Chapter 1528: The Lingering Echo of the Fengshan Sacrifices

In the eleventh year of Kaibao, late spring, the third month, they did not linger long in Yanzhou—the very next day, the imperial procession was announced to return to the capital, hastily fleeing Daiyue Town. Perhaps it was not as vivid as covering one's face and flicking one's sleeves, but Emperor Liu's self-perception was that this was a flight, a feeling of shame at facing the elders of Yanzhou.

Of course, whether it was the nobles accompanying the imperial carriage or the subjects who had observed the ceremony, all were still savoring the first grand rite since the founding of the state. Apart from feeling that His Majesty's return to the capital was somewhat hasty, they had no other unusual sentiments.

And the officials and clerks at all levels who had participated in the Fengshan sacrifices from beginning to end also breathed a sigh of relief as the ceremony concluded. For them, this was a test concerning their official careers, fame, and profit.

The process had been arduous and difficult, but the result was clearly good—at least no major problems had arisen. Merits, credentials, and achievements were all gathered into their pockets.

Moreover, the rewards were quickly realized. On the second day of the return journey to the capital, Emperor Liu summoned Liu Yang and Zhao Pu, and after brief exchanges with the two, settled the matters of rewards for the officials above and below who had contributed their labor during the Fengshan process. Although Emperor Liu felt some self-reproach and displeasure in his heart, the fault did not lie with his ministers—they had bustled about for so long, and he would not be stingy with the rewards they deserved.

Some were promoted, some received increased salaries, benefiting several hundred officials and clerks. Of course, most people considered matters from the perspective of emoluments; large-scale promotions and appointments would not pass with Emperor Liu.

But basically everyone had a glorious stroke added to their credentials, and more numerous and more worthwhile benefits might be reflected again in their future official careers.

Several principal officials each had their merits. Emperor Liu, appreciating Zhao Pu's hard work, increased his salary by five hundred strings, paid from the Office of the Lesser Treasurer. Zhang Qixian's toil was even greater, but since his promotion to the Yanzhou prefecture had already been a leapfrog appointment, there was no reflection in his position—however, his salary and honors were not lacking in the slightest, and Emperor Liu also had Zhao Pu specially draft a commendation.

It could be foreseen that after Zhang Qixian remained in his Yanzhou post for a few more years to settle and accumulate experience, high office at the circuit level was a certainty—his future held great promise.

Of course, there was another purpose in keeping Zhang Qixian in Yanzhou: to clean up the civil administration of Yanzhou. One problem that could not be concealed was that even with substantial support from the court, during the preparations for the Fengshan sacrifices, the Yanzhou prefecture had excessively consumed its manpower, financial resources, and material resources. After the grand ceremony, what remained at Daiyue was also a mess—all of which Zhang Qixian needed to clean up and put in order.

This, too, was a political task. After all, the Fengshan sacrifices could not have any blemish, and Emperor Liu's reputation could not be damaged.

The others, including Yong Prince Liu Chenghsun and Palace Commander Yang Ye—civil and military figures whose participation had not been very deep—also received rewards of varying amounts.

It could be said that for the sake of this Fengshan, from the complex and meticulous preparations in the early stage, to the grand-scale execution in the middle stage, to the generous rewards at the end, the court had invested a great deal.

If one truly made a detailed tally and summary, merely counting the monetary expenditures alone, it would probably exceed five million strings. Of course, the finance department would certainly submit a report and memorial—it was just unknown how embarrassed Emperor Liu would be when he "sobered up" at that time.

No matter how high-sounding the justification, Emperor Liu had already come to believe that the Fengshan was for his own private desires. Such a situation would have been unimaginable ten years ago.

Emperor Liu was even beginning to imagine: if Wang Qiwu, Shen Yilun, and the others came to borrow money from him again using the expenditures of the Fengshan, could he still refuse with righteous indignation and firm resolve?

In late spring, the land of the Central Plains radiated vigorous vitality everywhere, and a faint warmth began to permeate the air. However, this small wave of heat did not last long before it was extinguished by a spring rain—and it was three consecutive days of rainfall, which delayed the return journey, forcing a temporary stop in Jizhou.

However, during the few days of stopping at Juye County in Jizhou, Emperor Liu did receive some good news—for instance, the local famine had passed smoothly under the court's grain distribution and relief efforts. For this, Emperor Liu even made a show of drinking a few extra cups of wine with Zhao Kuangyin to express his delight.

That's right—during Emperor Liu's Fengshan, the Great Han was not entirely blessed with favorable weather and national peace. In the Central Plains, the prefectures of Ji, Song, Bo, and others all experienced famines of varying degrees, still the aftereffects of last year's great disaster. But they had been suppressed, and the court had actively transferred grain for relief.

Within the temporary imperial residence, Emperor Liu was playing chess with Jin Prince Liu Xi—well, Chinese chess. His face wore a serious expression, brows slightly furrowed, deep in thought, holding a "chariot" piece in his hand, hesitating endlessly—clearly the board situation was unfavorable.

Consort Zhou, her eyes like water, attended gracefully at his side. Her restless anxiety was well concealed, but the look she cast toward Liu Xi seemed to say: You unfilial son, don't you know to let your father win a little?

Liu Xi seemed to sense it as well, smiled somewhat awkwardly, then quickly became expressionless, pondering how he should let the increasingly chess-obsessed Emperor Liu win in the moves to come.

The arrival of the Crown Prince rescued Emperor Liu from his predicament. He casually put the pieces back in place and very naturally instructed Yan Tuo at his side: "Record this unfinished game—we'll continue another day!"

Emperor Liu was not embarrassed, and everyone present went along with it. Seeing Liu Yang, Liu Xi hastily rose to pay his respects, and Consort Zhou also greeted him with graceful courtesy.

"What is it?" After ordering a seat to be arranged, Emperor Liu asked about Liu Yang's purpose with a serious demeanor.

His sharp gaze catching the situation on the scene, Liu Yang cooperatively clasped his hands and said: "There are several matters that require your opinion!"

"What else is there that you and Zhao Pu cannot handle?" Emperor Liu expressed surprise, saying: "Let's hear it!"

Liu Yang said: "Just now, Wang Ju, the Crown Prince of Goryeo, requested an audience, saying that Wang Zhao, the King of Goryeo, intends to come to the capital in person to pay homage and present tribute!"

"Oh?" Emperor Liu showed some interest, a brief flicker of thought passing through his eyes, then he smiled lightly: "This Wang Zhao has been on the throne for over twenty years now. All these years, whether close to or distant from the court, he has remained peacefully on the peninsula. Why does he now think of moving and coming to the capital in person?"

"According to Wang Ju's account, Wang Zhao admires Your Majesty, longs to see your countenance, and wishes to personally receive the teachings of the Son of Heaven!" Liu Yang also smiled lightly, seeming to find it amusing.

After thinking for a moment, Emperor Liu asked: "How stands the unrest within Goryeo?"

Liu Yang replied: "I have made inquiries. It is said that after two years of stalemate, the rebel army had long been unable to hold out. Not long ago, through Xu Xi's stratagems of sowing discord, the rebels fell to internal strife and mutual slaughter, and were pacified by Goryeo's official forces. Though scattered disturbances remain within Goryeo, the overall situation has been settled!"

Hearing Liu Yang say this, Emperor Liu sighed: "This Xu Xi—when he resolutely returned to his country back then, he truly went on to achieve merit. With the rebellion settled, this is probably the reason Wang Zhao comes to the capital. But is his purpose to submit to me or to show off his might?"

Emperor Liu's tone carried obvious teasing. Liu Yang said with a serious expression: "Since the eighth year of Kaibao, when Goryeo was broken by the imperial army, the country has been in constant turmoil. After these years of internal attrition, it has long been severely weakened.

Now that the unrest has just ended, the country is utterly exhausted. Wang Zhao surely lacks the courage to make a show of force against the court. In your son's view, Wang Zhao's coming is to express submission to the court, hoping to obtain your forgiveness, Father. His coming to the capital in person is also to demonstrate his sincerity!

The unrest within Goryeo was not without the court's instigation—of this, the Goryeo sovereign and ministers must be well aware. If the court does not let go, they cannot rest easy in recovery!"

Emperor Liu nodded, indicating approval of Liu Yang's analysis. Without much further thought, he waved his hand and said: "A guest has come—have the Ministry of Rites make preparations for the reception. As for the rest, we'll discuss it once Wang Zhao arrives!"

"Yes!"

"Anything else?"

Generally speaking, except for special or major events, Liu Yang would choose to organize matters and report them all at once.

Liu Yang continued: "In the past two days, your son has received many memorials, all speaking of two matters, neither of which your son nor Chancellor Zhao can decide alone! First, the officials believe that after the Fengshan ceremony, the court should grant a general amnesty to the realm and release prisoners, to show the vastness of Heaven's grace!"

"I have stated more than once that there will never be a general amnesty!" At these words, Emperor Liu interrupted him roughly and said firmly: "Are those criminals serving sentences worthy of the court's leniency? You go and relay my words—if anyone thinks prisoners should be pardoned and cannot bear their suffering, then let them volunteer to take their place. Whoever is willing to serve in the mines or the frontiers in place of prisoners, I will grant it!"

Liu Yang was not surprised by Emperor Liu's resolute attitude, but the way he reacted still caught him somewhat off guard, and a slightly odd expression appeared on his face.

Of course, Emperor Liu's edict still had to be faithfully conveyed, though for those officials who had memorialized to plead for the prisoners, it would hardly be friendly.

And Emperor Liu still had some indignation to vent, continuing: "These people—why do they have time to pity those criminals, yet no time to care about the good common folk suffering from famine?"

"Yes! Your son will certainly convey your instructions in full!" Seeing this, Liu Yang immediately declared his position, sighing inwardly.

Once Emperor Liu's words spread, the voices within the court on certain matters would likely fall silent again. Those who had wanted to use Emperor Liu's Fengshan as an opportunity to remonstrate on various policies would be greatly disappointed once more. Moreover, it was certain that as long as Emperor Liu remained on the throne, no one would speak up for the convicts again—unless they were courting abuse.

"And the other matter?"

Liu Yang quickly collected his thoughts and reported: "Following precedent, many officials believe that after the Fengshan, the reign title should be changed to mark a new era!"

To this proposal, Emperor Liu did not directly express his stance, but fell into serious thought, his expression gradually turning grave. After deliberating for quite a while, Emperor Liu said slowly: "Do you still remember the original intention behind changing the reign title to Kaibao back then?"

Not waiting for Liu Yang to answer, Emperor Liu spoke on his own: "To put it plainly, it was to catch up to and even surpass Li Longji's Kaiyuan-Tianbao golden age, to forge the Kaibao flourishing era of the Great Han. Do you think this goal has been achieved now?

Since the end of the Tang, the realm has been in chaos for over a hundred years. How long has the Great Han been established? How long has the realm been turning from chaos to order? Holding a Fengshan ceremony does not mean the golden age has arrived and one can rest easy in peace!"

"Your son understands!" Hearing Emperor Liu's words, Liu Yang clasped his hands in acknowledgment. Clearly, this proposal to change the reign title had been rejected once again.