Chapter 1880: The Beginning of Enfeoffment

Sensing the mockery in Emperor Liu's tone, Liu Shu secretly breathed a slight sigh of relief, lowering his head as he awaited what came next.

Emperor Liu raised his head slightly, a trace of melancholy on his aged face, and said softly: "Aren't you always complaining that I'm partial, that I only value your elder brothers and treat you younger ones as if you don't exist, refusing to give you a chance..."

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Shu almost instinctively cried out in grievance, his face even showing some indignation: "Who is spreading such rumors about me before Your Majesty again!"

Subconsciously, the figure of Jin Wang Liu Xi surfaced in Liu Shu's mind. Liu Shu was the sort who could be called carefree — things passed and were forgotten, lessons never stuck — but certain people and matters, he could remember for a lifetime, pulling out old grudges from time to time.

"Though your subject is dull-witted, I can still perceive Your Majesty's care and protection for me. Otherwise, given the absurd things I've done, I would have been stripped of my title and rank, degraded to a commoner. Toward Your Majesty, I feel only gratitude — how could there be any complaint?" At this moment, Liu Shu's expression appeared especially sincere.

Clearly, that fall Emperor Liu had taken had shaken Liu Shu considerably. Though he had appeared stubborn on the surface at the time, how could there not have been fear and regret within? After several months, his rhetoric had grown increasingly polished.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu turned around, gazing directly at Liu Shu as if trying to see through him, until Liu Shu grew utterly ill at ease, and only then spoke softly: "There's no need to rush your excuses! I care not what you think, nor am I concerned with what comes out of your mouth. What I'm considering now is giving you a chance — and the last chance!"

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Shu was taken aback, but a strange light kindled in his eyes as well. His gaze toward Emperor Liu carried curiosity and expectation, and he said with due caution: "I await Your Majesty's command."

"You know of the kingdom of Champa, don't you?" Emperor Liu did not state his purpose directly, but asked in a low voice.

Liu Shu nodded: "South of Annam, east of Zhenla — though it was long ago extinguished by the court!"

"Not bad at all — you're not entirely ignorant!" Emperor Liu gave a faint evaluation, then said: "I shall carve out the former lands of Champa from Annam and enfeoff them to you. How about that?"

At these words, Liu Shu was utterly stunned. He instinctively drew in a sharp breath, staring at Emperor Liu in disbelief: "Truly?"

From Liu Shu's expression, one could tell he even thought Emperor Liu was joking. However, Emperor Liu these days had no mood for jokes. Looking at Liu Shu, he said calmly: "An emperor's word is law! Do you accept?"

What was there to hesitate about? Liu Shu immediately bowed in thanks: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty!"

Far from being called to account, he had instead gained a fief for nothing — where else could such good fortune be found? In that instant, Liu Shu had already prepared himself to thoroughly investigate the former lands of Champa. In his understanding, it surely amounted to several prefectures of territory and several hundred thousand people at least...

However, amid his delight, Liu Shu couldn't help but wonder what Emperor Liu's purpose was in this move. His pensive expression betrayed his thoughts, and Emperor Liu perceived it, saying: "You're wondering why I would issue this decree of enfeoffment?"

"Yes!" Liu Shu nodded readily: "Your subject is without virtue or ability, and has even committed wild and perverse acts from time to time, with not a shred of merit to the court. Receiving such generous favor, I fear it may not sit well with the people..."

After Liu Shu's speech, Emperor Liu finally smiled: "Rare indeed! That you should possess such self-awareness!"

Though somewhat embarrassing, beneath Emperor Liu's great pie in the sky, this small bit of mockery truly counted for little, so he merely gave an awkward smile.

Looking at Liu Shu, Emperor Liu said in a deep voice: "This is indeed a favor, but if you merely treat it as a reward, then I shall be disappointed!"

At these words, Liu Shu's expression immediately turned grave. He clasped his hands and assumed an attentive posture: "I dare ask Your Majesty to instruct me!"

Emperor Liu paused a moment before speaking at length: "After more than thirty years of expansion, the Great Han's growth has neared its limit. Many border regions are already in a state where expenditure exceeds income, and military and administrative affairs consume vast amounts of the court's money and grain each year merely to maintain control.

If this continues, the court's burden will only grow heavier with time. Yet these lands cannot be abandoned — not a single piece can be lost.

This is not only the fruit of the Great Han's territorial expansion, but also a national policy for consolidating the frontiers and maintaining the Great Han's stability.

However, the practical problems cannot be ignored. I have been pondering this matter for years, and after much deliberation, enfeoffment may be the most feasible solution at present!

Standing still is not the Great Han's nature — then let us strike outward completely, keeping external threats beyond the Great Han's borders. The Great Han may be beset by internal troubles, but it must never be constrained by external threats. This is my psychological bottom line, and this is also my requirement for you princes!

Enfeoffing Champa to you is a beginning!"

Emperor Liu's words were nearly a pouring out of his heart. Liu Shu listened, thought for a moment, and said with emotion: "Your Majesty holds such expectations and regard for me — your subject is moved to tears of gratitude!"

"Not just you!" Emperor Liu waved his hand, his tone rising slightly: "All you princes and imperial descendants, I shall enfeoff one by one in the days ahead! This world is vast, far more than just China — beyond the Nine Provinces, there are still ten thousand li of territory.

The Great Han's footsteps shall tread across the four seas and eight wildernesses; all beneath the sun shall be Han territory — this is the great undertaking of opening heaven and earth.

Only, I am already old, and my body can scarcely sustain such soaring ambition. I will not live to see that day — I can only look to you descendants!

I only hope that one day, when you burn incense and paper offerings, you will report good news to me. The enfeoffment of Champa is not merely a favor — it is a task, a mission, a responsibility!

Of course, as a father, I must also make more considerations for you descendants — consider it a way of fulfilling private sentiment as well!

Though the Great Han is vast, it cannot be divided into several portions like gold, silver, and silks for you to share. Fortunately, the world beyond is broad, more than enough for you to develop — you need only carve out your own path with enterprise!"

"Your subject will surely keep Your Majesty's teachings in mind and not fail the trust placed in me!" Liu Shu immediately swore upon hearing this, his words ringing with conviction: "With all my heart and mind, I shall consolidate the state and expand Han territory!"

"Words are easy to speak, but to accomplish them requires genuine effort!" Emperor Liu cast a glance at Liu Shu.

"Yes!"

Having spoken so much, Emperor Liu's energy was clearly flagging, but he persisted nonetheless. After a moment's deliberation, he continued: "The recovery of the Champa region was originally done in passing — easy to take, difficult to govern.

Over these past ten-odd years, Annam has focused its efforts on recovering and assimilating the old territories in the north. Toward the south, it has been somewhat lax — merely dispatching a few officials and a small number of troops to govern and defend, barely maintaining the Great Han's rule.

But this rule exists more in name than in substance. In recent years, those remnants of rebels and diehard elements have repeatedly stirred up trouble, seeking to restore their kingdom. Zhenla to the west has also been restless, repeatedly making provocative moves. The Champa region is far from stable!

What I am giving you is not a well-developed land, but a wilderness full of chaos and danger, where much remains for you to overcome through your own efforts!"

"Mere barbarians — if they've been allowed to run rampant before, it's only because the court chose not to bother with them. If I go there, I will surely annihilate and exterminate every one of those who refuse to submit!" Liu Shu declared with his head raised, looking somewhat full of himself.

Had a minister with rich experience and outstanding ability spoken these words, Emperor Liu might have expressed affirmation and praise. But Liu Shu always gave one cause for concern — after all, he had never truly proven himself. Yet precisely for that reason, Emperor Liu could not directly deflate him, and instead said unhurriedly: "The opportunity is given to you. I shall wait and see. I hope you will not disgrace the dignity of the imperial house!"

"Yes!" A rare solemnity appeared on Liu Shu's face.

After this heart-to-heart exchange of words, the emotions of father and son gradually settled. Once a person calms down, many thoughts previously overlooked come flooding back to assault the mind.

Looking at Emperor Liu, who was already showing signs of fatigue, Liu Shu could not help but ask: "Your Majesty, if I go to Champa, what is to be done with my lands and properties here in the realm?"

The moment Liu Shu lifted his tail, Emperor Liu knew what kind of droppings would come. Hearing this, his brows couldn't help but rise slightly, and he said flatly: "How would you like to handle it?"

"I await Your Majesty's wise decision!" Sensing the change in Emperor Liu's expression, Liu Shu immediately became meek and submissive.

"Sell off all your fields and properties. Keep one residence in each of the two capitals here in the realm! The money and grain from the sales shall all serve as funds for your journey to your fief. The servants and attendants in your household shall all go with you, and I shall additionally allocate a certain amount of money, grain, and soldiers in support. How about that?" Emperor Liu said.

Since Emperor Liu had spoken, how dared Liu Shu raise any objection? Though somewhat reluctant in his heart, on the surface he replied readily: "That is excellent — I shall follow Your Majesty's arrangements entirely!"

"Await the edict! I am returning to the palace!" Having finished his instructions, Emperor Liu could no longer contain his fatigue. He waved his hand, leaned on his bamboo staff, and slowly departed.

"I respectfully see off Your Majesty!"

Liu Shu escorted Emperor Liu to the gate of his residence with utmost deference, watching the imperial carriage as it set off, and only when it had vanished from sight did he snap back to himself.

So, he was being exiled to the frontier, was he? Though somewhat anxious and uncertain, Liu Shu's heart could not help but surge with emotion. He had drifted through thirty years in a daze, never once feeling as stirred as he did at this moment.

There was no future to speak of within the realm — let alone the Crown Prince, even those elder brothers of his, fierce as dragons and tigers, were not opponents he could hope to contend with.

Just as the old emperor had said, beyond the Great Han lay vast territories where much could be accomplished. If he could successfully carve out some achievements, it would also serve to slap the faces of those who looked down on Liu Shu!