Chapter 1306: The Dragon Boat

Wuqing Harbor was still the same bustling scene as ever, with large and small seagoing vessels loaded with all kinds of supplies entering and leaving the port under the guidance of pilot boats. A colossal ship, as massive as a mountain, sailed in from overseas, carrying an unmatched momentum as it rode through the waves.

Its broad hull, towering masts and sails, and fluttering dragon banners left no doubt—this was the dragon boat specially built for Emperor Liu. This behemoth was almost a moving palace.

Wherever the dragon boat passed, everything else paled in comparison. The originally huge transport ships all seemed so tiny, while the escorting Han army warships kept their distance, guarding from afar.

Emperor Liu had known about the construction of this maritime palace, but this was the first time he had seen the real thing, and once again, he was deeply impressed.

Of course, this dragon boat had stirred considerable controversy at court when it was first proposed, because the cost was exorbitant—the finest design talents, the most skilled craftsmen, and the highest-grade materials.

All told, the State Finance Commission had allocated a full six million strings of cash for the construction of the dragon boat, and this was even after the costs of manpower and materials had been greatly compressed within the imperial system.

"A useless object, an extravagant waste"—that was the label stuck on the dragon boat. However, Emperor Liu had taken a notion to build a great vessel that concentrated the essence of the Great Han's shipbuilding technology. At the same time, this dragon boat was also a subtle embodiment of Emperor Liu's authority—this was a vessel that only the Son of Heaven could ride.

The original plan had been to build two—one for Emperor Liu as his "Dragon Palace," and one for the Empress as her "Phoenix Hall." However, when the elder Lady Fu later learned of the exorbitant cost, she took the initiative to petition against building the "Phoenix Hall." But the clever elder Lady Fu, seeing that Emperor Liu's mind was already made up, did not try to dissuade him like those remonstrating ministers did. Instead, she argued that since husband and wife were one, they could share the dragon boat, and building one would be enough. The result, naturally, was that a huge sum of money was saved for the court.

Even so, Emperor Liu felt somewhat displeased inside. Someone had subtly compared his dragon boat to the one built by Emperor Yang of Sui, which greatly annoyed him. Clearly, many people believed Emperor Liu was squandering resources for his own pleasure.

Although, as far as Emperor Liu personally was concerned, he had done it to further advance the Great Han's shipbuilding technology... though that was somewhat self-hypnotizing. In truth, if it were merely to promote the improvement of the Great Han's shipbuilding craftsmanship, why be so extravagant? And after it was built, how many times could he ride it in his lifetime? In the end, it was more of a spectacular showpiece.

When he actually saw the result, Emperor Liu was in a good mood. Majestic and imposing—that was probably the effect. He even rested and inspected only briefly upon arriving at Wuqing before eagerly boarding the ship and putting out to sea.

But after spending two days at sea, he hurriedly turned back to port. There was no other reason—Emperor Liu's excitement had worn off. He had never been particularly fond of riding boats; even on rivers and lakes, he had always had reservations, let alone riding a dragon boat through the waves out on the open sea. The risks were simply too great.

At the dock, with the imperial guards standing at strict attention, Emperor Liu stepped down the gangplank. After setting foot on solid ground, he couldn't help but stomp his feet a few times on the pier. It was the feeling of solid ground beneath his feet that made Emperor Liu comfortable and gave him a full sense of security.

Duke of Qin, Liu Xu, led a group of civil and military officials from the temporary imperial residence to welcome him. Upon seeing Emperor Liu, they all came forward to kneel in greeting.

"Rise, all of you!" Emperor Liu merely waved his hand as a response.

Turning back, he saw the Empress, the elder Lady Fu, also coming ashore with the help of attendants. Emperor Liu reached out and gently supported her, asking with concern, "Are you alright? Are you feeling well?"

Although the dragon boat rode the waves as smoothly as if on flat ground, being out at sea still put both mental and physical strain on one. Meeting Emperor Liu's concerned gaze, the elder Lady Fu's slightly pale face showed a faint smile as she shook her head and replied, "I'm fine!"

Liu Xu and the others, seeing Emperor Liu return safely, visibly relaxed. Clearly, during the time at sea, they had been worried about the safety of the imperial person.

"Whatever matters there are, we'll discuss them back at the residence!" Seeing their expressions, Emperor Liu instructed.

"Yes!"

Then, leaning close together as husband and wife, he and the elder Lady Fu walked toward the imperial carriage waiting at the dock. Before leaving, Emperor Liu couldn't help but look back at his "Dragon Palace," his gaze deep, a slight peculiar expression flashing across his face.

"What's wrong?" Noticing Emperor Liu's somewhat unusual reaction, the elder Lady Fu asked softly.

Glancing sideways at the elder Lady Fu, Emperor Liu sighed lightly: "Elder Lady Fu, after this trip, I truly regret building such a dragon boat!"

Facing the Empress's look of surprise, Emperor Liu said in a candid tone, slowly: "To be honest, this dragon boat can neither fight in naval combat nor transport grain and equipment. It was built merely to satisfy my vanity!

Moreover, having had this experience, I doubt I'll ever board it again. Such a massive dragon boat will likely become nothing more than a showpiece—a useless object, just as those remonstrating officials said!

I have advocated frugality in the palace and cut expenditures, but how much do the money and goods I saved amount to compared to the cost of building this boat?

If the money spent on this boat had been used to build warships and seagoing vessels, or to supplement military supplies, how much practical effect could it have had..."

Hearing Emperor Liu's words, the elder Lady Fu was surprised but also felt a sense of relief welling up. Leaning against Emperor Liu, she said with a smile: "That you can have such insight and reflection makes this trip worthwhile! When the ministers and the people hear of this, they will praise your wisdom!"

"Liu Xu!" Emperor Liu seemed a bit embarrassed and called out to Liu Xu in a serious tone.

"Your servant is here!" Liu Xu quickly responded.

"Draft an edict: all officials who were demoted for opposing the construction of the dragon boat are to be pardoned and restored to their original posts. Additionally, grant each of them money and grain as a reward!" Emperor Liu instructed.

"As you command!"

"Come, let's return to the residence!" Emperor Liu took the Empress's hand and quickened his pace, saying in a light tone: "This life at sea really isn't for me—too unstable. Solid ground is more reliable, at least there's no danger of capsizing..."

Walking alongside Emperor Liu, the elder Lady Fu glanced at his profile from the corner of her eye. The Emperor Liu of today was indeed no longer the vigorous and spirited man of old; the signs of age were quite evident.

But the older he got, the more pronounced the stubbornness that seemed rooted in his very bones became. After years of marriage, the elder Lady Fu knew Emperor Liu very well, and she had deep feelings about the changes in his temperament. Arrogant and headstrong, unable to tolerate opposition—this was something that caused the elder Lady Fu some concern.

In recent years, even when she held different views on many matters, she rarely went against him or remonstrated forcefully. Instead, she mostly went along with the Emperor's temper.

Many things still had to be seen through and concluded by Emperor Liu himself; it was very difficult for others to persuade him. Fortunately, no matter how his temper changed, Emperor Liu's mind remained fairly clear, and he dared to admit mistakes and change course. His breadth of mind was still there—he didn't blindly defend his own dignity.

Judging from the dragon boat affair, Emperor Liu's conduct was still reassuring. It was just that no one knew how long this reassurance would last.

"What are you thinking about? Why do you look so troubled?" Inside the imperial carriage, Emperor Liu lay on his side, noticing the Empress's expression.

Glancing at Emperor Liu, the elder Lady Fu hesitated for a moment, then leaned forward, drew him into her embrace, and gently massaged his temples, asking: "Have you ever thought about what to do with that dragon boat?"

Hearing this, Emperor Liu's breath unconsciously paused for a moment. He silently pondered the intent behind the question, then said leisurely: "It's already built—surely we wouldn't go so far as to destroy it!"

"Since you don't intend to use it, even if it's moored at the port, it will still require maintenance and repairs..." the elder Lady Fu said.

After a moment of deliberation, Emperor Liu suddenly asked: "Elder Lady Fu, do you think my words of reflection just now were merely superficial, formal, and confined to lip service?"

Sensing the somewhat cold tone in Emperor Liu's voice, the Empress's hands paused for a moment, then continued massaging him, saying calmly: "I wouldn't dare!"

The carriage fell silent, and the very air seemed to grow heavier. After a while, Emperor Liu, who seemed about to fall asleep, spoke up in a light tone: "Then find some uses for it. Tear off all the useless decorations on it, use it to transport troops, transport grain, or even refit it into a warship!"

"Additionally, I will issue another decree: from now on, such a dragon boat shall never be built again!"