Chapter 1611: A Warning

"A timely snow promises a bountiful year!" Standing by the window for a long while, Liu Yang couldn't help but raise a hand to rub his eyes, then heaved a heavy sigh: "But this year, it looks like it won't snow at all!"

"Is Your Highness still troubled by those voices in court clamoring for auspicious omens and good fortune?" came Murong Defeng's voice from behind.

Murong Defeng had served in the provinces for six years—three years as Prefect of Yunzhong, three years as Prefect of Datong—until last year, when he was recalled to court to serve as a Secretariat Drafter.

For Liu Yang, there would never be a shortage of men to use, but someone as handy as Murong Defeng was still a rare find. Thus, Murong Defeng once again became Liu Yang's secretary.

Hearing his voice, Liu Yang turned around, a faint bitterness hanging on his face, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness as he said: "It's not quite anger, it's just that wind and sand have gotten into my eyes—seeing this kind of atmosphere, I find it hard to let go!"

Upon hearing this, Murong Defeng lowered his voice and reminded him: "Your Highness, after all, it is His Majesty's fiftieth birthday; the entire court is drunk, so why must you alone stay sober?"

Liu Yang was taken aback for a moment, then gently shook his head and said with feeling: "For such words to come from your mouth, Rixin, you've learned to be slick as well..."

"His Majesty's birthday is certainly worthy of celebration and blessing, but this atmosphere truly must not be allowed to grow! Officials neglecting their proper duties, only vying to curry favor and flatter in hopes of advancement—is this the sight the Great Han's court should present?"

With worry on his face and a grave tone, Liu Yang sighed deeply: "Ten years ago, this would have been unimaginable. Twenty years ago, those ministers who submitted such memorials would surely have been reprimanded—even if they were demoted and thrown into prison, I wouldn't find it strange.

What I worry about is that this corrupts the court's atmosphere and does no good for His Majesty's reputation either..."

Hearing Liu Yang's words, Murong Defeng was silent for a moment before speaking: "Your Highness, I believe you are overthinking this. Those who vie for fame and curry favor are ultimately in the minority; most ministers are still diligent in serving the state and loyal to their duties! The Jiaqing Festival next year is a special occasion after all. Once the celebrations are over, everything will return to normal. With you and Chancellor Zhao in court, no major problems will arise..."

"Rixin, you think too highly of me. The court's backbone has always been only one man!" Liu Yang shook his head and said softly: "I have been in charge of governance for so many years now, but in recent years, I have truly felt that the Great Han has indeed developed some problems..."

This topic was somewhat heavy and somewhat taboo; even someone as close as Murong Defeng dared not speak rashly at this moment. But seeing the Crown Prince's spirits somewhat low, he felt compelled to offer words of comfort: "Your Highness's concern for the state and the people moves me deeply. However, I beg you to ease your mind a little—worry and toil harm the body; take care of your health first!"

At these insubstantial words, Liu Yang smiled without comment, let out a long breath, and waved his hand: "Alright, let's not speak of this matter anymore!"

Liu Yang quickly shook himself free of his melancholy mood, looked at Murong Defeng, and instructed: "Draft an edict for me—have the Imperial Observatory and those agricultural Hanlin scholars carefully study this winter's weather. This climate is clearly somewhat unusual. If the farming season is affected, the court should respond early to avert disaster!"

"Yes!" At the mention of official business, Murong Defeng responded gravely. However, a hint of hesitation appeared on his face as he called out softly: "Your Highness, there is one more matter..."

Seeing his hesitation, Liu Yang was very decisive and said directly: "Speak freely!"

"I believe Your Highness should also prepare a New Year's ode!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yang's brows furrowed slightly, then quickly relaxed. He gave a slight nod and said: "I understand!"

Returning to sit behind his desk, Liu Yang took a sip of the milk tea prepared by the palace eunuch, adjusted his mood, and let his gaze fall on the several memorials in Murong Defeng's hands, saying: "Tell me, what else is there?"

Murong Defeng snapped to attention, stepped forward, presented the memorials in his hands, and said: "Three matters. First, a group of censors from the Censorate have jointly submitted a memorial impeaching Tian Qinzuo, the Patrol Inspector of Andong!"

Hearing this, Liu Yang immediately grew somewhat irritated and said with slight helplessness: "What grudge do these censors hold? Why do they always fixate on this one Tian Qinzuo? What has Tian Qinzuo done now?"

Murong Defeng also wore a strange expression, though his demeanor was grave as he reported: "He has committed another bloody atrocity in Andong. Over three thousand Jurchen captives from the Fuyuan Campaign were all executed by him on the banks of the Blackwater River—not a single one survived!"

Hearing this report, Liu Yang's expression shifted slightly: "When did this happen?"

"A month and a half ago!" Murong Defeng said.

"This Tian Qinzuo—why is his killing nature so heavy!" Liu Yang couldn't help but slap the desk, saying angrily: "Over three thousand captives—wouldn't they have been good for building bridges and paving roads? Why must he slaughter them all? Was it to vent his anger, or to show off his martial prowess?"

"I fear it is both!" Murong Defeng said.

"Why is this only being reported now?" After calming down a bit, Liu Yang pondered briefly and raised the question.

Murong Defeng said meaningfully: "The Prince of Qin has also submitted a memorial impeaching Tian Qinzuo over this matter!"

At the mention of Liu Xu, Liu Yang visibly grew more cautious. Furrowing his brows, he stared at Murong Defeng without speaking. Seeing this, Murong Defeng explained: "Tian Qinzuo's slaughter of captives has likely stirred up some internal conflicts within Andong as well.

According to what has been observed, when the Prince of Qin was on his eastern inspection tour and heard of Tian Qinzuo's slaughter of captives, he was also extremely indignant. When the two met at Fuyuan City, an argument broke out between them.

As for why this was concealed until now before being reported—I fear the internal contradictions have become impossible to reconcile, and the Prince of Qin can no longer tolerate Tian Qinzuo. The second matter I wish to report is that the Prince of Qin has submitted a memorial requesting that the court replace Tian Qinzuo. He states that Tian Qinzuo in Andong is warlike and bloodthirsty, knowing only how to suppress and not how to pacify, making enemies everywhere, and has already affected the stability and good governance of Andong...

Furthermore, on the day of the slaughter, Huaiyu also had a dispute with Tian Qinzuo, but his earnest persuasion was to no avail."

"Rixin, you seem to be implying something!" Liu Yang's expression was calm, but his gaze was fixed directly on Murong Defeng: "What concealment? What internal contradictions?"

At the question, Murong Defeng's face was full of solemnity as he clasped his hands and said: "Your Highness, forgive my impertinence, but over these years, disputes over Andong have never ceased. The Prince of Qin's power in Andong is truly too great. I ask—given time, will Andong become a state within a state, endangering the northeast?"

With a "bang," Liu Yang's hand slammed heavily onto the desk, startling Murong Defeng. Liu Yang stared at him with a somewhat fierce gaze: "Rixin, you! These words—you've been holding them in your heart for a long time, haven't you!"

Facing Liu Yang's interrogating gaze, Murong Defeng took a deep breath, clasped his hands, and admitted: "Yes!"

Liu Yang said nothing, merely lowering his head slightly, sitting there with furrowed brows in deep thought. Seeing this, Murong Defeng looked as if he couldn't hold back any longer, and said with some agitation: "Your Highness, when I was still in Shanyang, I had been quietly watching the situation in Andong. After all these years, I must say—the court's original intention in developing Andong was to consolidate the northeastern territories, but judging by the Prince of Qin's actions at the Andong Governor-General's Office, his ambitions are not small.

If he is not reined in and his power reduced, I fear that one day the court will have personally nurtured a calamity. When that time comes, it will threaten not only the security of the northeastern region, but may even shake the very foundations of the Great Han—this must be taken seriously!

The garrison troops of Andong, the barbarians of Andong, the sons of the nobility in Andong—separately, none are cause for concern. But if the Prince of Qin is allowed to integrate all these forces together, the power that erupts will be unimaginable!"

"Shut up! You shut up!" Murong Defeng's naked admonition nearly broke Liu Yang's composure. Unable to sit still, he stood up directly, and the hand pointing at Murong Defeng seemed to be trembling.

Liu Yang took note of the surroundings—the palace eunuchs had all retreated far away, and Murong Defeng's voice was very low. Their conversation could be guaranteed to remain between the two of them.

Letting out a sigh, Liu Yang then spoke with some anguish: "Rixin, do you know what you're saying? You are sowing discord between the imperial family's flesh and blood!"

Murong Defeng also stepped forward, lowering his voice even further, but speaking earnestly: "Your Highness, I know these words are taboo, but I must warn Your Highness!

If it is for the sake of familial bonds, then all the more reason to reduce his power and eliminate the calamity before it arises. I must remind Your Highness—do not forget the Drum of Appeal case from back then!"

This time it was Liu Yang's turn to fall silent. Seeing this, Murong Defeng continued: "Your Highness, as long as His Majesty lives, no one in the realm dares to rebel, and Andong will stand firm as a rock. But if one day the earth collapses and the mountains crumble, then..."

"Enough, say no more!" Liu Yang waved his hand to stop Murong Defeng, returned behind the desk, sat down and pondered for a long while, then looked up at Murong Defeng with a calm gaze: "Rixin, I know your loyalty, and I know your words have merit. But these words—I want you to bury them in your heart from now on, and never mention them again!"

"Your Highness!"

"Enough!" Liu Yang seemed to have regained his composure and said softly: "What is the third matter?"

Murong Defeng felt somewhat stifled, but seeing Liu Yang's resolute attitude, he said helplessly: "It is still a matter of Andong. The Prince of Qin has submitted a memorial requesting that the iron mines of Andong be opened to the private sector?"

"What does Chancellor Zhao think?" A shadow of gloom flashed across Liu Yang's expression as he asked.

"Chancellor Zhao is firmly opposed. The government monopoly on iron mines is a fundamental national policy, and Andong is no exception—let alone opening it to private merchants!" Murong Defeng said, then paused and reported further:

"In my view, Chancellor Zhao is also dissatisfied with the current state of Andong and believes it should be rectified. If Your Highness is constrained by familial bonds, you could simply let the Hall of State Affairs act according to court regulations and national policy..."