Chapter 1162: Hope Is Slim

A wide-ranging rain and snow fell across the capital region, and after the rain cleared, a layer of frost coated everything. The direct road between the two capitals was now completely open, like a sturdy bond tightly linking the Eastern and Western Capitals together.

By now, merchants and travelers moved back and forth between the two capitals in an endless stream, with scarcely a moment of quiet in any season. As the weather cleared, the enthusiasm of travelers from east and west, dampened by the rain and snow, revived once more; interrupted journeys were resumed, and the roads and fields were filled with the sounds of voices and livestock.

Among the traffic on the road, one carriage convoy stood out as unusual—more than thirty guards, all of them mounted knights, tall horses and stalwart frames, all wearing warm padded coats with armor concealed beneath, making no attempt to hide the weapons they carried: short swords and blades, long bows and crossbows.

A person worthy of such a guard detail was clearly of no ordinary status—one could not even describe it as merely rich or noble, for ordinary aristocrats' retinues were restricted in both the number of guards and their equipment when traveling, and even the highest-ranking princes and dukes generally knew to exercise restraint.

The carriage under protection did not look particularly ornate, but it was spacious enough, and what was exquisite were the carved patterns and the small ornaments symbolizing status and rank.

The driver wore a hat and gloves, driving the horses cleanly and skillfully, heading steadily westward. The curtain covering the window was pulled aside, revealing a pair of eyes observing the surrounding scenery. There were fields shrouded in frosty mist, travelers taking shelter by the roadside—and of course, what drew the most attention were those knights.

"Lower the curtain!" A young but steady voice sounded.

"Yes!" The reply was respectful.

Inside the spacious carriage sat two people—one young, the other younger still. The eldest imperial prince, Duke of Qin Liu Xu, and Zhao Wu Commandant Geng Jixun.

"His Majesty truly dotes on Your Highness—to grant such stalwart guards!" Geng Jixun remarked with feeling.

Liu Xu curled slightly beneath a fur robe; the cold weather did nothing to diminish his elegant bearing. Holding a book in his hand, he read silently. Hearing this, Liu Xu responded casually: "On this mission westward by imperial order, they are merely attendants for my protection. Once we return to the Eastern Capital, they will be transferred back to the palace!"

"Not so!" Geng Jixun shook his head instead: "I think these guards will be serving at the Duke of Qin's residence from now on. Previously His Majesty granted Duke Zhao ten guards; as the eldest prince, Your Highness surely will not be treated less favorably!"

As of now, among the Great Han's princes, only the three brothers Liu Xu, Liu Xi, and Liu Fang had been granted titles and established households. The sixth prince Liu Min did not count—he had reached the pinnacle of life long ago.

The Eastern Palace had its own guard establishment, and the servants and guards of the three princes' residences were mostly dispatched from the Han palace. What was different this time was that those assigned to Liu Xu were Inner Palace guards who had long served directly before Emperor Liu—that was what made it special.

Liu Xu appeared utterly indifferent to Geng Jixun's words, wearing an unconcerned expression: "Why should I seek rewards?"

Having said this, he buried his head in his book once more. Seeing this, Geng Jixun grew somewhat bored and could not help saying: "Your Highness, you have read this *Chronicles Beyond the Gate* several times already—I have read it too. It is nothing more than a summary of war histories. Why are you so obsessed with it?"

Finally, Liu Xu raised his head, rubbed his somewhat sore eyes, and said: "The wise and foolish of ancient and modern times, the rise and fall of states—all are recorded therein!"

After a pause, Liu Xu added: "My father used to read this book often in his day!"

At this mention, Geng Jixun immediately changed his tune: "Then it deserves more reading!"

Seeing that Liu Xu had emerged from his book, Geng Jixun could not help saying: "His Majesty truly values the Duke of Ying. His father rendered no service to the state, yet upon his death, His Majesty still has Your Highness brave this cold wind to travel west to Luoyang to offer condolences!"

To this, Liu Xu said: "The Duke of Ying is a pillar of the state, a weighty minister. His civil achievements and military merits rank him first among the twenty-four ministers. My father relied on him as a trusted confidant and repeatedly entrusted him with great matters. I too have always held him in admiration.

Old Master Chai has passed away—even if it is an elder's natural death, as a junior, going to express condolences is only proper. Though it was not stated explicitly, I am well aware that my going is to offer mourning on my father's behalf, to honor private friendship. You must not speak such words again—they are far too discourteous!"

The two cousins had always been close, and Geng Jixun was usually free-spoken, but when Liu Xu turned serious, he would match that seriousness.

Looking at Liu Xu, whose expression was composed and bearing serene, Geng Jixun opened his mouth, but in the end only sighed silently to himself. Liu Xu's character and ability had always been praised by others—gentle and refined, like a spring breeze. If not for the burden of his status as a concubine-born son, he would surely have great prospects.

Among Emperor Liu's many sons, which one did not have some background? The Fu, Gao, and Zhe families went without saying—even the newly born fourteenth prince had a mother who was of Liao imperial lineage. Strictly speaking, that one had an entire steppe empire behind him.

The only ones who could barely compare were the seventh prince Liu Hui and the thirteenth prince Liu Ye. Liu Ye's mother was clearly of the humblest origin—after all, she was merely a barbarian woman of the Yao tribe. Liu Hui's mother, the elder Lady Zhou, had long been favored for her talent and beauty, and the talent Liu Hui displayed at such a young age was also widely praised.

Originally, having been raised personally by the Empress Dowager counted as having the greatest protective umbrella of all. But now that umbrella had fallen as well, and the maintenance of ties with the Li clan—which held no small power and prestige both in court and among the people—was visibly growing weak and distant.

This journey west to the Western Capital to offer condolences for Chai's father on behalf of Emperor Liu might be a good opportunity to connect with the Duke of Ying, Guo Rong. However, setting aside the difficulty of winning over Guo Rong, there was one point that could not be ignored: in the Han palace there was also Consort Guo Ning, and the twelfth prince Liu Han...

From beginning to end, if there was anyone who could truly help and support Liu Xu unconditionally, it was only his close blood kin, the Geng clan. Yet compared to those illustrious founding ministers, military families, and noble houses, the Geng clan was far too weak, its influence far too small—just a handful of people, like a couple of cats and kittens. Even their current noble status was only due to Emperor Liu's lingering affection for the late Consort Geng Chen, and thus his favor toward them.

And by now, rather than saying the Geng family supported Liu Xu, it would be more accurate to say the Duke of Qin was protecting their family's wealth and honor... and of course, the Bai family as well.

It was precisely because of these considerations that even a young man with some drive and ambition like Geng Jixun had never rashly expressed support for Liu Xu seizing the succession, or urged him to contend for the heir position.

The hope was far too slim! Unless some major upheaval occurred, an opportunity descended—and Liu Xu would also need the talent and ambition for it. But Liu Xu had never shown any sign of harboring such thoughts.

"What is Cousin thinking about?" Seeing Geng Jixun somewhat lost in thought, Liu Xu studied him for a moment and asked with a light smile.

Snapping back to attention, noticing Liu Xu's seemingly smiling gaze, Geng Jixun was momentarily at a loss, and answered offhandedly: "I was thinking how much longer until we reach Luoyang."

"Where are we now?" Liu Xu seemed not to mind his evasive answer, withdrawing his gaze and asking toward the outside of the carriage.

"Reporting to Your Highness, we have entered Yanshi territory!" A booming reply came from outside.

Liu Xu was familiar with geography—having grown up under Emperor Liu's influence, he had studied many maps. He could not claim familiarity with other places, but the capital region he knew reasonably well.

"Almost to Luoyang! No wonder the travelers have grown more numerous!" Liu Xu remarked.

"After all, it is Luoyang!" Geng Jixun also sighed.

With that, he could not help discussing with Liu Xu: "The Duke of Ying is observing mourning for his father and will leave his post as Acting Military Governor. Your Highness, who do you think will be the new Western Capital Acting Military Governor?"

"What if your father took the post?" Liu Xu glanced at him and said teasingly.

Hearing this, Geng Jixun hastily said: "Your Highness jests—my father is hardly qualified for that!"

Liu Xu naturally knew this as well. After pondering for a moment, he said: "It should be Granduncle Murong! He is currently supervising the restoration of Luoyang, and his status and position are both suitable!"

With that said, Liu Xu turned his gaze back to Geng Jixun: "Cousin, you are still only a titular Zhao Wu Commandant with no real post. Have you never thought of coming out to do some real work?"

Geng Jixun was a clever man and immediately asked: "Does Your Highness wish to arrange a substantive post for me?"

"Mm!" Liu Xu did not deny it.

Geng Jixun also made a joke: "Then I thank Your Highness for the promotion!"

"What ideas do you have?" Liu Xu asked.

Geng Jixun directly stated: "How about going to the Court of Border Affairs to continue working under Your Highness?"

Liu Xu was currently serving at the Court of Border Affairs as a Vice Minister with real authority, managing affairs concerning the various non-Han peoples within the realm.

"Go to the localities, to share the burdens and solve the difficulties of the common people!" Liu Xu said.

"As a County Magistrate?" Geng Jixun's eyes lit up.

Liu Xu shook his head calmly: "Given the court's current appointment practices, I fear that will not be possible—perhaps a Registrar or County Defender, or perhaps even lower!"

"I'll go!" Without much deliberation, Geng Jixun agreed.