Chapter 1754: Letting Go

Walking in the shade beneath the palace halls, the father and son always maintained this kind of atmosphere—one that could always seem harmonious. Amid their casual conversation, Emperor Liu recalled another matter and asked, "You've had contact with Han Derang as well. What do you make of him?"

Liu Yang thought for a moment, then replied calmly, "He does possess real ability. The situation among the Khitan in Mobei has not been good these years. For a Han minister to maneuver among those upper-class Khitan nobles and maintain his position is something an ordinary man could not accomplish.

However, ability is ability, and virtue is virtue—yet he is of no use to the court. This man has been among the Khitan for a long time and long ago ceased to regard himself as one of our countrymen. Even with his outstanding talents, I feel no regret over his loss!"

"But haven't you always valued talent highly? How is it that you can be so composed about this, so open-minded—do you not wish to bring him into the fold?" Emperor Liu said with a smile.

"Your son values more highly those who are loyal to the Great Han and of one mind with the court!" Liu Yang answered thus, then looked at Emperor Liu and asked curiously, "Father seems to think rather highly of this Han Derang?"

Upon hearing this, a trace of inner conflict appeared on Emperor Liu's face as he said slowly, "Regardless of anything else, the Khitan's willingness to acknowledge vassalage is a good thing for the Great Han—the benefits always outweigh the drawbacks.

The only question is, what principles should guide our future policy toward the Khitan and Mobei? To be frank with you, my previous stance of always targeting the Khitan, even wanting to exterminate their entire race, had two reasons.

First, the two states have warred for many years—decades of blood-deep enmity that is difficult to dissolve. Second, the northern grasslands have always been a great scourge to the Central Plains. Now that the court is unified and strong while the grasslands are weak, they are naturally of little concern—but one cannot fail to consider the future.

However, after all these years, I have gradually come to understand: even if the Khitan were destroyed, unless we could establish a lasting system of governance on the grasslands, someday another tribe, another power would emerge, and they would equally become a great scourge to the Central Plains.

And in recent years, I have heard and seen the changes among the Khitan of Mobei. Compared to those barbarian tribes that are wholly savage and completely uncivilized, the Khitan—having undergone sinicization and absorbed Central Plains culture—are more rational, better understand advantages and disadvantages, and are easier to control.

Yet at the same time, I worry that they might use this as a foundation to grow and strengthen. Decades ago, they already walked such a path, and quite successfully. And throughout history, when grassland peoples combine with Chinese culture and institutions, the power they can unleash is terrifying.

At present, the Khitan have indeed declined, and their upper class is steadily corrupting—but with Mobei as their base, it is not impossible that they might one day rise again.

It's not that I overrate Han Derang, but when a Han minister with outstanding administrative and diplomatic abilities combines with the Khitan, I do not know to what heights the future might develop, nor what impact it might have on the Great Han. I do not know, and I am unwilling to gamble."

After hearing Emperor Liu finish this speech, Liu Yang lowered his head and thought seriously for a good while, then raised his eyes and said, "So this is the reason you have detained Han Derang in the capital? But is this not perhaps overrating the man?"

Emperor Liu raised a finger and said, "All I know is that, for the Great Han, a Mobei Khitan without Han Derang is more advantageous and more harmless!"

"But you know, the envoys coming to sue for peace was a decision strongly advocated by Han Derang's faction among the Khitan upper class. Without Han Derang's restraining influence, those people in Mobei Khitan might not be willing to submit to the Great Han!" Liu Yang said. "It might even be that those anti-Han forces could raise their heads, increasing the hidden danger of northern border disturbances!"

"Sometimes, threats hidden beneath the surface are more dangerous and more unpredictable than calamities set plainly in view!" Emperor Liu said slowly. "The Great Han's blockade of the Mobei Khitan has lasted over a decade—like so many shackles binding them tightly. Once we agree to their request, the two states become friendly, the shackles on the Mobei Khitan are removed, and with a man like Han Derang holding power, what changes the future might bring is truly difficult to foresee!"

Seeing that Emperor Liu had fallen into such a dilemma, Liu Yang was somewhat surprised. Suppressing the slight unease in his heart, he carefully studied Emperor Liu for a couple of glances before saying with a light laugh, "Forgive your son for speaking bluntly—you seem to be worrying overmuch."

"Oh?" At this, Emperor Liu tilted his head and looked seriously at Liu Yang, asking, "What is your view?"

Liu Yang said, "Your farsightedness is admirable, but the future is never fixed and always hard to predict. Dwelling on it too much will only leave you anxious over gains and losses!"

"You think I am anxious over gains and losses right now?" Emperor Liu's brow rose slightly, seeming somewhat displeased.

Liu Yang lowered his head and replied calmly, "Moreover, in your son's view, no matter how the situation develops, as long as the Great Han remains strong and prosperous, then no matter how the Khitan develops or changes, they will find it difficult to pose a threat to the Great Han. If the Great Han itself develops problems, then even without the Khitan, other troubles would descend upon us."

Hearing Liu Yang say this, Emperor Liu suddenly seemed dazed, murmuring, "What has come over me? This line of argument—I seem to have said something like this myself back in the day."

After pondering for a moment, Emperor Liu suddenly said with a wry smile, "What you say makes sense too! It seems I really am getting old—this mind of mine is no longer what it used to be!"

"You merely worry too deeply for the sake of the state and the altars!" Seeing Emperor Liu's face show signs of despondency, Liu Yang hurriedly said, "Besides, your considerations are not without merit. What you mentioned earlier—that we should not merely have the Mobei Khitan's nominal submission, but that the court should also form substantive influence and control over the Khitan—that is precisely the focus of the court's Khitan policy going forward!"

"Go on!" Emperor Liu raised his hand in a gesture.

Liu Yang thought for a moment, then said, "Lately, your son has been consulting widely on Khitan affairs and has gained some insights. In my view, over these past years—especially the last five—the court's approach has been sound: on one hand imposing strict blockade and control, while on the other leaving an opening for civilian trade.

Through trade, we extract the wealth of Mobei, strengthen their dependence on the Central Plains, and at the same time cultivate a batch of Khitan upper-class nobles who are close to the court—after all, they have benefited from their exchanges with the Great Han.

As long as such a faction can hold power, and the court supports their authority and position, then they become the most useful claws and teeth for the court to control Mobei. What the court pays is merely some money and goods—and through trade, the Great Han also gains certain benefits in return; the livestock and furs of Mobei do have value.

Father, you once said before—economic control is largely just this."

Pausing briefly, Liu Yang continued, "Additionally, we cannot let the Khitan become too comfortable. The current situation is quite good—whether it's the Naiman to the west or the Shiwei to the east, both are threats to them.

As long as a balance is formed, the court, acting as arbiter, can support or suppress according to the situation, ensuring that the grassland situation does not spiral out of control. Alternatively, we could further divide the various tribal forces in Mobei—by enfeoffing the great tribes and great nobles, dismantling their power. As long as internal strife continues unabated, the court can naturally rest easy.

In your son's view, the most important thing is still for the Great Han to advance steadily. That way, no matter how the situation beyond the frontier develops, it will be difficult for it to threaten the Great Han!"

After hearing Liu Yang out, Emperor Liu fell silent for a time. He pondered for a good while before letting out a long sigh. Turning his head, he looked at the confident and composed Liu Yang with a complex expression, and sighed, "In the past, I could never let go of Khitan affairs—because I harbored a knot in my heart. Now it seems, it is time to let go! I will no longer manage the Khitan matter—go and do it according to your own ideas!"

At this, Liu Yang, beyond his surprise, hurriedly responded respectfully, "Thank you for your trust, Father!"

"Manage it—how much longer could I manage it anyway?" Emperor Liu muttered another line.

Even so, he could not help but remind him, "Han Derang should still be kept for a while longer—until the changes on the Khitan side play out. When the time comes, whether to release him or not will be up to your judgment."

During the time Han Derang lingered in the Eastern Capital, the court side was indeed taking action. The relevant administrative organs—including the Office for the Administration of Dependencies, the Wude Office, and even the Palace City Office—were all actively maneuvering, intending to carry out a subversive operation within the Mobei Khitan.

Having quietly cultivated for all these years, the court had indeed fostered some influence and power within the Khitan—their ability to stir the pot was more than sufficient.

"Yes!" To this, Liu Yang naturally had no objection.