Chapter 601: Feng Dao Requests Resignation

In the third list of the autumn examinations of the fifth year of Qianyou, the top scholar Dong Chun had excellent writing and considerable learning, but was too full of bookish idealism. Liu Chengyou planned to have him go to the Jixian Hall to compile history and proofread texts under Su Yugui.

The second-place graduate Lu Duoxun was intelligent by nature, highly learned, and had uncommon insight—but his arrogance was excessive. He was assigned to the Zhaowen Hall as a collator, with no telling how long he would serve as a library administrator...

The only one who could be put to immediate use was this Zhao Yan. Perhaps thanks to the tutelage of his father, Pacification Commissioner Zhao Shangjiao, he was polished in talent and very mature. Though young in years, he was low-key and modest in conduct, with considerable ability in handling affairs. In scholarship, though not particularly outstanding compared to those "famous names," he was still a genius who could compose essays at twelve.

Li Fang already knew Huazhou, and Liu Chengyou then thought of this man. Of course, Zhao Yan's argument was not without reason, but the selection of close ministers depended more on this emperor's own preferences.

"Your Majesty, Chancellor Feng requests an audience!"

"Sit!" In the hall, looking at the old fox Feng clutching a memorial and stooping low, mindful of his age, Liu Chengyou gave a soft instruction.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Feng Dao said humbly.

The rule of sovereign and minister facing each other in court, with chancellors seated while discussing affairs, had already been abolished by Liu Chengyou. Since last year, at court deliberations and assemblies, all chancellors had to stand while discussing matters.

And for Feng Dao, even in this kind of private audience within the hall, he maintained his deference and caution.

"What matter requires you to come personally, Feng Qing?" Liu Chengyou looked at Feng Dao and asked.

Feng Dao was already past seventy, with white hair and grey beard, stiff legs and a hunched back, exuding an air of decrepitude. Time had carved too many traces on his face.

Liu Chengyou suddenly became aware that Feng Dao had aged too quickly these past two years. After all, those who remained vigorous despite old age, like Hou Yi and Yao Yuanfu, were ultimately few.

Even the hand with which Feng Dao presented his memorial trembled. Hearing the Son of Heaven's question, he said with a light laugh: "Your old servant is already in his twilight years, with little time left. I wished to take advantage of my remaining energy to see Your Majesty's countenance and hear Your Majesty's voice..."

Feng Dao always spoke so pleasantly, but Liu Chengyou sighed: "Since I ascended the throne, I have relied on you, Duke Feng, to harmonize yin and yang, and to pacify within and without. You have worked hard!"

Under the Emperor's gentle attitude, Feng Dao's old face relaxed even more, and he said: "To be able to assist an enlightened sovereign in governing the world and achieving great enterprise is this old servant's fortune and blessing. The only pity is that this old servant cannot live to see the day Your Majesty realizes his great achievement!"

"Why does Duke Feng speak so darkly today, saying nothing but discouraging words!" Liu Chengyou's brows knit as he regarded Feng Dao.

Meeting the Emperor's questioning gaze, Feng Dao inwardly sighed at how keen the Son of Heaven's nose was. Cupping his hands toward Liu Chengyou, he said: "To be frank with Your Majesty, this old servant today, besides reporting on affairs, intends to beg for release from office. I ask Your Majesty's gracious approval!"

As he spoke, Feng Dao drew a resignation memorial from his sleeve and also handed it to Zhang Dejun.

Liu Chengyou closed the memorial he had been leafing through, gave a soft "eh," and stared intently at Feng Dao. The old man also faced the Emperor frankly.

Seeing Feng Dao's increasingly gaunt body, the age spots on his face grown more numerous, and his beard reduced to only a trace of grey not yet devoured by white, Liu Chengyou felt something stir and said softly: "Is Duke Feng also going to abandon me?"

The Son of Heaven's tone seemed to carry reluctance, but Feng Dao dared not take it seriously. He had self-awareness. Though he had served multiple dynasties, repeatedly holding the Three Excellencies, and in the Qianyou reign had been valued by the Han Emperor to serve as Chief Chancellor of the court—the pinnacle of his personal achievement—still, from his observation and understanding of the Son of Heaven, he was not the chancellor Liu Chengyou truly valued...

Forcing a smile, Feng Dao replied: "Your Majesty, your servant is already past seventy, frail and beset by illness. Since last winter, I have increasingly felt my energy flagging and my vision blurring, unable to bear the heavy responsibilities of state. Since spring began, my symptoms have worsened!

Your Majesty does not disdain this old servant's worthlessness and employs this worn-out frame—your servant is deeply grateful, yet I dare not continue to occupy the chancellorship improperly, lest I cause harm. Now the Great Han, under Your Majesty's governance, flourishes and prospers, and worthy ministers and outstanding talents emerge in succession in the court. This old and decayed one should step aside and yield to the worthy!

Moreover, Your Majesty previously granted aged ministers of this court leave to return home and retire. Your servant has now declined to this state, and I pray Your Majesty will grant this grace!"

Gazing at Feng Dao with a calm look, listening to his earnest plea, Liu Chengyou's lips curled slightly, but inwardly he could not help feeling that this man was truly clever—seeming to have sensed something early on...

"If Duke Feng leaves the court, I truly feel reluctant in my heart!" After considering for a moment, Liu Chengyou said.

Hearing these words, Feng Dao was visibly relieved and appeared even more composed, responding: "Even if this old servant retires to the countryside as a commoner, I shall constantly pray and offer blessings for the Great Han and Your Majesty!"

Reading Feng Dao's resignation memorial, one could tell it was written with care—a piece worthy of inclusion in Feng Dao's collected works. At this point, Liu Chengyou no longer made a show of reluctance and said directly: "Since Duke Feng's mind is made up, even though I have the inclination to retain you, I cannot force you to stay. I approve!"

Pausing, Liu Chengyou said: "Retire with your original post, with the added title of Director of State Affairs, and double your stipend and rank!"

"Your old servant thanks Your Majesty for this grace!" Feng Dao's face was full of emotion as he rose and kowtowed.

Looking at Feng Dao, Liu Chengyou thought for a moment and asked: "After you leave office, Duke Feng, who can succeed you?"

Facing this question, Feng Dao clearly hesitated for a moment, cautiously glancing at Liu Chengyou, and with his usual prudence said: "This should be Your Majesty's consideration. Whoever Your Majesty's sacred will favors shall naturally hold the post!"

This old slickster. Liu Chengyou smiled: "Duke Feng is of high virtue and great prestige, and knows the various chancellors of the court quite well. I simply want to hear your opinion, so that I may weigh the matter!"

There was a hint of pressure in the Emperor's eyes. Feng Dao hesitated for a while, then finally named someone: "This old servant believes that Minister of War Wei Renpu could serve as Chief Chancellor!"

"The affairs of the Ministry of War are already complex; I fear he would have no spare energy." Liu Chengyou said.

"Minister of Justice Fan Zhi!" Feng Dao said without hesitation.

Feng Dao, still true to his caution, was gauging the Emperor's intentions in recommending men. After all, everyone knew that Wei Renpu and Fan Zhi were among the original "Emperor's faction," and that he thought highly of both.

"Fan Zhi..." Liu Chengyou murmured, as if pondering, then glanced at Feng Dao: "What about Li Tao?"

Feng Dao's expression did not change as he responded: "Li Tao is generous by nature, puts the state first, and enforces the law impartially. However, in his daily speech and conduct he may be somewhat frivolous, and is hardly fit for the post of Chief Chancellor!"

Feng Dao was splitting hairs, finding some "fault" in Li Tao, seemingly not wanting Li Tao to rise.

Liu Chengyou looked at him, smiled, and said softly: "Ordinarily, Duke Feng is closest to Li Tao, yet now in recommending the worthy you avoid him. This shows that what you uphold is public-mindedness!"

Hearing the Emperor say this, Feng Dao felt his heart pounding violently, and could only smile awkwardly and echo in agreement.

After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou's face took on a warm smile, and he appeared much more relaxed, asking Feng Dao: "After you retire, Feng Qing, what plans do you have?"

"This old servant plans to return to his hometown to rest, enjoy his grandchildren, and, while gathering his last energy, compile the essays and poems he has written over the years..." Feng Dao said.

"Duke Feng wishes to enjoy his remaining pleasures!" Liu Chengyou nodded: "I recall that Duke Feng is from Yingzhou, is that right?"

"Exactly so!"

"But Yingzhou is now frontier land, a place of military operations—not a good place for peaceful retirement and recuperation, nor for enjoying leisure! How about this: Duke Feng may go to Luoyang. Many ministers and nobles of the court maintain separate residences there, and I will also grant you an official mansion!" Liu Chengyou said.

Feng Dao's brows knitted slightly, then he said respectfully: "Yes! This old servant thanks Your Majesty for the grace!"

After Feng Dao withdrew, Liu Chengyou revealed a faint, inscrutable smile. Feng Dao's request today reminded him of Zhao Yan's resignation back then. Somewhat similar—and now Zhao Yan was quite at ease in his post at Chenzhou.

"Summon Li Chongju!"

Before long, Li Chongju entered for an audience. As the new Commissioner of the Wude Office, he had been in office only a few months, and the atmosphere had greatly changed—he had become much more low-key. In the eyes of outsiders, it seemed that after the Wang Jingchong affair, he had gone quiet, his arrogance gone. Of course, this was also the result of Li Chongju's strict discipline and rectification—he had sheathed his claws, but his eyes remained as sharp as ever, watching over the court and the realm for the Emperor.

"What instructions does Your Majesty have?" Li Chongju asked.

"Go investigate how Feng Dao's health has been lately!" Liu Chengyou said.

Though he did not understand the purpose, Li Chongju kept his face expressionless and answered concisely and forcefully: "Yes!"

As Li Chongju departed on his orders, Liu Chengyou turned to Zhang Dejun: "What do you think—how has Li Chongju performed as Commissioner of the Wude Office..."

"He is the man Your Majesty entrusted!"

In the second month of the sixth year of Qianyou (953), the Han Emperor issued an edict: Chancellor Feng Dao would retire with his original post, with the added title of Director of State Affairs, the rank of Duke of Yan, and would move to Luoyang to recuperate.

Following this, Minister of Personnel and Chief Minister Li Tao was made Left Director of the Secretariat, occupying the first seat in the Hall of State Affairs.

And with Feng Dao's departure, the Great Han court turned a new page—the old ministers were all gone, and the hall was filled with the vigorous young. Of the chancellors since the founding of the state, none remained in office except Li Tao.

And Li Tao, though he had been elevated under Gaozu Liu Zhiyuan and was a "veteran minister of the former reign," was still only in his fifties—still young. In his daily handling of affairs, he also met Liu Chengyou's satisfaction.