Chapter 615: The Family Banquet

"This trip to the capital must have been tiring with all the travel by carriage and horse—you've worked hard along the way!" Liu Chengyou's words and expression were warm and concerned as he looked at He Fujin, saying: "Especially you, Minister He—compared to when I toured the north in the second year of Qianyou, you've aged far too much!"

At this moment, He Fujin was old and frail, his complexion even worse than Liu Ci's. His deeply furrowed face bore a heavy look of illness, appearing utterly exhausted and spent.

Hearing Liu Chengyou's words, Li Yun took the initiative to speak: "Your Majesty, Commander He has spent these years commanding troops and guarding the frontier, bearing hardship without complaint. At sixty years of age, he has safeguarded the northern peace for the Great Han. Even when gravely ill, he has never slackened. Now he cannot even ride a horse—such virtue is truly admirable..."

Li Yun's words were full of praise and flattery for He Fujin. But his intent was almost blatantly obvious. Translating his words plainly: He Fujin is old, weak, and sickly, no longer fit to command the northern passes or manage border defense—please, Your Majesty, replace him quickly!

Liu Chengyou understood the implication and glanced at Li Yun, but his attention remained on He Fujin, and his words grew even more sincere: "Old General, you have guarded the frontier for the state and worn yourself to this state! This is My negligence—had I known you were so ill, I would have let you rest and recuperate in Ying and Mo, sparing you the hardship of traveling south!"

"Your servant has guarded the frontier for many years—the border situation and military affairs must also be reported and handed over to Your Majesty!" He Fujin replied.

"Since you've returned, stay in the Eastern Capital for a few more days and rest your body properly. I also have many matters to consult you on!" Liu Chengyou's eyes nearly brimmed with smiles.

In truth, how could Liu Chengyou not know that He Fujin was gravely ill?

"You all as well—everyone says the Eastern Capital is prosperous. You've labored at the frontiers; take this chance to enjoy yourselves and ease the toil of military service!" Liu Chengyou then looked at Li Yun and the others with an air of concern: "If you encounter any difficulties, requests, or discomforts while in the capital, speak up freely!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The imperial banquet at Wansui Hall ended quickly—in less than half an hour, Liu Chengyou left the hall. For the generals and ministers who had come to the capital and attended the feast, their feelings varied. Aside from those who felt relieved, most harbored unease, hesitation, or wishful thinking. In short, no good ever comes of such banquets.

"Your Majesty!" Li Hongwei caught up to Liu Chengyou's pace.

Over at Ciming Hall, there was still a family banquet waiting. Once he caught up, he naturally walked alongside Liu Chengyou toward the inner palace.

"Uncle, why do you hesitate to speak?" Noticing Li Hongwei's expression, Liu Chengyou asked.

As if he had been waiting for Liu Chengyou to ask, Li Hongwei smiled at him and said directly: "Your Majesty, should I resign from my post as Military Governor of Pinglu Army?"

Liu Chengyou had long since noticed that among the Empress Dowager's younger brothers, only Li Hongwei was worthy of important trust. At this moment, his direct question was hardly surprising. Instead of answering, Liu Chengyou countered: "What does Uncle think?"

"Your servant obeys Your Majesty!" Li Hongwei replied crisply. Perhaps feeling the answer was too direct, he considered briefly and added: "A military governor holds military and civil authority over an entire region—the power is indeed too great, and it runs contrary to the court's current grand policy, harming the stability of the state. Stripping the provinces of power and separating military from civil affairs is a policy that follows Heaven's will and pleases the people, one that ensures the nation's long-term peace and order. No one should act against this tide.

Moreover, given the Great Han's current situation and the court's present authority, anyone who dares to defy it is simply failing to grasp the bigger picture—courting their own destruction!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but smile: "For Uncle to have such insight truly warms My heart. You shall be a pillar general-minister of the Great Han!"

"The wine at Wansui Hall's banquet must have had no flavor at all!" Liu Chengyou looked at Li Hongwei and said: "Let's go to Ciming Hall—we're family, let's drink a few cups to our hearts' content!"

"Yes! Your Majesty, please go ahead." Li Hongwei beamed with joy and cupped his hands in salute.

The night was already deep, and Ciming Hall blazed with light, filled with a lively atmosphere. Imperial clansmen and relatives of the state numbered several dozen—and these were only those with close relations. In the inner palace, aside from Noble Consort Gao and her newborn child, all the other consorts, princes, and princesses were present.

Prince Yong, Liu Chenghsun, and Princess Yongning sat on either side, chatting with Empress Dowager Li. Empress Fu was pulling aside the Princess of Yong, speaking with her in private as an elder sister-in-law. Fu Yanqing and Zhe Congruan, the two old fathers-in-law of the emperor, sat together conversing. Half-grown children played about the hall, while his uncles gathered around Li Ye, laughing and chatting with him merrily, occasionally bursting into laughter...

Liu Chengyou's arrival actually dampened the atmosphere somewhat. He waved his hand and instructed the crowd who had risen to bow: "No need for formalities! Today is a family banquet—we rarely gather like this, so don't stand on ceremony!"

He walked before Empress Dowager Li, paid his respects, then looked at the food table that had not yet been touched and said: "Didn't I tell you in advance? No need to wait for me!"

Li gave Liu Chengyou a reproachful look and replied: "This family banquet was held to celebrate your birthday. How could we begin the feast before you arrived?"

Taking his seat, Liu Chengyou swept his gaze across the room—truly a full gathering. The strength of the imperial house had grown considerably over these past few years. Especially those young princes, and the already grown Prince Yong, gave one a sense of reassurance.

He reached out and summoned the Fourth Prince, Liu Fang, who was the most lively and energetic of all, always chasing and playing. Pinching his chubby cheeks, Liu Chengyou asked: "Tell Father—are you hungry?"

"Hungry!" Liu Fang looked straight at Liu Chengyou and answered loudly.

"Then let's begin!"

Though it was a family banquet, it was also a state banquet—it was impossible for everyone to relax completely. Still, compared to the gathering at Wansui Hall, the atmosphere carried a bit more warmth.

Liu Chengyou, as the head of the family, offered some reflections. Taking this opportunity, Murong Yanchao stepped forward, toasting Liu Chengyou with a cup of wine, saying: "Your Majesty, tonight the family is gathered together—it's only a pity that some are missing!"

Taking a small sip, Liu Chengyou looked at Murong Yanchao, whose face was flushed red, and said: "Imperial Uncle, your words carry a hidden meaning!"

Empress Dowager Li, hearing this from the side, pointed at Liu Chengyun, the Clan Court Director who was drinking alone, and said: "Since your imperial uncle passed away, your cousins have all been in Luoyang."

Liu Chong's sons were now essentially confined within Luoyang's economic sphere. The whole family's wealth was not what it once was, let alone their pleasures. Though Liu Chengyou had granted them considerable land, aside from Liu Chengjun, none of them actually worked it.

It was only Liu Chengjun, as the eldest brother, who kept the younger ones in check, preventing them from causing trouble. However, those who had once held office in various places found it truly unbearable—that life of near-confinement. The contrast between before and after was too great, and complaints were many. Meanwhile, rumors circulated both in court and among the people that the Emperor treated the imperial clan poorly.

At this moment, hearing Empress Dowager Lady Li words, Liu Chengyou gave a perfunctory reply: "Mm, when I next tour the west and pass through Luoyang, I should meet them!"

Seeing his reaction, Li sighed softly. Murong Yanchao then added: "Your Majesty, Liu Xin's family has been keeping vigil at Rui Mausoleum for five full years now. After all, he is your uncle!"

It was clear that Murong Yanchao and Liu Xin truly had a good relationship. After all these years, he still remembered to plead on Liu Xin's behalf. After brief consideration, Liu Chengyou merely smiled: "Imperial Uncle, come—let Me toast you as well..."

Watching the Emperor's reaction, Murong Yanchao couldn't help but feel disappointed—it seemed there was still no intention to pardon Liu Xin.

The family banquet at Ciming Hall lasted much longer. Even drinking lightly, Liu Chengyou inevitably ended up drunk. After the feast dispersed, Liu Chengyou specifically called for Prince Yong, Liu Chenghsun.

"Your Majesty, you've drunk too much—you should return to your chambers and rest!" Seeing the Emperor's figure swaying slightly, Liu Chenghsun personally supported him and urged.

Reaching out to embrace Liu Chenghsun, Liu Chengyou's eyes looked drunk and hazy as he chuckled lightly: "My body is drunk, but my heart is not! It's fine!"

"It's just that in recent years, governing the state and managing affairs, I've rarely had rest. My heart is weary—I wanted to take this chance to be lazy and sleep well..." Liu Chengyou smiled at the corners of his mouth.

Hearing this, Liu Chenghsun couldn't help but sigh: "Second Brother, you've had it hard too!"

"Since you returned to the capital, I haven't had the chance to have a deep talk with you!" Riding the wine's courage, Liu Chengyou spoke whatever came to mind: "These past two years and more, you've performed well in Jingzhao, bringing honor to the imperial house. I'm very pleased!"

"It's all thanks to you, Elder Brother, for your years of guidance!" Liu Chenghsun replied with great deference.

"You've grown much stronger too—you can be a pillar I rely on now!" Liu Chengyou's face was full of drunken flush, his entire weight nearly pressing onto Liu Chenghsun as he kept talking: "You're already twenty years old and still have no heir—you need to work harder! You know, I fathered Liu Xu before I even turned eighteen..."

"I naturally cannot compare to Your Majesty!"

They walked quite a distance, and Liu Chengyou poured out much of his heart to Liu Chenghsun. Only when the drunkenness had somewhat subsided did he let him go. However, as he departed, Prince Yong's expression was somewhat grave.

"Your Majesty, shall we proceed to Yaohua Hall?" Zhang Dejun requested.

"No need!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand: "The Noble Consort has just given birth, and I'm this drunk—it wouldn't be appropriate!"

"Then where shall you stay tonight?"

"Nowhere—return to Chongzheng Hall!" Liu Chengyou said.