Chapter 1447: The Beautiful Lady Yu

"Additionally, three days ago, the Seventh Prince Hui held a grand banquet at his mansion, widely inviting talented scholars. Guests gathered in full — from Academicians and Hanlin scholars at the top, down to poetry friends and literary companions — it was quite lively!" Zhang Dejun reported another matter.

"Is that so!" Emperor Liu revealed a hint of a smile, asking with slight curiosity: "Who all was there?"

Zhang Dejun seemed to recall for a moment, then reported: "Xu Kai, Pan You, Feng Yanlu, Gu Hongzhong, Li Hao, Huang Quan and his son, and others. There were also some literati lingering in the capital whose fame had spread throughout Luoyang who received invitations. The guests totaled over thirty in number. Additionally, the Marquis of Peng, Li Yu, also attended upon invitation..."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu's brows furrowed slightly as he said: "The Southern officials in attendance seem rather numerous — even the former master of Jiangnan went!"

There was almost no discernible emotion in Emperor Liu's tone, yet Zhang Dejun inexplicably felt his heart tremble. In fact, the Palace City Office's attention to this banquet was partly due to Li Yu's involvement.

After all, he was the former master of Jiangnan, once a separatist warlord. Although the control over these surrendered officials and rulers had not been as strict in recent years as it was initially, the covert surveillance and restrictions could never be relaxed.

"What was discussed at the banquet?" Emperor Liu asked.

"Just literati indulging in romantic verses and composing poetry and lyrics!" Zhang Dejun said.

"Oh? These people all have considerable talent — did any fine works emerge?" Emperor Liu's lips twitched slightly.

Zhang Dejun answered: "The Marquis of Peng, Li Yu, wrote a piece titled 'The Beautiful Lady Yu,' which caused quite a stir. It is said that many Southern officials, upon hearing this lyric, showed mournful expressions and deep shame."

Zhang Dejun spoke these words very calmly, yet it always gave one a sinister, insidious feeling.

And indeed, these words provoked some unusual reaction from Emperor Liu, who looked at Zhang Dejun askance: "What kind of masterpiece for the ages could elicit such a response from these former officials?"

Thereupon, Zhang Dejun very fluently recited "The Beautiful Lady Yu" — the pinnacle work of Li Yu's career — and then reported: "Your Majesty, within just a few days, this lyric has spread throughout the Western Capital, widely circulated and praised. Even some officials of the Pacification Commission are transcribing and memorizing it, heaping endless praise..."

"Hmph! I said long ago that when it comes to making Li Yu a ruler, he is utterly unqualified — but when it comes to writing poetry and composing lyrics, how many in the world can match him?" Emperor Liu's tone was full of appreciation as he said leisurely: "See? Once a masterpiece emerges, even Luoyang's paper becomes expensive!"

From Emperor Liu's words, one could not discern his like or dislike of this matter or this lyric, but Zhang Dejun still spoke his mind with great "professional ethics": "Your Majesty, I have consulted some poets regarding this lyric. In their words, the Marquis of Peng's piece is filled entirely with longing for his former homeland of Jiangnan — yearning for home and country, with deep and intense emotion, vaguely carrying dissatisfaction with the Great Han and the court.

Those Southern officials being moved by it also shows their nostalgia for their old state. A single lyric can stir people's hearts toward disaffection — this shows these Southern officials are not sincerely submitting to the court..."

Emperor Liu cast another glance at Zhang Dejun — these words were truly cutting to the bone. Emperor Liu said meaningfully: "Oh, a single lyric can provoke such profound reflection from you. In your view, how should the court respond?"

Somewhat afraid to meet Emperor Liu's gaze directly, Zhang Dejun said rather coldly: "To prevent hearts from wavering, I believe the spread of this lyric should be prohibited, to stop it from beguiling the people. Additionally, compared to other surrendered rulers and officials, the Marquis of Peng and these Southern officials have never been of one mind with the court — they should be punished as a warning!"

After Zhang Dejun finished his counsel, Emperor Liu did not directly express his stance but fell into silence. After brief deliberation, Emperor Liu ultimately displayed his magnanimous side, waving his hand and saying indifferently: "How much power can a single lyric hold? Even the lands of the two rivers have all submitted to the imperial army. No matter how widely it spreads, can it be stronger than the court's blades and soldiers?

These literati — being sentimental is not a crime! Some sour verses and rotten prose are not worth mentioning. Even if this 'Beautiful Lady Yu' can be sung for a thousand years, so what? Even if it arouses sympathy and discussion among bystanders, can it help him restore his state?"

That was what he said, but Emperor Liu's attitude clearly had some issues. However, seeing that his mind was made up, Zhang Dejun did not stubbornly remonstrate further. He had become increasingly deferential before Emperor Liu. Sometimes, he did not expect Emperor Liu to adopt his counsel — he merely wished to demonstrate himself before the Emperor and prove his usefulness.

"However, since it can stir people's hearts, letting it run unchecked would not be good after all!" Emperor Liu added another remark in a low, measured tone: "Even the literati you found could discern the melancholy within it — did the officials of the Pacification Commission have not the slightest vigilance? Instead they eagerly followed the crowd, transcribing and spreading it, praising it to the skies. Serving in the Pacification Commission yet unable to fulfill even the most basic duties — what use are they?"

Emperor Liu's tone was somewhat cold, causing the palace eunuchs and close attendants serving at his side to tremble involuntarily, lowering their heads in unison.

"You go!" Emperor Liu directly turned his head and ordered Yan Tuo: "Go to the Pacification Commission and tell Bai Tinghui my words verbatim. Ask him how he has been serving as Pacification Commissioner — he cannot even keep his subordinates in line!"

"Yes!" Yan Tuo dared not hesitate and immediately acknowledged.

Bai Tinghui, the Earl of Jianning, was the father-in-law of the Prince of Qin, Liu Xu. After Tao Gu's death, he had succeeded as Pacification Commissioner. It was easy to imagine that after Emperor Liu's reprimand came down, it would inevitably stir up some waves, perhaps even affecting the Prince of Qin.

After pondering for a moment, Emperor Liu could not help but smile, muttering: "I never expected that Liu Hui, at such a young age, would have such extensive connections — one call and guests gather like clouds! Does he truly hold such prestige among these literati?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dejun lowered his eyelids and said: "The young lord has been extraordinary since childhood, with exceptional literary talent known throughout court and country, widely praised. Among the scholarly circles, his reputation is indeed considerable!"

What Zhang Dejun said did not tell the whole truth — at least it omitted one very important point: Emperor Liu's affection for Liu Hui had also played an enormous role. After all, among so many sons, he was the only one with such outstanding literary talent.

"A mere stripling, not yet of capping age, having gained a bit of fame, and already so ostentatious!" Emperor Liu instead put on the posture of a stern father, saying somewhat coldly: "The court is tightening its belt, yet he holds a grand banquet at his mansion, knowing not the gravity of things! Send someone to his mansion with an edict — have him come to the palace to attend to the Pure Consort's medicine. Did he not study the 'Classic of Filial Piety' well? Then let him fulfill the most basic filial duty!"

"Yes!"

"I am tired from looking — back to the palace!" Taking one more look at the magnificent scenery of Luoyang, Emperor Liu showed no reluctance and turned to leave.

The banquet at the young lord's mansion had, after all, provoked some reflection in Emperor Liu. As for his mood, it was not particularly pleasant. He had no great objection to a prince seeking fame — what truly displeased him was that crowd of attendees.

It seemed that the Southern officials sheltered by the Great Han were drawing closer to Liu Hui. This was somewhat unexpected, yet not difficult to understand.

Emperor Liu saw it clearly — it was largely a matter of origins. The Zhou family hailed from Huainan, and Liu Hui's maternal grandfather, Zhou Zong, had been an old minister of the Southern Tang, enjoying considerable prestige in the south in his early years.

Those Southern officials naturally felt close to Liu Hui, who shared their southern background. And as surrendered officials, they were always treated as second-class within the Great Han's system. Whether seeking protection or advancement, they would always look for a patron — so Liu Hui entering their field of vision was only natural.