Chapter 1063: The Twenty-Four Meritorious Officials of Qianyou

Inside Chongyuan Hall, it was likewise a microcosm of life in all its variety. In fact, from the arrangement of the seating, one could already discern the future standing of these civil and military dignitaries of the Great Han. Men like Wei Renpu, Murong Yanzhao, Gao Huaide, Xiang Xun, and Zhao Kuangyin were clearly of the first rank, whether in titles of nobility or in actual power.

Of course, there were also those who had achieved success and renown, were held in high esteem for their virtue, and occupied positions of transcendent status—such as Fu Yanqing, An Shenqi, and Guo Wei. Taking advantage of the grand ceremony, Guo Wei, who had retired from the capital and lived in seclusion for over seven years, had returned once again. It was Emperor Liu himself who had issued the edict summoning him back—how could the roster of the Great Han's founding heroes be complete without Guo Wei's place upon it?

Moreover, having returned this time, he would basically no longer need to go back to his hometown of Yaoshan to cultivate his character and enjoy the pastoral life. By now, Emperor Liu had completely set aside his wariness of Guo Wei—there was no longer any need for it. Indeed, toward this founding meritorious official of Hedong, this architect of the dynasty, and his own father-in-law, Emperor Liu even felt a trace of guilt in his heart. After all, at the political prime of his life, he had been forced into retirement by Emperor Liu...

At this moment, within the great hall, the assembled nobles and ministers were all conversing animatedly, smiles on every face, the atmosphere most harmonious. Fu Yanqing, An Shenqi, and Guo Wei had also gathered together—among all the external officials present, it was the three of them whose status, prestige, and standing were the highest.

The Emperor had not yet arrived, so although the atmosphere was lively, it still lacked something. The wine and dishes had long been prepared, the bowls and chopsticks set out, but no one dared to touch them—all were waiting for the protagonist to arrive. Only the ceremonial music ensemble at the side of the hall played light, cheerful tunes, adding to the festivity of this highest-level elite banquet of the Great Han.

While Yang Bin and Su Fengji were giving voice to their heartfelt emotions, looking forward to drinking their fill, Guo Wei quietly walked over, clasped his hands in salute: "Duke Yang! Duke Su!"

Seeing this, the two hastily supported each other as they rose and returned the salute: "This old man greets Duke Xing!"

"Pray, do not stand on ceremony! I, Guo, would not dare presume!" So many years had passed, yet Guo Wei remained as humble and magnanimous as ever, hastily reaching out to support the two men.

Noticing their hoary beards and aged faces, his gaze settling on Yang Bin, Guo Wei remarked with emotion: "The two dukes have endured hardships and tasted the cold and warmth of the world. Now that you have been pardoned and returned to court, bitterness has given way to sweetness—truly a cause for congratulations!"

Speaking of it, in the early political scene of the Han, Yang Bin had been a man of prominence, habitually overbearing and stubborn. But toward Guo Wei, he had always been quite friendly and held him in high regard—the two had always gotten along well. Of course, this was not unrelated to Guo Wei's skill at cultivating relationships.

However, the affairs of those years could no longer be pursued. The reality now was that Guo Wei was a Duke of the Great Han, a relative of the imperial house. Though he had withdrawn behind the scenes, his status was exalted and his family illustrious. As for himself, he was merely a criminal who had just been pardoned—even setting foot in Chongyuan Hall was a special grace granted by the Emperor.

Thus, facing Guo Wei's familiar yet unfamiliar humble countenance, Yang Bin's feelings were quite complicated. Still, in his mouth, he responded with a composed expression: "This old man was but a convict. Fortunately, Your Majesty's magnanimity pardoned me, and tonight I am able to set foot within the palace—truly a blessing! As for Duke Xing, your bearing remains as impressive as ever—more than a decade and your demeanor has not changed—truly admirable!"

From Yang Bin's conduct, one could see that within this old man's heart, there still remained a certain tenacity, a certain pride.

"Duke Yang flatters me!" Guo Wei smiled, pointing to the white strands at his temples, and said: "A man is old now—no longer what he was in former days!"

"Pray, both dukes, remain seated!" Guo Wei had only intended to exchange greetings, so his smile did not fade and his tone remained gentle as he said: "The founding heroes, the old ministers of those years—they are dwindling day by day, and few remain. Today is both a great state ceremony and a reunion for us old men—truly a joy. When the feast begins shortly, we should drink deeply together..."

"Certainly! Certainly!" Su Fengji revealed a smile and responded.

Yang Bin also nodded.

They did not have to wait long. Emperor Liu had changed into a lighter set of dragon robes—black brocade as the base, embroidered with mountains, rivers, sun, and moon, encompassing all things, plus gilded auspicious dragons with bared fangs and claws, revealing a wanton flamboyance within the composure, as if echoing his mood at this moment.

Having gone through the entire day's ceremonial procedures, Emperor Liu, renowned for his abundant energy, was also thoroughly exhausted. Therefore, as he ascended the imperial throne and looked upon the nobles and ministers still displaying excited expressions, Liu Chengyou was genuinely curious where they found such good energy.

The hall fell silent. All took their proper positions and uniformly performed the ritual salute to Emperor Liu, from inside the hall to outside, from the top of the steps to the bottom. For a moment, apart from the imperial guards on duty, there was no one in all of Chongyuan Hall still standing upright. As for Emperor Liu and the Empress Dowager, they remained seated.

The scene suddenly became solemn, somewhat at odds with the aroma of wine and food permeating the air. Solemn addresses and grave speeches had already been made in today's series of ceremonies. Therefore, Emperor Liu waved his hand grandly and declared in a relaxed tone: "All ministers, dispense with ceremony! Today is a day of joy, tonight is a night of celebration—no one need stand on formality!"

As he spoke, he deliberately sniffed the air and laughed: "With all this fragrance of wine and food filling the hall, it would be a shame to let it go to waste!"

He tilted his head and signaled to Yan Tuo. Then this eunuch, opening his voice wide, loudly announced that His Majesty had decreed—all ministers take their seats, the feast begins!

Of course, in a palace banquet like this, the wine and feast were never the true theme. The first thing Emperor Liu did after the feast began was to praise the generals who had pacified the south, in front of all the ministers.

Because of the grand state ceremony, the glory of the commanders who had finally pacified the realm had been somewhat overshadowed, and no separate celebration banquet had been held for them. But Emperor Liu would not overlook this point.

A total of two generals, as representatives, received the Emperor's consolation and commendation—Yin Chongke and Shi Yande, one representing the Jianghuai army, the other representing the Lingnan soldiers. Liu Chengyou personally toasted them.

For this celebration, although Emperor Liu had recalled a great number of external officials, there were still many who could not return—such as Guo Rong, the Northwestern Inspection Commissioner stationed at Lingzhou, and Shi Hongzhao, Duke of Zheng, stationed at Lanzhou. There were also the commanders who had pacified the south: Pan Mei garrisoning and pacifying the two Guangs, assisting in the restoration of governance; Li Gu and Shi Shouxin stationed at Jinling; Zhao Yanjin and Zhang Yongde stationed at Hangzhou; Cao Bin at Hongzhou; Liu Guangyi stationed in Fujian. But at the state banquet, it was impossible to forget them—indeed, they were the first to be mentioned.

To commend the merits of the soldiers who had pacified the south, besides the requisite rewards, there was this piece, "The Triumphal Command," and a sword dance performance. Led by Pure Consort Zhou, who hailed from the south, accompanied by fifty dancers of graceful bearing, dressed not in rouge and silks but in martial attire, they displayed a different kind of beauty, likewise heightening the atmosphere and stirring the spirits...

When the dance concluded, under the gaze of all, just as at every imperial banquet in the past, Liu Chengyou held a wine cup in hand, stood upon the imperial steps, and in a posture of looking down upon the mortal world, spoke: "I ascended the throne at eighteen, ruling the realm with grand ambitions to punish the disobedient, to subjugate the various states, to eliminate the separatist regimes. Now I have initially pacified the world and brought some tranquility to the four seas. Though I dare not boast of great achievements, it can still be said that I have accomplished much. Today I feast with all ministers, the whole nation rejoices together, to repay fifteen years of bitter toil! I dedicate this cup to all ministers, as a mutual encouragement!"

Draining the cup in one go, Liu Chengyou continued, a hint of a smile once again appearing on his stern countenance, and finally broached the matter everyone was most interested in: "The north and south are reunited as one family, the four seas are returned to unity. This is not my achievement alone, but rather, in the years of Qianyou, countless people of benevolence and aspiration, heroes and men of talent, working with one heart and pooling their wisdom, have brought about today's prosperity. To confer honors and establish ranks of nobility is only fitting—to not disappoint the meritorious!"

He had no intention of speaking at length. Emperor Liu simply delivered two short speeches, drank three cups of wine, then returned to the imperial table and sat down calmly. Then he waved his hand, and Lü Yin and Shi Xizai, two close ministers, stood to left and right before the throne, each holding an edict, preparing to read them aloud. Beside each of them stood several palace eunuchs, each bearing a tray piled high with sealed bestowal edicts—these things especially drew the eye.

"Murong Yanzhao, Grand Commandant, Minister of War, Chief Minister with the Secretariat-Chancellery—brave, resourceful, resolute, and loyal. He took Lu and Ze, marched east through the Taihang Mountains, pursued the Khitan, won a great victory at Luancheng, campaigned east of the Yangtze, took Jinghu in the south, and settled the Yan Mountains in the north—his battle record is brilliant, his martial achievements outstanding. He is enfeoffed as Duke of Wei!"

Murong Yanzhao being first also signified that he was the foremost meritorious official of the Qianyou era as personally designated by Emperor Liu. Even Murong Yanzhao, who had always maintained a heart as calm as still water, could not help but be stirred. With his frail body, he knelt and bowed in gratitude.

"Wei Renpu, Director of the Secretariat, Grand Academician of Guangzheng Hall—broad-minded, incorruptible, prudent, and law-abiding, devoted to public duty. He has served the state for sixteen years, loyal to the royal house, offering counsel and suggestions, exhausting his every thought to bring peace to the realm. He is enfeoffed as Duke of Yu!"

Thus, in martial achievement Murong Yanzhao ranked first, and in civil governance Wei Renpu ranked first—both unexpected and yet entirely reasonable. Segment by segment, the enfeoffments of the Qianyou meritorious officials were proclaimed from the mouths of Lü Yin and Shi Xizai, and soon, twenty-four men had "taken their places."

Twenty-four meritorious officials, twenty-four dukes and princes.