Chapter 1989: Petty, the Prince of Yong's Counsel

"Unfilial grandson Wen Yuan pays respects to Grandfather!" Inside Chuigong Hall, ten steps before the imperial dais, Liu Wenyuan bowed in reverence to the old emperor.

The first matter upon arriving at the Western Capital was, of course, nothing more important than an audience with the sovereign. Under the welcome of Marquis Wannian Liu Wenhuan, he entered Purple Micro City and went straight to the imperial presence.

A brand-new prince's robe, evidently sewn with patient care by skilled hands, tailored to fit perfectly—perhaps the first time Liu Wenyuan had ever worn one—but once on his body, the already tall and handsome Liu Wenyuan appeared even more spirited and extraordinary.

The moment Liu Wenhuan saw Liu Wenyuan, he was drawn to this attire. Of course, having seen and even touched dragon robes, he would hardly be astonished by a mere prince's robe; what drew him was the man wearing it—a man of his own generation.

Compared to Liu Wenyuan, Liu Wenhuan and the other imperial princes fell far short in every respect. Now, this elder brother was about to be enfeoffed as a prince of the realm, while he himself had only just finished his studies and was running errands at the Hall of State Affairs.

Likewise, Emperor Liu was also drawn to the dignified and resplendent prince's robe Liu Wenyuan wore—the key point being that it carried a strong shadow of Liu Xu. In fact, on Bai Yonglin's advice, Liu Wenyuan had indeed undergone special makeup for today's audience, and his styling had been made to resemble Liu Xu as closely as possible.

And the effect was obvious. Though only ten steps away, with the old emperor's current eyesight, he could not see clearly. But as he leaned on his bamboo staff and slowly descended the imperial dais, the shadow of "Liu Xu" became faintly visible. For a brief moment, the old emperor even felt that the one standing before him was his eldest son, Liu Xu.

After a moment of daze, Emperor Liu's eyes reddened, as if a painful memory had been stirred, and soon tears streamed down his aged face. Seeing this, Liu Wenyuan, kneeling on the ground, was inwardly surprised, but a thought flashed through his mind and he quickly assumed a mournful expression, bowing his head low, forehead pressed tightly against the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, his cries gradually growing louder. Soon, Chuigong Hall was enveloped in sorrow by the weeping of grandfather and grandson.

At the side, Crown Prince Liu Yang and his son were also present. Liu Yang wore a calm expression, his gaze sweeping over the grandfather and grandson pair for a moment, his brow slightly furrowing.

Given the old emperor's age and health, he could not withstand violent swings of emotion. At ordinary times, Liu Yang would surely offer words of comfort, or at least put on a show of concern.

But this time, Liu Yang chose silence, and moreover, he fixed his gaze on Liu Wenyuan with a hint of suspicion in his eyes. Hard to say what the old emperor thought, but in Liu Yang's view, this eldest nephew was quite scheming—that deliberate air of his could be detected with just a little observation.

Yet the old emperor seemed to fall for it. After weeping for a while, he raised his sleeve to wipe away his tears, bent down, grasped Liu Wenyuan's arm, applied gentle force, and slowly helped him up.

Once he stood upright, the old emperor examined him carefully for a few moments, as if admiring a fine piece of jade, and a relieved expression spread across his aged face as he sighed with emotion: "My eldest grandson has finally grown up. Now he can be a prince, govern the realm, and command the people!"

Sensing the note of affirmation in Emperor Liu's tone, Liu Wenyuan felt somewhat reassured and bowed deeply: "Your grandson only fears failing the teachings of his father and grandfather!"

"So you must do well!" Emperor Liu said immediately. "Andong's present state did not come easily—it is steeped in your father's blood and toil. In the future, you must use your actions to defend the foundation your father built…"

"Yes!" Liu Wenyuan had no hesitation on this matter and quickly expressed his commitment.

Listening to the exchange between grandfather and grandson, Liu Yang's heart stirred with ripples. To be honest, Emperor Liu's words made Liu Yang feel somewhat uncomfortable.

In Emperor Liu's eyes, Andong's achievements today seemed to be the sole credit of eldest brother Liu Xu. Yet without the court's unwavering support for over a decade—supplying money, grain, people, and troops—how could it have achieved such leapfrog development? The many material supplies and logistical arrangements involved had been personally approved and arranged by Liu Yang himself.

With Liu Yang's breadth of mind and depth of character, he would not normally turn sour, much less feel jealousy toward his deceased elder brother. But the old emperor's differential treatment always left him with a faint sense of injustice, a feeling that it wasn't worth it…

Over here, after the brief pleasantries, Emperor Liu gradually returned to normal. His gaze wandered and settled on the gift box held by the palace eunuch who had followed into the hall. Pointing at it, he asked: "What is this?"

Upon the question, Liu Wenyuan said: "In reply, Grandfather, this is an apology gift your grandson has brought! Your grandson has truly been unfilial, missing Grandfather's auspicious birthday celebration. It truly was inexcusable—please punish your grandson!"

Liu Wenyuan was indeed a scheming man. Before even entering the capital, he had learned in advance of some rumors circulating in Luoyang, the most hostile of which, to him, was the talk about his delaying the birthday congratulations.

Such rumors, no matter where they originated, harbored malicious intent—they accused him of unfilial conduct, which was a very serious matter. Now, Liu Wenyuan directly addressed the matter openly before the old emperor and confessed his fault. Though somewhat risky, it was also a clever approach.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu's aged eyes narrowed slightly, and a flicker of suspicion indeed passed through them. He examined Liu Wenyuan for a few moments, then his face broke into a smile and he chuckled: "No matter! Handover matters are the most prone to problems. Handle Andong's affairs well, reassure the people, and keep the borders secure—that is the greatest filial piety you can show me, and the best gift."

Unconsciously, Emperor Liu's self-reference in conversation had changed, as if the old emperor who did not easily stir his heart had returned. He asked calmly: "What's in the box? Open it and let me see!"

"It is a thousand-year-old ginseng gathered from the deep mountains of Changbai, aged over a thousand years. I pray that Grandfather may be like this spiritual herb—may you live ten thousand autumns and ten thousand years, forever guarding the Great Han!" Liu Wenyuan spoke flattering words while personally opening the box, revealing the ginseng within.

This was evidently a treasure that had absorbed the spiritual essence of heaven and earth and gathered the quintessence of sun and moon. Its vivid form, its aura of spiritual energy, truly gave one a sense of lifelikeness that stirred the heart.

Emperor Liu looked at it a few times, then waved his hand with a light smile: "It is indeed a treasure. The palace has many mountain ginsengs, but I fear not one of them can surpass this one.

I accept this token of your sincerity. But as for that talk of 'ten thousand autumns and ten thousand years'—say no more of it. Those are the fawning, flattering words of sycophants and petty men.

It is improper for you to say, unpleasant for me to hear, and if it spreads abroad, it will only make people laugh at us!"

Emperor Liu's face changed on a dime, and Liu Wenyuan immediately became alert, realizing he had overstepped. He promptly bowed solemnly: "Your grandfather's teaching—your grandson understands!"

As he lowered his head, Liu Wenyuan also silently warned himself. It was only now that he truly understood the admonition Liu Xu had given him back then.

They were dragon sons and dragon grandsons, unlike those outside ministers. Before Emperor Liu, it was best to speak plainly—better to say nothing at all than to play petty tricks.

And Liu Wenyuan had just now clearly played quite a few tricks. Indeed, Emperor Liu's emotional reaction had even briefly made Liu Wenyuan take him for a senile old man in his declining years. But Emperor Liu's sudden shift made Liu Wenyuan quickly cast aside that attitude of outward reverence and inward arrogance.

Though it was merely a psychological adjustment, this inner change in Liu Wenyuan was still keenly detected by Emperor Liu. After gazing at him briefly, a faint smile returned to the old emperor's face: "And where is my great-grandson? Why didn't you bring him along?"

The fifth generation of the Great Han imperial house had already been born—a child of Liu Wenyuan's, named Liu Yuanjue, now over two years old. As the first of the great-grandson generation, Emperor Liu naturally cared about him. Yet he had still never laid eyes on him.

Liu Wenyuan replied: "This trip was rushed, and my son is still young. I feared he could not endure the hardships of the journey, so I did not bring him to the capital!"

Hearing this, Emperor Liu could not help but sigh with regret: "Last year when you came to the capital, he was too young for a long journey, so I missed him. And now it is the same again…"

Seeing the old emperor's look of disappointment, Liu Wenyuan actually felt some regret. If he had known, he would have brought his son along—the effect might have been even better.

While Liu Wenyuan's thoughts were unsettled, Emperor Liu had already shifted into casual family conversation. He waved his hand: "Enough. Next time you come to the capital, remember to bring the child. I have been thinking of him for a long time!"

"Yes! Your grandson obeys the imperial command!" Liu Wenyuan accompanied his words with a smile, his face full of filial devotion.

"How is your mother's health?" Emperor Liu asked again.

"Her health is still fine, but she misses her husband so dearly that it pains her to the core. Every night she weeps without cease until dawn," Liu Wenyuan said.

These words were clearly exaggerated. Though Empress Dowager Bai was grieved, she was not to that degree—after all, she still had her children to rely on, and the honor and glory of being an empress dowager of the realm to console her.

They chatted for a while, touching on no sensitive matters, and by the end, even the reminiscence of Liu Xu was set aside. Emperor Liu's emotions these days came quickly and left quickly—soon the stimulation of Liu Wenyuan's arrival in the capital had completely subsided.

After chatting for nearly half an hour, fatigue set in. Seeing that the time was about right, Emperor Liu could not help but yawn and instructed Liu Wenyuan: "You have come from afar, weary from the journey by carriage and horse. Go rest and settle in first. Tonight, a family banquet will be held in the palace—consider it my welcome for you. Afterwards, we will find another time for grandfather and grandson to properly discuss the affairs of Andong!"

"Yes!" Liu Wenyuan cautiously glanced at the old emperor and replied with deference. Though the audience had deviated somewhat from his expectations, overall, he had been given a reassurance.

Liu Wenyuan withdrew. Liu Yang and his son also took their leave right after. Walking together, father and son were both silent—Liu Yang's face was calm and thoughtful, while Liu Wenhuan kept his head lowered, his mind filled with the scene of the "filial son and worthy grandson" in Chuigong Hall just now.

Liu Wenyuan withdrew. Liu Yang and his son also took their leave right after. Walking together, father and son were both silent—Liu Yang's face was calm and thoughtful, while Liu Wenhuan kept his head lowered, his mind filled with the scene of the "filial son and worthy grandson" in Chuigong Hall just now.

It had to be said, Liu Wenhuan was also sour. Though Emperor Liu's attitude toward him was mostly kind and benevolent, Liu Wenhuan reflected that the appreciation and regard Emperor Liu had shown Liu Wenyuan had never once been shown to him.

"Envious?" A voice so soft it seemed almost ethereal pulled Liu Wenhuan back to his senses.

It was the same question Liu Yang had once asked Liu Wenji. But unlike Liu Wenji's reaction, Liu Wenhuan shook his head almost without thinking: "Not envious!"

It was a reaction of someone eager to conceal. Liu Wenhuan twisted his neck slightly and said: "Brother Yuan is merely a few years older and has had a few more trials. I will catch up sooner or later. No matter how capable or formidable he is, he is only a Prince of Andong. I—"

At that point, his words came to an abrupt halt. Liu Wenhuan instinctively looked up and saw his father also looking at him, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He quickly lowered his head again and murmured: "But of course, there are still many things I need to learn from Brother Yuan!"

Having been observing his reaction all along, Liu Yang saw that he had braked in time and did not press further on his slip of the tongue. He merely sighed inwardly, thought for a moment, and then spoke in a tone of admonition: "Wenyuan is indeed outstanding, with many admirable qualities worth learning from. But remember one thing—do not learn this!"

"Please instruct me, Father!" Liu Wenhuan grew interested and clasped his hands.

"Those petty little schemes!" Liu Yang said flatly.

Liu Wenhuan was greatly surprised—what was that about? However, Liu Yang did not explain further, only letting him figure it out himself. Liu Yang clasped his hands behind his back and strolled away slowly, a deep, thoughtful expression occasionally flickering across his calm face.

Liu Wenyuan's performance today had not left a very good impression on Liu Yang. Overall, in Liu Yang's eyes, Liu Wenyuan seemed somewhat petty—compared to his father, he lacked a certain openness, and his breadth of vision fell considerably short.

Toward Liu Xu, Liu Yang had always felt both respect and wariness. But toward this eldest nephew who had inherited Liu Xu's political resources, after this episode, he had already come to look down on him somewhat—of course, this was a boldness that only a crown prince could possess.

That night, Emperor Liu held a small family banquet at Qiqiu Hall. Aside from Liu Wenyuan, the only attendees were Liu Yang and his son, Prince Yong Liu Chenghsun, and the Eighth Prince Liu Ai, who had replaced Liu Hui in the Hall of State Affairs. Among the consorts, only Noble Consort Gao was present to accompany them.

This was not a successful banquet. The overall atmosphere was too poor. Though there were many people present, all of them close kin, the warmth of family affection was hard to feel—even the scheming and intrigue were hidden beneath faces of hypocrisy and cold indifference.

Yet in such an atmosphere, the old emperor seemed quite at ease, a smile playing on his face. In the old days, he would likely have left the table early to find Empress Fu and pour out his grievances and complaints.

Now, there was no one to confide in, and Emperor Liu had no such inclination either. Most crucially, the old emperor had grown somewhat accustomed to it, his heart somewhat numbed—he had long since given up hope of harmony and affection within the imperial household.

Deep in the night, all was silent, a gentle breeze blowing. Emperor Liu, having drunk a fair amount of wine, looked up at the moon, then down at his own shadow, his mood appearing even better.

Two soft chairs were placed before Chuigong Hall, with a small table beside them bearing fruits and wine. Eight palace eunuchs, maids, and guards attended at the side. Emperor Liu and his brother Prince Yong, Liu Chenghsun, lay back and chatted idly.

The old emperor curled up in his chair, toying with his wine cup for a moment before bringing it to his lips, looking thoroughly drunk and bleary-eyed, yet still asking the maids to pour more. Seeing this, Liu Chenghsun could no longer hold back and urged, "Brother, stop drinking—please take care of your dragon body!"

"It's nothing. Rarely do I get this happy—breaking my rule for a few extra cups is of no consequence!" Hearing the advice, the old emperor's face was full of smiles as he turned his head toward Liu Chenghsun and said, "Many people urge me to take care of my health, but who is sincere and who is false, I know very well in my heart. My eyes may be failing, but this heart of mine remains clear as ever.

But many people don't even bother to put on a show anymore. At the banquet just now, only you and the Noble Consort urged me to drink less."

Hearing these words from the old emperor, Liu Chenghsun's brows knitted almost to a lock, his heart sinking slightly. Looking at the old emperor's "nonchalant" demeanor, he said softly, "Brother, forgive my boldness in saying this—the ministers are not unconcerned about you, but rather some of them dare not be concerned anymore."

Such words were probably something only Liu Chenghsun dared to say. Emperor Liu's reaction was somewhat strange—he stared at him with a complex gaze for a while before pouring another cup of wine into his mouth and saying leisurely, "Bold indeed! But this body of mine won't improve just from a bit more concern."

"Second Brother!" Liu Chenghsun's tone grew more agitated: "Precisely because of that, you must take care of yourself—the Great Han cannot be without you!"

"Third Brother!" Emperor Liu's voice also rose: "That's not necessarily true. In the past, I might have thought the same, but now I've come to realize. Even though I built this great empire with my own hands, my era is passing, and the ministers grow weary of it too."

"Second Brother—" Liu Chenghsun called out again.

"What's wrong with you tonight, calling Second Brother over and over!" Emperor Liu interrupted Liu Chenghsun, joking.

Liu Chenghsun was silent for a moment before sighing in response, "What Your Majesty said tonight fills me with trepidation!"

"What is there to fear? We've been brothers for decades—why must you behave like those ministers?" Emperor Liu said with melancholy: "Third Brother, the people around me who are willing and daring to speak the truth grow fewer and fewer. I don't want you to drift with the tide and echo others like those outsiders do."

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, a faint bitter smile flickered at the corner of Liu Chenghsun's mouth. He thought to himself: The way you are, how can I not drift with the tide?

"Yes!" On the surface, Liu Chenghsun still tried his best to comply with Emperor Liu.

Seeing this, Emperor Liu put on a serious expression and said, "Just as well—I have a matter on which I wish to seek your opinion!"

"Your servant is all ears!"

Emperor Liu's drunken eyes cleared somewhat. After pondering for a moment, he spoke slowly: "Wenyuan has come to the capital this time to receive the golden investiture and formalize his title. As King of Andong, he is the only choice—it only lacks a ceremony, and there will be no objection in court.

But as for the title of Prince of Qin—whether it should also pass to him—I still have no settled mind on the matter, and no small number of people in court are watching this issue. You are Prince Yong; I wish to hear your views."

Indeed, when Emperor Liu put on such an air, the question he asked was never easy to answer. Liu Chenghsun's face also showed a troubled expression. However, after thinking seriously, Liu Chenghsun made as if to rise.

Seeing this, Emperor Liu immediately reached out to stop him: "No need—this is just a discussion between brothers. Say whatever comes to mind!"

Though Emperor Liu said this, Liu Chenghsun still gave it much thought before answering cautiously: "In your servant's view, whether for the dignity of the court, to win the people's hearts, or to ensure orderly succession, it should not be granted. I know your feelings for the eldest son, but the title of Prince of Qin should be taken back!"

Pausing, Liu Chenghsun continued: "Not only that—all imperial fiefs and court titles should be taken back for future use. For the long continuation of the imperial house, heavenly titles should not be handed out indiscriminately.

Should I ever have the day to receive my fief in my lifetime, I beg Your Majesty to take back this title of Prince Yong as well."

As he spoke, Liu Chenghsun even began making declarations. Emperor Liu was genuinely surprised, looking at him with unexpected gaze for a while before a warm smile once again filled the wrinkles on his old face.

Not continuing on that topic, Emperor Liu shifted his posture and said in a relaxed tone, "Don't return to your residence tonight. Stay in the palace, share my bed, and keep me company in conversation. You and I, brothers, haven't had a heart-to-heart talk in many years."

Though he did not answer Liu Chenghsun's advice directly, Emperor Liu subsequently gave his answer through concrete action—the investiture ceremony was held only for the "King of Andong." Of Liu Wenyuan's purposes for coming to the capital, one was thus settled.