Chapter 1891: Andong State

Gathering all the imperial sons and grandsons together, it took more than twenty people to barely encircle this "Enfeoffment Map." Emperor Liu stood in the center, hunched over with his old back, and first called Liu Xu to his side. Pointing at the northeastern corner, he said, "I once asked you whether you intended to be the King of Qin or the King of Andong. At the time, you did not give me a clear answer. At this very moment, I will tell you directly—Andong is your kingdom!"

Paying no mind to Liu Xu's complicated expression, Emperor Liu immediately laid out his specific plans for enfeoffing the Andong region: "As for the future of Andong, I have also hesitated. The development of the Northeast is a century-long national policy. To speak without mincing words, having you go manage Andong in the first place was precisely to guarantee a good start for this policy—to safeguard the prosperity and flourishing of the Liaodong region!

Since ancient times, China has often suffered from northern invasions, and under the Great Han, it is the same. The Northeast is one of the key links in the entire northern border defense. Direct governance by the imperial court carries too high a cost, yet with a policy of loose control, we cannot feel at ease with those tribal barbarians.

After much hesitation, I have still decided to place Andong in your hands—to stand as a kingdom of its own, developing freely while controlling the Heishui Plain for the Great Han, guarding the Northeast for Han commoners, and protecting peace in that region.

Only, I do not know—can you and your descendants forever serve as the Great Han's bulwark?"

When this final question was posed, no change appeared on Emperor Liu's face. His expression and tone were even unprecedentedly calm, yet the gaze fixed upon Liu Xu contained too many things that could never have appeared before.

Facing this question, Liu Xu reacted swiftly, almost without thinking, and said solemnly: "I hereby swear—generation after generation, we shall forever be the Great Han's fence and screen, never deceiving, never rebelling, loyal and sincere to the utmost, guarding the altars of state, defending the rivers and mountains. This resolve shall never waver. Should we ever violate it, may both men and gods abandon us!"

Liu Xu's impassioned words did not win immediate approval from Emperor Liu. Perhaps because he had spoken too quickly and too fluently, a hint of something unusual appeared in the old emperor's eyes as he gave Liu Xu a deep look.

By this time, Liu Xu had already composed himself, his face full of calm, appearing exceptionally unperturbed. Such a display inexplicably made Emperor Liu's heart feel a little uneasy.

Lowering his head, Emperor Liu slowly walked to the position of Andong, stepping on Suihua City (Harbin), where the Andong Protectorate's seat of government currently lay, and said: "Andong's current jurisdiction is very large and must undergo a certain degree of division. First, the Changbai Mountains region in the south needs to be placed under the jurisdiction of the Liaodong Circuit. Shuaibin Prefecture (the Shuangchengzi and Vladivostok area) must also be separated from Andong and placed under direct management by officials sent from the court!"

As Emperor Liu "wielded the knife" on Andong, Liu Xu's brow furrowed tighter and tighter. The Changbai Mountains region was one thing—though vast, it was all wild mountains and desolate ridges, without even two towns, and even the local Jurchen natives had dwindled to almost nothing. Giving that away was fine.

But Shuaibin Prefecture was different. It was one of Andong's only two sea exits, the other being the Tuomen River mouth (the Tumen River mouth). Losing one would still leave one remaining—but for it to be precisely Shuaibin Prefecture made Liu Xu's heart ache. After all, Shuaibin Prefecture was currently the best-developed place in Andong aside from the seat of government at Suihua. As the primary transit point for Great Han merchants and commoners trading in the Northeast, its development in recent years had been rapid and gratifying.

In order to connect with Shuaibin Prefecture and participate in maritime trade, Liu Xu had also organized labor to open a land route connecting Suihua and Shuaibin capable of handling bulk goods. Construction had already begun, with more than two hundred li of road already built on the Suihua side...

Now, with a single sentence from Emperor Liu, Shuaibin Prefecture was to be taken away. How could Liu Xu feel comfortable with that? However, he did not refute it at once—he merely kept a grim face while his mind raced with calculations.

Emperor Liu continued his deliberations: "As for Suihua City, whether to leave it to Andong, I..."

At the mention of Suihua City, Liu Xu could no longer hold himself back. Somewhat boldly interrupting Emperor Liu, he said with a face full of gravity: "Your Majesty, without Suihua, there would be no point in enfeoffing the Kingdom of Andong at all!"

These words were somewhat forceful and somewhat insubordinate, but Liu Xu had to say them. After all, Suihua City was currently the most essential part of Andong—six or seven tenths of the Andong Protectorate's revenue came from this place. After the establishment of the Kingdom of Andong, it would likely be the same, and its importance might even rise further.

Moreover, this was territory Liu Xu had painstakingly managed for fifteen years—the lifeline of his existence, something he absolutely could not abandon. Compared to this, the problem of Shuaibin Prefecture became insignificant, even knowing the importance of a sea outlet.

Seeing Liu Xu's stubborn expression, Emperor Liu was unbothered. He smiled and said: "I know Suihua has accumulated more than a decade of your hard work. Raising a city from flat ground and building such a city in Andong was no easy feat—how could I strip it away from you!"

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Liu Xu could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. Coming back to his senses and considering his tone from just now, he hurriedly bowed and said with some "trepidation": "Your subject was momentarily anxious and spoke improperly, offending Your Majesty. I beg your forgiveness!"

Emperor Liu waved his hand, lowered his head to continue studying, and casually asked: "If you have any ideas or demands, speak them all at once!"

Since Emperor Liu had opened this door, Liu Xu naturally would not stand on ceremony. According to the previous regulations for enfeoffed states, once a kingdom was established, autonomy would certainly increase, but support from the court would also inevitably decrease substantially. This was likely the last chance to make demands and request support.

Therefore, after a moment's thought, Liu Xu spoke: "Your Majesty's past favors and rewards have already been generous. Your subject dares not be greedy. If Andong is to become a kingdom, your subject has only four demands.

First, the governance of Andong cannot do without the assistance of officials sent to the frontier. Your subject hopes that the subordinate officials under the Protectorate can be retained!"

Emperor Liu nodded: "They are your subordinates to begin with. However, how many can be kept depends on your own skill!"

"Second, although Andong has been generally stable in recent years, minor disturbances are hard to eliminate and harassment never ceases. Especially the Shiwei people in the north, who repeatedly harass and violate the border. Though it is a minor ailment, it must still be guarded against. Therefore, your subject hopes that the garrison troops in Andong can be placed under the Kingdom of Andong!" Liu Xu continued.

No matter the time, matters involving the military and military authority were always sensitive. Hearing Liu Xu say this, Emperor Liu immediately furrowed his brow—but since he had already opened the door to enfeoffment, this aspect was ultimately being relaxed.

The nearly ten thousand garrison troops currently in Andong, though already showing a trend of dual leadership and deployment by both the court and the Protectorate, were still primarily supplied by the Ministry of War, and their military orders were still subject to the control of the Bureau of Military Affairs.

These troops were still the court's "property"—and property carrying violence and authority at that. Even if Andong became a kingdom, they could not be handed to Liu Xu in a few words. Setting other matters aside, the thousand-strong rotation of imperial army soldiers was not something Liu Xu could lay a finger on.

After considering for a moment, Emperor Liu said: "Andong needs to retain a certain amount of military strength, but how exactly the Andong garrison is to be organized must be divided and allocated by the Bureau of Military Affairs. If you have any ideas, you can discuss them with the Bureau!"

"Yes!" Though he had not received a direct gift from Emperor Liu, Liu Xu's goal had already been achieved, so he was not disappointed.

Immediately after, Liu Xu continued: "Third, Andong's development has always been constrained by population—especially the Han population. Your subject hopes that even after Andong becomes a kingdom, the court will continue to keep immigration to Andong open, and that local governments will not set up obstacles!"

Hearing Liu Xu say this, Emperor Liu gave a deep look at Liu Xu, whose head was slightly lowered, and said slowly: "Regarding immigration, my attitude remains consistent—no coercion, no forcing. On the basis of this fundamental principle, if you can attract the people to go there as you did back then, how could the court have any reason to obstruct? Even if Andong becomes a kingdom, it is still Han territory. In principle, it must still be subject to the court's control. As for where people live, that is not the most important matter..."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Hearing Emperor Liu's statement, Liu Xu immediately expressed his gratitude.

"What is the last one? Say it all at once!" Seeing Liu Xu squeezing out his demands like toothpaste, Emperor Liu was growing somewhat impatient and spoke up.

Liu Xu bowed again and said: "Andong's development depends not only on the hard work of officials and commoners in cultivation, but also on trade and exchange with other regions. For this final item, your subject hopes that the border can be permanently kept open for markets, encouraging merchants and travelers to come and go.

Your subject previously planned a road connecting Suihua and Shuaibin Prefecture, and construction has already begun, with two hundred li built. Although Shuaibin Prefecture is to be placed under direct court jurisdiction, this road connects land and sea and still holds tremendous value. Your subject hopes it can continue to be built, and also hopes the court can share part of the construction costs..."

After Liu Xu finished speaking, Emperor Liu thought for a while and ultimately uttered a single word: "Granted!"

Giving Liu Xu another look, Emperor Liu could not help but admire this son's foresight. The four items he had raised were all the most fundamental matters for the Kingdom of Andong—and the most practical ones as well.

Such a performance inevitably stirred Emperor Liu's reflections once again. Setting aside other qualities, at least in terms of getting things done, this eldest son's ability was quite outstanding.

Only, there was but a single throne, and Emperor Liu could do nothing about it—unless the emperor could also take turns on rotation......