Chapter 1869: A Definitive Conclusion

Inside Chuigong Hall, on the imperial couch, Emperor Liu lay sprawled across it in an undignified manner, looking rather disheveled. This fall had significant repercussions—at least, judging by the grave expressions on the faces of those before the couch, one could see that every move of the Son of Heaven concerned the state and the realm, let alone such a serious physical condition.

Fortunately, it was a false alarm. The diagnosis from the imperial physicians let everyone breathe a sigh of relief. Emperor Liu's injuries from the fall were not serious; the real problem was the sprain, which had directly damaged his sinews and bones.

The imperial physicians had no particularly good remedy at the moment, only prescribing some recuperative medicine, supplemented with medicinal plasters. The rest would have to rely on rest and natural recovery. Given Emperor Liu's physical condition, it was clear that he would need to remain on the couch for quite some time to come.

Of course, whether Emperor Liu sat or lay prone, as long as his mind remained clear, he was still that emperor who could suppress the world with a single person. However, Emperor Liu himself could not help but overthink.

This fall did sober Emperor Liu up somewhat—he was ultimately no longer what he once was. He could not help but wonder whether this fall would affect his "glorious image," whether it would have some negative impact on his authority, and whether those ministers might harbor contempt because of it. The human heart is hidden behind the flesh; none of it could be said with certainty.

Therefore, although he was clear-headed, he became even more somber, as if radiating a heavy negative aura that pressed down on people until they could barely breathe. Turning his head to rest on the soft pillow, he looked at the loyal ministers of the central government, all with lowered brows and submissive eyes, not daring to raise their heads, and said coldly: "Why all the long faces? I'm not dead yet!"

At these words, several heads sank even lower, and they dared not speak even more. But hearing Emperor Liu's still imposing tone, each of them actually felt somewhat relieved inside—the Emperor seemed to be in no serious danger. At least he could still scold people; that was the good side.

Although everyone had been under Emperor Liu's shadow for a long time, and privately there might have been some grievances and bold thoughts, no one was truly prepared for Emperor Liu's absence.

However, after this fall, some thoughts could hardly be suppressed. Emperor Liu's suspicions were not unfounded, especially regarding these ministers who held great power. Each of them hid their thoughts deeply, making it impossible to see anything. Leaving others aside, at least Zhao Kuangyi was at this moment making great efforts to conceal the strangeness in his heart.

"I beg Your Majesty to calm your anger, do not stir up more emotion and aggravate the injury!" Facing the aggressive Emperor Liu, only Crown Prince Liu Yang could bear the pressure to speak up and offer words of consolation.

And when Liu Yang spoke, it was indeed effective. Emperor Liu stopped pressuring his chancellors, waved his hand with some effort, and said coldly: "Why are you all gathered here? Is there no state business to attend to? Return to your respective duties—I'm fine!"

Hearing this, the group felt as if they had received a pardon. They bowed in unison with proper respect: "We beg Your Majesty to take care of yourself. Your subjects take their leave!"

"Crown Prince, Zhao Pu, stay!" Emperor Liu added another instruction.

"Yes!"

Inside the bedchamber, the three most powerful men of the Great Han gathered together, all silent for a moment, forming a somewhat strange scene. Emperor Liu was silent, and Liu Yang and Zhao Pu also did not speak, merely waiting quietly for the imperial instruction.

Before the two of them, Emperor Liu no longer put on that forceful facade. His face revealed exhaustion and weakness. For a man of Emperor Liu's age, taking such a fall was clearly not something that could be summed up with a simple "no serious problem."

Closing his eyes and resting for a good while, Emperor Liu's finger moved slightly, and he instructed: "Have seats brought!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Liu Yang and Zhao Pu responded respectfully.

His dim eyes glanced toward the outside of the hall, and he asked: "Where is Liu Xi?"

"Liu Xi knows his guilt is grave and is waiting outside the hall for the imperial summons!" Liu Yang replied, his tone somewhat stern, his gaze also cold.

Somewhat unexpectedly, after asking, Emperor Liu said: "Let him go back!"

Hearing this, Liu Yang immediately spoke up: "Liu Xi's deception of the sovereign and offense against authority this time, which even caused harm to the imperial person, is a crime that cannot be forgiven. He ought to be severely punished!"

Toward Liu Xi's many absurd and reckless behaviors, Liu Yang had always been able to be lenient, but on this matter, Liu Yang was especially furious, with not the slightest intention of pleading for him. Of course, such an attitude was necessary; otherwise, his own intentions would be suspect.

"If the son is not taught, the father is at fault!" Emperor Liu's answer was even more puzzling: "Matters between father and son do not carry such deep grievances. Besides, it was I myself who lost my footing in a fit of anger. Let him return to his residence to reflect, and he will be dealt with later. There are some things I need to think over carefully!"

Since Emperor Liu had spoken thus, Liu Yang did not press the matter further. Although he was greatly dissatisfied with Liu Xi's behavior this time, even furious, Liu Yang had truly been breaking out in a cold sweat for Liu Xi.

Fortunately, Emperor Liu was not seriously harmed, and no more severe consequences resulted; otherwise, no one could have protected Liu Xi. And thinking of this, Liu Yang suddenly realized that Emperor Liu's reaction likely carried the intention of protecting Liu Xi. Otherwise, given Liu Xi's "notorious reputation" at court, combined with the critical juncture of the Dangyang Di events, there would surely be no shortage of impeachments and memorials against him.

This was a legitimate excuse, and those "loyal and virtuous ministers" would dare to pursue the matter relentlessly. And once the imperial house was drawn into such turmoil, it would be unfavorable for the current political situation at court—and for the imperial family as well.

The matter of the imperial family's estates had not yet reached a conclusion. Now, Emperor Liu had used a "father-son conflict" as a cover for the Son of Heaven's fall. If anyone still insisted on harping on this matter and attacking Liu Xi, that would be harboring malicious intent, and Emperor Liu would have grounds to strike ruthlessly.

Of course, these considerations were all too speculative. Emperor Liu's thoughts were truly too difficult to guess; whatever reaction or decision he made would not surprise anyone.

Emperor Liu pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked: "What is the Prince of Jin's annual salary?"

This question made Liu Yang and Zhao Pu both freeze—what did that have to do with anything? However, since Emperor Liu had asked, Zhao Pu still answered simply: "According to regulations, a Prince receives an annual salary of five thousand strings of cash, ten thousand dan of grain, plus various miscellaneous items such as cloth and silk, porcelain, pearls and jade..."

After hearing this, Emperor Liu immediately said: "Raise the Prince of Jin's salary to ten thousand strings per year!"

Zhao Pu glanced at Emperor Liu in surprise, thought for a moment, and still requested clarification: "May I ask Your Majesty, under what justification?"

This was asking for the reason. Emperor Liu thought for a moment and said calmly: "For meritorious counsel and proper handling of affairs! Is that reason sufficient? Liu Xi said something quite right—these princes and princesses of mine, besides being my children, are also subjects of the Great Han. Compared to those meritorious officials who have served the state, they should not have excessive privileges. Otherwise, it would be irresponsible to the state and irresponsible to themselves!"

With Emperor Liu's statement, the question of the estates acquired by the imperial kin seemed to be reaching a conclusion. Emperor Liu's inclination was already clear.

Before the two could respond, Emperor Liu continued: "Those arguments can stop now. All that noise outside—don't they just want to see how I handle this matter? Aren't they just waiting to see if there's any loophole to exploit?

I will not give them that chance! The Hall of State Affairs will issue an explicit decree shortly: all properties of the imperial relatives, including land, shall not count as imperial estates. From now on, they will be completely separated from the privy purse and brought under the unified jurisdiction of the court, to be handled according to regulations and law!"

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, regardless of what thoughts they harbored, Liu Yang and Zhao Pu both bowed respectfully: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Emperor Liu acted as if he had not heard, pondering something on his own. After considering for a while, he added: "Pan You has done well in the Metropolitan Circuit, with notable results from his reforms. He ought to be commended. The court shall issue an edict praising him!"

Then Emperor Liu continued: "Additionally, transfer Pan You to serve as Administration Commissioner of Jiannan Circuit!"

Hearing this, Zhao Pu's expression finally changed somewhat. He said cautiously: "Your Majesty, the tax reform in the Metropolitan Circuit has only just gotten on track. At this time, replacing the chief official—would that not be... somewhat inappropriate?"

Knowing what Zhao Pu was worried about, Emperor Liu said in a tone that brooked no dissent, indifferently: "Everything is difficult at the start. Now that it's on track, the follow-up matters can simply follow established precedents. What's inappropriate about that?

Didn't someone compare Pan You to a knife? Then I'll just use this sharp blade in a different place—send it to Jiannan Circuit to cut through those vines and branches entangling the court!"

"To receive such an evaluation from Your Majesty is truly Pan You's honor!" Zhao Pu responded verbally, but inwardly he could not help but sigh. Sure enough, Pan You's actions—Emperor Liu would support them from the big picture, but he could hardly avoid having other thoughts. And now, wasn't the blow coming?

Pan You had worked vigorously in the Metropolitan Circuit for over half a year, offending so many people. He had barely achieved some results, and now he was being transferred away. If the reform achievements of the Metropolitan Circuit were later assessed, the ripe peaches would mostly be picked by his successor.

On the other hand, Jiannan Circuit was equally a complicated place. Due to geographical reasons, it was relatively closed off, with more conservative customs, and various interest chains were even more intricately and deeply entangled. If Pan You wanted to repeat his Metropolitan Circuit methods in Jiannan Circuit, it would likely not be so easy.

Although the Metropolitan Circuit was a tangled web, precisely because it was near the capital, it was heavily constrained by the court. Some things, though they looked difficult, could always achieve results as long as one was willing to do them and dared to do them.

But Jiannan Circuit was different—that was an even harder bone to gnaw. One misstep could mean smashing one's head bloody. Over the years, the Great Han's officialdom had seen many changes, and countless examples proved that the more remote the place, the bolder the bureaucrats and interest groups. The northwest military-political clique once led by Lu Duoxun was a living example.