Chapter 365: A Warm Reception

As night fell, an imperial banquet was held at the Yongqing temporary palace. The banquet was of high standard, after all, it was organized by order of the Son of Heaven, who personally attended as host. Given his usual frugal style, the dishes were not lavish, let alone refined, but one thing was certain—wine flowed freely, meat was served to one's fill, and formalities were dispensed with. For a group of warriors who braved wind and rain at the frontier, this was more than enough to enjoy.

The banquet was filled with noise. The frontier generals clinked their cups and bowls, calling out to one another in constant response, even bordering on raucous. Among the dozens of civil and military officials present, the accompanying civil ministers led by Chancellor Li Tao could not help but show displeasure, with faint expressions of aversion on their faces.

Liu Chengyou, however, paid it no mind. He sat calmly at the imperial table, surveying his generals and ministers with a lenient bearing. His eyes, calm as an ancient well, occasionally flashed with sharpness, as if pondering which ones could be made his right-hand men, which ones were worth winning over, which ones needed to be kept in check, and which ones should be suppressed...

Worthy Consort, the young Lady Zhe, also attended at his side. Her countenance was clear and beautiful, dressed in palace attire that was not extravagant but fully displayed her spirited bearing, seated beside Liu Chengyou. From time to time, Liu Chengyou would turn his head and whisper a few words to Lady Zhe, seeming like private words between husband and wife. A smile lingered at the corners of the young lady's lips, and the rapport between the two was evident. Liu Chengyou's favor toward Lady Zhe was plain for all to see.

"Your servant He Fujin wishes Your Majesty and the lady good health and longevity, and wishes the Great Han's dynastic fortune eternal!" During the casual conversation, He Fujin, the not-yet-officially-inaugurated Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Front of the Great Han, stepped forward, raising his cup in toast to Liu Chengyou.

He Fujin's burly frame stood in the hall like a sturdy pine. Though advanced in years, the wrinkles on his face seemed to carry the sharpness of sword and blade—this was a veteran general who had weathered countless battles. Behind him followed several commanders, all showing respect to Liu Chengyou together.

Somewhat unexpectedly entrusted with great responsibility by the Son of Heaven, perhaps ushering in another spring of his career, a hint of self-satisfaction showed on He Fujin's brow.

Appraising this old marshal, Liu Chengyou was quite pleased—pleased with the obedient attitude he displayed. Recalling the founding years of the Han, after the Battle of Luancheng, upon accepting a recommendation, Liu Chengyou had personally invited He Fujin out of retirement to serve as Defense Commissioner of Yingzhou. At that time, before him, He Fujin had acted quite reservedly.

Of course, Liu Chengyou was not naive enough to think that by entrusting him with great responsibility, He Fujin would truly and unreservedly pledge his loyalty to him and to the Great Han. After all, a warrior like this, who had endured upheavals and slaughter through endless dynastic changes, was not so easily won over. For three generations now, generals and ministers had rarely possessed loyalty and righteousness, and He Fujin's loyalty had likely been hard to come by ever since the fall of Emperor Zhuangzong...

Liu Chengyou was well aware of this. Under the current moral climate, he held no unrealistic expectations for loyalty, though he desperately longed to win people's hearts and restore propriety and righteousness. What Liu Chengyou was confident of was that as long as the central court remained calm and the state stable, with the continued consolidation of imperial authority, He Fujin's obedience would persist.

Moreover, the realm did not have only one He Fujin. People like He, for Liu Chengyou, did not hinder him from using their talents to add bricks and tiles to the stability of the Great Han's foundation.

In an instant, various stray thoughts flashed through Liu Chengyou's mind, but his face revealed nothing. With steady movements and a calm demeanor, he picked up his wine cup and responded to He Fujin and the other frontier generals: "I accept the well-wishes of Lord He and all of you. But if we wish to bring prosperity to the Great Han and peace to the realm, I need all of you to strive together with me in unity of purpose to accomplish this great undertaking!"

He drained the cup in one go, his movements crisp and his bearing sharp. Facing the Son of Heaven's words of encouragement, the generals all cooperatively showed looks of being moved, responding in unison.

After the toast, Liu Chengyou kept He Fujin alone before the imperial presence, attempting to further strengthen their bond: "Lord He's strategic brilliance is extraordinary, and your years of military service mark you as a talent of the highest order in this age. I wished to place someone in charge of the northern front, and those around me recommended you—I too deeply trust in your ability and virtue. Since the late Tang, the Khitan have been a plague upon the Central Plains, and for the Great Han, they are a mortal enemy. The northern border troubles have always been a worry in my heart. From now on, along the Youzhou–Ji line, military affairs and defense preparations will rely heavily on Lord He's management and efforts..."

Liu Chengyou's visit here, to the military commanders who held real power in the north, was more like a delegation and briefing of intentions. Every conversation was conducted in a manner of heartfelt sincerity, as if speaking from the depths of his soul.

Similar words, over these past two or three days, He Fujin had probably heard quite a few from Liu Chengyou. He appeared very calm. Facing the Son of Heaven's weighty commission, he merely performed a solemn bow and gave an affirmative answer.

"Your Majesty, Chief Inspector Zhao requests an audience!" Zhang Dejun stepped quickly from the side to the imperial table and reported to Liu Chengyou.

"Summon him!"

"What is it?" Liu Chengyou glanced at Zhao Kuangyin, who had arrived with swift strides, and asked.

"Your Majesty, Commander-in-Chief Murong has sent word that the Prince of Yan has led troops and has already arrived outside the city!"

"Oh?" Liu Chengyou's eyebrow raised slightly, and the hand holding his cup paused. In a tone of amusement, he said: "So he's come after all!"

"How many men has he brought?" Liu Chengyou asked.

"Over a thousand Yan cavalry!" Zhao Kuangyin answered: "The Yan troops are below the city walls, quite insolent, claiming Your Majesty invited them, making a racket demanding to enter the city to rest and escape the cold. Commander-in-Chief Murong has his troops blocking them. How should we respond? He requests Your Majesty's orders!"

Although Zhao Kuangyin deliberately lowered his voice, those around still heard his words. They all instinctively turned their attention to the matter, and the warmth in the hall diminished somewhat. Clearly, some people wore expressions of keen interest, as if wanting to see how the Son of Heaven would handle this.

Upon hearing this news, the unusual expression on Liu Chengyou's face instead receded. After a moment's deliberation, he directly said to Chancellor Li Tao on his left: "The Prince of Yan has come at my invitation. I'll trouble Chancellor Li to make the trip and welcome him on my behalf. Tell the Prince of Yan that the banquet here is in full swing, and I await his arrival at his seat!"

"Yes!" Li Tao hurriedly rose to receive the order.

As Li Tao left the hall, Liu Chengyou looked back at Zhao Kuangyin and instructed: "To avoid disturbing the people, the accompanying Yan troops need not enter the city. However, they have come from afar, braving wind and cold. Pass the order—vacate a camp for them to quarter in, and provide ample supplies for food and warmth. Also, tell Murong Yanzhao that the Yan army has guarded the frontier for years, enduring hardships, rendering merit to the state. He should treat them well!"

The four words "treat them well" were spoken by Liu Chengyou with heavy emphasis. And Zhao Kuangyin seemed to grasp the deeper meaning within them.

With brisk, capable strides, Zhao Kuangyin went to relay the orders, while Liu Chengyou resumed his composed demeanor. Casually and lightly, he once again raised his cup to invite the civil and military officials to drink, continuing the night banquet.

"Qiwu, what do you make of the Yan army's insolence? And how should I respond?" Taking a sip of wine, Liu Chengyou summoned Wang Qiwu and asked him as if in casual conversation.

Wang Qiwu had also drunk some wine, and his face showed a hint of intoxication, but his eyes remained clear, radiating wisdom. After pondering for a moment, he replied: "Allow your servant to venture an analysis. The Yan army's actions may be a probe. Youzhou hangs outside the court's control, and the Prince of Yan holds great power. Even coming south this time, he likely still harbors suspicions toward Your Majesty and the court..."

"Someone, prepare a seat for the Prince of Yan, to the right of the imperial table, close to me!"

Hearing Wang Qiwu's analysis, Liu Chengyou didn't even blink. He raised his hand to stroke the stubble on his chin and said: "It seems I must offer a warm welcome to put the Prince of Yan's mind at ease!"

When the Prince of Yan, Zhao Kuangzan, was escorted into the temporary palace by Li Tao with somewhat complicated feelings, he was faced with the Son of Heaven Liu Chengyou, accompanied by civil and military officials, personally welcoming him at the front of the hall. Upon seeing Zhao Kuangzan, Liu Chengyou hurried forward, firmly grasped his hand, and led him inside, calling him "Brother Yuanfu" with every breath.

The Son of Heaven's warmth made Zhao Kuangzan feel somewhat unsettled...