Chapter 212: Court Deliberation

（This chapter is a continuation of the previous one, dealing with court affairs. Those not interested are advised to skip it.)

Returning to Chuigong Hall, he shed his heavy court robes with the aid of palace eunuchs and changed into a set of light casual attire. Letting out a heavy sigh, he leaned back on the imperial throne and closed his eyes to rest for a while. Holding a court assembly truly drained one's mental and physical energy, especially one like this, where most of the time the ministers simply listened quietly to him speak.

"Your Majesty, the ministers have all arrived!" He barely had time to take a sip of water to moisten his parched throat before the announcement came.

"Summon them!" Liu Chengyou's reply was short and forceful.

Having just left court, summoning the ministers again was to discuss the policies he had put forth during the assembly. Liu Chengyou's mind was very clear—the policies he had proposed were still on paper and needed people to implement them, and what effects the implementation would yield remained unknown. But starting from the Secretariat-Chancellery, how to carry them out and promote them still required discussion between him and his ministers.

Compared to the solemnity of the court assembly, the atmosphere in the hall discussion was somewhat more relaxed, yet not by much. Everyone could feel that since returning from the western inspection tour, this young Son of Heaven seemed to have fully stepped into the role of Emperor, and his issuing of orders had gradually regained the assertiveness he had shown when he was at his princely fief.

The five chancellors—Yang Bin, Wang Zhang, Dou Zhengu, Li Tao, and Su Yugui—were joined by Commissioner of Military Affairs Guo Wei, and Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard Liu Xin was also present. The generals and ministers could be said to be fully assembled. The only one who stood out was Wei Renpu, after all, his "rank was low and position humble," even more conspicuous than Fan Zhi who was attending at the side.

Regarding the encouragement of agriculture, aside from the two burden-reducing policies, it was additionally decided that the court would dispatch several circuits of Agriculture Encouragement Commissioners to tour the prefectures and counties, urging the people to tend to farming and sericulture. Of course, this was inevitably accompanied by other functions—inspecting official governance and probing the sentiments of the people. It was also a means by which the central government began to extend its reach into the localities, merely concealed under the cloak of "encouraging agriculture."

The suggestion was put forth by Yang Bin. This was the first time Yang Bin had offered counsel that was entirely to Liu Chengyou's liking. Naturally, there was no reason to refuse it.

Regarding the suppression of bandits, Liu Xin proactively offered a simple and crude suggestion—let the local government troops at various places go all out in killing. Kill more people, kill until those bandits were terrified; once the outlaws were frightened, they would naturally come down from the mountains and submit obediently. It was a suggestion very much in line with Liu Xin's character. Given the current state of the realm, employing such harsh measures might indeed produce immediate results.

However, Liu Chengyou rejected it without much hesitation. Because he himself knew clearly that once the court issued such an edict, the local generals and officials executing it would very likely overcorrect. What Liu Chengyou wanted to do more was to transform bandits back into common people.

Moreover, after the previous round of policies, the bandit problem in the Great Han had already been greatly alleviated and improved. Those who still caused chaos in their regions were not only due to distrust of the court, but also because local officials had failed to implement policies effectively.

Having been categorically rejected by Liu Chengyou, Liu Xin sat there with a somewhat displeased expression, turning his face away and sulking, feeling that his face as the Emperor's uncle had been lost.

"Your Majesty, of late the Central Plains and Hebei have frequently reported ineffective bandit suppression. Your minister suggests that perhaps the imperial army could be dispatched to tour the localities and suppress the bandits!" At this moment, Wei Renpu spoke up proactively for the first time.

As soon as these words fell, the chancellors more or less sank into thought. Wang Zhang instinctively expressed opposition: "When the court sends out troops, the commotion is too great. It may arouse suspicion among the localities, and the expenditure would certainly not be small."

Presumably, the latter point was the real reason for Wang Zhang's opposition.

Guo Wei thought for a moment, then proactively said: "Your minister believes Academician Wei's proposal is feasible."

As his words fell, Vice Director of the Secretariat Li Tao also spoke up, stroking his beard with a face full of approval: "Your minister believes this proposal has three benefits and is quite appropriate."

"Pray elaborate." Liu Chengyou gestured to Li Tao while still considering.

Li Tao then narrated with measured cadence: "First, it naturally aids in bandit suppression—with the fighting power of the imperial army, those stubborn bandits can certainly be eliminated. Second, the imperial army touring in all directions proclaims the might of Heaven, displays the court's strength, and intimidates the localities, lest petty villains stir up trouble. Third, the Eastern Capital's grain is scarce and hard to sustain; a portion of the imperial army can be billeted in the localities to eat there. Though it may be a drop in the bucket, it can still somewhat ease the difficulty."

"Additionally, troops can be rotated in turns to suppress bandits, which serves the purpose of training the soldiers!" Guo Wei added one more point.

"Minister Wei, is this what you were thinking?" Liu Chengyou looked at Wei Renpu.

Upon being asked, Wei Renpu courteously clasped his hands and replied: "The two lords Li and Guo have already fully expressed your minister's thoughts."

Clearly, Liu Chengyou was persuaded. He swept his gaze across the room and directly gave orders: "The Bureau of Military Affairs shall draft a plan for the imperial army to suppress bandits. The Secretariat shall cooperate in selecting the prefectures and counties where banditry remains severe. The Imperial Guard Command shall cooperate in selecting and promoting troops. The State Finance Commission shall allocate the provisions and supplies for the march!"

"Yes!" Seeing that Liu Chengyou had settled the matter, even those who still harbored reservations in their hearts could only obey the order, Yang Bin included.

"As for the special examination, the Ministry of Rites shall take overall charge. Prepare it for trial and redraft the procedures and regulations!" Liu Chengyou looked at Su Yugui as he gave the instruction, for Su Yugui also concurrently oversaw the Ministry of Rites.

"Yes." Su Yugui acknowledged.

In this era, the imperial examinations were not necessarily handled by the Ministry of Rites; more often, a senior court official was appointed to oversee the examinations. In truth, even if Liu Chengyou appointed Guo Wei to oversee them, it would not be impossible. However, Liu Chengyou intended to gradually restore the various official positions and agencies of the court to their proper functions, starting with the examinations.

Official system reform was also a troublesome matter that could not be rushed.

"Whom do you wish to appoint to oversee the examinations? Do you have anyone in mind?" Liu Chengyou asked.

"Your minister has considered the court officials—Chief of the Imperial Stud Zhao Shangjiao is capable of handling this matter." Su Yugui said, appearing to have already given it thought.

Liu Chengyou's brow furrowed slightly. He did not directly express an opinion on this, only admonishing: "Be sure to handle it properly. Selecting talent for the state is no small matter—there can be no negligence!"

"Yes!"

As for revising the penal code and compiling the dynastic history, the ministers clearly were not particularly enthusiastic about these matters, except for Fan Zhi and Wei Renpu. A brief mention or two, and the topic was passed over.

At present, on the court, those like Yang Bin and Wang Zhang were more concerned with military affairs, finances, and border defense. In fact, in Yang Bin's view, the imperial examinations were not even necessary—what was the point of selecting a bunch of Confucian scholars? If officials were needed, court ministers could recommend them, or the localities could select them.

It was just that Liu Chengyou was pushing it forward with all his might, making even Yang Bin's opposition seem feeble and ineffectual.

Merely discussing the court assembly policies consumed nearly an hour. Ordering fresh tea to be served, the sovereign and his ministers savored a cup to relax somewhat, after which Liu Chengyou asked again: "Do any of you have matters to report?"

The words had just fallen when Dou Zhengu, who had spoken little, proactively offered his counsel: "Your Majesty, the post of Governor of Kaifeng has been vacant for over three months now. No one has been temporarily placed in charge, and only an Administrative Assistant is managing affairs, which is improper in name and position. Lately, government matters have piled up, leading to administrative neglect. I beg Your Majesty to deliberate on a suitable candidate to take charge of this office!"

This matter truly required Liu Chengyou's careful deliberation. The Governor of Kaifeng was an important position, governing the affairs of the capital region. It indeed could not remain vacant forever, but given its importance, it was not a post just anyone could fill. In fact, without overthinking it, Liu Chengyou's imperial brothers Liu Chengyun and Liu Chenghsun would be good choices, even if only as a nominal appointment. However, Liu Chengyou was concerned that it might send political signals that could easily be misunderstood...

"After this discussion concludes, each of you may nominate one candidate and submit it for my consideration. I will then review and decide." Unable to think of a candidate himself for the moment, he could only pool everyone's wisdom.

"Yes!"

They discussed for a while longer, but nothing of great importance came up. Seeing that the ministers were all exhausted, Liu Chengyou paused, swept his gaze across the room, and finally spoke in a low voice: "One final topic—regarding Su Fengji, how should the court deal with him?"

As soon as these words fell, the ministers immediately perked up, while inwardly thinking, "Finally, it's been brought up." Such a major matter as a chancellor being thrown into prison could not possibly be avoided.

In fact, regarding this matter, the court had already discussed it more than once, openly and behind closed doors, including among the ministers present. But now that Liu Chengyou actually asked, one by one they fell silent instead.

"Why is everyone silent?" Seeing this, Liu Chengyou said calmly, looking at Yang Bin: "Minister Yang, what do you think?"

Having been called upon, Yang Bin's aged brows merely furrowed slightly. He raised his eyes to gaze at Liu Chengyou, slowly lifting his hand, yet without dragging things out, and spoke his mind directly: "Su Fengji is a chancellor. He cannot be dealt with carelessly—the people's hearts must be won over. In your minister's view, having the relevant authorities investigate and try his crimes, and punish him according to the law, will suffice."

"What do the rest of you think?" Hearing this, the corners of Liu Chengyou's mouth lifted slightly as he asked.

"Your minister concurs."

Opinions were basically unified, with no one speaking up for Su Fengji. Given his usual style of official conduct, Su Fengji's popularity was indeed poor.

"In that case..." Liu Chengyou continued to look at Yang Bin: "Let the Court of Judicial Review, the Ministry of Justice, and the Kaifeng Prefecture jointly try the case. Minister Yang, you shall be the chief judge!"

Yang Bin was taken aback, a flash of surprise passing through his eyes. He accepted the charge with slight hesitation.

"Do any of you still have matters to report?" Already extremely fatigued, Liu Chengyou took a deep breath and asked one more time, more as a formality. Everyone could tell that Liu Chengyou had no intention of continuing the discussion, and of course, the ministers felt the same.

"Your Majesty, your minister has something to report!" The one who spoke was Liu Xin.