Chapter 1948: Reckless Youth

"Have you shared these thoughts and views of yours with your grandfather in Chuigong Hall?" After Liu Wenhuan finished speaking at length, Liu Yang asked with a hint of concern.

Glancing cautiously at Liu Yang, Liu Wenhuan shook his head and said, "I have not!"

"Why not?"

Liu Wenhuan hesitated slightly, paused for a moment, then decided to speak frankly, lowering his head and saying, "The western campaign is not only a great undertaking for Sixth Uncle and the Anxi soldiers to render meritorious service, but also something Grandfather has wholeheartedly supported. Though I have some opinions, I dare not speak recklessly or presumptuously..."

"Then why speak of it to me?" Liu Yang said calmly.

Naturally, he had obtained some information—the Crown Prince held a conservative attitude toward the use of troops in Anxi and had reservations... However, he did not dare say this directly, lest his flattery become too blatant.

After pondering briefly, Liu Wenhuan said, "Grandfather only briefly asked about my experiences and observations during my westward journey; he did not examine me on Anxi military and administrative affairs!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yang seemed lost in thought, then sighed lightly, "Still wet behind the ears—how can one consult him on matters of state and military affairs..."

For some unknown reason, upon hearing Liu Yang's sigh, Liu Wenhuan felt a sudden, inexplicable surge of intense panic. Looking at Liu Yang, Liu Wenhuan bowed and said, "Father, have I said something wrong?"

Meeting Liu Wenhuan's nervous and concerned gaze, Liu Yang's stern face softened somewhat, and he said calmly, "No!"

Pausing briefly, Liu Yang then spoke to Liu Wenhuan at length: "What you said has both narrow views and points worth taking; it is not without merit—upon reflection, there is some reason in it!

Since the western campaign began, the court has indeed paid a heavy price, the people of the northwest have indeed suffered, and officials, soldiers, and civilians alike are all exhausted—these are all facts.

But one cannot look at problems only on the surface. Does your grandfather not know the burden the Anxi expedition has placed on the court? Do the ministers of the court not know?

They all know! But why still launch the western campaign? Because your grandfather's grand vision and far-reaching strategy already transcend the present age. He seeks to break the thousand-year limitation of Chinese rule over the northwest, for the eternal security of the Great Han's northwest!

A plan for a hundred years—how can it retreat in the face of temporary difficulties?"

Having said this, he clearly noticed that Liu Wenhuan's expression had grown much more solemn. Liu Yang continued, "Your grandfather's considerations may not convince everyone in the realm, and there are more than one or two in the court who harbor dissenting views.

You are an imperial grandson, the son of the Crown Prince—you may likewise disagree with such a policy, but if you cannot even achieve a basic understanding..."

Liu Yang could not help shaking his head as he said this, and Liu Wenhuan clearly sensed the disappointment faintly revealed by his father. Young and proud, especially sensitive about face, Liu Wenhuan felt utterly ashamed before Liu Yang at this moment, lowering his head and blushing as he said, "It is I who am short-sighted, failing to understand Grandfather's far-reaching strategy..."

Seeing this, Liu Yang waved his hand, straightened his posture, and smiled at him, saying, "No need to take it too much to heart. It is clear that this westward journey has benefited you greatly.

At least when I was your age, I never had the experience of traveling ten thousand li, setting foot on the ground to take in the boundless scenery of the Great Han's rivers and mountains. Your grandfather was right—imperial princes cannot be raised long within the palace; they need to go out and see the world..."

Hearing Liu Yang speak this way, Liu Wenhuan felt somewhat better, his expression gradually returning to normal. He clasped his hands and said, "Father's teachings, I will keep firmly in mind!"

"This journey has been hard on you. Rest well and spend more time with your mother!" Liu Yang raised his hand to rub his temples, looking weary. "As for arrangements after returning to the palace... by the way, do you have any thoughts of your own?"

Facing this sudden turn, Liu Wenhuan was caught off guard, but after this journey, having witnessed the vast world outside, returning to study in Wenhua and Wuying Halls no longer held any appeal for him.

However, after thinking it over, Liu Wenhuan still said composedly, "Through this experience, I feel my knowledge is greatly lacking. I still need to study diligently, mastering both civil and martial skills, to repay the court!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yang silently observed Liu Wenhuan for a while, as if pondering the truth of his words. After thinking briefly, he said slowly, "I will give you three days of rest. After three days, report back to the junior officer academy and make up the studies and training you missed.

After graduation, I will assign you a post, where you can continue to be tempered in actual duties..."

"Yes!" Liu Wenhuan replied calmly, while secretly rejoicing inside.

"Let's go! The evening meal should be just about ready..." With that, Liu Yang rose, intending to head to the main hall.

Liu Wenhuan immediately followed, then suddenly thought of something, leaned in close, and said hesitantly, "There is one more matter I wish to report to Father!"

"Speak!" Liu Yang waved his hand casually, indicating for him to continue.

"On my way back to the capital, I met a young hero in Hexi. At the time, I felt he was quite extraordinary—knowledgeable, generous, and admirable. I also invited him to travel with me.

This man is named Kang Mingrui, the grandson of Kang Ning, a wealthy merchant of the capital. When we reached Guannei, word came from the capital that the Kang clan had rebelled..."

Regarding Liu Wenhuan's acquaintance with Kang Mingrui, the Wude Office had long since reported it to Emperor Liu, and Liu Yang had also learned of it from Zhao Defang and Murong Yongren.

And the man had already been arrested. After the news of the Kang clan's "rebellion" crossed the border, at the strong insistence of Zhao Defang and Murong Yongren, Liu Wenhuan personally ordered his capture. He was now being held in the Wude Office prison, awaiting execution along with the new batch of "rebels."

Liu Yang had originally not intended to inquire into this matter, simply letting it pass, but since Liu Wenhuan brought it up on his own, Liu Yang stopped in his tracks, turned his head, and said with a stern face, "What, do you wish to plead for this Kang Mingrui?"

Facing Liu Yang's imposing dignity, Liu Wenhuan was slightly startled, and his original intention quickly evaporated. He shook his head repeatedly and said, "Since he is a rebel, there can be no leniency! I am merely curious—the Kang clan is a great merchant family of the Great Han, and Kang Mingrui is a man of knowledge and reason. How could he rise in rebellion? I also heard that Father once personally received Kang Ning and praised him highly..."

Liu Yang never imagined that Liu Wenhuan would say something so reckless and thoughtless. He nearly flew into a rage, and for the first time in his life, he harshly berated him: "Shut your mouth!

What do you mean by this—are you accusing the court of wronging the Kang clan, or are you insinuating against me? I think you have gotten carried away with yourself! Escorting a shipment of military supplies, and you receive a first-class Marquis title. This title came too easily, but losing it would be just as easy—perhaps merely for a few deluded words!"

Liu Yang was clearly truly angry, and Liu Wenhuan had never seen his father lose his temper like this. Panic-stricken, he knelt straight down and pleaded, "Please calm your anger, Father! It is I who was reckless and ignorant, speaking nonsense..."

Looking at Liu Wenhuan, Liu Yang took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, and said in a low voice, "Rise!"

With that, he walked slowly toward the main hall, brows furrowed, expression gloomy, sighing inwardly: "Forcing growth by pulling up the sprouts..."

Liu Yang had originally planned to keep Liu Wenhuan by his side after his return, having him learn governance and observe affairs, cultivating him with care. Now he had changed his mind—the time was not yet right. He still needed more tempering, and further examination as well.