Chapter 1469: Emperor Liu: The Princes Need Discipline

This open-air imperial banquet, at this point, had only just formally begun, unfolding alongside Emperor Liu's reprimand of the two princes, Liu Yun and Liu Shu—but everyone knew that the scolding was not aimed solely at those two princes.

The speaker had intent, and the listeners took the meaning; the atmosphere at the banquet, having briefly eased, quickly slid back into solemnity and oppression.

Emperor Liu did not pause in his speech, fixing his gaze on Liu Shu as he continued to rebuke: "I have heard that you are extremely picky in your daily life—picky about food, drink, and clothing. Carriages, horses, garments, and playthings, you have them all in abundance. Not only that, even your amusements must have some distinctive flair, or else they can hardly stir your interest. Your household expenses are enormous, running to several thousand strings of cash every month. I am very curious—can the salary and grain rations the court gives you possibly sustain such extravagance? Hm? Can you resolve this doubt for me?"

"Your subject, your subject..." Hearing this question, Liu Shu's face had already turned somewhat pale; he hung his head, stammering, not knowing what to say. Being at the age where his voice was changing, his speech came out even more halting and rough.

Over the years, Liu Shu had been disciplined by Emperor Liu more than once or twice, but he was no fool—he could naturally sense that this time was different, and for the first time he felt nervous, even more afraid than when Emperor Liu had once ordered people to flog him.

Among all the princes, the one most fond of pleasure and comfort was none other than Liu Shu. Having been raised in a honey pot since childhood, even though the palace's education of princes was very strict, he could not withstand having an indulgent mother.

And after establishing his own household, freed from the constraints of the palace walls, he became like a wild horse that had slipped its reins, joyfully galloping freely through the world beyond the imperial palace.

As for money, Liu Shu truly did not lack it. Besides his annual fixed salary and the estates and lands bestowed by Emperor Liu, Consort Fu in the palace had also given him a considerable amount of private money, and behind that, there was also the supply from the Fu clan. As for the goodwill of the Fu family's younger members, he accepted it all without ever refusing, simply treating it as familial social exchange.

"I have also heard that the chamber pot you use is crafted from pure gold, inlaid with pearls and jade!" Emperor Liu coldly looked at Liu Shu, yet his tone was very relaxed—so relaxed it was frightening: "This counts as an amusing anecdote, but as I listen to it, I find it sounds very familiar!"

"I am getting old, and my memory is failing! My lords, is there anyone who can resolve this for me?" As he spoke, Emperor Liu swept his gaze around once more and asked.

No one dared to answer this question. The air fell silent for a moment, with only the north wind still sobbing, its low and oppressive sound seemingly restrained, not daring to be too wild.

"What, with so many people seated here, is there not a single one who can clear up this doubt?" Emperor Liu said with a faint smile.

It was impossible that none of them knew—at least people like Liu Xu and Wei Renpu absolutely knew, only they did not dare to speak.

Seeing the atmosphere growing somewhat awkward, the Seventh Prince, Duke Wu Liu Hui, hesitated briefly, then rose and said, "Your subject may venture to speak."

"Oh?" Emperor Liu looked at the solemn-faced Liu Hui and waved his hand: "Speak!"

"Your subject has heard that Meng Chang, the surrendered minister of the Later Shu, once possessed a 'Seven Treasures Chamber Pot,' likewise adorned with rare and precious pearls and jade. After Shu was pacified, a general presented this plaything as tribute!" Liu Hui glanced sidelong at the somewhat distracted Liu Shu and answered in a deep voice.

"With so many elder statesmen and senior ministers here, are they no match for the insight of a mere yellow-mouthed child?" Emperor Liu smiled faintly and continued: "Liu Hui, it seems that over these years, your knowledge has indeed grown!"

"It is all thanks to Your Majesty's excellent instruction!" Liu Hui let out a light breath and replied respectfully.

"Then you should also know how I dealt with that Seven Treasures Chamber Pot back then—tell all the princes and dukes!" Emperor Liu said.

Liu Hui: "Your Majesty, seeing that Meng Chang was arrogant, extravagant, licentious, and devoted to pleasure, which led to the destruction of his state, specially ordered palace attendants to take his 'Seven Treasures Chamber Pot' and smash it at the palace gate as a warning of lessons learned, to caution the officials!"

"Well said!" Emperor Liu nodded, his gaze still roaming over the banquet: "But you missed one point—this was even more a warning to myself, to take it as a mirror and not repeat the same mistake!"

"Yet looking back after all these years, I feel that I have not achieved it!" Emperor Liu's voice turned cold, his tone becoming severe as he once again fixed his gaze on Liu Shu: "Tell me, what are your thoughts on this?"

"Your son... your subject has erred, please punish me, Your Majesty!" Liu Shu could no longer hold himself together and hastily begged for punishment.

"What, by asking me to punish you, can the mistakes you have committed be forgiven, everything brushed aside, and after a few quiet years, you revert to your old ways?" Emperor Liu coldly barked: "Kneel!"

With a thud, Liu Shu's legs went weak, and he knelt down accordingly, kowtowing as he explained: "Your subject absolutely has no such intention—I truly know I was wrong!"

Seeing Liu Shu, who had always been at odds with him, being so reprimanded by Emperor Liu before such a large gathering, Liu Hui felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction in his heart. If not for the inappropriate atmosphere, he might have laughed out loud.

However, that bit of schadenfreude was quickly dispelled, as Emperor Liu turned his head and directly questioned Liu Hui: "I have also heard that your estate, the Duke of Wu's residence, has been extremely lively of late! Guests fill the gates, banquets and music never cease, laughter and conversation with great scholars, comings and goings without common folk, composing poetry and enjoying the breeze and moon—quite the carefree life!"

Liu Hui's handsome face was overtaken by a look of astonishment. Under Emperor Liu's gaze, his hands had nowhere to rest. Without even needing to be told, he voluntarily knelt to the ground: "Please punish me, Your Majesty!"

He knelt, but in his heart he could not help feeling wronged. He had already been disciplined for this matter before, and recently he had restrained himself considerably, often entering the palace to pay respects and attend to the ailing Pure Consort Zhou. He had never expected Emperor Liu to bring up this old matter again, and in front of so many people at that.

The atmosphere at the banquet grew even colder, no longer something that a bit of charcoal fire or warm wine could alleviate. Although Emperor Liu had been reprimanding the princes, these princes and dukes of the Great Han also had a thousand flavors swirling in their hearts, hard to let go.

"The younger brothers are still young, and it is inevitable that they are willful and rash. Since they already know their mistakes, more instruction and admonishment should suffice. I humbly beg Your Majesty to be lenient, to quell your anger somewhat, and to take care of your imperial health!" At this moment, the Prince of Qin, Liu Xu, who had remained silent all along, felt he should no longer sit idly and rose to offer consolation.

Looking at his eldest son, Emperor Liu's expression indeed softened somewhat. Up to this point, unless one were splitting hairs, one could find no fault with Liu Xu in terms of self-cultivation, household management, or governance.

"I tell you, youth is not an excuse for mistakes, nor a reason for indulgence!" Emperor Liu pointed out sternly: "When your brothers were at this age, they were already able to share burdens for me and for the court, making contributions within their means! Liu Min, at just sixteen, was already able to don armor and take the field, braving death and charging into battle for the nation! As for them—they have not even realized the basic duties of being a son and a subject. They deserve to be taught a lesson!"

"What Your Majesty says is most true!" Since Emperor Liu had spoken thus, Liu Xu could only echo in agreement.

"Heh heh..." After a moment of deliberation, Emperor Liu suddenly let out a soft laugh, though the laughter carried a desolate quality. Looking at the assembled ministers, he said: "I now have fifteen sons at my knee. In the past, people often praised them in my ear, saying each was a dragon among men, a hero of the age. I am a father too, and I was happy to hear such flattery.

But how could I not know in my heart that there are many heroes in this world, and they cannot all come from the imperial house. I have established laws and systems both within and outside the court, and likewise for the education of my sons and daughters. I have often taken pride in my sons' accomplishments in learning. Now it seems, that was merely self-deception!"

Hearing Emperor Liu speak thus, the princes present all subconsciously lowered their heads. Those who had been singled out—Liu Yun, Liu Hui, and Liu Shu—all wore expressions of shame.

Of course, in their hearts they could not help feeling unconvinced. After all, they were of imperial blood, and their past experiences had been accompanied by glory and flattery. Most were somewhat self-centered, and it was not something that could be remedied by a few words from Emperor Liu.

"Your sons have disappointed Your Majesty!"

Waving his hand, Emperor Liu let out a light sigh and finally ceased his reprimand of the princes. Turning to Liu Chengyun, the Prince of Xu, who was beside him, he said: "Brother Yun!"

"Your subject is here! Your Majesty, please give your orders!" Hearing himself called, Liu Chengyun shot up as if pricked by a needle, bowing as he acknowledged the command.

"It is my intention that the newly established households of the princes require stricter education. You are the Chief of the Imperial Clan, and also an imperial uncle—you should devote some effort to this! From now on, the annual salary of all princes shall be halved. The Chief of the Imperial Clan shall also select upright officials to be placed in each household to continue disciplining them for me—especially, keep a close watch on their purse strings!" Emperor Liu said calmly.

"Yes!"

After giving these orders, Emperor Liu finally looked back at the other princes and dukes. At this moment, everyone sat there like carved wooden statues, unwilling to move, and not daring to move either.

Clearly, Emperor Liu could not have summoned so many people to sit in the cold wind and watch him discipline his sons. Now that the princes had been disciplined, whose turn was it next?

"Why is everyone frozen?" Emperor Liu had, however, recovered his smiling face, looking at the crowd with surprise: "The wine is getting cold! Come, drink, eat meat, everyone get moving!"

As he spoke, Emperor Liu raised his cup and stood up, pacing a few steps on the cold grass, then said to Liu Hui and Liu Shu, the two brothers who were still kneeling: "What are you still kneeling for? Worried the ground isn't cold enough? Get up, return to your seats!"

"Yes!" The two brothers hurriedly expressed their gratitude.

It proved that, when it came to his sons, Emperor Liu was ultimately protective and loving.