Chapter 614: Advance and Retreat

Wansui Hall was very quiet, though the quiet came from the "honored guests" seated within; the strains of strings and flutes drifted gracefully, still lingering through the hall. The Emperor's meaning, between the lines, was already quite clear, but compared to the previous wave of military governors, this batch showed notably less political awareness—many displayed a clinging greed for power and position.

For instance, Yang Chengxin, Military Governor of Binzhou, rose to his feet, a humble smile on his face, and said: "Your servant once received a false mandate, and has ever felt shame in his heart. Fortunately, Gaozu was magnanimous and merciful, and accepted your servant. I have also received much trust from Your Majesty, being transferred successively to Anzhou and Binzhou, and at the age of thirty, govern the military and civil affairs of a region. I feel my talents are shallow and my virtue thin; though I labor diligently, I have brought few good policies to the soldiers and people under my charge. Every day I ponder Your Majesty's grace, and wish to devote this body to serving Your Majesty, to repay the vast imperial kindness..."

This Yang Chengxin was a second-generation official; his father had once served as Military Governor of Pinglu under the Later Jin, and had even rebelled against the Shi family's Jin, being suppressed by Li Shouzhen. When the Khitan destroyed the Jin, he was made Military Governor of Pinglu, inheriting his father's post, and after the Great Han was established, he wisely submitted. When Liu Chengyou took the throne, his garrison was moved twice—from Qingzhou to Anzhou, and then to Binzhou—though he remained obedient throughout.

This time, his words to Liu Chengyou were polished and his attitude deferential, but the meaning was singular: he still wished to pledge loyalty to the Emperor and work for the court. One point he made was indeed true—he was only in his thirties, governed with reasonable diligence, and possessed some ability.

The second to speak was Xue Qiong, Defense Commissioner of Bozhou. Emboldened by drink, he grandly enumerated his merits over the years and his achievements in guarding Bozhou, while also invoking their old friendship, reminding Liu Chengyou of how, when the Jinyang uprising began and he led the Longqi Army to attack Luzhou, Xue Qiong had done his utmost to supply him with provisions and fodder.

The others all made similar speeches, seeking to move Liu Chengyou with their words—earnest in tone, with some so stirred they even shed tears. This scene left Liu Chengyou with a faint sense of awkwardness.

Of course, not everyone was oblivious. For instance, Liu Ci, Military Governor of the Baoyi Army in Shanzhou, spoke up, saying to Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty, your servant's early years were fraught with hardship, drifting through three dynasties, until the age of knowing Heaven's mandate, when I was favored by Gaozu and Your Majesty not to be cast aside, but raised to be a general, eventually reaching the high post of a military governor. Now I am sixty-four, advanced in years and plagued by illness. If Your Majesty would grant your grace, I beg to resign my post in Shanzhou!"

This sincere declaration from Liu Ci naturally won Liu Chengyou's approval. With a smile, he walked forward, and to show closeness, sat directly beside Liu Ci, clinking cups with him, and said softly: "Minister Liu is a man of high righteousness, brave yet benevolent. Even in the Eastern Capital, I have heard that the soldiers and people of Shanzhou often speak of your grace. I and the court still need seasoned ministers and veteran generals like you to assist us."

Liu Chengyou considered these words to come from the bottom of his heart, but Liu Ci did not seem to take them seriously. His old eyes were remarkably keen, and he still replied in a calm, unhurried tone: "Your Majesty, your servant's body has suffered much damage and can no longer bear the burden. I truly intend to retire and return home."

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou immediately said: "Later, I will have the imperial physicians examine you!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Though his mouth gave thanks, Liu Ci shook his head, wearing the look of a hero in his twilight years, and sighed: "Nearly forty years in the military, and my body carries many hidden ailments—no longer curable by medicine or stone!"

Liu Chengyou's brow furrowed slightly, and he said at once: "Rest well, and you will surely recover with proper care!"

Liu Ci smiled at Liu Chengyou and said: "Your Majesty, your servant has one request, and hopes you might grant it?"

"Speak frankly, Minister!" Liu Chengyou was quite satisfied with Liu Ci's initiative and deference; if he had a request, as long as it was not excessive, there was naturally no reason to refuse.

Liu Ci said: "During my tenure in Shanzhou, I successively recruited some staff officers; governance, administration, and encouraging agriculture all relied on their assistance. I believe they are rare talents, and that they have long been underutilized in Shanzhou is already due to my selfishness.

Now I wish to recommend them to Your Majesty. If they are fortunate enough to enter the court and serve the nation, their talents will not be wasted!"

"Oh?" Liu Chengyou showed a look of surprise, and could not help but remark: "I had thought you sought wealth and honor, but instead you recommend talents for the nation. This high righteousness leaves me both ashamed, moved, and admiring..."

"Your old servant would never dare claim such praise!" Even with the Son of Heaven of Han speaking thus, Liu Ci showed not the slightest presumption.

Nodding slightly, Liu Chengyou asked: "Whom do you recommend?"

"Among the staff of Shanzhou, Zhao Pu and Chu Zhaofu are the outstanding talents!" Liu Ci spoke two names.

"Zhao Pu!" Liu Chengyou's eyes brightened slightly, his gaze shifting for a moment, then he said: "Those you recommend must surely be fine talents. Have the two of them come to the capital for examination and appointment!"

"Your Majesty, the two have already accompanied your servant to the capital; they are in Kaifeng." Liu Ci said calmly.

Liu Chengyou could not help but take a few more looks at Liu Ci—this old general had clearly thought everything through before coming to the capital...

Since the man had given him such face, Liu Chengyou naturally repaid him generously, conversing intimately with him, which indeed drew the eyes of the others. Personally toasting Liu Ci with a cup of wine, Liu Chengyou rose and declared loudly his arrangements for Liu Ci after his departure from office: retirement at his original rank, with the added title of Director of the Secretariat, elevation to Commandery Duke, double salary, honors for his wife and children, and grants of a residence, fields, and silk.

Liu Ci knelt in the hall to give thanks. This performance between sovereign and minister stirred the thoughts of those present, yet no one else followed Liu Ci's example and requested retirement on the spot—they would all need to consider it. Liu Chengyou, for his part, did not dwell further on the matter, but revived the festive atmosphere, letting everyone enjoy themselves.

Among the generals and ministers in the hall, only Hu Yanke of Hezhong Prefecture and Li Hongwei, Military Governor of Pinglu, remained the most composed. Hezhong was the first command where the Great Han had implemented the separation of military and civil authority; Hu Yanke, in his post, only managed civil affairs, and with his insight, he understood that this time the Emperor was again targeting the military governors and defense commissioners who held military, civil, and financial power in one hand.

As for Li Hongwei, he was the Emperor's maternal uncle, with a closer relationship; he planned to await a private family banquet to receive the imperial instructions. Whatever his imperial nephew said, he would do.

The generals of Hebei were also affected, stirring with unease. It was Li Yun who spoke directly to Luo Yangui: "What does the Son of Heaven mean by this? Is he trying to strip us of our military power?"

Luo Yangui's face showed deep contemplation. Matters involving one's future and prospects demanded caution. He too was an old subordinate of the Emperor—when Liu Chengyou emerged from the Taihang Mountains, Luo Yangui had turned against the Khitan to pledge allegiance, presenting over a thousand war horses. But so many years had passed; whether the Son of Heaven still remembered that bond of loyalty, he himself could not say.

Luo Yangui said nothing, but Ma Quanyi appeared calm, and addressed Li Yun in a low voice: "Hasn't General Li always complained about the hardships of frontier duty? If your military power were stripped and you returned to the Eastern Capital to enjoy comfort, wouldn't that suit your wishes? Perhaps His Majesty would even grant you noble rank and reward you with fields and a residence—wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"Ma Quanyi, this concerns the honor of the northern troops and the safety of the border defenses!" Li Yun seemed to have sobered up at that moment, his face cold as he said: "I won't quibble with you, but don't push your luck!"

Ma Quanyi shot Li Yun a glance and said no more, though contempt filled his heart—he felt this man was far too selfish.

He Fujin then coughed twice and said: "We are all subjects; the troops under our command are the elite of the court, not private property to be relied upon for self-importance!"

These words were aimed directly at Li Yun, and his aged eyes were filled with sharpness, making Li Yun dare not meet his gaze.

"Your Majesty!" Seeing Liu Chengyou approaching with slow steps, Luo Yangui reacted fastest, rising first to bow.

Ma Quanyi, He Fujin, and Li Yun followed in succession. After drinking a cup with the generals, Liu Chengyou swept his gaze over them, letting it settle on Li Yun, and asked lightly: "What were you generals discussing so heatedly? Would you care to share it with me?"

"This..." Facing Liu Chengyou's calm gaze, Li Yun suddenly found that when directly confronting the Emperor, all the resentment and grievance in his heart could not rise at all—or rather, he dared not show them.

He stammered a few sounds, then gestured at the food and wine on the table, forcing an ugly smile as he replied: "We were discussing how the palace dishes are most delicious—such delicacies are not to be had in the north!"

Not bothering to question the truth of Li Yun's words, Liu Chengyou followed up: "Then eat more—years of frontier duty have been hard on you. Over these years, you generals have spared no toil, braved wind and rain, guarding the northern border for the nation against external threats, keeping the court free of worry in the north. These merits I have always kept in mind! I must thank you!"

"Your Majesty, we are the nation's great generals; guarding the frontier and repelling invaders, protecting the country and its people—this is our duty and mission!" Luo Yangui responded eagerly, appearing highly enlightened.

"That you generals can think this way brings great comfort to my heart!" Liu Chengyou nodded to Luo Yangui.

His gaze remained, drifting faintly toward Li Yun, as Liu Chengyou said in a low, measured tone: "This time, on the occasion of the Jiaqing Festival, I summoned you generals to the capital for two main purposes. First, it has been many years since we last met, and I have missed you; second, regarding the northern border defenses, I wished to learn something of the situation from you frontline commanders.

As for anything else, do not speculate..."

As Liu Chengyou's words fell, Li Yun could not help but smile awkwardly.