Chapter 1128: Father and Son in Dialogue

"What is it?" On the reclining chair, Emperor Liu set down the book in his hand, revealing his face marked by the passage of years, and asked.

Yan Tuo, who had entered, immediately bowed and reported respectfully: "The Crown Prince has arrived in the capital. Learning that Your Majesty is visiting Qionglin Garden, he wishes to come and pay his respects!"

"He's back, is he?" Hearing this, a slight smile curled at the corners of Emperor Liu's mouth, and he instructed: "He must be weary from the journey—no need for him to rush back and forth. Have him enter the palace and first go see the Empress Dowager and the Empress. I shall return to the palace tomorrow. Convey the order!"

"Yes!"

Early the next morning, the imperial carriage set out to return to the palace. However, Emperor Liu also took some light cavalry on a circuit around the outskirts of Kaifeng. Autumn had deepened, and the air was filled with the fragrance of grain and fruit. In the countryside, the common folk were busily harvesting grain and threshing rice in the fields.

Reports had long since arrived that this year's harvest in the Central Plains was bountiful. But seeing this scene of abundance with his own eyes, Emperor Liu felt delighted as well, and much of the oppressive mood brought on by the floods in Qizhou was dispelled. He returned with a light heart, and by the time he reached the Han palace, it was already noon. Crown Prince Liu Yang came at once to seek an audience.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty!" Inside Wansui Hall, Liu Yang performed a full formal bow with proper ceremony.

"Rise!" Looking at his crown prince, Emperor Liu revealed a rare gentle smile: "Have you eaten? If not, join me for a meal!"

"Yes!" Liu Yang naturally would not refuse.

For an emperor, it was a simple meal—four dishes and a soup, three meat and two vegetable. Father and son took their seats, and Liu Chengyou looked at Liu Yang: "This western inspection tour—what impressions did you gain?"

Hearing this, Liu Yang, who had not yet picked up his chopsticks, immediately straightened his posture and sat upright, his face, with its fading youthfulness, turning solemn as he answered gravely: "Your son traveled all the way to Fengxiang Prefecture. Wherever I looked, governance was harmonious and the people content, thriving and prosperous. Officials kept to their duties, the people delighted in their occupations, the prefectures and counties were at peace, the rivers clear and the seas calm—a scene of an age of good governance!"

Emperor Liu made no comment on his answer, but instead asked: "I heard you dealt with some officials and promoted a few promising young men?"

At his father's words, Liu Yang grew even more cautious. He glanced carefully at Liu Chengyou, then said: "Even the bright sun and moon still have shadows; even in an age of good governance, corrupt officials are hard to avoid. The court established judicial oversight precisely to root out wickedness and illegality. During my western tour, encountering matters of injustice, I acted in anger and dealt with them. As for those I promoted, the Ministry of Personnel may strictly assess them, distinguish the good from the bad, and then make arrangements..."

Seeing how tense he was, Emperor Liu laughed: "Just handle everything according to the court's regulations. You are the Crown Prince—since you have exercised judgment, I have no objections!"

Hearing this, Liu Yang could not help but breathe a sigh of relief, saying: "Thank you for your trust, Father!"

"How are the land conditions in the various regions?" Liu Chengyou asked again.

Emperor Liu had always attached great importance to the problem of land annexation, and Liu Yang was well aware of this. After thinking for a moment, he said: "In your son's view, although the population has grown fuller over these years, the land is still sufficient. The registered households in each prefecture mostly own their fields. According to local officials, ever since the court issued the transaction tax regulations, the number of private land sales has greatly decreased. Moreover, ordinary folk depend on their plot of land for their livelihood and will not easily sell..."

"You went to see Hezhong Prefecture, didn't you? How were things there?" Liu Chengyou asked.

Liu Yang said: "Because of the famine, there were indeed many powerful landlords who took the opportunity to buy land from the common people. Some even bribed corrupt officials to conceal land registrations and evade taxes. Of the officials I dealt with, seven were serving in Hezhong."

"You see—the court's laws and regulations have been promoted for so many years, yet things like Hezhong still happen. A small Hezhong, one after another, has produced this many people who exploit loopholes in the law, or even openly break it and deceive the court—how much more so across the vast realm? From this it can be seen that this world is probably not merely as you have seen it!" Liu Chengyou said this.

Hearing this, Liu Yang immediately said: "Your son's understanding is indeed insufficient!"

"But as for the good side—what should be celebrated, celebrate; what should be enjoyed, enjoy. The ministers all say the Great Han has achieved good governance, and I believe it too. After all, they wouldn't all speak with one voice just to deceive me, would they?" Emperor Liu smiled again.

Liu Yang said: "How would the ministers dare deceive you? With your wisdom, Father, how could anyone deceive you?"

Emperor Liu remained very calm at Liu Yang's flattery, saying: "Do you know—the court's institutions have been continuously perfected and promoted, so why is it that from top to bottom there are still so many illegal and lawless acts?"

Hearing the question, Liu Yang thought for a while before answering: "Is it because of the officials who implement and carry out the affairs?"

"Hit the mark with one word!" Liu Chengyou showed a hint of satisfaction, then said: "No matter how perfect the system, it still needs people to implement it. However, the human heart is unfathomable and differs from person to person. As long as there is a problem in the appointment of personnel, good policies can become bad ones, and good governance can become tyranny.

Systems are dead, but people are alive! To govern the country well, the first priority is appointing the right people. If the right people are appointed, the nation is secure and the people at peace; if the wrong people are appointed, harm is certain to follow!"

Emperor Liu's words left Liu Yang blinking in bewilderment. After digesting them for a moment, he finally responded: "Your son has been taught!"

In his heart, he secretly wondered whether Emperor Liu really did have objections to those few officials he had promoted. He looked up at Liu Chengyou, then lowered his head slightly, staring blankly at the dishes.

Liu Chengyou continued: "I will give you another task!"

"Please instruct me!"

"Observing people! Whether they be high ministers and officials, imperial relatives and palace attendants, or even peddlers and common laborers—from now on, observe and understand them more. Each month, submit to me a written record of your observations and insights!" Liu Chengyou instructed.

"Yes!"

"You must remember—it's acceptable to not be clever enough, and there's no need to demand perfection in all things. But when it comes to judging people, you must be accurate. You must know how to recognize people and how to employ them. In this way, affairs can be handled well, and the nation can be governed in peace!" Liu Chengyou continued.

"Thank you for your teachings, Father!"

"I heard that in Luoyang, you encountered an amusing affair and met a remarkable person?" Emperor Liu's tone turned relaxed again.

Hearing this, a smile also appeared on Liu Yang's face, and he said: "I never expected this matter to reach your ears, Father. While I was in Luoyang, a scholar named Zhang Qixian blocked my carriage and drew diagrams on the ground to present his strategies, seeking advancement. He presented ten proposals: pacify the Tangut; enrich the people; establish feudal lords; promote filial piety; recommend the worthy; expand the Imperial Academy; cultivate the imperial fields; select good officials; be cautious in punishment; punish the wicked. I found this man interesting, so I invited him to a meal."

Liu Chengyou was also amused: "He truly is a remarkable person, and bold enough too—daring to block the carriage of you, the Crown Prince. What do you think of his proposals?"

Liu Yang said: "Your son feels that this man does indeed have some insight, and the ten strategies he presented do have merits worth adopting. Though there is no lack of vague talk, some matters the court has already been promoting for years, and some matters the court is about to undertake..."

"You have your own understanding and were not deceived by his grandiloquence—that is very good!" Emperor Liu nodded and said: "However, to possess such boldness and insight, he is no ordinary man. Since this man blocked your carriage and drew diagrams to present his strategies, he must be seeking an official post. How did you arrange it—did you grant him some office?"

Liu Yang shook his head: "Your son gave him ten strings of cash to support his continued studies and to participate in the imperial examination two years from now!"

Emperor Liu chuckled and said: "One strategy for one string of cash, and he also made the acquaintance of you, the Crown Prince, and earned himself a free meal besides—this man has not come out at a loss!"

Hearing this, Liu Yang could not help but laugh as well: "Your son merely felt that if this man could pass the examination with distinction, it would be even more beneficial to his official career!"

"Alright, enough about this Zhang Qixian. The notes from your western inspection tour—bring them to me to look at later!" Liu Chengyou instructed.

"Yes!"

All along, in cultivating his sons, Emperor Liu had been like a tutor, constantly assigning tasks for them to complete. Liu Yang had grown accustomed to it as well—each time he went on an inspection tour, he would reflect upon and summarize what he had seen, heard, felt, and thought.

"By the way, you stayed in Luoyang for a while—what do you think of that city?" Emperor Liu suddenly asked.

Liu Yang thought for a moment and answered: "A thousand-year-old ancient capital with profound heritage. In terms of prosperity, it is perhaps second only to Kaifeng."

"Some have suggested that I move the capital. What are your views?" Liu Chengyou asked again.

At this, Liu Yang immediately grew cautious. He looked at Liu Chengyou before saying: "Your son has heard you say, Father, that a capital must have three essentials: to be situated at the center of the realm, to have unimpeded water transport, and to possess formidable natural defenses..."

"So you are in favor of moving the capital?" Liu Chengyou pressed.

Liu Yang was silent for a moment, then answered: "Your son believes that Luoyang may possess those three advantages, but it is old and dilapidated, and it borders the Yellow River—it is not yet sufficient to bear the weight of a capital. Moreover, the realm has long been accustomed to the Eastern Capital as its seat. To move it rashly would cause great disruption from top to bottom..."

The thought of moving the capital had occurred to Emperor Liu more than once, but it had never been carried out. Many throughout the court were aware of this inclination, and naturally there were those who flattered the emperor, but more chose silence. Silence itself was a stance.

As for Liu Yang, he had only pointed out some problems with moving the capital and had not blindly catered to him under his authority. On this point, Emperor Liu was still satisfied.

So he waved his hand and said: "Enough, let's not discuss this. Let's eat first—the dishes are getting cold..."