Chapter 1167: A Calm Face, A Stirring Heart

Outside the bamboo hut, a single rider came at a light gallop, the crisp sound of hooves drawing the attention of the boys and girls at their studies, the orderly recitation becoming uneven, and some even couldn't help but crane their necks to look.

However, with a light cough from Zhao Pu, they all obediently settled down. Outside the courtyard, the visitor reined in his horse, leaped down lightly, led the horse inside, habitually and skillfully tied the reins, straightened his robes and cap, and walked toward the bamboo hall.

This was a young man, elegant and graceful in bearing—Zhao Pu's eldest son, Zhao Chengzong. Zhao Pu was also nearing fifty, with two sons and two daughters; his eldest, Zhao Chengzong, was only eighteen now. This was something of a common phenomenon—high officials and nobles who had come up through the chaos of the age generally fathered children later in life.

Zhao Chengzong entered, stood still, and bowed with a salute: "Father!"

"Mm!" Toward his eldest son, Zhao Pu was quite satisfied.

At the side, his younger brother and sisters had already begun calling out "Eldest Brother." Seeing this, Zhao Pu casually waved a hand and said, "That will be all for today!"

Then the group of young boys and girls, as if released, beamed with smiles like flowers. However, they all observed proper decorum and took their leave together with thanks.

The bamboo lodge fell quiet. Zhao Chengzong took a sip of tea, then said to Zhao Pu, who was already seated upright at his desk: "The edict has been issued. His Majesty will depart on the twenty-fifth day of the third month, traveling west to Luoyang."

During this period, Zhao Pu had been living in seclusion in his humble dwelling, and all his external contacts and news came through this son's efforts. Hearing this, Zhao Pu directly fell into thought: "Departing on the twenty-fifth, by the time they reach Luoyang it will already be early summer. And with Luoyang as the new capital, I'm afraid the southern inspection tour will also have to be shelved!"

As early as last year, Emperor Liu had expressed his intention to make another southern tour, to inspect the two Hu and Lingnan regions, but was dissuaded by Crown Prince Liu Yang and others. The reason was simple—concern for Emperor Liu's health. After all, the southern environment was relatively harsh, not like the romantic scenery of Jiangnan; if he fell ill from not acclimating to the climate, it would be a grave matter. Moreover, during last year's tour of Jiangnan, quite a few among the entourage had fallen ill.

"Have you been informed who will be accompanying His Majesty?" Zhao Pu thought for a moment, then asked.

Zhao Chengzong replied: "The inner palace, all the princes, and the full body of officials will accompany him. Only Chief Minister Wang Qiwu, Dou Yi, and part of the staff of the various offices will remain in the Eastern Capital to hold things down."

"That's moving most of the court to Luoyang!" Zhao Pu smiled slightly.

"Yes!" Zhao Chengzong said: "Previously, because of the matter of moving the capital, the entire court was in turmoil. Now that Luoyang has been newly built and the palace complex is complete, His Majesty choosing this moment to bring the imperial clan, nobles, and officials west is also effectively completing the capital relocation in fact. The Western Capital has truly earned its name!"

"For my son to have such insight is rare indeed!" Hearing this, Zhao Pu showed a satisfied expression.

Zhao Chengzong modestly demurred: "Among the court and the public, anyone who understands this matter recognizes it. Your son's meager views are nothing worth mentioning!"

"Luoyang city must be quite lively right now!" Zhao Pu said.

"Inside Luoyang, Governor Murong has already been making preparations for receiving His Majesty! The government has ordered that officials and commoners alike clean away filth, refurbish the city walls, and all corvée laborers have been dispatched to round up ruffians and clear up public security..."

"This Uncle Murong has always been like this—fond of such disruptive displays that trouble the people!" Zhao Pu shook his head, offering his assessment, though without excessive contempt.

"There should be some important changes in court appointments, I imagine!" After thinking it over, Zhao Pu asked again, a gleam of concern shining in his deep-set eyes.

Zhao Chengzong nodded in response: "Xue Juzheng has been transferred to Chuanshu, appointed Administration Commissioner of Jiannan; the Marquis of Wuyang, Minister of Justice Li Ye, has been elevated to Chief Minister and Grand Academician of the Zhaowen Hall, entering the Hall of State Affairs to assist in governance!"

Hearing this, Zhao Pu said unhurriedly: "Back then when Xue Juzheng was dismissed as chancellor, I expected he'd be reinstated within a few years. Who would have thought he'd spend nearly a decade compiling histories and editing books at the Jixian Hall. Being sent out to govern a region is only to be expected. As for this maternal uncle Li Ye—it seems His Majesty still holds regard for the Empress Dowager's feelings. With the Empress Dowager gone, he's no longer suppressing the Li clan's maternal relatives!"

Hearing his old father speak of such matters, Zhao Chengzong also showed keen interest and couldn't help saying: "Your Majesty has had you tour and govern the southwest for many years. After the Lingzhou case, the court has been much discussing whether there will be a major reshuffle of the southwestern officialdom, or whether someone will be sent to succeed you as Grand Coordinator. As things stand now, aside from you, there's no one His Majesty could entrust with this post."

"The post of Grand Coordinator was never a permanent institution—merely a temporary appointment! The southwest has been peaceful and well-governed for so many years; my position as Grand Coordinator should have been abolished long ago. The Lingzhou case..."

At the mention of the Lingzhou case, Zhao Pu's face immediately darkened. He regretted both his own failure to judge people correctly and hated that salt supervisor prefect for committing such a foolish act.

Lingzhou was a vital center for salt affairs in the southwest. After the pacification of Shu and subsequent reorganization, the salt wells in the prefecture could produce eight hundred thousand jin of salt annually. With such a crucial source of wealth, how could those two minor figures possibly cover the sky with one hand?

If the salt wells had collapsed and caused deaths and injuries, reporting it truthfully would have meant at most dismissal or demotion even if they bore responsibility. But they let their lust for office cloud their judgment and deceived the court—and ended up losing their lives instead. Wasn't the outcome of the Hezhong case warning enough? Even members of the An clan were dealt with without mercy by the court, let alone mere commoners of humble birth.

More importantly, those two men had been recommended by Zhao Pu himself. It implicated him and added obstacles to his return to court. One should know that in the past two years, because of Zhao Pu's outstanding achievements in the southwest, Emperor Liu had already expressed his intention to transfer him back to the capital, and Zhao Pu had been looking forward to it equally. And barring any accidents, he would be made chancellor upon his return—even if a certain transition period was needed, he would still not lose a post as head of a major ministry.

However, because of the Lingzhou problem, he had been forced to retreat into mourning seclusion, waiting bitterly. Although the court had not officially held him accountable for the Lingzhou case, the result had indeed affected his return.

It happened that his mother's death had covered up some things, but there was no shortage of murmuring from all sides, and no lack of those who took schadenfreude in his misfortune. Zhao Pu had governed three circuits in the southwest and been repeatedly praised by Emperor Liu. How could such a situation not invite jealousy? It was just that most people weren't as "blunt" as Zhao Pin, daring to openly oppose Zhao Pu.

"Father, your son believes this western tour by His Majesty may be your opportunity for reinstatement!" As the eldest son, Zhao Chengzong naturally understood his old father's aspirations and thoughts.

At his son's words of comfort, Zhao Pu smiled and put on a carefree air: "However many years I spent in the southwest, that's how long I toiled and labored. It's rare to have this leisure, so I should cherish it. I owe your grandmother much; observing mourning here counts as making up for my failings..."

Zhao Pu said these words, but clearly they were insincere.

Zhao Chengzong sighed inwardly along with him, pondered for a moment, then proactively brought up a topic: "Father, your son has a question and ventures to seek your instruction!"

"Speak!" Zhao Pu looked at him.

"Regarding the debate over moving the capital—although it has now been settled—in your view, which of the two capitals, east or west, is more suitable as the seat of government? Back then, I also participated in discussions with a group of fellow students, and none of us could convince the others..." Zhao Chengzong said.

Hearing this, Zhao Pu smiled slightly and gave a very simple answer: "If His Majesty wants to move, who could oppose it? The rest of you agonizing over pros and cons is nothing but a pointless dispute!"

As he spoke, a trace of reminiscence showed in Zhao Pu's eyes: "When I served at His Majesty's side back then, though it was only for a few short years, I still gained some understanding of His Majesty.

The current Son of Heaven is a peerless hero-king of the age, of the ilk of Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han. Although His Majesty esteems the governance of the Zhenguan era and emulates Taizong of Tang in opening wide the avenues of remonstrance and accepting advice like flowing water, consulting widely on every matter...

Yet His Majesty has always been an emperor with strong opinions of his own, with a will that is firm and resolute. In name he emulates Taizong of Tang, but in temperament he truly resembles Emperor Wen of Sui. What his ministers say, he adopts if it pleases him and rejects if it does not.

For a great matter like moving the capital to be put before the assembled ministers for discussion is merely a test of reactions. How the decision is made rests entirely on the imperial will. Don't be fooled by Duke Yu being revered as a model of learning—on this matter, even his words carry no weight.

The choice between the two capitals has pros and cons on both sides. For the Great Han, either would be fitting and harmless to the state. Therefore, had I been at court back then, I wouldn't have wasted breath on pointless argument—just bow my head and obey the edict..."

Hearing Zhao Pu's words, Zhao Chengzong was taken aback and couldn't help muttering: "Wouldn't that just be flattering and currying favor?"

At these words, Zhao Pu immediately shot him a glare. Zhao Chengzong stopped at once and said carefully: "Your son misspoke!"

"What I've told you must never be repeated to others, or disaster will surely follow!" Zhao Pu said sternly. After all, this touched upon a matter of criticizing the emperor, and the nature of it was grave.

"Your son understands!" Zhao Chengzong was naturally no fool.