Chapter 135: Biding One's Time

Lady Geng's body was delicate and could not withstand much exertion, so after a brief moment of pleasure, he let her go. In sage mode, Liu Chengyou truly felt like a philosopher—clear-headed, with vast thoughts, grand vision, and eyes radiating the light of wisdom, able to devise a rationale for anything he looked upon...

Then, fatigue surged over him like a flood. His neck itched from the friction of her soft hair, and by his ear was the lady's gentle murmuring. From Lady Geng's mouth came mostly domestic chatter—her experiences from Jinyang to Kaifeng, life in the household, gifts from the palace, exchanges with the noble ladies of the Eastern Capital, and so on. What she could not hide in her words and demeanor was her longing for Liu Chengyou and her joy at his return.

After all, Lady Geng was merely a concubine of low birth. When Liu Chengyou was not by her side, she was essentially alone and without security; when he returned, she felt at ease. And Liu Chengyou could also sense the attachment the beauty beside his pillow felt for him.

For Liu Chengyou, that kind of little-woman prattling actually gave him a new feeling. He did not find it tiresome, occasionally offering a word or two in response. Amid the tender intimacy, the gloom in his heart did indeed dissipate considerably—until he fell asleep.

By the time Liu Chengyou awoke, the sky had already darkened. Under Lady Geng's attentive service, he bathed and dressed, washing away the lingering scents and grime that invited lascivious thoughts, and changed into clean clothes.

"It gets cold at night." Lady Geng considerately draped a robe over Liu Chengyou.

This woman was extremely attentive, yet very natural, her gaze never leaving Liu Chengyou. In the hall, some food had been prepared—the dishes were not elaborate: the tofu Liu Chengyou loved most, egg custard, stir-fried bok choy, a plate of roasted mutton, and a bowl of millet porridge. It pleased Liu Chengyou greatly.

Liu Chengyou was never a picky eater; in truth, a bowl of tofu was enough to satisfy him.

"Where do these ingredients come from?" Liu Chengyou asked casually.

Lady Geng replied: "They're all managed by Old Woman Li. Someone delivers them to the gate every day."

Liu Chengyou nodded, his chopsticks pausing: "I wonder how many households in Kaifeng can afford to buy these foods normally."

Lady Geng had likely heard something of the situation in the Eastern Capital. Hearing the sigh in Liu Chengyou's tone, she could not help but console him: "It will get better. These past days, things inside and outside the city have calmed down considerably."

"Won't you have some?"

"This concubine is not hungry." With beautiful eyes gazing, Lady Geng was determined to watch Liu Chengyou eat.

"Reporting to Your Highness, the gentlemen Tao Gu and Wei Renpu have come to pay a visit." He had barely eaten a few mouthfuls when a guard reported at the hall's entrance.

"The two came together?" Liu Chengyou asked.

"I only know they arrived at the same time."

Liu Chengyou instructed: "Lead them here to this hall for conversation."

"This concubine will take her leave." Seeing the situation, Lady Geng rose gracefully to withdraw. Liu Chengyou nodded at her—this woman's obedience made him feel very comfortable.

In the side hall of the residence, Tao Gu met Wei Renpu face to face, slightly surprised. His shrewd gaze swept over Wei Renpu, and he asked in a tone one uses with a junior: "Daoji, you've come to pay your respects rather promptly. Have you settled your household properly?"

Tao Gu was somewhat presuming on his seniority, and his question was a bit discourteous, but Wei Renpu did not take it to heart and answered freely: "I am alone in the Eastern Capital, with no worldly affairs to trouble me."

"I have heard that before the previous dynasty was destroyed by the barbarian invaders, Daoji, you sent your wife and children back to your hometown. Looking back now, that was foresight indeed—sparing your family the calamity of war and displacement. In this world, those with such vision are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. No wonder you have earned His Highness's trust so completely. His Highness knows how to judge men..." Tao Gu stared at Wei Renpu as he praised him, and his final words were spoken with great emphasis.

Wei Renpu maintained his humility: "Master Tao flatters me. I am unworthy of such praise."

"Gentlemen, His Highness awaits in the hall. Please follow me." Amid their idle chat, Li Chongju appeared and guided the two.

"Thank you for the trouble, General Li." Tao Gu rose first, a smile plastered on his face.

The two followed Li Chongju through the residence, winding through zigzag corridors and turning several times, passing pavilions and towers along the way—truly lavish and noble. Tao Gu sighed inwardly, the envy in the depths of his eyes almost impossible to hide, while Wei Renpu's expression remained unchanged.

When they reached the hall, Liu Chengyou had only eaten half his meal. They immediately bowed in salute.

"No need for ceremony. Sit."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Liu Chengyou set down the knife he was using to cut meat, popped a slice of tender, crisp-yellow mutton into his mouth, wiped his greasy mouth and hands, and only then said: "You've come at just the right time. I was meaning to consult you both on some matters."

Hearing this, Tao Gu's expression shifted. He leaned forward, observing Liu Chengyou's face, and guessed shrewdly: "Could it concern the audience with the Son of Heaven?"

"As Master Tao says, the suppression has arrived." Liu Chengyou looked at Tao Gu, not playing coy, and answered directly, then briefly recounted the results of his audience at court.

After hearing Liu Chengyou's account, Tao Gu wore an expression of "just as I expected, it did not escape my prediction." He slowly straightened his back and spoke: "This matter was anticipated long ago. Your Highness need not worry overmuch—I simply did not expect the Son of Heaven to be in such a hurry."

For some reason, Liu Chengyou felt that Tao Gu was a little smug when he said this.

"His Majesty's aim of stripping your authority and suppressing you is almost plainly visible. But whether it will have much effect—that remains to be seen. Your Highness's reputation is already sung throughout the realm; it cannot be erased by such means. Regarding the reorganization of the imperial army, Your Highness need only maintain close contact with Commissioner Guo. He is Guo Rong's father, and with that connection, winning him over should not be difficult. By exerting influence through Commissioner Guo, how could the army reorganization possibly bypass you entirely? Furthermore, keep these old subordinates of the Longqi Army firmly in hand, and you need not fear the rest—the Longqi Army will remain in your grasp..."

After hearing Tao Gu's words, Liu Chengyou could not help but furrow his brow. He was somewhat dissatisfied with the suggestion, feeling it was too eager for quick results and not steady enough.

Seeing Liu Chengyou's lack of reaction, Tao Gu fell silent, the smile fading from his lips as he unconsciously tugged at his beard.

Liu Chengyou looked at Wei Renpu: "What does Master Wei think?"

Upon being asked, Wei Renpu deliberated for a moment, then clasped his hands and replied: "This subordinate believes that action is inferior to stillness. Your Highness's response has already been appropriate. The reorganization of the imperial army concerns the safety of the state; from the broader perspective, it should be fully supported, without harboring too many private designs. His Majesty's arrangement is precisely to reduce your military authority. Since he already harbors thoughts of suppression, if Your Highness makes too many moves, would that not be opposing the Son of Heaven?"

"As for the junior officers of the Longqi Army, Your Highness treats them as brothers and comrades. You have shown both kindness and authority, and shared half a year of bloody battle and fighting shoulder to shoulder—such bonds cannot be erased in a short time. There is no need for superfluous means of control; simply maintain them as usual. Excessive actions may bring no benefit and instead invite suspicion..."

When Wei Renpu finished speaking, Tao Gu's face visibly soured—this was nearly a complete rejection of his advice. How could he be pleased? Yet, upon careful reflection, he had to admit that Wei Renpu's words were not without reason. When he set aside his utilitarian mindset, Tao Gu's mind was still quite clear and perceptive.

"So am I to do nothing at all?" Liu Chengyou asked.

"Bide your time and hide your light!" Wei Renpu replied: "Since His Majesty has appointed you Deputy Commissioner of Military Affairs, simply participate in military and political affairs as usual. Moreover, holding the Longqi Army only affects one army. But if the reorganization succeeds, what it influences is the entire imperial army!"

"But what about Shi Hongzhao!" Liu Chengyou voiced his concern: "This man is arrogant and overbearing. If military authority is placed entirely in his hands, I fear he will become even harder to control in the future!"

Tao Gu seized the opportunity to interject, once again wearing an expression of having everything under control: "A commander who is overbearing and arrogant is often resented by his sovereign. If Shi does not learn to restrain himself, how long can the Son of Heaven tolerate him? Sooner or later, he will bring disaster upon himself."

Liu Chengyou seemed lost in thought, then sighed: "It seems that in this Eastern Capital, I must keep a low profile."

"The reorganization has not yet produced a concrete plan, and the outcome remains to be seen. Your Highness truly has no need to worry overmuch." Wei Renpu added.

"I understand." Liu Chengyou nodded, though his brow remained furrowed.

Seeing Wei Renpu gain favor before Liu Chengyou again, Tao Gu pondered for a while, then spoke cautiously: "What Your Highness should be concerned about now is the purpose behind His Majesty's suppression of you..."

"What are you trying to say?" Seeing his expression, Liu Chengyou asked directly.

"Though the Great Han has been established, the position of the Eastern Palace remains vacant. Your Highness is also a legitimate son—you should make preparations early." Tao Gu said carefully.

At these words, Wei Renpu could not help but look up at Liu Chengyou.

Liu Chengyou showed no surprise, nor did he say anything to indicate his stance. He simply waved his hand casually, telling the two to go rest. He himself picked up the knife again to cut the now slightly cooled mutton, his face expressionless, yet his heart could not help but stir.

"Your Highness." Later in the evening, in the spacious study, Liu Chengyou was deep in thought when Li Chongju walked in.

"What is it?"

Li Chongju replied: "Just now, when Master Tao was leaving, he quietly found me and said that his residence in Kaifeng has been occupied by a commander of a Wujie Army camp, and he cannot get it back. Not daring to trouble Your Highness with such a trivial matter, he sought me out instead, hoping I could go and help him retrieve it. This subordinate felt that this matter still needed to be reported to Your Highness."

"Tao Gu is using your mouth to relay this to me." Liu Chengyou realized at once.

Judging by Li Chongju's expression, he likely understood this perfectly well—though honest, he was also shrewd: "Your Highness, how should this matter be handled?"

"Where is Tao Gu staying?"

"He is temporarily lodging at a friend's house."

"The Wujie Army's camp commander—one of Shi Hongzhao's men." Liu Chengyou said indifferently, already having a plan in mind, and directly ordered: "Tomorrow, take a few guards with you, bring the deed, find witnesses, and accompany Tao Gu there. Help him get his residence back!"

"Yes!"

The matter of Tao Gu was, to Liu Chengyou, merely a small affair, hardly worth mentioning. However, since it involved Shi Hongzhao's men—ha—even if they were in the right, who knew whether that Chief Commander Shi would throw his weight around and throw a tantrum!

Li Chongju respectfully withdrew. Watching his retreating figure, Liu Chengyou suddenly called him back.

"Does Your Highness have further instructions?"

Liu Chengyou's previously taut expression relaxed, and he said to him: "The household's day-to-day affairs—take more care with them from now on. Don't think of yourself as merely a guard!"

Li Chongju was momentarily taken aback, then his ordinary face became even more ordinary. He made a deep bow and said: "Yes."

Like Liu Chengyou, Liu Zhiyuan had also bestowed a residence outside the imperial city upon Liu Chengxun, not far from Liu Chengyou's—only one ward away.

The night was still young; unlike ordinary households, it was far from rest time. Liu Chengxun sat behind his desk, trimming the lamp as he reviewed reports on civil affairs and popular sentiment submitted from the prefectures and counties of the two capitals. After returning to court, Liu Chengxun had been appointed by Liu Zhiyuan as Vice Director of the Secretariat, Commissioner of Government Affairs, and Chief Minister, tasked—due to the flood of refugees and displaced persons—with comforting the people and restoring them to rest.

Liu Chengxun had always possessed a benevolent disposition. On the journey to the Eastern Capital, he had witnessed with his own eyes too much suffering among the common folk, and he held great sympathy for the people of the two capitals region. Entrusted with this task, he did not dwell on thoughts of "winning people's hearts"—he simply devoted himself wholeheartedly to helping solve the livelihood problems of the refugees.

A fur robe was wrapped tightly around him; he looked as if he felt cold, coughing from time to time, the muffled sounds from his throat somewhat heavy. These past few days, with cold and heat alternating, he had caught a chill without paying attention and had been recuperating at home. Liu Zhiyuan had permitted him to conduct official business from his residence. Today, when Liu Chengyou returned, he had wanted to go welcome him, but his body felt rather unwell, so he gave up the idea.

"Your Highness, Chancellor Yang of the Bureau of Military Affairs requests an audience!" Liu Chengxun was reading his documents with great concentration, brows tightly knit and expression grave, when a palace eunuch walked to the outside of the curtain and interrupted him.

Upon hearing the report, Liu Chengxun immediately ordered: "Quickly, invite him in."

Before long, Yang Bin, guided by the eunuch, entered the room. Liu Chengxun personally stepped forward to greet him, cupping his hands and saying: "Chancellor Yang."

"Your Highness."

After exchanging greetings, the two sat down, and tea was served.

"How is your health?" Yang Bin asked.

Liu Chengxun answered with a smile: "It's nothing—just caught a slight chill. After resting a while, I'll be fine."

"Chancellor, what business brings you here at this hour of night?" The two were quite familiar with each other, constantly crossing paths at court. After brief pleasantries, Liu Chengxun asked directly.

"Your Highness, the Second Prince has returned!" Yang Bin said with a stern face.

Liu Chengxun coughed lightly twice, a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth: "I know. He should have gone to the palace to pay respects to His Majesty. I was planning to invite Second Brother over for a visit tomorrow."

Seeing Liu Chengxun's reaction, Yang Bin's brows knitted deeply, and he repeated in a heavier voice: "Your Highness, the Second Prince has returned!"

This time, Liu Chengxun finally sensed something amiss. He looked at Yang Bin with confusion: "What is it that the Chancellor wishes to say?"

"Your Highness, the Second Prince has returned bearing unparalleled merit, his momentum rising like the sun at noon. You must prepare early!" Drawing in a breath, Yang Bin lowered his voice and said.

Hearing these words, Liu Chengxun's expression shifted. He was not foolish. After a moment of silence, he asked: "What exactly does the Chancellor wish to say?"

Yang Bin was straightforward and did not mince words: "Your Highness, you are the eldest legitimate son, respected by all the ministers, and have long held a reputation for virtue—you are the natural and irreplaceable choice for succession. But in this past year, the Second Prince seems to have had a sudden awakening, participating in military and political affairs. This time, he has made a great name for himself in Hebei and rendered monumental achievements. This poses a tremendous threat to your position. You must not—"

"Chancellor, your words go too far!" Liu Chengxun did not wait for Yang Bin to finish, directly cutting him off: "Second Brother is young, yet he has exhausted his mind and fought a hundred battles on the battlefield before returning. He has rendered great merit to the state. The Great Han is just rising; this is precisely the time when my father, his sons, and all the ministers should unite as one, together forging the realm and relieving the people. As Chancellor of the Bureau of Military Affairs, holding military and political power, assisting the Son of Heaven above and serving the common people below—how can you harbor suspicions toward Second Brother!"

Hearing Liu Chengxun's speech, Yang Bin was somewhat taken aback. He wanted to rebuke him with a word—"naive"—but seeing Liu Chengxun's righteous expression, he found it hard to say.

Pausing for a moment, he organized his words and said: "Your Highness is so benevolent and magnanimous, but do you know what is in his heart? If he did not harbor grand ambitions, why would one of his status take risks, engaging in military affairs and personally facing arrows and stones? You speak of relieving the people and bringing peace to the world—but do you recall the story of Taizong of the Tang?"

At this point, Liu Chengxun's expression could no longer hold; it turned somewhat ugly.

Yang Bin continued: "Now, His Majesty has not yet established a Crown Prince, which gives the Second Prince even more opportunity to covet the position. If Your Highness does not remain vigilant, I fear you may be taken advantage of!"

"Enough!" Liu Chengxun seemed angered. Flicking his sleeve, he vented at Yang Bin—a rare occurrence: "Is the Chancellor trying to sow discord between my brother and me?"

"Your servant would not dare." Yang Bin's expression also turned unpleasant, but in the end, he did not push back hard.

In his emotional agitation, Liu Chengxun could not help but cough heavily several times, barely managing to recover. Seeing Yang Bin sitting there in silence, Liu Chengxun pondered for a while, then restrained his angry expression: "I spoke too harshly. Chancellor, please do not take offense."

Yang Bin shook his head.

Liu Chengxun could feel Yang Bin's goodwill toward him and truly could not bring himself to rebuke him. After thinking it over, he said: "Father is not Gaozu of the Tang, Second Brother is not Li Shimin, and I am not the Hidden Prince."

Liu Chengxun spoke very calmly, but from his tone, Yang Bin could still detect a trace of turmoil. Clearly, Liu Chengxun was not entirely unconcerned.