Chapter 1194: Settled

At the traveling court, the "scrape-scrape" sound of friction continued. The weather was fine today, the autumn sun bright, shining down on Emperor Liu and Liu Min. Father and son each sat in a folding chair, legs spread apart, a whetstone placed before them, carefully sharpening arrowheads.

"That's enough! Add some water!" Emperor Liu wiped the fine sweat from his forehead and instructed Yan Tuo, who was attending them.

Yan Tuo hurriedly added water. Emperor Liu adjusted his posture and continued polishing with effort. After a good while, he washed the arrowhead clean, revealing its new appearance—sharp, gleaming, as if flashing with cold light, bearing the bearing of a weapon for killing prey.

"This sharpening of arrowheads requires both patience and physical strength!" Looking at his sixth son, who had rolled up his sleeves and was full of vigor yet seemed somewhat impatient, Emperor Liu said: "Don't rush. The more anxious you are, the more you'll accomplish half with twice the effort!"

Hearing this, Liu Min stopped his movements, shook out his arms, picked up the arrowhead again, and tried his best to calm down. Seeing this, Emperor Liu curled his lips and couldn't help saying: "What, you really have nothing to say to me?"

Looking up, Liu Min gazed at Emperor Liu. On his young, tender face appeared a trace of bewilderment. After a moment of hesitation, he replied: "I don't know what to say!"

The sense of estrangement between father and son did not seem so easily dissolved. Of course, Emperor Liu could also sense that although this son was proud and introverted, he was not the dull type—it was just that when facing him, his sense of awe was too great. Therefore, Emperor Liu couldn't help but reflect: could it be that his imposing manner was too strong? He now considered himself a kind father...

"How do you usually communicate with your sister-in-law? Surely you're not at a loss for words with her either..." Emperor Liu was dissatisfied with his answer.

Liu Min hesitated for a moment, then replied: "Just trivial household matters!"

"What, do you actually think that I brought you along to discuss matters of state and military affairs, or the welfare of the people, with a mere child like you?" Emperor Liu laughed immediately.

Liu Min was briefly stunned, then quickly caught on. He showed Emperor Liu a slight smile, and his body unconsciously relaxed considerably.

Emperor Liu was about to continue guiding this son when a guard reported that the Crown Prince had arrived. Summoned in, Liu Yang paid his respects, and Liu Min also rose to greet him.

Although they were full brothers, Liu Yang and Liu Min were also somewhat distant with each other. However, Liu Yang's attitude was very kind: "Sixth Brother, no need for such formality!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Liu Yang had clearly come because he had something to report. Emperor Liu, apparently tired as well, put down his work and stood up, saying to Liu Min: "Keep polishing. Once the arrows are sharpened, we'll go hunting later!"

"Yes!" Liu Min naturally obeyed.

Returning to the tent with Liu Yang, Emperor Liu gestured for him to sit and asked: "What is it?"

"Today the Ministry of Justice received a memorial from Han Qingxiong, stating that he killed a man, which is against the law, and that he knows his sins are grave. He dares not beg for his life and is willing to submit to execution. However, of the three unfilial acts, having no heir is the greatest. He is unwilling to bear the ill name of unfilial conduct and humbly begs for leniency—to be allowed to leave a bloodline for Han Wuning Hou before he goes to his death..." Liu Yang reported.

"Heh heh!" Hearing this, Emperor Liu was somewhat surprised. Stroking his beard, he said: "So he's made the third choice. That's rather unexpected!"

"What do you think?" Emperor Liu asked Liu Yang.

Liu Yang thought for a moment, then replied: "Since Your Majesty pities him, you may grant it. This counts as leniency within the bounds of law, displaying the benevolence of a sovereign father. As long as he is ultimately dealt with according to law, no one can criticize anything!"

Clearly, Emperor Liu had exchanged some thoughts on this matter with Liu Yang before, and Liu Yang had some understanding of Emperor Liu's considerations.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu said instead: "If I agree, and he still fails to conceive, fails to leave an heir—what then? Wait half a year for him, a year, or three years, five years? If we open this door, then should similar cases in the future all be handled the same way? If meritorious nobles can delay their death sentences this way, then what about the common people?"

Facing this series of questions from Emperor Liu, Liu Yang was silent for a while, then clasped his hands and said: "Han Wuning Hou ultimately rendered meritorious service to the state. Showing consideration for meritorious officials is still necessary!"

Giving Liu Yang a deep look, Emperor Liu said slowly: "With such an attitude, the meritorious officials and nobles of the Great Han will surely all come to like you as Crown Prince!"

Hearing this, Liu Yang's body tensed. He instinctively glanced up at Emperor Liu, then clasped his hands and said: "There is no absolute law in this world; legal principle still needs to be supplemented by human sentiment. This time it is also Your Majesty's merciful grace—a rare exception, not applicable to all situations!"

Withdrawing his gaze from Liu Yang, Emperor Liu made no further comment on his remarks. After thinking briefly, he asked: "Regarding the judgment of the Luoyang Prefecture, how did the Ministry of Justice respond?"

Liu Yang immediately answered: "According to the procedures of national law, it still needs to be transferred to the Court of Judicial Review for re-examination!"

Emperor Liu thought for a moment and said: "Very well, let the procedural process continue as usual. Han Qingxiong's request is also granted. However, he is only given three months' time. This year's winter execution—postpone it!

Additionally, within three months, if a posthumous child is conceived, and a son is born, he shall be permitted to inherit the title reduced by three ranks. If a daughter is born, or if no child is produced at all, then Han Qingxiong shall be dealt with according to law, and the title shall be revoked!"

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Yang couldn't help but be astonished. Compared to the previous two options, this decision carried far too much uncertainty. In just three months' time, who could say—the Han family's only title might be lost entirely...

"Also, warn them in advance—keep it low-key, don't make a fuss, and don't make it too ugly!" Emperor Liu added sternly.

Clearly, if the Han family were to find dozens of women to go to the prison to leave heirs for Han Qingxiong, then Han Qingxiong might die a romantic death, but Emperor Liu would certainly not be pleased.

"Yes!" When Emperor Liu made his decision, Liu Yang had no room to object.

Noticing his pensive expression, Emperor Liu looked at him and said with a light laugh: "Do you know why I decided this way? Two words: cost. Han Qingxiong killed a man. By law, by sentiment, by reason, he must pay the price in blood. I agree to show grace beyond the law, and he must also pay the price for his own choice. It's that simple!"

Liu Yang still couldn't fully grasp the meaning, but he was thoughtful nonetheless. He clasped his hands and praised: Your Majesty is wise!

"Let this matter be settled thus. Hand it over to the relevant authorities to handle!" Emperor Liu waved his hand at Liu Yang and said: "Don't invest any more energy into it. Going forward, the foremost matter remains the war in Dali. You should pay more attention to it!"

"Winter is almost upon us. I have experienced the hardships of winter campaigning several times—it has never been easy. Although Dali's climate has its unique qualities compared to the north and Jiangnan, since it is winter, those plateaus, wet forests, and gorges will absolutely not be easy to deal with!

In the southern campaign, Dali's army has never been our greatest enemy—the terrain and climate are. When Wang Quanbin was attacking Yangxiemi City, didn't a large number of soldiers freeze or fall to their deaths while crossing the Cang Mountains? Although the current situation on the battlefield is good, we still cannot relax during winter operations!"

"Yes!" Hearing Emperor Liu's words, Liu Yang responded solemnly.

After finishing his instructions, Emperor Liu pondered for a while longer, then looked up to seek Liu Yang's opinion: "Zhao Kuangyin has headed the Ministry of War for a long time now. Once the southern campaign concludes, it's time to give him a new position. What post do you think would be suitable?"

Hearing the question, Liu Yang answered almost without thinking, clasping his hands: "Appointments to ministry offices and agencies should follow Your Majesty's view. I have no opinions!"

Previously, when Emperor Liu had asked about arrangements for Zhao Pu's return to office, Liu Yang had expressed his views. This time, he chose not to voice an opinion, bowing his head in obedience. Just as he said, matters concerning the appointment of important ministers must be decided by Emperor Liu himself.