Chapter 133: Audience with the Emperor

He paused for a moment, and a figure appeared, walking out from within the hall. It was an old man in brocade robes, well along in years. Stepping over the threshold, his hunched body straightened, and his murky eyes seemed to regain their clarity. He gazed at the scenery outside the hall, let out a heavy sigh, and his body visibly relaxed.

His gaze swept over and noticed Liu Chengyou. His eyes flickered for a moment, he nodded toward him, then hurried away with quick steps.

"Who was that?" Liu Chengyou asked a palace eunuch waiting before the hall.

"To answer Your Highness, that was Li Shouzhen, Military Governor of the Tianping Army, who came to the Eastern Capital to report for duty and pay homage. He arrived only yesterday."

So it was him! Watching that back receding step by step down the stairs, Liu Chengyou's mind suddenly raced with thoughts. This man had come in person to pay court—what about Du Chongwei then? Perhaps it would depend on how Liu Zhiyuan arranged things.

He did not have to wait long. Liu Zhiyuan's summons came down. Gathering his composure, he meticulously smoothed his already neat robes, and maintaining a complex state of mind he himself could hardly pin down, he stepped through the hall's doorway.

The arrangement inside Chuigong Hall was very simple, without much in the way of bright decoration. It was empty, carrying a stiff, lifeless air—rather dim and chilly.

Within, Liu Zhiyuan sat on the imperial throne, holding a memorial in his hand. Chancellor Yang Bin and Chief Minister Su Fengji were both below, evidently continuing to handle state affairs after receiving Li Shouzhen. There were also two ministers Liu Chengyou did not recognize; judging by their robes, their ranks were not low—they were likely Later Jin ministers retained by Liu Zhiyuan.

Liu Chengyou's footsteps were light, but his entrance quickly drew everyone's attention, and more or less, curious gazes were cast his way. Keeping his eyes straight ahead, he walked to before the throne and prostrated himself: "Your son pays respects to Your Majesty."

Gazing down at his second son, Liu Zhiyuan's body paused for a moment, then he slowly set down the memorial in his hand, raised a hand in gesture, and his deep voice echoed through the hall: "Rise."

"As for the matter of Hunan, let it be so. Appoint Ma Xiguang as Military Governor of the Wuan Army, Surveillance Commissioner of Hunan, and Commander-in-Chief of All Circuits South of the Yangtze, and enfeoff him as King of Chu!" Liu Zhiyuan first looked at Yang Bin and gave the order.

"Yes!" Yang Bin immediately responded.

Not long ago, "King of Hunan" Ma Xifan had died, leaving a final decree for his younger brother Ma Xiguang to succeed him. When Liu Zhiyuan entered Bian, he submitted a memorial of fealty, seeking to stabilize the Ma Chu regime. Liu Zhiyuan was naturally delighted, and for Ma Xifan—that extravagant, wanton, benighted ruler—he suspended court for three days, as a token gesture.

Among the separatist regimes in the south, the Ma Chu was the first to express "submission" to the founding of the Later Han. In contrast, Gao Conghui, the King of Nanping, who had earlier sent men to urge Liu Zhiyuan to take the throne, had gone quiet now that Liu Zhiyuan truly ruled the Central Plains. As for the Southern Tang and the Later Shu—the Southern Tang had designs on the Huai north, but possessed the ambition without the courage; the Later Shu, for now, had already become a worry at the very doorstep of the Great Han's capital.

"You may all withdraw!" Liu Zhiyuan said again, clearly wanting to speak with Liu Chengyou alone.

The ministers withdrew in orderly fashion, and as they passed by, Yang Bin's gaze lingered on Liu Chengyou's face for a moment. Liu Chengyou naturally noticed, but betrayed nothing.

"Sit." The hall grew even quieter. Seeing Liu Chengyou standing there respectfully, Liu Zhiyuan pointed to a chair below the throne.

"Yes."

He sat down properly—this was where Yang Bin had been sitting just now, and he could still feel a trace of warmth. Liu Zhiyuan continued to gaze at Liu Chengyou, but in his deep eyes there was now a clear note of appraisal.

For a time neither spoke. Liu Chengyou sat obediently, yet his state of mind unconsciously calmed considerably. He asked himself—he had nothing to feel guilty about.

Taking advantage of this lull, Liu Chengyou also cautiously observed Liu Zhiyuan. A very direct impression: his majesty was even greater, that faint aura of authority making one afraid to look askance. But likewise, Liu Zhiyuan had clearly aged a great deal. That stern, weathered face had gained many furrows, and his expression carried weariness, old age showing plainly. Compared to the spirited vigor of his early reign, Liu Zhiyuan had evidently come to understand how hard it was to be emperor.

"You've grown sturdier, and more mature." To Liu Chengyou's slight surprise, Liu Zhiyuan actually showed a trace of paternal affection.

"These past months, Your son has indeed learned much and grown much." Unable to read Liu Zhiyuan's mind, Liu Chengyou conservatively followed his lead.

"Your expedition east into Hebei this time gave Us and the court a great surprise. Without you, Our entry into the Central Plains would not have gone so smoothly, nor would the state have been pacified so quickly. One could say that half of this Great Han's rivers and mountains were won by you..." Liu Zhiyuan said with emotion, his manner still gentle.

But these words fell on Liu Chengyou's ears with a sense of shock. However great the merit, this assessment was a bit too high, a bit too heavy—heavy enough that Liu Chengyou could hardly bear it.

"Father overpraises me. Without your strategizing from within the tent and deciding victory a thousand li away, and the efforts of all your civil and military officials, how could there be today's Great Han? You are the backbone of the Great Han, favored by Heaven's mandate..." He dared not take up that thread at all, words flowing readily, extremely humble, laying it on thick.

"You really have improved." Liu Zhiyuan actually smiled: "Such flattery—you might have spoken it before, but never so smoothly."

Liu Chengyou was a bit puzzled—was he mocking him?

"In the earlier discussion of founding merits, We ranked Shi Hongzhao first and you second. Do you harbor resentment in your heart?" Liu Zhiyuan's voice grew lower and slower.

At the question, Liu Chengyou's heart tightened, his mind racing as he guessed why Liu Zhiyuan had said this. He blinked rapidly, and in a tone that strove to sound naturally aggrieved, Liu Chengyou replied: "Your son would not dare."

"Only 'would not dare'?" Liu Zhiyuan asked with a light laugh.

Liu Chengyou lowered his eyelids, as if tacitly admitting it.

Seeing this, Liu Zhiyuan nodded almost imperceptibly, as if Liu Chengyou's reaction was within his expectations, and said reassuringly: "We must consider all things thoroughly; We cannot disregard the feelings of the other officers and soldiers. In this matter, you have suffered a grievance—We know this in Our heart, and there will be compensation..."

"Your son dares not hope for anything more. So long as I can share your burdens, I will be fully content." Liu Chengyou immediately declared his stance.

A hint of gratification appeared on his face, then gradually faded. After a brief deliberation, Liu Zhiyuan said: "As for the matter of Zhao Yanshou, We heard your elder brother's report. Your considerations, though grounded in the long term, were far too reckless. One misstep and it would have been a complete defeat. The Khitan have dominated the lands north of the ridges for decades, having integrated the various tribes, and their strength is formidable. The battle at Luancheng wounded their sinews and bones, but their foundation remains. The situation in Youyan is complex; Han troops have not set foot on its soil for ten years. Though he surprisingly took Youzhou, that was only because of Khitan internal strife, which gave him the opportunity..."

Liu Zhiyuan launched into a lecture. Though Liu Chengyou had some rebuttals in his heart, he wisely did not speak, only maintaining a calm expression and appearing to listen respectfully to the admonishment.

"And as for this man Zhao Yanshou—We knew of him over ten years ago. Though he has some minor talent, he is not to be trusted. Entrusting troops to him was far too ill-considered."

"Father's instruction is right. Your son, afterward, also felt terrified, unable to sit or stand still." Liu Chengyou replied with a hint of lingering fear: "Fortunately, this wild fancy achieved the desired effect."

Glancing at Liu Chengyou, Liu Zhiyuan's brows drew together as he caught the implication beneath Liu Chengyou's words. He could not help but appraise him anew, his expression grave, and after a moment's deliberation asked: "Now that you have returned from Chengde, can Zhao Yanshou hold Youzhou?"

Clearly, Liu Zhiyuan still cared greatly about the situation in Youyan. Losing Yanyun would inevitably bring disaster to the Central Plains—it was precisely because he understood this principle that he had originally opposed Shi Jingtang ceding Yanyun to seek Khitan support.

"Your son does not know." Liu Chengyou's answer was very direct: "Everything can only depend on the outcome of the two sides' attacks and defenses. Autumn has already set in; so long as Yelu Ruan stabilizes his own country, he will certainly lead troops south. The Khitan will absolutely not give up Youyan!"

Having said this, noticing Liu Zhiyuan's tightly knit brows and roughly guessing what he was worried about, Liu Chengyou continued: "Zhao Yanshou holds Youzhou, defends it from strong walls, and has the support of the Yan people. For the Khitan to retake Youzhou without paying a price is impossible. According to intelligence reports, conflicts between Hu and Han in the Youyan region have erupted, with large numbers of Han civilians fleeing south, their hearts inclined toward the Yan army—these are all Zhao Yanshou's capital for resisting the Khitan. And within Youzhou city, after the Yan troops entered, there was a purge and massacre targeting the Hu; hatred runs deep, and it is nearly impossible for the Yan troops to surrender to the Khitan. As for Zhao Yanshou himself, even if the man is fickle, even if he intended to defect to the Khitan again, he would have to think carefully about whether he could come to a good end..."

"Moreover, regardless of how the situation at Youzhou develops from here, or what the outcome will be, one thing is certain: for the next several years, even within ten years, the Great Han's northern border defenses will be secure!"

Listening to Liu Chengyou speak with such eloquence, Liu Zhiyuan unconsciously nodded twice along with him, then quickly caught himself. Looking at his second son, he slowly began to realize—what Liu Chengxun had reported to him was clearly somewhat different from what Liu Chengyou himself was saying. Seeing this calm demeanor of his, pointing at the realm and settling heaven and earth, he could not help but feel some complex emotions rise in his heart.

"For now, standing with the Great Han at his back to hold off the Khitan is Zhao Yanshou's best choice. And the court should also give him and the soldiers and people of Youyan a measure of support, becoming their backing, letting them boldly resist the Khitan..."

"In your earlier memorial, you proposed granting Zhao Yanshou territory and enfeoffing him—was this your intention?" Liu Zhiyuan stared at Liu Chengyou.

Nodding, Liu Chengyou slightly corrected Liu Zhiyuan's phrasing: "It is merely temporarily entrusted to Zhao Yanshou's hands. If he can hold it, there will surely come a day when he offers up the territory and submits to the court; if he cannot hold it, then in the future, our dynasty will send troops to take it ourselves!"

Liu Chengyou's words were spoken with great boldness. Liu Zhiyuan was also briefly stunned, then let out a breath and said: "It seems that the honor of King of Yan and Military Governor of Youzhou truly must be granted to Zhao Yanshou after all."

Hearing Liu Zhiyuan say this, Liu Chengyou secretly breathed a sigh of relief—he should have been persuaded. He sought nothing else, only that Liu Zhiyuan not truly listen to those "idle words" and ruin his plans.

Perhaps having talked himself dry, Liu Zhiyuan ordered someone to serve tea, took two sips, and changed the subject: "The matter of Xingzhou—you went too far."

His brows knitted, the teacup in his hand froze in mid-air, then he set it down. Liu Chengyou asked: "You mean Xue Huairang?"

"Who else?" Liu Zhiyuan looked at his son, neither sad nor pleased, merely stating flatly: "He was a military governor of a region, and you dismissed him just like that. Expelling the man, confiscating his household, stripping his military command, swallowing his elite troops—who gave you the authority!"

At this point, the cup in Liu Zhiyuan's hand was set firmly on the table, letting out a sharp "crack."

The atmosphere suddenly turned tense. Liu Zhiyuan was nearly interrogating Liu Chengyou: "Xue Huairang came to the Eastern Capital, knelt before the palace gates crying out his grievances, enumerating his wrongs, making a spectacle known throughout the city. In recent days, We have received no fewer than one memorial from regional military governors inquiring about this matter. What do you think these governors think of this affair?"

"I have heard something of this too." Liu Chengyou was quite calm, his expression unchanged, speaking slowly and deliberately: "I know Xue Huairang is unconvinced in his heart. At Xingzhou, leaving him with his life was already leniency beyond the law. I never imagined he would still have the nerve and the face to come to the Eastern Capital crying injustice—can there really be such a shameless man in this world? As for those governors—my doing this was precisely to show them!"

Hearing this, Liu Zhiyuan immediately rebuked: "Headstrong and self-opinionated!"

Liu Chengyou's expression froze. This was the first time Liu Zhiyuan had berated him so mercilessly—and the feeling, he found, was rather novel.

Seeing Liu Chengyou's "ugly" expression, Liu Zhiyuan put away his angry look and said calmly: "We have appointed Xue Huairang as Military Governor of Tongzhou!"

At this, Liu Chengyou's face finally changed color, looking at Liu Zhiyuan with some astonishment: "Do you know what crimes Xue Huairang committed?"

"We know!" Liu Zhiyuan answered thus.

Liu Chengyou fell silent.

Seeing him lower his head and say nothing, Liu Zhiyuan grew curious instead: "What, not convinced?"

Raising his gaze slightly, Liu Chengyou said with a withdrawn air: "Your son follows only his father's commands. Since you have already made your decision, I am fully convinced."

Liu Zhiyuan smiled freely, the grin on his dark face making him look somewhat simple. He sighed, then spoke to Liu Chengyou with earnest weight: "Second Son, showing all your edge, being too sharp—that is not necessarily a good thing! The Great Han is newly founded, a hundred things await restoration, and it cannot yet withstand upheaval. This rivers-and-mountains realm still needs to be put in order slowly; there is no rushing it. The lessons of Liang, Tang, and Jin are right before our eyes—how can we not take them as a warning?"

He instinctively raised his head, his gaze meeting Liu Zhiyuan's in the air for a moment before quickly looking away. Liu Chengyou seemed to gain some insight, murmuring in reply: "Thank you for your teaching, Father."

In his heart, though, he could not help wondering—since Liu Zhiyuan saw things so clearly, why had the situation in the Eastern Capital been in such chaos before?

"Enough!" Liu Zhiyuan seemed to have lost interest in talking, waving his hand: "Go to the inner palace and see your mother. You have been away for months, and she has missed you greatly. Hearing of your return, she has been looking forward to it these past days."

At the mention of Lady Li, Liu Chengyou's expression softened somewhat, his body relaxing. He rose and answered obediently: "Yes."

"Your son takes his leave!"

"Oh, right!" Liu Zhiyuan called Liu Chengyou back.

"Does Father have further instructions?"

Liu Zhiyuan seemed to ponder for a moment, but his words came smoothly: "Since entering the Eastern Capital, the Hedong troops have merged with the surrendered Jin soldiers, suddenly multiplying severalfold. Orders are not unified, commands are inconsistent. I have reflected deeply on this pain and am resolved to reorganize. I have already issued a decree for Shi Hongzhao and Guo Wei to take charge of reorganizing the imperial army and re-establishing the military command structure. The Longqi Army you lead is also among those to be retrained!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's calm expression turned somewhat numb. For a moment he could not find words, his mind racing. Liu Zhiyuan was not impatient either, seemingly waiting for his reply. Glancing up, he caught Liu Zhiyuan's assured expression. He had already figured it out, and his body slowly relaxed as he bowed deeply: "Retraining the imperial army benefits the state. Your son will naturally cooperate fully and dares not raise any objection."

"Good." Though it was merely a notification to Liu Chengyou, Liu Zhiyuan was still quite satisfied with his attitude.

"I have prepared a residence for you outside the palace walls. You have labored hard campaigning for months—take a good rest in the Eastern Capital for a while." Liu Zhiyuan said with a beaming smile: "Furthermore, I have decided to appoint you Deputy Commissioner of Military Affairs and Director of the Secretariat, with the added honor of Tejin."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

At this moment, Liu Chengyou's heart was utterly unmoved.