Chapter 1510: Excessive Favor

By the time Emperor Liu finished his run with Zhao Pu, it was already two quarters past Chen hour, and the sky was fully bright. So the Emperor, still full of enthusiasm, called Zhao Pu to join him in bathing—the two of them meeting in the nude, enjoying the close personal massage service of the palace maids together.

It was not uncommon for Emperor Liu to grant his ministers the privilege of bathing, but bathing together with him was truly rare. Among outside officials, those who could enjoy such treatment numbered fewer than five fingers on one hand. In the past, only Wang Quanbin, Guo Rong, and Yang Ye had experienced it, and all of them had either just rendered great service or shared an especially close and trusted relationship with him.

Perhaps in Emperor Liu's eyes, this was merely a whim, done on a moment's impulse, but Zhao Pu was deeply moved in his heart. And when such favor spread abroad, in the eyes of others it would likely be seen as Emperor Liu conveying a message to his ministers: he still trusted Zhao Pu, still supported him—favor undiminished, trust unwavering.

And this support was extremely precious to Zhao Pu at the present moment.

By the time the two emerged from the bath and changed into fresh, dry clothes, it was already nearly Si hour.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" Emperor Liu asked Zhao Pu with a beaming smile.

Zhao Pu hurriedly responded: "Your Majesty treats me so generously, I am truly grateful."

"You labor tirelessly for the state, and I have rarely granted you rewards. A mere bath is hardly worth mentioning—if it can somewhat relieve your fatigue, that is enough!" Emperor Liu said.

Seeing a palace maid helping Zhao Pu into his court robes, Emperor Liu frowned slightly, then turned his head and instructed Yan Tuo: "Go fetch that brocade robe!"

"Yes!"

Soon, the brocade robe Emperor Liu had mentioned was brought forth. As its name suggested, it was woven of fine silk, with a base of vermilion and purple, gorgeous and exquisite—but what was most special were the lifelike flood-dragon patterns embroidered upon it.

"Change Zhao Qing into that!" Emperor Liu pointed.

His gaze falling upon that set of robes, and hearing these words, even with Zhao Pu's mental fortitude, he was greatly shaken, and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, such a generous gift—I truly cannot bear to accept it!"

"No matter, it is merely a robe!" Emperor Liu said with a light laugh.

Zhao Pu declined repeatedly, but Emperor Liu would not yield. In the end, with a heart both excited and apprehensive, he let the palace maid change him into this new robe.

Clothes make the man—Zhao Pu had worn fine garments before, but this new robe made him look especially spirited, especially distinguished. This was a special honor bestowed by Emperor Liu.

The not-yet-warm autumn sun had risen three poles high. Zhao Pu had come to the palace early, originally intending to handle some affairs at the Guangzheng Hall. Clearly, by this hour, he had been delayed by Emperor Liu.

But what was delayed was delayed. Seeing that Emperor Liu still would not let him leave, he simply stayed and chatted with the Emperor. His loose hair still looked damp, and the aroma of breakfast permeated the air of Chongzheng Hall. Emperor Liu patted his belly, looking completely casual: "This morning exercise is tiring work—my stomach is already feeling hungry. Zhao Qing, come, accompany me for breakfast!"

"Yes!" Zhao Pu had no reason to refuse.

Emperor Liu's breakfast was quite lavish—five-flavor congee, steamed cakes, soup dumplings, plus a serving of stir-fried lungs. Compared to the plain congee and simple dishes he had maintained for years, this was clearly far more extravagant.

"These soup dumplings of the Eastern Capital really do have a different flavor. Zhao Qing, have a taste!" Emperor Liu said to Zhao Pu, looking very pleased.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Unlike Emperor Liu's casual ease, Zhao Pu appeared very restrained, maintaining his decorum and bearing at all times. He politely picked up a soup dumpling with his chopsticks, chewed it slowly and deliberately, and said: "Indeed delicious. Compared to the Western Capital, the cuisine of the Eastern Capital truly has a distinctive flavor!"

Though to Zhao Pu they all tasted about the same, since Emperor Liu said Kaifeng's were better, then so they were. Such matters naturally required humoring the Emperor.

"By the way, there's still some sheep's milk—have a taste!" Emperor Liu added.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"It's just a meal!" Seeing Zhao Pu always so reserved, Emperor Liu finally said: "If Zhao Qing is always so constrained, wouldn't it make us seem distant as sovereign and minister? Even the food loses its flavor..."

"I am truly dull-witted, and have spoiled Your Majesty's mood!" Zhao Pu said.

"Enough!" Emperor Liu quickly raised his hand to stop him, and said with a wry smile: "Drink your milk! Eat your dumplings!"

"Yes!"

When Emperor Liu stopped seeking such intimate closeness with Zhao Pu, the atmosphere finally became much more natural, and the scene was equally harmonious. Clearly, Emperor Liu still had to place himself in a position above others, maintaining his posture of superiority over all things—and everyone was used to it.

"Is there anything today that requires my attention?" After finishing the meal, Emperor Liu spoke of official matters for the first time.

Upon the question, Zhao Pu cooperated readily and reported at the appropriate moment: "I do have one matter to report. In accordance with Your Majesty's previous decree, ten military and civilian officials who made outstanding contributions during the disaster relief efforts have been selected!"

At this mention, Emperor Liu immediately became interested. This had been an order given during the height of the flood disaster—so long ago that Emperor Liu had nearly forgotten it. However, he naturally could not show this. Instead, Emperor Liu appeared very concerned: "Oh! The people have already been selected? Who are they?"

"To answer Your Majesty, the ten people are all ordinary military and civilian officers and soldiers. Each of them strove desperately in disaster relief without regard for their own lives. The list was jointly drawn up by the three Dukes—Hui (Song Yanwu), Shou (Li Shaoyou), and Geng (Wu Xingde)!" Zhao Pu answered.

Emperor Liu appeared very satisfied with this: "Excellent. Greatness is found in the ordinary. Only when those above and below are of one heart—when even the most common soldiers and civilians work together with united effort, sharing weal and woe—is there no difficulty that cannot be overcome!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Zhao Pu said.

Emperor Liu: "Where are these people now?"

Zhao Pu: "They are temporarily lodged at the guest hostel, awaiting an audience!"

Emperor Liu thought for only a moment, then appeared very pleased and instructed: "Let it be set for the afternoon. Order a banquet prepared—I will not only receive them in person, but personally treat them to a feast! At that time, Zhao Qing shall also come and keep me company!"

"Yes!" Zhao Pu accepted the order.

By the time Zhao Pu took his leave and "escaped" from Chongzheng Hall, the Si hour was nearly at an end. An autumn chill faintly hung in the air, but Zhao Pu felt as if he were breaking out in a cold sweat. Emperor Liu's enthusiasm today was truly somewhat hard to bear.

Inside Guangzheng Hall, only a few subordinate officials were at work—all of them personnel permitted to accompany the imperial entourage—making the hall seem rather quiet. However, Zhao Pu's arrival still caused quite a stir. That set of magnificent robes was truly eye-catching, impossible to ignore.

Though constrained by regulations and Zhao Pu's authority they dared not discuss it openly, the shocked expressions and frequent glances of the subordinate officials already said everything.

Zhao Pu naturally noticed his subordinates' reactions. He did not become smug or carried away—in fact, he even seemed somewhat heavy-hearted. At the first opportunity, Zhao Pu took off the flood-dragon robe and had someone fetch an ordinary robe to change into.

As for the flood-dragon robe, he had it carefully put away. He had no intention of wearing it again—he would rather treasure it at home than flaunt it.

Even if it was merely a flood-dragon robe, it was still a dragon robe. Even if Zhao Pu was chancellor, the symbolic significance of it was not something he could bear lightly.

Zhao Pu was calm enough, and his mind was clear enough. Some favors were not to be enjoyed with an easy conscience.