Chapter 145: Mid-Autumn

The war situation at Yedu was deeply worrying to the court in the Eastern Capital. Since ancient times, when a siege drags on and neither side can prevail, it bodes ill for both. From the Han court's perspective, they feared some mishap that the besieged Yedu troops might exploit to turn the tide and inflict a defeat.

There was precedent for such things. Back then, Emperor Mo of the Later Tang, Li Congke, was trapped in dire straits, yet in a single day he reversed defeat into victory, even driving straight down to Luoyang to seize the throne. Of course, that was Li Conghou digging his own grave—a child wielding a spear, misled by mediocre ministers, acting too hastily, and thereby courting ruin. The two cases were hardly comparable.

But the lords of the court had clearly been rattled by Murong Yanchao's defeat. More importantly, they did not want this war to drag into a protracted conflict—the state treasury simply could not sustain it. Moreover, if word of unfavorable military developments spread, it would be a considerable test and burden for the Great Han.

Of course, in Liu Chengyou's view, the situation was far less dangerous than the court lords imagined—they were frightening themselves. From the front-line battle reports and the private letters of Guo Rong, who was at the front, it was clear that the situation at Yedu was firmly in the hands of the Han army. Though their attacks lacked force, Du Chongwei could hardly stir up any waves either. Gao Xingzhou was steady and prudent; appointing him commander had been the right call.

But Murong Yanchao...

Speaking of Murong Yanchao, the one who felt most embarrassed at court was probably Emperor Liu Zhiyuan himself. Toward this younger brother of his, he truly felt a sense of frustration at his lack of ambition—he had completely failed to grasp the intent behind being assigned as Gao Xingzhou's deputy.

At the front, he had been jumping around, disturbing military morale, and on top of that, not long ago he had sent a secret memorial to the capital, impeaching Gao Xingzhou for hoarding troops and asserting his own power, urging the court to prepare in advance. If Liu Zhiyuan had been even slightly more muddle-headed and fallen for his instigation, this realm might well have been on a downhill slide within half a year.

Yet, as for Murong Yanchao, he simply ignored him, only sending someone to admonish him, while issuing an edict to encourage and console Gao Xingzhou. An emperor's dignity could sometimes be quite unreasonable.

In truth, the problems at Yedu came down, in the final analysis, to the generals, and to the court's arrangements. But after all that commotion, the fighting spirit of the Han troops beneath the city walls had been largely spent. At this point, even replacing the commander would not solve the problem.

Fortunately, even though the war at Yedu was not going well and making no progress, the court's support had not diminished. From the Eastern Capital, large quantities of military supplies continued to be transported northward via the canal. At the same time, Liu Zhiyuan did not micromanage the front from several hundred li away, urging attacks on the city or such things.

No matter how tense the fighting at the front, life in the rear had to go on. No matter how difficult things were, the Mid-Autumn Festival could not be glossed over. Leaning on the railing, gazing into the distance, having blown enough cold wind and wiping his reddened nose, Liu Chengyou returned to his residence.

At this time, the Prince of Zhou's residence was bustling with activity. Servants were decorating the gate and adorning the pavilions. Thanks to Liu Chengyou's instructions, there was no extravagance, but after all, it was a festival—no matter how much was trimmed, a prince's residence had to maintain some display. The festive atmosphere in the residence somewhat diluted the seriousness on Liu Chengyou's face.

"Your Highness, you've returned." Lady Geng, dressed in light-colored garments, personally welcomed Liu Chengyou into the hall.

As Liu Chengyou's only concubine to this day, she bustled about the residence in the manner of its mistress.

"Let Old Woman Li and the household steward handle these matters—why trouble yourself personally?" Liu Chengyou remarked.

"It's no trouble." Lady Geng broke into a smile, the rippling charm in her beautiful eyes nearly melting Liu Chengyou.

Reaching out, he gently touched her belly, then took her hand and led her into the flower hall.

It seemed that his earlier period of lying low and diligent efforts in the baby-making endeavor had borne fruit—not long ago, Lady Geng was discovered to be with child. This was a major matter, holding special significance for Liu Chengyou and for the emperor and empress in the palace. The child in Lady Geng's belly, whether boy or girl, would be Liu Zhiyuan and Lady Li's first grandchild.

A child—another point in Liu Chengyou's favor.

His elder brother Liu Chengxun was considerably older than Liu Chengyou, twenty-five or twenty-six years old, yet had not a single child. He had married early and had several concubines, but none had conceived—one could not help but suspect that something was wrong with his body.

And Lady Geng's pregnancy had previously brought this issue to the fore. Then, the debate over the heir once again erupted. But this time, some clever person came up with a "best of both worlds" solution, and Liu Zhiyuan established it as a binding rule: succession to the throne would pass from elder brother to younger brother.

It sounded like a fine idea—perfectly resolving the ongoing dispute over the heir apparent, maintaining the stability of the state, and with brother-to-brother succession, avoiding the situation of a young ruler and doubtful ministers and an unstable realm. Truly a solution that killed many birds with one stone...

However, think just a little deeper, and one would see how unreliable it was. Liu Zhiyuan passes to Liu Chengxun, Liu Chengxun passes to Liu Chengyou, Liu Chengyou passes to Liu Chenghsun? And who does Liu Chenghsun pass it to?

It simply could not withstand scrutiny. Under normal circumstances, brother-to-brother succession was absolutely a path to disaster. The Ma Chu in Hunan had done exactly that—a living example right before their eyes—and it had produced the famous tale of "five horses fighting at the trough." Ma Xifan had died only in June, and now the brothers Ma Xiguang and Ma Xi'e were already at each other's throats with arms.

The minister who proposed writing this rule into the ancestral code was either a fool or had ulterior motives—he deserved death.

The hall was also decorated with festive ornaments and autumn flowers, most elegantly arranged. Seating herself, Lady Geng took a plate of pastries from a maidservant, washed her hands in a basin, picked up a piece, and fed it to Liu Chengyou's lips: "Second Young Master, this is newly made osmanthus cake. Try it."

Liu Chengyou glanced at it—square and neat, bright golden yellow, quite appealing to the eye, giving off a flaky fragrance. It was small, just enough for one bite.

"How is it?"

"Not bad."

Though Liu Chengyou's reaction was not overly enthusiastic, it was approval nonetheless, and Lady Geng's face bloomed into a smile, her willow brows curving gently.

"Get ready—tonight you'll accompany me to the palace for the banquet." After resting a moment and taking a drink of water, Liu Chengyou said to Lady Geng.

"Yes!" Joy overflowed across her jade-white face.

Catching sight of Li Chongju directing the residence's servants in the courtyard, Liu Chengyou thought of something and called him over to ask: "Have the gifts been delivered to all the households?"

"As you instructed, they were delivered on the twelfth." Li Chongju bowed and replied.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, such social courtesies were unavoidable. Earlier, Liu Chengyou had ordered several dozen gift boxes prepared and sent to the residences of court officials with whom he had close relations—most importantly, his old subordinates. The gifts were nothing precious, just seasonal fruits and local products. The sentiment was conveyed, and no one could gossip about it.

In the evening, after tidying up, Liu Chengyou took Lady Geng into the palace for the banquet. Inside the palace, lanterns and decorations were also hung, but only for the Renming Hall. Given the difficulties of state affairs, on Lady Li's suggestion, there was no grand celebration—they simply called together Liu Chengxun and the other brothers for a family feast. As for the civil and military ministers, an edict of encouragement was issued, and some autumn delicacies were distributed from the palace.

To be fair, Liu Zhiyuan was a rather mediocre emperor. He might not yet have bestowed grace upon the people, but he was quite self-disciplined, with essentially no extravagant or wasteful behavior. In governance, he was also diligent. Yet the Great Han realm in his hands remained like a giant with feet of clay, struggling to take each step.

In the end, it came down to the question of personnel, and moreover, Liu Zhiyuan was not proactive in streamlining governance and eliminating abuses.

And at court, it was bad enough that the generals and ministers of the "Hedong faction" were constantly at each other's throats. On this Mid-Autumn Festival, while the emperor's family celebrated frugally, quite a few of the ministers outside were "joyfully welcoming the festival," calling friends and companions to drink wine and admire the moon at their residences, making quite a lively scene. Su Fengji and Shi Hongzhao were the worst of all.

It was just a family banquet—Liu Zhiyuan and his wife, Liu Chengxun and his three full brothers, plus their only daughter Princess Yongning and her husband Song Yanwo, and counting Liu Chengyun the adopted son, nine people in total.

Lady Geng wore the formal attire of a titled lady—after becoming pregnant, she had been enfeoffed by Liu Zhiyuan as Lady of Jin. With light makeup and a somewhat nervous air, she was called over by Lady Li along with Liu Chengyou's elder sister-in-law and elder sister to chat about household matters. A mother's status rose with her child, and Lady Li was clearly very concerned for Lady Geng, offering endless words of advice in their private conversation.

As for Liu Chengxun and the other brothers, they gathered together, drinking and chatting freely. Liu Chengxun's health seemed to have mostly recovered—at least it was not apparent from his appearance—though he coughed a couple of times from time to time.

It was not until Liu Zhiyuan arrived. His mood had clearly been poor lately, but he forced a smile, spoke little, and only said: "The state is troubled, so everything is kept simple. Don't mind the plain fare."

"We wouldn't dare."

"Our family hasn't gathered together like this in a long time." Lady Li sighed.

The family together, with no deliberate observance of palace etiquette, without so many restraints—just like ordinary folk, they felt the warmth of kinship through idle conversation.

Two palace maids carried over a cake together. The cake was round like the full moon, called a "small cake," but in fact it was a mooncake. The small cake was not small at all. Lady Li personally cut it, and the family shared it. The taste was nothing particularly special—what they savored was the festive spirit and the atmosphere.

After a few cups of wine, the atmosphere relaxed completely, and the conversation grew livelier. Liu Chengyou's expressions were far more animated than usual.

Liu Chengxun drank a bit hastily. His wife, sitting beside him, urged him softly to slow down, but with little success. His wife was not a stunning beauty by any means, and came from a modest family, but she had a gentle temperament and was a virtuous wife, much to his liking.

Moved by some feeling, Liu Chengyou could not help but advise Liu Chengxun: "Elder Brother, drink a little less."

Liu Chengxun smiled at Liu Chengyou and waved his hand: "No matter—today is a festival, and I'm happy. Second Brother, your elder brother toasts you..."

Liu Chengxun had also been carrying something on his mind these days—the matter of heirs, which was quite distressing.

Liu Chengyou echoed him and drained his cup. The wine was a newly opened aged vintage, mellow in flavor with a slight sweetness.

Wiping his flushed face, Liu Chengyou took the initiative to toast his brother-in-law Song Yanwo. As for that rascal Liu Chenghsun, freed from restraint, he actually started a drinking contest with Liu Chengyun. After just a few cups, he was already tipsy, leaning against his adopted elder brother. The atmosphere at the banquet remained harmonious throughout. Liu Zhiyuan watched it all, and his mood gradually settled completely.

By the time night deepened, scattered points of light still dotted the Eastern Capital. Whether high-born nobles or ordinary folk, nearly everyone gathered together, admiring the moon, chatting, and comforting one another. The sounds of flutes and strings never ceased, drifting through the wards, along with the laughter of children playing in the alleys.

No matter how bitter or hard the days ahead might be, that was a matter for tomorrow...