Chapter 1143: The Duke of Ru Emerges from Seclusion

The square before the imperial city was extremely vast in area, and after years of additions and arrangements, it was no longer as empty as before. Ninety-nine coiling-dragon pillars were arranged according to the Changes, dividing the great square into several sections. The majesty of the imperial city was also displayed amid the carved beams and painted rafters.

What had originally been space reserved for the expansion of the palace city had instead become this magnificent square of a flourishing age, used for celebrations, and it was also the best place for Emperor Liu to review troops and mingle with the people.

At the New Year's grand ceremony of the fifth year of Kaibao, the gentry and commoners of the Eastern Capital who gathered for a glimpse of the imperial countenance and to offer congratulations to the Emperor and the court had reached two hundred and fifty thousand in number. The vast square was nearly packed full, and the splendor of that scene rather highlighted the value of this imperial square.

At this moment, Emperor Liu took the lead, strolling slowly, and only by placing himself amid it did he truly feel the charm of this square — the most direct sensation was its size.

Gently stroking one of the coiling-dragon pillars, Liu Chengyou said to Murong Yanchao, who followed at his side: "Compared to expanding the palace halls, having this magnificent square is equally grand and can display the might of Heaven. What does Uncle Imperial think?"

To this, what else could Murong Yanchao say? All along, because the cramped imperial city of the Eastern Capital was out of harmony with the grandeur of Kaifeng, he had hoped that Emperor Liu would continue building the imperial city according to the expansion blueprint of Kaifeng back then, but Emperor Liu simply would not permit it.

Now that this square had been completely remodeled and the space for expansion used up, Murong Yanchao could only go along with Emperor Liu's words: "Your Majesty does not love the ostentation of palaces — this is truly a blessing for the myriad people of the realm!"

He paused, then could not help adding a sentence: "It is only that Your Majesty's servant has heard a saying: the Son of Heaven takes the four seas as his home; without grandeur there is no way to emphasize authority, and one must not leave room for later generations to surpass it. Since Your Majesty does not begrudge heavy expenditure to repair Kaifeng, seeking blessings for a million officials and people, if funds were further allocated to repair the palace halls, would anyone still dare to raise objections? Your servant expects no one would criticize it. With Your Majesty's sagely wisdom, you are not one to wallow in luxurious enjoyment, so what hinders the normal construction of the imperial city..."

Clearly, this had nearly become a fixation of Uncle Imperial Murong — perhaps with an element of obsessive-compulsive disorder as well; things out of harmony truly looked awkward to him. Of course, after the remodeling of the imperial city square, that sense of incongruity had already disappeared.

Hearing his words, Emperor Liu remained cheerful and said: "I feel that the palace halls of Kaifeng are already grand enough. There are so many towers and halls in the palace, many still standing empty — why need further expansion? The layout of the Eastern Capital is already complete; there is no need to demand perfection!"

"Yes!" Murong Yanchao still replied respectfully.

Of course, the imperial city of the Eastern Capital had in fact also been expanded northward, just not on the scale of the great construction of Kaifeng back then. And if one wished to make further improvements, there was likewise considerable room — for instance, many old and worn palace halls and towers could be rebuilt. Especially Chongyuan Hall, the venue for grand ceremonies, which Emperor Liu himself felt was too small.

Looking at him, Liu Chengyou continued: "However, once in Luoyang, Uncle Imperial may act with full confidence!"

Hearing this, Murong Yanchao's old eyes immediately lit up. Seeing this, Liu Chengyou hurriedly administered a preventive dose: "But still, you must control funds and grain, guarantee quality, and cherish the people's strength. I have the intention of restoring glory, but matters that exhaust the people and waste money should be handled with caution — do not stir up popular resentment!"

"Your servant will surely keep Your Majesty's admonitions in mind!" Murong Yanchao said at once.

To this, Murong Yanchao was exceptionally confident, after all, he had presided over such a great project as Kaifeng back then, with successful precedent and ample experience. In this regard, Emperor Liu also believed in him, and any problems encountered during the remodeling process, he trusted could be resolved by Murong Yanchao's status and methods.

Therefore, Emperor Liu put on a magnanimous air: "When Uncle Imperial handles matters, I am at ease!"

"Many thanks for Your Majesty's trust!"

"It seems Minister Li's health has indeed recovered quite well!" Accompanying Emperor Liu on his stroll was also Li Gu, Duke of Ru.

As one of the twenty-four ministers, Li Gu was highly respected at court, but in recent years, due to health reasons, he had been recuperating. When he first returned to the Eastern Capital from Jiangnan, Emperor Liu had once worried about losing another meritorious minister.

Fortunately, after achieving success and fame, with a few more years of recuperation, Li Gu's wind-numbness ailment had been greatly alleviated. When his symptoms were severe, not only was the pain in his limbs unbearable, even standing was difficult; now, however, he could accompany Emperor Liu on outings.

"It is still thanks to Your Majesty's grace and care that I have been able to recover!" Though aged, his spirits were good, and Li Gu clasped his hands with a smile.

Waving his hand, Emperor Liu sighed and said: "When ill, one rests; when afflicted, one treats — this is the merit of physicians and recuperation. If my blessings were truly efficacious, there would not have been so many meritorious ministers and old friends who have departed this world forever..."

Clearly, Emperor Liu had again thought of those departed founding ministers and old associates. However, his mindset quickly adjusted, a smile returned to his face, and he said to Li Gu: "Since your health has recovered, can you return to court to handle affairs?"

Hearing the question, Li Gu immediately understood that Emperor Liu was about to employ him again. After a brief moment of thought, Li Gu clasped his hands and said: "As long as Your Majesty does not consider your servant old and ill, I am willing to serve the court!"

One thing Emperor Liu rather appreciated about Li Gu was that he never put on airs. Hearing his declaration, he said with satisfaction: "To let a great talent like you idle at home, passing the remaining years in mediocrity — that would be the court's greatest loss."

Saying this, Liu Chengyou directly stated his intention: "I intend to make you Governor of Kaifeng!"

Hearing this, Li Gu was somewhat surprised and could not help saying: "Is the Governor of Kaifeng not Prince Xu currently serving in that post?"

Prince Xu, Liu Chengyun, had been elevated from the title of Duke of Julu. This cousin of Emperor Liu, an adopted son of Gaozu, could be said to be the highest-ranking person among the Great Han's imperial clan, aside from Prince Yong, Liu Chenghsun. He had always been law-abiding, kept a low profile, and obediently complied with every arrangement Emperor Liu made, having previously served as Chief of the Imperial Clan Court.

Back then, when the former Governor of Kaifeng, Gao Fang, died in office, Emperor Liu had expended a fair number of brain cells on choosing a successor. He considered this way and that, and ultimately appointed Liu Chengyun to govern the capital.

In the years since, there had been nothing outstanding — no major problems, but a steady stream of minor errors. Most critically, Liu Chengyun himself felt exhausted, for the Kaifeng administration governed one city and over a dozen counties, with a population of well over a million, and governing it in an orderly manner was no small difficulty.

And Liu Chengyun, though not a dull man, had a somewhat sluggish temperament. Faced with the complex official business and the endless stream of problems, he found it hard to bear the burden, and finally took the initiative to petition Emperor Liu, requesting to resign and hoping that another worthy person would be recommended.

Thus, Emperor Liu directly thought of Li Gu — after all, when he had been transferred from Hebei into the capital back then, he had served as Governor for a period; now he would merely be resuming that post.

Facing his puzzlement, Emperor Liu naturally preserved Liu Chengyun's dignity, saying: "Prince Xu is my brother. Among the imperial clan, he now has the greatest seniority. My family is also growing larger and larger, and the children are gradually growing up. Therefore, it is more fitting to let Prince Xu manage the clan's general affairs for me!"

"You may take over the post at any time!" Liu Chengyou added.

"Your servant obeys the command!" Li Gu was also very straightforward, clasping his hands.

Though he was already sixty-four, an old steed in the stable still harbors grand ambitions. Since the Emperor did not despise his age and still wished to entrust him with heavy responsibility and great authority, he saw no reason to belittle himself, and was willing to continue contributing to the Great Han in the position of Governor of Kaifeng.

"Congratulations, Duke of Ru, on attaining the foremost post!" Beside them, Murong Yanchao offered his congratulations to Li Gu.

Li Gu naturally returned a salute, saying: "I should also thank Your Majesty for the trust!"

As it happened, both of these two elder ministers accompanying Emperor Liu had served as Governor of Kaifeng.

"Uncle Imperial, you are about to depart for Luoyang. While we are out of the palace, let us find a wine house in the city and lay out a feast — consider it my farewell toast to you!" Having finished official matters, Emperor Liu said to Murong Yanchao with a relaxed expression.

"I shall naturally follow Your Majesty's arrangements!" Murong Yanchao replied, but added: "There is one matter I hope Your Majesty will grant!"

"Speak!" Emperor Liu said casually.

"The cost of preparing this feast shall be borne by your servant!" Murong Yanchao said.

"Oh? Is Uncle Imperial already starting to save money for me?" Liu Chengyou smiled slightly.

"Your servant has received much grace and reward from Your Majesty, with no way to repay it — I merely wish to express a small token of my feelings!" Murong Yanchao said.

"This token of yours, I accept! Then let it be so — I play host, you pay..."