Chapter 1565: Let Them Stir as They Will

After the start of Minor Heat, Emperor Liu moved out of the Bian Palace and took up residence in Qionglin Garden to escape the heat. He had originally planned to go to Mount Song, but recalling that Qionglin Garden had a jade-green pond, lush groves, and complete facilities, he didn't bother to move around much.

Over the past two years, Emperor Liu's days had been fairly comfortable. After persisting for more than half a year, Emperor Liu once again delegated power. It seemed that his earlier move to personally handle court affairs was merely to prove that his authority had not been affected, that it had not been encroached upon by the Crown Prince, Zhao Pu, and those other ministers. Once he had proven that his grip remained intact, he was reassured and continued his rule by delegating governance.

The blazing sun hung high, and the waters of Jinming Pool shimmered with sparkling ripples under the sunlight, a dazzling golden gleam. Probably affected by the scorching weather, even the fish in the pool had dived deep beneath the water's surface.

On the waterside pavilion, Emperor Liu wore a plain robe, a straw hat on his head like an old farmer, slightly hunched, holding the hand of his three-year-old imperial grandson Liu Wenhuan.

Ever since the older imperial princes had taken their families to guard the frontiers, among the imperial grandsons remaining in the capital, only Liu Wenhuan was left. Last year, Duke of Qi Guo Liu Yun had given him a new little imperial grandson, but the child was still in swaddling clothes. Thus, recently, all of Emperor Liu's overflowing affection for the next generation had been placed on Liu Wenhuan.

"Another corruption case has broken out in Yangzhou?" Crouching down to straighten the little cap on Liu Wenhuan's head, Emperor Liu said casually, his tone betraying nothing unusual, not even much surprise.

Crown Prince Liu Yang was also in attendance at his side. Hearing this, he replied respectfully: "Indeed! However, at present, only the Censorate has received the report. The matter is not yet clear, and the specific circumstances still await investigation!"

Hearing Liu Yang's somewhat conservative answer, Emperor Liu said indifferently: "There are no waves without wind. Since someone has filed an accusation, there must be something suspicious in it. Yangzhou—what kind of place is it? I have personally witnessed its prosperity.

It is also a major salt-tax hub. In recent years, no matter how strict the court's prohibitions, there has been no shortage of people risking execution to sell salt to the north. As for private salt dealing among the common folk, it has become rampant, and repeated bans have failed to stop it.

The officials of Yangzhou, being close to the water and enjoying the moon first, sit upon such a precious land. With some power in their hands, it is hardly surprising that cases of collusion between officials and merchants, and covert profiteering, should arise!"

From Emperor Liu's words, it was clear that although the matter had not yet been investigated, once such a situation reached his ears, he had already concluded that corruption must be involved. This was also his consistent style—to speculate with a malicious attitude and to consider the worst outcomes when encountering matters.

"Father is right. Such fertile and wealthy lands tend to easily bewilder people's hearts. Unless one is a man of moral virtue, it is difficult to maintain one's integrity!" Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Yang echoed in agreement.

"Would a man of moral virtue not be stirred by worldly desires?" Emperor Liu's tone was slightly disdainful as he asked: "In your view, is that Hou Zhi a gentleman, or a petty man?"

Liu Yang knew that his answer had not fully satisfied Emperor Liu. Thus, after a moment's deliberation, he said: "After the incident came to light, I looked into Hou Zhi's record and also learned of his reputation from the side. In terms of administrative ability, this man can be called a capable official. However, it is said that he is cunning and shrewd by nature, prone to jealousy, and often engages in slandering his colleagues. It is truly difficult to call him a gentleman..."

"How were his achievements in his past posts?" Emperor Liu asked again.

Liu Yang: "His achievements were good. Otherwise, even with Lu Duoxun's recommendation, he would hardly have obtained Yangzhou!"

"Then tell me—should the court employ such a man, or discard him?" Emperor Liu turned his head and looked directly at Liu Yang.

At this, Liu Yang's brow furrowed slightly. After weighing his words, he said: "At the founding of the state, talent was scarce, and the court needed to gather worthies far and wide. Anyone in the realm with even a single skill that could benefit governance and security could be employed.

Now, the Great Han enjoys peace across the four seas, and there is no shortage of talent. If we wish for long-term stability, the court should hold higher demands regarding the moral conduct of its officials and ministers.

Otherwise, if the court continues to be filled with corrupt officials, governance will only deteriorate day by day, and the state will find it difficult to maintain stability..."

"Why does this sound so familiar?" Hearing these words, Emperor Liu asked.

Liu Yang's expression did not change, and he answered very honestly: "Back then, Father gave a similar instruction at the assembly before Chuigong Hall. I imagine Father also understands the reasoning behind it—that is why, over the past decade or so, you have strengthened the rectification of officialdom and cracked down on corruption..."

Emperor Liu could not help but smile: "Are you answering my question with my own words? Aren't you afraid of making me contradict myself and losing face?"

Sensing Emperor Liu's relaxed tone, Liu Yang was not nervous either, and said: "I am merely keeping Father's teachings firmly in mind!"

Raising his hand slightly, Emperor Liu thought for a moment, then asked: "I have also heard that Hou Zhi and Lu Duoxun have always been close. They say one who stays near vermilion becomes red, and one who stays near ink becomes black. In your view, what kind of man is Lu Duoxun?"

Compared to Hou Zhi, Liu Yang was clearly more cautious regarding Lu Duoxun. After all, Lu Duoxun was now a major minister of the court, holding the esteemed position of chancellor. Within the court, he had also formed his own faction. Though his influence was not as great as Zhao Pu's, no one dared to ignore him.

Liu Yang had observed people and affairs for so many years. Regarding those major ministers and the court situation, if not with crystal clarity, he still had a deep understanding.

The enmity between Zhao and Lu was no longer a secret. Over the past year, Lu Duoxun's aggressive advances had been plain for all to see. Emperor Liu's transfer of Lu Duoxun into the central government to be made chancellor, and his first-time division of personnel and organizational powers away from Zhao Pu's hands—the balancing intent behind it could not be hidden from anyone.

At this moment, hearing Emperor Liu ask about Lu Duoxun, Liu Yang's answer once again took the clever route: "Duke Lu is a capable minister of the Great Han, with outstanding merits. Having served in office for over twenty years, diligent and meticulous, with great toil and notable achievements, he is worthy of respect!"

Emperor Liu was almost amused by Liu Yang's words, and laughed at him with a scolding tone: "Did I ask you about his merits? If not for those achievements and political accomplishments, do you think I could have placed him in the Hall of State Affairs? Even if I could, could he win over the masses?"

Liu Yang smiled, a hint of embarrassment showing on his face.

Seeing this, Emperor Liu spoke even more directly: "There is no doubt that Lu Duoxun is a capable minister and a competent one, but he is by no means a virtuous minister! In the year since he became chancellor, he has installed quite a number of people throughout the court and beyond. And before me, he has pointed out Zhao Pu's faults more than once!

Over the past year, the court has been far from tranquil. This is not a bad thing. If the court were always as calm as still water, it would sooner or later become a stagnant pool. Lu Duoxun has, in fact, injected a vitality into it!

When ministers vie for power and curry favor, there is no need to reproach them. When the ministers fight among themselves, the ruler can rest at ease!

However, you must remember one point: no matter how they fight, they must fight without breaking, must maintain the dignity of the court, and must not affect matters of state."

"Yes!" Facing Emperor Liu's instruction, Liu Yang humbly replied: "I will remember!"

"Regarding the Yangzhou matter, how has Zhao Pu responded?"

Liu Yang replied: "Chancellor Zhao presided over the court deliberation and decided to have the Three Judicial Offices select capable officials to go to Yangzhou to investigate!"

"Heh heh!" Emperor Liu chuckled, pointing out: "Zhao Pu has been yielding and enduring for the past year, but now it seems he was retreating in order to advance. Now that he has found his opportunity, he strikes decisively. Regardless of the investigation's outcome, Lu Duoxun is likely to have his prestige swept into the dust.

Compared to Zhao Pu, Lu Duoxun is still too inexperienced! His nature is too arrogant, and his breadth of mind is not wide enough either!"

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Yang also remarked: "Father's understanding of the ministers is truly thorough! In my view, Duke Lu's handling of affairs does inevitably tend toward haste and impatience!"

"Alright, do not interfere in this matter. Let them handle it. Just watch from across the shore. A mere small Yangzhou Prefecture cannot stir up much trouble!" Emperor Liu instructed.

"Yes!" Liu Yang agreed readily. Although in his heart he was still closer to Zhao Pu, he showed no inclination regarding the friction between Zhao and Lu, remaining at least outwardly impartial.

"However!" Liu Yang hesitated for a moment, then posed a question: "Father, if the final investigation results implicate Duke Lu, what should be done?"

These words seemed to stump Emperor Liu. After a moment's deliberation, he said: "Then it will depend on just how great Lu Duoxun's capacity truly is! If he cannot even hold to the most basic bottom line, then there is no need to employ him in such a capacity. As for Zhao Pu, we can also take this opportunity to see what kind of bearing this chancellor of his has—having held the position of prime minister for so long, whether he can still tolerate others!"

Hearing these words, even Liu Yang could not help but feel a chill in his heart. Clearly, Emperor Liu did not care at all whether a mere Hou Zhi was corrupt or not—rather, he wanted to use this to observe his chancellors...