Chapter 340: Summer Hunt, Auspicious Omens, and Tribute

In the fourth month of the second year of Qianyou, on the day of Jichou, Liu Chengyou returned from a hunting expedition at Fengqiu. This was Liu Chengyou's first time leading a large-scale hunt since ascending the throne, and the core purpose was to review the troops and display the majesty of the sovereign. The Dragon-Soaring and Iron Cavalry horse armies each dispatched one unit to accompany the hunt, totaling over two thousand riders. More than thirty civil and military officials, from Feng Dao and Guo Wei on down, accompanied the procession, with the outing scheduled for one day, returning by nightfall.

The mounted troops accompanying the expedition were all elite soldiers of the Great Han's imperial army. Besides participating in the encirclement hunt, they also conducted mounted combat tactical drills, personally overseen by the Son of Heaven. Throughout the entire hunt, strict order was maintained, and officers at every level were rewarded and promoted according to their hunting achievements.

There was a small episode: when they encountered deer in the wild forest, they surrounded and drove them, and the soldiers shot but all missed. When the Son of Heaven arrived, he drew his bow and loosed an arrow—one shot, one hit—and the assembled troops cheered. Regardless of how things actually happened, the version that spread was exactly this, and the propaganda effect was achieved. No one would bother to investigate the details, and Liu Chengyou himself treated it as true as well.

Additionally, there was the Worthy Consort accompanying the imperial carriage. Dressed in military attire, clad in silver armor, she galloped freely back and forth, her bearing vigorous and agile, skilled in both bow and horse—she made quite a name for herself. Only then did the world learn that not only was the Son of Heaven "brave and strong," but within the harem there was also a woman who did not yield to men.

"You've been riding back and forth—you must be tired. Return to the palace and rest!" Entering the inner court through the North Palace Gate, Liu Chengyou still wore his armor, and as he walked, he gave instructions to the young Lady Zhe.

The young Lady Zhe was radiant with heroic spirit, her jade-like face revealing a refreshing openness. The single hunt had dispelled much of the oppressive feeling that had accumulated in her heart since entering the palace. In truth, confining such a spirited mare to the deep palace, wearing away her nature, felt like burning a zither to cook a crane.

Liu Chengyou could also sense the faint melancholy behind the young Lady Zhe's forced smiles. Having her accompany the hunt was precisely to let her release some of the emotions in her heart. But that was all it could be—a political marriage was, after all, a political marriage. If the young Lady Zhe did not try to grow accustomed to palace life and step into the role of the emperor's woman, then the outcome would not be pleasant, even though Liu Chengyou was quite fond of this lady at present.

Of course, in fact, the young Lady Zhe was not as described in the "book"—suffering under palace constraints, single-mindedly pursuing freedom and singing aloud... On the contrary, though the time had been short, the young Lady Zhe was already working hard to adapt.

Although the young Lady Zhe was still full of spirit, in high spirits, and with a sense of wanting more, she sensibly obeyed Liu Chengyou's instruction and withdrew.

Liu Chengyou had returned to camp on a light horse and entered the palace on foot. Seeing him walking, Zhang Dejun nimbly offered his attentions: "Your Majesty, please take the imperial carriage!"

"I've walked enough anyway—prepare the carriage!" Liu Chengyou directly agreed.

Upon hearing that the Son of Heaven had returned from the hunt, Empress Fu and Noble Consort Gao each sent someone to inquire after his well-being. Liu Chengyou replied to both with warm words, telling them to rest and care for their pregnancies. Clearly, his recent exclusive favor toward the Worthy Consort had stirred thoughts in both the Empress and the Noble Consort.

"From the inner treasury, select two bolts of fine Suzhou embroidery and bestow them upon the Empress and the Noble Consort!" As he was being helped out of his armor and into change of clothes by the palace eunuchs, Liu Chengyou gave his orders.

"Yes!"

"Your Majesty, Chancellors Su and Fan request an audience!" Almost precisely timed to Liu Chengyou's return to the palace, the attendant announced that Su Yugui and Fan Zhi sought an audience.

Speaking of which, there were seven Chief Ministers in total at court—Yang, Wang, Su, Feng, Li, Fan, and Zhao—sharing the chancellor's authority among them. Yang Bin and Wang Zhang held the most power, and aside from Zhao Ying, who was essentially just filling a seat, Su Yugui—Grand Academician of the Jixian Hall and acting head of the Ministry of Rites—had been the most low-profile of late.

Also a founding merit and an old official from Hedong, Su Yugui was clearly and deliberately reducing his presence at court. Tracing the root causes: on one hand, his own talents and virtues were limited—as Liu Chengyou vigorously promoted old officials, Su Yugui had nothing outstanding to offer in scholarship or governance;

On the other hand—and more importantly—he had a desire for self-preservation. One must remember that in the early days at court, he and Su Fengji had been jointly known as the "Two Sus." In those days of power and influence, he had abused his position to commit crimes and seek private gain, no less than Su Fengji. It was only later, after he had eaten his fill and grown fat, that he restrained himself—and having Su Fengji out front absorbing the fire helped as well.

However, Su Fengji's fate still put Su Yugui on high alert.

Too miserable!

After the formal greetings, seats were granted and tea served. Liu Chengyou asked directly: "What is the matter?"

Su Yugui's demeanor was extremely deferential. He rose, bowed deeply with a stooped back, beaming with smiles, and reported: "Your Majesty, Yingzhou has reported that a pair of purple rabbits and white rabbits were discovered within its borders, and they specially present them to the court. This is an auspicious omen, a good portent for the Great Han. Your minister believes that an edict of commendation should be issued."

Su Yugui was all smiles, but Liu Chengyou's expression showed little delight upon hearing this. His brows tightened slightly as he recalled something and asked: "The Militia Commissioner of Yingzhou is Meng Xingchao, is he not?"

Not finding the expression of anticipation he hoped for on Liu Chengyou's face, Su Yugui lowered his voice somewhat and said: "That is correct!"

Meng Xingchao, the Militia Commissioner of Yingzhou, had been appointed by Liu Zhiyuan in the early years of the state.

As for auspicious omens and good portents, Liu Chengyou simply could not muster much interest. He only felt that a man entrusted with the military and civil governance of an entire prefecture, who could not fulfill his duties and instead sought to curry favor through opportunistic means, was disappointing. Still, taking the initiative to present tribute and flatter the Son of Heaven and the court could be considered somewhat commendable.

Holding a complex mix of emotions, Liu Chengyou asked Fan Zhi: "Minister Fan, what do you think? Should we reward this?"

Since becoming chancellor, Fan Zhi had grown increasingly composed, assisting an enlightened sovereign to display his learning and realize his ambitions. In short, Chancellor Fan had been riding high lately.

Seeming to understand Liu Chengyou's state of mind, Fan Zhi clasped his hands and said: "Since Heaven has bestowed this auspicious sign, the court should make some gesture—to comfort the hearts of your ministers and soothe the will of the people!"

"Then let the central government issue an edict of commendation!" Liu Chengyou instructed flatly.

Then, in a very low voice, he added: "Do rabbits of purple color truly exist in this world?"

Not lingering on that question, he looked back at Fan Zhi: "Minister Fan, what official business do you have?"

Fan Zhi's expression was calm, with far less fawning than Su Yugui's. He reported in a measured voice: "Your Majesty, Gao Baorong, the Military Governor of Jingnan, has again sent envoys north to the Eastern Capital to present tribute!"

As he spoke, Fan Zhi presented a gift list.

"This Gao Baorong has inherited his father's position for barely half a year, and this is already his second tribute mission!" Liu Chengyou took the gift list and scanned it briefly. Though it was not as lavish as the Southern Tang's offerings, his mood was clearly better.

"That is correct!" Fan Zhi replied.

Last winter, Gao Conghui, the King of Nanping, died of illness, and his son Gao Baorong succeeded him. At the very start of his succession, he proactively submitted a memorial reporting the matter. In fact, since the middle of last year, Gao Conghui had been proactively softening his stance—offering tribute and declaring fealty, intending to repair the broken relations between the two sides, clearly paving the way for his descendants.

To be fair, although Gao Conghui bore the nickname "Gao the Rogue," in terms of actual ability he was of above-average caliber. Holding that tiny patch of Jingnan, maneuvering among the various states, was no easy feat.

"Your Majesty, according to reports, Gao Baorong, the Military Governor of Jingnan, is pedantic and weak-willed, lacking in talent and virtue, with no ability to command troops or govern affairs, and none of his father's style. His attentive and deferential service to the Han likely stems from fear over the crimes he committed against our dynasty in the early years of the state. Your Majesty might consider sending a return gift to set his mind at ease!" Fan Zhi suggested to Liu Chengyou.

Liu Chengyou considered for a moment, his demeanor relaxed, and asked: "Are the envoys still at the Protocol Hostel?"

"Yes!"

"Send word to have them well entertained. I shall receive them personally tomorrow!"

"Also, draft an edict: confer upon Gao Baorong, the Military Governor of Jingnan, the titles of Acting Grand Preceptor and Director of the Chancellery!" Two honorary titles—to Liu Chengyou, they cost nothing at all.

For the Great Han court, a weak and timid separatist ruler was naturally good news, and convenient for the court to manipulate.

With the strategy turning south, Liu Chengyou's gaze was hardly fixed on just the southeastern corner!