Chapter 1472: One Fire Does Not Mean the End

The banquet had a proper beginning and end, but it ultimately concluded in a stifling and eerie atmosphere. Only after watching Emperor Liu ascend his imperial carriage and seeing the slowly departing royal procession fade into the distance did the assembled nobles finally breathe a sigh of relief, all feeling as though they had just narrowly escaped a fright.

They exchanged glances in silence, none knowing what to say. In the end, they could only return with those they were familiar with, taking the opportunity to reflect on the banquet and grasp the spirit of Emperor Liu's remarks.

Dusk had fallen, the sky darkening, and in the bitter cold north wind, Wang Yansheng rode side by side with Yang Ye back into the city. The afternoon had clearly been hard to endure—unable to hold back a sneeze, Wang Yansheng wiped his nose with his hand and said to Yang Ye with some frustration: "This drink left a bad taste in my mouth!"

Of the Three Heroes of the Northwest, Guo Jin was currently overseeing military affairs in the northwest, while Wang Yansheng and Yang Ye resided peacefully in the capital. Having shared the experience of the Mobei expedition, the two had grown increasingly close.

Hearing his lament, Yang Ye also revealed a bitter smile: "When the imperial countenance turns wrathful, how could one not tremble with fear?"

Wang Yansheng said: "I've been reprimanded by Your Majesty more than once in the past, but never have I been as terrified as this time, and never have I seen Your Majesty so enraged!"

"How could I be any different?" Yang Ye replied: "This time, Your Majesty was truly provoked. Who could have imagined that such deep-rooted abuses existed within the court? It's truly astonishing!"

Wang Yansheng said with some disdain and irritation: "We've been dragged down by those people!"

"You and I may have clear consciences, but regarding this matter, we must take it as a warning. The admonition Your Majesty conveyed must be seriously understood!" Yang Ye said: "That fire could burn away three chests filled with criminal evidence, but it cannot burn away the dissatisfaction in Your Majesty's heart.

This upheaval has likely planted a thorn in Your Majesty's heart. While it pierces His Majesty's heart, it also hangs a sword over the heads of people like us. If we do not learn the lesson, next time that sword will truly fall!

The seventy-three people at the Southern Market were merely a warning!"

"How could I not know?" Wang Yansheng lowered his head in silence for a moment, then said even more dejectedly: "It seems I need to give my relatives and old acquaintances another stern warning. For the past twenty years, I've mostly been in the northwest, busy with military affairs, and I've been too lax in disciplining the younger generation of my household."

Seeing that Wang Yansheng had this awareness, Yang Ye chuckled lightly: "Your Excellency Wang is truly righteous!"

"What righteousness!" Wang Yansheng wasn't buying it, waving his hand and sighing: "I'm just afraid! I've never feared risking my life on the battlefield, yet now I'm thrown into a fluster over matters like this!

When the realm was still unsettled, I had my freedom. Now that the world is at peace, I feel stifled instead! I heard that Ma Renyu recently submitted a plea of guilt from a thousand li away over his nephew's matter.

I don't want to end up like Ma Renyu one day—leading troops outside while having to uphold justice at the expense of family, even watching my own kin lose their heads!"

From Wang Yansheng's words, Yang Ye faintly detected a trace of resentment. His heart tightened, and he said with a grave expression: "Your Excellency Wang, such words should not be spoken carelessly!"

Wang Yansheng, being older and more experienced, immediately understood Yang Ye's meaning and laughed: "I only said this in front of you, Chonggui. I bear no resentment toward Your Majesty whatsoever. Those sons of guilty ministers deserve their punishment—there's no fault to be found there.

Your Majesty has treated me well, and I will repay him with all my heart. Moreover, over all these years, Your Majesty has already been generous enough to us meritorious officials and nobles. If we remain ungrateful, covet more, and seek to place ourselves above the law, then we deserve to die!"

"Your Excellency Wang's breadth of mind fills me with admiration!" Yang Ye cupped his hands solemnly upon hearing these words.

It must be said that Yang Ye was utterly loyal to Emperor Liu, and he greatly approved of Wang Yansheng's respectful attitude toward the Emperor.

Wang Yansheng shook his head, quickly recovering some of his spirits, and said to Yang Ye with a smile: "You're the fortunate one, Chonggui—you have a virtuous wife at home managing household affairs, taking care of everything for you. You can achieve merit abroad without worrying about domestic matters. How enviable!"

Mentioning his wife, a gentle smile involuntarily appeared on Yang Ye's resolute face, and he said softly: "To have such a wife is truly my fortune, Yang Ye's. I must also be grateful for Your Majesty's kindness back then!"

"They say you, Yang Chonggui, are the general Your Majesty trusts most, and that you are the most loyal. Now I see it's true—you constantly remember Your Majesty's grace, something even I cannot do!" Hearing this, Wang Yansheng looked as though he felt inferior.

"Your Excellency Wang flatters me..."

On a road not far away, the Zhao brothers were also riding on horseback, braving the cold wind toward Luoyang. The two brothers wore similar expressions—both somewhat stern, even cold and severe.

"His Majesty's admonition just now was harsh, but since he lit that fire, this matter should be considered settled, right?" After a long while, as they neared the walls of Luoyang, Zhao Kuangyin finally spoke, his spirits not high, as if he were trying to console himself.

"Only temporarily!" Zhao Kuangyi said after a moment's deliberation.

"He's already taken a two-pronged approach—could there still be follow-up moves?" Zhao Kuangyin furrowed his brow.

Zhao Kuangyi sighed softly and said: "There's one matter—though it's merely a rumor, I believe it credible! Zhao Pu had an audience with His Majesty the day before yesterday and submitted another memorial. The details are unknown, but its general thrust concerns restricting the nobles."

"That Zhao Pu!" Zhao Kuangyin was briefly stunned, then remarked with feeling: "He truly doesn't let go! Is he going to use this opportunity to bring up old matters again?"

"Though our positions differ, this man is indeed a capable minister! He had the makings of a chancellor before, and now he holds the position of chancellor. With him in that office, the days ahead for people like us won't be easy!" Zhao Kuangyi's expression turned somewhat gloomy:

"In the past, Your Majesty still had hesitations and misgivings, but after this upheaval, bringing up old matters again may not be Zhao Pu's intention alone!"

"You mean Your Majesty will heed Zhao Pu's counsel?" Zhao Kuangyin asked.

Zhao Kuangyi thought seriously for a moment, then said: "Within these two or three days before the new year, an edict may well be issued! I must say, this time truly is a golden opportunity!

After today's banquet, the meritorious officials and nobles have been cowed by Your Majesty. Even if they feel wronged or dissatisfied, how would they dare to resist? The blood at the Southern Market—it seems it hasn't dried yet!

That fire burned fiercely, and it was Your Majesty's act of leniency toward lawbreaking nobles, but was it not also a warning? Those cases one by one—Your Majesty has reviewed them all..."

"Enough. Your Majesty has always been resolute. Even if he has intentions, as his subjects, can we resist?" After hearing Zhao Kuangyi's words, Zhao Kuangyin seemed to let go after a brief deliberation: "This time, we've already responded poorly. From now on, we should be even more careful!"

Zhao Kuangyi fell silent. Compared to his elder brother, he was clearly more hesitant, with heavier thoughts and naturally more concerns. Even now, he still worried about his future prospects and career.

"Who could have imagined that we, meritorious officials and nobles who have braved life and death, would one day be seen as scourges and hidden dangers to the state..." After a long while, Zhao Kuangyin let out a bitter lament.