Crown Prince has never taken a secondary consort!"