"Yuan Shao?"

Upon hearing Yang Ci's recommendation, Liu Hong's face showed a thoughtful expression.

Yang Ci nodded: "Yes, Your Majesty. During the period when Yuan Shao led his army to confront the Xiongnu in the Western Regions, he not only protected the countries of the Western Regions, but also ensured the safety of the Han immigrants."

This clearly demonstrates that he is a man of both literary and martial talents, with a resolute mind. Moreover, having spent a long time in the Western Regions, he must have a good understanding of the situation in the Kushan Empire. He is the most suitable person to go!

What do you all think?

Liu Hong did not rush to express his opinion on Yang Ci's recommendation, but looked at the other cabinet members, his gaze settling on Yuan Feng.

"Your Majesty will make the final decision. I believe that Yuan Shao will not disappoint Your Majesty!"

Although Yuan Feng couldn't directly express his support for his son, his words were full of encouragement.

"Your Majesty, we believe that Yuan Shao is capable of this task!"

The others, including Cao Song, also spoke up to express their support.

Seeing that all the ministers agreed, Liu Hong then said in a deep voice, "In that case, let Yuan Shao be promoted to the position of Vice Minister of Rites and concurrently the Garrison Commander of Kushan, in charge of all actions of the Han Dynasty in Kushan!"

"Your Majesty is wise!!"

The officials hailed Liu Hong's appointment as a wise one, with Yuan Feng's voice being the loudest.

Liu Hong waved his hand: "Since Yuan Shao is going to Kushan, the position of Deputy Protector-General of the Western Regions will be vacant. I wonder who you all think would be suitable to take over?"

"Your Majesty, as the saying goes, one should not avoid recommending relatives for the position of worthy person. I recommend my son Cao Cao, who is suitable to serve as the deputy envoy to the Western Regions!"

As soon as Liu Hong finished speaking, Cao Song was the first to speak, recommending his own son.

As the saying goes, no one knows a son better than his father, and Cao Song knew his son's ambitions better than anyone else.

Now that he has this opportunity, he is no longer afraid of being accused of nepotism or abusing his power for personal gain.

After all, the abilities that Cao Cao has demonstrated are obvious to all, and he is definitely one of the best among the younger generation.

"Hmm, Mengde's words are quite fitting!" Liu Hong smiled, then turned to look at everyone: "What do you all think?"

Duan Jiong stepped forward and said, "Although Mengde is naturally unrestrained and unconventional, his military talent is quite remarkable. He is the most suitable person to guard the Western Regions!"

Xi Zhicai also spoke up, saying, "Now the Western Regions are in dire need of rebuilding. Although Protector Liu Yu has the ability to govern, if we want to restore the economic production of the Western Regions in a short period of time, we still need to do some extraordinary things."

If Mengde goes, he can complement Liu Duhu!

Furthermore, with Mengde managing affairs in the Western Regions, it will be convenient for our Great Han to wage war against the Kushans in the future!

Seeing that military bigwig Duan Jiong and Xi Zhicai, a representative of the younger generation, had both expressed their agreement, the others naturally didn't say anything more.

Subsequently, Liu Hong publicly ordered Cao Cao to be promoted to Left Vice Minister of War and concurrently Deputy Protector-General of the Western Regions.

"Alright, that's enough for today. All of you, go back and write a memorial against the Kushans."

"Here you go!!"

Everyone responded in unison, then bowed and retreated.

"Zhicai, stay behind!"

"yes!"

Xi Zhicai, who had retreated halfway, respectfully agreed and then slowly walked up to Liu Hong.

"Zhicai, that husky..."

"Your Majesty, it's Hachi!"

Upon hearing his emperor's slip of the tongue, Xi Zhicai corrected him.

Liu Hong smiled and said, "Oh, right, Hatch, how are they doing now?"

Xi Zhicai solemnly replied, “Your Majesty, these three individuals have already gained considerable insight into the new Buddhism, and their principles also bear the shadow of the Taoist ideals of self-improvement, benevolence, and non-contention, which is very much in line with the ruling needs of the Great Han.”

I have previously led them to preach among the people several times, and the people have been very receptive to this new Buddhism, and..."

At this point, Xi Zhicai paused and continued, "Moreover, these three guys have also established an ironclad rule in the new Buddhism."

"Oh? What ironclad rule?" Liu Hong raised an eyebrow and asked with a curious look.

Xi Zhicai smiled and said, "According to their rules, all things evolve from Yin and Yang, and the rites of human relations follow the way of Heaven. The precepts of the old Buddhist sect, such as the purification of the six senses and detachment from the mortal world, are heresies and should be eradicated!"

"Heh~, these guys are pretty conscientious!"

Upon hearing Xi Zhicai's description, Liu Hong couldn't help but laugh out loud.

“Yes, Your Majesty, they are human too. How could they possibly be without desires?” Xi Zhicai echoed with a smile.

Liu Hong's expression immediately turned serious: "Does Zhi Cai think the three of them can go back to Kushan now?"

Xi Zhicai: "I believe we can send agents from the intelligence bureau to escort them and secretly spread the word to the Kushans. Once they have gained enough power, we can accomplish our goal!"

Liu Hong nodded: "Alright, Zhicai will be in charge of this matter. I will immediately send a message to Wenhe, instructing him to go to Kushan in person!"

"Here you go!!"

Xi Zhicai respectfully agreed, then bowed and withdrew.

Not long after Xi Zhicai left, a palace maid who was responsible for serving the Empress followed Zhang Rang over.

"Your Majesty, the Empress requests your presence!"

"Okay, let's go!"

Normally, Song Yue wouldn't contact Liu Hong when he was handling official business, so sending someone over this time must mean something important happened.

Before long, Liu Hong arrived at Weiyang Palace.

Song Yue and several other concubines were gathered together, holding some portraits, and talking in hushed tones.

Upon seeing Liu Hong approach, Song Yue and the others quickly stood up and went forward to greet him.

"No need for formalities!"

Liu Hong smiled and waved his hand, then looked at Song Yue: "The Empress summoned me here, is there something you need?"

"Your Majesty, my sisters and I are examining the portraits and backgrounds of the women sent by the Ministry of Rites, and we have already selected some."

So His Majesty came to see if the remaining women were all selected according to this requirement!

As she spoke, Song Yue had someone bring over the portraits and handed them to Liu Hong.

After receiving the portrait, Liu Hong looked down at it. Although the women in the portrait could all be described as having remarkable appearances, Liu Hong did not feel much.

Although his empress was not exactly a beauty that could topple empires, she was still exceptionally elegant, and the other concubines were all stunningly beautiful.

Liu Hong's claim of being immune to beautiful women is perhaps an exaggeration.

Therefore, when Liu Hong was looking at the portraits, he paid more attention to the information recorded below about the women's backgrounds and character.

These women were all recommended by local officials. This was the emperor's first selection of concubines, and the local officials naturally dared not conceal anything from these recommended women.

After reading a few pages, Liu Hong also noticed a common point.

These women were known for being virtuous, hardworking, and thrifty, which made Liu Hong very satisfied.

"Huh?"

When he saw the portrait on the last page, Liu Hong couldn't help but let out a soft "hmm," and his expression became somewhat strange.