Chapter 1840: Empty Palace, Zhao Pu Demands Power

Leaving through the palace gate of Chongde Hall, Wang Yue lowered his voice and reported to Liu Yang: "Your Highness, news has also come from the palace that His Majesty has just issued an edict, sending Bureau Director Zheng Jingru of the Ministry of Rites to prison!"

Hearing this, Liu Yang glanced at Wang Yue, who instinctively bowed and followed with hushed steps. As Crown Prince, Liu Yang had too many affairs of state and personnel to worry about on a daily basis; although the Bureau Director of the Ministry of Rites was not a low rank, it was still not something that warranted Wang Yue's special report.

"Why?" Liu Yang asked.

Wang Yue answered carefully: "It is said that Zheng Jingru submitted a memorial to His Majesty, saying that the central palace has been vacant for too long, which is detrimental to the state, and hoping that His Majesty would soon decide on the position of Empress, to reassure the hearts of the officials and people of the realm..."

After hearing Wang Yue explain the reason, Liu Yang's pace could not help but slow somewhat, and his hand beneath his sleeve unconsciously clenched into a fist as he said calmly: "What he said does make quite a bit of sense!"

Hearing this, Wang Yue became even more cautious: "His Majesty reacted with fury, declaring outright that this man harbored treacherous intentions, and ordered guards to throw him in prison pending trial!"

In the current court of the Great Han, if there was any taboo subject, the position of Empress was absolutely foremost among them. Since Empress Fu's passing, Emperor Liu had issued an edict sealing the Kunming Hall in both capitals, and regarding the matter of establishing a new Empress, he had shown not the slightest hint of intention.

Of course, it was not as if no one had brought it up. Before Song Qi was dismissed as chancellor, he had made a roundabout remonstrance, only to be sternly rebuked by Emperor Liu. After that, no one dared to mention it again.

The powerful figures inside and outside the court all understood Emperor Liu's feelings for Empress Fu, and even if they had thoughts on the matter, they dared not discuss it. Thus, the state of the central palace being without a mistress had persisted for nearly two years now.

But who would have thought that suddenly another "brave soul" would stick his head out, revisiting old matters, even speaking frankly in memorial, and Emperor Liu's reaction remained just as fierce.

And as Empress Fu's son, Liu Yang's stance on this matter was naturally resolute—other than his mother, no woman in the world was qualified to be the mother of the nation.

Therefore, when he heard that someone had again memorialized Emperor Liu, requesting the establishment of a central palace, his inner anger was easy to imagine. After pondering for a moment, Liu Yang asked: "Go investigate—what background does this Zheng Jingru have?"

At the question, Wang Yue directly reported: "Your Highness, Zheng Jingru was the twenty-third ranked jinshi in the tenth year of Kaibao. He previously served in Hedong and Shanyang, and was once a staff official in the Prince of Jin's mansion..."

Hearing this, Liu Yang's brow immediately furrowed. He turned his head to look at Wang Yue, his face showing hesitation, his gaze filled with scrutiny—as if surprised at his efficiency, and as if contemplating the story behind this matter.

"Third brother?" Liu Yang murmured softly: "That shouldn't be..."

"Your Highness, this matter warrants vigilance!" Wang Yue said with clasped hands.

Hearing this, Liu Yang immediately rebuked in a cold voice: "What do you mean by that? Is this something you should say?"

"This servant spoke too much! Please forgive me, Your Highness!" Wang Yue's face showed panic as he hastily bent at the waist and said nervously.

"Go first to welcome Duke Zhao!" Slowly withdrawing his gaze and returning to calm, Liu Yang waved his hand.

At present, the Prince of Jin Liu Xi and the Prince of Zhao Liu Fang were both in the capital. The former, for the rectification of official governance, had also been entrusted with assignments to inspect various regions—one overseeing governance, one overseeing the military—and had only returned at the start of the year.

Among the imperial princes and grandsons in the capital, apart from Liu Yang, these two were clearly the most honored. And if Emperor Liu truly intended to establish an Empress, given the current situation of the harem, only three women were qualified: Noble Consort Gao, Worthy Consort Zhe, and Consort Fu of Virtue.

However, although the younger Lady Fu bore the surname Fu, she still could not compete with the former two. In the past, Liu Yang's status came from his mother; in the establishment of a new Empress, it would be the mother who gained status from her son.

At any time, the establishment of an Empress was by no means a purely domestic matter of the imperial family—its influence touched every aspect of the court, both inside and outside, and in severe cases, could shake the very foundations of the state.

And for the current Great Han Empire, when the Crown Prince was in the prime of his years, establishing a new Empress, no matter how one looked at it, would be a tremendous impact on the Crown Prince's position—especially when the two consorts with the greatest hope both had outstanding imperial sons.

Liu Yang could actually understand Emperor Liu's reasoning for not establishing an Empress. Aside from being swayed by his deep feelings for Empress Fu, protecting the Crown Prince and maintaining his position was also one of his considerations. This time, with Zheng Jingru thrown in prison, Emperor Liu's reaction proved that his thinking remained as before, unchanged.

However, Liu Yang himself could not take Emperor Liu's protective affection for granted. No matter how deep the feelings, with the passage of time, they inevitably faded. Emperor Liu had persisted for two years—could he persist for five years, for ten? And Liu Yang had experienced quite deeply how changeable Emperor Liu's mind could be.

Therefore, even if Wang Yue had not spoken, regarding the incident of Zheng Jingru's memorial, he had already raised his vigilance internally, summoning full twelve-tenths of his attention. However, he had his doubts about this matter. Although it appeared that Zheng Jingru had connections to the Prince of Jin Liu Xi, Liu Yang could not help but suspect—based on his understanding of Liu Xi—that he would never do something so obviously foolish.

Was Zheng Jingru simply ignorant and acting on his own initiative, or was someone behind the scenes orchestrating this? With Liu Xi's shrewdness, even if he harbored such thoughts, he would not make such a shallow decision, merely inviting suspicion. If it were Noble Consort Gao... that was somewhat possible! Or was there some other trap lying in wait behind this?

Carrying all sorts of speculations, Liu Yang joined up with the Prince of Jin Liu Xi, who had also received the summons, and his gaze toward him carried a bit more scrutiny. And Liu Xi, upon hearing of Zheng Jingru's affair, likewise furrowed his brow deeply, and facing Liu Yang's unusual look, his own heart also grew more vigilant.

Then, calling together the heads of the various central ministries and important officials, the group proceeded with great fanfare and in grand procession to the Dingding Gate in the southern city, to welcome Zhao Pu.

Such an honor—few in the entire court could bear its weight. When the carriage stopped, Zhao Pu waved aside the servants' assistance, stepped down, and set foot firmly on the soil of the capital. Gazing into the distance at the towering, majestic walls of Luoyang, at the Qianyuan Great Hall within the Ziwei Palace that pierced the clouds, still inspiring awe, Zhao Pu felt his heart surge with emotion: Great Han, your old chancellor has returned!

The greetings and pleasantries need not be described in detail. Together with the Crown Prince and the Prince of Jin, he entered the palace for an audience with His Majesty. Emperor Liu received Zhao Pu at Chuigong Hall, dismissing all other ministers, keeping only the Crown Prince and the Prince of Jin Liu Xi as attendants.

This old fellow—he's kept himself in good shape! That was the first thought that surfaced in Emperor Liu's mind upon seeing Zhao Pu again. Zhao Pu was nearly ten years older than Emperor Liu, yet he looked vigorous and spirited, with white hair and a youthful complexion. Though his hair was silver, those old eyes remained bright and piercing, without the cloudiness typical of old age.

"It seems the waterways of Jiangnan truly nourish a man!" Emperor Liu took Zhao Pu's hand, gave him a good once-over, and said in a drawn, aged tone with emotion: "Two years apart, and your bearing remains unchanged!"

"Jiangyin is a land of fish and rice, with beautiful scenery and harmonious people—truly a precious place for retirement!" Zhao Pu smiled and said very naturally.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu raised a finger and wagged it twice, laughing: "I am somewhat tempted to go tour Jiangnan myself! During the southern inspection tour back then, I stopped at Jiangning, and when the Empress Dowager passed away, I had to turn back. Now, nearly twenty years have passed. Time flies so quickly—truly lamentable..."

After brief pleasantries, the sovereign and his minister took their seats, and palace maids served tea. Looking at Zhao Pu, who sat upright with his back still straight, Emperor Liu felt another wave of emotion, involuntarily recalling the scenes of Zhao Pu reporting on affairs to him in the past.

Taking a small sip of tea, setting down the cup, and looking at Zhao Pu, Emperor Liu asked leisurely: "In the past, when you served as chancellor in court, you and I were often of one mind. I wonder, after two years of seclusion in the rivers and lakes, has the tacit understanding between us diminished? Do you know the purpose for which I have summoned you back to the capital this time?"

At the question, Zhao Pu's expression remained unchanged. After a brief pause for thought, he clasped his hands and bowed, saying: "This old minister ventures to guess—it is about the tax system reform, is it not?"

In just that fleeting moment, Emperor Liu felt that Zhao Pu, upon returning to the capital this time, carried a hint more of calm detachment in his bearing, his mindset placed very peacefully. Compared to his cautious and measured demeanor when dealing with the Emperor in court in the past, the change was subtle, yet Emperor Liu still perceived it.

A slight smile curling at the corners of his mouth, Emperor Liu said: "Zhao Zeping, still Zhao Zeping—hearing the strings, you know the melody! Since that is so, I shall not be long-winded, but speak plainly and directly.

I intend to implement tax reform, and I know well the difficulties within it. But only upon truly beginning did I discover the trivialities and troubles involved. This matter concerns the officials and people of the realm, and is bound up with the very foundations of the state.

An old ailment treated with new medicine—whether it can be cured, I do not know; whether new illnesses will arise, I also do not know. But I have resolved to make the change. This heavy responsibility is not one an ordinary person can bear. You have taken good care of your health in Jiangyin—I only wonder, are you willing to return to the Hall of State Affairs and help me treat this ailment of the realm!"

Hearing Emperor Liu ask this, Zhao Pu slowly rose, his expression grave, but without the slightest hesitation, he said: "Should Your Majesty command, this minister will never refuse!"

"Excellent!" Seeing Zhao Pu so decisive, Emperor Liu could not help but slap his thigh: "You are truly a pillar of the state, serving the nation in your old age without complaint—I am most gratified!"

With that, Emperor Liu gave the order: "Transmit the edict—appoint the Marquis of Xunyang, Zhao Pu, as Director of State Affairs, additionally as Grand Academician of the Inner Cabinet, to take full charge of the affairs of the Hall of State Affairs!"

"Hold on!" Zhao Pu spoke up at this moment, interrupting Emperor Liu's enthusiastic conferral of office.

Emperor Liu was not angered, and asked with a smile: "Does Minister Zhao have some concern? Or some request?"

Zhao Pu bowed deeply and said composedly: "Your Majesty, since ancient times, reform has always encountered obstacles from all directions. To break through these obstacles, the executor must possess sufficient authority. Otherwise, orders cannot be carried out, prohibitions cannot be enforced, and no matter how good the policy, it will be difficult to achieve good results—the reform will ultimately become mere formality..."

Emperor Liu naturally understood Zhao Pu's meaning. Although somewhat surprised at such a direct demand for power, Emperor Liu actually felt more reassured in his heart. After a moment's thought, he said with a light laugh: "What Minister Zhao says is reasonable! Since ancient times, reforms have succeeded and failed, but besides facing obstruction and counterattack from various interest groups, the more critical factor lies in the weakness of will and self-contradiction of those in power!

I shall say this here today: the tax reform, I will support with all my might. You may act boldly. All personnel matters involved, you may handle entirely as you see fit—I will raise no objection!"

"Your servant accepts the command!" Seeing Emperor Liu's declaration, Zhao Pu bowed once more and said firmly.

"I have also found you an assistant!" Emperor Liu then pointed to Liu Xi, who was seated to the side: "The Prince of Jin, Liu Xi, will hold the concurrent post of Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, assisting the Director of State Affairs in comprehensively advancing the tax reform!"

At this command, Liu Xi was surprised, Liu Yang furrowed his brow, and Zhao Pu, for once, had a change of expression. His gaze swept across the three men—father and sons—before quickly returning to composure.

For Zhao Pu, he no longer needed to have any concerns about the matter of the heir apparent. His age had already arrived; his political career existed only in the era of Emperor Liu. Regardless of whether the Crown Prince succeeded to the throne in the future, there would be no place for him.