aircannonsinc Chapter 982 Once the princess is chosen, it's time to select a consort?
Chapter 982 Once the princess is chosen, it's time to select a consort?
Although he knew deep down that interfering in the affairs of the monarch's harem was a grave taboo for a subject, easily arousing suspicion, especially given Gao Yao's deep-seated thoughts and strong desire for control, he still felt a slight unease as he bowed his head, awaiting a response from the throne. Beneath his wide official robes, his palms were slightly sweaty. In Gao Yao's study, a pin drop could be heard; all the ministers held their breath, awaiting their powerful ruler's final decision on this matter of national importance. Sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting interplay of light and shadow, seemingly reflecting the subtle and complex atmosphere in the court.
As dawn broke through the towering palace gates, dappled light and shadow fell upon the ground. The newly cast nine tripods stood silently in the square in front of the palace, proclaiming the majesty of the new dynasty.
After the discussion on the selection of the empress concluded, the atmosphere in the hall eased slightly. However, Prime Minister Xiao He stepped forward again, holding his jade tablet, and bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty," Xiao He's calm and clear voice broke the brief silence, "I have a matter to report. It concerns the very foundation of the nation: the establishment of a Queen. A country cannot be without a ruler for a day, nor can the palace be without a mistress for long. It is only right that a virtuous and capable woman be chosen to assist Your Majesty from humble beginnings, to govern the inner palace in an orderly manner, and to stabilize the rear when Your Majesty is at war or governing the country. We earnestly request Your Majesty to appoint the Lady as Queen as soon as possible, to make her the mother of the nation, and to reassure the hearts of your subjects."
Upon hearing this, most of the ministers in the hall, such as Zhang Liang and Chen Ping, nodded slightly, clearly indicating that a consensus had already been reached. Making Lü Zhi empress was almost a matter of course. She was not only one of Gao Yao's earliest consorts, but her abilities and shrewdness had already been demonstrated through the trials and tribulations of the years. More importantly, she represented the earliest and most core members of Gao Yao's power group; making her empress would help stabilize morale within the group.
Gao Yao looked down at Xiao He, who stood with his head bowed in anticipation, and at the ministers who, though silent, shared the same expectation in their eyes. He understood. It wasn't that he was unwilling to establish an empress; it was simply that, as someone whose soul came from the modern world, he felt an instinctive unease about such a decision, which carried strong connotations of political marriage and power distribution. But he also knew that in this era, especially in his current position, personal feelings had to give way to political realities.
He slightly raised his hand, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable determination: "I have already made up my mind about this matter."
The hall fell silent instantly, all eyes focused on the throne.
Gao Yao continued, his tone calm yet conveying a sense of closing the discussion: "The Queen is Lü Zhi. The decree will be issued in the next couple of days; there's no need to rush."
He didn't explain the reasons or discuss other possible candidates; he made the decision directly.
Upon hearing this, Xiao He's tense shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly. He bowed again, his tone carrying a hint of relief: "Yes! His Majesty's decision is wise and should be so. It is I... who was a little too hasty!"
His words were clever; they both affirmed Gao Yao's decision and subtly explained his reason for urging him—not out of personal motives, but out of anxiety about national affairs.
Not only Xiao He, but also ministers in the hall such as Zhang Liang, Chen Ping, and even some military generals, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. What they were most worried about was that Gao Yao would, as he had in the past, delay or refuse on such a matter concerning the foundation of the state, just as he had in the past when it came to tedious rituals or pleasures. That would have been truly troublesome, meaning more persuasion and more complex maneuvering. Now that Gao Yao had agreed so readily, it saved them countless troubles and provided the most crucial guarantee for the stability of the power core.
Gao Yao understood the concerns of Xiao He and the entire bureaucratic group. A seemingly stable power core was actually a sophisticated machine composed of countless "individuals" and "factions." The position of empress was a crucial hub in this machine. Without this hub, or with this hub in an uncertain state, the entire system was at risk of malfunctioning or even internal strife. Establishing Lü Zhi as empress was a necessary step to fill this key position, clarify the order of the harem, and thus influence the stability of the court.
Just when everyone thought the most important topic of the day was over and the atmosphere was about to ease, Xiao He did not return to the ranks. He spoke again, his voice more solemn than before:
"Your Majesty, I... have another matter to report."
Gao Yao raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. Xiao He seemed unusually insistent today. "Speak."
Xiao He pondered for a moment and said, "Actually, there is another matter that is also related to the King. However... it would be more appropriate for the Queen to take the lead in this matter after she officially takes over the Phoenix Seal."
"Oh?" Gao Yao became interested and leaned forward slightly. "What is it? Please speak freely." A hint of doubt flashed through his mind. Could this matter be related to Lü Zhi herself? Or does it require the Queen's authority?
Xiao He raised his head, his gaze calm and even with a sense of earnestness, and said loudly, "Then it is—I humbly request Your Majesty, for the sake of the country and its people, to initiate the selection of concubines and enrich the harem!"
The words "selecting concubines" were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples throughout the hall. Some younger or more traditional officials showed expressions of approval, while a few, like Chen Ping, who were more perceptive, subtly observed Gao Yao's reaction.
Gao Yao's expression froze instantly. The composure he had gained after resolving the conflict vanished, replaced by a barely perceptible look of astonishment and...resistance. He had calculated everything, but he hadn't expected Xiao He to propose selecting concubines at this juncture. No wonder he had previously said they could wait until Empress Lü ascended the throne; so this was his plan! According to etiquette, selecting concubines for the king was one of the queen's duties, and it was perfectly legitimate for Empress Lü to preside over it.
"Your Majesty," Zhang Liang, Marquis of Liu, immediately stepped forward to echo Xiao He's words, "I also believe that what Prime Minister Xiao said is entirely reasonable. Your Majesty loves the people like your own children, shoulders the well-being of all the people under heaven, bears the heavy responsibility of the nation, and the continuation of your lineage is crucial to the longevity of the country. A full harem is essential for the royal family to flourish, and this is a vital task for stabilizing the foundation of the nation!"
Zhang Liang's words elevated the selection of imperial concubines to the level of "the foundation of the state" and "the fate of the nation," making it difficult for any potential objections to gain traction.
"Your Majesty, I also agree!" "Your Majesty is of divine appearance and destined by Heaven. It is only right and proper for the harem to be filled to receive the Emperor's favor and continue the imperial lineage! I, Li Zhao, am willing to share Your Majesty's burdens, coordinate with the counties below, and strictly select women to ensure that no flawed woman defiles the palace!" Wu She, Li Zhao, and other officials also stood up and expressed their support in unison.