Chapter 1981: The Curtain Falls

Emperor Liu's conversation with the Crown Prince had an obvious effect, like pouring a stream of clear water into the boiling cauldron of the court. The old emperor was pulled back from the edge of mad slaughter, and those with fevered minds gradually "sobered up."

Fearing that delays would breed trouble, the first thing Liu Yang did upon returning to the Hall of State Affairs to manage governance was to arrange the disposition of Zhang Xun, Lü Mengzheng, and those twenty-eight ministers.

The competitive space in the Great Han's officialdom was growing ever narrower—one radish, one hole. Vacant positions were increasingly few, and every single one could invite fierce contention. Arranging placements for twenty-eight ministers at once, and court officials at that, was clearly no easy task.

But by the same token, the Great Han's officialdom was vast in capacity. Even two hundred and eighty men could be placed if the higher-ups had the resolve—let alone twenty-eight.

And in the court, Crown Prince Liu Yang's words carried weight when it came to personnel matters. Moreover, with the old emperor's tacit approval above and Lü Duan's assistance below, it took only half a day for the fates of Zhang Xun, Lü Mengzheng, and their cohort to be settled. All twenty-eight were assigned with perfect clarity, and even the edicts were drafted.

Following Emperor Liu's wishes, they were scattered far and wide across the realm—Gaochang, Monan, Yunnan, and Guangxi all received some. Of course, the largest number went to He-Long, where manpower was most scarce.

The He-Long region had seen great changes recently as well. First, Wang Ming, who had long served as Administration Commissioner, was transferred away and was even now still en route back to the capital. When matters stirred in Longyou, Hexi moved first—this was the tradition of He-Long as one body.

At the same time, this signified the court's beginning of a new round of reorganization in He-Long, and meant that the great policy of the Western Campaign was truly beginning to waver. At the very least, Wang Ming had been a supporter of the Western Campaign.

Wang Ming was also a veteran official and capable minister—skilled in both civil and military affairs. During the unification wars, besides leading troops in battle, he had also been responsible for the army's logistics and supply on multiple occasions. There was no problem with his ability or prestige. But precisely because of this, in supplying the Western Campaign army, he had nearly scraped the land of Hexi clean.

Of course, the results for Zhang, Lü, and the others did not mean the matter was completely finished and could be turned over. Soon, Emperor Liu issued another edict, declaring his stance.

The edict's contents highly affirmed the function and role of the Palace City Office, praising its accumulated merits and achievements over the years. Finally, as a gracious favor, it formally established the Palace City garrison troops, while also granting them the authority to arrest and interrogate officials of the sixth rank and below.

Just like the Wude Office's "Wude Battalion," having its own independent semi-militarized force was something Wang Ji'en had pursued for decades, but had always been suppressed by Emperor Liu. Who would have thought it would be unexpectedly realized under such circumstances?

As for the authority to arrest and interrogate, it patched up most of the Palace City Office's previous overreach, making it "legal" from now on. It could be said that even the Wude Office had never been explicitly granted such authority by imperial edict.

Of course, the Palace City Office did not come away without losses. At the very least, Zhang Jinjie, the Palace City Office's investigation supervisor whose crimes were proven beyond doubt, along with a number of his subordinates guilty of grave offenses, were all executed.

However, for the Palace City Office, sacrificing the lives of Zhang Jinjie and the others in exchange for these two authorities was a profit however one calculated it. Such an outcome was hard for most people to accept. If one knew that risking major political danger to struggle would instead expand the Palace City Office's authority, then what was the point of all the fuss?

And this was clearly the stance Emperor Liu was presenting—no one could force him to do anything. His style was becoming increasingly extreme, to the point of being willing to loosen the leash on that vicious beast, the Palace City Office, just as he had once loosened it on the Wude Office.

All along, due to differences in scope of authority and direction of development, the Palace City Office's deterrent power over nobles and bureaucrats had been greater than that of the Wude Office. With Emperor Liu's edict issued, the entire court would truly fear the Palace City Office like a tiger. In the past, it had been more wariness; from now on, it would likely be mostly terror.

Of course, all of this presupposed Emperor Liu's reign, for the Palace City Office's power was granted by the emperor. What the situation would be once the Crown Prince ascended the throne remained unknown.

But for the moment, many Great Han nobles and bureaucrats—whether or not they were implicated in this storm—could not help but feel a chill sweep over them. Some even resented Zhang, Lü, and the others bitterly: couldn't they have just lived peacefully and steadily? Why did they have to go after Wang Ji'en, target the Palace City Office, and provoke the emperor!

By this point, many had forgotten the fervent passion and righteous indignation they had shown when submitting memorials to petition earlier.

The expansion of the Palace City Office's authority had a significant impact on the court. Nobles and bureaucrats felt another layer of restraint binding them, while the Wude Office, as the competitor, could only be said to have lost the bait along with the chicken.

Although the Wude Office had kept a low profile and shown restraint throughout the entire process, no one believed it had behaved entirely properly without any moves at all. And in Emperor Liu's mind, perhaps from Xue Che onward, the Wude Office's hand had already been at work.

Now, both inside and outside the court, there was much more murky smoke and miasma, and the fog enveloping everything had grown denser—so thick that even the old emperor could hardly see through it. This forced him to adopt more active and effective measures to clear his eyes and ears and pierce through the fog.

Emperor Liu also had moments of fear. He feared the people rising in rebellion, and he feared internal and external ministers colluding to deceive him. Of course, what he feared most was being unable to distinguish loyalty from treachery, good from evil.

And if one asked who was most disappointed, it was unquestionably Zhang, Lü, and the other ministers who had labored so hard to "topple Wang." Not only had they nearly lost their lives, but the outcome had been so unsatisfactory—they had lost their offices and been demoted, while that old eunuch Wang Ji'en still sat securely in his position as Commissioner of the Palace City.

Why bother?

Fog hung heavy, and the spring wind blew chilly. It was clearly the warm spring season, yet the outskirts of Luoyang presented a bleak and forbidding scene. Of course, perhaps what was desolate was not the spring scenery, but the hearts of men.

Yanxi Post Station, as the second-largest post station in Luoyang's suburbs and the necessary route for those entering the capital from the west, was naturally built on the "Luoyang-Chang'an Direct Road." Its atmosphere was naturally lively—never lacking human voices or animal calls. The scene at Yanxi Post Station could be called a microcosm of the capital region's prosperous appearance.

Spring breeze brushed the willows, greening both banks of the Gu River. At the long pavilion farewell, the tender green branches were so delicate one could hardly bear to break them. Outside Yong'an Post Station, by the willow pavilion, on the green grass, several carriages stood by the roadside. Several drivers soothed their horses, while a few figures stood for a long time, gazing eastward. Luoyang, dozens of li away, was beyond their field of vision, but that did not hinder their attachment to the imperial capital.

Led by Lü Mengzheng, eight people in total, dressed in plain clothes, as the exiled, were about to journey far across mountain passes to take up posts in He-Long and Gaochang. They were unfortunate—cast down from heaven in a single morning—yet also fortunate, having preserved their lives and retained their official status, not falling all the way to the mortal dust, and even earning no small measure of fame.

However, if given a chance to do it over, most of them would probably regret it—including Lü Mengzheng.

As for Lü Mengzheng, Crown Prince Liu Yang thought rather highly of him, and had specially placed him in Hexi as Prefectural Administrator of Ganzhou. From Capital Governor to Prefectural Administrator of Ganzhou—the gap was far greater than the difference in rank suggested.

What kind of place was Ganzhou? Although it was a core stronghold of Hexi, in the context of the entire Great Han, it simply did not rank. Its political status was as far from Luoyang as heaven from earth. Clearly, for Lü Mengzheng, this was a major setback in his official career.

Among commoner-origin officials of the same generation and seniority as Lü Mengzheng, Zhang Qixian and Li Hang were the most famous. The three were collectively called the "Three Talents," and were universally acknowledged as having boundless prospects, the most likely to one day enter the hall and become chancellors. And starting from his tenure as Governor of Luoyang Prefecture, Lü Mengzheng had completely pulled ahead of the other two.

Yet after this setback, his originally bright future suddenly darkened. No one knew how long he would stay in Ganzhou—perhaps for the rest of his life. Thus, his sighs at this moment were not only because of leaving the capital, but also because of his own now-obscured prospects.

In contrast, Zhang Qixian had rendered great service in the six prefectures of Yulin. After years of hardship, he had finally restored some vitality to that desolate region. According to reports, the six prefectures' population had once again surpassed three hundred thousand. Achieving results under difficult conditions showed true ability. Collecting some taxes and earning some reputation in an economically developed region—that was no skill at all.

Thanks to his outstanding work in restoring and developing Yulin, Zhang Qixian had also gained high recognition from the court and was promoted to Guannei Circuit. Emperor Liu greatly appreciated officials who achieved results in difficult regions. Zhang Qixian had long been in the emperor's thoughts, and with years of tempering behind him, the chancellorship was in sight for his next step.

As for Li Hang, he too was steadily advancing. During his tenure in Zhengzhou, his tax reform work had been excellent—swift and efficient, without causing too much upheaval. His ability to pacify the people and coordinate work was evident. Now he was already Deputy Administration Commissioner of the Capital Circuit, specifically responsible for advancing tax reform in the capital region. At a higher position, he continued to perform well with notable results.

When compared with Zhang Qixian and Li Hang, the impact of Lü Mengzheng's demotion and transfer became all the more pronounced. Of course, looking on the bright side, if he could achieve some results during his tenure in Ganzhou, it would serve as a remedy for his shortcomings. After all, what Lü Mengzheng had lacked previously was precisely experience in local prefectural posts—from the very start of his official career, he had always been a court official.

But regardless, the prerequisite was being able to leave Ganzhou. And after this affair, during Emperor Liu's reign, that would be exceedingly difficult. Pulling a thorn from the old emperor's heart was both difficult and extremely risky.

Of course, there was not nothing to take comfort in—for instance, Xu Shilian, who stood beside Lü Mengzheng at this moment. Dressed in a light blue brocade robe, wearing a light gauze futou hat, with a steady gaze and calm expression, even that small mustache of his seemed particularly distinctive.

Pointing at the westward road, Xu Shilian said to Lü Mengzheng: "Prefectural Administrator Lü, ahead lies the border of Yong'an County. I must take my leave here. The road to the frontier is long—take the utmost care!"

"Your kindness, Academician Xu, is deeply appreciated. Lü Mou bows in gratitude. Please, do not see me further!" Lü Mengzheng nodded and bowed solemnly to Xu Shilian.

With that said, he was the first to board the carriage. Looking back at Luoyang once more, then glancing at Xu Shilian, he gave a slight nod, bent down, and ducked into the carriage.

Lü Mengzheng and Xu Shilian had never even exchanged words before, let alone shared any friendship. Yet Xu Shilian had come dozens of li out of Luoyang to see him off, and Lü Mengzheng accepted it calmly while maintaining a certain respect.

The reason went without saying. This was also the only thing that could bring comfort to Lü Mengzheng's heart. At this moment, Lü Mengzheng's heart was filled with blessings for the Crown Prince, wishing him all the best, and that he might smoothly inherit the great succession in the future.

Compared with Lü Mengzheng's side, which was "strong in numbers," Zhang Xun's side was far more desolate. He was traveling alone to Linhuang Prefecture. Those who came to see him off included, besides the household sent by his "sworn brother" Duke Yu, Wei Xianxin, also people sent by the Crown Prince—equally taciturn. And compared with Lü Mengzheng, Zhang Xun was far more confident in his heart.

With Zhang, Lü, and the others leaving the capital, it was formally declared that this struggle in Luoyang—ostensibly against the Palace City Office but in reality restricting imperial power—had utterly failed. Before the overwhelming might of sovereign authority, it had been truly fragile.

Some went despondently to the frontier passes; naturally, others laughed with joy. The Palace City Office, from Wang Ji'en on down, was overjoyed, as if they had won a great victory. Emperor Liu's edict strengthening the Palace City Office's authority was said to be treated by Wang Ji'en like a treasure, placed under his pillow—he even slept with it beneath his head.

And in the following dozen or so days, Wang Ji'en's life could not have been more comfortable. Under his direction, the Palace City garrison quickly entered the preparatory stage. With Emperor Liu's consent, he specially went to the Wude Battalion and selected several capable officers of Commissioner of the Wude Office Wang Xuanzhen, then transferred them to the Palace City garrison to serve as stable hands.

Both inside and outside the court, the voices attacking him and the Palace City Office suddenly vanished. Whether high officials or low-ranking subordinates, all treated him with utmost deference. Facts proved that he was still that powerful Commissioner of the Palace City, that Grand Eunuch Wang.

Of course, what pleased him most was Emperor Liu himself. As if after going through trials and tribulations, the master and servant had restored their former closeness. Emperor Liu seemed to have set aside the grudge in his heart, repeatedly summoning him on his own initiative, listening to his reports, learning about his work progress, and even showing concern for his well-being—all of which filled Wang Ji'en with complacent delight.

At the tail end of the second month, with spring flowers blooming and bright sunshine, this day was Wang Ji'en's sixtieth birthday. Perhaps to dispel the ill fortune of the previous storm, a grand birthday banquet was held at his residence in the northern part of Luoyang.

Guests numbered over a thousand. Besides the heads of the Palace City Office's subordinate units, there was no shortage of fawning court officials, subordinate clerks, and merchants. Even Emperor Liu himself specially sent a personally inscribed scroll as a gesture of congratulations. The favor from His Majesty was undoubtedly the most precious gift present, and it elevated the atmosphere to its climax. The joyous clamor lasted until midnight.

Perhaps due to his happiness, Wang Ji'en drank quite a bit of wine, even getting drunk. Although Wang Ji'en was no longer young, his body did not have the ailments that plagued Emperor Liu. As for his tolerance for alcohol, to put it modestly, a catty or two would not get him drunk.

However, when he woke from his hangover the next day, the scene before his bed made Wang Ji'en's heart crawl with dread. Zhang Bin, Deputy Commissioner of the Palace City Office, stood in the room with four subordinates, as if "watching over" him—but their silent gazes were enough to make one's heart tremble.

"Why are you in my room?" Having vaguely sensed that something was wrong, Wang Ji'en feigned displeasure, putting on his authority as Commissioner of the Palace City, and demanded coldly.

"Since the Commissioner is awake, please come with us!" Normally, Zhang Bin treated Wang Ji'en with great deference, but at this moment, he made a gesture of invitation with neither humility nor arrogance.

"Go—go where?" The Commissioner of the Palace City, who had wielded power for decades, found his tongue trembling at this moment.

"By His Majesty's oral decree—to prison!" Zhang Bin clasped his hands toward the direction of the imperial city and said calmly: "Commissioner, for the sake of your dignity, please come along willingly. Do not make things difficult for us!"

When he heard this, Wang Ji'en's old face turned even paler. His eyes first showed bewilderment, then sudden realization, and then he anxiously got up from bed, only to fall to the ground at once. He shouted at Zhang Bin: "I must see His Majesty!"

"My task is to put the Commissioner into prison!" Zhang Bin's tone remained as calm as ever, but he clearly had no intention of giving Wang Ji'en the slightest chance.

"Who do you think you are, daring to block me from seeing His Majesty?" Seeing this, Wang Ji'en could not help but shout sternly.

Zhang Bin chuckled lightly and said to his subordinates beside him: "Why are you all standing there dumbfounded? Why not carry out His Majesty's decree?"

There was simply no possibility of resistance. For Wang Ji'en, waking from sleep to find heaven and earth turned upside down—and for the court, even though Wang Ji'en's arrest was conducted in secret, it still stirred up waves. No one had expected that the reversal overnight could be so great...

But in the eyes of certain old foxes, this was an expected development. A shrewd man like Zhao Kuangyi had long since pronounced the death sentence on Wang Ji'en!