Chapter 140: Enfeoffed as Prince

Perhaps because they were discussing secret matters, the study's atmosphere seemed much darker, and the weak autumn sunlight filtering through the window cracks fell on Liu Chengyou's face, lending it a slightly cold cast.

Liu Chengyou said flatly to Li Chongju: "Have our people keep a close watch on Yang Bin, Shi Hongzhao, and the others — especially Yang Bin. From now on, I want to know his every move!"

"Yes!"

Supplies move only after intelligence arrives first; Liu Chengyou had always placed great importance on information. As early as his time in Zhending, he had hand-picked several dozen scouts from the army and, using them as a foundation, established an intelligence unit dedicated to gathering information, probing everything from military and political affairs to the lives of the people.

Since entering Kaifeng, Liu Chengyou had placed even greater emphasis on this. However, scouts-turned-spies had their limitations — sending them into the chaos of war to gather military intelligence might not be too difficult, but having them operate in unfamiliar Kaifeng to monitor the court and ferret out information was beyond their capabilities. The intelligence front was never easy; it required talent.

Thus, over this period, Liu Chengyou had devoted himself to building up his spy network and perfecting his sources of information, especially surveillance on his political enemies. In secret, he had Li Chongju carefully recruit a web of informants to keep watch, and had also sent some people to infiltrate the households of Yang Bin and the others...

However, even up to now, progress remained very slow. Building a "secret service" was hardly an easy task.

"How is the organization and training of the 'Xiao' Division progressing?" Liu Chengyou asked.

The Xiao Division, also called the Dark Xiao, was a rather chuunibyou name. It was a group of spies that Liu Chengyou had re-established after expending great effort to select the best candidates from both the military and the civilian populace.

"Everything is on track."

"Mm! Train these Xiao operatives to become my eyes and ears — do not slack off!" Liu Chengyou nodded, then paused and asked: "Are funds and grain still sufficient?"

Li Chongju answered simply: "Your Highness drew from the treasury previously — more than enough!"

In any era, getting things done required resource support. Although Liu Chengyou lived a "frugal" life on the surface, he actually controlled a considerable amount of money and grain. Most of it had been secretly siphoned off from the goods recovered from the Khitan.

Handing everything over in full — Liu Chengyou wasn't that foolish. In this era, generals and ministers, whether suppressing rebels or punishing traitors, basically pocketed whatever they seized without much restraint. Liu Chengyou, by contrast, was far more low-key; the operational leeway was naturally large, so it wasn't hard to do — he just had to mind his appearance.

"Find some time, and I'll go see for myself!"

Li Chongju clasped his hands: "This officer will make the arrangements!"

"And that Wang Jingchong — keep an eye on him, and see what's going on with that man." Having fully calmed down and pondered for a while, Liu Chengyou rubbed his chin and gave the cold order.

Liu Chengyou was almost certain that Wang Jingchong was acting on someone else's orders — he absolutely wouldn't have stuck his head out for no reason. As for the specifics, keeping watch on the man would surely yield results.

After a moment of deliberation, he suddenly asked again: "Also, how is my elder brother's illness? In court today, I noticed his complexion was poor."

Li Chongju had noted all of Liu Chengyou's instructions, and was somewhat surprised by this sudden question. Lately, Liu Chengyou seemed quite concerned about Liu Chengxun's illness. He didn't think much of it and quickly reported: "It was never a serious illness; reportedly he has already improved considerably."

"Oh..."

Just as Liu Chengyou had guessed, Wang Jingchong was acting on Yang Bin's behalf. After court adjourned, he sent a servant to watch the Yang residence, and waited until late in the day. Upon learning that Yang Bin had returned from the Bureau of Military Affairs, he eagerly brought gifts and went to pay a visit.

Yang Bin, who had just returned to his residence, was clearly in a good mood — even his steps were lighter. However, no sooner had his backside touched the chair than he learned of Wang Jingchong's visit, and his expression immediately soured. He said disdainfully: "This man can't even sit still?"

If someone with discerning eyes saw this, wouldn't it give them ammunition? He considered refusing, but knowing Wang Jingchong was already at his doorstep, he pinched his nose and had him shown in — though his mood was as unpleasant as if he'd swallowed a fly.

Before Yang Bin, Wang Jingchong behaved with great humility — bowing and scraping, speaking meekly, fawning excessively.

"Chancellor, please take a look." Seeing Yang Bin's cold face, Wang Jingchong grew even more careful, presenting an ornately decorated sandalwood box before Yang Bin. He opened the lid, revealing a night pearl the size of a chicken egg — smooth and lustrous, emitting a soft, crystalline blue glow.

"What are you doing?" Yang Bin only glanced at it before looking away.

Wang Jingchong smiled obsequiously: "This is a small token of this subordinate's regard. Such a precious treasure is not something a coarse man like myself could ever deserve to keep."

"Your regard is indeed heavy." Yang Bin said sternly: "Put it away and take it back. I appreciate the sentiment, but refrain from such bribery — simply serve the court well!"

Seeing Yang Bin's lukewarm demeanor, it was clearly a case of pressing a hot face against a cold backside. Wang Jingchong stood there, deeply embarrassed, the smile plastered on his face looking almost pitiful.

Noticing Wang Jingchong's "at a loss" expression, and perhaps feeling he was being a bit cold-hearted, Yang Bin's expression softened slightly. He coughed lightly and said: "What you did in the hall today was well done — I saw it all."

"Being able to serve the Chancellor is this subordinate's honor." Wang Jingchong said immediately.

Seeing Yang Bin nod, Wang Jingchong pressed his advantage, once again donning a humble smile as he leaned in, bending even lower, and probed: "Then this subordinate's matter..."

Hearing this, Yang Bin narrowed his eyes, thinking to himself "just as I suspected." He raised his hand to pick up his teacup, but Wang Jingchong quickly grabbed it first and handed it to him. Yang Bin felt even more disdain for the man's fawning. He blew on the steam, took a sip, and only then glanced at him sideways: "Don't be anxious. Be patient for now — the court will soon make a move. When the time comes, I'll arrange for you to be posted out. Even a military governorship of a region wouldn't be difficult."

"But..." Sensing Yang Bin's perfunctory tone, urgency appeared on Wang Jingchong's face.

He had barely opened his mouth when Yang Bin cut him off: "But what? Do you think I would break my promise?"

"This subordinate wouldn't dare!" Wang Jingchong hastily apologized: "Forgive me, Chancellor — this subordinate was too hasty."

"You served through the Tang and the Jin, weathering twenty years of officialdom's ups and downs. After all these years, can you not find the patience to wait a while longer?" Yang Bin was only a few years older than Wang Jingchong, yet he spoke to him in the tone of an elder lecturing a junior: "The matter of establishing the heir is not yet concluded. Your coming here today was somewhat rash."

Upon being rebuked, his face twitched, and Wang Jingchong became even more submissive: "The Chancellor's lesson is well taken."

Seizing on this topic, Wang Jingchong observed Yang Bin's expression and deliberately tried to draw closer, bringing up the court session: "So many officials petitioned to establish the Second Prince today. If His Majesty were to consent, wouldn't that be making things worse?"

Hearing this, Yang Bin chuckled, his cold tone laced with strong confidence: "With me and Shi Hongzhao here, how could the position of heir be successfully established in a single court session!"

Still keeping his body low, Wang Jingchong flattered: "The Chancellor is a founding minister of the Great Han, with great toil and merit, deeply trusted by His Majesty. On the matter of establishing the heir, even His Majesty must give your opinion serious consideration..."

Wang Jingchong naturally wanted to exchange more words with Yang Bin and draw closer, but unfortunately, Yang Bin's impatience was gradually becoming almost unconcealed. So he could only suppress the humiliation in his heart, wisely smile, and take his leave.

Leaving the Yang residence, Wang Jingchong walked away expressionlessly. Reaching the street corner, he turned back to look at the tall, imposing gates of the Yang mansion, and could no longer hold his composure. He spat fiercely on the ground: "What does he think he is, daring to look down on me like this!"

"General." The servant beside him was startled.

Taking a deep breath, Wang Jingchong quickly calmed himself, a smile returning to his face — though a cold glint flashed in his eyes: "Fine, Chancellor Yang. I'll make you pay sooner or later!"

"Back to the residence!" Flicking his sleeve, Wang Jingchong turned and left.

What Wang Jingchong didn't know was that across the street corner, a pair of eyes had already fixed on him — and were following him.

In the imperial city, after court adjourned, Liu Zhiyuan returned to Chuigong Hall to rest. Listening to affairs at the grand court session for such a long time was no small burden for him. It wasn't until the afternoon that he rose to attend to governance, reviewing the memorials submitted by the officials — though his interest was not high, and impatience showed on his face. For the memorials presented were mostly related to the position of heir apparent.

He raised a hand to rub the bridge of his nose, and when he opened his eyes again, weariness was immediately apparent in them. A palace eunuch beside him stepped forward and asked: "Your Majesty, would you like to rest a while longer?"

"Prepare the carriage to Renming Hall!" Tossing the memorial in his hand carelessly onto the imperial desk, Liu Zhiyuan rose and gave the order.

Since entering the Bianjing palace, Liu Zhiyuan had been busy with mundane affairs and had not visited Lady Li's quarters often. Without having anyone announce him, Liu Zhiyuan strolled over directly, and happened to encounter a man exiting the hall. His features were handsome, though a hint of slickness lurked between his brows.

Seeing Liu Zhiyuan, the man was startled. Shrinking his neck, he stepped forward and bowed: "Your servant pays respects to His Majesty."

"Mm." Liu Zhiyuan glanced at him, responded flatly, and walked past him into the hall.

Watching Liu Zhiyuan's retreating back, the man breathed a sigh of relief — he had always been deeply afraid of Liu Zhiyuan. This man was named Li Ye, the youngest brother of Lady Li. Frivolous by nature, he had grand ambitions but little talent, with high aims but low abilities. After entering Bianjing, as a member of the imperial clan by marriage, he had been appointed by Liu Zhiyuan as Commissioner of the Wude Office, idling about the Inner Palace all day with nothing to do. However, the youngest child in a family was always the most beloved — Lady Li was no exception, doting on her youngest brother.

"Your servant welcomes His Majesty." Upon learning of Liu Zhiyuan's arrival, Empress Li came out to greet him in person.

"No need for ceremony!" Liu Zhiyuan personally helped Lady Li up. Sweeping his gaze over the hall's frugal furnishings and feeling the calluses worn on Lady Li's hands from the loom, Liu Zhiyuan sighed: "San Niang, you've worked hard."

Lady Li smiled gently, dismissing the maids tending the looms in the hall, and led Liu Zhiyuan to sit down for a talk. She asked: "Your Majesty is so busy with state affairs — how is it that you have time to visit me today?"

Hearing this, looking at Lady Li's dignified and graceful face, Liu Zhiyuan sighed and said: "My heart is troubled."

Lady Li asked: "Has the court run into difficulties?"

"The children have grown up!" After a moment of silence, Liu Zhiyuan said.

A flicker passed through her eyes. Seeing Liu Zhiyuan's weary face, Lady Li rose, stood behind him, and gently raised her hands to massage his head: "Your Majesty is speaking of the second son?"

"Mm." Feeling Lady Li's movements, a comfortable expression appeared on Liu Zhiyuan's face: "Third Lady, it has been a long while since you last massaged me like this."

Lady Li was gentle as water: "Then today, this humble one shall serve you well..."

Liu Zhiyuan sighed again, closed his eyes, and recounted to Lady Li what had happened at the great court assembly that day. Then he asked: "Third Lady, in your view, between the eldest son and the second son, who is more suited to be Crown Prince?"

Liu Zhiyuan's question took Lady Li by surprise. Her hands paused for a moment, then continued kneading as she said softly: "The matter of the heir is a great affair of state, concerning the very foundation of the realm. This humble one is but a woman of the deep palace, shallow in knowledge — how would I dare to offer rash commentary?"

"Third Lady is too modest!" Liu Zhiyuan still kept his eyes closed, saying: "With your insight, you surpass ten thousand men in this world!"

Lady Li gently shook her head: "This humble one is of the inner palace; I dare not interfere in governance."

"Between you and me, we have been husband and wife for nearly thirty years, knowing each other through and through — why make any distinction? Speak frankly, let it be a private talk between husband and wife." Liu Zhiyuan pressed Lady Li's hand and said sincerely.

Lady Li was silent for a long while, then sighed and said: "Elders before juniors, in order — to preserve the peace of the realm, in this humble one's foolish view, we should establish the eldest son."

Liu Zhiyuan rested his head against Lady Li's chest, looked up at her, somewhat surprised: "Have you not always doted on the second son?"

Lady Li's air of virtue and reasonableness grew even more pronounced as she replied: "It is true that I cherish the second son, but for the sake of the realm, I must not show partiality. The eldest son is also my child. To depose the elder and establish the younger is a path to calamity, and is not beneficial to the state."

"To be frank with you, Third Lady, my original intention was to make the eldest son my heir. But he is too gentle and bookish — in governing the realm, he could practice the kingly way and be a ruler who passes on the mandate. Yet in this age, I fear he cannot rein in those arrogant soldiers and fierce generals, those military governors of the provinces. The second son has changed greatly this past year, completely beyond my expectations — grave and stern, steady and courageous. Though his actions lean toward the extreme and fiery, he deeply understands the way of survival in this world..." Liu Zhiyuan sighed softly, revealing his hesitation.

Lady Li said unhurriedly: "Between the brothers, they have always gotten along harmoniously, with deep affection. Can't the second son assist the eldest son? Would that not be the best of both worlds?"

Perhaps Lady Li herself did not notice that her breath was slightly unsteady as she said this.

Sure enough, Liu Zhiyuan smiled bitterly: "How cruel the struggle for the imperial throne is — with your cleverness, Third Lady, do you not know? From the Liang, to the Tang, to the Jin, how few were the times men fought to the death over this seat?"

Hearing this, a trace of worry also flashed across Lady Li's face. Flesh of her flesh, bone of her bone — though she usually paid less attention to Liu Chengxun, that did not mean she did not love him.

After thinking it over, Lady Li said to Liu Zhiyuan with some gravity: "If that is so, Your Majesty should all the more establish the roles of sovereign and subject early, lest delay drags things to an irredeemable state, and by then regret will be too late..."

"I will think on it." After holding back for a while, Liu Zhiyuan answered thus.

The couple said no more, only leaning against each other, savoring that rare tranquility.

He did not stay long at Lady Li's place. Liu Zhiyuan returned to his own hall, but after that conversation with Lady Li, his mood had lightened considerably.

At night, the bright yellow lamplight flickered across Liu Zhiyuan's face, solemn and earnest. Recalling the scene at Chongyuan Hall that day, after a long while Liu Zhiyuan sighed: "Too hasty — that is not a good thing..."

As he said this, a trace of resolve showed through Liu Zhiyuan's expression.

The next day, Liu Zhiyuan issued an edict, enfeoffing Liu Chengxun as Prince of Wei and Governor of Kaifeng, and Liu Chengyou as Prince of Zhou and Patrol Inspector of the capital.