Chapter 1734: Emperor Liu's Reaction

In the early spring night, the chill was as cold as water. After visiting Noble Consort Gao, Emperor Liu emerged from Yaohua Hall and strolled through the palace grounds of the Eastern Capital. Along the quiet, straight corridor, two comely palace maids carrying palace lanterns led the way with graceful steps, their soft lamplight casting shadows of figures all around.

Emperor Liu walked at an easy pace, his manner natural, looking for all the world like a man taking a leisurely stroll. His attention, however, was not on the magnificent palace architecture around him—he had long since grown tired of such sights, and besides, there was little to see at night.

Yan Tuo and Zhang Dejun, the two most powerful and renowned eunuchs of the Great Han court, both followed closely at Emperor Liu's side. Zhang Dejun had already changed his name—after his adoptive father passed away, he had resumed his original surname Wang, reconnected with his clan genealogy, and even found himself an ancestor: the Wang clan of Taiyuan.

Moreover, after changing his name, Zhang Dejun had specially submitted a memorial requesting that Emperor Liu bestow a given name upon him. Mindful of their many years of master-servant bond and Zhang Dejun's contributions, Emperor Liu bestowed the name Jirong. Later, however, Zhang Dejun submitted another memorial, expressing in earnest words that his present honor and glory were entirely due to His Majesty's favor, and so he changed his name once more to Ji'en.

Thus, the Commissioner of the Palace City now bore the name Wang Ji'en. When others called him by the wrong name, he would fly into a rage, even cursing and berating them. Of course, Emperor Liu still habitually addressed him as Zhang Dejun—toward which Wang Ji'en took an entirely different attitude. In his own words, no matter what surname or name he bore, he was always His Majesty's loyal servant.

As for Wang Ji'en's displays of "loyalty and reverence," Emperor Liu found them somewhat amusing, yet the feeling they gave him was not unpleasant—this eunuch was always so considerate. At the same time, the name "Wang Ji'en" always gave him a vague sense of having encountered it somewhere before.

At this moment, wandering through the night, slowly making his way toward Chongzheng Hall, Emperor Liu clasped his hands behind his back and listened with interest to Wang Ji'en's report.

"The Crown Prince has truly worked hard these years, no easy task—busy with state affairs day in and day out, with scarcely any leisure. Even going out for a stroll turns into an inspection of the people's condition!" Emperor Liu said softly, a slight smile at the corner of his mouth.

Judging from Emperor Liu's attitude, he was clearly quite satisfied with the Crown Prince's conduct among the people. At the very least, Liu Yang was putting his will into practice and following his teachings. After all, Emperor Liu had said more than once that one could not govern the realm from memorials alone, that an emperor could not be confined to the palace, that his vision could not be limited by palace walls and the court—he needed to go out and see the world more.

Seeing Emperor Liu in good spirits, Wang Ji'en also flattered: "His Highness the Crown Prince is diligent in governance and loves the people, consistent for over a decade. Such personal inspections, so deeply imbued with His Majesty's teachings, are truly admirable and worthy of respect."

Hearing this, Emperor Liu immediately said: "His methods deserve affirmation. I am growing ever more advanced in years, and can no longer walk as I once did. If he can go out and see more on my behalf, that is well enough—count it as his filial piety!"

"His Majesty's imperial body is hale and healthy, striding like a dragon and walking like a tiger, still able to traverse ten thousand li of rivers and mountains—why speak of age?" Yan Tuo, unwilling to fall behind Wang Ji'en, also launched into flattery mode.

Emperor Liu smiled and waved his hand: "You need not display such glib tongues before me. Do I not know my own body's condition?"

At these words, Yan Tuo could not help but look embarrassed. Yet flattery and praise could not be abandoned—he had served Emperor Liu for so many years and knew well that if he agreed that the Emperor was old, the Emperor would certainly not be pleased. Seeking advantage and avoiding harm was his instinct, and Yan Tuo knew very well which way the scales tipped.

"Pick some tonics from the palace and send them to the Crown Prince. Convey my regards and tell him to take good care of his health!" Emperor Liu turned his head and instructed Yan Tuo.

"Yes!"

"Go now!" Regardless of whether the hour was late, Emperor Liu demanded.

Though he very much wished to continue attending at Emperor Liu's side—especially with that wretch Wang Ji'en still present—Yan Tuo dared not defy Emperor Liu's command. He performed a salute and left with reluctant reluctance.

Likewise, for Wang Ji'en, Yan Tuo's departure meant one less eyesore, so as not to interfere with his time alone with His Majesty. His mood improved greatly, and a faint, barely perceptible smile even crept to the corners of his mouth.

"The Crown Prince went out on inspection today and observed those sordid affairs—have you investigated them thoroughly?" Emperor Liu's smile faded, and he asked with a faint air of authority.

Reading expressions was Wang Ji'en's instinct. Seeing this, he immediately added a measure of caution and said: "My subordinates have been keeping watch on the matters under investigation. We will certainly not let those law-breaking troublemakers slip away!"

However, Emperor Liu's focus was clearly not on that aspect. He said slowly: "What is the duty of your Palace City Office?"

At these words, Wang Ji'en's heart nearly leaped into his throat. Lowering his eyelids, he replied respectfully: "To extend His Majesty's eyes and ears far and wide—to probe the disloyal and gauge public sentiment."

"You remember very clearly indeed!" Emperor Liu said in a detached tone: "Then why was it that the matters you just reported were never reported before? Are these not the voices of the streets, the public sentiment of the Eastern Capital? For such things to require the Crown Prince to personally go out and wander about before they could be noticed—then what exactly are the people of your Palace City Office doing?"

Emperor Liu spoke calmly, but to Wang Ji'en it was a tremendous shock. A flush of red rose on his fair face. He offered no excuses or prevarication, and directly confessed his fault: "It is this humble one's dereliction of duty. I beg His Majesty to forgive me!"

"Heh heh!" Emperor Liu chuckled lightly: "Since you have failed in your duty, you should be punished. How do you think I should punish you?"

Wang Ji'en grew even more nervous, but he still gritted his teeth and said solemnly: "Whatever His Majesty decides, this humble one will have no complaint!"

"Naturally you would not dare voice complaints aloud. But if your heart harbors discontent, how would I know?" Emperor Liu asked.

Hearing this, Wang Ji'en immediately wore a look of resolve: "This humble one serves His Majesty with his whole heart and soul. I am willing to cut open my chest to show my heart, to prove my utmost loyalty!"

Emperor Liu smiled: "No need to speak so tragically. It has not come to that."

"This humble one would rather die than disappoint His Majesty!" Wang Ji'en's voice choked up, on the verge of tears.

Waving his hand, Emperor Liu said slowly and deliberately: "It seems that the previous reorganization of your Palace City Office was not thorough enough."

Due to last year's upheaval in the Wude Office, the Palace City Office had not come off well either, and Emperor Liu had ordered its rectification. However, the reorganization work had previously been handed to Wang Ji'en to handle himself.

But now, with Emperor Liu having caught hold of another handle, it was clearly unlikely that he would be allowed to pass easily. While Wang Ji'en was still lost in worried thought, Emperor Liu spoke again: "I will assign you a deputy to help you carry out a proper reorganization!"

This was inserting sand into the mix—such a thought suddenly arose in Wang Ji'en's mind. Though he was a thousand times unwilling, he dared not show the slightest hesitation in his attitude. He clasped his hands and said: "This humble one thanks His Majesty for his concern and will certainly cooperate fully!"

"Hear that? Those words sound insincere, don't they?" Emperor Liu laughed.

"This humble one would not dare!"

"The Palace Domestic Service eunuch Zhang Bin—what do you think of him?" Emperor Liu said lightly.

"Excellent!" Wang Ji'en answered crisply.

Of course, his mind was spinning rapidly, pondering this person's background. Zhang Bin was one of the four chief eunuchs of the Palace Domestic Service, in charge of part of the service's functions. Though he could not compare with Yan Tuo or Wang Ji'en, he was still a senior eunuch of the palace. The key point was that he also had frequent audiences with Emperor Liu.

For Wang Ji'en, what concerned him more was his own relationship with Zhang Bin. After deliberation, he found that in the past they had no deep dealings, nor any conflicts—which fell within an acceptable range.

Of course, the best outcome would have been no such transfer or appointment at all. But since Emperor Liu had made the decision, Wang Ji'en dared not defy it. What truly worried him was that His Majesty seemed to have intentions of reining in the Palace City Office—that alone was bad enough, but the signs it revealed behind it—did it mean His Majesty no longer trusted him as before?

The more he thought, the more terrified he became. Wang Ji'en grew anxious and uncertain, his unease evident on his face, to the point that he even lost focus in front of Emperor Liu.

Emperor Liu paid him no mind and continued: "Continue to collect these situations among the common people of the Eastern Capital in detail. I also enjoy hearing about them."

Suppressing the unease in his heart, Wang Ji'en hurriedly said: "Yes!"

"Also, regarding the abuses the Crown Prince discovered—keep an eye on the follow-up matters for me. I am curious to see how they develop." Emperor Liu said lightly: "Liu Jichang—this Governor has had too easy a time this past year. Through this affair, we shall see whether the right man was placed in that post."