Chapter 136: The Guo Family, Father and Son

No matter how noble a man he was, no matter how much he valued filial piety and brotherly duty, Liu Chengxun was ultimately not a sage. Before the throne, facing the pressing threat posed by Liu Chengyou, how could he truly keep his heart as still as water and remain unmoved?

Over the years, given his age, status, talent, and virtue, Liu Chengxun had subconsciously regarded himself as the hundred-percent heir apparent, and had never truly considered the threat from his two younger brothers. Now that Liu Chengyou had suddenly risen to prominence, Liu Chengxun was probably still somewhat unaccustomed to it.

Both had calmed down. Yang Bin looked at Liu Chengxun and said, "Your Highness, regardless of what the Second Prince does, you must be prepared. The army — especially the imperial army — is of paramount importance. In this regard, the Second Prince already has the Longqi Army, and has seized the initiative."

Yang Bin began to plan for Liu Chengxun: "But going too far is as bad as not going far enough. The Second Prince is young and hot-blooded, and does not know restraint. The Battle of Luancheng may have made his name known throughout the realm, but it also made him arrogant without realizing it, incurring the wariness of His Majesty and the civil and military officials alike. I hear that His Majesty has already temporarily stripped him of his military authority, applying pressure. This time, having Shi Hongzhao reorganize the imperial army — this is your opportunity. You can make contact with Shi Hongzhao, use the chance to install some generals, take control of part of the army, and at the same time suppress the Longqi Army. Shi Hongzhao is a man of small tolerance; back in Jinyang he already looked down on the Second Prince. I imagine he would be willing to grow closer to Your Highness..."

A flush suddenly appeared on his face. Yang Bin's words seemed to embarrass Liu Chengxun somewhat, but this time he did not argue back. He only furrowed his handsome brows tightly: "Shi Hongzhao!"

Just as Liu Chengyou disliked Shi Hongzhao, Liu Chengxun also held extraordinary distaste for the man. He said with some wariness: "Shi Hongzhao is arbitrary and rude, arrogant and violent. One cannot scheme with him!"

"Your Highness must not act on emotion," Yang Bin said. "Though Shi Hongzhao despises us ministers, he would never dare slight Your Highness. The man is crude and truly unpopular — the entire court condemns him, and he can be bound and disposed of at will later. For now, however, we should pull him closer."

Yang Bin's expression could not help but reveal disgust as well.

If one were to speak of the current Great Han court, among those who loathed Shi Hongzhao, Yang Bin was absolutely the most influential. Shi Hongzhao was truly hated by gods and ghosts alike. Besides his detestable personality, he especially scorned civil officials. Since entering Kaifeng, Shi Hongzhao had more than once publicly proclaimed that civil officials were useless and meritless, unworthy to stand alongside him. He had even several times, right in front of Yang Bin, left him with no face to save.

Liu Chengxun let out a gentle breath, the doubt between his brows fading. But he showed no intention of continuing deeper into this topic. Instead, he deliberately changed the subject, rising to pick up a document from the desk and handing it to Yang Bin: "Chancellor, regarding the matter of refugees in the capital region, I have drafted a memorial to submit. Please help me review it."

Yang Bin was taken aback for a moment. His gaze moved from Liu Chengxun to the document. He sighed softly, took it, and began to read. As he read, his expression gradually grew solemn.

Most of the items Liu Chengxun had listed were nothing novel — merely distributing land, issuing grain seed, leasing oxen and farm tools, and so forth. But looking at the details, it was clear he had referenced Liu Chengyou's methods of handling matters in Zhending.

Lifting his head, Yang Bin noticed Liu Chengxun's somewhat expectant gaze, but still shook his head: "Your Highness's ideas are good, but putting them into practice will not be easy."

"Why?" Liu Chengxun asked urgently.

"The treasury is empty; state funds are insufficient to support it!" Yang Bin said simply.

Liu Chengxun was clearly prepared. He immediately said: "I have checked — there is still money and grain in the storehouses. Once the summer harvest is collected, added to the wealth and livestock seized from the Khitan, it will be enough to support it!"

"Your Highness, the Eastern Capital still has hundreds of thousands of officials, soldiers, and civilians to feed," Yang Bin explained. "Moreover, the national treasury must retain sufficient funds and grain for emergencies!"

"Is relieving the refugees, letting the people rest, and rebuilding their homes not an emergency?"

Liu Chengxun's vision was clearly limited to the capital region alone. Yang Bin, adopting a teaching attitude, said to him: "The realm has only just been pacified, and the military governors of the various prefectures have come to submit — but in the end, it is only nominal submission. The Great Han has just been founded, and though it pursues a policy of conciliation, at critical points the court will inevitably make adjustments — especially with Du Chongwei at Yedu. If he is the slightest bit displeased, he may rebel again. In the Guanzhong region, the situation is deteriorating, and chaos has persisted for half a year. Though Hou Yi of Fengxiang and Zhang Yanchao of Jingzhao have sent flying memorials pledging loyalty, they still harbor suspicion and wait to see which way the wind blows. There is also the Shu army eyeing us hungrily from the side. Even the Gao clan of Jingnan and the Li clan of the Southern Tang — all of these must be guarded against!"

Yang Bin's words made Liu Chengxun feel uncomfortable, as if something were stuck in his chest. Why had the Great Han's situation never improved? After entering the Central Plains and taking Hebei, things had instead gone from bad to worse. Liu Chengxun truly did not understand.

After a moment of silence, he said somewhat gloomily: "Is the court then to remain perpetually inactive?"

"In all matters, one must make choices," Yang Bin said, quite calmly and somewhat coldly. "For the great plan of the nation, one can only sacrifice the smaller concerns!"

But Liu Chengxun said very firmly: "Since coming south to the Eastern Capital, I have felt that the Great Han is like a vessel set upon a roasting furnace. Good governance is not flourishing, and popular resentment is boiling over. This must change. This policy of settling the people — I will bear it myself and push it through with all my strength!"

Liu Chengxun was filled with righteous conviction. This time Yang Bin did not say much more, only clasped his hands and bowed to him.

On this same autumn night, in the Guo residence, a family banquet was laid out to welcome the adopted son and wash away the dust of travel. The Guo family was flourishing, having all moved together to Kaifeng. Guo Wei had no small number of children under his roof; his sons were still young, with no troublesome matters yet. The family gathered together, harmonious and joyful.

Only when the night grew deep and the banquet dispersed did Guo Wei call Guo Rong to the study for a private conversation.

"How do you feel about this period of training?" Guo Wei had always been satisfied with Guo Rong, and his tone in casual conversation was especially gentle.

Guo Rong pondered for a moment before answering: "Through the chaos of the Khitan invasion, the suffering of the people far exceeds that of previous dynasties. Livelihoods are withered everywhere, and bandits spring up in abundance. If we do not devise good policies to stabilize the regions, rescue the drowning, and let the people rest, disaster will surely come sooner or later. Moreover, though the Han mandate has arisen, in truth there are internal troubles and external threats. To the north we have lost strong natural defenses and face the Khitan; to the south we are exposed, with various states carving up the land — all are great dangers. Internally, the ills of the military provinces run deep, and at court..."

At this point, Guo Rong glanced at Guo Wei but did not continue.

"Your insight is quite thorough. As for the chaos at court, there is nothing that cannot be said plainly. Previously, the two Su's held office — those two, as staff aides from a warlord's headquarters, were suddenly elevated to chief ministers. Their abilities were insufficient, and their governance was chaotic. Yang Bin and Wang Zhang have capability and skill; with them cleaning things up, there has recently been some effect of restoring order. But the disputes at court will not be settled in a short time." Guo Wei basically followed Guo Rong's line of thought.

"How did court governance become so chaotic?" Even Guo Rong harbored doubts.

"This is not something that can be explained in a few words. Since you have come to court, stay for a while longer, and you will understand." Guo Wei sighed, paused, then looked at Guo Rong and asked in a low voice: "You have served under the Second Prince for quite some time now. What is your assessment of him?"

Guo Rong was somewhat surprised, but under Guo Wei's serious gaze, he considered for a moment before answering with some deliberation: "He is wise and decisive, magnanimous in bearing, ambitious in vision, with the ability to wage war, the talent to save the age, and the wisdom to settle the people..."

If Liu Chengyou knew that Guo Rong's assessment of him was this high, he would probably laugh. Clearly, Guo Wei also trusted his adopted son's judgment. Combining it with his own observations, however, he shook his head: "That the Second Prince possesses such talent and capacity — whether it is a blessing or a curse for the nation remains to be seen."

Guo Rong was slightly puzzled. Seeing this, Guo Wei rose, pulled a thick official document from the desk, and handed it to Guo Rong: "Your father and Shi Hongzhao have received the imperial edict to reorganize the various armies of the capital region and recompile the imperial army. This is the preliminary plan drafted under Shi Hongzhao's lead..."

With a curious mind, Guo Rong read through it carefully. It detailed which old armies were to be disbanded, how many new armies were to be formed, what their organization would be, and which generals would command them... Clearly, the army reorganization had long been prepared.

Soon, Guo Rong exclaimed in shock: "They intend to split up the Longqi Army? How dare Shi Hongzhao do such a thing? Does he want to thoroughly offend the Second Prince?"

"The Longqi Army's combat strength is currently the strongest of all the armies. Dispersing it to reinforce the other armies would benefit the overall combat capability of the imperial army," Guo Wei explained. Such reasoning could not even convince himself. He sat down and added: "Without His Majesty's approval, how would Shi Hongzhao dare?"

Though Guo Rong was grave and taciturn, he was inwardly brilliant — a very intelligent man. He immediately realized: "The Son of Heaven wishes to suppress the Second Prince?"

"Indeed. Otherwise, why would there have been such a torrent of hostile public opinion against him in Kaifeng recently?" Guo Wei said. "The current situation of the Great Han is remarkably similar to the Wude era of the Tang. But the perilous circumstances facing the nation are several times more severe than at the beginning of the Tang."

"Would the Emperor fear his own son?" Guo Rong asked.

Guo Wei fell silent. On this matter, he found it inconvenient to comment. After a long while, he sighed: "How His Majesty thinks is beyond our guessing. But this struggle for the position of heir apparent is likely unavoidable."

Guo Rong lowered his head slightly. Suddenly being exposed to such a core issue startled him somewhat, but after the surprise passed, he began to ponder why Guo Wei had chosen to discuss this matter with him tonight. After thinking for a while, he looked at Guo Wei with clear eyes and asked in a low, curious voice: "Father, you are a senior minister of the Great Han, with authority in the Bureau of Military Affairs, in charge of military matters. You will inevitably be drawn into it. Since the struggle for the heir apparent is unavoidable, which side do you intend to stand on?"

Hearing this question, Guo Wei raised a finger and pointed at Guo Rong twice in the air, as if struck by the question. He did not answer directly, but instead asked in return: "What do you think?"

Guo Rong's expression turned serious, and he answered with great firmness: "In my view, I naturally support the Second Prince!"

Sensing the certainty in Guo Rong's tone, Guo Wei was slightly surprised. He knew his adopted son was a man of strong opinions, but he had not expected him to be so decisive on such a sensitive and major matter. He still asked: "Why?"

"I am not familiar with the First Prince, but I am thoroughly familiar with the Second Prince. He has the makings of an enlightened ruler — why should I favor a stranger over someone I know? Moreover, though the First Prince has a reputation for virtue, he is too gentle and weak, with no achievements or renown in military affairs. In times of peace, by the dignity of the eldest legitimate son, the Second Prince would find it extremely difficult to contend with him. But in this chaotic age, without a heroic ruler one cannot survive, let alone preserve the state. These decades past, from the Liang and Tang to the Jin and Han, this has always been the principle!" Guo Rong spoke at length.

"I know the situation of the Longqi Army very well. Its officers are mostly brave and resourceful, and most were personally promoted by the Second Prince from the ranks — men like Ma Quanyi, Xiang Xun, and even that Sun Li, with whom he shares a bond of life and death. There are also Murong Yanzhao and Luo Yangui deployed in the north. All of these men have received his kindness and can be used by him wherever they are. Soldiers believe in the strong. Though the Prince is young in years, he already bears the bearing of a strong man!"

Hearing this, Guo Wei suddenly asked: "These officers you speak of — do they include you?"

Guo Rong seemed to answer a different question: "I greatly admire the Prince's wisdom in recognizing talent and his intelligence in employing people!"

Guo Wei nodded, seeming to understand. He rose, clasped his hands behind his back, and paced several steps in the study. Gazing through the window at the cool, water-like night outside, he let out a long sigh: "The Son of Heaven — he who is strong in soldiers and horses shall be it. How could it be a matter of bloodline! An Rong's words back then were thought-provoking, yet they also send a chill down one's spine!"

Guo Rong rose as well and stood slightly behind and to the side of Guo Wei, saying: "This is also the root of the chaos in the realm. When imperial power does not flourish, when the sovereign's authority is not upheld, when soldiers cannot belong to the state but are made private possessions of generals and commanders — the realm will surely descend into chaos!"

Seeing the topic drift off course, Guo Wei coughed lightly twice and reminded Guo Rong: "Our conversation tonight must not leak out."

Guo Rong smiled faintly: "Naturally it will not."

After a moment of deliberation, Guo Wei could not help but voice his feelings: "Even if the Second Prince is formidable, becoming Crown Prince smoothly will not be easy for him. Men like Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin are a hurdle difficult to cross — especially Yang Bin. With his schemes and support, the First Prince's advantage remains considerable. More importantly, if the sovereign father wishes to suppress him, how is a son and subject to respond?"

Neither of the Guo father and son had any intention of digging deeper into this question. In truth, both of them had some answer in their hearts, more or less.

"Enough. These matters cannot be changed by our discussion." Guo Wei waved his hand, quickly composed himself, and asked Guo Rong: "What are your plans next?"

Guo Rong looked at his father with some confusion.

Seeing this, Guo Wei immediately made himself clearer: "With the imperial army being reorganized, do you wish to continue serving in the military, or seek a post outside the capital?"

"What do you think?" Guo Rong sought Guo Wei's opinion.

"That depends on you!" Guo Wei replied.

Frowning in thought, he pondered seriously for a moment, then Guo Rong answered: "I fear there is no place for a junior like me to exercise my abilities in the capital. If I could be posted to a prefecture to spread my wings, I would gladly go!"

"Where do you want to go?"

"Guanzhong or Hebei!" Guo Rong answered without hesitation.

Guo Wei revealed a smile and said: "Go to Chanzhou. In a few days, I will recommend you as Defense Commissioner of Chanzhou. With your achievements this time, plus my standing, this matter will not be difficult!"

At the mention of Chanzhou, Guo Rong immediately understood: "The court is about to make a move against Du Chongwei?"

Guo Wei was quite satisfied with Guo Rong's quick wit, and said calmly: "It's not that the court is about to move against him, but rather that if he shows signs of unrest, the court needs to be prepared!"

Guo Rong seemed lost in thought. Guo Wei considered briefly, then instructed him: "As for the matter of your external posting, explain it yourself to the Second Prince."

"Yes!"