Chapter 1778: Inside the Dongping Commandery Prince's Residence

Inside the Commandery Prince of Dongping's residence, in the rear garden, the cool breeze was like water, the plants and trees sparse and withered, falling leaves scattered about—the whole scene was one of bleak, chilly autumn.

Along the quiet, secluded corridor, two figures strolled slowly forward. One of them leaned on a walking stick, his pace extremely slow, the tapping of the stick's tip against the floor tiles clearly audible. He was none other than Zhao Kuangzan, the Commandery Prince of Dongping.

Like many old ministers of the Qianyou era, Zhao Kuangzan had gradually faded over the years, resigning most of his titles, no longer concerning himself with court affairs, and retiring to nurture his health within his residence. There was the factor of Emperor Liu, and also the factor of his health, but in the final analysis, it was still Emperor Liu.

Since the Qianyou northern expedition, when Zhao Kuangzan had returned to court with the imperial entourage, he had continuously enjoyed the highest honors. Perhaps because his past relationship with the court had been too close, unlike the separatist regimes elsewhere, Zhao Kuangzan had received very little suspicion or restraint. After all, the former Youyan, though possessing a certain degree of independence, had always been under the court's governance.

And Emperor Liu had always upheld his original promise to share weal and woe with Zhao Kuangzan's family—not only in generous treatment in rank and salary, but even allowing him to participate in court affairs and granting him real power. What's more, he even had Zhao Wang, Liu Fang, marry Zhao Kuangzan's daughter. The closeness and favor shown were the envy of many, and even more so, a source of astonishment.

However, with advancing age and declining health, Zhao Kuangzan's presence at court had steadily diminished. By now, aside from the title of Commandery Prince of Dongping that was occasionally remembered, he had essentially faded from people's view.

"Chubao, this doesn't seem like your style!" The aged voice dragged out a long tone, carrying a hint of puzzlement. Zhao Kuangzan walked while looking at Song Qi following beside him.

"The court and the public alike know that the Palace City Office and the Wude Office are His Majesty's fangs and claws, extending His Majesty's eyes and ears far and wide. Countless people gnash their teeth at the investigating officials of these two offices, wishing nothing more than to eliminate them, but none have ever succeeded. Why? Because they have His Majesty's protection!

Fan Zhi and Wang Qiwu have greater prestige than you and closer relations with His Majesty. When they remonstrated against the two offices, they too received His Majesty's reprimands and demotions. Why must you go and touch His Majesty's reverse scale, and during the national mourning period at that...

What I fail to understand is, what exactly is your intention? Now you've lost the chancellorship. If His Majesty takes this as grounds for suspicion and adds further punishment, you may even be in danger of your life. You have always been shrewd and wise—why so reckless this time?" Zhao Kuangzan sighed, his tone full of concern.

Hearing this, Song Qi remained quite composed, even revealing a slight smile: "Though I've lost the chancellorship, I've gained this leisure to visit Your Highness's residence. On ordinary days, would I have such an opportunity?"

Zhao Kuangzan's brows immediately furrowed. He stopped in his tracks and stared at Song Qi: "Are you deliberately seeking to retire?"

To this question, Song Qi was silent for a moment, then said softly: "In the court today, those eagerly pursuing power and profit are beyond counting, but those harboring thoughts of retreat are surely not limited to this old man alone. Even Your Highness—is it not the same?"

Hearing Song Qi say this, Zhao Kuangzan shook his head and said: "You and I are different! You are a capable official, a competent minister, the talent the court needs. His Majesty has always relied upon and valued you.

You should know, since the Qianyou and Kaibao eras began, among all the chancellors of the Great Han, you, Song Chubao, had the shallowest foundation. Even Zhao Pu, though he came from a military province's staff, had spent several years by His Majesty's side.

From Youzhou to Shanyang, and then to the Hall of State Affairs as chancellor—how difficult was that journey..."

Hearing this, Song Qi finally let out a sigh: "I am old after all. The court is full of talent, and rising stars emerge in endless succession—men like Zhang Qixian, Lü Mengzheng, Li Hang, Zhang Yong—all are capable statesmen who can bear great responsibility. They have no need for this decrepit old man..."

"Those words of yours are somewhat insincere!" Zhao Kuangzan raised a finger and pointed, saying.

Song Qi turned around, stood with his hands behind his back, and gazed at the autumn scenery of the residence's rear garden. After a long while, he finally sighed: "Speaking frankly with Your Highness is no harm. I remonstrated regarding the Palace City Office's affairs—first, because I genuinely believe that the power of such hawk-and-hound institutions needs to be curbed, lest they become a scourge and disrupt the court's order.

His Majesty actually has his own precautions against this. In earlier years, he placed many restraints on the Wude Office, strictly controlling its authority. But in recent years, he has grown increasingly permissive. The power of the two offices has run rampant, already encroaching upon the authority and duties of the court's judicial officials. If this continues, it will surely be detrimental to the stability of the court and the peace of the people's hearts.

Second, as Your Highness said, I do indeed harbor intentions of retirement! I have served His Majesty loyally for over thirty years. Though I have achieved no great merits, my conscience is clear. Now is the time for me to enjoy my remaining years in peace.

His Majesty is a peerless heroic sovereign. But all heroic sovereigns—with their great achievements come great harms! To speak disrespectfully, His Majesty today can no longer be viewed as that wise, mighty, broad-minded founding ruler of the past!

With the Empress gone, the realm has lost a worthy empress, and His Majesty has lost a restraint. In the past, toward old ministers, His Majesty often treated them with dismissal and retirement. In the future, that may not be the case."

After Song Qi finished, Zhao Kuangzan thought for a moment, then sighed: "So you harbor such thoughts. Then continuing as chancellor would indeed be dangerous! But even if you wish to retire, why choose such a dangerous method?"

Song Qi shook his head, somewhat wistfully: "This can also be seen as a test—and the result was exactly as expected!

Moreover, Your Highness should know of the matter of the former Commissioner of the Wude Office, Commandery Duke Li. He tried to retire several times but was never permitted. His Majesty's temperament is now biased and violent, his moods unpredictable. He can discard others, but finds it hard to tolerate being discarded by them. I have no illness or misfortune—if I rashly requested resignation, I fear not only would His Majesty refuse, but it would instead invite his suspicion.

I even dare not use illness as a pretext..."

After hearing Song Qi's words, Zhao Kuangzan was stunned for a moment, a bitter smile appearing on his aged face: "I have been away from the court for so long, yet I did not know His Majesty has become so fearsome!"

"His Majesty is a heroic sovereign! And what heroic sovereign is not suspicious? The more so in his later years..."

"If that is so, then perhaps it's just as well not to be chancellor?" Zhao Kuangzan said, and as he spoke, he couldn't help but cough violently several times.

Seeing this, Song Qi hurriedly supported Zhao Kuangzan, reaching out to pat his back to help him catch his breath, while urging: "Your Highness must take care of your health!"

"It's nothing. When people age, ailments multiply. In my early years of dissipation, I left behind some roots of illness. Now, I'm merely paying off that debt!" Zhao Kuangzan coughed a few more times and waved his hand.

Speaking of age, Zhao Kuangzan was only just past sixty, several years younger than Song Qi. Yet his appearance of decrepitude completely surpassed Song Qi's—half a head of silver hair, a face full of wrinkles, and a gaunt, thin frame that always gave one a feeling of fragility, as if a gust of wind could topple him.

"Today's talk with Chubao has stirred many feelings in me. Come with me—there is something I wish to show you, and I'd also like your opinion!" Zhao Kuangzan gestured to Song Qi.

"Your Highness, please lead the way!"

The two entered the study and took their seats. Zhao Kuangzan rummaged through the documents on his desk, retrieved a memorial, and handed it to Song Qi: "Take a look!"

Song Qi took it with slight curiosity. After briefly perusing it, a hint of gravity quickly appeared between his brows.