ATPnovel Chapter 67: The noble families are won over, and the alliance is just formed.
Chapter 67: The noble families are won over, and the alliance is just formed.
Meanwhile, inside the main hall of the Li residence.
Gao Cheng and the heads of various families in Hebei also reached a preliminary consensus on how to allocate official positions in the imperial court.
"I am aware of the central position that you all seek."
Immediately afterwards, Gao Cheng made a final statement on the matter: "However, the problems in the court have been accumulating for a long time, and the affairs of various departments are deeply intertwined and cannot be changed in a short period of time."
"Therefore, I believe that after the sons of each family enter Ye, they should first serve as junior officials in the various departments of the Ministry of Personnel, starting with copying documents and investigating lawsuits, so as to become familiar with the regulations and procedures."
"It is imperative that the former officials of Yezhong resign and that all affairs be settled before appointing officials to various departments according to their abilities. I wonder what you gentlemen think?"
Upon hearing this, the officials in the hall exchanged glances, all with a thoughtful expression in their eyes.
A moment later, Lu Jingning, the chief clerk of the Fanyang Lu clan, stroked his beard and asked, "Does the Crown Prince intend for our clan's members to first hold lower-ranking positions, gain experience in government, and then be promoted?"
Indeed.
Gao Cheng nodded and then slowly explained, "The affairs of the court are of paramount importance to the nation. Only those who are familiar with government affairs and knowledgeable in laws and regulations can be competent. Although I am willing to employ talented individuals from established families, I do not wish to see those who are merely filling positions without performing their duties, only to become a laughingstock."
Upon hearing this, Cui Kaiyou was the first to nod: "Your Highness's words are profoundly reasonable. We young men have long lived in the countryside and are indeed quite unfamiliar with the rules and regulations of the central government. Entering the central government for training is truly the right path."
Seeing that Cui Kai was the initiator and had no objections, the others did not dare to say anything more and immediately nodded in agreement.
After all, they all knew that Gao Cheng's offer of such conditions was already a huge concession.
Moreover, his attitude today makes it clear that although he wants to purge the powerful nobles in the court, he has no intention of allowing the Hebei aristocratic families to become dominant.
Therefore, rather than being impatient for quick success and arousing suspicion, it is better to proceed step by step and proceed slowly.
Anyway, they've waited for many years, so a day or two won't make a difference.
Seeing that no one had any objections, Gao Cheng breathed a sigh of relief and said, "In that case, let's follow this precedent."
"only!"
Upon hearing this, everyone responded in unison.
Seeing that a consensus had been reached, Li Xizong nodded in satisfaction.
Immediately, he rose, clapped his hands, and laughed, "Excellent! Now that the young master and everyone have reached an agreement, let's leave today's discussion here. I've already ordered some simple drinks to be prepared; let's all drink a few cups together, shall we?"
Upon hearing this, everyone naturally responded.
Even Gao Cheng nodded respectfully, saying, "In that case, I'm sorry to have troubled you, Uncle."
Upon hearing this, Li Xizong laughed heartily and immediately ordered his servants to prepare a banquet.
Before long, the sounds of cups and plates filled the air, and the aroma of wine and meat wafted through the air.
However, just as everyone was about to raise their glasses in celebration, a servant suddenly rushed in and whispered a few words in Li Xizong's ear.
Upon hearing this, Li Xizong's smile only deepened.
He immediately stood up and said to everyone with a smile, "Gentlemen, news just came from the backyard that Lord Taiyuan and my daughter have finished their matchmaking and are now paying their respects at the gate."
Upon hearing this, the faces of all the officials in the hall couldn't help but reveal knowing smiles.
Lu Jingning stroked his beard and said with a smile, "Oh? In that case, this old man must admire his demeanor. What kind of person is this Lord Taiyuan that he has caught the eye of the Li family's precious jewel?"
Cui Kai also laughed and said, "Now that Master Li has found such a fine son-in-law, it would be unreasonable not to let us drink to our hearts' content today."
Everyone chimed in with their own jokes.
Upon hearing this, Li Xizong was even more delighted and immediately replied with a smile, "Gentlemen, please don't be in a hurry. Let me invite them inside to pay their respects to our elders."
Having said that, he instructed the servant, "Please invite Lord Taiyuan and Second Lady in."
"only!"
The attendant obeyed and left. A moment later, footsteps could be heard outside the hall.
Everyone looked up and saw Gao Yang leading Li Zuwan by the hand as they strode in.
Gao Yang's face was full of an irrepressible smile, and he even walked with a swagger.
Li Zuwan followed closely beside him, her face also flushed, her eyes full of tenderness.
In this situation, it's clear to everyone that the marriage is a done deal.
For a moment, the officials in the hall exchanged knowing smiles, their expressions becoming even more peculiar.
When Li Xizong saw the two enter hand in hand, the heavy weight that had been hanging over his heart finally lifted.
He then stepped forward and jokingly said, "You seem to be getting along very well with my daughter, Lord Taiyuan. I was just worried that Lord Taiyuan might find my daughter too uncouth and wouldn't accept her."
Upon hearing this teasing remark, Gao Yang blushed slightly.
He quickly cupped his hands and said, "Uncle, you flatter me. Although there was a minor rift between me and Zu Wan at the beginning, it has now been completely resolved. I hope you will forgive me, Uncle. I will treat Zu Wan well in the future and will not let her suffer the slightest grievance."
Upon hearing this, Li Zuwan gracefully curtsied and said softly, "Thank you for your kindness, Father."
"well!"
Li Xizong said "good" twice, stroked his beard and laughed: "Seeing how deeply in love you two are, this old man can rest easy."
Having said that, he turned to Gao Cheng and asked with a smile, "Your Highness, what do you think of it?"
Gao Cheng smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over the two men before finally settling on Gao Yang's face. He asked, "Second Brother, what do you think?"
Gao Yang stepped forward, blushing, and said, "Brother, I have finished looking at you, and I am very pleased with you, my ancestor."
Li Zuwan then bowed gracefully and said in a clear and melodious voice, "Your Highness, my love for the Duke of Taiyuan and I are mutually in love. I humbly beseech Your Highness to grant us your blessing."
Upon seeing this, Gao Cheng couldn't help but feel a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing both emotion and feeling).
He knew all too well that his ugly younger brother was always arrogant and that ordinary women were simply not good enough for him. Yet, he had been so easily won over by Li Zuwan, which showed that this woman was indeed extraordinary.
Thinking of this, he immediately nodded and smiled, "Since you two are so compatible, how could I not be with you? Please sit down."
"Thank you, elder brother (Crown Prince)!"
Upon hearing this, the two accepted the order in unison and took their seats hand in hand.
After Gao Cheng saw them seated, he turned to Li Xizong and said with a smile, "Uncle Li, since the two of them are mutually in love, then this marriage is settled. Once I have clarified the affairs of the court, I will submit a memorial to Jinyang to request the marriage of Erlang and Erniang. What do you think, Uncle?"
Upon hearing this, Li Xizong was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly, saying, "That is indeed the case, that is indeed the case."
Having said that, he raised his cup and addressed the crowd loudly: "Gentlemen, today my Li family is doubly blessed! First, we have forged an alliance with the Crown Prince and the families of Hebei to jointly support the Great Wei; second, my daughter has been betrothed to the Duke of Taiyuan, a joyous union. I humbly request that you all join me in drinking this cup to the brim!"
"How dare I disobey!"
"With such a fine son-in-law as Lord Li, how could we not offer our congratulations? Come, let us drink this cup together!"
"Cheers!"
Upon hearing this, everyone stood up and raised their glasses in celebration.
In an instant, the hall was filled with clinking glasses and laughter.
Compared to the oppressive and eerie banquet at the Sima Mansion yesterday, it was a world of difference.
After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food, the atmosphere in the hall became extremely lively.
People kept coming up to toast Gao Cheng, praising his wisdom or expressing their loyalty. People also kept coming up to congratulate Gao Yang on his happy marriage.
Gao Cheng was able to handle this with ease. No matter who offered him a toast, he responded with a smile, his demeanor composed and impeccable.
Gao Yang had never experienced anything like this before. After a few rounds, his face turned red, his tongue slurred, and he began to speak incoherently.
Before long, his arrogance became even more pronounced, and he almost took control of the situation. Holding a wine cup, he staggered to his feet and shouted, "Gentlemen... gentlemen, let's have another... another drink together..."