Chapter 1387: The Chess Player and the Chess Pieces

"If things like this are what peace looks like, how can the Great Han enjoy true peace?" Emperor Liu emphasized once more, then looked at Zhao Pu and said, "This proposal and this argument—let it be settled!"

"Yes!" Zhao Pu had nothing more to say, and could only bow his head in obedience.

Emperor Liu, looking as if he had not yet finished, continued to instruct Zhao Pu: "This shall also be my attitude henceforth toward the states and tribes surrounding the Great Han, and it shall be the court's fundamental policy for managing external affairs and securing internal stability. You, who lead the central government, must set the example, guide the officials, and see it implemented!"

"Your servant understands!" Zhao Pu declared.

Of course, he truly began to ponder—this was merely an intention and attitude expressed by Emperor Liu; how to turn it into policy and carry it out would require even more of his effort.

At the very least, how to convey it, how to do so subtly, and how to produce a plausible explanation would require some careful thought. In Chuigong Hall, it was only the sovereign and his minister discussing affairs of state, but on the surface, one still could not speak as bluntly as Emperor Liu did.

After all, Emperor Liu's remarks were sharp-edged and overly aggressive, hardly conforming to the consistent principles and style of Central Plains dynasties, and contrary to the doctrine of moderation and restraint.

Moreover, they lacked the bearing of a great power and injured the sovereign's virtue. Emperor Liu's meaning was quite plain—this desire to stir chaos all around in order to secure one's own peace, with covert machinations and fanning flames on every side—what kind of conduct was this? To put it in highly irreverent terms, it was the act of a petty man, one who fears not the world's disorder but rather wishes for it.

Of course, Zhao Pu dared not voice such a view, and no one else dared either. On the contrary, Zhao Pu was not blind to the subtleties and benefits within it.

But things always have two sides, and Zhao Pu also saw another possibility. If fires were lit everywhere, might they not burn the one who started them? If all four sides were unsettled, could the Great Han, sitting in the middle, truly remain steady as a rock and keep itself safe?

On this point, Zhao Pu found it hard to reach a conclusion, or even to say what was right or wrong. At this moment, all he could do was act according to the Emperor's will.

Zhao Pu was a man of strong opinions, and over the years he had offered many remonstrances to Emperor Liu, but ultimately it depended on the matter. With something like this, where Emperor Liu had already made his stance clear, there was no need for him to argue, nor even to voice his concerns.

What the future held—what kind of situation would surround the Great Han under such a foreign policy—no one knew. But as long as the Great Han itself had no problems and sailed steadily, then all problems were no problems.

This was precisely what Emperor Liu and Zhao Pu were striving to achieve at present!

"By the way, over the past year and more, the state has been beset with troubles. You, Minister Zhao, have presided over the central government, attending to matters both internal and external, with deep worry and great toil. I am deeply moved, and my heart feels ashamed that I have not yet bestowed any reward upon you." Turning his head, Emperor Liu spoke with sincere words and an air of heartfelt candor.

Surprised by this, Zhao Pu immediately responded: "Your Majesty speaks too gravely. For the sake of the state and the people, how can one speak of toil!"

"Others only see the glory and military merits on the battlefield—how could they know the bitterness and labor of those behind the scenes? When merits were discussed after the northern campaign, your name was not on the list, but I remember your achievements!" Emperor Liu affirmed. "It is time to grant you a reward! As for the gifts Xu Xi sent to your residence this time, I will make the decision—I directly bestow them upon you as a token of commendation. Continue your efforts with renewed vigor!"

"My chancellor—how could he be swayed by mere gold and silver!" Emperor Liu added another line, laden with meaning: "I have my own reward!"

Hearing this, Zhao Pu felt somewhat puzzled, but a flash of deep thought passed through his eyes, and he quickly caught on. Cupping his hands, he said, "Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your grace!"

At the same time, a trace of gratitude also appeared in the depths of his gaze. Zhao Pu was a man of great wisdom and reason, and he knew his current position well—he could be said to be the chancellor with the shallowest foundation and prestige among all the Great Han's successive chancellors, while facing the greatest obstacles.

And Xu Xi's flattery was precisely the kind of thing most likely to invite attack and be used against him. Even if he had handled it promptly, it was hard to avoid stirring up some trouble.

But Emperor Liu's bestowal of this reward was not merely for commendation—it was to back him up and vouch for him, to make others abandon any possibility of using this matter against him. Even more, from now on, such tactics would find it difficult to strike Zhao Pu through Emperor Liu.

A single gesture could spare Zhao Pu many needless attacks and ease his pressure. Exchanging a glance with Emperor Liu, he felt it so bright, so gentle—Zhao Pu was genuinely somewhat moved.

Of course, this emotion lasted only a moment before he quickly returned to his usual deep composure. After brief consideration, Zhao Pu took the initiative to decline: "Your servant is moved to tears of gratitude! However, I dare not accept the reward, and I beg Your Majesty to withdraw the order!"

Before Emperor Liu could ask, Zhao Pu explained: "Among the various ministries and offices, there are many officials and clerks, and none have failed to do their utmost. Your servant has but modest toil—how could I presume to claim all the credit and unworthily accept the reward!"

"A reward from the Son of Heaven—how could there be any reason to withdraw it!" Hearing this, Emperor Liu smiled slightly, gazing at Zhao Pu with deep meaning in his eyes: "However, what you worry about, Minister Zhao, is not without reason. I naturally will not favor one over another. For officials both internal and external who have worked hard and done their duty, there should also be encouragement.

I hear that this time Xu Xi came to the capital bearing a large quantity of tribute goods. Since we have agreed to peace negotiations, I will accept them all. There is no need to put them into the inner treasury, nor to hand them over to the state coffers. I will take some additional money and silk from the inner treasury, combine them together, and bestow them upon the officials as a token of appreciation."

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Zhao Pu rose once more and said, "Your servant, on behalf of all those in office, thanks Your Majesty for your grace!"

"As for the specific list of recipients, let you, Minister Zhao, preside over its drafting!" Emperor Liu added another line.

Hearing this, Zhao Pu's heart stirred, and he replied, "Yes!"

On his aged face, the surprise in his heart was hard to conceal. What was the Emperor trying to do? A question flashed through Zhao Pu's mind. Zhao Pu considered that his power was already considerable—he could be said to be the most powerful Chief Chancellor in history. This move by Emperor Liu seemed to be yet another opportunity for him to bestow favors upon the officials and win over their hearts.

Zhao Pu had of course already formed a political force centered on himself within the court, but there were still many who did not accept him or remained neutral.

Emperor Liu, then, intended to further increase his power and raise his influence. Through this move, Zhao Pu could also win over another portion of officials and draw them in as his aids. Since Emperor Liu gave him this opportunity, he had the means to use it.

After some deliberation, he had figured out the benefits to himself, but noticing Emperor Liu's calm yet ever-inscrutable face, that sense of oppression once again filled his heart.

Emperor Liu's trust and regard would not come without reason. Judging from his more than twenty years of sitting on the throne, his attitude toward chancellors had always been reserved. Even when he delegated power on several occasions, the supreme authority always remained firmly in his own hands.

Yet now, to have his authority expanded so greatly and to enjoy such deep favor—naturally, something had to be paid in return. Why would the Emperor so generously share power? Clearly, it was to get things done, to see value realized.

Almost without much effort, Zhao Pu understood—it was largely to support the reform measures he had been accelerating recently. And among these, it was inevitable to clash with the great stratum of the meritorious nobility.

In Zhao Pu's mind, the situation was becoming clear. The Emperor's attitude on this matter always seemed half-concealed, like a pipa player hiding behind her instrument, but Zhao Pu could feel that he was favored.

Therefore, Zhao Pu gained some additional confidence and resolve. Even if he was Zhao Pu, he was not truly fearless—while stretching his limbs, hesitation and wavering were unavoidable.

And it had to be said, in this way, his room for maneuver was also shrinking. The path might have been of his own choosing, but Emperor Liu was pushing him forward and cutting off any retreat, leaving only a one-way road ahead.

If he deviated, Emperor Liu would correct him; if he gave up, then what he faced might be Emperor Liu's strike. For a single moment, Zhao Pu suddenly truly understood his mission in the position of chancellor...

A trace of bitterness also arose in his heart. Sitting high in the chancellor's hall, issuing orders with commanding authority, he had once believed himself to be a chess player with the world as his board.

But unknowingly, Emperor Liu seemed to have already constructed a chess game, and he himself, along with those meritorious nobles and senior ministers, were all deeply trapped within it. The one holding the pieces remained the Emperor, perched upon his throne.

This sudden realization and inexplicable emotion were quickly suppressed by Zhao Pu. Steadying himself, he regained his composure. Regardless of anything, one thing Zhao Pu knew well—no matter how vast and terrifying the meritorious nobility might be, at present, the most terrifying thing of all was Emperor Liu alone.

Opposing others, the outcome was hard to predict, but going against Emperor Liu—the ending was certain!