Chapter 11: Seeking Counsel

"Great King! Great King!" The assembled civil and military officials kept shouting, and those at the front even crawled forward on their knees, eager to offer their remonstrance.

However, on the most sensitive question, Liu Zhiyuan still chose to evade, decisively leaving the crowd a view of his back as he walked toward the inner hall, showing not the slightest reluctance toward the agitated cries of the civil and military officials in the hall. Liu Zhiyuan had withdrawn, but the civil and military officials of Hedong still knelt there, each one unable to contain their emotions—yet since the principal party was absent, they could only look on helplessly.

At this moment, Liu Chengxun, who knelt at the front, stood up, steadied his emotions, turned around, and clasped his fists toward the crowd: "Gentlemen, please rise." Liu Chengyou noted his elder brother's host-like bearing, lowered his eyelids, and silently rose to his feet.

Since Liu Chengxun had spoken, the others no longer continued kneeling. They rose one after another, and the murmuring still did not cease, buzzing through the hall. Su Fengji then moved two steps closer to Liu Chengxun, cupped his hands, and said in a loud voice: "Young Lord, the Great King has always held you in special affection. With the situation as it is, please offer him your counsel and urge the Great King to take up this heavy burden of the realm!"

Su Fengji's words once again stirred "resonance." The rough-tempered Liu Xin, upon hearing this, also said to Liu Chengxun in a coarse voice: "Dalang, Administrative Assistant Su is right. You must persuade your elder brother more. You are father and son—anything can be said between you. In this realm, besides him, who else is qualified to be Emperor? Tell him to stop declining..."

One after another they hurried to offer suggestions, and the hall suddenly became noisy and clamorous, which instead pressed down upon Liu Chengxun. Yang Bin, as the "head of the civil officials," stepped forward, coughed heavily a few times to draw everyone's attention, swept his gaze around, and said: "Gentlemen, hear one word from Yang. This matter cannot be rushed. Listen to the Great King—let everyone first return to their posts and keep the offices running properly. Do not let any disorder arise."

"......"

The group debated heatedly, yet without Liu Zhiyuan's response, it still ended without result, and they dispersed. After leaving their seats, the civil and military officials of Hedong walked off in twos and threes, discussing without cease.

"What does the Great King mean by this?" Shi Hongzhao walked together with his long-time friend Guo Wei, asking him with a face full of bewilderment: "Things have come to this point—what is he still hesitating about?"

"Brother Huayuan, do not be anxious." Guo Wei's expression showed little surprise. He moved closer to Shi Hongzhao and said in a low voice: "This is a great matter of founding a dynasty—how could it be decided hastily? It is only natural for the Great King to have some concerns and some hesitation."

"That is how it is said, but how long must we wait? To hesitate when a decision is needed—if someone else seizes the initiative first, then we will have fallen behind!" Shi Hongzhao's tone remained utterly impatient, as if he truly wished he could drape the yellow robe over Liu Zhiyuan that very moment.

"On this point, Brother Huayuan need not worry. At present, among the realm's military governors, the passes within are exhausted, and the Central Plains and Hebei are all under the Khitan's eyes. Only our Hedong is uniquely favored by heaven—no other power can compare!" Guo Wei waved his hand and said lightly: "Moreover, have you not noticed the change in the Great King's attitude? This time, he is not like before, angrily refusing..."

Hearing Guo Wei say this, Shi Hongzhao put away his impatient expression, pondered for a few moments, and only then asked in an uncertain tone: "I did not pay attention to such things. Hmm—could it be that the Great King is still waiting for something?"

At this, Guo Wei revealed a faint smile, strolling along as he cast a sidelong glance at Shi Hongzhao, his deep eyes brimming with hidden meaning: "I have heard something—Chief Inspector Zhang Yanwei of the Longqi Army is secretly making connections with the various Commanders of Jinyang, plotting some great affair?"

Upon hearing this, Shi Hongzhao's expression shifted slightly. He turned his head to stare at Guo Wei, and Guo Wei also looked back at him with a natural expression. The two exchanged glances for a short while, and it was Shi Hongzhao who first averted his gaze: "It was that old man Chang Si who told you?"

Guo Wei smiled but did not take up the thread. Seeing this, Shi Hongzhao spread his hands: "I will not hide it from Wenzhong either—this matter is indeed true!" As the words fell, Shi Hongzhao could not help clenching his fist: "If it comes to it, we may still have to rely on our brothers below to forcefully support the Great King's ascension!"

Hearing the implication of "military remonstrance" in Shi Hongzhao's tone, Guo Wei hurriedly stopped him: "Hey! Brother Huayuan, do not be hasty!"

"I was only speaking. By the way, Brother Wenzhong, regarding the matter of making connections—knowing it in your heart is enough. We are still in the planning stage; it must never leak out!" After explaining, Shi Hongzhao did not forget to admonish Guo Wei once more.

Watching Shi Hongzhao's cautious manner, Guo Wei suddenly felt that this man's prudence appeared so "naive," yet he echoed aloud: "Brother Huayuan, rest assured. Guo is never one to be loose-tongued!"

After the two parted, Guo Wei resumed a grave expression, silently sighing in his heart: "Behind Zhang Yanwei, there should be the push of the Liu family's second son. That lad, from start to finish, has said not a word and done nothing conspicuous—yet his moves are not vague in the least..."

In fact, from the very beginning, when Liu Chengyou had Zhang Yanwei go out to contact the various armies, he had not intended to deliberately conceal his actions—after all, it was not a plot against the state. It was only Shi Hongzhao who thought he was secretly planning a great affair and did not wish to let the news leak—somewhat endearing, somewhat laughable.

On Liu Chengyou's side, after leaving the hall, he quickened his pace and found Wang Jun: "General Xiufeng, please wait a moment."

Liu Chengyou considered his attitude to be quite amiable, but his stiff tone, paired with a bitter expression, truly made it hard for anyone to gauge his disposition. Turning around and looking at Liu Chengyou's solemn countenance, Wang Jun felt puzzled but made a bow with neither humility nor arrogance: "May I ask what instructions the Vice Director has?"

Liu Chengyou sized up Wang Jun. This man was in the prime of his vigor—lean in build, but very sturdy. He still bore the dust of travel upon him. Though unavoidably weary from the journey, he was entirely spirited, and his small eyes shone with a strong confidence.

"Instructions, hardly." Liu Chengyou's voice was steady and even as he walked to Wang Jun's side: "The General has returned from Bianliang. I am most curious about the situation of the Khitan and the state of affairs in the Central Plains, and I wish to seek the General's counsel!"

"Counsel, hardly." Upon the question, Wang Jun revealed a restrained faint smile and gave a slight nod: "If the Vice Director has any doubts, speak them plainly. This officer will tell all he knows without reservation."

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou's brows gave a satisfied twitch. He pointed toward the east and said: "If you do not mind, would you come to my lodgings for a cup of hot tea?"

"Vice Director, please!" Liu Chengyou's mature-beyond-his-years bearing stirred a strange feeling in Wang Jun's heart, and he turned sideways with a gesture of invitation.

Liu Chengyou's courtyard was as quiet as ever. The servants, bound by strict rules, busied themselves with their tasks in an orderly fashion. In the modest hall, the two sat facing each other across a table. A pot of fragrant tea had already been brewed, and a refreshing aroma of tea permeated the air.

Wang Jun swept his gaze over the simple furnishings of the hall, then looked at Liu Chengyou in his dark robes, and could not help remarking: "Who would have thought that with the Vice Director's esteemed status, his lodgings would be so austere! I truly admire this!"

Liu Chengyou was receiving a guest, and his favored concubine Lady Geng was also at his side, dressed in a plain floral gown, a serene smile hanging on her fair face. Her little finger slightly raised, she lifted the teapot with hands as clean as jade scallions, gracefully pouring a cup of tea for Liu Chengyou, then personally pouring one for Wang Jun. Afterward, she sat quietly to one side, her demure appearance most pleasing.

"I entertain my guest with nothing but tea—I hope the General does not find it too simple!" Liu Chengyou gestured toward Wang Jun.

"I would not dare. Thank you." Wang Jun received it, displaying considerable grace.

Liu Chengyou did not speak again for a time, and so the two "tacitly" began savoring the tea. The hall was very still—so still that the sound of sipping was distinctly audible. Throughout the scene, it seemed Liu Chengyou had truly only invited Wang Jun to enjoy tea.

When a cup of tea was finished, Wang Jun's brows wrinkled unnaturally. Glancing at Liu Chengyou, who sat calmly with a composed expression, he could not help but mutter inwardly.

Wang Jun's patience, in truth, was not as ample as he displayed. By the time Lady Geng refilled his cup once more, a hint of impatience had already crept onto his face. Liu Chengyou finally spoke: "If Hedong were to send forth troops to seize the realm, in the General's view, what path should be taken?"