Chapter 1474: The Tenth Year of Kaibao

Amid the crackle of firecrackers, the Great Han steadily bid farewell to the turbulent ninth year of Kaibao. Throughout the Western Capital, all welcomed the tenth year of Kaibao (972), and Emperor Liu also ushered in his twenty-fifth year on the throne.

On New Year's Day, Emperor Liu once again ascended the throne in Qianyuan Hall to receive the homage of princes, foreign envoys, and ministers both within and without the court, and delivered his New Year's address. The disturbances of the ninth year of Kaibao ended with that year, and the celebrations of the new spring naturally carried less gloom and more joy. Both within and beyond the palace, all was enveloped in an atmosphere of bustle and festivity.

To demonstrate the harmony between ruler and subjects, as in years past, Emperor Liu personally ascended the palace gate tower to receive the cheers of the myriad people of the Western Capital, and, together with officials and commoners alike, enjoyed an entire fireworks extravaganza.

At the Qianyuan night banquet, cups were raised and passed in succession, goblets clinked back and forth, song and dance proclaimed peace, and ritual music rang out without cease—a scene of harmony and splendor. The Great Han seemed once again to have returned to the proper course of rivers clear and seas calm, of peace under heaven, and all still savored this era of stability rarely seen in a century.

The upheaval of the winter of the ninth year of Kaibao was rapidly receding into the distance. Though ripples remained, they seemed trivial. Everything was under control—as if something had changed, and yet as if nothing had changed at all.

Compared to the bustle at the start of the previous year, once the first month arrived, whether nobles, officials, the military, or merchants and common folk, all could enjoy a proper New Year in peace of mind.

Most of the officials and staff of the various ministries and bureaus of the court received leave, enjoying holidays they had not been able to take the year before. According to the Great Han's established system of rest days, ordinary officials could receive around ninety days of festival leave per year, with the long holidays concentrated in the first month.

Given that serving in the Great Han's government did not demand excessively intense work, this amount of leave was quite comfortable. Of course, this assumed peace and tranquility; were it a season of troubles, there would be no rest to be had.

Of course, this applied only to ordinary officials. Within the court system, those in high positions, those in charge of important offices, and the lower-ranking officials and clerks who made up the majority of the public service still worked very hard, for they bore the main burden of the court's administrative duties.

Fortunately, in the tenth year of Kaibao, the state saw no further major incidents of national significance. Thus, while the Western Capital was immersed in the clamor and splendor of the festival, the court itself remained quite "quiet"—everything proceeded in an orderly and methodical fashion.

Compared to the leisure of officials, most of the lower-ranking gentry and common people could hardly enjoy such ease. The majority quickly threw themselves into the work of the new year, rushing about for their livelihoods. This was one thing that never changed, no matter how peaceful the realm.

The spring wind still diligently delivered the chill of early spring, and the thoroughfares of Luoyang, which connected in all directions, were inevitably packed with people coming and going in an endless stream.

Within and beyond the city walls, the festive atmosphere remained strong, with fiery trees and silver flowers adorning the capital and its environs. In such circumstances, Crown Prince Liu Yang, who had been away on tour for over two months, finally returned to the capital.

His procession drove openly along the official road, displaying the majesty of the heir apparent. Travelers consciously made way, stopping to bow in reverence, and not a few common folk even prostrated themselves in worship.

Within the carriage, Liu Yang and the Prince of Jin, Liu Xi, were seated, and Murong Defeng was permitted to ride along as well. With a proper posture, he respectfully reported to the two of them the major events that had occurred both within and outside the court during their absence from the capital.

Naturally, the Huazhou case and its aftermath could not be avoided—indeed, they were given special attention, for the incident had occurred during the Crown Prince's tour.

"Just as the rumors say, Luoyang these past two months has indeed been turbulent, colorful, and extraordinarily lively! What a pity we weren't here—we missed it!" Liu Xi chuckled.

"Only you, Third Brother, could have such a mindset. The court experienced such a major affair, such appalling cases and mass prosecutions—is that the kind of spectacle one watches? You are an imperial prince, the Prince of Jin, not some commoner on the street, gawking at the court's embarrassment..." Liu Yang could not help but shake his head, speaking to Liu Xi with a hint of displeasure and resentment.

At this, Liu Xi wore an utterly carefree expression and replied with a smile: "No matter how great the affair, no matter how serious the problem, hasn't it all been resolved already? Those deserving death were executed, those deserving exile were banished, the guilty received their punishments, the wicked their penalties. Along the way, the meritorious nobles and officials were given a warning, and that series of endlessly beneficial regulations and policies was promulgated.

With Father holding court in the capital, how could this court, this realm, fall into chaos? I know Second Brother worries for the state and its people, but rest assured—it is now the new spring. Why not set aside those troublesome worldly concerns for the time being?"

"You!" Liu Yang heard Liu Xi's words and did not quite agree, but looking at his expression, he could only offer a wry smile: "If we speak of such a mindset, I am indeed inferior to you, Third Brother!"

"However, your words are not without reason. Father is sagacious and has weathered many storms. When he sits at the center of the realm, all under heaven is at peace. In comparison, I have been too hasty!" Liu Yang let out a long sigh—though, of course, his words were full of respect and flattery for Emperor Liu.

Of course, it was not merely flattery. Liu Yang genuinely admired Emperor Liu's methods in handling the affair from start to finish. Such authority, such precise measure—had it been him, he could never have managed it.

"But although we missed it, it wasn't without its benefits!" Liu Xi added: "Had I been at the Western Garden banquet, given my habitual laziness, I fear I would not have escaped a scolding!"

Seeing Liu Xi's look of relief, Liu Yang smiled slightly, casually smoothed his sleeve, and said with piercing eyes and a smile: "In my view, Third Brother, whether in scholarship, knowledge, conduct, or governance, you are all first-rate talent. Father has always thought highly of you—why would he reproach you? Why must you so disparage yourself?"

Suddenly hearing such words from the Crown Prince, a flicker of surprise passed through their exchanged gazes, quickly concealed. Liu Xi seemed to snap out of a daze, stroked his short beard, and replied: "Is that so? Am I really that excellent?"

"Haha!" Liu Yang laughed.

Seeing this, Liu Xi returned a smile as well. At this moment, the two brothers shared a tacit understanding.

"After this affair, there will be major changes in court personnel—that is hardly surprising, indeed it is only proper!" Liu Yang continued in a probing tone: "But Zhao Kuangyi stepping down as Governor of the Western Capital is unexpected. He had served less than a year in that post, and during his tenure he accomplished much, with outstanding achievements. Though he was sent out to the Jinghu circuit, it is no different from a demotion.

Also, the Duke of Luanguo resigned from the Ministry of Works—whether due to the river works case or consideration of his advanced age. But why was the Ministry of Works not given to you, Third Brother, to concurrently oversee?"

Hearing the Crown Prince's deliberations, Liu Xi said with a calm expression: "Father's thoughts are not something we can fathom. Rather than speculating without cause, it is better to simply observe calmly. As for the Ministry of Works post, Pan You is a capable official. If I were to sit as the chief administrator, where would my leisure go?"

Liu Yang did not take Liu Xi's words at face value. Observing people and governance had been an important task assigned to him by Emperor Liu back in the day, and he had maintained it all these years—including, of course, the observation of the imperial princes.

In his view, Liu Xi of Jinyang was definitely a man of profound depth. Though he had always kept a low profile, he could not deceive this Crown Prince, so carefully cultivated by Emperor Liu.

"You're right—the sagely heart is hard to fathom, and such baseless speculation is truly unnecessary!" Liu Yang said these words aloud, but in his mind flashed four characters: the arts of the emperor.

"Rixin, tell us—has there been any other interesting news in the Western Capital?" Liu Xi asked Murong Defeng.

Murong Defeng hesitated, then clasped his hands and said: "There is one matter, though I know not whether it qualifies as interesting news!"

"Do tell!" His hesitation only made Liu Xi more intrigued, his face brightening with excitement.

Murong Defeng said: "After Zhang Jin was executed, his mother, the third-rank titled Lady Wang, hanged herself at home. The line of the Duke of Yuguo has been completely severed. Lady Wang had a good reputation and character, but was ruined by her son, meeting a pitiful end. Many in the capital pity her..."

Hearing these words, Liu Xi's smile faded somewhat, and he did not rashly offer commentary. It was Liu Yang who let out a light sigh: "Lady Wang deserves respect, but Zhang Jin's death was well deserved—his crimes were unpardonable. If the court were to show leniency out of sympathy for one family's grief, then in the future, the people of the capital would have to pity millions of disaster victims!"

"Well said! Second Brother, well said!" Hearing such resolute words, Liu Xi could not help but clap his hands: "Righteous and stern—enough to shame those ignorant and narrow-minded voices of public opinion!"