Chapter 355: Passing Through Yedu

The horse's hooves trod steadily over the frost-covered weeds. Riding along, Guo Rong's figure swayed slightly with the motion of the horse. Only a few riders accompanied him—as Army Commander of Zhenning and military governor of a whole prefecture, Guo Rong's traveling entourage was as simple as his attire.

"Except for when the disaster relief was easing, I have never seen the Governor in such high spirits!" The handsome Pan Mei urged his horse alongside and said to Guo Rong with a smile.

"Hm?" Subconsciously touching his cheek, Guo Rong asked with a smile: "Can Zhongxun read my mood as well?"

Pan Mei nodded: "It shows on your face!"

Letting out a breath of white vapor, Guo Rong resumed his dignified bearing and said: "Zhongxun, tell me then—where does my joy come from?"

"Is the Governor trying to test me?" Pan Mei responded at once: "Though my knowledge is shallow, when I faced the court, I could see that the Son of Heaven regards the Governor with great trust and favor—he treats you as a trusted and vital minister!"

Glancing at Pan Mei, Guo Rong's face showed little surprise, only a faint flicker passing through his eyes as he said with an indescribable emotion: "Such favor is overwhelming, enough to make one uneasy. How can I and the Guo clan ever repay it..."

Guo Rong's voice was very low; Pan Mei did not hear clearly and could not help casting a puzzled look.

Guo Rong seemed lost in thought, then looked toward the other side at Ma Renyu, whose face still bore a youthful immaturity. The youth wore a serious expression, as if imitating Guo Rong's usual demeanor, though his ears were pricked up, listening intently.

Both Pan Mei and Ma Renyu had come to join the army two years ago when Guo Rong was posted to Chanzhou. Guo Rong's keen eye had spotted them among the ranks, taken them into his service, and made them trusted subordinates. Pan Mei was a few years younger than Guo Rong, but he was steady and measured, had his own opinions, and handled matters with great organization. Having served under Guo Rong for some time, he offered no shortage of insightful views on all matters.

As for Ma Renyu, he was even younger—he had not yet turned fifteen when he began following Guo Rong. Bold and unrestrained by nature, he disliked study and loved martial arts. But the makings of a fierce general were already evident; after two years of growth, his physical strength had increased tremendously, quite astonishingly so.

Guo Rong thought highly of these two, often keeping them by his side and nurturing them with care.

Tapping the horse's neck lightly with the reins, Guo Rong thought for a moment, then said to the two: "You have been by my side for two years now. Though Chanzhou is an important town on the Yellow River, it lies in the heartland of the Great Han. The realm may be fragmented, but with the state's growing stability, there is little room for martial achievement here. Zhongxun has always had strategic wisdom, and Renyu's bravery is extraordinary—both of you are talents of this age. If you stay by my side any longer, I fear I would only hold you back. I intend to recommend you to the imperial army in the Eastern Capital as officers, to secure a path for advancement and build your reputations..."

When Guo Rong finished speaking, Ma Renyu immediately grew anxious, his face flushing red as he asked loudly: "Is the Governor trying to drive us away? If we have committed any fault, please speak plainly, Governor, and we will surely correct it. Please withdraw your order."

Both Ma Renyu and Pan Mei had long been won over by Guo Rong's ability and bearing, and his sudden words left them somewhat bewildered.

Compared to Ma Renyu's bluntness, Pan Mei was calmer. Frowning in thought, he said: "Does the Governor have other considerations? Or is this related to the audience with the Emperor?"

Looking at the pensive Pan Mei, Guo Rong silently praised his shrewdness, but had no intention of explaining further. Regardless, securing advancement for the two was beyond doubt.

Seeing that Guo Rong would not speak plainly, Pan Mei added: "The two of us are but common soldiers under the Governor's command, worth nothing. Even if we went to the Eastern Capital, I fear we would find no chance to rise. If we wish to build achievements, it would be better to stay by your side, earning merit by suppressing bandits, defeating rebels, and protecting the people!"

"Exactly! Brother Zhongxun speaks truly!" Ma Renyu hastily chimed in.

Clearly, both Pan Mei and Ma Renyu were unwilling to leave their benefactor Guo Rong.

To Pan Mei's concerns, Guo Rong directly waved his hand and said: "My father is the head of the Bureau of Military Affairs, wielding authority over military matters. If I send a letter asking him to look after you, do you think I cannot arrange things well for you two lads?"

As he said this, a hint of gravity involuntarily appeared on Guo Rong's brow, as if he had some concern.

Pan Mei and Ma Renyu opened their mouths to speak further, but Guo Rong raised his hand to stop them and said sternly: "My mind is made up. Do not make further excuses. Moreover, last night I already recommended you before the Son of Heaven, and His Majesty has approved it. Do you wish to refuse with all your might and make me commit the crime of deceiving the sovereign?"

"This..."

With Guo Rong saying this, Pan Mei and Ma Renyu exchanged glances, struck silent, their faces showing reluctance, yet daring not to say more.

Without immediate worries, one must have distant concerns. Guo Rong was a very clever man; in his regular correspondence with his father Guo Wei, they also discussed the Guo family's situation. The father and son, one at court and one outside, held great power and enjoyed abundant favor. Among all external officials, none were more prominent than they—and this had already become a topic of discussion.

For this very reason, the father and son had both, without prior agreement, sought to keep a low profile and act with caution. In this audience with the Emperor, it was clear that Liu Chengyou's attitude toward him had not changed much—indeed, the closeness was even greater than before. But this could not conceal the fact that beneath Liu Chengyou's "affable" exterior lay an ever-deepening inscrutability, ever more unfathomable.

Last night, he had talked late into the night with the Son of Heaven by candlelight, discussing military and state affairs at length. The confidence, assertiveness, and absolute authority that Liu Chengyou had casually displayed, that fierce ambition that seemed to swallow heaven and earth—recalling it now, it was still vivid before his eyes.

When they had parted ways, he had still addressed him as Your Highness; when they met again, he was already His Majesty. This, perhaps, was the greatest difference between then and now.

Passing through Yedu, entering Yuancheng.

This was the first city Liu Chengyou had entered since his northern inspection tour. Gao Xingzhou, the garrison commander of Yedu, led his civil and military officials in a full welcome. This time Liu Chengyou did not decline; he put on a bit of display, for coming north to show the presence of his imperial authority was also one of his political goals. In an important city like Yedu, the effect of making his presence felt would be far greater.

To show trust and favor toward his old father-in-law, Liu Chengyou invited him to share the imperial carriage and enter the city together. Gao Xingzhou declined vigorously, citing the distinction between superior and inferior, but could not withstand the Son of Heaven's insistence. Moved and grateful, he respectfully boarded the imperial carriage.

In the simply refurbished Yedu Palace, Liu Chengyou received the civil and military officials, inquiring about military and state affairs and concerning himself with the people's livelihood. He also delivered a public address centered on "the way of governance and the way of the sovereign," inspiring all ranks and achieving a good effect...

He also issued an edict summoning a group of commoners representing all trades of Yedu into the palace, personally receiving them, asking gently about the people's circumstances and daily life, and having them lay out all their problems and difficulties, to serve as reference and adjustment for his future governance...

Of course, the above were merely formalities.

At night, returning from the imperial banquet at the Yedu Palace, Gao Huaide requested leave and personally supported his old father back to the residence. Supporting his father, he could clearly feel that Gao Xingzhou's body was not as robust as before. After all, he was advanced in years, old injuries recurring, and burdened by the heavy affairs of military and government.

What had been a joyful mood turned entirely into words of concern.

Seated in the rear hall, Gao Xingzhou looked at his son in the imperial army's armor and asked directly: "How is your sister?"

"She is eight months pregnant; she should give birth by year's end. Father will have a grandson of the imperial family..."