Chapter 1623: Emperor Liu Is the Anchor That Calms the Seas

On the palace road leading to Chongzheng Hall, two figures walked side by side, their footsteps so light as to be nearly inaudible, the atmosphere somewhat oppressive. After a long while, Liu Yang spoke: "What Chancellor Lu said is not without reason. To make such a great show of force, and with such urgency, problems are indeed likely to arise—turmoil in the superintendencies, instability among the people, and even disruption of the normal functioning of local governments, leading to a deterioration of public order."

"Just now, Your Excellency Zhao must have seen the reactions of the ministers—outwardly compliant but inwardly resistant. Though they bowed their heads and obeyed, it was only out of fear of Your Majesty's and the court's authority."

"This matter, though passed for now, will hardly be implemented without setbacks once truly put into practice. I fear the circuits and prefectures across the realm will all be shaken!"

Liu Yang sighed over this, while a hint of a different expression flickered in Zhao Pu's eyes. In fact, as with Liu Yang, Zhao Pu had personally participated in drafting these adjustments of important ministers and key posts, but from his personal standpoint, he also held a conservative attitude—even if adjustments were needed, a slight show of deterrence would suffice; there was no need to drop such a thunderclap on the officialdom of the Great Han, involving over half the circuits and prefectures and no small number of ministers in the central departments.

Without a doubt, this was an earthquake in the officialdom, and a nationwide one at that. The implications were truly daunting.

It was only that Emperor Liu had been provoked to anger by the "greed" of those local officials. His resolve was firm—he was determined to transform the landscape of the Great Han's officialdom, to adjust the structure of local power through personnel changes, and to establish the court's authority. Of course, the most fundamental purpose lay in strengthening imperial power. Regardless, the very appearance of bargaining with the central court already signified "danger"—at least that was how Emperor Liu saw it.

Therefore, even with some reservations, Zhao Pu, who had long studied Emperor Liu, dared not question his attitude. He could only implement it swiftly and effectively, and do his utmost to maintain stability during the process, avoiding instability in the overall situation.

It was only because it was Emperor Liu that Zhao Pu could feel at ease in his heart. At this moment, hearing Liu Yang's lament, Zhao Pu spoke from a different angle: "I have never cared for Lu Duoxun, and my discord with him is no secret. However, I must also say that although this man is eager for fame and profit, he does possess insight and ability. On this matter, I must also admit that Lu Duoxun's opinion does have some merit..."

Zhao Pu's words appeared to be a fair and impartial assessment—a rare acknowledgment of Lu Duoxun—but there was always a sense of subtly poisoning the well against him. Though Liu Yang had accumulated much dissatisfaction toward Lu Duoxun in his heart, at this moment his mind was exceptionally clear, and his expression did not change. Emperor Liu's warning was always kept in his heart; he had best not involve himself in the struggle between Zhao and Lu.

"But the edict has already been issued, and the matter is settled. We can only do our best to maintain things and not provoke upheaval. For this, we will need Chancellor Zhao's strong support!" Liu Yang glanced at Zhao Pu.

"Your Highness speaks too gravely!" Zhao Pu responded immediately. "This is my duty. How dare I not do my utmost?"

"In terms of overall vision, I fear no one in the entire court can compare with Chancellor Zhao!" Liu Yang offered flattery.

Zhao Pu shook his head modestly: "Your Highness overpraises me. I dare not accept!"

The two proceeded together toward Chongzheng Hall. After their brief exchange, they fell into silence again. Seeing that Liu Yang's spirits were low, seemingly still troubled by this great personnel upheaval, he could not help but ask: "Since Your Highness is so worried about this matter, why not offer counsel to His Majesty?"

This question struck Liu Yang, and it roused his spirits. He turned his head to look at Zhao Pu, thought for a moment, and answered the question with a question: "Does Chancellor Zhao think I should remonstrate with His Majesty?"

Without waiting for a reply, he continued: "I observe that Chancellor Zhao also harbors doubts in his heart. Chancellor Zhao has held the chancellorship for sixteen years, long managing state affairs and well versed in human hearts—in this regard, you are someone I should learn from. And on matters such as this, Chancellor Zhao's insight and attitude are all the more important. If you spoke up, given His Majesty's trust in you, he would likely give it more consideration. That might be more effective than my speaking..."

Hearing Liu Yang say this, Zhao Pu smiled lightly, seemingly trying to mask his awkwardness with laughter, and said: "In terms of insight, who in the realm can compare with His Majesty? The reason I do not offer counsel is precisely because I, too, agree with His Majesty's view from the bottom of my heart."

"In the last ten years, this has been the most peaceful decade since the founding of the state. The people enjoy their contentment, officials fulfill their duties, and apart from the deepening military reform and the Andong strategy, there have been no major upheavals."

"When peace has lasted long, troubles inevitably breed. Especially in the localities—it has been some years since the court last adjusted the senior officials of the circuit administrations."

"For the central court, the stability of the realm is certainly a good thing, but one must not become complacent in it. I dare not speak with certainty, but a great many of the problems breeding in the localities do indeed originate from these senior officials who govern one region."

"Without a doubt, carrying out personnel adjustments accords with the court's policy on official governance and can resolve some problems, lest accumulated abuses become too deep to remedy. It is only that His Majesty's character has always been resolute, and his boldness and courage are unmatched by anyone. Perhaps in the eyes of us ministers, such an approach leans somewhat toward rashness..."

Zhao Pu's words, in truth, could not convince Liu Yang. In his view, this was Zhao Pu's habitual pattern—to find reasons and justifications to cater to Emperor Liu.

But he could not deny that what he said made some sense, at least he could not directly refute it. After all, as a son and as a subject, could he truly speak ill of Emperor Liu?

With a soft sigh, Liu Yang smiled bitterly: "But regardless, the Great Han will face many troubles in the period ahead!"

This was naturally inevitable. With so many important posts and ministers being transferred, the impact was not limited to those ministers being reassigned, but also extended to the various collectives, forces, and factions they represented—from within to without, all the central departments and local circuits and prefectures involved would likely have to change along with them. When an entire chain begins to swing, that is upheaval in the whole officialdom, even upheaval of the empire.

It was only confined to the civil official system, but because the changes in the military brought about by the ongoing military reform still had lingering effects, the various armies within and without the Great Han, as well as the new border defense system, were still being adjusted and integrated.

With both fronts advancing simultaneously, the court was indeed the helmsman at the tiller, but the pressure of the backlash could not be relaxed. This was largely what Liu Yang worried about.

Seeing that he could not let it go, Zhao Pu's tone became somewhat more serious. He said gravely to Liu Yang: "Your Highness, please forgive me for presuming on my age and speaking a few extra words!"

"Chancellor Zhao, please speak freely. I shall listen attentively!" Liu Yang's attitude toward Zhao Pu was quite good.

Zhao Pu said: "Your Highness should know that since the founding of the Great Han, its development has never been smooth sailing or without waves. The hardships and trials of founding and preserving the enterprise—Your Highness must have some appreciation of them."

"From the perspective of the national interest, the more stable and secure, the better. But blindly seeking stability and safety is no different from allowing contradictions and hidden dangers to grow unchecked. His Majesty's arguments on advantages and disadvantages need no elaboration from me. Your Highness should see the upheaval this transfer of officials may cause, but you should equally see the clarification of official governance after the adjustments are complete."

"Moreover, His Majesty has sat the throne and governed the state for thirty-two years already. In such a long span of time, what storms has he not weathered, what upheavals has he not witnessed, what difficulties has he not overcome?"

"As long as His Majesty is here, the Great Han will not have problems. All matters will return to calm, everything will return to the proper track, and the Great Han will continue to advance steadily."

"Your Highness should have sufficient confidence in your imperial father..."