Chapter 1777: Adjustments

Although Emperor Liu never explicitly designated a Chief Chancellor after Zhao Pu was dismissed from the chancellorship, the decades-old operating mechanism of the Hall of State Affairs inevitably required a leader—a figure who could cast the decisive vote.

In Emperor Liu's original conception, this power was to be firmly held in the emperor's own hands, and this role was also meant to be the emperor's. However, over the past twenty-odd years, even he himself had grown somewhat lax in governance, let alone future sovereigns.

During the years when Zhao Pu held power, the authority of the chancellorship had in fact encroached upon imperial authority, causing harm. Emperor Liu's towering prestige merely meant that when he perceived a threat, he possessed sufficient strength and confidence to eliminate the threat—or to eliminate those who created it.

Imperial power and ministerial power were also in a relationship of mutual waxing and waning. After Zhao Pu's dismissal, the highest decision-making authority of the court was essentially reclaimed by Emperor Liu, while a portion of it was transferred to the Crown Prince. The chancellors of the Hall of State Affairs were left with very little decision-making power to retain.

Chancellors like Song Qi had more responsibility to simply carry out orders—they had opportunities to participate and offer advice, but no power to make final decisions. Even so, Song Qi still effectively served as the chief minister presiding over state affairs in actual governance, merely lacking nominal confirmation. Still, many people regarded Song Qi as a Zhao Pu with somewhat less power and influence.

As for such an identity and recognition, Zhao Kuangyi naturally yearned for it greatly—it was what he diligently pursued. As a meritorious official, wealth and honor had long been secured. Having served in office for over twenty years, he had always been conscientious and diligent, never slacking, strictly disciplining himself. What he sought was nothing more than the two words: power and reputation. Now, Zhao Kuangyi seemed to see hope.

If this were ordinary times, he would probably have to wait until Song Qi retired due to old age. Given Song Qi's health, that would take several more years. But now that this situation had arisen—Song Qi bringing calamity upon himself, losing his post and being dismissed—the road ahead suddenly seemed to become smooth and unobstructed.

Among the chancellors like Song Qi and Zhao Kuangyi, the military and political system need not be considered. Whether Han Tong or Liu Tinghan, neither had any real possibility of becoming chief minister, especially since with the three Commandery Dukes returning to the capital, major adjustments in military and political affairs were inevitable.

As for the rest, Wang Zhu had the advantage of entering office early, having seniority, and having come from Emperor Liu's side. In truth, Zhao Kuangyi did not think much of this man. With such deep seniority and connections, had it been he, Zhao Kuangyi, he would have reached the top long ago—not still be merely a Fiscal Commissioner, and unable even to manage the affairs of the Finance Bureau properly, leaving everything for Shen Yilun to worry over.

Shen Yilun was advanced in years and of high virtue, but equally decrepit and feeble. He posed essentially no threat—he was just waiting to retire smoothly, land safely, and go home to enjoy his old age.

As for Lü Duan, who managed the Ministry of Personnel, he was a figure of substance. One who could "let spittle dry on his face without wiping it off" could not be an ordinary man. However, this man usually appeared too ordinary and was looked down upon by many court officials. Emperor Liu could exceptionally promote Lü Mengzheng to be Governor of Luoyang, but if he were to elevate Lü Duan to the head of all officials, the courtiers both inside and outside would absolutely find it hard to accept. Presumably, there would be more careful deliberation.

Thinking this way, Zhao Kuangyi suddenly felt that his advantages were great. Whether in identity, ability, or prestige, who else but him—"Zhao the Second"—could it be? Was there anyone in the court more suitable than him to preside over governance?

Perhaps because concern clouded judgment, his heart was in turmoil, losing its usual composure, and Zhao Kuangyi overlooked many things. Emperor Liu's subsequent arrangements extinguished the fervor in his heart.

The words were spoken to the Crown Prince Liu Yang: "You now preside over governance, with heavy and numerous affairs. You need capable ministers to assist you. Song Qi was originally a qualified assisting minister, thorough and proper in handling matters. Unfortunately, he grew muddled in his old age, his mind no longer clear.

As such, I will transfer Li Fang back to assist you. The two of you, master and disciple, will work together more conveniently. Speaking of it, Li Fang has been away from the capital for over ten years now—it's time he returned!"

Hearing Emperor Liu's decision, Zhao Kuangyi's expression stiffened slightly. How could he have forgotten Li Fang? That was Liu Yang's teacher, the future imperial tutor. The depth of their relationship far exceeded what ordinary people could imagine. Moreover, even setting aside that relationship, Li Fang himself was a senior minister of the court. Apart from age, Zhao Kuangyi could not think of any advantage he had at the moment.

However, Zhao Kuangyi was deeply calculating and quickly steadied his mind, recovering as before. So what if it was Li Fang? Either way, it was a matter of waiting. Li Fang was also approaching sixty—how could he compare to Chancellor Zhao in the prime of his vigor? And given Emperor Liu's temperament...

Suddenly thinking of something, Zhao Kuangyi instinctively raised his head to glance at Emperor Liu, but could discern nothing. Still, he could not help but feel alarmed at the direction of his own conjectures.

As for Liu Yang, his feelings were somewhat mixed. He appreciated and respected Song Qi, but not as much as his own teacher—that was a relationship of decades of mutual trust. Moreover, back when the case of the petition drum broke out, Li Fang had been implicated and sent out to the provinces, and Liu Yang had been unable to reverse it. He had always harbored a slight guilt about it. Therefore, Li Fang's return to court to serve as chancellor naturally delighted Liu Yang, though he could not show it at this moment.

Emperor Liu naturally did not care about the thoughts of Liu Yang and the others. Continuing on his own, he said: "Shen Yilun has also submitted memorials to me several times, requesting retirement to his hometown, and I have never agreed. However, considering Minister Shen's advanced age, he should enjoy peace in his later years. Let him retire with the title of Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. He has served the state for over thirty years—it has not been easy. Now that he returns home in glory, the treatment he deserves must not be lacking. Crown Prince, you shall personally oversee this matter!"

"Yes!"

"Also, with Minister Shen retiring, the Finance Bureau needs to add a capable official. Wang You, the Fiscal Commissioner of the Northwest, is experienced in handling affairs and sharp with calculations. He can take over, entering the court to serve as Deputy Fiscal Commissioner. The appointment decree can be issued immediately!" Emperor Liu added.

"Yes!"

Liu Yang and the other two had become mere echoers. At the same time, if they had only vaguely sensed it before, now they could almost be certain—Emperor Liu was reclaiming power. This succession of personnel arrangements was the most obvious sign.

"I am weary!" Rubbing his forehead, Emperor Liu said: "All of you, withdraw and return to your respective duties!"

"Yes!"

"Wang Zhu, stay!" At the last moment, Emperor Liu spoke again to detain him.

Liu Yang and Zhao Kuangyi glanced at Wang Zhu, who also showed surprise on his face, then bowed and slowly withdrew. Emperor Liu watched Liu Yang's retreating figure with a calm gaze until he disappeared beyond the hall.

Just as Zhao Kuangyi had suspected, another test was about to fall upon the Crown Prince. Under normal circumstances, given the relationship between Li Fang and the Crown Prince, it would have been impossible for him to return to the Hall of State Affairs and wield great power—that would be detrimental to the balance of power.

Now, with the Crown Prince having presided over governance for many years, and with Li Fang—this virtuous, prestigious, and capable Grand Tutor—being transferred back, allowing the master and disciple to unite, would they not be able to dominate the governance of the Great Han?

On the other hand, Emperor Liu was also making a show of reclaiming power. These two words—power—held too great a temptation, and the struggle for imperial authority was even more cruel and perilous. In the past, Emperor Liu had been willing to delegate power, so naturally nothing was apparent and everything was stable. Now that Emperor Liu was reclaiming power, whether Liu Yang would willingly surrender his authority and take a step back was also difficult to determine.

And Emperor Liu wanted to see whether Liu Yang truly had this patience. Toward Liu Yang, Emperor Liu was largely satisfied. There were aspects of his character and thinking he did not fully endorse, but neither were they unacceptable.

Most of the time, Emperor Liu was confident that Liu Yang could well inherit the great Han Empire he had founded. But due to that suspicion sickness ingrained in his bones, he could not help but stir things up and test—and as for what the purpose was, sometimes even Emperor Liu himself felt bewildered.

Emperor Liu's pensive expression was, it must be said, somewhat frightening. With no one to keep him company, Wang Zhu stood alone below, growing even more uneasy. Just as he was at a loss, Emperor Liu finally turned his head, directing his attention to him, and asked slowly: "Regarding the court's personnel adjustments, what are your thoughts?"

Upon hearing the question, Wang Zhu was startled, confusion flashing in his eyes. He clasped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, your servant has no thoughts—I merely follow the edicts and act!"

"Fool!" Seeing and hearing this, Emperor Liu could not help but angrily rebuke: "Only a blockhead has no thoughts! I see that the higher your office grows, the more you regress as a person! You cannot even manage the Finance Bureau properly, still needing Shen Yilun to fill in the gaps. What use do I have for you? Is the Fiscal Commissioner of the Great Han just a decoration? Placed on display for people to laugh at?"

These words were quite severe. Wang Zhu's mind went blank, his legs went weak, and he knelt down to beg forgiveness: "Your Majesty, your servant is old and muddled, negligent in his duties, failing Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness and request punishment. I only hope Your Majesty takes care of the imperial body and does not let anger build over this old servant's folly!"

Hearing Wang Zhu's words, the anger on Emperor Liu's face subsided somewhat. Staring at him, he sighed: "Whether in the prefectures and counties or in the circuits and prefectures, didn't you always do quite well? Why is it that after returning to the capital, ascending the hall to become chancellor, you instead accomplish nothing and are utterly useless?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhu said blankly: "Your servant's talent is shallow and virtue thin. All the glory I have today is entirely due to Your Majesty's appreciation and promotion. Your servant's meager talent is unworthy of the grand hall. I have disappointed Your Majesty."

"You could manage the Jiangnan Circuit well, but you cannot manage a single Finance Bureau?" Emperor Liu demanded.

Wang Zhu was silent for a moment, his face still bearing that fearful, simple look. He clasped his hands and said: "When virtue does not match position, it harms the state and the people. Your servant is willing to step down and yield to the worthy!"

"Are state offices yours to yield as you please?" Hearing this, Emperor Liu grew even more furious, even slapping the imperial desk, his face full of anger at Wang Zhu's lack of ambition.

Wang Zhu knelt before the emperor, feeling his wrath, and could not help but tremble, burying his head deeply: "Your Majesty, calm your anger! Your old servant will obey Your Majesty's will!"

Going around and around, it came back to the same point. Seeing Wang Zhu in this "I've given up" manner, Emperor Liu's brows could not help but knit tightly. The last person who had given him this feeling was the Imperial Uncle Li Ye.

What puzzled Emperor Liu was that although Wang Zhu was not some earth-shaking great talent, he was a jinshi degree holder with outstanding knowledge and insight. Over the past thirty-odd years, when serving in the provinces, he had always been diligent and hardworking, accomplishing many practical things. He had even managed the newly pacified Jiangnan properly. It was precisely after returning to the capital to serve as Fiscal Commissioner that he had gradually changed.

At first it was still fine, but in the past two years, he had grown increasingly muddled, timid and hesitant, cowering and obsequious—already "evolving" toward occupying a post without doing anything. This change puzzled Emperor Liu greatly. Where exactly did the problem lie?

Looking at Wang Zhu at this moment, Emperor Liu truly had the impulse to issue an edict dismissing him as well, but he restrained himself with effort. If three chancellors were dismissed in a single day, the commotion would be too great—fools might even think a coup had occurred.

At present, having just returned to Luoyang, the court was full of trivial troubles from top to bottom. Song Qi's dismissal was already enough to cause considerable upheaval; there was no need to add fuel to the fire and create more trouble.

However, toward Wang Zhu, Emperor Liu uncharacteristically showed a bit more patience: "I only ask you this—can you do this Fiscal Commissioner job well or not?"

Upon hearing the question, Wang Zhu actually hesitated for a moment before reporting with a solemn face: "Your servant will do his utmost!"