Chapter 1453: Winter Night

Under the night sky, at the Crown Prince's temporary residence, perhaps due to the weather, the atmosphere was cold and oppressive. Even the guards on duty couldn't help but lower their heads slightly, huddling inside their padded robes to ward off the chill.

The cold wind poured wildly into the room, causing the lamps to flicker unsteadily, their light dim and uncertain. The murky illumination seemed to mirror Liu Yang's displeased mood.

"Your Highness, have some hot soup to warm yourself!" A palace eunuch respectfully presented a bowl of sweet soup meant to dispel the cold, speaking with thoughtful care.

Liu Xi sat across from Liu Yang, picked up a small bowl, took a sip, and immediately ordered: "How can this dispel the cold? To truly warm the body, one needs strong liquor. Go, find someone to fetch those two jars of Fen wine I brought along!"

"Yes!" When the Prince of Jin gave an order, a lowly palace eunuch dared not say a word, even if he was the Crown Prince's close attendant.

"Second Brother, still angry?" Seeing Liu Yang's cold face and his still-unsettled expression, Liu Xi revealed his carefree smile: "Since the matter has occurred, just resolve it. It's not worth getting overly upset over!"

Hearing this, Liu Yang shook his head and sighed softly: "It's not just this matter that troubles me. I feel somewhat disappointed, and also apprehensive. How many years has it been since the founding of the dynasty? And already the administration of officials shows such signs of corruption. River works and water conservancy—the safety of millions of lives hangs in the balance—how dare they meddle and embezzle in such matters!"

Hearing this, Liu Xi said: "As the old saying goes, 'Water too clear has no fish; a man too scrutinizing has no followers.' This is common sense, nothing to be surprised about! Not to mention the present day—even in the early years of Qianyou, when the court enforced the law so strictly, there were still those who dared to break it. Think of the great corruption case in Yangzhou back then! Incidents like this can never be completely avoided. Over the years, the Three Judicial Offices have dealt with so many officials—Second Brother should be used to it by now!"

"I understand the reasoning, but I still can't contain my indignation!" Liu Yang flicked his sleeve, straightened his posture, and for the first time lost a bit of his Crown Prince's composure, saying coldly: "What angers me is that these people are audacious beyond measure, blinded by greed. This autumn the river burst its banks, and hundreds of thousands of people in Henan suffered terribly. The court issued stern punishments and warnings, dealing with so many responsible officials—yet no one has taken it as a lesson, and they still dare to commit wrongdoing! Do they have not a shred of reverence in their hearts?

Heaven's way is clear for all to see. Under the Great Han as it stands today, how dare anyone commit such acts that defy heaven and harm the people? What regard do they have for the court's trust? What regard for the majesty of the law? What regard for the millions of lives?

I originally found it hard to believe—hard to believe anyone would dare break the law in defiance of the prevailing winds. Had I not gone to see for myself, how could I have witnessed such rampant corruption beneath this facade of peace and prosperity!

What the court receives is always reports of a calm sea and peaceful river, of good governance and harmony, of a world at peace. When something like this happens, how can one rest easy and enjoy the peace?"

"Second Brother sees far and sees deep, perceiving the minutest details and discerning the signs of greater things!" Hearing Liu Yang's words, Liu Xi also sighed with emotion, but his tone always seemed somewhat relaxed, as if he had seen through such situations long ago.

"Third Brother, how can you maintain such an even keel and treat this so lightly?" Liu Yang stared at Liu Xi, sizing him up repeatedly.

Meeting Liu Yang's gaze, Liu Xi was silent for a moment, then set aside some of his playfulness and grew serious, replying: "Second Brother, since ancient times, when the court governs, managing subordinate officials is the hardest task—there is never a method that works once and for all. No matter how complete the court's laws and regulations, in the end they must be executed and upheld by officials throughout the realm. When officials hold power in their hands, it is inevitable that some will abuse the law and exploit their authority for private gain.

Although the court advocates clean governance and rewards upright officials, expecting every official in the realm to be a moral gentleman is clearly impossible. In governing the people, officials govern the people—but the court governs the officials!

When the people have difficulties, the officials resolve them; when officials have malpractices, the court deals with them. That is all there is to it!"

Liu Xi's discourse, while rational, also laid bare some chilling realities. Liu Yang opened his mouth, then finally let out a helpless sigh: "You certainly see things clearly!"

"It's not that I see clearly! With Second Brother's wisdom, having governed for so many years, handled so many affairs, and witnessed so much of black and white, how could you not understand? It's just that Second Brother carries the world in your heart, worries for the common people, and holds too many hopes for this world!" Liu Xi shook his head, flattering the Crown Prince in a somewhat blunt manner.

Hearing this, a trace of bitterness crept onto Liu Yang's lips. He was the Crown Prince, the heir apparent. Naturally, he held too many beautiful hopes for the Great Han and for the court—but reality always chilled the heart.

"Second Brother, the way you sigh is looking more and more like Father!" Looking at Liu Yang, Liu Xi said.

Hearing this, Liu Yang finally smiled, and a look of relief appeared on his face. After pondering for a moment, he said seriously: "In your view, how should this matter be handled?"

Liu Xi also spoke seriously: "The matter has not yet been fully investigated, so no conclusion can be made. Your younger brother believes there's no need to rush. Wait for the results, then mete out punishment according to the law—every single one of them, with no leniency whatsoever! Officials in governance should all have bottom lines. If they cross those lines, even the principles of heaven find it hard to forgive—let alone the laws of the state!"

Liu Yang nodded unconsciously, raising no objection to Liu Xi's views. But after thinking it over, he turned and sat behind the writing desk, picked up a brush, and wrote out an official document. After checking it once and affixing his seal, he called out toward the entrance: "Huaiyu!"

"Here! Your Highness, your command!" Ma Huaiyu, who had long served as Liu Yang's personal military attendant, heard the call and immediately entered, cupping his hands in salute.

Liu Yang handed him the document and ordered: "Seal this letter and deliver it by fast horse to the Western Capital!"

"Yes!" Without a moment's hesitation or any trace of doubt, Ma Huaiyu acknowledged and departed.

"This Huaiyu is becoming more and more capable!" Watching Ma Huaiyu, who carried an air of decisiveness, Liu Xi remarked.

Liu Yang revealed a knowing smile: "Huaiyu is mature beyond his years. Over the past few years, he's been tempered by experience and grown quickly. He's ready to handle affairs for the court!"

"Staying by Second Brother's side, how could he lack experience? It's Second Brother's guidance that has brought him along so well!" Liu Xi said.

Liu Yang waved his hand: "I've always regarded Huaiyu as a brother—how can you speak of guidance?"

Liu Xi didn't dwell on the matter and instead brought up Liu Yang's earlier order, asking: "Second Brother intends to report this matter upward?"

Liu Yang nodded and said: "Additionally, I will petition Father for permission to mobilize the investigative agents under the Wude Office in the Henan Circuit to follow up on this case's investigation!"

At the mention of the Wude Office, Liu Xi's brow furrowed slightly, but he finally said: "With the Wude Office's people assisting in the investigation, this case should be resolved quickly!"

Clearly, everyone had a good understanding of what the Wude Office could do. And Liu Yang's decision to employ the Wude Office, while first reporting to Emperor Liu to seek his instruction, showed that this Crown Prince was, after all, rational, clear-headed, and very measured.

"Come, brothers, it's been a long time since we drank together. Let me also taste the fine wine you've collected!" The eunuch brought the wine Liu Xi had brought, prepared the drinking vessels for the two brothers, and Liu Yang, now in good spirits, smiled at Liu Xi.

Liu Xi personally poured the wine for Liu Yang. As they drank together, Murong Defeng ran in, nearly bursting through the door, his steps hurried.

Seeing this, Liu Yang's brow furrowed slightly: "Rixin, what has happened to make you so flustered?"

The excitement on Murong Defeng's face was impossible to hide. He said excitedly: "Your Highness, a messenger has arrived from the Western Capital, reporting that Lady Zhao has conceived!"

"Oh! Hm?" Liu Yang's reaction was clearly a beat slow, then his eyes widened and he stared sharply at Murong Defeng: "What did you say?"

"Lady Zhao has conceived! His Majesty specially sent someone to report it, requesting that Your Highness return to the capital!" Murong Defeng repeated: "Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations!"

"This... I..." Liu Yang also lost his composure, stammering for a moment before it dissolved into a relieved laugh, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. There was even a hint of moisture in his eyes.

Liu Xi sat to the side, watching Liu Yang's slightly trembling hand. The wine spilled on the table seemed to speak of the Crown Prince's feelings. Raising his cup, Liu Xi's eyes flickered for a moment, and he said with a smile: "Congratulations, Second Brother! Since Sister-in-law has conceived, it seems the itinerary will need to change!"

A grin spread across Liu Yang's face, but the maturity he had cultivated was enough to let him compose himself quickly. Hearing this, however, he shook his head: "It is indeed joyful news, but not enough to set aside public duty for private matters. The Eastern Palace has its own people to attend to her. How could I abandon my mission halfway and rush back to the capital!"

"Pass the order—we depart tomorrow, proceeding first to inspect Bo Prefecture!" Liu Yang turned to Murong Defeng and ordered, his voice still carrying a slight tremor.

"Yes!" Liu Yang's conduct only earned him greater admiration.

"Add a set of chopsticks and a bowl, and bring more dishes!" Liu Yang's face was radiant as he beckoned to Murong Defeng: "Rixin, join us at the table. Tonight, the three of us drink to our hearts' content—no one leaves until drunk!"

"Since Your Highness has such fine spirits, your subject will gladly keep you company!" Murong Defeng laughed, looking even more delighted than Liu Yang.

Liu Xi took the initiative to pour the wine. The oppressive, somber atmosphere of this winter night had clearly been broken.