Chapter 1831: Zhao Pu Heads North

In May, the Huai-Yang Canal stretched out with misty waves and surging waters—a hundred li of scenery, infinitely beautiful. As the canal linking the Huai River and the Yangtze, it was also the most important waterway between north and south, and had always been prosperous.

Especially with the consolidation of the regime and the stability of society, its economic value grew increasingly prominent. In the great environment of the Great Han's booming commodity economy and ever-flourishing north-south trade, the canal had become a golden waterway—no other river section in the realm could compare.

North-south trade exchanges, population movement, and southeastern tax revenues bound for the capital all had to pass through the Huai-Yang Canal. And May was the canal's busiest season—goods shipments, passenger transport, official boats and grain convoys, all coming and going in an endless stream.

Amidst the race of a thousand sails, a towered ship cut through the waves. It was a three-story passenger vessel, its hull bearing some mottled traces of age, but its decorations were luxurious. This passenger ship had some pedigree—the owner behind the fleet was none other than the former Prince of Dongping's household, now the Duke of Lu's estate.

The Zhao family's business operations had always been thriving. Besides their wine houses, shipping was their pillar industry—whether overseas trade or inland river transport, the scale was immense.

Before Zhao Kuangzan's death, he had split up the Zhao family's assets and left them to his descendants, with even his daughters receiving a share. And the portion belonging to Princess Zhao, Zhao Yuan, was nearly comparable to that of several sons combined. This was clearly an attempt to curry favor with Prince Liu Fang, for after Zhao Kuangzan's death, the only one who could shelter the Zhao family was Liu Fang.

Of course, as one of the families of the Twenty-Four Meritorious Officials and among the Great Han's top-ranking nobility, the Zhao family rarely needed outside protection. Under normal circumstances, as long as they didn't cause trouble, they would remain safe and sound.

In the official discipline rectification campaign that began last year, the Zhao family had inevitably felt some impact. As one might imagine, within the Zhao family's commercial empire, it was impossible for everything to strictly comply with regulations. But no matter how great the storm, it was difficult to shake the entire Zhao family—at the very least, their ships still ran tirelessly across rivers, lakes, and seas.

On the deck, a leisurely atmosphere prevailed. Numerous passengers leaned against the railings, fully enjoying the canal scenery, chatting endlessly, and occasionally pointing at the surroundings.

In a VIP cabin on the third floor, the windows were thrown wide open. The sunlight, releasing its warmth, fell upon Zhao Pu by the window, revealing his aged but serene face.

Gazing at the splendid canal scene outside the window, Zhao Pu couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. When he had been dismissed as chancellor and headed south, he had passed this way before. Now, heading north once more along the same route, his mood was vastly different.

Under the blazing sun, the waters stretched vast and boundless, the sunlight reflected off the river surface dazzling to the eye. Of course, what moved the heart most was the thriving scene on the river and its banks. This kind of prosperity owed at least some credit to him, Zhao Pu—in the flourishing age of Kaibao, he had rendered great service.

In the two years since his dismissal, Zhao Pu had remained in Jiangnan. To avoid drawing attention, he hadn't stayed in Jiangning Prefecture, the circuit seat, nor in the wealthy Suzhou, but had instead chosen Jiangyin County on the southern bank of the Yangtze. The area was densely populated, economically developed, and scenic—suitable for spending one's remaining years in comfort. Surrounding it were the prosperous prefectures of Su, Chang, and Run, and it wasn't far from Jiangning either, making it convenient to receive political news of interest...

A political powerhouse like Zhao Pu could never truly go silent even after retirement. Though dwelling in the rivers and lakes, he was always mindful of the court. Over these two years, on the surface he was in retirement, carefree as a drifting cloud or wild crane, but Zhao Pu would frequently go to the Yangtze's banks—sometimes strolling, sometimes boating, sometimes fishing—yet from time to time he would gaze north toward the capital. He rarely voiced any opinions, lest he give others ammunition, but his northward gaze already said everything.

During these two years of retirement, Zhao Pu naturally kept constant watch over what happened at court. As a former Chief Chancellor, nothing major or minor in the court could be hidden from him, as long as he wished to know.

And as various tidings reached Jiangnan, Zhao Pu's feelings couldn't help but grow complicated. Whether it was the suppression of the Yulin rebellion, the Anxi War, or the official discipline rectification that continued with reduced intensity, all of it stirred much reflection in Zhao Pu.

Even without him, Zhao Pu, the Great Han continued to advance along its established track—his role seemed not so important after all. But at the same time, Zhao Pu couldn't help but speculate: had he still been in the chancellorship, though some storms would have been unavoidable, the chaos would definitely have been less, and the court's control would have been stronger. This was where Zhao Pu's confidence lay.

As for Song Qi, Li Fang, Zhao Kuangyi, and the others—Song Qi was short-sighted, Li Fang pedantic, and Zhao Kuangyi, though brilliantly capable, was deep and calculating with too much personal ambition... While out of office, Zhao Pu had essentially looked down upon all the chancellors sitting high at court.

However, the situation was now different. Just as Zhao Pu thought he would grow old and die in Jiangyin, waiting for his descendants to carry his coffin back to Ji, an edict arrived abruptly—a summons from Emperor Liu, calling him back to Luoyang.

The content was very simple, but it was enough to spark infinite speculation. And Zhao Pu's heart instantly blazed with warmth, like a withered tree meeting spring—filled with hope, brimming with enthusiasm.

Without much hesitation, not even putting on airs, Zhao Pu ordered his family to pack their bags, left his Xunyang Marquis estate, and swiftly embarked on the journey north. First taking the route through Runzhou, then transferring to water to cross the river, and following the canal northward—after two or three days, the farther he got from Jiangyin, the more complicated his already-calmed mood became.

The content of the edict from Luoyang was very simple, but the simpler it was, the more it revealed something out of the ordinary. Of course, with Zhao Pu's deep scheming, he couldn't have failed to notice, and he had some guesses in his mind, yet he still showed not a trace of hesitation—he went forward without turning back.

Zhao Pu was already sixty-five this year. Though old in years, his spirit remained. If no opportunity had come, so be it—but now that one had appeared, he would not hesitate in the slightest, even knowing in his heart that what awaited him in Luoyang was probably a troublesome matter.

His aged eyes, slightly hazy, gazed at the canal scenery. Zhao Pu suddenly thought of Wang Pu. The canal this passenger ship sailed upon had been repaired several times, but the most extensive work had been done back when Wang Pu governed Huainan.

At that time, besides pacifying the people of Huainan and developing production, Wang Pu had devoted most of his attention to flood control and irrigation works. Besides the Hongze project and the Guishan Canal, the restoration of the Hangou was also a major highlight of his achievements—to this day, the people of Huainan still benefited from it.

Zhao Pu rather admired Wang Pu. His personal style as an official and minister was strong, carried to its utmost, and he had enjoyed deep trust from Emperor Liu. However, Zhao Pu still prided himself on surpassing Wang Pu. After all, Wang Pu had merely left his name on one canal, while he, Zhao Pu, had left his name across the realm—serving as chancellor for twenty years. In the founding years of any dynasty, how many could accomplish that?

And at critical moments, when great difficulties arose, Emperor Liu still thought of him, Zhao Pu. The only regret was that he had been born ten years too late and had entered officialdom late as well—otherwise, among the Twenty-Four Meritorious Officials, there would surely have been a place for him, Zhao Pu, rather than merely being a Xunyang Marquis as he was now.

Back then, Emperor Liu had originally intended to enfeoff him as a Duke, but considering the changing times, and harboring some intention to keep him in check, combined with Zhao Pu's own active refusal, he had instead been granted a first-rank Marquis.

"If I were to die, His Majesty should posthumously grant me a Duke's title..." Lost in thought, such a notion suddenly flashed through Zhao Pu's mind. At this thought, Zhao Pu couldn't help but smile, feeling he was being a bit too attached to appearances.

Since the Kaibao era began, those who could earn a noble title purely through civil governance achievements were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns—few and far between. And he, Zhao Pu, was unquestionably the first among them. Different times, different treatment, but his historical status was already set in stone. Of course, it would be even better if he could go one step further.

"Someone!" Sighing, Zhao Pu called out.

A serving servant immediately entered to receive orders. Zhao Pu asked, "When will we reach Shanyang?"

"About half a day's journey—we should arrive by evening!" the servant replied.

"We'll disembark at Shanyang and rest for the night!" Hearing this, Zhao Pu nodded and gave the order.

"Yes!"

Even in his eagerness to return, he had to stop at Shanyang. After all, his eldest son Zhao Chengzong was currently the Prefectural Administrator of Chuzhou—an arrangement made before his dismissal as chancellor.

Though it wasn't too far from Jiangyin, and they regularly exchanged letters, since he was passing through, he ought to meet, pay a visit, ask how things were going, and also see his daughter-in-law and grandchildren.