Chapter 1670: Li Chongju Returns to Service

Another winter snow fell, a thin layer gently covering the Eastern Capital. Looking out, between streets, alleys, and mansions, all was a gleaming white—quite a sight to behold, though the biting wind remained piercing as ever.

The hour was still early, the winter sun hanging low, and the dense cold fog had yet to disperse. Before the Heyang Duke's mansion, servants were already bustling about—blowing out candles, replacing lanterns, and clearing away the accumulated snow.

The "swish, swish" sounds were especially clear in this tranquil winter day. The servants' postures and expressions carried a unique serenity and peace. Those sheltered within the duke's mansion were worthy of such leisure, having largely escaped the hardships of common folk scrambling for a living.

Of course, the more important reason lay in their good fortune to have followed a generous master. Heyang Duke Li Chongju was a kind man—not only toward outsiders, but toward those within his household as well.

Worth praising was the fact that the Heyang Duke's mansion did not merely sweep its own doorstep. After clearing the front of the mansion, several servants carried brooms and cleaned up all the visible traces of snow, withered branches, fallen leaves, and muddy dirt from the main street as well.

In fact, this custom had spread throughout the entire ward, and it was Li Chongju who had started it. Whatever others thought privately, they had to keep up with the actions—it was originally a bid for reputation, and with the esteemed Heyang Commandery Duke setting the example, they had to act for the sake of face.

However, many people's flattery and sycophancy ultimately proved futile. Since stepping down from his post as Commissioner of the Wude Office, Li Chongju had settled into retirement, paying no heed to worldly affairs, focusing his energy on Buddhist devotion and household management. As for the voices and expressions from the outside world, he paid them no mind at all.

A wide and ornate carriage slowly approached, its hoofbeats crisp, coming to a stop before the Heyang Duke's mansion, drawing the gaze of many. Of course, what attracted attention, besides the special ornamentation of the six-horse canopied carriage, were the tall steeds of the Inner Palace guards and several eunuchs in conspicuous attire.

Those with knowledge knelt early, and soon a crowd had knelt before the Heyang Duke's mansion. Attended by Yan Tuo, Emperor Liu descended from the carriage. The deep winter chill immediately assailed him, making him involuntarily shrink his neck.

Tightening his brocade jacket, Emperor Liu's eyes held none of those servants. This was his first time visiting Li Chongju's mansion, so he couldn't help but take a few extra glances at the gatehouse's bearing.

Like an unwelcome guest, he strode into the mansion. Just as he crossed the threshold, the steward who had been directing arrangements in the courtyard hurried over and, upon seeing Emperor Liu, clumsily prostrated himself: "This lowly one kowtows to Your Majesty!"

"Who are you?" Emperor Liu asked impassively, looking down at the old steward with a calm gaze.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this lowly one is Li Chun, a steward of the duke's mansion!"

"You seem to recognize me?" Emperor Liu asked with some curiosity.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, when the Commandery Duke accompanied Your Majesty on a hunt in the past, this lowly one served at his side and was fortunate enough to glimpse Your Majesty's countenance from afar!" Li Chun answered nervously.

Emperor Liu nodded, withdrawing his attention from the steward, and asked: "Where is the Heyang Duke?"

"He is currently worshipping Buddha in the prayer hall. This lowly one has already sent someone to announce Your Majesty's arrival!" Li Chun said.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu smiled: "He truly is diligent—at this early hour, he's already begun praying to gods and Buddhas!"

Li Chun did not understand the meaning behind Emperor Liu's words and could only respond cautiously: "Worshipping Buddha morning and evening—this is a habit the Commandery Duke has developed over many years."

"I have heard something of this. These years, the Heyang Duke has closed his gates to guests, refusing to see officials and ministers, yet throwing his doors wide open to monks and the Buddhist faithful. Even those swindlers and charlatans who pass off fish eyes as pearls are given money and silk. Truly devoted to Buddha, isn't he!" Emperor Liu teased with a relaxed tone.

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Li Chun gave an awkward smile, not knowing how to respond, and dared not speak casually again for fear of making a mistake.

Waving his hand to dismiss Li Chun, and not needing him to lead the way, Emperor Liu wandered through the duke's mansion on his own, looking left and right, in a leisurely mood. Often, from every blade of grass, every tree, every brick and tile in a residence, one could discern the situation of its master.

Of course, Emperor Liu was not kept waiting long. Heyang Duke Li Chongju came seeking him out. His steps were somewhat hurried, and his anxious face also bore a hint of confusion and unease.

"Your Majesty's arrival—this minister failed to welcome you from afar, and begs Your Majesty's forgiveness!" Approaching, steadying his breath, Li Chongju bowed deeply.

Emperor Liu had been admiring the sparse winter scenery of the Li mansion's rear garden. Hearing the voice, he turned around, looked at Li Chongju with a warm expression, and extended a hand in a gesture of lifting: "Rise!"

"This uninvited guest of mine has interrupted your Buddhist devotions—you must forgive me!" Emperor Liu said with a smile.

Hearing this, an unnatural flicker passed across Li Chongju's aged face as he clasped his hands: "Your Majesty jests—this minister is embarrassed!"

Li Chongju, now nearly sixty, showed obvious signs of age—his face was covered in wrinkles, and he had grown much thinner, though his spirits still seemed fairly good.

Looking at Li Chongju's gaunt face, Emperor Liu sighed inwardly and said: "You've been behind closed doors worshipping Buddha for years now—tell me, Shouze, what fruits has your devotion borne?"

Li Chongju knew well that although the court had long since lifted the ban on Buddhism and Daoism, Emperor Liu held no fondness for such things in his heart. Hearing his tone now, he grew alert, pondered briefly, then clasped his hands and said: "To be honest with Your Majesty, this minister has revered Buddha for many years, yet remains but a mortal of the mundane world. To this day, it is merely something to occupy myself with. Additionally, I pray for a grandson—I am nearly sixty, yet my son has been married for many years without producing offspring. It has become a worry of mine!"

Hearing Li Chongju say this, Emperor Liu could not help but nod and said seriously: "Thin bloodline is indeed a problem. Our generation toiled to build our fortunes—was it not precisely to bless and shelter our descendants!"

"Many thanks for Your Majesty's understanding!"

"Jichang is a good man—upright, respectful, honest, and lenient in governance. He has done well in his post at Qingzhou!" Emperor Liu smiled: "It seems we'll need to assign him another task. Besides governing officials and the people, he'll also need to put in effort so that you, Shouze, can hold a grandson as soon as possible!"

Li Chongju had only one son and one daughter. His young daughter had long since married, and his only son, Li Jichang, had been serving as an official away from home for years, now in Qingzhou, governing the affairs of an entire prefecture.

Li Chongju's first wife had long since died of illness, and he had no intention of remarrying, nor did he even keep concubines. In his old age, he was utterly alone—a thought that stirred much melancholy.

Perhaps thinking of these things, Emperor Liu's words could not help but grow emotional: "When one grows old, the greatest fear is loneliness. Even I, with my consorts and descendants by my side, often feel solitude—how much more so you! These years, you have been wronged!"

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Li Chongju could not help but be moved, though he still maintained caution in his heart. The Emperor was not easy to serve, and one could not easily be swayed by emotion.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Li Chongju could not help but probe: "May I ask what instruction Your Majesty has for gracing my humble home today?"

"What? Can I not come to see you?" Hearing the question, Emperor Liu's tone shifted abruptly, casting a sidelong glance at Li Chongju.

But he quickly reined in his bearing, his expression seeming to carry infinite emotion as he sighed softly: "I have been sleeping poorly lately. With nothing to do, I thought of you and came specially to see you! These years, you have rarely come to the palace to see me, so I had to come in person!"

"Your Majesty's words—this minister is overwhelmed with trepidation!" Facing Emperor Liu's calm words, Li Chongju could not help but speak with agitation, a trace of worry surfacing on his aged face.

Emperor Liu shook his head and said: "This year, both inside and outside the court, there has been great upheaval. The realm is not at peace, with endless disturbances. I cannot help but be troubled!"

"I beg Your Majesty to take care of your imperial health!" Li Chongju subconsciously offered consolation.

"Though you are retired at home and pay no heed to worldly affairs, you should still have heard something of the storms at court!" Emperor Liu suddenly said.

At these words, Li Chongju's heart tightened, and he grew even more cautious, speaking in a low voice: "May I ask what Your Majesty is referring to?"

"What about Wang Yinwu's sudden death from illness?" Emperor Liu said directly.

Hearing this, Li Chongju's expression completely changed. Compared to Emperor Liu's calmness, Li Chongju's mind churned with surging thoughts as he respectfully reported: "This minister has indeed heard of it. Wang Yinwu was a capable man—dying young in his prime, what a pity!"

Seeing Li Chongju's careful, evasive manner, Emperor Liu smiled—a cold smile: "Let me tell you directly! Wang Yinwu did not die of sudden illness—I had him executed!"

Li Chongju's face changed dramatically: "So that's how it was?"

In truth, Li Chongju had long sensed something amiss, but when Emperor Liu stated it so bluntly, his anxiety deepened.

Li Chongju's reaction did not escape Emperor Liu's eyes. Looking at him meaningfully, he said: "Aren't you curious why I had Wang Yinwu executed?"

Li Chongju hastily shook his head: "This minister has paid no heed to worldly affairs for years and truly has no interest!"

"But I want you to know!" Emperor Liu said slowly, disregarding Li Chongju's somewhat horrified expression: "Wang Yinwu had some ability, but his ruffian nature was too strong. He knew no reverence, no boundaries. He colluded with outside officials, secretly plotted political intrigue, used public office for private gain, neglected his duties, and even repeatedly deceived me.

He and Lu Duoxun both came from Hexi. I knew in the past that they were close friends, but I never imagined their secret collusion ran so deep as to reach the point of madness—turning the Wude Office into a tool for fabricating evidence and attacking ministers.

What kind of institution the Wude Office is—there is probably no one in the entire court more familiar with it than you. I have already dealt with even Lu Duoxun. Tell me, could I possibly spare Wang Yinwu's life?"

After Emperor Liu finished speaking, the atmosphere of the conversation completely changed. The air nearly froze, and the surroundings were utterly silent. A slight cold wind blew past their ears, while Li Chongju's heart sank to the bottom.

After a moment of stunned silence, Li Chongju finally responded with trepidation: "This minister is terrified! Why does Your Majesty tell this minister of such matters?"

Emperor Liu reached out and patted Li Chongju's shoulder, his tone regaining some ease: "Wang Yinwu is gone, and the Wude Office needs someone to manage it. Yet as to who should take charge, I have racked my brains and found no suitable candidate. After much deliberation, I thought of you, Shouze!"

Hearing this, Li Chongju immediately shook his head in refusal, even speaking with some agitation: "Your Majesty, this minister is already old and decrepit, one foot in the grave. How could I possibly bear such a heavy responsibility again?"

Emperor Liu also shook his head and smiled: "I see that your health is still sound, and living alone in this mansion is too lonely. Rather than that, why not leave this place and exert what strength remains for the court—using your remaining warmth to dispel your solitude!"

"Your Majesty!"

Emperor Liu cut Li Chongju off directly, growing more serious: "Of course, what's more important is that right now, you, Li Shouze, are the only one managing the Wude Office whom I can trust!"

"Your Majesty's trust fills me with gratitude, but..."

"No buts!" Emperor Liu turned his head and fixed his gaze on Li Chongju: "I'll speak plainly too. Back then, the reason I agreed to let you step down as Commissioner of the Wude Office was indeed because I had some dissatisfaction with you! Yet now, I have to say, perhaps that decision back then was wrong!

In this vast realm, there is only one Li Chongju. If Wang Yinwu had even a fraction of your modesty, caution, and sense of duty, how could things have come to this!

I have done much reflecting lately. There is no shortage of talent in the court, and even more who can get things done. But those who can be loyal and considerate of me—it's still you old ministers and longtime associates!

Garments are better when new, but people are better when old! The older I get, the lonelier I become. Just think of it as leaving your residence to keep me company! The Wude Office has produced no small number of problems over these years, sticking in my throat like a fishbone. It needs a thorough overhaul from top to bottom. I promise you, once this matter is done, I will completely release you to retirement and let you enjoy your remaining years in peace..."

When Emperor Liu had spoken to this extent, even though Li Chongju was a thousand times unwilling in his heart, he could only clasp his hands and bow: "Your servant accepts the command!"

His expression was grave, his voice trembling slightly. Li Chongju knew full well that if he refused again, there might truly be no remaining years to speak of.

"Hahaha... that's more like it!" Only then did Emperor Liu let out a few hearty laughs, though Li Chongju standing beside him truly could not bring himself to laugh.