Chapter 196: Zhengzhou Station

"The sky is already growing dark—should we order camp to be pitched?" Ma Quanyi, who had come to report, asked.

Liu Chengyou glanced at the sky; it was indeed nearing dusk. This trip was meant to observe the people's condition and inspect their livelihoods—there was no rush. He directly instructed: "Rest the night in Zhongmu. Go make the arrangements!"

"Yes!" Ma Quanyi wasted no words, as efficient as ever.

By rights, these matters should have been handled by Shi Hongzhao, but there was no sign of him at all. Liu Chengyou furrowed his brow and asked: "Where is Shi Hongzhao?"

"When Zhongmu County learned that the imperial carriage was approaching, the officials and commoners prepared to receive it. Chancellor Shi went ahead to the county seat to make ready the reception arrangements." Ma Quanyi replied.

"I understand. You may go." Liu Chengyou's brow creased slightly.

Before the walls of Zhongmu County, a dozen or so county officials and a unit of the imperial army stationed locally had long been waiting in proper order. In addition, over three hundred commoners were obediently waiting beneath the earthen city walls. For the Son of Heaven to grace them with his presence, and for the gentry and people to receive him, was naturally an honor—but having been forcibly driven here, the flavor of it soured. Even those who were willing no longer felt willing.

Shi Hongzhao stood at the front leading a band of his retainers, radiating an intimidating authority that inspired fear. Unfortunately, after waiting a long while, they watched as the western inspection column set up camp on the spot, and soon a Palace Command officer from Liu Chengyou's side came to convey his oral decree: "I will not enter the city. Summon the County Magistrate, Assistant Magistrate, and Marshal of Zhongmu to the imperial camp for questioning!"

"Your servants accept the decree."

"Chancellor, this humble official and the others have already prepared lodging for the Son of Heaven within the city. What does His Majesty mean by this? Could this humble official have done something improper?" Upon receiving the summons, the Zhongmu County Magistrate sidled up to Shi Hongzhao and asked in a low voice.

"How would I know?" Shi Hongzhao's tone was exceptionally harsh. He shot a glare at this seventh-rank petty official, ignored him entirely, stepped into the stirrup and mounted his horse, then led his retainers back to the field headquarters.

The County Magistrate and the others dared not be negligent. With no horses to ride, they could only gather up their official robes and trot toward the imperial camp for an audience, their hearts full of trepidation. The gentry and commoners left behind to receive the emperor stood awkwardly beneath the walls—continuing to wait was pointless, yet dispersing also seemed improper.

Receiving the Zhongmu County Magistrate in the camp, Liu Chengyou barely gave him a proper look, firing off rapid questions in a casual manner. How many officials did the county have? How many households and persons under its administration? What was the state of the treasuries and granaries? How much farmland was there, and how was its quality—fertile or poor? How was spring plowing progressing?...

What slightly made Liu Chengyou look at him properly was that although the Zhongmu County Magistrate answered haltingly, he basically responded in order without omissions. It seemed he had done his homework. Fan Zhi was sent to verify, and though there were some discrepancies, it at least proved that this County Magistrate was a somewhat capable official.

Examining his official reputation, his standing among the people was average, and he had no other outstanding achievements. But when it came to military farming and settling the people, he had poured his heart and soul into it. Or rather, ever since Liu Chengyou had issued an "Edict Encouraging Land Reclamation" to the entire realm, this County Magistrate had been extremely diligent in encouraging agriculture and sericulture.

Setting everything else aside, this knack for grasping central policy was itself worthy of recognition. The Zhongmu County Magistrate could be considered a man of specialized talent. However, as a major county near the capital, with such achievements, Liu Chengyou had never once seen them in memorials before—not even a mention.

Having seen it with his own eyes, Liu Chengyou directly issued an edict of commendation. Though there was no great leap in promotion, having entered the Emperor's sight was enough to excite him immensely. If he was a clever man, his patience should also be decent—perhaps he would work even harder to do things well.

Resting one night in Zhongmu, the next day they continued westward according to the established itinerary. In light of the Zhongmu reception affair, Liu Chengyou issued another decree, sending riders ahead to the prefectures and counties along the route: the imperial carriage was touring the west; officials of all prefectures and counties need not come to receive him, and disturbing the people was strictly forbidden.

Moving at a leisurely pace, it took a full three days before the imperial carriage arrived at Zhengzhou. Liu Chengyou had seen far too much in memorials about the military farming that the late Prince Wei, Liu Chengxun, had undertaken in the Central Plains. But hearing of it is not seeing it—seeing is believing—so he traveled slowly, observing carefully and with great seriousness.

Liu Chengyou was not disappointed. Zhengzhou had tens of thousands of farming settlers, the court had invested considerable financial and material resources in the early period, and on top of that there was the capable minister Liu Shenjiao.

From the moment they deeply entered Zhengzhou's borders, seeing the interconnected fields and dense green sprouts was enough to satisfy Liu Chengyou. The farming households still bore signs of hunger and were not living well, but at least they had become stable. In this age, being able to obtain even a slightly stable life was truly no easy thing.

Though this was a western inspection tour, it was still only a cursory glance. Saying Liu Chengyou was serious was only true in a relative sense. His gestures of closeness to the people were limited to receiving village worthies and petty town officials. At most, accompanied by the elder Lady Fu and Gao Huaijin, he took a single stroll through the fields in a somewhat performative manner.

As for traveling in disguise to investigate wrongdoing and punish the wicked—that simply did not exist.

Zhengzhou city was the first walled city Liu Chengyou had entered along the route. At the prefectural office, the Emperor, Empress, and consorts together received the bows of Zhengzhou's civil and military officials, headed by Defense Commissioner Liu Shenjiao. Liu Chengyou had developed the skill for it by now, delivering the expected words of comfort, encouragement, and warning.

"This old minister pays respects to Your Majesty!" At night, in the temporary imperial residence converted from Zhengzhou's guest hostel, Liu Shenjiao, having been summoned, cautiously bowed to Liu Chengyou.

"Minister Liu, no need for ceremony!" Liu Chengyou rose and personally helped him up: "Be seated."

His cordial attitude made the old minister feel flattered and honored: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Compared to when he had received him in Luoyang that day, Liu Chengyou's attitude toward Liu Shenjiao was clearly better. At least in Luoyang, Liu Chengyou had still been maintaining his airs, every move emphasizing the majesty of his imperial office.

Now, he no longer needed to be so deliberate.

"While in the Eastern Capital, I often saw in memorials words about Zhengzhou being well-governed and its gentry and people at peace..." After exchanging a few pleasantries upon sitting down, Liu Chengyou remarked with mild emotion: "But since entering Zhengzhou on this western tour, having personally experienced and heard things, I have discovered that Zhengzhou's situation is even more stable than the memorials described. This is all Minister Liu's achievement in governing!"

"In my position, I attend to my duties—these are all things this old minister ought to do. It is only that I am aged and dim-witted; fortunately I have not betrayed the court's trust." Liu Shenjiao answered with perfect composure.

These old ministers who had served through multiple reigns always managed to give Liu Chengyou a faint sense of "slipperiness" in their words and deeds. But compared to that day in Luoyang, Liu Shenjiao's attitude toward Liu Chengyou was also somewhat more cordial. After all, having lived to such an age and weathered many years of ups and downs in officialdom, he had an eye for judging people and affairs. Though Liu Chengyou had not yet made any major moves since ascending the throne, the administrative measures of the past month or so alone were enough to prove that he would be a capable sovereign.

A capable emperor was, after all, good news for ministers who still harbored some ambition.

He did not spend long inquiring about Zhengzhou's affairs. What needed to be understood, Liu Chengyou had long since understood through both open and covert channels. One should know that among all the prefectures and counties of the Central Plains, aside from the Eastern Capital, Zhengzhou was the one whose situation Liu Chengyou knew best.

"I have summoned you, Lord Liu, to discuss a matter!" Liu Chengyou said in a consultative tone.

"Your Majesty, please speak." Liu Shenjiao was slightly surprised.

Without wasting words, Liu Chengyou explained directly: "Ruzhou is a major prefecture near the capital, yet it is plagued by many troubles—governance has collapsed, the people are unsettled, and it is known as a difficult place to rule. To this day, the post of governor remains vacant. I have racked my brains over candidates, surveying the court and the localities, and only you, Lord Liu, can bear this responsibility. I wonder, would Lord Liu be willing to make a trip to Ruzhou?"

Hearing Liu Chengyou state his purpose, Liu Shenjiao's aged face remained calm. He thought for a moment, looked up, and saw Liu Chengyou staring straight at him. Drawing a deep breath, he replied: "This old minister is willing to go."

In truth, though Liu Chengyou spoke in a consultative tone, had he truly given this old minister any room to choose?

"Only, it will be hard on you, Lord Liu..."

"Though Ruzhou is said to be difficult to govern, with your authority and ability, Lord Liu, you should be able to eliminate all its troubles upon arrival. But Zhengzhou's importance is even greater than Ruzhou's. I wonder, when you step down, Lord Liu, who might succeed you and continue your governance? I would like to hear Lord Liu's opinion." Liu Chengyou asked again, once more seeking to curry favor with Liu Shenjiao.

"Your Majesty and the court may decide for themselves."

"I do not wish for the policies to die when the man leaves." Liu Chengyou said.

Since Liu Chengyou had put it that way, Liu Shenjiao gave it serious consideration for a while, then said softly: "Jing Fan, the Director of the Autumn Office, can take charge of Zhengzhou's affairs!"

"Good, I will issue the decree tomorrow, appointing him Defense Commissioner of Zhengzhou!" Liu Chengyou followed up immediately.

Liu Shenjiao was taken aback: "Has Your Majesty heard of this man?"

"No!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand magnanimously: "A candidate recommended by Lord Liu is naturally more than qualified for the post!"