Chapter 1688: The Prince of Yong Returns to the Capital

"I have heard that the officials discuss expelling guests, and I privately consider this a mistake. In the past, Duke Mu sought men of talent, taking You Yu from the Rong in the west, gaining Baili Xi from Wan in the east, welcoming Jian Shu from Song, and bringing Pi Bao and Gongsun Zhi from Jin."

The crisp sound of recitation echoed through Chongzheng Hall, rising and falling with rhythm and considerable emotion. Emperor Liu sat to one side, eyes slightly closed, listening in silence, swaying his head, a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth, as if thoroughly enjoying himself.

In recent years, perhaps due to failing eyesight, Emperor Liu rarely picked up a book to read, instead having the Hanlin Academicians and learned scholars of the Three Institutes and various halls take turns reading books and lecturing on history to him.

For those learned men, this was no small favor. After all, Emperor Liu had always valued practical ability and disdained empty talk. Thus, although the court supported many civil officials, most were shelved, assigned to compiling histories and editing books.

Of course, for most literati, this was already generous treatment, but the sense of disparity in political status was ultimately unavoidable. Having mastered the arts of both letters and arms, to serve the imperial house—most people were still more eager to hold office, to crave power, and to realize their political ambitions.

However, in this regard, the literati of the Great Han had always been severely suppressed. Few of those in power at court were moral scholars; most key positions were occupied by meritorious veterans and old retainers, as well as so-called practical talents who were "unlearned and unskilled."

This was also a source of grievance and frustration for many contemporary literati, who felt they possessed heaven-spanning, earth-binding talents yet had no place to exercise them, forced to pursue scholarship in those magnificent halls and pavilions—no matter how splendid the chambers, they were but caged golden canaries.

Of course, this was also because the state had been at peace for so long that new currents of thought were emerging. All sorts of opinions proliferated, and all manner of troublesome matters increased. Twenty years ago, few literati would have dared to speak freely about court politics and officials.

As for these newly emerging voices, Emperor Liu naturally turned a deaf ear, even going so far as to state his position plainly: if officials devoted most of their energy to scholarship, how much would be left for practical matters? What benefit to the state, what advantage to the people?

Therefore, when Emperor Liu began selecting people from the Three Institutes to lecture him and read history, many were overjoyed, some even weeping tears of happiness.

They seemed to see hope—finally able to truly, in name and in fact, express their views to the Emperor and transmit their ideas. This was far more meaningful than scheming for a few important posts at court.

Even though Emperor Liu only listened to what interested him, and even dismissed several Academicians who liked to smuggle in their own agendas when he was dissatisfied with what he heard.

Of course, unlike the solemn seriousness with which he listened to historical lectures, the recitation in the hall at this moment filled Emperor Liu with comfort and joy—after all, the one reciting was his grandson.

"Wenhuan, you can recite this 'Memorial on Expelling Guests' in full now?" When a section was finished, Emperor Liu, with a kindly expression, smiled at his imperial grandson Liu Wenhuan.

"In answer to Grandfather, your grandson has already memorized this text thoroughly!" Liu Wenhuan's little face was flushed red; upon being asked, he replied with slight shyness.

No matter how much open and covert strife there was in the Eastern Palace, in Emperor Liu's eyes, he treated his two imperial grandsons equally and loved them dearly. He frequently summoned both grandsons into the palace to keep him company, with the intent of nurturing them. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the next-generation ruler of the Great Han would most likely be chosen from one of these two grandsons—how could Emperor Liu not take this seriously?

As for the two grandsons, Liu Wenhuan was already eleven years old, very intelligent, diligent in study and fond of asking questions. More precious still, he had little of the restless, impetuous air about him, and he was quite favored by Emperor Liu.

As for Liu Wenji, he was not yet eight, still young, and not much could yet be discerned. But from past performance, he was also a quiet, well-behaved child. Moreover, he had such a more intelligent and wise mother.

As for the two imperial grandsons now, in terms of legitimate versus concubine birth, Liu Wenji was the legitimate son. Crown Princess Murong had adopted him under considerable pressure and enormous criticism. However, precisely because he was born of the Xiao clan, the Khitan bloodline was right there, always giving people a feeling of unreliability.

Although Emperor Liu did not weigh these matters heavily, he could not control the tide of popular sentiment. On the other hand, although he followed the law of succession by the eldest legitimate son, in his heart he did not particularly value it. At least in his view, a mediocre man was unfit to be emperor.

The system of eldest legitimate son succession merely occupied a position of legal principle, possessing balance and compromise, but it did not signify the final outcome.

"Very good!" Emperor Liu did not stint on praise, but soon habitually instructed: "However, mere memorization is not enough. You must not only read the text, but also understand its reasoning and grasp its meaning."

Most children of the imperial house matured early, and Liu Wenhuan was no exception. In the past, he might have been somewhat bewildered by Emperor Liu's similar admonitions, but now he could gain something from them.

Therefore, he replied very obediently: "Yes! Your grandson dare not forget Grandfather's teachings!"

Seeing this, Emperor Liu broke into a smile again.

"Your Majesty, the Prince of Yong has returned to the capital and awaits your summons outside the hall!" While Emperor Liu was instructing his grandson, Yan Tuo came to report.

Upon hearing the report, Emperor Liu's face showed a hint of joy, and he immediately ordered: "What summons to await? Tell him to come in at once!"

The Prince of Yong, Liu Chenghsun, had spent the past two years in Jiangnan, representing the imperial house in inspecting the southeastern prefectures. With economic development, the southeastern region's status in the Great Han had risen ever higher, and the court's attention to it had been continuously increasing. Liu Chenghsun's presence in the southeast embodied this point.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty!" Soon, Liu Chenghsun entered and made a respectful bow.

Liu Chenghsun, now approaching fifty, no longer had his former elegant bearing, but he looked to be in good spirits. As Emperor Liu's full brother, his status at court was transcendent, and over the past decades he had frequently represented the court in touring and inspecting the provinces.

In this process, he cared about the people's hardships, petitioned on their behalf, and dealt with a large number of corrupt officials, earning very high praise. His prestige was great both at court and among the people—he was a worthy prince praised by all in the Great Han.

As for this younger brother, it was obviously impossible for Emperor Liu to have no suspicion at all—after all, in the early years, Liu Chenghsun had been regarded as the heir to the throne.

However, as his sons gradually grew, the succession of the imperial throne proceeded in order, and the Crown Prince's position had long been secure, so he had somewhat relaxed his guard. Of course, more importantly, Liu Chenghsun was very self-aware, never overstepping bounds or committing taboos, and had always been obedient and deferential to Emperor Liu. Thus Emperor Liu gradually set aside his suspicions, and the relationship between the two brothers was maintained very well.

Moreover, although Emperor Liu was a solitary sovereign, he was after all growing older, beginning to cherish the past and yearn for kinship and friendship. With Empress Dowager Li's influence as well, he naturally regarded this full brother with special favor.

At this moment, seeing Liu Chenghsun return to the capital, he was naturally overjoyed. He warmly bade him rise from the bow and take a seat, looked him over carefully twice, then pointed at Liu Chenghsun's plump, aging face and laughed: "Jiangnan is a land of fish and rice, rich in natural splendor—it truly nourishes a man. Third Brother, you've gained quite a bit of weight!"

Liu Chenghsun also chuckled, patting his clearly protruding belly, and replied: "Second Brother laughs at me. These years of comfortable living with little exercise—it's unavoidable that flesh grows on the thighs and the belly swells!"

Emperor Liu laughed heartily, paying no attention to the obvious flab at his own waist, and said without any self-awareness: "Lacking exercise won't do. When one gets older, one must pay attention to health!"

"Second Brother speaks truly!" Liu Chenghsun's mouth twitched slightly, and he flattered: "I still have much to learn from you!"

"Wenhuan, why haven't you greeted your grand-uncle yet!" Emperor Liu waved his hand complacently, speaking to Liu Wenhuan, who stood to one side, curiously watching Liu Chenghsun.

"Your grand-nephew pays respects to Imperial Grand-Uncle!" Liu Wenhuan dared not be remiss, quickly stepping forward to kneel and kowtow properly.

Seeing this, Liu Chenghsun was also beaming, reaching out to motion him to rise, and said gently: "Get up quickly! You've grown taller again!"

As he spoke, Liu Chenghsun subconsciously reached into his bosom, came up empty, and gave Emperor Liu an embarrassed smile: "Had I known Wenhuan would be here, I should have prepared a gift! I'll owe it for now, and make it up another day!"

"Wenhuan, remember to demand it from your grand-uncle!" Emperor Liu seemed to be in a truly good mood, joking with Liu Wenhuan: "Go play now!"

"Yes!" Liu Wenhuan bowed upon hearing this: "Your grand-nephew takes his leave!"