Chapter 1815: Prince Yong Does Not Play the Leading Role

Due to the fatigue and hardship of the long voyage, the banquet at the East Sea Pavilion did not last long. In less than half an hour, after briefly expressing their gratitude, Liu Chenghsun and his party took their leave.

Of course, the officials and celebrities attending the banquet felt no dissatisfaction—on the contrary, they understood completely. After all, for most people, being able to participate in such a gathering and share a table with several members of the imperial clan was already a blessing in itself. How could one dare to expect more? Even if one wished to curry favor, one had to consider whether one was even qualified.

As for the princes and dukes like Liu Chenghsun, truly effective communication and exchange happened in private. After spending some time settling in, they slept a full afternoon right there at the East Sea Pavilion, and only by evening did they recover some of their energy.

Autumn had deepened, the weather had turned cold, and in this coastal region it was even more biting. Wearing a fur robe, Liu Chenghsun stood atop the pavilion, gazing at the scene within Jiaozhou Harbor. Under the twilight, dense lights dotted the harbor, brilliant and colorful, harmonious and tranquil.

Seeing this scene, Liu Chenghsun's mood could not help but gain a measure of peace. The homeland truly was more beautiful—familiar figures and sights, familiar buildings and towers, and those bright myriad household lights filled one with warmth and intimacy.

No matter how special the position of Liangping Island, no matter how impressive its atmosphere, it ultimately felt small and cramped. Only a port on the Great Han's own soil could possess the majesty of a great power. Of course, comparing Liangping Island to Jiaozhou Harbor was indeed somewhat unfair to the former, especially in this day and age.

"Go see how Liu Yun, Wen Hai, and the Duke of Zhiyuan are resting. If they have rested well, call them to dine with me!" After gazing for a long while, Liu Chenghsun instructed the attendant waiting outside the curtain. "Also, bring Liu Hui and the Duke of Xing as well."

This voyage overseas had lasted more than two years, and now that he had returned, it truly felt like a lifetime had passed. Two-plus years was no short time. Of course, what Liu Chenghsun cared more about was what had happened during that period. While in the South Seas, news had been scarce, so not knowing was understandable. But since he was back now, he naturally needed to make preparations in advance, so as not to be caught off guard when he returned to the capital to face the Emperor.

Incense brought back from the South Seas burned in the small chamber, its rich fragrance wafting into the nostrils and refreshing the spirit. Amid the warm, elegant aroma, the assembled princes and nobles conversed harmoniously, the atmosphere extremely congenial.

Liu Chenghsun briefly recounted the journey to the South Seas and his experiences abroad. Of course, much of what he said had long since been heard by Shi Dechong and Liu Hui, but they still listened with great relish as Liu Chenghsun spoke.

The focus, however, was on Liu Hui's and Shi Dechong's accounts—from the aftermath of the Western Expedition, to the full story of the Yulin Rebellion, to the passing of Empress Fu...

As the account deepened, the expressions of those listening gradually turned serious, no longer relaxed. When the death of Empress Fu was mentioned, Liu Chenghsun could not help but interrupt, sighing with some sadness: "Heaven grants no extra years! My sister-in-law's passing is truly lamentable!"

There was no doubt that Liu Chenghsun had always held Empress Fu in high regard. And everyone present was either an imperial prince or a high minister, all of whom had enjoyed the Empress's kindness. And so, the atmosphere of the conversation could not help but take on a measure of solemnity and sorrow.

Shi Dechong bowed remotely in the direction of Luoyang and also sighed with emotion: "The Filial and Virtuous Empress, gentle and kind, virtuous and pure, of noble character, deeply understanding of righteousness, always showed us officials the utmost care. Her Ladyship's passing makes all under heaven sigh in regret."

"The Emperor and my sister-in-law shared deep conjugal affection. With her gone, one can imagine what a blow it must be to His Majesty—how can he bear it! How is His Majesty now? Is he still in good health?" Liu Chenghsun calmed his emotions and asked in a somewhat serious tone, his gaze fixed on Liu Hui.

This question made both Liu Hui and Shi Dechong show strange expressions. This question seemed to strike at the crux of the matter. In fact, many people could clearly sense the change in Emperor Liu after Empress Fu's passing, and the anti-corruption and evil-eradication campaign currently sweeping the country was the most concrete manifestation of that change. Too direct, too rigid, too ruthless, and too unforgiving.

"His Majesty's health is not greatly impaired, but he is daily growing older, and his mood is poor!" Liu Hui weighed his words and answered thus.

"It seems quite a lot has happened in the country!" Liu Chenghsun said.

Upon hearing this, Liu Hui and Shi Dechong then cooperatively explained the situation of the anti-corruption campaign and the current state of affairs at court to Liu Chenghsun and the others.

When discussing how "officials could not live in peace" inside and outside the capital and throughout the country during this period, Liu Hui and Shi Dechong maintained their composure, but their emotion was especially evident. The listeners also unconsciously grew solemn—though they had not experienced it personally, they could feel the terrifying atmosphere and the immense pressure from the description alone.

Liu Chenghsun was silent for a while, then thought seriously for a good long moment. He sighed softly and looked at Shi Dechong: "Duke of Xing, these days in your Henan Circuit, things haven't been easy either, have they!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Dechong smiled bitterly: "To be frank with Your Highness, three-tenths of the officials in the Henan Circuit have already been replaced. Half of the Prefectural Administrators and Prefects in the various prefectures have been changed, and half of those were executed. As for the common people, the blow has been especially severe. Across the entire Henan Circuit, over ten thousand people have been arrested, and casualties from various disturbances also exceed ten thousand."

"Yet even so, the special envoys sent by His Majesty to investigate cases, along with those lackeys of the Imperial City and the Wude Office, still refuse to stop. They continue to gather evidence, arrest people, conduct interrogations, and pass sentences."

Hearing this description, even Liu Chenghsun could not help but draw a deep breath of the late autumn chill. After pondering for a moment, he furrowed his brows and asked doubtfully: "From what I observe of the scene in Jiaozhou Harbor, it seems fairly harmonious and stable. The merchants and common folk appear relaxed. The situation is not as dire as you describe."

Shi Dechong shook his head and said: "This is already the result of this humble official and my colleagues in the circuit office straining every effort to maintain. Moreover, Mizhou itself recently underwent a thorough investigation and punishment campaign—from top to bottom, it was nearly swept clean. A major disturbance broke out, and several thousand people died."

"This humble official exhausted every means to restore things to normal, but in terms of atmosphere, it is still considerably worse than before. As for the situation in the other prefectures and counties, forgive this humble official for speaking bluntly—it is not optimistic!"

"Does His Majesty know of these situations? If the situation is truly as grave as you describe, even affecting governance, public order, and the people's livelihood, why have you not remonstrated with His Majesty?" Liu Chenghsun asked.

"His Majesty's divine eyes are like lightning—he surely sees the situation under heaven as clearly as fire. But without witnessing it personally, reading only memorials, it always lacks persuasiveness. Moreover, it is not as though no one has submitted memorials to remonstrate, but His Majesty's will is resolute," Shi Dechong replied.

The words were not finished, but the meaning was expressed clearly. Liu Chenghsun understood in his heart. If one were to name those who knew Emperor Liu best in all the world, Liu Chenghsun was certainly one of them—after all, they had been brothers for decades. And Liu Chenghsun was a prince who had lived for decades under Emperor Liu's shadow yet still enjoyed honor and prominence.

Having reached this point in the conversation, noticing the extremely deferential Shi Dechong, Liu Chenghsun also began to catch on. He picked up his wine cup and took a sip, then said softly: "Duke of Xing has said so much tonight, subtly complaining to me—there must be a purpose behind it!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Dechong's expression remained composed. After a moment's deliberation, he rose and bowed respectfully: "This humble official has an impertinent request. For the peace of all officials and people in the Henan Circuit, this humble official has drafted a memorial and hopes that Your Highness, upon returning to the capital, might present it to His Majesty on my behalf!"

However, no sooner had he expressed this intention than Liu Chenghsun refused very straightforwardly—decisively, with almost no hesitation whatsoever.

"Duke of Xing, if it were any other matter, I would have no reason to refuse. Only this matter—I am powerless to help! I can understand your thoughts and concerns, but this memorial, you should present it yourself!" Liu Chenghsun's refusal was even somewhat blunt, with no trace of courtesy or embarrassment.

Seeing this, Shi Dechong was startled and hurriedly said: "Your Highness!"

"Duke of Xing need not say more!" Liu Chenghsun directly cut him off, meeting his gaze frankly: "I have just returned and do not understand the domestic situation well enough, so I cannot casually comment. If you have something to say, you may state it fully to His Majesty. The only advice I can give the Duke of Xing is this: govern well, ensure the stability of Henan's officials and people. If you accomplish that, why need you worry about so much?"

But one has to be able to do it! Shi Dechong lamented inwardly. Yet seeing Liu Chenghsun's resolute attitude, he could not press the matter. This evening meeting ultimately ended in a somewhat awkward atmosphere.

Liu Chenghsun had always enjoyed the reputation of a "Worthy Prince," but under the shadow of an emperor like Emperor Liu, being a Worthy Prince was no easy task—at the very least, one needed sufficient political acumen. As for Shi Dechong's request, Liu Chenghsun had made his judgment almost without thinking: this was muddy water he could not wade into.

At the same time, some anxiety could not help but arise in his heart. Regarding Shi Dechong's words, Liu Chenghsun would neither fully believe nor completely disbelieve. The situation in Henan, or even in all the circuits and prefectures across the country, could certainly not be optimistic.

And Shi Dechong was an extremely shrewd old minister. For even him to risk violating taboos and come begging at his doorstep—if there were truly no other way, he probably would not have resorted to such a desperate measure.

Liu Chenghsun had a premonition that with such an atmosphere at court, this return to the capital would likely not be easy. Before returning home, he had thought of nothing else, wishing he could sprout wings and fly back. Now that he had just set foot on native soil, he felt that perhaps it would have been better to delay a while longer and ride out this storm.

However, things had already reached this point—news had probably already been sent by fast horse to the capital. Having stayed only one night at Jiaozhou Harbor, the next day Liu Chenghsun and his party set out on the road back to the capital.