Chapter 1450: Old Guo Wei

"Your Majesty!" After paying his respects at the funeral, Emperor Liu had originally not wished to linger and wanted to return to the palace, but a hoarse call made him stop in his tracks.

"Father-in-law, you are advanced in years—why need you come in person?" The one who had called out to Emperor Liu was none other than Duke of Xing, the Imperial Father-in-law, Guo Wei.

Guo Wei was now approaching seventy, with even more white mixed into his hair and beard. But as far as Emperor Liu knew, his constitution had always been robust—he could still ride horses and eat meat, hale and hearty in old age, blessed with children and grandchildren aplenty. Having retired to a life of leisure for nearly twenty years, his days were quite comfortable and carefree.

At this moment, however, Guo Wei was being supported by the twelfth imperial prince, Liu Han, and his aged face looked somewhat gaunt and frail, as if a strong wind might topple him. Hearing Emperor Liu's words, Guo Wei's eyes brimmed with emotion as he sighed: "After all, there is the bond between father and son. Since the man has passed from this world, how could I not come? Your Majesty has graced us with your presence—this old minister, on behalf of the Chai family, thanks Your Majesty for your concern!"

"Say no more of such formalities!" Emperor Liu looked at Guo Wei and said seriously: "Duke Ying was both a pillar of merit for the Great Han and my good friend and in-law. With that connection, no matter what, I had to come in person!"

Guo Rong had resumed his original compound surname back then, to signify the separation of the Guo and Chai families—a move heavy with political meaning. But in truth, the ties between the two surnames remained unsevered, like lotus roots still connected by thin threads. Even within three generations, there had been intermarriages between them. The relationship between the two families remained quite close.

Especially for those sons of the Guo and Chai clans, being split into two families meant an extra large share of inheritable titles, property, and political resources—double the joy, as it were.

In the early years, because of Guo Wei's trust in and closeness to Guo Rong, his other sons had harbored some resentment. Later, when Guo Rong restored his original surname, the relations between them actually eased.

In the end, it all came down to interests. And whether the Guo-Chai split was beneficial or detrimental to them was hard to sum up in a single phrase—it all depended on one's perspective.

Emperor Liu was fully aware of all these circumstances but expressed no dissatisfaction or adverse opinion. After all, the man had even split his own family apart under pressure from him—with such sincerity shown, what more could Emperor Liu demand? He could hardly force the two families to become enemies.

Now, more than a decade had passed. Looking back at those past experiences and actions, those suspicions and wariness now seemed somewhat inexplicable, even childish and laughable. Of course, under the current political environment, judging those days with today's mindset and eyes would also be unreasonable.

Twenty years ago, Emperor Liu had harbored an almost bone-deep suspicion of Guo Wei. No matter how magnanimous and respectful he appeared on the surface, in his heart he was always on guard. In that period, Emperor Liu truly lacked a sense of security.

Even though, under Emperor Liu's machinations, Guo Wei had never gained excessive prestige or power, circumstances developed such that for two or three years, Guo Wei was unquestionably the foremost minister in the Great Han court.

Add to that Guo Rong—the adopted son whom Emperor Liu trusted and valued greatly—and the Guo-Chai bloc formed a massive military-political power group. Even to this day, their influence could not be underestimated.

The ninth year of Kaibao was about to end. Look at the current court—how many nobles and generals had come up from under the Guo-Chai banner? Setting aside those already deceased or lacking sufficient seniority, there were Zhang Yongde, Li Chongjin, Cao Bin, Pan Mei, Ma Renyu, Liu Guangyi... just listing a string of names—all were figures of great weight in the current military and political affairs of the Great Han, and all of them, back in the day, had been underlings in Guo Wei's camp.

And this was even with more talents having been promoted successively during Emperor Liu's army reorganization. Otherwise, following the course of history, most of the Great Han's outstanding military and political talents would have been gathered under Guo Wei's banner.

That was exactly how it was written in the official histories—and most of those men had served the Northern Song in unifying the realm, some even still shining brightly into the era of Emperor Taizong of Song.

Therefore, even if he now felt his suspicions of those days looked somewhat ridiculous, Emperor Liu would never despise his former self, nor would he feel even a trace of regret. He would only, in reminiscing about old times, produce some sighs and let out a few wistful exhalations.

Of course, facing Guo Wei, who was now decrepit with age, Emperor Liu's attitude was as warm as it could be, as gentle as it could be. After all, the Guo Wei of now could no longer harm him.

"Father, the weather is cold and the wind is biting—don't stay outside too long, mind you don't catch a chill. Rong-ge's funeral affairs will be handled by others!" Consort Guo Ning stepped forward to support Guo Wei, then said to her son: "Liu Han, help your grandfather inside!"

"Yes!" Liu Han naturally dared not disobey his mother's words, especially with Emperor Liu watching from the side.

Because of Guo Wei, Emperor Liu was no longer in a hurry to return to the palace. Together they went to the rear courtyard of the ducal residence to chat. By now, Emperor Liu harbored no suspicion whatsoever toward Guo Wei—on the contrary, he had gained an evident respect. Every word and action showed gentleness, moving the old man Guo Wei deeply and filling him with comfort.

Back when Guo Wei had requested retirement, he had been bedridden, gravely ill and unable to rise, looking like a man at death's door. Yet after all these years, he still held on tenaciously, enjoying the good life. One could not help but admire Guo Wei's wisdom.

"Father-in-law, you are sixty-eight this year, are you not?" Inside the warm chamber, having savored a taste of the Duke of Ying's residence tea, Emperor Liu looked at Guo Wei, whose complexion had recovered somewhat, and said.

"I am honored that Your Majesty still remembers this old servant's age!" Guo Wei's tone was full of emotion as he replied: "Before I knew it, this old minister has nearly reached the age of seventy!"

Emperor Liu nodded and said: "Xingzhou is a thousand li from the capital—traveling back and forth is inconvenient. Father-in-law, you are advanced in years and need not endure such hardship. From now on, stay in the capital, and let your descendants fulfill their filial piety close at hand!"

"Your Majesty shows such concern—this old minister bows in gratitude!" Hearing these words, Guo Wei's aged face could not help but show emotion, and he hurriedly rose to respond.

Since the beginning of the Kaibao era, Guo Wei had been living alternately between the capital and Xingzhou. In the early years, he had Guo Yi by his side for company, but later Guo Yi grew up and took up office, and when Guo Wei stayed in Xingzhou, he was somewhat like an empty-nester.

Emperor Liu's request for Guo Wei to remain in the capital for his retirement was, naturally, a thoughtful gesture of care. Perhaps Guo Rong's death was also one of the reasons—just not the primary factor.

"No need for that!" Emperor Liu's smile was warm as he waved his hand and said: "When you have free time, father-in-law, you may come to the palace and keep me company over wine and conversation. I often feel lonely in the palace myself!"

"If Your Majesty does not mind this old minister's decrepitude, then this old minister will shamelessly impose upon you!" Guo Wei said.

"Liu Han!" Nodding, Emperor Liu then looked at his twelfth son, his tone turning somewhat more serious: "Duke Xing is also your grandfather—from now on you should fulfill your filial duty at his side. Though you have left the palace and established your own household, your studies must not be set aside. Duke Xing is the best role model for you—your uncle Guo Yi was personally cultivated by him!"

"Yes!" Facing Emperor Liu's words, Liu Han dared not raise any objection, obediently assenting, looking very well-behaved.

Looking at Guo Wei once more, Emperor Liu pondered briefly before saying: "Father-in-law, there is a matter that may be somewhat inappropriate to raise at this time, but since the opportunity presents itself, I would like to hear your opinion!"

Hearing this, Guo Wei was somewhat surprised, but meeting Emperor Liu's gaze, he still cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, please speak!"

"Duke Ying has passed—among his sons, who should be the one to inherit his title?" Emperor Liu said.

It had to be said, this was a question requiring serious consideration. The legacy Guo Rong left behind was quite substantial. He had seven sons. Under normal circumstances, the eldest legitimate son, Chai Zongyi, would naturally be the most suitable to inherit.

But this was a matter that should have been settled—why would Emperor Liu single it out for discussion? Did it mean Emperor Liu had some thoughts on it? Though Guo Wei was old, his mind remained sharp, and he immediately thought of Chai Zongxun and his wife. Chai Zongxun was, after all, an Imperial Son-in-law—could Emperor Liu be considering that?

Serious deliberation made Guo Wei's aged face look somewhat somber, and Emperor Liu did not disturb his thinking. After pondering for a while, Guo Wei glanced at Emperor Liu and finally said: "This old minister believes that order should follow seniority, and legitimacy should distinguish the direct line from the collateral line!"

Though the words were simple, Guo Wei's stance was already clear. Hearing this, the corner of Emperor Liu's mouth twitched—more like a spasm—before a smile quickly emerged: "Father-in-law speaks well! Zongyi has been in office for about ten years now, well tempered by experience—he can carry on his father's legacy!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Guo Wei inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief.