Chapter 1485: Moon-Gazing Terrace atop Qianyuan

In the fifth month of summer, Emperor Liu lost another old minister—Zhang Zhao, Grand Academician of the Jixian Hall in retirement and Marquis of Shouzhang. Of course, compared to An Shenqi and Li Gu, his stature was clearly a notch lower, and his influence on the court was equally modest. Still, the steady passing of old ministers inevitably drew some sighs from Emperor Liu; for him, familiar faces were truly growing fewer and fewer.

Zhang Zhao, originally named Zhang Zhaoyuan, had changed his name to Zhang Zhao to avoid the taboo of Gaozu's name. This gentleman had never played any particularly important role in the Great Han court, nor had he established any remarkable merits or honors. Yet, having served the Han for over twenty years, in a climate where even accomplished generals struggled to earn titles, he still managed to be granted a noble rank and marquisate—one must acknowledge his way of navigating the world.

Zhang Zhao's contributions to the Great Han could be summed up in a few brief words, and there was nothing particularly worthy of praise or celebration. The most notable was probably when, in the twelfth year of Tianfu, as the Han army advanced into the Central Plains, Zhang Zhao, along with Wang Jingchong and others, strongly advocated welcoming them, earning credit for the reception—but he was not the only one.

Thereafter, his function in the court was mainly compiling histories and instructing the imperial princes. But when it came to writing books and chronicling history, in the early years there were Jia Wei and Su Yugui; in the middle period, a group of historians led by Xue Juzheng; and in the later period, the Three Halls were filled with great scholars—by then, he had already retired. As for his role as lecturer in the Wenhua Hall, it only reflected his learning and Emperor Liu's trust.

Compared to those brilliant civil and military heroes with their dazzling achievements, Zhang Zhao's entire career serving the Han was unremarkable, yet he enjoyed a reputation for virtue and prestige praised throughout court and country, and secured a Shouzhang Marquis title that all envied.

A person's fortunes are often not something one can envy. Perhaps it was because of his advanced age and moral weight, or perhaps simply because he caught Emperor Liu's eye, that he achieved success and renown, blessed three generations of his family, and even met a good end.

Perhaps Zhang Zhao also had some self-awareness. Before his death, he submitted a final memorial, presented by his son on his behalf, stating that having served three dynasties without merit or virtue to benefit others, he requested no posthumous title and no memorial stele.

Of course, even though Zhang Zhao took this stance, Emperor Liu was magnanimous toward his deceased minister. He still issued an edict for a lavish burial and had Li Fang compose a spirit-path stele inscription, granting him full posthumous honor.

At the same time, Zhang Zhao was also a renowned book collector of the time. His household possessed several thousand volumes of various classics. Apart from keeping a portion to pass down through the family, he donated the rest to the Three Halls.

For this, Emperor Liu issued another gracious edict, granting the Zhang family ten thousand strings of cash, while also promoting his second son and eldest grandson to official posts—truly generous treatment.

The midsummer air was thick with oppressive heat. Even though the sun had already begun to slant westward, the blazing light showed no sign of diminishing, and wave after wave of scorching heat enveloped the Han palace.

Hasty footsteps echoed distinctly even on the heavy floor before Chuigong Hall. It was Crown Prince Liu Yang, along with Chancellors Zhao Pu and Wang Qiwu, arriving together, drenched in sweat, faces grim with seriousness.

"Greetings, Your Highness! Greetings, Chancellors!" The hall attendant Geng Shuang hurriedly bowed.

"Is His Majesty present?" Liu Yang asked directly without any preamble, his tone somewhat stern.

The attendant was somewhat startled, thinking to himself that something major must have happened, and immediately replied with downcast eyes: "To answer Your Highness, His Majesty has gone to Qianyuan Hall!"

"To Qianyuan Hall!" Without any hesitation, Liu Yang turned directly and headed toward Qianyuan Hall, which stood opposite Chuigong Hall, with the two chancellors Zhao and Wang following closely behind.

Qianyuan Hall, from the time it was first built, had been the most magnificent and imposing structure in all of Ziwei City, in all of Luoyang, indeed in the entire Great Han. The grand palace stood proudly towering, piercing the clouds, directly showcasing the Great Han's formidable national strength and majestic fortune.

Whenever foreign envoys or envoys from other states came to pay homage, they would look up and see Qianyuan Hall first, and only then learn of the Western Capital, Luoyang. Over the past ten years, Qianyuan Hall had become the most splendid landmark of the capital.

This hall inspired boundless reverence and had become the symbol of imperial authority that commanded unreserved awe and submission, standing in Ziwei City while also being rooted in the hearts of all Han subjects under Great Han rule.

When Liu Yang and the other two arrived at Qianyuan Hall, they learned from the guards on duty that Emperor Liu was indeed in Qianyuan Hall—but at the summit of Qianyuan.

When Qianyuan Hall was first constructed, a high platform had been left atop the roof, named the Moon-Grasping Terrace. It was the highest point in Luoyang, and situated atop Qianyuan Hall, it was the place closest to heaven in the city, meant to allow Emperor Liu to communicate more closely with the cosmos and the heavens.

Of course, since its completion, Emperor Liu had rarely visited in person. The structure stood nearly a hundred meters tall—going up was troublesome, coming down was troublesome, and there was also the matter of safety concerns, for heights bring their own chill.

This time, however, Emperor Liu had been moved by a whim and personally ascended Qianyuan. Upon learning this, Liu Yang and the other two did not hesitate and hurriedly climbed up level by level through the stairway behind the hall.

With such height, such weather, the various twists and turns along the ascent, and the visibly aged bodies of Zhao and Wang, it took nearly two quarters of an hour before they finally reached the chamber beneath the Moon-Grasping Terrace.

After being announced and receiving Emperor Liu's permission, the three finally climbed the last flight of steps. To be honest, although they had long known such a place existed, neither Liu Yang nor the two chancellors had ever been here before.

Ascending Qianyuan, especially setting foot on the Moon-Grasping Terrace, was considered a solemn matter, and from the moment it was completed, it had been shrouded in a layer of mystery and sanctity.

Thus, they carried a trace of curiosity as they surveyed their surroundings. But upon seeing Emperor Liu standing before the terrace facing the wind, they quickly composed themselves and bowed from behind.

The setting sun cast its last light, and heaven and earth still felt like a blazing furnace, yet on this Moon-Grasping Terrace, it was exceptionally cool. Strong winds blew freely, causing Emperor Liu's dragon robe to flutter noisily.

Liu Yang couldn't help but glance out beyond the terrace. He felt as if he were seeing an entirely different world—sky high and earth vast, scenery boundless. Of course, this perilous place of solitary height also stirred a hint of unease and apprehension.

Perhaps because it was too high, or perhaps because this was the summit of Qianyuan.

Seeing that Emperor Liu was standing somewhat close to the terrace railing, and although Yan Tuo and Bai Yang were guarding beside him, Liu Yang still said with concern: "This place is high and precipitous. I beg Your Majesty to step back, away from the dangerous railing!"

Hearing Liu Yang's concerned words, Emperor Liu smiled slightly and replied: "Stepping back is a small matter, but then where would I find such a vast view, where would I behold heaven and earth, embracing the cosmos?"

Emperor Liu's words were quite showy, and he wasn't finished. His voice, scattered by the wind, beckoned the three closer. Pointing beyond the terrace, he raised his voice and said: "I have left the palace many times and roamed Luoyang freely, but when it comes to places for viewing scenery, none compare to this spot!"

From Emperor Liu's vantage point, the entire city of Luoyang lay spread out in full view. Viewing the scenery from here indeed offered a unique experience—one's heart and mind seemed to broaden, and one's realm seemed to be elevated.

Standing by the perilous railing, feeling the summer wind blow without emotion, although the terrace appeared quite sturdy, it always gave one a heart-pounding sensation.

Zhao Pu in particular—he had been in higher places before, and had experienced the peril of Mount Hua—but on this terrace, a structure filled with the crystallization of human wisdom, he only felt fear.

Zhao Pu did not suffer from acrophobia, but at this moment he felt his legs going weak. Especially seeing Emperor Liu standing there so leisurely facing the wind and enjoying the view, he felt even more alarmed.

If some accident were to happen... such unthinkable thoughts lingered irresistibly in his mind.

However, seeing Emperor Liu's carefree and unrestrained expression, Zhao Pu couldn't help but start flattering, praising aloud: "Such a perilous tower—when we ascend to the heights, we tremble with fear, anxious and at a loss. Yet Your Majesty leans on the railing and gazes out as if walking on flat ground, as if viewing a garden scene. Such courage and boldness, such breadth of spirit and heroic sentiment—truly admirable!"

Zhao Pu's words were scattered by the summer wind, and combined with his expression and subtle bodily movements, the sentiment was conveyed quite effectively, as if it were genuine.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu couldn't help but chuckle. He waved his hand and joked in return: "Minister Zhao, it's been a long time since I've heard such flattering praise from you. Hearing it now, it still feels refreshing to the ears and brings me great joy..."

"Your Majesty jests! Your minister is ashamed!" Whether from embarrassment or breathlessness, Zhao Pu's face was slightly red as he showed a hint of awkwardness.

This windy spot on the terrace was indeed not a suitable place for conversation. Especially seeing the state of Zhao Pu and Wang Qiwu, Emperor Liu acceded to Liu Yang's request and moved inside to hear their reports.

In the middle, an altar had been set up with a shrine, complete with sacrificial vessels. The burning incense had been personally lit by Emperor Liu himself on this visit.

A row of low yellow cushioned tables was prepared with fruits, pastries, and wine. Emperor Liu had come up as if truly to invite the gods, to drink and commune freely with heaven, earth, and the spirits.

"Speak then! What has happened that requires the three of you to come in such haste, together, to see me?" Seating himself and looking at Liu Yang and the other two, noting their weary bodies, Emperor Liu asked softly.