Chapter 416: Visiting the Prison

The imperial prison in the imperial city had always had only a handful of "guests," and of late, the highest-ranking one among them was none other than Guo Rong, Military Governor of Zhenning Army.

Compared to ordinary cells, Guo Rong's prison chamber was far cleaner, equipped with a mat bed and bedding, a desk with paper and brush, and even a chamber pot.

Guo Rong wore a russet prison robe, one hand holding a scroll, the other a brush, head buried in his work at the desk. His expression was calm, with little of the dejection of one trapped in prison. He had merely let himself go somewhat—stubble growing unchecked. Compared to before, Guo Rong's entire bearing had undergone a tremendous transformation—that of one long steeped in the aura of power, majestic and imposing.

"Jailer!" After a long while, Guo Rong straightened up, worked his neck and wrists a little, stretched, and called out toward the outside.

The imperial prison was very quiet. Soon, accompanied by footsteps, an old officer in armor, thin and gaunt of frame, walked in.

He shone the lantern in his hand into the cell, and in a somewhat hoarse voice asked: "What does Governor Guo require?"

"I am a man awaiting punishment now—unworthy of the title 'Governor'!" Even as he modestly demurred, Guo Rong pointed at the candle on the desk, which had only a stub left, and said: "This candle is nearly spent. Change it for me, and add some more paper as well!"

"Yes!" The jailer acknowledged even as he sized up Guo Rong twice more, unable to help letting out a "heh heh" sigh: "The Governor isn't here to serve time at all!"

Hearing this, Guo Rong turned his attention to the old man and asked casually: "In your view, then, what am I here for?"

"In this old man's eyes, the Governor has simply moved to a different place to conduct official business and govern!" the jailer said. "This old man has never seen anyone receive such treatment in this imperial prison. We lowly folk deliver food, deliver drink, and even have to manage the candles and brush and ink..."

"Heh heh..." Guo Rong smiled faintly: "Then why do you all serve me, a criminal, so attentively?"

The jailer grinned along with him, his eyes shrewd yet tinged with fawning: "This lowly one has served here for many years. Officials who entered this imperial prison for crimes have never walked out cleared of guilt. But Governor Guo is different. Though my knowledge is shallow, I have a feeling you will surely walk out unscathed—and being restored to your former post is not out of the question. Otherwise, why would my superiors have instructed us to serve you with such care..."

"Even among common jailers, there are those who scheme for advancement. Do you know—it is precisely because there are too many people like you who cater and flatter that the state cannot find peace, governance cannot be achieved, and the people cannot find rest." Guo Rong raised his hand, and with one sentence left the jailer deeply embarrassed.

Seeing his reaction, Guo Rong added in a leisurely tone: "However, I am trapped here and have received your care—this kindness is engraved upon my heart. If I ever see the light of day again, I shall repay it!"

Hearing Guo Rong say this, the jailer finally relaxed, chiming in: "The Governor need only wait a moment—this lowly one will fetch you paper and candles."

As he turned away, he muttered inwardly: this Governor Guo is not an easy one to serve. Of course, he is no ordinary man either—such bearing is rarely seen in this world.

Later in the day, Liu Chengyou came in person to the imperial prison, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe that was conspicuous even in the dim light of the prison. The prison warden personally accompanied him, leading Liu Chengyou to visit Guo Rong. When they reached the cell, Liu Chengyou swept his gaze over its furnishings and remarked to the warden with a glance: "I was not aware that the prisons of the Great Han boasted such comfortable conditions?"

One sentence made the warden shrink his neck sharply, not daring to look at Liu Chengyou, only stealing a glance at Guo Rong, stammering without knowing how to respond.

"Your subject Guo Rong kowtows to Your Majesty!" Through the cell door, Guo Rong rose and prostrated himself in salute.

The cell door opened, and Liu Chengyou bent to enter. Stepping past Guo Rong, he sat down behind the small desk, while Guo Rong turned around and remained in his kowtow posture.

"Rise!" Liu Chengyou sighed: "Sit!"

Only then did Guo Rong rise, kneeling facing him, and clasped his hands to Liu Chengyou: "How could I trouble Your Majesty to come in person."

"Since the last northern inspection tour, we—sovereign and subject—have not seen each other for over a year. I have missed you greatly!" Liu Chengyou reached out and gathered up some of the scattered papers on the desk: "However, I did not expect that our reunion would be in this prison! But I see you are quite comfortable here!"

"Your Majesty jests." Seeing Liu Chengyou's action, Guo Rong hurriedly helped tidy up. His expression could no longer remain composed. Two or three years ago, facing the young Liu Chengyou, Guo Rong had always handled matters with ease and equanimity. But now, facing the Son of Heaven who had entered his youth, he simply could not—and it was not merely because of the added weight of status.

Liu Chengyou sat there like a still, deep pool—unfathomable.

"Your subject has caused Your Majesty difficulty!" In the end, it was Guo Rong who spoke first.

Liu Chengyou waved a hand: "I did not come today to hear your explanations!

There is no need to dwell on the Puzhou affair. What I wished to understand, I already understand; what I did not wish to understand, there is no need to understand."

"Your face shows signs of age. As I observe, you labored with all your heart in Chanzhou, governing the prefecture's affairs—no wonder you earned such a reputation!" Liu Chengyou's gaze fell upon Guo Rong's face, studying his expression.

Guo Rong sighed softly: "I cannot compare to Your Majesty in the prime of your years!"

Liu Chengyou had not brought Zhang Dejun along to the imperial prison, but had Zhang Yongde attend him instead. He beckoned to him. Seeing this, Zhang Yongde immediately opened the food box he was carrying, laid out several dishes, and poured the wine.

This was perhaps the first time Guo Rong's relatives from the Guo family had seen him since he arrived in the capital. Zhang Yongde and Guo Rong merely exchanged a glance, exchanged no words, and Zhang Yongde voluntarily went to stand guard at the cell door.

"I brought some wine and dishes." Liu Chengyou raised his cup, clinking it against Guo Rong's, who held his own cup with awkward, fumbling hands, and said in a relaxed tone: "It has been long since we drank together. In this prison cell, it has a certain charm of its own."

"Your subject thanks Your Majesty for the hospitality." Guo Rong said.

Turning his attention to the papers that had been gathered up, Liu Chengyou picked them up and browsed through them, asking casually: "What have you written?"

Guo Rong took the initiative to pour wine for Liu Chengyou, answering: "They are all my insights and summaries on governing Chanzhou, which may serve as a reference for my successors. There are also some discourses on the art of governance."

"So you have even considered the matter of succession!" Liu Chengyou raised his eyelids and glanced at Guo Rong: "But these discourses on governance do accord well with the current situation of the state."

"Guo Rong is Guo Rong—even passing days in prison, you have not wasted your time!"

"Your Majesty flatters me."

"As for Zhenning Army, I had originally planned to abolish its military governorship. But considering it is a key stronghold on the Yellow River and the gateway to the capital region, it cannot be lightly abolished." After drinking two more mouthfuls of wine, the atmosphere eased somewhat, and Liu Chengyou's face was no longer so cold. Only then did he speak: "However, I intend to abolish the subsidiary prefectures of the various military commands within the next two to three years, starting with Zhenning Army. Taking advantage of this disturbance, I will separate Puzhou from it, with the court directly dispatching a Prefectural Administrator, Fiscal Commissioner, and Garrison Commander to divide control over the military and civil affairs of the prefecture!"

"As for who can govern Puzhou—does Minister Guo have any candidates?" Liu Chengyou looked at Guo Rong and asked.

Hearing the question, Guo Rong could not help but be surprised: "Your Majesty wishes me to recommend someone?"

"I trust your judgment." Liu Chengyou nodded: "The Ma Renyu and Pan Mei you previously recommended for the imperial army were rare talents. Ma Renyu is stalwart and brave—he has already entered my Fengchen Battalion. And Pan Mei, as I observe him, has the makings of a great commander!"

Meeting Liu Chengyou's gaze, Guo Rong lowered his eyes and clasped his hands: "Allow your subject to think."

Having said this, he indeed fell into contemplation. Of course, Guo Rong was not thinking about whom to recommend, but pondering whether the Son of Heaven had some other intention. But in the end, he could not figure out any hidden agenda. One thing was certain, though: the Puzhou affair had indeed been cleared.

Not keeping Liu Chengyou waiting long, Guo Rong said: "Lü Yin, courtesy name Yuqing, a native of Youzhou, son of Lü Qi, the former Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. Though young in years, he understands principle and righteousness, and has talent for governance and statecraft. When I was in Chanzhou, I recruited him as a staff aide to the Military Governor. If Your Majesty does not consider his youth, he is fully capable of governing Puzhou."

"Then it shall be this man!" Liu Chengyou decided without hesitation, flicking his sleeve and settling the matter.

He had not come to see Guo Rong merely to invite him for a drink. Liu Chengyou rose, and before leaving, raised a finger and said: "A Zhang Jianxiong—his death is not worth regretting! However, he was after all a prefect of the Great Han, appointed by the court. You can no longer remain in Zhenning Army, and I will not keep you in the Eastern Capital either. Go to Xuzhou!"

Having dropped this one sentence, Liu Chengyou walked away with his hands behind his back.

Guo Rong thought for a moment, then prostrated himself from behind: "Thank you, Your Majesty! I respectfully see off Your Majesty!"