Establishing a thousand-year family from the nobles of the Western Han Dynasty

Chapter 73 Undercurrent
Although Liu Che was afraid of the power of the Xu family, he had no complaints about Xu Gong, who helped him to secure the throne and govern the world.

He always believed that Xu Gong was the most loyal minister of the Han Dynasty, even better than the illusory Grand Tutor Xu. After all, they had seen it with their own eyes, and Emperor Wen had a real feeling about it.

What's more, the Han Dynasty now does not have any ministers who can keep the situation under control. Although the Huns have been completely defeated, the threat on the border still exists.

Of course, Liu Che cherished Xu Gong very much. If his teacher died, he would not know who to use because of his suspicious character.

Xu Gong just smiled and said: "Whether you are free and easy or not, it is the same result. It is better to let nature take its course."

As a human being, he is naturally afraid of death, but after witnessing his father's miracle, he began to think that perhaps death is not necessarily like the extinguishing of a light.

At that time, Xu Gong always had a feeling that he could feel the breath of his brother. This feeling of blood connection was extremely strong.

Liu Che sighed and replied: "Since you want to resign, I will allow you to do so. You can enjoy the courtesy of the princes and do not need to go to the fiefdom. It is better for you to be by my side."

Xu Gong said weakly: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Upon seeing this, Liu Che hurried over to help his teacher up, slowly helped him onto the bed, and personally poured tea for him.

"Teacher, you should have a good rest and take care of your health. This is the most important thing. You are the cornerstone of the country and you must not get hurt."

"I am terrified."

Seeing the emperor being so respectful, Xu Gong was somewhat flattered. Although he was the emperor's teacher, he was always very sensible. He had never enjoyed such treatment before. In the history of the Han Dynasty, only the Grand Tutor Xu Zhen could be supported and poured tea by the emperor himself! Emperor Hui and Emperor Wen had done so before.

"It's only natural for a disciple to serve his teacher." Liu Che laughed and didn't care.

Then he asked about the real matter: "Teacher, you are old, and it is acceptable for you to resign, but the country cannot be without a prime minister for a day, and Zhou Yafu is unable to take charge of the national affairs."

"Teacher, do you have any opinion on the candidate for the Left Prime Minister? Feel free to tell me everything, and I will certainly consider it properly.

In fact, Liu Che did not like the prime minister system very much. He thought that too much power could even restrict imperial power, which was something an emperor would never allow.

But now the country needs a prime minister, Xu Zhen and Xu Gong have proved the necessity of this system, so he still plans to keep it, but weakening the decentralization is necessary, and nothing in the world can threaten the imperial power!

He wanted to eliminate hidden dangers for future generations, and the system of inner and outer courts was the first step. However, due to Xu Gong's problems, it could not be fully used.

"But letting Zhou Yafu take over my position as the left prime minister and take charge of military affairs would be really difficult for him to handle state affairs."

Xu Gong smiled and said that he had heard Zhou Yafu complain many times before that being the prime minister was not easy, as there were many trivial matters that required him to review, and these things could not be handed over to others, so it was very difficult to do.

After all, Zhou Yafu had not studied Confucianism or Legalism, and was not very familiar with the new policies, so naturally he could not handle them well.

"Well, what Prime Minister Xu said makes sense. Let him take over." Liu Che thought about it and decided to promote Zhou Yafu to a higher position so as to check and balance the group of foreign relatives represented by Wei Qing and Huo Qubing.

The most important thing in the court is actually the system of checks and balances, and the proliferation of factions is exactly what those in power want to see.

"Then who will be the left prime minister?" Liu Che's best candidate was actually Xu Zhou, and the reason he asked this was to give face to his teacher.

After all, it's better to keep the wealth within the family. He can understand that as long as one is capable and loyal enough, this position without military power can be removed at any time if he wants.

"Let... Liu Quti, the governor of Zhuo County, take over. He was once a doctor at the Imperial College and is well versed in Confucianism and law. He will definitely be able to govern the country."

Xu Gong thought for a moment and said a very surprising name.

"Teacher, are you serious?" Liu Che was obviously surprised. He thought the candidate recommended by the teacher would be his nephew Xu Zhou, who was a real relative. "Of course, this Liu Quti is the grandson of Emperor Xiaojing, the son of Liu Sheng, the Prince of Zhongshan, and also your nephew. It is reasonable for him to be appointed as prime minister."

Xu Gong explained that he had changed his mind and wanted Xu Zhou to work more at the grassroots level so that the company could be as stable as a rock. After all, the position of prime minister did not belong to the Xu family. Since it did not belong to you, why bother asking for it?
After being enlightened by his father, he had already let go of his obsession.

"Then... Teacher, what do you think of Taichang Xu Zhou? I have always believed that he is a great talent and should be given important positions."

Liu Che thought that the teacher was just embarrassed, so he took the initiative to speak out.

"Zhou'er? No, no, he is already quite old and has lost the quick thinking of his youth. It is already quite difficult for him to handle these government affairs. If he is appointed as prime minister again, there will definitely be chaos."

"And Zhou'er's internal affairs are not too outstanding."

Xu Gong shook his head, clearly choosing to refuse.

"Well, well, let Liu Quti be the prime minister." Liu Che also understood his teacher's intention. He was just afraid that the bow would be put away after the bird was killed. In that case, he would just go along with it.

.........

When the news of Xu Gong's resignation spread, the court, which had been as calm as the waves, was suddenly stirred up by a thousand waves, and there was an uproar in the court and the public.

You must know that Marquis Jing has served as prime minister since the reign of Emperor Jingdi when the Rebellion of the Four Kingdoms was quelled. He has always held the power of the government and was even appointed as the minister in charge of the care of the young emperor. His power reached its peak in the early years of Emperor Wu's reign. Even the former Empress Dowager Dou had to avoid his edge.

For many years, he has been the stabilizer of the Han Dynasty, balancing various factions. This time, after resigning, Liu Che will definitely have to work hard to stabilize the situation.

Because everyone has to re-position themselves, before everyone followed the Prime Minister, and with the support of His Majesty, there had never been any accidents. Now we have to be cautious.

Zhou Yafu, Wei Qing and other foreign relatives were all deeply favored by the emperor, but this was not absolute.

If Dou Ying could fall from power, why couldn't Wei Qing? Not to mention Zhou Yafu, no matter how great his achievements were, His Majesty could decide his life or death in a single thought.

At Xu's residence, Xu Ye walked into the study and bowed, saying, "Uncle, have you resigned from your post? Is there something wrong with your health?"

"Please take good care of yourself."

Xu Gong has always worked diligently as prime minister. There must be a reason for his sudden resignation this time. As for losing the favor of His Majesty, it is almost impossible.

"Well, my uncle is old, so it's not surprising that he has health problems." Xu Zhou stroked his beard.

"Father..." Another person walked in. It was the current General of Chariots and Cavalry, Xu Nan.

He was holding several wooden boxes in his hands, which were filled with precious medicinal materials. It seemed that he had received the news from Zhou Yafu in advance.

"Father, these are medicinal herbs for recuperating your body. Nan has already invited a doctor."

Xu Gong looked very happy and said with a smile: "You are just being filial, as long as you show your filial piety, these things have no effect on me."

"Father, you must take care of yourself!" Xu Nan said while glancing at Xu Ye.

He didn't believe that his father would die, as he had been alive and well for so many years, so he just thought that his father was tired and made up an excuse.

　My head hurts so much, only one update today

　　
　
(End of this chapter)