Chapter 1483: A Heavy Burden on the Shoulders

After leaving Chuigong Hall, everyone let out a sigh of relief, their tense bodies visibly relaxing. Recalling Emperor Liu's admonishment in the hall, they all felt a sense of liberation after a brush with terror.

Not all of them had been as fortunate as Zhang Qixian to have previously exchanged words with Emperor Liu. Having now experienced it firsthand, they instinctively felt that His Majesty's mind was unfathomable and His Majesty's majesty was not to be trifled with.

They did not know how others who had faced the sage and heard the decree felt, but as for themselves, they were greatly alarmed. They exchanged glances with one another, yet within these palace grounds, they dared not speak further, lest they misspeak and give offense. Several of them instinctively wiped their hands on their official robes—their palms were damp with sweat.

Zhao Pu, however, regarded the scene with equanimity, having shed the humble deference he showed before Emperor Liu, appearing very composed. In the eyes of these men, this was the bearing of the Great Han's chancellor—this was the confidence that came with the power of the chancellorship.

He exchanged a few words with the accompanying secretaries of the central government, instructing them to lead these newly promoted officials to the guest lodge to rest. Once the final formalities were completed and the appointment edicts issued, they could receive their orders and depart for their respective posts.

However, Zhang Qixian was singled out and kept behind. Amid the gazes of the others—some puzzled, some envious—he accompanied Zhao Pu to the Hall of State Affairs.

The Hall of State Affairs, however imposing and grand, was to Emperor Liu merely a gatehouse he could enter and exit at will. But to the high ministers and grand councilors, it was a symbol of power, a manifestation of status, and carried with it a measure of reverence.

And to the vast majority of officials across the realm, it was even more mysterious and solemn—awe-inspiring yet infinitely aspirational. Even with his prior experience observing governance in the capital, this was Zhang Qixian's first time setting foot in this political nerve center of the Great Han.

The towering buildings and grand halls stirred a sense of longing in Zhang Qixian. Of course, it was not as oppressive as Chuigong Hall, but the reverence in his heart was undiminished—indeed, even greater.

At Chuigong Hall, what inspired awe was Emperor Liu himself, but he was distant to all officials under heaven. This Guangzheng Hall, this Hall of State Affairs, was where the affairs of state were managed, where the officials and commoners of the realm were governed—it was the institution that truly held the career prospects of every official in its grasp.

Entering the hall, proceeding to the chamber, taking a seat, receiving tea—Zhang Qixian was scrupulously respectful, meticulous in every detail, his eyes never straying. Even as he sat, his waist and hips remained taut. Though he harbored some questions and curiosity within, Zhang Qixian concealed it well, quietly awaiting Zhao Pu's instruction.

Zhao Pu, for his part, silently observed his conduct and was fairly satisfied. Taking a sip of hot tea, he looked at Zhang Qixian and said with a smile: "Shiliang truly lives up to being the rising talent of the court. With this very composure and bearing, you surpass the vast majority of officials in the realm!"

"The Chancellor flatters me! Your subordinate truly does not deserve such praise. The court produces talent in abundance—what is Zhang Qixian but a minor figure?" Zhang Qixian responded with humility.

Zhao Pu shook his head and said: "You need not be overly modest. I have carefully studied your record, including your experiences before entering officialdom. Your mere act of blocking the imperial carriage to present your counsel was already a fine tale—even now, thinking of it, I cannot help but admire it!"

Zhang Qixian was about to say something when Zhao Pu stopped him: "Perhaps at the time it was a moment of fervor, a rash act, but it also shows that you are a man of ambition!

Thereafter, you studied diligently, gained experience, and passed the imperial examination—proving you are a man of promise. In your post at Hengshui, you excelled. During the northern campaign, when the entire nation pooled its strength, Hengshui lay in the heartland of Hebei, not on the frontier, yet it gained renown through your efforts, earning the praise of your superiors and even reaching the ears of His Majesty!

You need not be modest before me. The Ministry of Personnel selects and recommends officials based on merit, not on your humility. Without solid achievements in governance, you might not have had a place among this batch of promoted officials!"

With Zhao Pu having said this much, Zhang Qixian ceased his false modesty. He rose and clasped his hands: "This is thanks to the court's cultivation and trust—I dare not claim the credit!"

"Shiliang, it has been nearly five years since you entered officialdom, has it not?" After a few exchanges, Zhao Pu's demeanor grew more cordial, even addressing him by his courtesy name.

Zhang Qixian sensed this shift. Without understanding its meaning, he maintained his respectful bearing and replied: "Indeed it has!"

A trace of admiration appeared on Zhao Pu's aged face as he remarked with feeling: "Though you came up through the imperial examinations, in five years' time you have been appointed to govern an entire prefecture. Such a rate of promotion is truly rare in the Great Han today! Even in the early years of Qianyou, this was not something an ordinary man could achieve."

"Among those currently in court, the only one who stands out more than you is perhaps Zhao Kuangyi, the former Governor of the Western Capital and Earl of Guangyang!" Zhao Pu sighed slowly, a hint of peculiarity in his tone.

Speaking of Zhao Kuangyi—at twenty-six he was already the chief official of a prefecture, at twenty-nine he served in the Annam circuit, and at thirty-three he was appointed to Luoyang Prefecture. His rise could truly be called meteoric.

Had it not been for that upheaval last year, within a few years there would likely have been a place for him in the Hall of State Affairs. Of course, he came from a distinguished background, entered officialdom early, and possessed outstanding ability, so he did not attract much jealousy.

Zhang Qixian, however, was different. Hearing these words, he immediately said: "Your subordinate would never dare to compare himself to Zhao of Guangyang!"

Zhao Pu shook his head, fixed his gaze on Zhang Qixian, and said: "After this promotion and appointment, you, Zhang Shiliang, will likely become the focus of attention at court and among the people!"

Hearing this, Zhang Qixian's heart tightened involuntarily, and his expression grew somewhat grave. In truth, he harbored his own doubts about this promotion.

Meeting Zhao Pu's gaze, he deliberated briefly, then clasped his hands and asked: "Chancellor! Your subordinate has been summoned back to court to report for a new appointment, yet I am genuinely perplexed. Upon self-reflection, I find I have but modest talent and meager achievements—hardly warranting such sudden elevation to govern an entire prefecture. Though I am honored by the trust placed in me, I am truly filled with trepidation!"

"That you can maintain such composure, not being swayed by promotion and losing sight of your original intentions, is truly commendable!" Zhao Pu said with a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth: "A man's fortunes are always difficult to predict. In my own youth, I languished for over a decade, and only after thirty did I find a place as a clerk in Lord Liu's retinue. At thirty-three, I was finally recommended and elevated by His Majesty!

That you have achieved what you have today—diligence and effort are the foundation, but finding a patron to lift you up, leaping over the dragon gate, and rising swiftly is fortune! Such fortune, even I cannot help but envy!"

Zhang Qixian was naturally a clever man. Zhao Pu's remarks clearly carried an underlying meaning. Connecting the dots, the figure of Crown Prince Liu Yang surfaced in his mind, and that meaningful look he had received before Chuigong Hall became especially clear.

His heart raced involuntarily, but Zhang Qixian kept his composure on the surface, and certainly would not smugly invoke the Crown Prince. Instead, he responded with a humble posture: "I still rely on the Chancellor's guidance—your subordinate is deeply honored!"

Waving his hand again, Zhao Pu said: "I will speak plainly. With your ability, record, and achievements, promotion to govern a prefecture was only a matter of time. Had it come a few years later, it would have been a natural progression. This exceptional promotion is by no means without purpose!"

Hearing this, Zhang Qixian's spirits lifted, and he clasped his hands: "I beg the Chancellor to enlighten me!"

"How much do you know about Yanzhou? After you assume your post, do you have any ideas for governance?" Zhao Pu shifted the topic, asking as if testing him.

Zhang Qixian pondered for a moment, then replied: "Yanzhou lies in the heartland of the Central Plains, a major prefecture in Henan, governing seven counties with a large population. The Wen and Si rivers run through it, and it is a land of culture. After arriving at my post, I shall streamline governance to reassure the people, nurture the populace, and at the same time promote education and spread His Majesty's enlightened virtue..."

"Spare me these platitudes!" Zhao Pu seemed somewhat dissatisfied with the answer, waving his hand and cutting him off bluntly.

Seeing this, Zhang Qixian's expression shifted. He furrowed his brow in thought for a moment, then clasped his hands: "Your subordinate has not yet assumed his post and cannot tailor measures to local conditions—I have nothing more to say!"

Seeing his frank candor, Zhao Pu smiled and only then said slowly: "Among so many officials, I kept you behind for a private audience for a reason, and sending you to Yanzhou is likewise deliberate!"

"I beg the Chancellor to instruct me!" Zhao Pu's words actually put Zhang Qixian somewhat at ease. His expression turned slightly solemn as he spoke with gravity.

"In your account of Yanzhou's situation just now, there was one thing you failed to mention!" Zhao Pu also grew serious: "To the north of Yanzhou, there is a mountain—Mount Tai!"

Hearing this suddenly, Zhang Qixian felt a flash of clarity. His eyes brightened slightly as he said: "Does the Chancellor mean...?"

"Exactly as you think!" Zhao Pu nodded and said to him gravely: "The realm is now at peace and prosperity, all thanks to His Majesty's civil and martial virtues. Though no decision has yet been made, it is only a matter of time!"

Zhang Qixian nodded in agreement, then said with a mixture of flattery and awe: "For the Chancellor to entrust such a weighty task to me, your subordinate is overwhelmed with trepidation!"

Zhao Pu, however, said calmly: "Looking at your tenure at Hengshui—managing your subordinates and mobilizing the people's labor—you handled it all with ease. A prefecture may not compare to a county, but I believe you are equal to this task!"

"After you assume your post, you must immediately begin preparations on all fronts in Yanzhou—this is your primary mission!" Zhao Pu added, his tone brooking no refusal.

Zhang Qixian ceased his pretense of reluctance, rose, and bowed in acceptance of the order.