Chapter 1048: Unification of North and South

Before long, a single rider came galloping down the main road. Reaching the front, the military officer dismounted lightly and reported in a loud voice: "Reporting to the Prince, the Wuyue King's fleet has arrived. Upon hearing that the Prince would personally welcome him, the Wuyue King has already come ashore and is riding this way!"

"Since our honored guest has arrived, we should make our preparations!" Upon hearing the report, Liu Chenghsun rose directly to his feet and ordered with a relaxed expression: "Raise the ceremonial guard, play the ritual music, and all of you perk up!"

"Yes!"

Soon, the ceremonial guard stood in solemn rows along the road, colorful banners fluttering, ritual music playing in unison—amidst the rustling autumn wind, it made quite a splendid sight. On Qian Hongchu's side, upon hearing the sound of ritual music, he voluntarily dismounted and came forward on foot.

The size of Qian Hongchu's entourage entering the capital this time was considerable—over thirty of Wuyue's principal civil and military officials in all. Moreover, he had also brought Lady Sun, who enjoyed a fine reputation for virtue in Hangzhou. Lady Sun, given name Taizhen, was outstanding in both talent and beauty, but what she was most praised for was her benevolence and virtue. She had always been frugal and economical, never adorning herself in lavish dress—a rare sight in the extravagantly spendthrift Wuyue palace.

Qian Hongchu had always held Lady Sun in high regard and spoke approvingly of her, conferring upon her the title of Virtuous and Worthy Lady. Of course, respect did not mean affection—after all, it was those beauties who could accompany him in wanton pleasure that more easily won his heart. However, Qian Hongchu's mind was still quite clear: for pleasure he could seek out other consorts, but for the serious business of entering the capital, he had to bring Lady Sun, whose reputation for virtue was widely known. Moreover, her frugal character also matched the style the Emperor had been advocating, so bringing her would reflect better on him.

It could be said that for this journey north, Qian Hongchu had made thorough preparations—everything that could be thought of, everything that should be considered, had not been overlooked. He treated this matter with the utmost seriousness.

Catching sight of Liu Chenghsun leading the welcome party, a joyful smile immediately welled up on Qian Hongchu's plump face. He hurried forward at the head of his group, cupping his hands in salute: "What virtue or ability do I possess, to trouble the Prince of Yong to welcome me in person!"

Liu Chenghsun returned the salute and replied: "The Wuyue King has traveled a long distance—of course you must be received as an honored guest of the state. I have come specifically on His Majesty's orders to await your arrival. The Wuyue King need not be so modest!"

Upon hearing this, Qian Hongchu's expression immediately turned solemn. Facing toward the palace city, he made a reverent bow.

Glancing over Qian Hongchu's party, Liu Chenghsun maintained a spring-breeze smile on his face and extended his hand, saying: "So many worthy figures of Wuyue, all coming north together—will the Wuyue King not introduce them to me?"

Qian Hongchu understood the hint and hurriedly responded with a smile. He first introduced his sister-in-law Lady Sun Taizhen, then Yuan Dexiao and several other principal civil and military officials—the rest were not worthy of introduction. Under Liu Chenghsun's introductions, he also presented Liu Xi. Naturally, everyone observed proper etiquette, and Liu Xi, with a leisurely smile, responded with equal courtesy.

"Learning that the Wuyue King and all his officials were coming north, His Majesty was greatly pleased and ordered me to first hold a banquet to wash away the dust of travel and offer rest and comfort! The Protocol Institute has already made preparations—please, everyone, proceed into the city!" Liu Chenghsun said, maintaining his poise in every word and gesture.

Qian Hongchu naturally gave thanks once more. From beginning to end, the atmosphere between host and guest remained perfectly harmonious.

"Chancellor Tao, His Majesty has decreed that upon your return to the capital, you are to enter the palace for an audience first!" Before entering the city, an official from the Ministry of Personnel quietly said to Tao Gu, who was returning north together with Qian Hongchu. Upon hearing this, Tao Gu dared not delay—he set aside any thought of attending the banquet and slipped away.

On the other side, Liu Chenghsun shared a carriage with Qian Hongchu. In private exchange, there was naturally less of the empty formality of officialdom, and a bit more warmth. Liu Chenghsun smiled at Qian Hongchu and said: "When I sent Ninth Brother off from the capital back then, I already looked forward to the day of reunion, to welcome you again. Now, I have not failed that promise from years past!"

Hearing Liu Chenghsun's reminiscence, Qian Hongchu also revealed a smile, his fair face full of amiability, and he joined in with his own reflection: "Time passes like flowing water—before I knew it, nearly four years have gone by. Times change, and human affairs are hard to sort out. My brother-in-law's bearing remains as dashing as ever, while I have grown fat and increasingly aged..."

Qian Hongchu was only in his thirties now, but hearing him put on airs lamenting the passage of age, Liu Chenghsun found it rather amusing. He could understand the man's intention of hiding his light, yet he said with a laugh: "Ninth Brother is in the prime of life—your days are still early. Why speak of age? The future is still long, so spare us the old man's sighs!"

Qian Hongchu smiled as well and said: "I was merely speaking from feeling!"

Liu Chenghsun then comforted him: "Since you've come to the capital this time, stay for a good while. My wife has been missing you for a long time, and even Liu Chun and the others have been looking forward to their uncle's arrival!"

Upon hearing this, Qian Hongchu's expression relaxed, and he said with pointed meaning: "Having come to Kaifeng this time, I no longer plan to return to Hangzhou!"

Qian Hongchu was directly stating his position. Even though Liu Chenghsun had been confident in his heart, seeing him so candid still drew a hint of surprise from him. Then, the smile on his handsome features grew even richer as he said: "The Eastern Capital is a fine place to live—the court will surely give you a warm welcome!"

"You and your sister-in-law need not stay at the guesthouse—after the banquet, come to my Prince of Yong's residence for a visit!" Liu Chenghsun said.

"I was just thinking the same!"

"..."

Shortly after Qian Hongchu entered Kaifeng, his massive fleet that had traveled north with him, pulled by tow ropes, slowly sailed into the Eastern Capital through the East Water Gate. Fully several dozen large ships, sitting deep in the water, their visible load raising the waterline before the embankment by several inches. Even without glimpsing their full contents, one could sense the splendor and wealth within—they certainly drew plenty of attention.

Such a sight had only been seen before when the court transported war spoils into the Eastern Capital. The reason Qian Hongchu's journey north had been so slow was precisely because the things he brought were simply too many and too heavy.

Among them, twenty-five ships had their holds filled with gold, silver, pearls, jade, coin, silk, and famous artifacts, plus assorted rare treasures. As for those "worthless" local specialty goods, he had brought few. These riches and valuables, Qian Hongchu intended to present entirely to Emperor Liu.

Another five ships, equally laden with wealth, were for Qian Hongchu's own arrangements and connections in the Eastern Capital. Several more ships were loaded with all the registers, archives, and official documents of the prefectures and counties under Wuyue's jurisdiction—before coming, he had found many people to transcribe them all anew. These were the most precious things of all.

"The Suzhou-Hangzhou region truly is a land of abundant resources and heavenly treasures—it certainly nourishes a man!" In Chongzheng Hall, Emperor Liu studied Tao Gu and said with a light chuckle.

This old fellow Tao Gu had indeed lived comfortably during his time in Hangzhou. His face had grown fairer, his body rounder—even the hardships of travel could not hide his abundant vigor and spirit.

Facing the Emperor's teasing, Tao Gu naturally remained perfectly respectful, answering with downcast eyes: "Your servant is ashamed!"

"This mission to Hangzhou—serving as the central liaison, coordinating military affairs, and persuading Qian Hongchu to come north—you have worked hard, Minister Tao!" Emperor Liu knew very well how Tao Gu had performed in Hangzhou; at least in matters of importance, he had never dropped the ball. Thus, he offered verbal encouragement.

"Your Majesty did not consider Your servant's virtue and conduct too shallow, but entrusted this mission to me—Your servant dared not be negligent!" Noting the Emperor's attitude, Tao Gu breathed a sigh of relief and answered humbly: "In Hangzhou, Your servant merely relied upon Your Majesty's heavenly might, and the subjects of Wuyue dared not defy it, so everything went smoothly. Your servant dares not claim any credit!"

A faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, Liu Chengyou grew somewhat more serious and asked: "Qian Hongchu comes north to offer his territory—how have the subjects of Wuyue reacted? After all, it is a power that has stood for decades; surely not all are willing!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Tao Gu then related what he knew: "This matter did indeed stir some debate. However, with the court's might from pacifying the Two Rivers and Lingnan, with strong troops at the borders and divided hearts within, and with the Wuyue King's determination to offer his territory being resolute, even if a few harbor resistance in their hearts, they cannot stand against the tide of the times!"

After Tao Gu's words, Liu Chengyou felt somewhat relieved. He stood up, waved his hand, and said with a note of excitement in his voice: "Since the end of the Tang, the realm has collapsed and splintered apart. Now, at last, it will be wiped clean in one stroke by me!"

Noticing the soaring spirit between Emperor Liu's brows, Tao Gu hurriedly flattered: "Your Majesty possesses peerless wisdom and strategy—the realm is destined for this unification!"

"Lü Yin, pass down the order—tomorrow I shall host a banquet at Chongyuan Hall for the Wuyue King. All ministers in the capital and all civil and military officials of the fifth rank and above shall attend!" Liu Chengyou turned and immediately instructed Lü Yin.

"Yes!"

In the fifteenth year of Qianyou, winter, the twentieth day of the twelfth month, the Wuyue King Qian Hongchu entered the capital. The Han Emperor hosted a banquet for him at Chongyuan Hall, and Qian Hongchu, before the court, presented to the imperial court the lands and populace of Wuyue's thirteen prefectures, one army, and eighty-six counties in total.

With this, the realm that had been divided for over half a century since the fall of the Tang finally moved toward unification. A new, unified Han Empire rose once more, standing tall in the East, glaring fiercely at all four directions.