Chapter 1475: The Crown Prince Who Keeps Improving

Perhaps because spring had arrived, Chuigong Hall was no longer as airtight as it had been in the depths of winter—many of the heavy curtains and drapes had been removed from within and without the hall, much like Emperor Liu's mood, as if some unspeakable weight had been lifted from his heart.

Of course, still threatened by the spring chill, Emperor Liu very sensibly wore a thick padded jacket, bundling himself up tightly.

Upon learning that the Crown Prince and the Prince of Jin had returned to the capital, Emperor Liu was naturally delighted. Though he did not order a grand welcome, he did specially arrange for a white ram and took his own ceremonial entourage to escort the Crown Prince back to the palace.

When the imperial carriage belonging exclusively to Emperor Liu passed through the Celestial Avenue, the fortunate subjects of the Western Capital who witnessed it instinctively prostrated themselves on both sides, crying out "Long live the Emperor," taking it for the Son of Heaven's personal visit.

The two entered the palace and were directly led to Chuigong Hall to pay their respects. After two months apart, the relationship between father and son, sovereign and subject, seemed not the slightest bit strained, and their exchange flowed without any awkwardness.

Liu Yang, as Crown Prince, was growing ever more composed, and the look in Emperor Liu's eyes grew ever more satisfied.

"The Huazhou case, though shocking to hear, arousing righteous indignation, grave in circumstances, and far-reaching in harm, is still, in your son's view, an isolated incident. On this tour east along the Yellow River, I passed through the key river-defense points of Wei, Chan, Pu, and Bo, and upon careful inspection of their works, all were well maintained—the court's annual expenditure on river works has ultimately borne fruit.

After last year's dike breach, the various local governments also responded to the court's call, inspecting and repairing the embankments within their jurisdictions, eliminating hidden dangers with considerable diligence.

At the same time, I also inspected and offered consolation to the river workers along the banks. Overall, their livelihoods are secure, and the majority of the annual waterworks funds from the Ministry of Works and local governments are being put to real use!

Imperial Uncle Murong, acting in the Ministry of Works, has accomplished much in river works and water conservancy. Though the Huazhou case involved some oversight, it does not overshadow his merits..." Liu Yang reported the gains of his eastern tour to Emperor Liu with a composed expression, his words carrying a hint of intercession on Murong Yanchao's behalf.

Emperor Liu naturally heard it, and casually waved a hand, saying: "The Imperial Uncle's removal from office was discussed with me beforehand. Mindful of his advanced age, I approved his retirement—it has nothing to do with the Huazhou case. The Imperial Uncle has labored for the Great Han for many years, and it has not been easy. It is time he set down his heavy burdens and enjoy his twilight years in peace. His honors and achievements will be inherited by Chengde, Chengtai, and those brothers..."

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Yang's expression relaxed slightly. Though Murong Yanchao's reputation within the court was not particularly good, Liu Yang himself still held great respect for this imperial grand-uncle by adoption.

"As for river works, your son believes the court must continue to attach importance to them going forward—whether dredging silt, clearing waterways, planting trees to stabilize soil, digging irrigation canals, or building reservoirs, all should continue.

The previous dike breach was certainly due to a sudden surge of water that came without warning, leaving us unable to respond in time, thus causing the disaster. But an important contributing cause was the complacency of officials and commoners alike after long years of peace.

Over the past decade or more, over a million elm and poplar trees have been planted along both banks of the river, with excellent results for soil and water conservation. This can continue to be encouraged and supported.

However, the court's finances remain strained, and the people's labor power has not fully recovered. We should act according to our means and need not be hasty!"

"It seems this tour of yours has indeed yielded much!" Seeing Liu Yang composed and eloquent, Emperor Liu offered a small word of praise, then calmly stated: "You should go out more often in the future. From the very beginning of my governance, I frequently toured the realm—not for sightseeing, but because I was unwilling to be confined within the deep palace and lofty halls.

Though the palace is majestic and splendid, it is still too far from the rivers and mountains, from the mortal world's smoke and fire. With barriers in between, without seeing and hearing for oneself, one cannot help but miss things, and cannot help but be deceived by others.

Closing one's eyes and stopping one's ears is the great taboo for a ruler. I am old now, and my legs are not as nimble as before. My opportunities for touring will only grow fewer.

The Great Han is too vast, its territory too expansive for one man alone to survey. You are the heir apparent—you must bear the heavy burden upon your shoulders. Go out more in the future, tread the rivers and lakes on my behalf, and open your eyes to this magnificent landscape..."

These words of Emperor Liu were extremely sincere, stirring in Liu Yang's heart an indescribable warmth and emotion. Beside him, Liu Xi also listened silently, his gaze inadvertently shifting from Emperor Liu to Liu Yang, inwardly sighing that the Emperor's regard for his second brother, the Crown Prince, was becoming ever more undisguised.

There was no great sense of loss, however. Liu Xi had always had a good temperament—he had been accustomed to it since childhood and could see things clearly. He quite approved of Emperor Liu's words, for after all, this was the Crown Prince and heir apparent, whose position had long been settled.

Liu Yang then rose, and with a solemn expression said: "Thank you for your trust, Father! However, Father is still in the prime of life—with the vastness of the realm and the breadth of the territory, you too may go wherever you wish. Your son would rather follow in Father's footsteps and heed Father's teachings!"

"Haha!" Emperor Liu laughed. Though he knew Liu Yang's words contained an element of flattery, he could not help but feel pleased, and waved his hand, saying: "We are sovereign and subject, but also father and son. There is no need for such formality. Such ceremonial words need not be constantly on your lips—I understand your loyalty, respect, and filial piety!"

Of course, though Emperor Liu spoke thus, Liu Yang maintained his consistent style—he did not take it at face value, nor did he dare to. The better one understood Emperor Liu, the less one dared to overstep.

Everyone outside saw the Emperor's trust and regard for the Crown Prince, a completely assured attitude, wholeheartedly intending to pass the realm and altars into Liu Yang's hands.

Yet to be Crown Prince—a Crown Prince with real power, and the Crown Prince of a founding sovereign as strong-willed and suspicious as Emperor Liu—and to maintain this trust and harmonious relationship for over a decade without change, was that an easy thing to accomplish?

Liu Yang was grateful for Emperor Liu's trust and weight, and equally in awe of his authority. In his conduct and speech, he was always extremely measured—these were the fundamental reasons his position as Crown Prince had remained unshaken for over a decade.

"Before returning to the capital, I received official notification that at the year-end grand audience, the court intends to further rectify official governance. Your son believes this should be a major policy of the court.

Now that the Great Han has strategically contracted, sheathed its weapons, and turned to governance, nurturing the people's livelihood, the state has shifted from external expansion to internal pacification. Official governance is naturally the foremost policy of state—not merely cracking down on corruption, but also placing importance on talent selection and the moral education of officials.

On this eastern tour, I inspected the prefectures and counties along the two rivers and observed the local officials. Though not yet rotten, signs of indolence and negligence in governance have already appeared. This is an extremely bad phenomenon, and the court's official governance policies should be adjusted accordingly."

"Additionally, regarding the clerical staff across the realm, the court should perhaps devise a complete system for their management and selection. Among the clerks, there are indeed many capable and competent individuals, but most are constrained by their positions, making promotion difficult. The civil examinations are certainly a precious path upward, but ultimately a difficult one.

In Yun Prefecture, I encountered a constable who had served fifteen years in a single post, maintaining public order and capturing criminals with diligence, yet he could never break through the limits of his clerical rank. I personally examined him and confirmed he was indeed a capable and competent official, so I promoted him.

However, I can promote this one man, but among the tens of circuits and thousands of prefectures and counties across the realm, the tens of thousands of clerical staff cannot each be promoted individually by me.

Therefore, your son believes the court should, according to circumstances, bestow its grace and provide the realm's clerical staff with a path for selection and promotion—both to select more capable clerks for the court and to console those who have long held their posts without hope of advancement.

It must be understood that minor clerks, though humble, are important assistants to the court in governing affairs and managing the people..."

"..."

"Duke Geng (then Administration Commissioner of Henan, Wu Xingde) once said that cotton and cotton cloth have become the most effective and durable cold-proofing materials among the people, spreading ever wider—though constrained by output, the price remains somewhat high for ordinary folk.

The court has promoted cotton cultivation and cotton goods production for nearly sixteen years now, and all aspects are maturing. Your son believes the policy can be adjusted again—in suitable lands across the circuits and prefectures, continue expanding cultivation to increase cotton cloth output, in hopes of resolving the people's suffering from cold and their worries about clothing..."

Liu Yang continued reporting his observations and summaries from the eastern tour to Emperor Liu. Of course, compared to the past, this time he had more of his own understanding and insights, and some of the suggestions he offered were more suited to the current conditions of the Great Han.

Seeing this increasingly confident and composed son, Emperor Liu revealed a satisfied expression. However, his reaction appeared rather subdued, quite unlike the spirited manner he once had when discussing state affairs.

"Have some tea!" Emperor Liu gestured.

When Liu Yang had moistened his throat and was about to continue his account, Emperor Liu stopped him, his attitude still gentle, saying: "I have no objections to your ideas and suggestions, but whether they should be done, how to do them, and how to control and resolve problems in the process—these still require careful planning. For these matters, go to Zhao Pu—having him review them will suffice!"

Liu Yang was somewhat surprised—both by Emperor Liu's attitude and by the thought that crossed his mind: had Emperor Liu's trust in Zhao Pu already reached such a degree?

Still, he respectfully acknowledged. Noticing perhaps the fatigue on Emperor Liu's face, Liu Yang took the initiative to take his leave: "If Father is weary, your sons shall take our leave first, so as not to disturb your rest!"

"No matter!" Emperor Liu waved his hand, saying: "It is you who need rest. The journey was long, with travel by cart and boat. The festival is coming—go back and recuperate for a while."

"Thank you for your concern, Father! Then your sons shall take their leave!"

"Go first to Kunming Hall to visit the Empress!" Emperor Liu instructed.

"Yes!" On this point, there was truly no need for Emperor Liu's reminder.