Chapter 1482: Imperial Teachings

"I have heard far too many vows and sworn guarantees!" Facing Zhang Qixian's declaration, Emperor Liu smiled faintly and said: "In the past, truly too many people stood before me, just as you do now, swearing solemn oaths with confident, emphatic words.

"It is a pity that those who can remain true to their original aspirations and never waver are ultimately rare; those who can fulfill their duties and not forget their proper station are already a minority; those content with mediocrity, lacking ambition, and accomplishing nothing are all too common; and of course, there are no shortage of those who lose their way, rule unjustly, and ruin both reputation and standing.

"It may sound harsh to say, but the court is a great dye vat, and this officialdom is a field of fame and profit. Most of you present have over ten years of experience as officials.

"After more than a decade of drifting through official life, compared to when you first entered government service, what has changed, and whether you still firmly remember the aspirations of those early days—these are things I cannot fully know. I only hope you each have a clear reckoning within yourselves.

"I do not need you to swear oaths before me or speak at length of loyalty and reverence. Rather than words that blossom like flowers, better deeds that are solid and splendid. I still prefer to observe your actions…"

In the past, when Emperor Liu faced his ministers and subordinates, whether speaking or acting, he would have more concerns and considerations, so as to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and speculation.

Now, however, he was completely at ease, with few inhibitions—saying whatever he wished, unconcerned about the impact or about coddling his ministers' sensibilities.

And evidently, no matter what Emperor Liu said, whether right or wrong, fair or biased, pleasant or unpleasant to hear, the ministers could only respectfully accept it—for these were all imperial teachings!

As Emperor Liu's words fell, the excitement, honor, and elation on Zhang Qixian's face instantly vanished, as if a basin of cold water had been poured over his head.

And these words were clearly not meant for him alone. The other officials in the hall also wore tightly drawn expressions. Led by Zhao Pu, the group, as if rehearsed, clasped their hands and bowed deeply, intoning: "Your subjects are filled with trepidation!"

"Trepidation is good!" Seeing the reaction of these ministers, Emperor Liu immediately said: "I have always felt that everyone should harbor a sense of reverence—especially you great ministers and officials!

"Of course, I do not mean reverence for me, but reverence for heaven, earth, and nature; reverence for the spirits of our ancestors; reverence for the laws of the state and the institutions of the court. Officials of your rank each wield authority over a region; every move you make concerns the livelihood and well-being of the people under your governance. The weight of power in your hands represents the weight of responsibility you must bear. This is a point I hope you will remember forever!"

"Your Majesty's earnest instruction shall be engraved upon our hearts!" Zhao Pu immediately took the lead in expressing his commitment, and the others followed closely behind.

"I still say the same thing—I listen to your words, but I observe your deeds even more. I await your performance!" Emperor Liu said.

"Yes!"

Seeing this group thoroughly admonished into submission, Emperor Liu's appetite for conversation remained undiminished. He set down the personnel record report in his hand and, with a habitual light gesture, said: "You have all been repeatedly examined and carefully selected by Chancellor Zhao and the Ministry of Personnel. Since the decision has been made to promote you, it means you possess the qualifications for advancement. I trust the judgment of Chancellor Zhao and the relevant offices in choosing men."

"We thank Your Majesty for your trust!" Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Zhao Pu immediately expressed his gratitude.

Emperor Liu waved his hand and continued: "All of you have demonstrated outstanding achievements in your previous posts and possess rich experience in governance. Regarding administrative matters, I do not wish to say much, nor do I want to revisit hackneyed topics.

"In the past, I placed great weight on the abilities and talents of my ministers and officials—their capacity for governance, their skill in handling affairs, and their utility to the court. But now, I must say that in these peaceful times, greater emphasis should also be placed on the personal integrity, moral character, and strength of principle of officials. We must keep pace with the times!

"Over the past few months, the court has made frequent changes in the deployment of officials both at court and in the provinces. The reasons, I imagine, are clear to many of you, including those present—not only because of the court's rectification of official discipline, but also because a great number of vacancies have appeared in both the capital and the localities!

"Late last winter, at the southern market in the capital, the court carried out executions according to law, putting many people to death for various reasons. I do not wish to dwell on them further. I will treat this as a reminder—or it can be taken as a warning. I do not hope that one day in the future, some among you will, like those guilty ministers and convicted officials, become souls beneath the court's executioner's blade before the eyes of the multitude!"

As Emperor Liu spoke these words, the air in Chuigong Hall fell silent, and the atmosphere grew somewhat awkward. Emperor Liu's voice was not loud, yet it seemed to ring like a great bell in the ears of these officials about to receive promotion.

All of them no longer felt the joy and excitement of advancement; even the nervousness of an audience with the emperor had vanished, replaced by fear instilled by Emperor Liu. One by one, their faces turned grave, their hearts hanging like heavy stones.

Back in the day, when Emperor Liu received that batch of officials like Zhao Kuangyi who were being promoted to prefectural posts, he had also given a speech. But at that time, his attitude had been gentle, filled more with encouragement and support. This time, however, every word pierced the heart, every sentence cut to the bone, sending chills down one's spine.

"Alright, I have said my piece!" A hint of a smile once again bloomed on Emperor Liu's indifferent face. He picked up his vermilion brush, wrote out some instructions, then looked at Zhao Pu and said: "Minister Zhao, regarding the appointment of this batch of officials, I have no other objections. You may have the relevant offices issue the commissions and dispatch them so they may assume their posts as soon as possible!"

"As commanded!" Hearing this instruction, even Zhao Pu could not help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

Facing Emperor Liu these days, one truly felt pressure at every turn. Even with Zhao Pu's psychological fortitude, it was hard to avoid.

"Your subjects take their leave!"

As the ministers filed out one after another, Emperor Liu also set aside his imposing dignity, resuming a peaceful demeanor. A casual, nonchalant expression came over his face, as if he had just handled a trivial matter—though judging from his expression, he had clearly derived great satisfaction from the scolding.

He rose, stretched his back, yawned, and directly called out: "Yan Tuo!"

"This humble servant is here. Please give your commands, Your Majesty!"

Emperor Liu loosened his muscles and bones, then instructed: "I am tired of sitting. I want to go out for a stroll!"

"Where does Your Majesty wish to go? This humble servant will immediately notify the ceremonial escort to prepare!" Yan Tuo said attentively.

"No need to make a fuss. Travel light with minimal attendants. I am leaving the palace to visit the Duke of Yuguo's residence!" Emperor Liu said.

"Yes!"

Duke of Yuguo Wei Renpu—this man could be called the foremost civil official of the Qianyou era, and also Emperor Liu's most important strategist in his early years. Due to health reasons, he had retreated behind the scenes some years ago. He still bore the title of Grand Academician of the Inner Cabinet, but he rarely entered the palace to advise on military and state affairs or offer suggestions. Emperor Liu had permitted him to rest and recuperate at home, accommodating his needs.

In recent years, Wei Renpu's health had never been good, with periodic bouts of illness. Emperor Liu was aware of this but had also paid less attention. Still, he harbored some doubts about the true state of Wei Renpu's condition. He had not been sparing with gifts and inquiries over the years, and now that the thought had occurred to him, paying a personal visit was simply a matter of a word.

Speaking of it, back in those days, among all the court ministers, the one Emperor Liu most respected and relied upon was unquestionably Wei Renpu. All other civil and military officials, no matter who, had to take second place.

His relationship with Wei Renpu could be described as both teacher and friend. Emperor Liu had even said more than once, in front of others, that Wei Renpu was his good teacher and helpful friend—a clear testament to his trust and regard.

And Wei Renpu had long occupied the highest echelons of the chancellery, even serving a period as chancellor. He was also the foremost among the civil officials of the Twenty-Four Ministers. Few could match his seniority and standing.

Yet, among all those dukes and ministers, meritorious nobles, and elder statesmen, Wei Renpu's presence was truly not strong. Especially after stepping down as chancellor, his reputation slid like a river flowing downhill, plummeting sharply.

When others mentioned him, they might recall that he was one of the Twenty-Four Ministers, a distinguished noble of the Great Han, and an old minister of Emperor Liu's early days—but when not mentioned, few paid him any mind.

Even Emperor Liu himself, after so many years, felt a gradual sense of fading memory. Among the meritorious nobles, no one could match Wei Renpu in low-key self-restraint.

It was also because of last year's upheaval that Wei Renpu had come back into Emperor Liu's field of vision—not because anyone in the Wei family had committed an offense, but because after many years, Emperor Liu had a sudden feeling of realization. He marveled at Wei Renpu's low profile and could not help but wonder: what had Wei Renpu's state been like all these years?

With such thoughts in mind, his attention toward Wei Renpu naturally grew day by day…