Chapter 1234: The Crown Prince's Psychological Burden

"Second Brother, why so heavy-hearted?" Stepping out of the imperial tent, Liu Fang tilted his head to look at the brooding Liu Yang.

Hearing the voice, Liu Yang raised his head, met his fourth brother's puzzled gaze, opened his mouth, then sighed: "Just a passing reflection, nothing more!"

"Since when did you become so sentimental? Is it the suffering of Fengzhou's people that troubles you, or that Prefect Feng Guang?" Liu Fang said casually.

At these words, Liu Yang stopped in his tracks, looked at Liu Fang, hesitated for a moment, then said: "Fourth Brother, do you think Governor Feng is a good official?"

"From what we've seen and heard so far, if it's all true, then of course he's a good official!" Liu Fang nodded, then smiled: "So you're still hung up on what Father said earlier!"

Liu Yang sighed again, thought for a moment, and still said: "Father once taught me that governing the state should not be done solely through memorials—one must listen broadly and observe widely. Now, through our actual inspection, Feng Guang's conduct as an official is praised by all. To still doubt and scrutinize such a worthy minister and honest official, I..."

As he spoke, a weary expression crept onto Liu Yang's face, and his shoulders sagged slightly, as if bearing a heavy weight.

At this, Liu Fang was genuinely surprised. He couldn't quite empathize, but after a moment's deliberation, he said: "Your earlier suggestion to issue an empire-wide decree commending Feng Guang was meant to establish him as a model of honest officialdom for the Great Han. I think Father approves of and endorses this proposal.

But precisely because of that, it's all the more necessary to be cautious and thorough. Although I also don't believe that Feng Guang, a mere border prefect, has the ability or the audacity to deceive the Emperor—if his achievements and reputation were false, and the court's edict had already been issued, then Father and the court's face would be thoroughly lost.

And if Feng Guang is truly as he appears on the surface, why should he fear such scrutiny? If he can maintain his conduct and never waver in the future, how could Father fail to promote and entrust him with greater responsibilities?"

Liu Fang's words likewise astonished Liu Yang, who couldn't help but size him up and down, saying: "Fourth Brother, you truly make one see you in a new light—to have such insight! With this kind of discernment, even if you didn't devote yourself to military affairs, you could achieve no small success in governance and administration!"

"My ambition lies not there—I've had my fill of the scholar's desk!" Hearing this, Liu Fang hastily waved his hands, looking as if he wanted to flee from the very idea: "Leading troops in battle, galloping across the battlefield—that has been my aspiration since childhood..."

Liu Yang reminded him: "The realm is already unified. Can you fight wars your whole life?"

"Not to mention how much time it will take to defeat and destroy Liao—the Great Han's territory is so vast, with many peoples living intermingled. How can everyone be sincerely submissive? There will never be a shortage of those with ulterior motives, secretly plotting rebellion. In the future, I shall eliminate these stubborn foes and traitors to safeguard our Great Han's altars!" Liu Fang said gravely.

Seeing his earnest expression, Liu Yang reached out and patted his shoulder, saying with equal seriousness: "I will surely support you!"

Liu Fang chuckled: "Then I, your subject, thank Your Highness the Crown Prince in advance!"

Seeing this, Liu Yang smiled too.

The brothers took their leave, each returning to their own tent. Liu Fang still strode with his head high and chest out, while Liu Yang once again sank into his own emotions—Liu Fang could ultimately never truly understand his feelings.

Among all the brothers, the one who had the most contact with Emperor Liu was none other than him, the Crown Prince, and the one who understood Emperor Liu most deeply was also only Liu Yang. It was precisely because of this profound understanding that Liu Yang's awe and reverence for Emperor Liu grew with each passing day.

And what caused him the most anxiety, even fear, was Emperor Liu's suspicious and distrustful heart. Many matters, many people—Emperor Liu would directly reveal his views on them right in front of Liu Yang.

The assessment of Feng Guang was merely a trigger. In Liu Yang's view, even for an official like Feng Guang, Emperor Liu maintained such wariness. Of course, what Liu Fang had just said made sense, but with Emperor Liu's mind being so heavy with suspicion, didn't that make him all the more terrifying?

Crown princes have never had it easy throughout history. Liu Yang, as Crown Prince, likewise had it hard—and being the Crown Prince of a great sovereign like Emperor Liu made it even harder. Liu Yang had also read history. Sometimes he felt fortunate—not because of his status as the eldest legitimate son, nor the title of Crown Prince, but because of the effort Emperor Liu had poured into him, which moved him deeply.

Those who could glimpse the true face of Emperor Liu were few in this world, and Liu Yang was among them. All along, Emperor Liu had taught him by word and deed, even repeatedly baring his heart to him—his regard was plain to see. But for Liu Yang, this regard sometimes truly felt too heavy a burden...

Fengzhou bordered the Yellow River, and southeast of the city stood a ferry landing, equally crude. Because Fengzhou had few inhabitants, and even fewer travelers passing through from north to south, it appeared somewhat desolate.

After winter set in, the cold water and biting wind added even more bleakness and desolation. Moreover, only a few small boats were moored at the landing, and what sailed upon the river was a single wooden raft, pitching and tossing in the swift current, looking utterly helpless.

Emperor Liu reined in his horse on the bank, gazing calmly into the distance, observing the conditions on the river. That wooden raft, under the boatman's strenuous efforts, weathered many trials before barely making it to shore, then began unloading goods... This scene fell upon Emperor Liu's eyes, and he felt it was both arduous and dangerous.

After a long while, Emperor Liu asked Feng Guang, who was at his side: "The people of Fengzhou crossing the river is so troublesome and dangerous—has no one ever tried to improve it?"

"Your Majesty!" Feng Guang replied: "The people on both banks of the river do not interact frequently, and traveling merchants and passersby are even fewer. The terrain is steep and the river swift, making it impossible to build a bridge. In ordinary seasons, these boats and rafts are sufficient for navigation. When the weather warms, the people carry leather bladders and swim across the river—it has become a custom. When the cold season arrives and the river freezes, one can even walk directly across the ice..."

"The river freezing means the climate is bitterly cold—that is not a good thing!" Emperor Liu sighed softly.

Feng Guang said: "In the years since your servant took office, every year by late November the ice has already solidified, and by December horses and carts can cross upon it. It has been so every single year!

Here beyond the northern frontier, what the people fear most is the bone-piercing cold. People can endure hunger and cold, but livestock cannot—every year, no small number of cattle, sheep, horses, and camels freeze to death within our borders..."

"I hear that since you took office, Fengzhou has gone several consecutive years without a single death from freezing or starvation?" Emperor Liu asked.

"Your servant was commanded to shepherd this land; holding office in one place, I naturally must exert every effort to protect the people under my charge!" Feng Guang said: "It also helps that Fengzhou has few people, making it easier to govern, and with the army and civilians working together, we have weathered the difficulties."

"What do you think Fengzhou still needs to continue developing and improving?" Emperor Liu's expression softened as he looked at Feng Guang and asked: "If you have any requests, speak freely—if it can be done, the court will surely satisfy you!"

At this, Feng Guang's spirits lifted slightly. After pondering for a moment, he clasped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, what Fengzhou lacks most is still population!"

At this, Emperor Liu couldn't help but feel a headache. The court's official policy of relocating households to the frontiers had already ground to a halt—after all, one couldn't force people to move without good reason. Moreover, a place like Fengzhou—being relocated there was no different from exile; no one was willing to come.

Feng Guang's request to bolster the population truly stumped Emperor Liu, it must be said. However, words once spoken must be fulfilled. After brief consideration, Emperor Liu said: "Fengzhou is a key defensive stronghold on the northern frontier and deserves proper attention. Here's what we'll do: henceforth, criminals sentenced to exile by the court shall be sent to Fengzhou first. Additionally, relocate some tribal people from the Tangut, and that vast expanse of grassland south of the Yin Mountains should be put to use!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" At these words, Feng Guang immediately expressed his gratitude.

"The court can provide support and favor, but Fengzhou is remote after all—if the people are to have ample food and warmth, it must ultimately rely on your own efforts!" Emperor Liu said.

"Your servant understands!"

"A man leaves his name behind him. I hope that when you, Feng Guang, leave Fengzhou, you will leave behind a name of worthiness, of goodness, of honor!" Emperor Liu's tone carried encouragement.

"Yes! Your servant will not fail Your Majesty's expectations!" Feng Guang said with a solemn expression, clasping his hands.

Emperor Liu watched him for a while, and seeing not the slightest trace of unease on his face, the appreciation in his eyes deepened. Because his meaning had been quite clear—Feng Guang would have to remain in his post at Fengzhou, continue enduring in this bitter, cold land. As for how long, there was no definite answer. And Feng Guang's reaction was natural and calm...

"I hear you've also established a school. I didn't see it in the city—where is it? Take me to see it!"