Chapter 308: Taking a Consort

"In Feng's view, is the Zhe family girl suitable to enter the palace?" Liu Chengyou's attitude remained ambiguous.

Below, Feng Dao muttered inwardly—he had so proactively raised the Zhe family's case, his stance was already clear, and there was no way the Emperor hadn't noticed.

Watching Liu Chengyou's inscrutable expression, thinking he had some concerns, Feng Dao's old eyes rolled once, and he said respectfully: "Your Majesty taking Lady Zhe is not merely to fill the harem and extend the bloodline, but also to soothe the hearts of the feudal lords."

Seeing Liu Chengyou show interest, Feng Dao continued: "Grand Commandant Zhe is a gentle elder, having served in Fuzhou for many years, virtuous and highly esteemed, always praised by others. Among the military provinces, none surpass him in defensive merit, and now he is the pillar of the Great Han's northwestern border..."

Liu Chengyou said: "I am well aware of all this!"

Feng Dao remained unhurried: "Now, Duke Zhe has personally come to the capital and voluntarily offered his daughter, showing even more his closeness to the court and his intent to submit. With such goodwill, in reason and in sentiment, for family and for country, Your Majesty should accept!"

Nodding, Liu Chengyou no longer bothered to maintain his reserve, and turned to instruct Zhang Dejun: "Go personally to the Zhe residence, issue the decree for Lady Zhe to enter the palace, and go to Renming Hall to be presented to the Empress Dowager!"

"Yes!"

Hearing Liu Chengyou's arrangement below, Feng Dao's old brows relaxed, and he rose with a smile: "I shall offer Your Majesty my congratulations in advance."

Liu Chengyou, however, remained in good spirits, scanning the old fox, and asked: "I wonder, does Feng have any suitable young women of marriageable age in his household?"

Startled by the question, Feng Dao's mind turned briefly, and he realized—seeming to understand something—his white brows nearly carried joy as he promptly clasped his hands and replied: "To answer Your Majesty. My eldest son Ping died early, leaving one daughter named Jing, aged seventeen. Under my tutelage, she may be said to be educated in letters and rites, gentle and decorous..."

The old fox was indeed working hard to sell the Feng family daughter to Liu Chengyou. Seeing his eager manner, Liu Chengyou was instead taken aback, then smiled freely: "A young lady of the Feng family would naturally be virtuous and sensible!"

Pausing slightly, meeting Feng Dao's somewhat expectant gaze, Liu Chengyou said warmly: "Feng, how would you like me to play matchmaker for your granddaughter?"

His old brows furrowed slightly—this old man was shrewd indeed. Hearing Liu Chengyou's meaning, he immediately realized he had apparently misunderstood. Maintaining his deference, he replied: "If Your Majesty deigns to speak, it is my granddaughter's honor, only I wonder..."

Liu Chengyou stated his thoughts directly: "Yang Ye, Chief Inspector of the Left Wing of the Iron Cavalry, is loyal and brave in battle—would Feng be satisfied?"

Hearing the Emperor say this, Feng Dao understood completely. After thinking briefly, a hint of approval appeared on his brow: "Chief Inspector Yang is a young talent; I am naturally satisfied."

Yang Ye—Feng Dao had certainly heard of him. One of the Son of Heaven's officers from before his rise, young and accomplished, with no small military merit, barely past twenty and already a senior officer of the imperial army. Wise and brave, of good character, and most importantly, deeply trusted by the Emperor—why, Liu Chengyou was personally arranging his marriage!

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou's tone grew even more relaxed: "I shall issue the decree granting the marriage shortly!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Feng Dao immediately bowed in gratitude.

"I am weary; Feng, you may withdraw!" Waving at the old fox, Liu Chengyou instructed.

"Your servant takes his leave!"

Regarding taking the Zhe family daughter as a consort—though Liu Chengyou appeared hesitant, he had already decided in his heart the moment Feng Dao raised the proposal. As Feng Dao said, marrying Zhe Saihua brought too many benefits. Moreover, the Grand Commandant Zhe had braved wind and cold, traveling a thousand mountains and rivers to send his daughter to the capital—how could he, the Son of Heaven, refuse such sincerity?

Liu Chengyou did not have such perverse tastes, nor did he feel guilt over breaking up "Yang Linggong" and "She Taijun."

Setting aside everything else, with the Zhe and Yang families' power in Fuzhou and Linzhou, how could Liu Chengyou ever allow those two big and small local powers to join forces—let alone personally bestow a marriage upon them?

Given the current situation, Liu Chengyou could tolerate the Zhe family's position in Fuzhou for a time, but how could he tolerate it forever? Eventually they would have to be brought under the court's governance. Marrying a Zhe daughter was a fine strategy for pacification and resolution.

As for Yang Ye—take away one "good wife," and give him another in return. Feng Dao's granddaughter was more than worthy of him, and it would benefit his official career and military path. Either way, it was a political marriage.

Previously during the western campaign, Liu Chengyou had promised to select a good match for Yang Ye but had never gotten around to it. Now that Feng Dao had raised the matter, it was the perfect opportunity to settle it...

Exiting Chuigong Hall, Feng Dao walked on his old legs through the damp, cold corridor. His mood was genuinely good, his steps noticeably lighter. The purpose of this audience had been achieved—though he had given away a carefully cultivated granddaughter, he had gained a fine match.

Arriving at the Hall of State Affairs, the moment he stepped through the door, he heard a fierce argument—it was Yang Bin and Li Tao, the two chancellors, at odds again, disputing quite heatedly. Such scenes were nothing new to him. Showing a curious expression, he glanced toward the hall, but did not enter, instead heading to another room.

Tao Gu, on duty, was writing a decree to be sent to the prefectures. Seeing Feng Dao, he hurriedly rose, attentively helped the old man sit, and personally served tea: "The old Chancellor has arrived."

Though he had long harbored the ambition to replace men like Feng Dao and taste the position of chancellor, on the surface Tao Gu remained perfectly deferential.

Feng Dao was worldly-wise—how could he be fooled by such a facade? Though inwardly contemptuous, he maintained a harmless, decrepit look: "Xiushi need not stand on such ceremony."

He asked casually: "What are Chancellors Yang and Li arguing about now?"

At the question, Tao Gu's brows danced with a hint of schadenfreude: "Chancellor Yang wishes to issue an order that all travelers between the capital and the various prefectures must carry official passes, and without them, they cannot proceed. Chancellor Li opposes it, saying Chancellor Yang is acting too hastily, and that this measure will inevitably cause great public disturbance and cut off trade routes. The two are at an impasse—I fear it will end up before His Majesty again..."

Hearing this, Feng Dao wore a contemplative expression.

Tao Gu continued, his tone mocking: "The Secretariat-Chancellery holds the reins of state, managing the empire's affairs. As chancellors, to repeatedly stir up disputes and obstruct each other—how can they speak of loyalty to Your Majesty or service to the nation..."

Tao Gu was skilled at currying favor. Previously he had flattered the powerful; now, styling himself a pillar of the state and currying favor with Liu Chengyou, he no longer held these chancellors in much regard.

And the chancellors, for their part, harbored ill will toward Tao Gu—after all, with such a "petty man" constantly eyeing the seat beneath them, how could they feel any fondness?

From Tao Gu's tone, Feng Dao detected a hint of sourness, as if his words carried hidden meaning. Unmoved, he did not take the bait, and asked: "Xiushi, what do you think of the two chancellors' debate? And what stance will His Majesty take?"

Tao Gu stroked his small beard, speaking with confidence: "Travel passes would benefit the court's management of the common people—that is inevitable. However, the realm has only recently settled, household registrations are unclear, and no one even knows how many households the Great Han has. To suddenly impose this policy—how could it work? As Chancellor Li said, it is wishful thinking..."

"His Majesty has long intended to audit the household registrations of the prefectures and counties and verify the population. If all goes as expected, this matter should begin within the year. Only after that is sorted out would implementing this policy be appropriate. Moreover, it would require the cooperation of the local military governors!"

After hearing Tao Gu's analysis, Feng Dao nodded and praised: "Xiushi is greatly talented, with keen insight—no wonder you enjoy His Majesty's trust so much!"

Tao Gu had no shortage of flaws, and his character was widely despised, but aside from his fine writing, his ability to analyze problems and current affairs was genuinely impressive.

Hearing the flattery, Tao Gu maintained a reserved demeanor on the surface, but between his brows, complacency was unmistakable.