Chapter 1164: Two Pieces of Good News

Making up the word count for the previous chapter.

It was not until the arrival of December that Emperor Liu's spirits and body gradually began to recover, allowing him to appear before others. On the eighth day of the twelfth month, he held a "Laba Festival gathering" at Wansui Hall, inviting the high ministers and dignitaries to enjoy porridge with him. Of course, the true purpose of the gathering was still to soothe the restless hearts of the people.

Although Emperor Liu had adopted a policy of sealing off information regarding his illness, the imperial city stood tall with its high walls and thick ramparts — yet it could never truly stop the spread of news. It could suppress rumors, but it could not control people's hearts, nor dispel the speculations of those who constantly watched for changes both inside and outside the palace.

The imperial palace had always been a place of intrigue, and Emperor Liu's Han Palace was naturally no exception. When resting in the palace, there were always differences in behavior before and after. Past habits, even the atmosphere within the palace — even the slightest changes — could be noticed not only by those within the palace but also by the ministers who frequently came and went from the imperial city.

Emperor Liu was also aware of this, which was why, after his health improved somewhat, he held that Laba Festival gathering. And the effect was immediate — even just appearing to drink a bowl of porridge was enough to set everyone above and below at ease.

Facts proved that for the current Great Han Empire, Emperor Liu remained the irreplaceable one, and the subjects who had grown accustomed to his rule seemed unable to adapt to a life without him.

Of course, this might just be an illusion — after all, even without Emperor Liu, the sun would still rise as usual. However, sensing his own "importance," Emperor Liu still found it gratifying. Regardless, as of now, it was still the era of Emperor Liu.

"Father!" Passing by a group of palace attendants who bowed in salute, Crown Prince Liu Yang entered the hall and called out softly.

It was already past noon, somewhat late, and Liu Chengyou was eating, though his appetite appeared poor. Seeing Liu Yang, Liu Chengyou asked, "You've come! Have you eaten? Join me?"

"I've already eaten!" Liu Yang replied.

Noting Emperor Liu's complexion, Liu Yang asked with concern, "How do you feel?"

"Much better!" Emperor Liu waved his hand. "A belated illness — once it passes, it's over! As for you all, making such a fuss — I only rested for a while, and you've stirred everyone into a panic!"

Hearing this, Liu Yang responded, "You bear the weight of the realm upon your shoulders — a burden of ten thousand jun — and you are the anchor of all under heaven. We cannot help but be concerned!"

With a smile, Emperor Liu set down his chopsticks, pointed at the "clear soup and plain fare" on the food table, and complained, "Hardly any meat, hardly any oil — eating only this, how can my body recover well!"

Of course, the ingredients used were all nourishing delicacies meant for health, just somewhat bland. In the past, Emperor Liu's palate had favored richer flavors.

Therefore, Liu Yang smiled gently and said, "These are all medicinal dishes. Perhaps they are a bit dull, but they are good for your health. Please bear with it for a few more days..."

Emperor Liu then said, "My appetite is growing day by day. What does that show? It shows I've mostly recovered!"

But then he looked at Liu Yang, waved his hand, and said, "Enough. What business do you have?"

"I've come to report two pieces of good news!" Liu Yang's previously tense expression relaxed, revealing a smile.

"What is it? Did the Liao emperor die?" Emperor Liu asked casually.

"Fujian has reported that Generals Liu Guangyi and Zhang Yanqing have led their troops back. Liuqiu has been taken, and they are presenting local products and tribute to the court!" Liu Yang said.

"Taken?" Emperor Liu's reaction was fairly calm — he merely raised an eyebrow slightly. Indeed, taking the current Liuqiu was hardly worth singing praises over.

In fact, some had previously opposed dispatching troops, after all, it was a barbaric land, separated by a strait — a long-distance overseas expedition would exhaust the troops, cost more than it gained, and carry great risk. There was also the fear that Emperor Liu would go further and become fond of grandiose achievements. The example of Emperor Yang of Sui served not only as a lesson for the Tang Dynasty but for the current Great Han Empire as well.

Even some current officials could see that what Emperor Liu was doing was not much different from Emperor Yang of Sui — canals, westward expansion, imperial tours... and Annam and Liuqiu had also been conquered by Emperor Yang of Sui's armies.

The resemblance was truly striking!

Perhaps these were the common choices of rulers with grand ambitions. It was just that Yang Guang was too arrogant personally and too poor in execution, ultimately becoming a tyrant. As for Emperor Liu, up to now, he remained a sage ruler and wise sovereign — and he needed to maintain that.

Of course, in this era, Yang Guang clearly could not compare with Emperor Liu, could hardly even be mentioned in the same breath — the gap in historical standing was already plain to see.

In fact, given what Emperor Liu had accomplished so far, even if he performed terribly from now on — absolutely terribly — the worst he could be was a Fu Jian, and even then, an enhanced version of Fu Jian.

"Good that the victory has been reported!" Now that Liuqiu was recovered, Emperor Liu finally showed a pleased smile and said, "For merits and demerits, rewards and punishments, and the aftermath arrangements — have the Bureau of Military Affairs and the Ministry of War handle them promptly!"

"Yes!"

"Liu Guangyi hasn't returned to court in a long time, has he?" Emperor Liu mentioned.

"Since the pacification of the south, after following Cao Bin to take Jiangxi, he has been stationed in Fujian ever since!" Liu Yang said.

"So many years — he's worked hard. Let him come back, and arrange for someone else to take over Fujian!" Emperor Liu instructed.

"Yes!"

After a moment of thought, Emperor Liu asked again, "Liuqiu has been taken, but what do you think should be done to govern it, to consolidate it, so that it remains imperial territory forever?"

Upon the question, after considering for a moment, Liu Yang said, "The land of Liuqiu lies isolated overseas, a barbaric land. Taking it brings little benefit, but abandoning it would be a pity. It is easy to take, but difficult to govern and consolidate..."

"Is that your view?" Emperor Liu's brows furrowed, clearly displeased.

In fact, in the eyes of most civil and military officials at court, Emperor Liu's order to dispatch troops on an overseas expedition was merely for the sake of achievement. And the reason they did not stubbornly oppose it was simply because Liuqiu's strength was too weak — practically an uncivilized wilderness. It wouldn't be hard to conquer, so they might as well satisfy the Emperor's expansionist desires and treat it as a training exercise.

It would be unrealistic to say that the court placed great importance on Liuqiu.

Emperor Liu understood this way of thinking, but as the Crown Prince, if Liu Yang also only considered it from that common perspective, then he would still be unable to suppress his disappointment.

Liu Yang was no fool. Noticing Emperor Liu's displeased expression, he thought seriously for a moment and reported, "I believe we should establish prefectures and counties on Liuqiu, appoint officials to educate and civilize the people. The selection of officials could be openly recruited by the court with generous treatment, and criminals could be sent there to populate the land.

The Fujian and Zhejiang regions have abundant populations. Although separated by the sea, if shipping routes can be established, the people could be guided to go overseas to establish enterprises. Additionally, in recent years, various southern overseas kingdoms have successively paid tribute to the court, and the number of merchants traveling by sea between Fujian, Zhejiang, and the Liangguang regions has increased greatly, with commercial taxes surging. I believe Liuqiu can become a foothold for the Great Han to continue expanding overseas..."

Hearing Liu Yang speak thus, Emperor Liu finally showed a hint of a smile. Although Emperor Liu knew these ideas were still somewhat idealistic, all he wanted was for his Crown Prince to have independent thinking and understanding. Being able to connect to the southern sea kingdoms and consider maritime commerce — that was progress.

"Handle this matter yourself in consultation with the various ministers!" Emperor Liu added, "I'll hear the results!"

"Yes!"

"Weren't there two pieces of good news? The taking of Liuqiu counts as one. What about the other?" Emperor Liu asked.

"Annam reports that the south has been completely pacified. Pan Mei attacked from both land and water, completely routing the stubbornly resisting rebels, killing over four thousand. The battle was won in one stroke — the rebels were either killed or surrendered, and most of the rebel leaders surrendered, with almost none escaping!" Liu Yang said.

Previously, due to the national mourning period, Emperor Liu had not challenged ritual protocol by ordering Pan Mei to advance. However, Pan Mei had still restrained his desire to attack, choosing to hold his position — and he held for several months.

Of course, in reality, it was for rest and reorganization, and also to deceive the Annam rebel forces. Now, with one move, the result was the annihilation of the rebels and the complete recovery of Annam, with the victory report arriving.

"And what about Ding Buling? He didn't manage to escape again, did he?" Emperor Liu asked with concern.

"He was beheaded in battle by one of Tian Qinruo's subordinates!" Liu Yang said. "Pan Mei has had his head preserved in salt and sent to the Eastern Capital along with the victory report!"

"Good!" Emperor Liu clapped his hands and smiled. "I've heard of this man several times — he caused so much trouble for the southern expeditionary army. When it arrives later, I want to see what kind of face he has!"

"Yes!"

"Additionally, Pan Mei has reported that due to the court's southern expedition, many barbarian petty kingdoms around Annam have become fearful. According to intelligence gathered locally, including small kingdoms like Zhenla and Champa, they are all arming themselves — clearly on guard against the court plotting against them!" Liu Yang said.

"What are your thoughts?" Emperor Liu asked.

Perhaps having already formed an opinion, this time Liu Yang did not deliberate long and spoke calmly: "I believe that with tens of thousands of troops, an expedition to Annam took a full year to achieve complete success — this shows that in the southern frontier situation, even with the court's full strength, this is as far as it can go.

Now that the former lands of Annam are fully recovered, going beyond would be excessive. We should stop where appropriate, leave troops to garrison, and have the main army return. The soldiers are weary from battle — this way, it suits military morale and also eases the southern situation, allowing the court to handle the aftermath arrangements in Annam more calmly..."

"Since you have this idea, do as you suggest!" Emperor Liu's reaction delighted Liu Yang.

So difficult! Finally, there was one matter where, after he spoke, Emperor Liu had no other reaction — he simply told him to go ahead. How rare...