Chapter 163: Tasteless and Dull

The premature death of Wei Prince Liu Chengxun was sudden and sorrowful, and for Emperor Liu Zhiyuan in particular, it was an extremely heavy blow. There was no doubt that Liu Zhiyuan had always been very satisfied with his eldest son, investing immense energy and effort into him, raising him as his heir and successor. He had even once considered directly establishing him as Crown Prince, and appointing him Governor of Kaifeng was ample proof of his intentions.

What a pity that heaven did not grant his wish...

Liu Zhiyuan handled Liu Chengxun's funeral arrangements with great solemnity. Even though state finances were strained, the scale of the mourning rites remained very large. He even violated ritual protocol by holding the funeral within the Bian Palace, and the entire affair took nearly half a month before it was concluded.

Afterwards, Liu Zhiyuan also fell ill — so ill he could not even pretend otherwise. Unable to manage state affairs, he entrusted military and civil matters to the chancellors led by Yang Bin, and took up residence in the inner palace to recuperate, spending most of his time in Renming Hall, presumably seeking comfort from Lady Li.

As for Liu Chengyou, Liu Zhiyuan gave him a token gesture — appointing him Chief Minister with shared authority over governance. Beyond that, nothing else.

As for Liu Chengyou, he was even more low-key than before. In the court, he was amicable with everyone, neither contending nor snatching. Even toward Yang Bin, he was deferential and avoided disputes. After Liu Chengxun's death, Yang Bin was clearly somewhat tense and anxious.

However, what he did without fail every day was enter the palace to pay his respects to Liu Zhiyuan and Lady Li...

The winter deepened. At this time of year, time is the best medicine for healing grief. After nearly a month, the sorrow that had hung over the palace finally began to dissipate considerably.

"Your Majesty, the chancellors have all arrived and are waiting outside the hall for an audience." In Chuigong Hall, a eunuch stepped lightly and approached below the imperial desk, reporting in a low voice.

"Let them come in!" Liu Zhiyuan's voice had aged considerably, though it carried little fluctuation.

After this period of recuperation, Liu Zhiyuan's body had recovered considerably, and his overall mental state looked much better. As emperor, he ultimately could not stay away from the court for long. This time, he needed to pick up the neglected affairs of state and also reassure the people. During this period, rumors had been spreading both inside and outside the palace, growing increasingly fierce. If he did not show his face soon, the state would have problems.

"Your ministers pay respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy ten thousand blessings!" Soon, the senior ministers — Yang, Wang, the two Sus, Dou, Li, and others — entered the hall and bowed together.

"Rise!" Liu Zhiyuan waved his hand lightly and said: "During this period, I was unable to hold court, and all matters of state and military were entrusted to you gentlemen to manage, keeping the court stable and untroubled. You gentlemen have worked hard!"

When Liu Zhiyuan said this, the assembled ministers immediately bowed deeply to show their loyalty. Flowery words — everyone knew how to speak them.

"Where is the Zhou Prince?" Scanning the room and noticing that Liu Chengyou was absent, Liu Zhiyuan asked.

"Your Majesty, the weapons workshop has newly produced a batch of armor, and His Highness the Zhou Prince has gone to inspect it." Guo Wei stepped forward to report.

Liu Zhiyuan nodded. He had heard something of this — this son of his had not been ostentatious in any way, but had been steadily doing real work.

"I hear that many commoners have died in the various prefectures?"

At these words, Chief Minister Li Tao stepped forward, his face bearing an expression of pity. Cupping his hands, he reported: "It is the depths of winter, and the various prefectures of the Central Plains lack sufficient supplies for the winter. Deaths from cold and hunger occur from time to time. According to reports from the military governors of each prefecture, there have been casualties in all their jurisdictions — the worst numbering in the hundreds, and the least also in the dozens!"

"Alas!" Hearing this, Liu Zhiyuan could not help but sigh: "I entered the Central Plains and founded this dynasty, yet I have not bestowed grace upon the people nor given them peace. Instead, I have caused them to suffer long under the hardships of war. Now, my subjects are reduced to such destitution that they cannot even fill their bellies or keep warm. This is all my fault!"

"Your Majesty speaks too gravely! We ministers have received Your Majesty's grace deeply and assist in managing all affairs, yet we have failed to nurture the people, leading to such tragedies. This is all the fault of our incompetence. Please punish us, Your Majesty!" Su Fengji knelt at the opportune moment, his face full of "shame," and pleaded excitedly.

However, his gaze kept darting toward Yang Bin. If all the ministers bore guilt, then Yang Bin, as "Chief Chancellor," would have to bear the primary responsibility.

Su Fengji's gaze was barely concealed, and Yang Bin naturally sensed it. His expression turned slightly bitter, his cheek twitched, and after taking a deep breath, he made a deep bow: "Please punish me, Your Majesty!"

Liu Zhiyuan took in the expressions of both men completely. He waved his hand and said: "Issue an edict to the generals and officials of all prefectures, commanding them to rescue the suffering people without fail. They must not be negligent or idle in their duties!"

"Yes!"

In truth, both ruler and ministers in the hall knew well that this edict, as usual, was better than nothing. The military governors and officials in the localities, even if willing, would likely be powerless. Moreover, whether they would truly obey the edict was itself a question. As for the common people in various regions, they could only endure bitterly, waiting for this harsh winter to end...

"Please, everyone, be seated!" Seeing that all the ministers were still standing, Liu Zhiyuan waved his hand kindly and gestured.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After everyone had sat down, Liu Zhiyuan let out a slight sigh of relief and asked: "What other matters are there recently? Let you gentlemen report them!"

"Military Governor Zhe Congruan of the Yong'an Army reports that four thousand Khitan tribesmen rode south to Fuzhou to forage and plunder, and were repelled by his troops. They killed over two hundred of the enemy and captured one hundred and ten horses!" Guo Wei reported.

"Zhe Congruan is truly a fine general and does not disappoint my expectations. Issue an edict of commendation and appoint him Chief Minister!" Liu Zhiyuan said.

"Zhao Kuangzan of the Jinchang Army reports that the Shu army has invaded from the north!" Yang Bin stepped forward and said.

The moment these words fell, Liu Zhiyuan's expression turned fierce, and his tone turned icy: "The Shu army comes again — do they think the Great Han has no men?"

As he spoke, he slammed the imperial desk heavily, his expression vicious. At this moment, Liu Zhiyuan was like an old, ailing tiger — yet somehow even more dangerous. He took a deep breath to calm his easily provoked temper: "What exactly happened?"

"The Shu sovereign, seeing that the Wei Prince has just passed and Your Majesty is unwell, seeks to exploit the opportunity. He has dispatched fifty thousand troops in a three-pronged attack. Zhang Qianzhao, Military Governor of Shannan West Circuit and Director of the Secretariat, serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Field Headquarters, with He Chongjian, Military Governor of Xiongwu, as his deputy, and Han Baozhen, Commissioner of Palace Attendants, as Chief Inspector. Together they command fifty thousand troops — Qianzhao advancing through San Pass and Chongjian through Longzhou to strike Fengxiang. Li Tinggui, Chief Inspector of the Feng Luan Su Wei Guard, commands twenty thousand troops through Ziwu Valley to reinforce Chang'an..."

"Zhao Kuangzan, Military Governor of the Jinchang Army, reports that Jingzhao has too few troops and fears it cannot be defended, and requests that the court send reinforcements!"

"They're certainly making quite a commotion!" Liu Zhiyuan's expression grew even colder.

After pondering for a moment, Liu Zhiyuan suppressed the anger in his heart: "Since the founding of the Great Han, Guanzhong has never been at peace. The Western Shu seized Qinfeng, Jie, and Cheng, and constantly watches from the side, wanting to seize our territory! To this day, the border troubles west of the passes have become a chronic ailment of our dynasty. What suggestions do you gentlemen have?"

"The court must dispatch troops to repel the Shu army! The Meng Shu previously took advantage of the Central Plains' collapse to seize the four prefectures of Qinfeng. With those four prefectures in hand, they can at any time send troops to harass Fengxiang and Jingzhao. If we wish to pacify the region west of the passes, we must recapture the four prefectures to turn disadvantage into advantage and consolidate the eight hundred li of Qinchuan. Otherwise, Guanzhong will never be secure!" Guo Wei said with certainty.

As soon as he heard that troops would be mobilized, Wang Zhang immediately stood up and shook his head: "Your Majesty, the court truly does not have the strength to mobilize a large army at present!"

"Are we just going to sit by and watch the Shu army run rampant?" Liu Zhiyuan retorted, his words blazing with anger, almost irascible. Clearly, the pain of losing his son was not so easily overcome.

"Your Majesty, a ruler must not raise an army in anger!" Vice Director of the Secretariat Li Tao boldly met Liu Zhiyuan's gaze and said in a deep voice, his tone full of remonstrance.

"What is Chancellor Yang's opinion?" Liu Zhiyuan glanced at Yang Bin, who had remained silent throughout.

A layer of gloom had been fixed between Yang Bin's brows. Upon being asked, he thought briefly, then rose and replied: "Your Majesty, the court truly does not currently have the strength to recapture the four prefectures of Qinfeng. However, since the Shu army is coming, the court cannot fail to respond — otherwise, if Jingzhao or Fengxiang are lost, the calamity will be endless. Previously, we tolerated them because of Du's rebellion. This time, we must dispatch troops to demonstrate the court's authority. But the mobilization should focus on defense and mutual support! In the future, once the state has recuperated and the court's troops are elite and provisions abundant, then we can campaign against them!"

"Additionally, an official in Fengxiang has secretly reported that Wang Chuhui, the Commissioner of Military Affairs of Shu, secretly sent someone bearing heavy gifts and a letter to Military Governor Hou Yi, fearing that he may turn traitor!"

At these words, Liu Zhiyuan's heart involuntarily clenched. He had always been deeply wary of Hou Yi. In a hoarse voice, he said: "Back then I failed to transfer him away along with the others. Now, sure enough, he has become a source of trouble!"

"Your Majesty, Hou Yi's intentions are unfathomable. If he does turn traitor, then for the court, the situation in Guanzhong becomes a case of being unable to act for fear of harming what one cherishes. We must be cautious." At this point, Vice Director of the Chancellery Dou Zhengu, who had remained silent until now, took the initiative to speak.

His gaze sweeping across the assembled ministers, Liu Zhiyuan seemed to calm down: "Regarding the situation in Guanzhong and the matter of dispatching troops, let us deliberate at length. You gentlemen, go down and discuss carefully, then draft a proposal!"

"Yes!"

Because of the Shu army's disturbance, the atmosphere in the hall became much more oppressive — even heavier than when corpses of the starving had littered the land earlier.

After a moment of silence, Liu Zhiyuan let out a breath: "Anything else?"

"Your Majesty." Su Yugui, who had been unable to get a word in and did not want to look like a "slacker," opened his mouth to report.

"What matter does Minister Su have to report?"

"This year is drawing to a close. Previously, Your Majesty could not bear to forget the Jin, so the era name of the Jin founder was continued. However, for the coming year, the Jin era name can no longer be used..."

"Leave the matter of the era name to you gentlemen to decide!" Understanding his meaning, Liu Zhiyuan directly instructed.

Seeing this, Su Yugui directly memorialized: "Your minister, together with Grand Master of Ceremonies Zhang Zhao, Minister of Rites Zhao Shangjiao, and other ministers, has already drafted several era names for Your Majesty's decision."

Seeing that Su Yugui had actually gotten ahead of things, Liu Zhiyuan nodded: "Let's hear them."

"After collective discussion, we ministers have considered Qiande, Qianlong, Tianxing, Tiancong, and Tianxi, and are unanimously of the opinion that Qiande is the best!" Su Yugui replied.

"Qiande..." Liu Zhiyuan muttered the words, seeming somewhat dissatisfied.

Seeing this, Su Yugui's heart tightened slightly. The era name "Qiande" had taken them a long time of discussion to arrive at. If Tao Gu knew of this, he would probably secretly sneer — "Qiande" was the era name of Wang Yan, the last sovereign of the Former Shu. Clearly, Su Yugui and the others did not know this. Though it was a matter of over twenty years past, their "scant knowledge and shallow learning" was plain to see.

However, what made Liu Zhiyuan hesitate was not that point—he would not care about repetition or not, but rather he had some thoughts in his heart.

After only a brief moment of deliberation, Liu Zhiyuan said directly: "Rather than Qiande, let it be decided as Qianyou!"

"Qianyou is excellent!" The moment Liu Zhiyuan finished speaking, Su Yugui immediately began to flatter: "Your Majesty is a son of Heaven's mandate, blessed by Heaven itself; the founding of the Great Han is as if aided by the gods. I believe 'Qianyou' is most auspicious."

Flattered by Su Yugui's string of praise, Liu Zhiyuan's expression unconsciously relaxed somewhat, though he could not bring himself to smile.

"What do all of you think?"

"Very good..." It was merely an era name after all—as long as the meaning was auspicious, there was no need to agonize over it. The ministers of the Great Han were, after all, not "men of letters" who would stubbornly nitpick and insist on debating the "best" option.

Though his mood had lightened somewhat, it could not conceal the fatigue of his body. In just this brief moment of holding court, Liu Zhiyuan already felt his energy flagging, his body as if weighed down by iron blocks, wanting only to sink.

Among the ministers below, Su Fengji was secretly pondering, his left finger tapping on the back of his right hand. A gleam of light suddenly flashed in his eyes, and his eyeballs rolled twice before he reported: "Your Majesty, I have something to memorialize!"

"Speak." Liu Zhiyuan, who had been about to adjourn the session, furrowed his brow slightly and asked.

"The Kaifeng Prefecture oversees the governance of all counties in the capital region, yet the post of Governor remains vacant. I beg Your Majesty to decide on a candidate early and dispatch him to this position!" Su Fengji said.

"Does Minister Su have a suitable candidate?" Liu Zhiyuan said casually, his attitude suggesting he was not particularly concerned.

Upon hearing this, the corners of Su Fengji's mouth curled slightly—clearly he had already thought this through. He clasped his hands and answered without hesitation: "I believe that His Highness the Prince of Zhou can concurrently hold the post of Governor!"

As his words fell, the atmosphere in the hall once again slid toward a sensitive direction. The ministers could not help but glance at Su Fengji, then carefully steal looks at Liu Zhiyuan.

One could see a trace of surprise in Liu Zhiyuan's expression as he stared fixedly at Su Fengji, his tiger-like eyes especially piercing—though he quickly concealed that gleam.

For a moment he said nothing, his fingers tapping one by one on the imperial desk, seemingly not entirely satisfied with Su Fengji's suggestion, yet also as if contemplating something more important.

After a long while, Liu Zhiyuan raised his head, looked down upon the chancellors in the hall, and asked leisurely: "I am advanced in years and my energy is failing. I wish to establish a Crown Prince to share the burdens of military and civil affairs. What do you all think—who should be established?"

Liu Zhiyuan's voice was calm, but when it fell upon the ministers' ears, all of their minds began to stir.

Su Fengji spoke directly, very eagerly: "His Highness the Prince of Zhou possesses both virtue and might—he can be Crown Prince!"

Guo Wei followed closely: "His Highness the Prince of Zhou is resolute and decisive—he can be established!"

Seeing this, Su Yugui also spoke: "His Highness the Prince of Zhou is benevolent, filial, and just. The new era name Your Majesty has set, 'Qianyou,' also matches the Prince of Zhou's name!"

Dou Zhengu said: "The Prince of Zhou is wise and discerning..."

Li Tao said: "The Prince of Zhou is brilliant and decisive..."

Wang Zhang cast a sidelong glance at Yang Bin, then also raised his hand: "His Highness the Prince of Zhou has long possessed authority and dignity—he can be the heir apparent!"

In fact, all the ministers present knew that under the current circumstances, aside from Liu Chengyou, there was simply no other candidate. If anyone raised an objection, they would certainly be harboring ulterior motives and treacherous intentions.

This included Yang Bin as well. If anyone present had the most complicated feelings, it was precisely Yang Bin. With only himself left, and the chancellors around him as well as the Emperor all looking at him, the gloom on Yang Bin's face seemed even heavier. In the end, he stirred himself and said solemnly: "His Highness the Prince of Zhou possesses extraordinary bearing—he should be established as Crown Prince."

Had this been normal times, with the ministers so uniformly supporting one imperial prince, the Emperor's heart would likely have been filled with suspicion. But at this moment, seeing the chancellors unanimously proposing Liu Chengyou, Liu Zhiyuan felt an inexplicable sense of relief.

After considering for a while longer, he said: "Since all of you unanimously favor the Prince of Zhou, then this matter is settled. On the first day of the first month of the first year of Qianyou, the enfeoffment ceremony shall be held!"

"Yes!"

And so the position of Crown Prince was decided—decided suddenly, yet without the slightest obstruction. When Liu Chengyou learned of the news, he was not particularly surprised either. He was very calm, even feeling a sense of... emptiness.

PS: Sorry, weekends are always busier than usual, so the update was late and short.