Chapter 542: Requesting Resignation

In the evening, Liu Chengyou ordered a small table of imperial delicacies prepared and hosted Li Shaoyou alone. Though the Son of Heaven often bestowed meals and banquets upon ministers and generals as a show of favor, occasions where he set a private table for a single guest were relatively rare—those across the entire court who had enjoyed such treatment could be counted on one hand.

"The trip to Hedong was well handled—it resolved a worry of my heart and removed a great threat!" Liu Chengyou raised his cup, inviting Li Shaoyou to drink.

Holding his cup with both hands, Li Shaoyou replied respectfully, "At least I did not fail my mission. Before the situation in Hedong was settled, I could hardly eat or sleep in peace, fearing that my considerations were incomplete, that some oversight might arise and delay the great matter, even causing chaos. Fortunately, relying on Your Majesty's august authority, with the assistance of Chancellor Fan, Chief Inspector Zhao, and all the loyal men who submitted to the court, I merely exerted a modest effort!"

Seeing Li Shaoyou's humble and low-key demeanor, Liu Chengyou smiled knowingly, looked at him, and said: "You need not be overly self-deprecating. The Hedong affair was carried on your shoulders from start to finish. It's not as if just anyone could have the ability to coordinate the overall situation, nor could just anyone earn my trust and be entrusted with such great authority!"

"Your Majesty's trust and favor move me deeply—I can only repay it by binding grass and holding a ring, serving unto death!" Li Shaoyou clasped his hands once more.

"Brother You, I've noticed that over these past two years, you've become increasingly restrained before me. What is it that makes you so fearful and cautious, so meticulous and timid?" He picked up a piece of meat and brought it to his mouth as he spoke: "You seem to be deliberately keeping your distance—not daring to claim merit, not daring to accept rewards. You... seem very afraid of me?"

Hearing the Emperor's words, Li Shaoyou quickly said: "Your Majesty's august might—which official in the entire court does not harbor reverence and awe? I consider myself close to Your Majesty, with heavy rank and salary, entrusted with great authority, holding the Wude Office—already enough to draw attention. Naturally, I dare not act arrogantly or recklessly, inviting criticism and bringing trouble to Your Majesty..."

"No, it's certainly more than that!" Liu Chengyou personally picked up the wine jug and filled Li Shaoyou's cup to the brim, chuckling lightly: "Brother You, I've also thought about it, reflecting on myself. Perhaps it is my harshness and ingratitude, my depth and suspicion, that have made you wary and alienated?"

Liu Chengyou spoke lightly, but Li Shaoyou felt a pang of palpitation and hastily shook his head: "Your Majesty speaks too gravely! How would I dare?"

"Don't be so quick to deny it!" Liu Chengyou raised his cup, gently clinked it against Li Shaoyou's, drained it, and sighed: "Since the Great Han's founding, with all under heaven in our grasp, is there any imperial clansman or maternal relative who doesn't dream of sharing in the realm's wealth and glory? But in these years, I have been far too harsh with my own kin.

My uncles were gradually stripped of power, and I even sent my youngest uncle to Yuanzhou without regard for the Empress Dowager's grief. Imperial Uncle Liu Xin has been guarding the mausoleum at Xuzhou for three years now, and now it's Liu Chong's turn...

So, even if you harbor some suspicion and fear in your heart, it's understandable—I won't hold it against you!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shaoyou rose and knelt: "I know Your Majesty possesses great talent and bold vision, with your heart wholly devoted to the Great Han's rivers and mountains, to the altars of state and the people. You harbor no private thoughts; all you do is for the public good. Every order and edict follows established systems and laws—beyond reproach!

I am but Your Majesty's servant, knowing only loyalty, following wherever Your Majesty leads—how could I harbor any other thought!"

"What are you doing?" Hearing Li Shaoyou's declaration, Liu Chengyou sighed, waved his hand: "Enough, get up! Drink!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Aren't you curious how I plan to deal with Liu Chong?" Liu Chengyou asked.

Li Shaoyou shook his head very directly: "That is not something I can speculate upon. Besides, whatever the outcome, once Your Majesty has dealt with it, I will naturally know..."

"I sent Feng Dao to the dock to receive him—with your intelligence, can you not see through it?" Liu Chengyou smiled.

Taking a sip of wine, he continued: "Back then, Liu Xin at Xuzhou governed harshly, harming the people, violating laws and disrupting regulations, drawing the wrath of heaven and the resentment of men. Now, Liu Chong in Hedong defies the court and plots rebellion. Do you know which one I hate more?"

"I do not know!" Li Shaoyou lowered his head slightly.

"Liu Chong, of course! Liu Xin's evil was confined to one corner of Xuzhou; Liu Chong's harm extends across all of Hedong, even afflicting the entire realm!" Liu Chengyou said coldly: "Power blinds, greed befuddles! For such a traitor who puts personal gain above clan and state, above the rivers and mountains and the people, I wish I could kill him. But after much deliberation, I must spare his life..."

"Considering the greater picture, it must be done against one's will. That Your Majesty can act without being swayed by personal likes and dislikes—this is the mark of a sage ruler!" Li Shaoyou said.

"Enough, no need to flatter me!" Liu Chengyou looked at Li Shaoyou: "Let's discuss something serious! Regarding the restructuring and rectification of Hedong, and the appointment of officials and commanders—what are your thoughts?"

Li Shaoyou was momentarily taken aback, then clasped his hands: "Your Majesty, this is for Your Majesty and the court's chief ministers to consider. Hedong also has Chancellor Fan and Chief Inspector Zhao. How would I dare to speak out of turn?"

Liu Chengyou said: "Fan Zhi and Zhao Kuangyin are still in Hedong sorting out military and civil affairs, stabilizing the situation. You've returned from Taiyuan, so you're more familiar with the conditions there, and better acquainted with those officials and officers..."

Upon hearing this, Li Shaoyou thought for a moment, then replied: "Your Majesty, when I return to my office, I will compile a detailed memorandum listing the relevant Hedong officials and officers involved in this matter, for Your Majesty's review and consideration."

His gaze swept over Li Shaoyou, and Liu Chengyou said: "Fine! Since you're unwilling to speak, I won't force you!"

"Tell me—for this great merit, how should I reward you? What is it you desire?" Liu Chengyou's tone relaxed somewhat as he asked with a smile.

Hearing the question, Li Shaoyou also broke into a smile and took the opportunity to say: "There is indeed a request I hope Your Majesty will grant!"

"Oh?" Liu Chengyou looked intrigued and asked: "What do you want?"

"I brought back a woman from Jinyang, and I hope Your Majesty will grant us marriage!" Li Shaoyou replied.

Liu Chengyou was genuinely surprised, sizing him up with curiosity, then raised a finger and said: "That little widow?"

Hearing this, Li Shaoyou's pupils contracted slightly, but a humble smile remained on his face: "Exactly!"

"Now I'm curious—didn't you say you had no intention of remarrying? A distinguished Commandery Duke of Shouyang, and you want to take a widow as your principal wife? What kind of breathtaking beauty is she?" Liu Chengyou asked.

Li Shaoyou smiled: "The wonder of fate is beyond words—I simply find her temperament compatible with mine!"

"Since you've spoken, how could I refuse!" Liu Chengyou's gaze swept over Li Shaoyou with amusement as he said: "I'll have the Hanlin Academician draft the edict shortly!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Li Shaoyou rose and bowed, then respectfully added: "There is one more matter I earnestly beg Your Majesty to grant."

"Speak!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand, in a manner that granted almost anything.

"I request to resign from the post of Commissioner of the Wude Office!" At these words, Liu Chengyou's expression changed, turning serious, and the air gradually fell silent.

He stared hard at Li Shaoyou, who maintained a calm expression, composedly enduring the Emperor's scrutiny. Sitting up straight, Liu Chengyou asked: "How old are you? Why would you want to resign? Could it be that I've done something inadequate?"

Meeting the Son of Heaven's gaze, Li Shaoyou said respectfully: "I beg Your Majesty to forgive my bluntness—the Wude Office monitors inside and out, investigating all under heaven. It is truly a sharp instrument of the state, and should not remain long in the hands of any single person!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou did not respond immediately, but seriously looked at this cousin of his, seriously pondering, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the table. After a long while, he stood up and walked toward the door: "Come take a walk with me!"

On an early summer night, a cool breeze blew gently against their faces, most refreshing. It was the fifteenth of the month, the full moon bright and clear, its pure silver light spilling freely among the palace halls, shining upon Liu Chengyou and Li Shaoyou.

"Brother You, you must have nearly ten children by now!" Liu Chengyou suddenly asked.

Li Shaoyou chuckled: "To answer Your Majesty, I now have eight sons and six daughters!"

"More impressive than me!" A hint of a smile touched Liu Chengyou's lips.

"Your Majesty is diligent in state affairs, and there are few beauties in the palace. Now that the treasury is gradually filling, you need not deprive yourself as you once did!" Li Shaoyou said self-deprecatingly: "Your Majesty knows well that I am fond of women. Keeping those lovely concubines and beauties, the children just keep coming..."

"The word 'lust' carries a blade above it!" Liu Chengyou said somberly: "You should exercise restraint!"

"It's a hobby I find hard to give up..."

"Supporting such a large household isn't easy either!" Liu Chengyou suddenly stopped, looking at Li Shaoyou gravely, as if making a promise: "Brother You, rest assured, I grant you a lifetime of wealth and honor. Say no more—as long as I live one day, glory and riches shall never be lacking for you!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Hearing this, Li Shaoyou was first startled, then a relieved smile spread across his face.