Chapter 1539: Such Consolation

South of Kaifeng's outskirts, Songgong Pavilion.

During the Qianyou years and the early Kaibao period, countless high-ranking court officials and ministers, when transferred or demoted, chose this pavilion as their place of farewell.

Their circumstances differed, and their personal fortunes varied, but one thing was the same—many lingered here reluctantly. Those who had left their mark at this pavilion were no obscure figures; a simple listing would include Zhao Ying, Bian Guidang, Han Tong, Li Tao, Fan Zhi, and others.

Nearly twenty years had passed, yet the poem Li Tao wrote when he was dismissed as chancellor still remained on the stone wall. Despite the erosion of time, the line "A jug of wine for life, fame and fortune unheeded" remained clearly visible.

Now, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, Li Fang also bid farewell to relatives and friends here.

Over the past twenty-plus years of Kaifeng's development, a great number of buildings had been constructed both inside and outside the city walls—official, residential, and commercial—and the urban expansion had already spread to this place more than ten li out.

Unlike the newer buildings, Songgong Pavilion, built in the third year of Qianyou, already seemed somewhat outdated. Moreover, since it had been renovated on the foundation of an old pavilion, after so many years of wind and rain, it exuded an ineffable air of antiquity.

The eaves were gray and weathered, yet under the summer sun they gleamed with a striking brilliance. Residences had also sprung up around it—no longer a solitary pavilion. A flat path led straight to the official road, and on the bank of the Bian River not far away, a dock had been added, in operation for nearly a decade now, serving exclusively for passenger transport.

Because it bordered the Bian River, the summer breeze was gentle and mild, and the moisture it carried felt refreshing. In early summer, the river swelled, and the Bian River's water transport entered its busiest season. The river was lively and bustling, whistles sounding without cease, people and cargo boats vying to cross, as if competing to proclaim Bianjing's ever-enduring prosperity.

Willows lined the road, their drooping branches swaying in the light breeze. Li Fang and Liu Yang stood side by side in the pavilion, gazing into the distance at the summer scenery on the Bian River. Seemingly captivated by the splendid view, they remained silent for a long while. Before and behind the pavilion, apart from the Eastern Palace guards, were a gathering of relatives, friends, and colleagues.

Among them were Li Fang's friend across the ages, the renowned genius Academician Jia Huangzhong, as well as Li Fang's four sons. However, the group deliberately kept their distance, giving space for the sovereign and minister, teacher and student, to converse.

After the Drum of Appeals incident, even though the Crown Prince personally investigated and proved his innocence, Li Fang could not avoid being affected. Perhaps that was precisely why Liu Yang had presided over the investigation and handling.

Emperor Liu had Liu Yang console the wronged Li Fang on his behalf, and the result was—an external appointment.

Unlike the previous external appointment to the Southern Jinghu Circuit, this time, because he had been implicated innocently, his spirits were evidently low. This time, he was again going south, to serve as Administration Commissioner of the Northern Jinghu Circuit.

Though he felt some grievance in his heart and his reputation had been affected, legally speaking, he was still innocent—that at least was some consolation.

Seeing the Crown Prince beside him wearing a gloomy expression, it was Li Fang who softly chuckled and said, "Your Highness need not be concerned. This outcome is not without merit—far more fortunate than this old minister expected!"

"I understand!" Seeing his magnanimity, Liu Yang nodded calmly. "It's just that Master Li has suffered this undeserved blame—it's hard to accept!"

"Your Highness must not say such things!" Hearing this, Li Fang's expression turned solemn, and he said in a deep voice, "Your Highness's concern moves this old minister to tears. That Your Highness was not implicated is the most important thing. As for this old man's honor or disgrace, it is not worth mentioning."

"Rest assured, Master Li. Stay in the provinces for a while—there will come a day when you return to court!" Liu Yang spoke as if making a promise.

Li Fang smiled and said with feeling, "Your Highness personally seeing me off—this old minister is fully content. Let us part here; please return to the palace!"

Liu Yang did not stand on ceremony. He raised his hand, and a guard came forward bearing wine. The teacher and student each took a cup and drained it in one go. Setting down the cup, Liu Yang said, "Jiangling is a thousand li away. May you have a smooth journey. The south is not like the Central Plains in climate—take care of your health!"

Li Fang said with ease, "Has Your Highness forgotten? This old minister spent several years in Hunan. Hubei is a fine place for me as well!"

Hearing this, Liu Yang's expression relaxed considerably, and he chuckled, "Then I am reassured. The two Hu are now key areas of development for the court. Master Li's appointment is truly a blessing for the people of Hubei.

That place is just right for putting your talents to use. I believe that with the foundation of the Jiangling region and your administrative skill, within two years Hubei will see even better development, just as Hunan did back then!"

Liu Yang's words were a compliment and praise among close associates. After twenty years of development, Hunan had been rebuilt from ruins and had secured a certain position among the Great Han's circuits. Its economy and culture were developing rapidly, with vitality throughout. Even the most severe population shortage of the past had been alleviated through years of recuperation.

That Hunan had achieved its current state was due to the diligent governance of successive chief administrators. But if one were to erect a monument of merit, the true credit would have to go to the two gentlemen Bian Guidang and Zan Jurun, who laid the foundation and drove development.

As for Li Fang, though he may have had some achievements and contributions in Hunan back then, they could not compare at all with those two. Li Fang likely understood this in his heart, and faced with the Crown Prince's praise, he accepted it with a composed and modest demeanor.

As things stood, Zhao Kuangyi governed Hunan and Li Fang governed Hubei. From the court's personnel appointments, its emphasis on developing the two Hu regions was plain to see.

After bidding farewell to the Crown Prince and expressing gratitude to the relatives and friends who had come to see him off, Li Fang finally summoned his eldest son, Li Zongne, and instructed him: "You will remain in the capital. Conduct yourself properly, cultivate your character, take good care of the household, and set an example in the education of your younger brothers!"

"Yes!" Li Zongne was still young, but he appeared graceful and refined, with an air of cultivation—clearly the product of good family upbringing.

Though Liu Yang was close to Li Fang, he was not particularly familiar with his household. Seeing Li Zongne's composed and respectful bearing, he could not help but feel appreciative, saying, "With a son like this, Master Li has someone to carry on the family legacy!"

The carriage, adorned with yellow silk, slowly traveled along the official road, beginning the journey back to the city. Inside, Liu Yang sat with his eyes slightly closed, as if resting, though his mood seemed less than elevated.

Murong Defeng sat beside him, accompanying him, not daring to disturb him for a time. After a while, he finally spoke: "Is Your Highness still troubled by Lord Li's external appointment?"

Liu Yang opened his eyes, looked at Murong Defeng, and in his spirited gaze there was actually little sorrow. He said softly, "What is done is done—what use is resentment? Moreover, the influence of the Drum of Appeals incident cannot be eliminated in a short time. Staying in the capital, constantly subject to criticism, is worse than taking a step back. Jiangling is also a prosperous place—not a bad destination. His Majesty's decision may well have been intended to protect Master Li as well."

Hearing Liu Yang say this, Murong Defeng was somewhat surprised and said, "Since Your Highness sees it so clearly, why still wear a troubled brow?"

Liu Yang smiled and suddenly asked, "How is the investigation going? Any progress?"

At this question, Murong Defeng immediately turned serious. He sighed and shook his head, saying, "No progress yet—almost nothing gained. After these past few days of inquiry, all we know is that after the results were posted, Xu Shilian was already deeply resentful and spoke recklessly.

The trail leads to the Plucking Flower Tower in Yongping Ward of the southern city. Xu Shilian gathered with a group of scholars to discuss the examination results, and the rumor that Lord Li favored personal connections in selecting candidates spread from that gathering. Xu Shilian declared on the spot that he would go to the drum to report and expose the matter.

I secretly questioned several of those present. According to them, they took Xu Shilian's words as drunken ravings at the time. They never imagined that after His Majesty returned to the capital, he actually went through with it and stirred up such a storm..."

"In my view, if someone was secretly stirring up trouble, it must have been someone present at the Plucking Flower Tower that day. However, the crowd was mixed, and pinpointing who it was would be difficult!" Murong Defeng seemed somewhat troubled. "Additionally, before Xu Shilian left the capital, I went to see him. According to what he said, he had drunk quite a lot that day. He only remembered someone mentioning that Lord Li and Wu Jichuan were fellow townsmen, and later it came out that Wu Jichuan had visited with gifts—that was what provoked him to file the complaint..."

Hearing this, Liu Yang could not help but remark, "This Xu Shilian—he can remember the provocative words of others, but not the person who provoked?"

Murong Defeng's tone carried a hint of disdain: "Your Highness, in my view, this man is somewhat narrow-minded, so naturally he would only remember those slanderous words!"

"Enough!" Liu Yang waved his hand. "There's no need to continue investigating this matter!"

Murong Defeng said doubtfully, "Your Highness, though it is difficult, if we keep pursuing it, we may yet uncover the mastermind behind it."

Liu Yang shook his head again, his gaze growing somewhat distant: "Even if we find out, what then..."

Liu Yang was well aware that if someone was indeed pulling strings behind this, those with motive could only be a handful. And even if the investigation continued, it would likely yield no further results. Such matters are hard to prove with conclusive evidence, and the traces are easy to clean up.

Moreover, even if the truth were uncovered, what could be done? There was no possibility of conviction. The matter originated with Xu Shilian; the hidden machinations merely fanned the flames.

A sigh escaped Liu Yang's lips. He was growing more mature, his position more secure, but troubles kept surging in like tides, and many problems he had never considered before came along with them.

What did it matter being the Crown Prince? The hidden arrows from the shadows were aimed precisely at the Crown Prince!