Has the Han Dynasty been restored today?

Your Majesty... is taking personal control of the government...?

People's perspectives are often rooted in the soil of their times, and familiar political inertia can often limit the decisions of wise people.

After twelve years of the prime minister's rule, the court officials had become accustomed to the existence of Chengdu and the prime minister's residence as the two centers of power, and to the model of powerful ministers managing state affairs on behalf of the emperor.

The sudden mention of taking personal rule...

Fei Yi was not against Emperor Liu Shan's personal rule, nor did he intend to seize supreme power. Given his current seniority and status, he would not have such thoughts.

He just couldn't think of it.

Once Chen Zhi pointed this out, the whole situation suddenly became clear to Fei Yi:

Prime Minister Zhuge Liang's prestige in the Shu Han state was unparalleled, making him practically acting as regent. Neither the soon-to-be-ousted Yang Yi nor the succeeding Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and Governor of Yizhou, Jiang Wan, could compare to the Prime Minister's popularity and ability to unite the people. The court's control would inevitably loosen, and the generals would find it difficult to obey his commands as readily as they did under his leadership. Under these circumstances, the Northern Expeditions would indeed encounter many systemic problems that were arguably unsolvable.

If Emperor Liu Shan could move the capital to Hanzhong, his imperial authority and power could effectively resolve this issue. The Northern Expedition would then remain the court's top priority. Chengdu officials are incapable of handling these matters; the existing system of officials in the prime minister's office would still be necessary. They could be transferred to court positions on the spot, their ranks and power further enhanced.

If the emperor moves the capital to Hanzhong, Jiang Wan will inevitably have to continue his original duties, overseeing logistics and general affairs in Chengdu. With Yang Yi removed, wouldn't he, as the Chancellor's Chief of Staff, become the highest-ranking official in the Chancellor's office?

From a public perspective, the court could continue the Northern Expedition, strive to restore the dynasty, and not dismantle the existing system.

Personally, he would bypass Jiang Wan and continue to substantively assist in the Northern Expedition.

From both a public and private perspective... this deal is a good one!

There is great potential in this matter!

In Fei Yi's view, Chen Zhi's previous ambiguous attitude can also be well explained: for His Majesty and the Shu Han as a whole, the primary goal has always been the Northern Expedition.

Yang Yi was bound to fall sooner or later. However, whether the task of bringing down Yang Yi was carried out by Chen Zhi, who was acting on behalf of the emperor, or by Xiang Lang, who was acting on behalf of Jiang Wan, made a big difference.

It would be better to sell it directly to the emperor than to sell it to Jiang Wan and Xiang Lang!

After figuring all this out, Chen Zhi, who was originally a troublesome person who was confrontational and questioning, instantly became beautiful. This twenty-four-year-old young talent was becoming more and more pleasing to the eye!

Fei Yi gradually smiled, his previously angular and solemn face seeming to melt away: "Feng Zong..."

After Chen Zhi entered Mianyang City, he was always addressed by Fei Yi as "Imperial Censor Chen" in his official capacity. So when Fei Yi called him "Fengzong," Chen Zhi was really not used to it.

"Fei Sima." Chen Zhi narrowed his eyes, unsure of what Fei Yi wanted to do, and raised his hand in a salute.

Fei Yi chuckled a few times, relaxing his posture considerably. He placed his left hand on his hip and pointed his right hand towards the staff Chen Zhi was holding.

"This time, I have come to escort the emperor with an imperial edict, which signifies the emperor's authority. A subject must rely on Your Majesty's authorization to act legitimately. Furthermore, if a subject possesses exceptional talent, it will only enhance the emperor's prestige and virtue!"

Chen Zhi's cheeks twitched awkwardly a few times. He hadn't yet snapped out of the conversation; rationally, he knew Fei Yi was agreeing with his suggestion, but emotionally, he needed to reconsider.

Being able to control one's emotions so freely is also an impressive skill, and Chen Zhi is far inferior to Fei Yi in this respect!

"Sir Fei is too kind. Chen Zhixu does not deserve such praise."

Fei Yi's expression grew even more amiable. He took his seat and gestured for Chen Zhi to sit down as well. Seeing that Chen Zhi was already seated and waiting for him to speak, Fei Yi leaned forward slightly, his expression kind, and asked:

"If I remember correctly, Fengzong is still unmarried, isn't he? I have a daughter, sixteen years old, well-versed in etiquette, and of a virtuous and gentle nature." Fei Yi clapped his hands with a smile, quite pleased with himself: "As for her appearance, what more needs to be said about my daughter?"

"So, what do you think, Fengzong?"

Fei Yi spoke frankly, but his words made Chen Zhi's expression instantly freeze.

No, this is nothing, and you're already sending your daughter away?

If I remember correctly, your daughter was supposed to be the Crown Prince's consort, right? How come she's been betrothed today? The Crown Prince is only eleven years old now. In the original history, didn't he marry a woman from the Fei family who was five years older than him?

Political marriages are indeed like this... Didn't Liu Bei also marry Wu Yi's widowed sister...?

This actually happened to me?!

"Uh..." Chen Zhi was speechless for a moment. His throat moved slightly, and he opened his mouth several times, but he didn't know what to say. His face also turned slightly red.

Fei Yi keenly observed the change in Chen Zhi's expression. Having lost the argument earlier, seeing Chen Zhi's momentary predicament, Fei Yi felt a surge of smugness and immediately pressed on:

"Fengzong, if you agree today, then I can finalize the marriage agreement with you today. You only have one cousin, so you can make your own decisions without consulting others. My Fei family of Jiangxia has held official positions of two thousand shi for generations, and my marriage to your Chen family of Runan will certainly not bring shame to your family!"

Chen Zhi was no ordinary person; he had already realized the inappropriateness of his situation.

This is a discussion of important court affairs; the boundaries between public and private matters should be clear and not mixed up. Given Chen Zhi's background and family connections, he has no need to climb the social ladder within the Shu Han state.

In fact, it can be said that today, the Imperial Envoy Chen Zhi, the Imperial Censor of 600 shi, and the Chancellor Sima, the Commander of the Central Army, and the Lieutenant General Fei Yi are sitting face to face. At this point in time, with the Chancellor gone and power changing hands, I am the one that Fei Yi wants to hold onto tightly!

On the other hand, judging from appearance, Fei Yi is over eight feet tall and has a handsome appearance at nearly forty years old. He must have been a dashing young man in his youth. With such a good foundation, Fei Yi's daughter will certainly not be bad either. After all, she was the Crown Princess in the original timeline. In this era, when it comes to marrying a wife, appearance is a secondary consideration.

Moreover, whether it was in Chen Zhi's plan or not, Fei Yi would eventually become the regent of Ji Han and take power, so marrying him would not be a loss at all.

As for whether he will be coerced by Fei Yi in the future, and whether he will be unable to act freely...

Chen Zhi could only say that a person can only have one biological father, but a father-in-law can be replaced. Having come to this era, Chen Zhi would not be swayed by anyone; he would walk his own path!

Chen Zhi sighed deeply, stood up, and bowed to Fei Yi.

"I am deeply grateful for Sima Fei's kind intentions. However, I have no parents or elders in my family, yet I am a subject of the Han Dynasty, with my sovereign and father above me. Furthermore, I am entrusted by His Majesty as an envoy to a foreign land. How can I possibly arrange a marriage with the Fei family during official business? It would be extremely inappropriate. It would be best to inform His Majesty only after this matter has been concluded!"

"Please forgive me, please forgive me!"

"Hahahaha, hahahaha." Fei Yi laughed even harder after hearing Chen Zhi's words, and stepped forward to grab Chen Zhi's left arm tightly: "Let's go, Feng Zong, let's go to General Zuo's camp together, we can discuss the rest on the way!"

"Please, Mr. Fei." Chen Zhi smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.