Chapter 354: Meeting Guo Rong Again

In the space of a breath, Gao Huaide came hurrying up with his men and, with remarkable efficiency, surrounded the emperor and consort in their midst, then swiftly shifted into a defensive escort formation.

Gao Huaide urged his horse forward, face unflushed, breath unlabored, though his tone was urgent as he addressed Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty, you must never again undertake such reckless actions. Should any mishap occur, we officers could not atone for it even with ten thousand deaths!"

Zhao Yanjin followed up, wearing the same expression of loyal protectiveness. Seeing their earnest devotion, Liu Chengyou's countenance sobered, and he said to them with a grave face: "I was momentarily carried away by impulse and forgot myself. I ask your indulgence!"

At these words, the expressions of Gao and Zhao finally relaxed. But seeing the emperor's humble acceptance of their admonition, their faces could not help but betray a trace of embarrassment.

"Return to the imperial camp!" Having resumed his usual solemn demeanor, Liu Chengyou raised a hand in command and, under the escort of three hundred iron cavalry, slowly made his way toward the county seat of Neihuang.

Along the way, several riders came galloping against the wind. Judging by their attire and the colored flags on their backs, they were the courier horsemen accompanying the imperial procession.

After passing inspection, they were permitted to approach. Before they could speak, Liu Chengyou asked directly: "What is it?"

"Your Majesty, Guo Rong, Military Governor of the Zhenning Army, has come north seeking an audience and is waiting at the temporary palace!" the courier replied.

Upon learning that Guo Rong had come to pay his respects, surprise flickered only briefly across Liu Chengyou's face before he promptly ordered an accelerated return.

As before, the imperial camp was pitched to the left of Neihuang county seat, leaning against a cluster of civilian dwellings. The formation was rigorously arranged, with soldiers watching as the County Magistrate personally led yamen runners and conscripted laborers to transport supplies into the camp.

When Liu Chengyou led his party back, he saw several figures waiting respectfully at the camp gate, among whom the most conspicuous was Guo Rong. A short cloth cap on his head, clad in a somewhat worn robe, not particularly tall of stature, he stood solemnly in the cold wind—yet cut an imposing figure.

It had been fully two years since they last met, though throughout that time Liu Chengyou and Guo Rong had maintained correspondence through memorials and letters. Drawing near, Liu Chengyou swung down from his horse and walked warmly toward Guo Rong, who was coming forward to pay his respects. A smile bloomed on his face as he very cordially took the man's hand, patted his back, and exchanged pleasantries: "I've put you to the trouble of waiting long, Minister Guo! Two years without seeing you, and I have missed you greatly. Your bearing remains as distinguished as ever!"

"Your subject Guo Rong pays homage to Your Majesty!" Even though Liu Chengyou was supporting him, Guo Rong still maintained proper etiquette.

Seeing that Liu Chengyou's attitude was as before—indeed even more cordial—Guo Rong's expression relaxed somewhat, and he said to him: "In the two years since we last met, Your Majesty has come to rule over all under heaven, with even greater majesty and dignity, like the winter sun—inspiring both awe and reverence in your subject!"

Liu Chengyou laughed at these words, then swept his gaze over the two valiant young officers who had knelt in obeisance behind Guo Rong. He still had some recollection of them—he had seen them during the pacification of Yedu back then. Their names were Pan Mei and Ma Renyu.

Withdrawing his gaze, Liu Chengyou beckoned to Guo Rong and the others: "The wind is strong and the air cold here. Come back to camp with me and we shall talk!"

"Yes!"

Inside the imperial tent—spacious yet simply furnished—a full gathering had assembled. The County Magistrate of Neihuang and several of his subordinate officials finally had the chance to behold the imperial countenance.

Having spent the first half of the day earnestly preparing for the imperial visit, they had only received an audience and inspection from Yang Bin and Li Tao. Upon learning that Liu Chengyou had personally gone out to inspect the countryside, their hearts grew even more anxious.

They had heard that during last year's western tour, the Son of Heaven had dealt with a large number of local officials, and they feared that this time they themselves might be singled out to serve as a warning example. The Son of Heaven's reputation for "loving the people and valuing agriculture" had been propagated to good effect over the past two years. Knowing full well the state of affairs, the County Magistrate had a clear picture of the living conditions of the common folk under Neihuang's jurisdiction.

If Liu Chengyou were to witness certain deplorable conditions and use them to make an example through legal action, then even though he was an old acquaintance promoted by the Prince of Linqing, the County Magistrate did not believe Gao Xingzhou would be willing to defy the Son of Heaven to protect him. After all, that man was not only the emperor but also Gao's own son-in-law.

However, the moment Liu Chengyou opened his mouth, he gave the County Magistrate of Neihuang a reassurance: "I have personally inspected the villages. Though the people suffer hardship, they are still filled with hope. Neihuang's governance of the people and administration of affairs is passable—you must continue to strive further!"

The County Magistrate of Neihuang, already past forty, immediately wore an expression of tearful gratitude, bowing deeply to the ground and loudly praising the emperor's sagacity. Relieved, he also dutifully withdrew to continue replenishing supplies for the imperial procession.

"Your Majesty braves wind and cold to personally tour the northern border and observe the people's condition—this is the mark of a sage ruler!" The warm environment of the imperial tent gradually restored color to Guo Rong's somewhat pallid face, and he opened his mouth to express this sentiment to Liu Chengyou.

Liu Chengyou had heard no small number of similar flattering words, but coming from Guo Rong's lips, they never failed to lift his spirits.

Raising a hand in a gesture of modesty, Liu Chengyou put on an expression of grieving for the people's hardships and said with feeling: "Hebei has suffered calamity upon calamity these past two years. A million souls endure lives of bitter toil, and I often feel that my own virtue is too shallow, which is why things have come to this. Deep in the palace, I could not sit still, tossing and turning sleepless at night—hence this journey!"

As he spoke, Liu Chengyou steered the conversation toward Guo Rong, and in a tone mixing admiration and praise, said: "Chanzhou stands at the strategic crossroads of the great river, a vital bastion guarding the Eastern Capital. In two years at your post, Minister Guo, you have made the territory orderly, banditry and thievery eliminated, and corruption and disorder never arising. Governance is smooth and the people harmonious—this may be called excellent!

On this northern tour, I had originally not intended to pass through your jurisdiction—not out of any dissatisfaction with you, Minister Guo, but because entrusting Chanzhou to you puts my mind at ease. I am confident that with you at the helm, superior and subordinate alike will remain at peace."

Liu Chengyou put on this display to the fullest, treating Guo Rong as a man of national importance and granting him a "no-inspection" credential.

Such favor and honor, even for a man of Guo Rong's usual rigor and solemnity, could not help but move him. He rose and bowed deeply, overcome with gratitude. In this way, the sense of estrangement that had naturally built up over their long separation also dissipated considerably.

Perhaps due to heightened emotion and excitement, Guo Rong could not help but cough heavily several times. Liu Chengyou's gaze swept over, lingering briefly on Guo Rong's face, which had visibly aged somewhat from diligent governance. He rose directly, removed the padded jacket he was wearing, and draped it over the somewhat startled Guo Rong.

Without many words, the resolute gesture moved Guo Rong all the more deeply. Liu Chengyou did not know whether a man like Guo Rong could ever be truly won over, but he had already employed every means of winning hearts that he could conceive. As for anything more, Liu Chengyou did not demand it, nor did he need it.

However, only later did Guo Rong learn that the padded jacket bestowed by Liu Chengyou had been sewn by the hands of Empress Fu herself. As for who had revealed this—that was a matter of some delicacy.

Deputy Commissioner of Military Affairs Wang Jun was also in the tent. Seeing Liu Chengyou and Guo Rong displaying a scene of mutual understanding between sovereign and minister before everyone, a certain discomfort rose in his heart.

The Son of Heaven seemed to place too much importance on the Guo family, which inevitably stirred feelings of jealousy in him. Guo Wei was Commissioner of Military Affairs with a chancellor's rank, Guo Rong was Military Governor of a key stronghold and a close confidant of the emperor, and the Guo family also had juniors and old subordinate generals like Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde, all entrusted with important posts...

Wang Jun thought of his own situation—previously, when he had wanted to promote some young men of his own clan, he could not find a single one worthy of significant appointment. Recalling how, in the Bureau of Military Affairs, he had repeatedly made moves to contend for power, only to be suppressed time and again by Guo Wei's casual ease, the sourness in Wang Jun's heart grew even heavier.

That night, Liu Chengyou kept Guo Rong in conversation through the night, laying out his entire southern campaign strategy and soliciting his views. Guo Rong, upon hearing it, was brimming with enthusiasm and actively discussed it with Liu Chengyou.

Afterwards, Liu Chengyou "chased" the young Lady Zhe off to another tent and shared his own bed with Guo Rong. From this, one could see the extent of the favor and honor bestowed upon Guo Rong.

The next day, Guo Rong took his leave with a surging heart, returning to his post.

Liu Chengyou, meanwhile, ordered a simple packing up, struck camp, and continued his journey toward Yuancheng in Yedu.

Though the pace seemed somewhat leisurely, Liu Chengyou's northern tour was not yet half complete. At Yedu, the Regent, the Prince of Linqing, Gao Xingzhou, had long since completed his preparations to receive the imperial visit.