Chapter 1501: The Imperial Grandson

Unconsciously, the nights in the Western Capital had also begun to fill with the glow of wine and lanterns, and extravagance had started to become the label of this great metropolis. Every nightfall, those pleasure quarters and brothels were bustling with traffic and thronged with guests.

Even in the dead of night, there were always a few places in the vast capital where lights blazed and clamor surged like tides. Even though disasters had not yet ceased across the Central Plains, it seemed not to affect the prosperity of the capital at all.

Such a scene was no different from Kaifeng. This also seemed to be an inevitable pattern—as the economy developed and cities progressed, the sights they presented always shared certain similarities.

One of the considerations behind Emperor Liu's original decision to move the capital westward was that the Eastern Capital was too ostentatious and comfortable, easily leading to indulgence in pleasure. However, facts proved that a nation's temperament and character were determined by multiple factors in combination—the location of the capital did not play a decisive role.

At the Guest Reception Hall, after taking leave of the crowd seeing him off, Liu Xu stepped across the threshold and paused briefly at the entrance. Under the dim yellow lamplight, his expression appeared very composed. Though he had just concluded a banquet, there was not the slightest trace of drunkenness on his face.

Emperor Liu claimed to be no lover of wine, yet he would occasionally indulge in a cup or two, and had even been thoroughly inebriated on several occasions. Liu Xu was different—he was truly restrained in this regard. Even at the drinking table, though not exactly abstinent, he would usually only take a light sip and stop.

Of course, what lingered in Liu Xu's mind at this moment was the further discussion he had held with Wanyan Bada during the banquet. He had to admit that this old Jurchen chieftain indeed possessed some depth of cunning. At the banquet, he had put on a pitiful posture, complaining of hardships and playing the victim, hoping to win sympathy.

At the same time, like a resentful wife, he enumerated the Shiwei people's oppression of the Jurchen, expounded at length on the threat the Shiwei posed to the court, and put on an entirely air of acting for the court's sake and being loyal to the Great Han.

Liu Xu was also deeply influenced by Emperor Liu. Though he had not learned much of the thick-black arts, his knowledge was broad, and he had some of Emperor Liu's ways of thinking as guidance. Having watched Wanyan Bada's entire performance, he only felt something strange in his heart.

Not only was he not swayed by it, but his impression deepened, his attention on the man increased, and he became even more certain of how he should advise Emperor Liu.

"Your Highness!" Before boarding the carriage to return to the residence, a trusted subordinate sidled up and called out in a low voice.

Seeing this person, a flicker of something unusual passed over Liu Xu's face. He pulled him aside and asked calmly, "Any results?"

"Yes!" The newcomer's voice was low and steady: "Word has come from the Eastern Palace—Consort Zhao has successfully given birth to an imperial grandson, a fine baby boy..."

If there was anything Liu Xu had been preoccupied with during the banquet just now, it was probably the matter of Consort Zhao's delivery at the Eastern Palace. Though his face was calm, that nameless anxiety kept teasing at his state of mind, now near, now far.

Now, having learned the outcome, Liu Xu's thoughts completely settled. His gaze swept aimlessly around the surroundings, and a smile crept onto the corner of his mouth as he said, "Good news indeed—the Crown Prince has an heir, a great fortune for the nation. These past months, the Great Han has suffered misfortune after misfortune. Now heaven has sent down a fine son—truly an auspicious omen!"

Even a trusted confidant could not truly empathize with Liu Xu's inner feelings. Seeing him speak these words, with a smile that did not seem feigned, the subordinate naturally echoed his sentiments.

"To the Eastern Palace!" Liu Xu let out a light breath, feeling the chill of the autumn night for a moment, then changed his mind about returning to the residence and gave the order.

After boarding the carriage, Liu Xu instructed his confidant again: "Return to the prince's residence and have the princess prepare congratulatory gifts!"

"Yes!"

At the same time, within the Eastern Palace, a rare atmosphere of jubilation had also taken hold. Given the current state of the imperial clan's branching and flourishing, the addition of one new member to the imperial family was hardly anything to make a fuss over.

But this time, what made it special was that this imperial grandson was a male child—the Crown Prince, after six years of marriage and hard effort, had finally produced an heir.

This rarity, this difficulty, also meant how much suppression and anxiety there had been in the past. Now, with the first cry of the infant, everything was released. On this autumn night, within the Eastern Palace, Crown Prince Liu Yang could not help but feel a sense of having weathered the storm and finally seen the moonlight.

When he personally held that tender infant, Liu Yang's eyes actually grew moist. The little one was very light in weight, yet to him, it felt as heavy as a thousand jun—a psychological treasuring. Because of his lack of a son, he had indeed silently borne psychological pressure as heavy as a ten-thousand-jun burden.

When he learned that Consort Zhao was about to go into labor, Liu Yang had still been at the Hall of State Affairs discussing matters of the epidemic in the Central Plains with Zhao Pu, and he had been unable to sit still from that moment on.

Though he maintained his composure and instructed the messenger to report only after the successful birth, from then on his thoughts wandered, his hands trembled, and his voice quavered. It was Zhao Pu who, with consideration, offered some words of comfort, allowing Liu Yang to temporarily set aside official matters and return to the Eastern Palace.

Now, holding his first and only offspring in his arms, Liu Yang's hands were exceptionally steady, and his heart suddenly felt at peace.

Soon, the news that the Crown Prince had an heir spread through the elite upper circles of the Western Capital like an autumn wind. Whether they were relatives of the imperial family, meritorious nobles, or ministers—regardless of what feelings or thoughts they harbored—all responded swiftly with congratulations, celebrating this great fortune for the imperial house and the court.

There was no shortage of people who came upon hearing the news, gladly offering their congratulations—central officials close to the Eastern Palace, as well as relatives of the imperial family and ministers bound to the Crown Prince's fortunes. The joyful atmosphere did not cool from the momentary surprise but instead grew even thicker.

Emperor Liu and Empress Fu subsequently arrived in person. The couple had long awaited this imperial grandson, especially Empress Fu. When they arrived at the Eastern Palace, smiles hung on both their faces.

In fact, over these past few months, Emperor Liu's sons had all been bearing him fruit. First, Princess Zhao's consort Zhao Yuan gave birth to an imperial grandson—that was Emperor Liu's fourth grandson, and he personally named him Wenhong. But because the Central Plains was then suffering great floods, it was changed to Wenhong.

In the sixth month, at the estate of the Duke of Qi, Liu Yun's wife Lady Li also gave Emperor Liu his second granddaughter. Though all were grandchildren, clearly the former two did not bring Emperor Liu as much joy as the Crown Prince having an heir.

By the time the Emperor and Empress arrived, Liu Yang had already emerged from his excited state and was accompanying Consort Zhao, praising her for rendering great merit. The sole legitimate grandson had already been placed in a clean, warm nursery, cared for with the utmost care by dedicated attendants.

Empress Fu gently held the grandson in her arms—this was also her first grandson, so she naturally regarded him with special importance. Emperor Liu, standing beside her, specially lifted the swaddling cloth to take a look at that little bit of a thing.

"This child, before he was even born, moved the hearts of people both inside and outside. Now that he has come into the world, he draws the attention of all. When it comes to fortune, I fear no one in the world can surpass him!" Stroking his beard, Emperor Liu spoke with deep emotion in his tone.

Empress Fu kept her eyes fixed on the grandson in her arms, the loving affection in her gaze nearly able to turn into a pool of clear water. Hearing Emperor Liu's words, she could not help but say, "Is his fortune not bestowed by Your Majesty?"

These words pleased Emperor Liu immensely. It had been a long time since he had set aside his scheming mind and laughed so heartily.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!" Zhao Kuangyin had also arrived early, his old face beaming like a flower as he cupped his hands toward Emperor Liu.

Emperor Liu looked at him, his smile somewhat restrained, but his tone still fairly warm as he replied, "Congratulations to you as well! This is also the grandson of you, Duke of Rong!"

Zhao Kuangyin was radiant with joy—this was probably his happiest moment in nearly a year. Though this newborn life, strictly speaking, could not be counted as the legitimate grandson of the imperial house, who could blame Crown Princess Murong's belly for not being cooperative? Who could blame that this was the Crown Prince's only offspring at present? Because it had come with such difficulty, it was especially precious. Even if other consorts of the Eastern Palace bore children in the future, this one would still hold the status of "eldest."

Emperor Liu and Empress Fu did not stay long at the Eastern Palace. After visiting the imperial grandson by night, showing sufficient regard, they returned to the palace. However, before leaving, they gave repeated instructions to care for the child well and specially bestowed rewards upon the meritorious attendants.

When he saw Eastern Palace eunuchs carrying fireworks, Emperor Liu specifically cautioned them not to startle the young imperial grandson—such was his concern. Not long after Emperor Liu departed, a grand fireworks display unfolded above the Eastern Palace—so splendid, so dazzling—heedless of disturbing the people, or rather, sharing the imperial house's joy with the entire city's gentry and common folk.