Madam Cao was able to manage the vast Cao mansion in an orderly manner, and her style of doing things was naturally swift and decisive.
Within a day, she had found a matchmaker and prepared five betrothal gifts, and went to the families of Ding, Bian, Liu, Huan, and Du to propose marriage.
Of course, when Madam Cao proposed marriage, she also played a little trick and did not tell the heads of the five families that her son had married five wives at the same time.
Therefore, when the heads of these five families learned that their daughters would marry Cao Cao, they all happily agreed, accepted the betrothal gifts from the Cao family, and set a wedding date.
Subsequently, Cao Song and his wife, Lady Cao, went to the palace separately to inform Liu Hong and the Empress Dowager about Cao Cao's upcoming marriage.
"Uh... Minister Cao, are you saying that Mengde wants to marry five wives at the same time?"
Upon hearing Cao Song's report, even the usually open-minded Liu Hong was taken aback.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I don't know what that Cao Cao was thinking. He just happened to take a fancy to the women from those five families at the same time, and he insisted on marrying them all. This old minister couldn't stop him at all!"
To avoid the tragedy of parents outliving their children, this old minister has no choice but to swallow his pride and beg Your Majesty: could you possibly bestow the title of Lady upon the women of those five families at the same time?
Cao Song also poured out his grievances to Liu Hong with a bitter expression, his words revealing his deep love for his son.
Upon hearing this, Liu Hong also felt a headache coming on.
He had figured it out: Cao Song's visit was a pretense; his real intention was to gain benefits for the Cao family.
How dare he bestow five imperial titles at the same time?
If it weren't for Cao Song's diligent leadership of the agricultural college officials, who developed batch after batch of high-yield crops and made great contributions to solving the famine in the Han Dynasty, Liu Hong would have driven him out long ago.
Given the merits of Cao Song and his son, let alone five imperial titles, even if they were granted five more marquises, no one would say a word.
The key point is that Cao Cao actually wanted to marry five wives, which is a bit unreasonable.
If they have a bunch of legitimate sons, wouldn't that cause chaos? Wouldn't that just be asking for trouble?
"Your Majesty, it's not what you think. Cao Cao simply changed the way he addressed me; the essence remains the same..."
Seemingly sensing the emperor's worries, Cao Song also explained Cao Cao's so-called distinction between large and small to Liu Hong.
Cao Song came to request an official title in order to appease the other families.
Liu Hong suddenly realized, rubbed his temples, and then looked at Cao Song with annoyance.
"It's not impossible to bestow the title of Lady upon all five of Mengde's wives at the same time, but this is not a matter for me to decide; I must consult the Empress Dowager!"
"Hehe~, Your Majesty, don't worry, the Empress Dowager will definitely agree!"
Seeing that the emperor had relented, Cao Song chuckled, a confident smile spreading across his face.
Liu Hong raised an eyebrow: "What? Your wife went to the Empress Dowager to complain again?"
Cao Song quickly waved his hand: "No, I was just chatting with the Empress Dowager and casually discussing Cao Cao's marriage!"
Liu Hong waved his hand dismissively: "Alright, as long as I can get past the Empress Dowager, I can't be bothered with you!"
Just then, Zhang Rang rushed over and said respectfully:
"Your Majesty, a message has arrived from Chang Le Palace. The Empress Dowager has bestowed marriages upon the Marquis of Qiao and the daughters of the Ding, Bian, Liu, Du, and Huan families, and inquired about Your Majesty's rewards!"
Liu Hong said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, let's proceed according to the regulations established by Fengxian before!"
"promise!!"
Zhang Rang agreed, then bowed and stared at the ground as he retreated.
After Zhang Rang left, Liu Hong looked at Cao Song with curiosity.
"Minister Cao, I am quite curious, how did your wife persuade the Empress Dowager?"
You must understand, while the Empress Dowager is enlightened and kind, she is also a person who strictly adheres to etiquette. Getting her to agree to this matter won't be so simple, will it?
Upon hearing the emperor's question, Cao Song smiled sheepishly and then replied:
"Your Majesty, it's really nothing. This old minister just instructed my wife to tell the Empress Dowager that if Aman marries five wives in the future, he will be able to have many children."
And those children will be able to grow up alongside the imperial grandson from a young age. The boys will serve the imperial grandson, and the girls can marry him, strengthening family ties...
Cao Song spoke frankly about this matter to Liu Hong.
Upon hearing this, Liu Hong understood.
No wonder Cao Song and his son Cao Cao dared to break with convention and marry five wives at the same time; it turns out they had this in mind.
You must understand that the eldest son of the emperor holds a noble position, and if you want to marry your daughter to him in the future, you must be the legitimate heir.
Cao Cao married five wives at once, and all of their children were born of the principal wife. As a result, all of his daughters were eligible to marry into the royal family.
Since Liu Hong ascended the throne, the Cao family has stood by his side without reservation, supporting all his decisions. Everyone has seen this.
Liu Hong would naturally not refuse the marriage alliance between the royal family and the Cao family.
Thinking of this, Liu Hong glared at Cao Song with annoyance: "You, Cao Song, my son hasn't even been born yet, and you're already eyeing him. You really have a long-term vision!"
Hearing the emperor's half-joking words, Cao Song replied with a serious expression:
"Your Majesty has shown us great favor and entrusted us with important responsibilities. My father and I have no way to repay you but to serve you and the royal family for generations to repay Your Majesty's kindness!"
The eldest son born to the Empress will surely inherit the throne in the future; this is the consensus of Liu Hong, the Empress Dowager, and everyone else.
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