Chapter 1410: Dragon Palace

This hunting trip was more entertaining than in previous years, more like a grand gathering. That very night, Emperor Liu held a great banquet in the field headquarters for the accompanying officials and guests. Emperor Liu was the host, and the most important guests were the various tribal chieftains and representatives who had traveled a thousand li to the capital.

It must be said that toward these foreign envoys, everyone from Emperor Liu on down showed more than seventy percent sincerity and enthusiasm. Not only were they treated to fine food, drink, and entertainment in Luoyang, but Emperor Liu himself had hosted banquets for them more than once.

Thus, the night banquet held in the field headquarters could truly be described as a delight for both host and guests, and it lasted deep into the night before finally concluding.

The night deepened, heavy as water. The prolonged clamor that had lasted from day into night finally subsided into silence. Gentle summer breezes blew across the hills, swept over the grasslands, stirred the banner corners and tent curtains, bringing waves of coolness. Within the field headquarters, what never changed was the tight security and patrols—especially around Emperor Liu's imperial tent, where guards stood in dense ranks, nearly cutting it off from the outside world.

The imperial tent, strictly speaking, should be called the hall tent. Named "Dragon Palace," it was almost a mobile palace—not exactly towering, but complete in all its fittings, more than sufficient to meet Emperor Liu's needs for residence, reading, and handling official business. Moreover, it was collapsible, the product of immense effort and wisdom from countless skilled craftsmen in the relevant offices.

Hmm, yet another thing learned from Emperor Yang of Sui... Of course, it was also funded from the privy purse. In fact, after all the various expenditures front and back, plus the internal expenses of the palace, Emperor Liu's originally well-stocked little treasury was beginning to feel the strain.

The interior decoration of the lavishly built "Dragon Palace" emphasized nobility and luxury above all. It was made for Emperor Liu's enjoyment—and naturally, only in such peaceful times did he bring it out to stay in while on tour. Empress Fu naturally had one too, called the "Phoenix Hall," but it existed only because Emperor Liu respected her, to show that emperor and empress were held in equal regard. She had never once used it.

Inside the tent, the candle arrangement was extremely well-layered, even the quantity strictly standardized. The soft lamplight covered nearly every corner, reflecting off the gold, jade, and silver ornaments to create a scene of dazzling splendor and radiant brilliance.

The atmosphere was quite warm. Emperor Liu sat before the couch, both feet stretched into a deep, large foot basin filled with hot water. The key point: Empress Fu—the elder Lady Fu—was personally washing his feet.

Emperor Liu's complexion was ruddy, carrying a hint of drunkenness, but his gaze remained clear. During the banquet, he had drunk some wine to show hospitality to the guests, but that was clearly just going through the motions. Generally speaking, when Emperor Liu was truly happy, he would not be overly reserved.

Emperor Liu's sitting posture seemed somewhat docile. He looked down at the elder Lady Fu, who was crouched before him, earnestly scrubbing and washing his feet, and could not help but sigh: "Elder Lady Fu, would you say we're emulating the ancients who raised the tray to eyebrow level? Playing in harmony like lute and zither?"

Hearing this, the elder Lady Fu looked up and asked: "Why do you say that?"

Emperor Liu smiled and said: "Using these hands of yours, meant to be the mother of the realm, to hold my smelly feet—I feel guilty in my heart, as if I can hardly bear it!"

Emperor Liu's words were clearly said in jest. Hearing this, the elder Lady Fu also smiled and replied: "His Majesty's feet tread upon heaven and earth, standing firm over the realm. How could they not be worthy of service? To attend to them—is that not the honor of these hands of mine?"

Emperor Liu could not help but smile, and finally pulled the elder Lady Fu up, saying with concern: "Never mind. If there's someone to serve me, fine, but at worst I have hands of my own and can manage myself. Being waited on like this by you all, I feel I'm growing lazy..."

"His Majesty is noble as the Son of Heaven, the supreme sovereign, possessing all within the four seas—no degree of service is too much. Moreover, the weight of the realm, the heavy burden of ten thousand jun, rests upon your shoulders. Devote more of your time and energy to governing the state; as for everything else, there's no need to be overly concerned!" Empress Fu said this.

"Elder Lady Fu! Why are you always so understanding?" Emperor Liu chuckled.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has arrived and awaits outside the tent!" Amid their laughter, Yan Tuo came to report.

Emperor Liu's smile did not fade as he immediately instructed: "Have him come in!"

"Yes!"

After only a short while, Liu Yang passed through layer upon layer of tent curtains and entered, walking until he stood before the sovereign. Seeing Emperor Liu and his wife, he immediately performed the rites and offered his greetings.

"Since you father and son have matters to discuss, I shall not disturb you. I'll take my leave first!" Seeing this, before Emperor Liu even spoke, Empress Fu took the initiative to say.

Emperor Liu nodded, and so the Empress, under Liu Yang's respectful gaze, rose gracefully and withdrew into the inner chamber, leaving ample space for father and son to talk.

At this moment, Liu Yang's face also bore a slight flush of drunkenness, his complexion reddened, and he strove to remain clear-headed so as not to lose composure before the sovereign. Seeing this, Emperor Liu asked: "Still not sober? Do you need some hangover tea?"

Upon the question, Liu Yang immediately clasped his hands and said: "I'm already much better. Tonight I couldn't resist the warm hospitality and drank a few extra cups. Father must be amused at my expense!"

"It seems you're still too earnest. When going through the motions, moderation is enough—how can you drain every cup?" Emperor Liu admonished: "Wine is poison that passes through the gut, lust is a knife that scrapes the bone. You must remember this!"

Although Emperor Liu was hardly in a position to lecture others on this matter, since he had spoken, Liu Yang dared not offer any rebuttal. He could only lower his head and acknowledge, obediently accepting the lesson.

Emperor Liu took his feet out of the basin and rested them on the rim. Seeing this, Liu Yang immediately stepped forward, picked up a cloth, and moved to dry his feet. Emperor Liu was quite gratified by his initiative, but refused verbally: "No need. Sit down and let's talk!"

"Yes!"

"Regarding the various tribes and factions that have come to the capital—how did your discussions with Liu Xu go?" Emperor Liu asked while unhurriedly drying his own feet.

Upon the question, Liu Yang organized his words before calmly reporting: "After several rounds of consultation, we have basically reached consensus with all the various factions. They came bearing their own missions and have expressed willingness to become subjects of the Great Han, accept the court's enfeoffment, cooperate with the court, jointly maintain stability in the various tribes and regions, eliminate disputes, ease conflicts, benefit the tribal people, and support peace..."

Before Liu Yang could finish this speech, he was interrupted. Emperor Liu decisively waved his hand and said: "No need to recite such formal pleasantries before me!"

A hint of embarrassment crossed his face. Liu Yang pondered for a moment, then let out a light breath and said: "Now the Great Han's national power is at its peak. After the second campaign against Liao and the great rout of the Khitan, looking across the realm, there is no rival left. The myriad barbarians tremble in fear—both of the Great Han's military might and of the court continuing to expand, annexing their lands and recruiting their people.

Now the court takes the initiative to invite them, extending goodwill and discussing plans for peace, eliminating the disasters of war. Naturally, they are delighted and heave a great sigh of relief!

Moreover, though they submit as vassals to the Great Han, the court fully affirms their status and power, satisfying their desire for autonomy over their lands and people. The Great Han gains the name, they gain the substance. They can also strengthen exchanges and interactions with the Great Han in all aspects and develop together. Expressing submission is hardly difficult to accept!"