Chapter 1353: Having Entered the Central Plains, This Life May Never Return

When Chou Ning and Liu Xu, the brothers, were led into the main hall of the traveling palace, Emperor Liu was receiving generals and officials within, a full assembly with a very lively atmosphere. Those summoned for audience were all mid-to-senior ranking officers who had withdrawn from the front lines, as well as local bureaucrats who had performed outstandingly in supplying the northern expedition.

The assessment of merits, celebration of achievements, and granting of rewards still required subsequent verification by the various army commanders and the Ministry of War, with rewards to be given after returning to the capital. But this occasion in Youzhou served as a preliminary step.

For the civil and military officials summoned, it was clearly a rare opportunity and a positive signal—whether regarding rewards for northern expedition merits or future promotions in office and rank, all stood to benefit.

For ordinary civil and military officials, rapid advancement required seizing the right moment, grasping opportunities, taking action, doing things, and producing results. In times of peace and prosperity, without war or conflict, without waves or ripples, climbing the heights of officialdom was naturally very difficult.

And as time passed, as the enemies of the Great Han fell one by one, as surrounding threats were gradually eliminated, and as national politics grew increasingly stable, the grand and turbulent era of the past was slowly receding. For those with ambition and wild aspirations, great undertakings like the northern expedition were becoming ever more a matter of chance, not something to be sought at will.

Equally a matter of chance was receiving an audience with the emperor and beholding the Son of Heaven's countenance. Although Emperor Liu frequently went on tours, for ninety percent of the Great Han's officials and soldiers, they might never have such an opportunity in their entire lives.

This point became ever more pronounced the further one moved from the Qianyou era and the longer Emperor Liu reigned. After all, the distance between the current Emperor Liu and the lower and middle strata had grown ever greater. The emperor sat high above, while officials, commoners, generals, and clerks prostrated themselves below—between the two lay a chasm like a heavenly moat.

"I am very gratified by your past conduct and deeds! Let me add one more phrase for you: continue to strive, press forward with determination, work diligently for the court, seek the welfare of the people. You must be worthy of your posts and assignments, and worthy of the expectations I and the court have placed upon you!" Learning that Liu Xu and the Xi King had already entered the palace, Emperor Liu timely concluded this audience, speaking to the assembled civil and military officials with a gentle demeanor.

Facing the emperor's instruction and encouragement, the assembled subordinates naturally performed with great enthusiasm, bowing their heads in assent, vowing to remember His Majesty's teachings.

"All of you may withdraw now, return to your lodgings and rest a while. I shall hold a banquet at the traveling palace tonight; enter the palace in the evening to attend the feast, and I will reward you then!" Emperor Liu waved his hand and gave the order.

"Yes! Your servants take their leave!" Led by Chu Zhaofu, the Administration Commissioner of the Yan Mountains, who held the highest rank among them, the assembled civil and military officials bowed in salute and filed out in response.

Thus, before entering the hall to pay homage, Chou Ning saw a procession of Great Han civil and military officials in court robes and scholar's caps, their expressions jubilant, exiting the hall respectfully in single file.

"By the emperor's oral decree, summon the Xi King Chou Ning, Duke of Qin Liu Xu, and Duke of Jin Liu Xi to audience!" The one who came to receive them before the hall was Zhang Yong, an Academician of the Grand Secretariat.

Upon hearing this, the three waiting figures immediately perked up. Seeing Liu Xu and his brother adjusting their robes and caps, Chou Ning also imitated them, touching the jade crown atop his head that he was not accustomed to wearing.

The old Xi King at this moment wore a splendid python robe and royal crown, with a jade belt at his waist—specially bestowed by Emperor Liu. As he was led into the hall, Chou Ning's inner thoughts were exceedingly rich. Though the fine robes and jade crown were uncomfortable to wear, he inexplicably felt a sense of comfort and satisfaction in his heart.

"Your servant Chou Ning pays respects to Your Majesty the Emperor!" Entering the hall, nervously stepping forward two paces, Chou Ning performed the great ritual, prostrating himself on the ground.

The old Xi King was advanced in years, but his movements in bending and kneeling were still quite nimble. If toward Liu Xu, the imperial prince, he was cautious with a hint of flattery, then facing the Son of Heaven of the Great Han, his attitude could only be described as servile. When changing clothes earlier, a palace eunuch had briefly explained some Han court etiquette to him, but by now he had forgotten it all. Yet he knew to display the most respectful posture and express his submission.

"Xi King, please rise. Be seated!" Emperor Liu's voice sounded somewhat ethereal in the great hall.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Toward Liu Xu and his brother, Emperor Liu raised a hand and gestured for the two to sit beside him, while his gaze fell upon Chou Ning, observing this aged great king of the Xi people. It had to be said—his humble and respectful bearing made Emperor Liu feel at ease and satisfied.

"The old Xi King has been a hero all his life, of high renown and great prestige. Though I have long resided in the central court, I have heard of your fame. Today I finally behold your true countenance!" Emperor Liu said to Chou Ning with a smile.

After taking his seat, Chou Ning, though striving to control his expression, could not help but steal careful glances at Emperor Liu. At forty years of age, Emperor Liu could no longer give the impression of being in the prime of vigor. There was some sign of age in his features, but that aura of one who grasps heaven and earth, who commands the cosmos, was deeply startling.

Emperor Liu sat high upon the dragon throne, dressed very simply. Apart from that bright yellow robe, there was nothing particularly eye-catching about him. Behind the throne was a great painted wall, upon which were carved exquisite patterns of mountains, rivers, and the state. Below, a brazier blazed fiercely, dispelling the cold of the hall and illuminating Emperor Liu's back, making him seem all the more mysterious and unfathomable.

Just like the Great Han civil and military officials who had first met Emperor Liu before him, Chou Ning's mind was also overawed. Hearing his words, he felt some surprise and responded: "Your Majesty has actually heard of this humble and insignificant name of your servant? Your Majesty is a deity descended to earth, a heroic sovereign of the age, commanding the realm's talents and heroes, establishing immortal achievements, with fame shaking heaven and earth and renown spreading across the four seas. Your servant, far beyond the northern frontier, has long admired Your Majesty's name. Today, being able to gaze upon Your Majesty's heavenly countenance and humbly listen to the Son of Heaven's instruction—this is your servant's supreme honor!"

Emperor Liu was somewhat surprised; he had not expected this old Xi King to be so eloquent. Of course, perhaps it was not that he was eloquent, but merely that he was displaying his most humble and submissive bearing.

Nevertheless, Emperor Liu was still greatly pleased. He laughed a few times and said: "Xi King need not stand on ceremony. You are no small figure—commanding the six tribes of the Xi, governing several hundred thousand Xi people, you are indeed a hero of the age!"

"Your Majesty overpraises your servant! Your servant and his subordinates have long been under the oppressive might of the Khitan. In the past, we knew not the height of heaven or the breadth of earth, and even led our multitudes to follow the Khitan's southern incursions, becoming enemies of the Great Han. Now that I think of it, the offense is truly great! Had it not been for the First Prince's guidance, your servant would not have awakened. Your Majesty is truly the sovereign of the world, the lord of all peoples." Facing the lenient Emperor Liu, Chou Ning laid on the flattery with all his might.

Seeing this, Emperor Liu raised his hand, putting on a magnanimous air, and said in a light tone: "I have long issued an edict—let bygones be bygones; let the past pass. That the Xi King has now led his people to submit, re-entered the embrace of the Great Han, and welcomed the imperial army into the city is a great merit to the court. From now on, the Xi people are also my subjects. As long as they sincerely submit, I shall treat them equally!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!" Upon hearing this, Chou Ning immediately rose excitedly and performed a great bow in the middle of the hall.

Looking down at Chou Ning, who seemed deeply moved, Emperor Liu's face showed no emotion, still maintaining a hint of reserved smile, and declared in a clear voice: "Xi King, no need for such ceremony! I summoned you to Youzhou this time for two reasons. First, I wished to meet you and have a talk. I have heard that the Xi tribes have been severely oppressed in Liao, and that the livelihood of your people has been very difficult. Since you have entered the Han, I should also give thought to the future of your tribes.

Second, I intend to formally enfeoff you. I have already ordered preparations for the investiture documents and ceremonial protocols. After I return to court, I shall bestow honors upon you in the great hall, to make it known to all under heaven..."

Emperor Liu's words were not long, but the information worth mining was abundant. The old Xi King was also somewhat shrewd and sensed some other implications.

He stood up, glanced up at Emperor Liu, and said tentatively: "Your Majesty has been able to accept the Xi people and show such concern for the tribesmen. Your servant will certainly assist the court in governing the tribes, so as to win their hearts."

Seeing his cautious demeanor, Emperor Liu's eyes seemed to carry a hint of a smile: "I hear the Xi King has led the Xi tribes for thirty years now?"

"In reply to Your Majesty, it has been thirty-one years!" Chou Ning answered.

Emperor Liu immediately declared: "The Xi King is the head of the Xi tribes—indeed, it is fitting that you assist the court in governance! The past thirty years were under the tyranny of the Khitan; from now on, you shall be the Xi King of our Great Han!"

"Your servant will surely exhaust his loyalty!" Chou Ning followed with his own declaration.

"Regarding the affairs of the Xi tribes, I have many questions that require the Xi King's clarification. However, I am already planning to return to the capital, and the imperial carriage is about to depart. As such, let the Xi King rest briefly in Youzhou, and then travel south with me, so that I may consult you along the way!" Emperor Liu's tone grew more subdued, but it was very forceful, brooking no doubt.

To this, Chou Ning clearly hesitated. He wished to object but dared not show it, and could only bow his head and say: "Your servant obeys Your Majesty's command! Whatever is asked, your servant will answer without reservation!"

"I hear that some Xi tribal nobles have also come south with the Xi King?" Emperor Liu turned his gaze to Liu Xu.

"Indeed! As there was no decree, they have been temporarily lodged at the guesthouse!" Liu Xu replied.

Emperor Liu said: "There is an imperial banquet at the palace tonight. Bring them along as well—let sovereign and subjects rejoice together! When we return to the capital, bring them too!"

"Yes!"

After hearing Emperor Liu's instructions, Chou Ning's mood inexplicably sank. He suddenly realized—having entered the southern court, perhaps he would never again have the opportunity to return to his ancestral lands in this lifetime...