Chapter 207: The Western Tour Concludes

"Both of you are the finest of generals, with outstanding reputations, bearing the responsibility of defense and the duty of protection—I can rest easy." Supporting one with each hand, Liu Chengyou's attitude grew even more familiar, and he was quite satisfied with the reaction of the two old marshals.

"Of course, I am merely making necessary arrangements to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. A ruler must obey Heaven above and respond to the people's hearts below. If ruler and ministers can work in harmony and all remains peaceful, that would naturally be for the best..." Liu Chengyou added.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Zhao and Wang flattered.

It was just unknown what the two truly thought in their hearts. If one took the Emperor's words too seriously, one would not go far in one's official career.

"What I discussed with you two tonight must not be leaked!" After giving this instruction, Liu Chengyou raised his eyes to look at the somber night sky and said: "It is getting late, and I should not disturb you further. I am returning to the palace."

"We see off Your Majesty."

"Stay."

Although Liu Chengyou had spoken, Zhao Hui still escorted him to the gate together with Wang Yan. Standing at the entrance, Liu Chengyou once again noticed Zhao Yanjin standing to the side, and said with seeming casualness: "I just conversed with Yanjin earlier—his responses were proper, he has wisdom and strategy, and he pleases me greatly. I am at a time when I need capable men by my side. How would it be if he accompanies me back to the Eastern Capital this time and serves in the court?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Hui turned his head to glance at his own son, paused only for a moment, then replied: "Your servant thanks Your Majesty for the grace on behalf of my worthless son."

Waving his hand, Liu Chengyou then looked toward Wang Yan: "I still recall that you, Wang, have a son named Hanlun."

"Last year, he risked death to personally travel to Jinyang to present a memorial—his courage and boldness were extraordinary. The court has not yet given him ample reward. I wish to transfer him to the Eastern Capital for appointment. What do you think, Minister?" Liu Chengyou's tone seemed full of appreciation.

Wang Yan did not hesitate much and said directly: "Your servant will immediately send a letter to have my worthless son come to the capital to serve Your Majesty."

Nodding with satisfaction, Liu Chengyou then boarded his imperial carriage. After the carriage set off and traveled far away under the escort of the palace guards, Zhao Hui and Wang Yan, standing in attendance at the gate, both let out a sigh of relief at the same time, exchanging bitter smiles.

"Father, the Son of Heaven wants me and Brother Hanlun to serve as officials in the capital—could it be that he wants us as hostages?" At this moment, his son Zhao Yanjin muttered from the side.

"Shut your mouth!" Upon hearing this, Zhao Hui immediately scolded, his gaze sweeping around in a circle, but seeing that all present were trusted men, he let out a turbid breath, then gave another lecture: "The Son of Heaven has taken a liking to you—this is your fortune. When you serve as an official in the Eastern Capital in the future, be cautious in your words and deeds. If you dare speak recklessly or act presumptuously, I will not let it pass lightly!"

"Brother Zhao, Yanjin only spoke without thinking." Wang Yan consoled from the side: "With both sons going to the capital, they can also support each other somewhat."

"Having such an emperor may be a blessing for the realm, but for us military governors... alas..." Zhao Hui could not help but sigh.

In fact, both men knew clearly in their hearts that Liu Chengyou summoning their two sons to the capital was both a grace and a hostage arrangement—it all depended on how the two of them conducted themselves.

"We have fought our whole lives, and to have attained this position is already enough. If we harbor no delusions, what else is there to fear? Providing for our descendants and seeking glory and prosperity for them—this is a good thing!" Wang Yan spoke frankly.

"Brother Wang's words are reasonable." Upon hearing this, Zhao Hui agreed.

"The Son of Heaven is indeed as the rumors say. The situation in Hezhong—I had long heard of it while in Shanzhou. Those people secretly harboring treacherous intentions are truly seeking their own destruction. With such methods from the Son of Heaven, how could Li Shouzhen possibly be his match?" Saying this, Zhao Hui sighed again.

"This Son of Heaven is still so young—the Great Han's future is promising..." Wang Yan raised the key point, his tone also thick with emotion.

Although Luoyang city was in overall decline, the roads were indeed not crowded. The imperial carriage traveled steadily along the main avenue, heading straight for the palace gate. Liu Chengyou leaned calmly against the soft cushion, eyes closed, thoughts churning in his mind, yet his mood was exceptionally peaceful. As for whether Liu Chengyou truly fully trusted Zhao Hui and Wang Yan—indeed, not entirely.

However, having come to their door to entrust them with matters of utmost importance, Liu Chengyou had naturally given it deep consideration. Regarding Zhao and Wang, Liu Chengyou had made inquiries through many channels, gaining a thorough understanding of their temperaments, abilities, ways of handling affairs, governance, and military command before making his decision.

This was also the reason Liu Chengyou treated them differently despite both being among the three military governors who first supported him, and both surrounding Pu and Tong. He still held great confidence in the two of them.

Coming to their door tonight, bestowing grace and favor, was also a way of establishing authority. The majesty of the Son of Heaven does not rely solely on coercive force and intimidation—speech, bearing, aspirations, and cultivation are formed in the intangible.

Regarding Li Shouzhen, Liu Chengyou naturally could not rely only on Zhao Hui and Wang Yan. Placing Bai Wenke in Jingzhao and stationing Yang Ye at Tong Pass were both extremely important moves. Moreover, if Li Shouzhen rebelled, truly pacifying and eliminating him would ultimately require the imperial army to exert its strength.

As for Xue Huairang in Tongzhou, to be honest, Liu Chengyou did not feel he posed much threat to the court. Even Li Shouzhen was not as formidable in Liu Chengyou's eyes as he appeared on the surface.

From the very beginning, Li Shouzhen's "chicken" nature had been confirmed by Liu Chengyou. As Liu Chengyou weathered the transition period after his succession, his deployment and responses became increasingly smooth. The slight surprise was that Xue Huairang had stuck his head out, seemingly also wanting to be a chicken.

"Old Chancellor Feng, Li Shouzhen and Xue Huairang have disregarded my edicts. In your view, how should I respond?" Inside the palace, Liu Chengyou summoned Feng Dao, the chancellor accompanying him, and inquired.

To the side, even Feng Dao's sitting posture exuded caution. His obedient, aged face bore a contemplative expression, as if secretly gauging Liu Chengyou's thoughts. Keeping his peripheral vision on Liu Chengyou's reaction, he probed: "Issue an edict of reprimand, investigate the reasons, and have the two of them give the court an explanation?"

"The actions of these two men are nothing short of openly challenging the dignity of me and the court. Just a toothless reprimand? If word of this spreads, where would my face be? Where would the court's dignity stand? Would we not be looked down upon by all under Heaven? If every prefectural military governor follows suit, would the realm not descend into chaos?" Liu Chengyou immediately waved his hand, indicating his displeasure.

Seeing this, Feng Dao pondered carefully for a while, then looked at Liu Chengyou with clear, aged eyes: "Could it be that Your Majesty wishes to directly punish them?"

This question directly stumped Liu Chengyou. If he truly intended such a course, he would likely have issued the edict long ago—why bother discussing it here with Feng Dao? Feng Dao had probably also guessed this thought of Liu Chengyou's.

"Your Majesty, Li Shouzhen secretly harbors treacherous intentions. He is cowed by the court's strength, fears disaster, and thus cannot feel at ease, seeking only self-preservation." Feng Dao slowly explained to Liu Chengyou: "The court need only issue an edict of appeasement to calm his heart and prevent unrest."

Hearing this, a trace of ridicule curled at the corner of Liu Chengyou's mouth: "Appeasement is acceptable, but one must not seek mere temporary peace!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Dao very naturally changed his tune, saying: "However, since the beginning of this year, Li Shouzhen in Hezhong has been repairing city walls and forging weapons day and night without rest. His treacherous intentions are now plain for all to see, far exceeding the bounds of a subject. The court absolutely must not indulge him."

Liu Chengyou simply watched Feng Dao, waiting to see how he would smooth over his words.

Only then did he hear him say: "The abnormal situation in Hezhong has become a threat at the court's elbow, a worry at its heart—it must be eliminated. However, this matter should be handled slowly rather than hastily; we must await another favorable opportunity. When the time comes, we shall strike like thunder and eradicate this scourge!"

Liu Chengyou slightly shifted his posture and looked at Feng Dao with curiosity: "The favorable opportunity you speak of, Minister Feng—what exactly do you mean?"

"Sharpen the armor and troops, and ensure ample provisions!" Feng Dao answered.

"The specific timing!" Liu Chengyou asked.

"Perhaps after this year's summer harvest..." Feng Dao showed slight hesitation.

Upon hearing his answer, Liu Chengyou nodded extremely slowly. Regarding the Li Shouzhen matter, Liu Chengyou had rarely consulted Feng Dao before, but his suggestion was very close to what Liu Chengyou himself had in mind. This was probably a case of different paths converging on the same destination, of thinking alike without prior consultation.

"Before the western tour, Li Shouzhen sent letters to Yang Bin and Shi Hongzhao, seeking assurances and declaring he harbored no treacherous intentions. What do you think, Minister, was his purpose in doing so?" Liu Chengyou asked.

Feng Dao answered without hesitation: "Perhaps he wanted to lull the court into complacency."

A faint sneer hanging at the corner of his mouth, Liu Chengyou flicked his hand and said: "He wants to lull me—well, I want to lull him too!"

Turning around, Liu Chengyou said bluntly to Feng Dao: "This time, not only will I not punish him, I will reward him—raise his office, advance his rank, and extend favor to his sons. I will also grant him an iron certificate with vermilion script, a golden plaque of immunity. I will even send a great minister as envoy to offer reassurance and express my intentions!"

Liu Chengyou spoke these words with murderous intent. Hearing them, Feng Dao felt a chill run down his spine. Where did this young Son of Heaven, still so young, get such deep schemes? A young emperor, sharpness hidden in his chest, enduring what ordinary men cannot endure—truly no ordinary person.

"Minister Feng, would you be willing to make a trip to Hezhong on my behalf?" Liu Chengyou suddenly asked.

Upon hearing this, a look of sudden realization crossed Feng Dao's face. Now he understood the true purpose behind Liu Chengyou summoning him and talking at such length. He hesitated somewhat—Hezhong was now a place of trouble. If the Son of Heaven was sending him there, it could not possibly be just for a simple visit. Out of "instinct," he was somewhat reluctant to go.

But in the end, he nodded and agreed: "If Your Majesty does not disdain your servant's old age and declining years, I am willing to go and extend Your Majesty's grace."

"Li Shouzhen is a base fellow, and Hezhong is no dragon's pool or tiger's den. You need not worry, Minister—just treat it as a sightseeing trip. The more relaxed you are, the better..." Knowing roughly what Feng Dao was concerned about, Liu Chengyou offered words of comfort.

Feng Dao found this reasonable and was already pondering how he should conduct himself upon arriving in Hezhong. He had once shared some friendship with Li Shouzhen, so he did not fear for his life—only worried about what might happen if he got dragged into things. Bearing the mission of appeasement, temporarily suppressing the man's fierce and savage bearing—how to manage this, Feng Dao would have to handle carefully.

With troops from Jingzhao, Tong Pass, Jinjiang, and Shanzhou, plus Feng Dao's mission, Liu Chengyou was applying both grace and might to Hezhong, using every means at his disposal, seeking only to temporarily stabilize the man and buy himself half a year of time to tend his fields.

Then, according to Liu Chengyou's thinking, when the time came, Li Shouzhen would have no choice but to rebel. Just like Du Chongwei last year—Liu Chengyou had already done something similar, and this time, with him fully at the helm, it would only go more smoothly.

With the arrangements for Hezhong settled, Liu Chengyou's western tour was thus declared concluded.

On Renshen day, Liu Chengyou issued an edict: on the twenty-fifth day of the third month, the imperial carriage would return to court. The officials and generals of Luoyang collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

However, before returning east to Kaifeng, Liu Chengyou had one final arrangement. It seemed both a spur-of-the-moment decision and a long-planned move. In any case, the result appeared quite thought-provoking...