Chapter 1555: The Princes Garrison the Frontier

"In the past, I have reminded you more than once!" Facing this group of sons who listened obediently like students, Emperor Liu took a moment to gather his emotions, then spoke slowly: "What is a prince? The bloodline of the imperial house, the noble stock of heaven, the pillars of the court, the foundation of the state, the mainstays of the altars of state!"

"I gave you bloodline, and I gave you honor and glory, but likewise, I also gave you responsibility and duty! From childhood, I had you study letters and practice martial arts, cultivating your learning and insight — for what purpose? It is the hope that when you grow up, you can rely on what you have learned to shoulder the responsibility toward the state and the altars of state!"

"I have always required you to read history, required you to be learned in both ancient and modern matters — what is the purpose? Is it not so that you may draw lessons from the past, using old stories and precedents as mirrors, and not repeat the same mistakes!"

"I also know that being a good prince is not easy, but this is a trial you must endure. You must have awareness — this is the price that must be paid for enjoying the glory of the imperial house."

"Since ancient times, when do the sons of nobles and princes indulge in pleasure and revel in wine and splendor? It always happens at the end of a dynasty! How many years has the Great Han been established? Your old man isn't dead yet — what are you doing?"

As Emperor Liu's words fell, all the princes' faces changed drastically. When Emperor Liu said something like "your old man isn't dead yet," how could they not panic.

No one dared to remain seated. They rose in unison, not even bothering with the grass clippings stuck to their robes, and knelt to the ground, pressing their foreheads hard against the earth.

Seeing this display, even Liu Xin, who was curled up in Emperor Liu's arms, couldn't help but feel somewhat flustered. Though she didn't know where this panic came from, her little face was tight, and she couldn't help wanting to escape her loving father's embrace and kneel down as well — but Emperor Liu pressed her back down.

"It is your sons who are unfilial and have disappointed Father. Please calm your anger, Father, and take care of your imperial health!" Having been scolded along with the others, Liu Yang finally spoke up, his face full of shame, nearly pleading with a tearful voice.

With the Crown Prince taking the lead, the other princes and nobles also reacted, quickly echoing in agreement. Regardless of what they thought or felt inside, they had to put on the right attitude.

Watching the princes prostrate on the ground and listening to their pleas, Emperor Liu reached out and gently stroked the thin back of his fourteenth son to soothe him. His expression unchanged, his tone still gradually softening, he continued: "Ask yourselves honestly — of the teachings from the past, how much do you still remember, and how much is truly kept in your hearts? Can you face yourselves without shame?"

"Your sons acknowledge their faults and beg Father to punish us!" This time it was Liu Xu who voluntarily submitted the request.

Emperor Liu did not respond. His stern gaze swept over each of them one by one. After a long while, he finally regained his composure. He waved his hand and said: "All of you, rise! I do not need you kneeling before me begging for punishment. I only hope that you can take a few of my words to heart — that is enough!"

"Father's earnest instruction — how would your sons dare to forget!" Liu Yang declared.

"Why are you still kneeling!" Seeing that they remained prostrate and unmoving, Emperor Liu's tone suddenly turned cold again. The current Emperor Liu was truly severe — even telling people to rise carried immense pressure.

Maintaining their tension, the group of princes rose hesitantly, waiting for Emperor Liu to continue his lecture, but now not daring to sit back down. Under the blazing sun, though the lake breeze blew and the shade of the canopy offered cover, sweat beaded on everyone's foreheads.

Of course, Emperor Liu's purpose in gathering these princes together for a lecture was clearly not merely to scold them and be done with it. Seeing them hanging their heads, hunched over, trembling like a flock of quails, Emperor Liu felt not a trace of pride or satisfaction in his heart.

He pondered for a moment, then said: "As the ancients said, one thrives in adversity and perishes in comfort! When it comes down to it, you have simply been allowed to live too comfortably!"

"Please instruct us, Father — your sons will definitely correct themselves!" Liu Yang said.

Emperor Liu, holding Liu Xin with one arm, picked up a stack of memorials from the stone table in the pavilion with the other hand and waved them, saying: "These are the reports I have received from the various frontiers over the past few months!

The northeast goes without saying — the conflict between the Shiwei and the Jurchen, I imagine you have all heard something of it. That is also the most unstable place in the surrounding regions.

In Shanyang and Monan, because of the court's policy of pacification and assimilation, the various peoples beyond the northern frontier are also full of resentment and frequent resistance! As for Longxi, in over a decade it has never truly been pacified — bandits breed, horse brigands run rampant, Tangut and Tibetans!

As for southern Sichuan, Yunnan, central Guizhou, the two Guangs, Annam, and other places, barbarian tribes are densely scattered — is there a single year without reports of repeated uprisings and turmoil from the Yi and Lao peoples!

These are what many court officials call 'the river clear and the sea calm, an age of great peace and prosperity'!"

"Liu Xu, tell me — what have you gained from these reports?" Emperor Liu directly asked Liu Xu.

Standing among the group of princes being scolded together, Liu Xu was actually not as nervous as he appeared. After all, no matter how Emperor Liu scolded, one just had to listen obediently — it wasn't as if a piece of flesh would fall off.

However, when Emperor Liu called him out by name, Liu Xu's heart suddenly lurched. He froze for a moment but dared not remain silent. After hesitating, he clasped his hands together and said cautiously: "The four barbarians are fickle, rebelling and surrendering without constancy. The various frontiers of the Great Han are not stable and still require governance and rectification!"

"Ha! Being able to offer such an insight — it seems you haven't completely degenerated into idleness!"

There was a hint of a smile at the corner of Emperor Liu's mouth, but Liu Xu absolutely did not take this as praise. Therefore, he could only offer a smile that was little better than crying: "Your son's knowledge is shallow and crude — I have made a fool of myself before Father!"

"Fool or no fool — go on, tell me, in response to this kind of situation and circumstances, how should one deal with it?" Emperor Liu asked again.

At this, Liu Xu felt somewhat exasperated. Why ask him about military and political strategy concerning frontier security? Of course, such grumbling dared not be spoken aloud.

After thinking it over, he offered a suggestion barely better than nonsense: "Your son believes the court should carry out rectification, punishing those barbarians who refuse to submit to imperial civilization and disrupt the peace of the various frontiers!"

"As for rectification — has the court ever stopped doing it all these years?" Emperor Liu said flatly. "And yet, has it ever gained even a moment of peace?"

"Forgive your son's stupidity — please instruct us, Father!" This kind of exchange made Liu Xu feel stifled, his face flushed red. He simply put on an air of giving up, as if to say, lecture away.

Seeing this, Emperor Liu finally let him off, saying unhurriedly: "Over these years, to secure the various frontiers, from south to north, from west to east, the court has deployed over two hundred thousand frontier troops and garrison soldiers.

However, the construction of the kingly way has never been fully realized. As I see it, the reason the frontiers remain unsettled is that the court's authority and moral transformation have not yet spread its grace far enough.

As for the hardships of the garrison soldiers, I have heard quite a bit. Whenever I think of it — hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians holding firm at the frontiers to secure the realm, while you princes enjoy comfort and ease in the capital — is that fitting?"

When Emperor Liu released these words, even Liu Xu understood the meaning behind them. He hesitated, then said with a bitter face: "Could it be that Father wants your sons to go garrison the frontiers and pacify the borders?"

Glancing at him, Emperor Liu countered: "If I sent you to pacify the frontiers and settle the people, to assimilate the various barbarians — do you have that ability?"

Even with Liu Xu's thick skin, he couldn't help but blush. He stammered, wanting very much to retort, but in the end dared not say it aloud.

Looking at the princes, Emperor Liu said flatly again: "However, if I want to temper you all, besides garrisoning the frontiers and letting you taste the bitterness of the borderlands, there seems to be no better way!"

Pausing for a moment, Emperor Liu's gaze fell upon Liu Xu, Liu Xi, and Liu Fang, and he said forcefully: "You three are all elder brothers, and you have undergone considerable training. You should set an example for your younger brothers and also fulfill your duties.

As for the matter of garrisoning the frontiers, you three will take the lead! The edict will be issued shortly. Liu Xu goes to the northeast, Liu Xi goes to Monan, Liu Fang goes to Hexi! Go back and prepare yourselves. You will set out in autumn, each to take up his post!"

"As for the rest of you — every single one of you, go to the army and train!" Emperor Liu said.

"Do any of you have objections?" Emperor Liu asked again flatly.

At this, who dared to have objections? However, at Emperor Liu's decision, everyone's expressions differed, accompanied by various calculations and considerations.

"Father, if there is frontier garrison duty, your son also wishes to go!" One who was more proactive was Prince Wei, Liu Min.

Looking at him, Emperor Liu replied: "You? First get married and have children..."