Chapter 1097: Accepting the Return

In the last month of the intercalary period, as the Great Han Empire was about to usher in the second year of Kaibao, Cao Yuangong, the envoy of the Guiyi Army, finally arrived at the Eastern Capital after an eventful eastward journey.

Fortunately, after passing Liangzhou, with the care of the local government offices, the journey went very smoothly, with no more of the terrors experienced before entering the border. As for the hardship of traveling in winter, after enduring tribulations and with complete support in place, it counted for even less.

The public security situation within the Great Han was indeed commendable. When the guiding principles of Kaibao governance were propagated through the Pacification Commissions and government offices at all levels, and after the tangible benefits were initially felt over the course of this year, the people were overjoyed, as if blessed by sweet rain, and the northern prefectures that had been deeply cultivated for many years could be described as enjoying the heartfelt allegiance of the populace.

For Cao Yuangong's arrival, the court, from top to bottom, extended the highest courtesy, treating him as an honored guest. Not only were all reception arrangements thorough and proper, but Crown Prince Liu Yang was also sent to receive him in person. Meanwhile, Emperor Liu personally hosted a banquet at Wansui Hall, accompanied by all the chancellors.

The weight of such courtesy was astonishing; even Cao Yuangong himself was exceptionally flattered and somewhat unable to believe it. Over the years, the Guiyi Army had sent envoys to court more than once or twice, but according to the accounts of envoys who returned, although the court was courteous, it had never reached this level. From the moment he entered the border, from the central government to the local authorities, from top to bottom, the court's attitude was as comfortable as a spring breeze.

Of course, this was not without reason. Cao Yuangong was no fool; after much deliberation, he figured it probably had to do with the purpose of his visit. And indeed it was so—this time, because the court had learned of his intention to offer territory and submit, the courtesy extended far exceeded previous occasions, nearly comparable to the treatment Wuyue King Qian Hongchu had received on his several northward visits.

Even Chen Hongjin's offering of Zhangzhou and Quanzhou had not received such a degree of attention. If one counted households or wealth, five or six Guasha could not compare with Zhangzhou and Quanzhou, but the strategic importance of its location could not be matched.

Add to that Emperor Liu's long-cherished grand strategy of westward expansion and his recognition of the Guiyi Army's long-standing solitary defense of Hexi—under these various factors, driven by the emperor's will, came this response. This was also a manifestation where political significance outweighed everything else.

Having figured this out, Cao Yuangong could not help but feel much more at ease. This situation proved that the court truly valued the Guiyi Army. As such, whether for the Guiyi Army or for the Cao clan, it was a good signal—after all, even if one were to sell oneself, one should get a good price, and the buyer's attitude often determined the final transaction price.

Inside Wansui Hall, an atmosphere of harmony prevailed. The cold outside could not affect the mood within. The empire's sovereign and ministers all wore formal ceremonial caps and robes, enjoying court delicacies together with Cao Yuangong. Emperor Liu had even specially brought out the ceremonial music troupe to perform.

Sitting at ease, observing the docile, humble, and deferential Cao Yuangong, Emperor Liu wore a faint smile as he personally urged him to drink: "Minister Cao, this is fine Fen liquor aged in the palace for many years. On ordinary occasions, I am reluctant to bring it out. Since this is your first visit to court, you must drink several cups!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Cao Yuangong dared not be remiss. He quickly rose, bowed his body, and accompanied the Han emperor in draining the cup in one go.

Carefully glancing at the Great Han emperor, then shifting his gaze from the Crown Prince to the chancellors, Cao Yuangong's aged face seemed to carry boundless emotion, his heart filled with gratitude. He said to Emperor Liu: "What merit or ability does your servant possess, to receive such generous treatment and heavy courtesy from Your Majesty? Your servant, your servant, your servant is moved to tears..."

His agitation seemed difficult to express in words. As he spoke, Cao Yuangong actually squeezed out a few tears, creating a somewhat touching atmosphere.

"Ah..." Seeing this, Liu Chengyou maintained a relaxed demeanor, waving his hand at him and comforting him: "Since you are a minister of Han and a distinguished guest from afar, it is only fitting that I welcome you and make you feel at home. Otherwise, would that not be a breach of propriety?"

"Your Majesty is truly a sage ruler and benevolent lord—no wonder the people of the four seas vie to pledge their loyalty and submit!" Cao Yuangong said immediately.

Emperor Liu was basically immune to this kind of flattery, yet hearing these words, he could not help but laugh. This was only the beginning, and already the praise was this extravagant...

Looking at Cao Yuangong, Emperor Liu expressed his reflections, saying: "Regarding matters of the He-Long region, I have heard of them repeatedly since I ascended the throne. For this reason, I have specially consulted the records and registers, and dispatched envoys westward, all to understand the conditions of the people and the situation in the old lands of Hexi. I have also learned much about the deeds of the Guiyi Army—I find them both admirable and worthy of respect, yet also regrettable and lamentable.

Recovering the northwest, holding fast for a hundred years, providing a place of refuge for the surviving people of Hexi, preserving the rites and customs of our Han civilization—these are all great achievements for our great Chinese nation!

In the early years, when the various states were divided and the realm was torn asunder, my energy and that of the court were focused mainly on unification. Now that the great enterprise is accomplished, I can finally free my hands to turn attention to the northwest. Consider it compensation for the old ministers of Hexi who have been neglected for many years, and a remedy for the regrets of the past..."

"Your Majesty's breadth of mind surpasses even the vastness of the drifting sands. If the officers and men of the Guiyi Army and the people of Guasha were to hear Your Majesty's words, they would surely be deeply moved!" Hearing this, Cao Yuangong said.

As he spoke, Cao Yuangong again rose and walked to the center of the hall. Under everyone's gaze, he drew from his bosom an extremely treasured memorial, knelt, and held it aloft above his head, saying: "Your Majesty's concern for the surviving people of Hexi is truly the great fortune of Guasha. Your servant has come this time specifically under the orders of Duke Xiping, presenting this memorial of submission to return to the court. I earnestly beseech Your Majesty, in your benevolence, to accept the petition of the officers, men, and people of Guasha!"

Everyone present was well aware of Cao Yuangong's purpose, so his actions elicited little surprise. Emperor Liu merely gave a glance, and the palace eunuch Yan Tuo stepped forward quickly, solemnly received the memorial, and then respectfully presented it to Emperor Liu.

Opening Cao Yuanzhong's memorial, to show his regard, Emperor Liu read it through carefully. It was a lengthy piece of over a thousand characters, recalling the past, analyzing the rise and fall of the Guiyi Army, recounting the Cao clan's governance over the past fifty years, then explaining the current situation facing the Guiyi Army and the condition of its officers and people, and finally expressing the intent to submit.

There were not many ornate phrases, but it had a beginning and an end, a clear main theme, and clear expression. From it, Emperor Liu could even sense the complex emotions Cao Yuanzhong had felt when writing this memorial.

Setting down the document, Emperor Liu's dignified countenance once again broke into a gentle smile. He gestured to Cao Yuangong and said: "Minister Cao, please rise!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After a moment of deliberation, Liu Chengyou said with a serene expression: "The Cao clan's action may be called a great act of righteousness—coming with your cities and people to submit. My heart is deeply comforted. However, the matter of Guasha is not merely a matter of one army and two cities; it involves the entire situation of Hexi, and the court must consider it comprehensively from the overall perspective..."

Hearing Emperor Liu speak thus, Cao Yuangong's heart skipped a beat. He immediately bowed again, appearing somewhat agitated as he said: "Could it be that Your Majesty does not wish to accept the officers, men, and people of Hexi?"

"The people of Hexi are also my subjects—how could I abandon them?" Emperor Liu said in a firm tone.

"Then why does Your Majesty hesitate?" Cao Yuangong seemed somewhat puzzled.

At the side, Chancellor Wei Renpu spoke up: "Governor Cao need not harbor doubts. The court and His Majesty naturally welcome with all their hearts the return of the Guiyi Army to the court. It is only that the court has its own policies regarding Hexi affairs, which must submit to the overall situation.

The tribulations you suffered on your eastward journey have already proven that the situation in Hexi is not stable. Therefore, the timing of the return and how it is to be implemented still require a sound and thorough plan. Please be patient for now..."

Hearing Wei Renpu's explanation, Cao Yuangong suddenly understood, and then apologized: "It was your servant who was too hasty. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

"Your journey from afar was not easy, and such feelings are understandable!" Emperor Liu appeared all smiles.

Then, looking toward Wei Renpu, he instructed: "Minister Wei, the Cao clan has guarded Guasha for fifty years, defending the territory and protecting the people with great toil and merit. Now that they come to submit, I am both delighted and deeply impressed. The court must not treat them shabbily. Regarding the enfeoffment and settlement of the Cao clan after submission, the Hall of State Affairs may first deliberate and produce a proposal after the banquet..."

"Yes!"

These words were clearly meant for Cao Yuangong to hear. And upon hearing them, Cao Yuangong finally broke into a smile on his face. After all that talk, this was the most important matter.