Chapter 1914: Repercussions

Outside the pavilion, the spring light was exceptionally radiant, but the many meritorious nobles of the Great Han had little mood to appreciate such fine scenery. Though their expressions varied, most were still savoring Emperor Liu's remarks from moments ago within the Pavilion of Meritorious Officials.

Overall, they had benefited greatly, had their horizons broadened, and were also considerably shaken. Emperor Liu's words carried immense impact for the meritorious nobles present, profoundly stunning them.

Both in content and in attitude! This was the first time, in a public setting, before so many external officials, that he had so unsparingly and bluntly expounded his discourse on rise and fall, delivering his historical arguments.

Moreover, without mercy, he had torn apart that resplendent outer garment woven by Emperor Liu himself, the aristocracy, the bureaucracy, and all the rent-seeking classes under heaven, exposing the bloody truth beneath.

Though many did not agree with Emperor Liu's ideas and viewpoints, even feeling wronged and stifled—because of this? Can this convince anyone? Some even found Emperor Liu's notions bizarre and childish...

But likewise, they were deeply worried—when the most powerful and prestigious man in all the realm turns rogue, who can restrain him? And as "ordinary people," how should they respond?

By now, nearly everyone could see that Emperor Liu was truly old, his body truly failing, and he could not hold on for many more years. His long reign had entered its final phase and was drawing to a close.

Yet precisely because of this, these dukes, ministers, and nobles had to seriously consider how to smoothly and safely navigate this "post-Kaibao era." Emperor Liu had never been one to stay put—this had nothing to do with age or physical condition. To believe his words without reservation would be truly foolish.

At the same time, Emperor Liu in such a state was also the most troublesome and the most dangerous. After all, no one wanted to stake their own fate—or their entire family's—against the leaking sieve of Emperor Liu's final days.

Emperor Liu's words today were very blunt. Though he repeatedly called them brothers and juniors, regarding them as the empire's foundation and backbone, he also unabashedly revealed his suspicion—suspecting their ulterior motives, wary of their harming the state and oppressing the people.

The only thing worth being grateful for was that toward people like them, Emperor Liu showed no intention of resorting to cruel, horrifying, or brutal measures.

Only two paths lay before them—strictly speaking, only one. Whether going to the borderlands to serve in the military or to the various fiefs to reclaim and develop land, both were outward development. To return to the old ways of sitting or lying back and exploiting and squeezing internally was clearly no longer possible.

At least it was unlikely while Emperor Liu still lived. Given his temperament, since he had laid out choices, he would surely keep a death grip on this matter next. Should anyone offend again, they would face the harshest, most merciless crackdown.

Though there had been various "legal dispositions" before, when the matter was not especially serious, the circumstances not especially grave, and core members of the nobility were involved, both Emperor Liu and the court had always left a sliver of leniency in the outcome.

Take Sun Li, Duke of Pingyuan—his relatives and old associates had stirred up so much trouble in the past, yet only his youngest son was severely punished. As for the others, though they had countless connections, they were ultimately just branches and leaves.

Today Emperor Liu again used Sun Li as a negative example, even specifically pointing out his beloved son who was eating sand in the northwest. The warning was already abundantly clear.

Therefore, the choices left to the nobles were few, but at least there were some. The clever ones knew what to do—quick-witted men like Shi Shouxin and Cao Bin had already formed "strategic" plans of "rooting themselves domestically while developing their fiefs"...

The nobles who had received the admonition gathered in small groups and slowly departed, jointly bearing the impact of Emperor Liu's words today, occasionally murmuring among themselves.

Yang Ye still walked alongside Wang Yansheng, but he had relaxed his supporting grip somewhat, for Yang Ye noticed that the old man could still walk on his own, even if with a slight limp.

Looking at the thoroughly aged Wang Yansheng, Yang Ye could not help but feel a pang of emotion. He himself was nearing sixty, not much younger than Wang Yansheng. And his close old brothers and comrades-in-arms, like Wang Shenqi and Guo Jin, had already passed away one after another. Those still alive were rare survivors, and they had to cherish each day they had.

However, after scanning his surroundings, Yang Ye could not help but ask: "Brother Guanglie, you actually..."

Upon the question, Wang Yansheng turned his head to glance at Yang Ye, meeting his gaze with a faint smile: "When one should be deaf, be deaf; when one should be muddled, be muddled. I am already past seventy, and some relapse in my illness is only natural—that doesn't count as deceiving the emperor, does it?"

Hearing Wang Yansheng say this, Yang Ye understood. His brows furrowed tightly as he pondered for a long while before saying: "How did it come to this?"

Seeing his reaction, Wang Yansheng said somberly: "You are different from me. You are His Majesty's founding companion, his right-hand general, and you've even become in-laws with His Majesty, enjoying deep trust and heavy responsibility—naturally you stand as firm as Mount Tai.

I am different. With my temperament, I cannot bear restraint or grievances, nor do I wish to be made a negative example like Sun Li of Pingyuan. Naturally, I can only play the fool a bit, muddle through, and seek a peaceful old age!"

As he spoke, Wang Yansheng let out a long sigh: "Take today, for instance—my illness has improved somewhat, yet His Majesty's admonitions entered my ears word by word, each sentence piercing my heart! You understood it clearly too, didn't you—His Majesty is guarding against us meritorious nobles as if we were treacherous villains who ruin the state and harm the people!

Look at the world today—we fought to win this realm, yet it's those civil officials and academicians who sit back and enjoy the fruits. Those who wield brush and knife actually enjoy higher status and treatment than millions of blood-soaked soldiers, and they order us about arrogantly!

People like us are supported by the state; no matter how tight things get, we still have fine clothes and rich food. Why would we ever deceive the emperor or oppress the people? If we're talking about those who truly oppress the people, isn't it those civil ministers and aristocratic clans? In recent years, the court has uncovered so many major cases and heinous crimes, rooted out so many state-devouring pests, executed so many corrupt officials—compared to those sanctimonious hypocrites who are thieves and whores in private, what are the offenses we nobles have committed..."

Hearing Wang Yansheng launch into a torrent of complaints that showed no sign of stopping, Yang Ye hurriedly cautioned him: "Brother, mind your words!"

"You see!" Wang Yansheng chuckled at this. "Can I afford not to be muddled? Otherwise, with my temperament, who knows where I'd be now—perhaps I couldn't even enter this Pavilion of Meritorious Officials!"

Yang Ye could not agree with Wang Yansheng's words. After all, Yang Ye was a loyal devotee of Emperor Liu, to the point of foolish loyalty. Still, since they were old comrades who had once charged across the desert together through thick and thin, he kindly consoled him: "His Majesty has his own considerations in governing the state and employing people. His grace toward us has already been profound—what is there to complain about? Even if not for yourself, you should think a little of your descendants."

At this, Wang Yansheng fell silent for a moment: "If not for my descendants, how could I be like this? All these years, I've been holding on, isn't it just to live a few more years, to let those worthless sons and grandsons enjoy a few more years of good living, to let the noble rank I earned with my life endure a while longer...

But as things look now, even that wish seems hard to fulfill!"

Hearing Wang Yansheng say this, Yang Ye said: "Brother, aren't you being too pessimistic! If any of your sons and nephews have the makings of success, you can support them with all your might and let them carve out their own achievements—isn't that far more substantial than merely relying on the glory of the family name and ancestral blessings?"

Glancing at Yang Ye, Wang Yansheng said: "If my sons and grandsons had even a fraction of your tiger cub's talent, would I still have such worries?"