Chapter 1477: The Prince of Zhao's New Appointment

In the second month, the Western Capital had already taken on a fresh look—not yet a riot of flowers, but mountain blossoms were blooming and willow catkins were drifting in the air. As the weather warmed, Emperor Liu no longer confined himself to the Ziwei Palace and began venturing out again.

However, the scenery around Luoyang and the sights of Mangshan had long since grown familiar to him. Though the thousand-year-old capital boasted many famous sites, Emperor Liu had no interest in admiring them. Sightseeing was always dull to him—last year's trip to Mount Song had offered nothing novel beyond satisfying a bit of his mischievous whimsy.

If the journey were too far, an imperial tour would inevitably mobilize a great host. So Emperor Liu merely came and went within the imperial city, wandering about Luoyang, observing the mundane bustle, taking in the capital's splendor, and listening to street gossip.

Yet after seeing enough, even that ceased to feel novel. He was the supreme emperor; the splendor of the mortal world was, to him, merely a diversion in the long and tedious career of an emperor. Gazing down upon the masses from his lofty perch no longer brought him much satisfaction either.

As it turned out, after handing over the affairs of state, as time passed, what Emperor Liu felt was only emptiness. Back when government business was hectic and he rose early and retired late, he had only felt overworked and burdened. But now that he had truly set it down, he discovered he could never truly let go—how could Emperor Liu be a man who could genuinely relinquish power?

At least recently, Emperor Liu had taken to carefully reading the memorials and secret reports submitted by the Hall of State Affairs, the various ministries, and the two bureaus of Wude and the Imperial City, poring over them again and again, quietly learning the situation inside and outside the court, silently grasping the direction of the overall situation.

And perhaps sensing these changes in Emperor Liu, both the Crown Prince and Zhao Pu began visiting Chuigong Hall more frequently. Even matters within their own authority that they could decide independently were reported to Emperor Liu, euphemistically framed as seeking His Majesty's advice—and Emperor Liu did indeed show some pleasure at this.

In early spring, Luoyang's Western Garden, though not yet lush and verdant, was dotted with greenery everywhere, with insects, birds, and beasts moving about within, all bursting with vitality under the spring breeze.

Emperor Liu once again visited the Western Garden—but this time, not to hold a carefully orchestrated open-air banquet, but to test horses.

Since the start of the new year, the Western Regions, Hexi, Shanyang, Liaodong, and other places had successively presented Emperor Liu with a batch of horses, totaling over fifty, all military horses of excellent quality, including even a few Ferghana blood horses.

Sunlight shone everywhere, the spring breeze blew, and every sight in the Western Garden radiated beauty and hope. Emperor Liu was in a good mood as well. High-pitched, powerful neighing filled the surroundings. The open, well-maintained green meadow was the finest horse-racing ground in Luoyang, and the vigorous pounding of hooves proclaimed vitality.

Emperor Liu could be considered a horse lover—though unlike the generals who treasured fine steeds and regarded warhorses as comrades and partners, what Emperor Liu loved was mainly the utility of strong horses, simply because they were the most powerful mounts for galloping across battlefields and conquering the realm.

It could be said that Emperor Liu viewed horses merely as tools, without any special emotional attachment. Of course, precisely because of this relatively pure utilitarian attitude, he was all the more attentive to matters of horse administration.

Accompanying Emperor Liu to test the horses were mainly the Prince of Zhao, Liu Fang, and the Prince of Wei, Liu Min. Since the distant expedition to Mobei and their safe return to court, Emperor Liu had come to regard these two sons with increasing favor, frequently bestowing rewards upon them and summoning them to his company from time to time.

On the open wilderness with rolling ridges and interwoven woods and streams, the Prince of Wei, Liu Min, clad in fitted martial attire, drove a pure white sturdy horse in wild gallop—now darting into dense forests, now crossing streams, now leaping over hillocks. His vigorous bearing and bold demeanor formed an extremely striking sight within the Western Garden.

Emperor Liu, meanwhile, sat on the ground, savoring fruits and drinking nourishing rice wine, the air filled with the fresh fragrance of verdant grass and trees. He lazily basked in the spring sunshine, wearing an expression of ease and comfort. Liu Fang also sat to one side, keeping Emperor Liu company, a smile at the corners of his mouth, chatting desultorily.

At twenty-two, Liu Fang had grown increasingly mature. His features appeared more handsome and resolute, with dense stubble around his lips—similar to Emperor Liu from over a decade ago, only thicker. Yet in every gesture and movement, one could faintly discern the shadow of Emperor Liu in his younger days.

Emperor Liu's genes were indeed quite strong—at least, traces of his youthful appearance could be seen in all the princes. Of course, the one who most resembled Emperor Liu in appearance was still the Prince of Qin, Liu Xu.

"The Princess of Zhao should be giving birth soon, shouldn't she?" Emperor Liu raised a cup of wine toward Liu Fang and asked.

At this mention, Liu Fang rarely showed a hint of a smile and replied, "The imperial physicians have examined her several times. If all goes smoothly, the delivery should be in the fourth month!"

"What, still a bit embarrassed?" Emperor Liu chuckled, teasing, "This is hardly the bearing of a Grand General of the Great Han—and you're about to become a father!"

Liu Fang revealed a simple, honest smile and said, "Your son is both happy and a little nervous!"

"Being a first-time father, it's hard to avoid such feelings—once you've been through it, it'll be fine!" Emperor Liu spoke with the air of one who had been there, then continued, "It's been nearly a year since you returned to the capital. Do you have any thoughts on what comes next? Your three elder imperial brothers are all currently serving the court!"

"Your son will follow Father's arrangements!" Liu Fang said without the slightest hesitation, cupping his hands in salute.

"I am not an unenlightened father and sovereign—I want to hear your opinion. If I assigned you somewhere you dislike, you'd likely end up resenting me!" Emperor Liu said cheerfully.

Upon hearing this, Liu Fang shook his head repeatedly and said with a solemn expression, "Your son would never do such a thing. Whatever Father commands, even if it means walking through fire or treading boiling water, I will not refuse!"

Seeing his earnest posture, Emperor Liu waved a hand and said with a light laugh, "You—when did you become so serious, even rigid? You're not learning this from your eldest brother, are you? Go on, tell me—you must have some thoughts and inclinations after all!"

Teased by Emperor Liu in this manner, Liu Fang relaxed somewhat. He thought seriously for a while, then said, "Your son has reflected, and what I excel at is nothing but military affairs. It is only on this path that I can contribute my strength to the Great Han and to Father!"

"You still want to go out and lead troops?" Emperor Liu asked immediately.

"Having been away from the battlefield for so long, your son is indeed tempted!" Liu Fang nodded. "It's just that now the Great Han has all the barbarians in submission, and there are no troubles within or without—leaving little place for your son to employ his skills!"

"You're only half right. In the past year or more, has the court ever lacked for affairs? As for the submission of the four barbarians, that too is built upon the foundation of the Great Han's formidable military strength. Military construction and even launching campaigns are things that must be prepared for at all times!" Emperor Liu said.

"Your son is also prepared at all times, awaiting Father's orders!" Liu Fang rose and bowed with cupped hands.

"Sit! Sit!" Emperor Liu beckoned to him and said gently, "Between father and son, why all this vassal formality! However, though the realm has not yet reached the point of putting horses out to pasture, neither is it so easy to let you, a prince of Qin, go out into the field. Moreover, sending you out to lead troops—the hardship and toil are secondary, but I fear it would worry your mother. Your mother is a woman of great understanding and will surely support you as always, but she cannot help but grieve inwardly!"

Hearing these tender words from Emperor Liu, a trace of emotion appeared on Liu Fang's face. After thinking it over, he said, "Your son has heard that Father intends to have princes guard the frontiers. Your son is willing to defend the borders and serve the nation!"

Suddenly hearing this from Liu Fang, Emperor Liu's eyes flickered slightly, and he asked with a hint of curiosity, "From whom did you hear this news?"

"It was merely some rumors I happened to hear!" Liu Fang paused, lowered his head slightly, and gave this answer.

Emperor Liu's gaze moved away from Liu Fang. He did not pursue the matter but said meaningfully, "I do have such an idea, but it is not yet mature.

Of your dozen-plus brothers, few have grown to maturity, and even fewer can be entrusted with great responsibilities. Guarding the frontier is no easy task, nor is it enough to simply place you at the border—I still need to think it over carefully. And the hardships of frontier duty are not something every prince raised within the palace walls, accustomed to the capital's splendor, can easily endure."

Upon hearing this, Liu Fang hesitated for a moment, then said solemnly once more, "Your son will follow Father's arrangements! To ease Father's worries and do my utmost for the nation is enough—beyond that, I seek nothing else!"

Hearing his almost vow-like tone, Emperor Liu's gaze returned to calm, with a few extra traces of something unusual. He gave a light sigh, turned sideways, and patted Liu Fang on the shoulder: "With such an attitude from you, I am deeply moved and gratified!"

Emperor Liu's words likewise moved Liu Fang. How could he not know of Emperor Liu's deliberate cultivation of him, and how could he not feel gratitude?

Emperor Liu considered for a moment more, then said, "Very well—set aside the matter of leading troops for now. Since you excel in military affairs, go to the Bureau of Military Affairs and serve as Deputy Commissioner of Military Affairs. You previously held a post in the Ministry of War; from now on, continue to exercise your military talents in the Bureau of Military Affairs! Compared to commanding troops in battle, the military governance of the Bureau may prove even more challenging!"

Liu Fang was somewhat surprised by this arrangement and asked, "And what of Commissioner Cao?"

Emperor Liu smiled faintly: "Does the official system of the Great Han stipulate that there can only be one Deputy Commissioner of Military Affairs?"